I'm stumped. It's been bugging me since day one that I don't have a custom blog banner / header thingy for the Velveteen Mind. This template is the equivalent of writing in a composition notebook- it's functional, but no flair.
After losing one great designer to an influx of newfound popularity for her designs, I have finally lined up two designers to work on my banner. However, as the time draws near for the actual work to begin, I'm finding myself at a loss for ideas. This is where you come in (and where a fun surprise comes in, as well! ). First, let me introduce you to the designers, both of with whom you are probably familiar:
The first is IzzyMom, whose design label is Designs by Izzy. I love her style and her no-frills approach. I'm so anti-gingham & polka dots, so she's totally my girl. Her waiting list is about a million miles long, though, so she hasn't asked anything of me, yet. However, despite her seeming to pretty much grasp the aesthetic I'm looking for, I know the time will come when she'll ask for my input. I'd like to be prepared for that moment, as I found myself unprepared for our next designer--
I came across Jules at Everyday Design the other day and really liked her work. She doesn't seem as edgy as IzzyMom, but her designs are professional, clean, and inviting. To say the least, my current template does not exactly say "warm and inviting." It appears that she may be the first to start work, as she's asking me (gasp!) for a key image around which to base the design.
So far, all I've been able to do is give these designers some vague direction based around the feel I'm looking for: something textured, with a worn, vintage, decadent vibe. I've pointed them both to check out the book covers in my side bar, pretty much all of which have the look I'm after in some shape or form, except for the housewife books at the bottom-- all of which are almost exactly what I don't want.
Apparently designers don't cater to the vague. I might as well have just said, "Yeah, uh, I want it to look cool. Now go do it! Don't ask me any questions, either." I'm no help. Let's see, I like carnivals, old chalkware statues, vintage tablecloths, and I want the texture to be so inviting that you would want to reach out and touch it. Ugh, I'm no help.
But you... you, my friend, are a treasure trove of help. Right? (cont'd)
Here's the question that Jules emailed me:
So, you're task will be to narrow your focus and tell me which single object just screams "worn/ vintage/ decadent" to you. You don't need to find a photo of it (but, if you do that's fine, too), but you do need to tell me about it. I've found the best way to approach this is to not over-think it. Just go with your gut. When I say "worn/ vintage/ decadent" what do you think of first?
Hmmm, she must not read my precious little blog here, because she actually wrote for me "to not over-think it." And my regular readers shake their heads and laugh to themselves.
So I ask you, what single image just screams "Velveteen Mind" to you? What would you like to see up there in that sad old banner? If not a single image, then what does come to mind?
Now here comes the good part: It's a Giveaway!
Yep, for anyone whose idea I give to either (or both) designers and which ends up being used in either of the final designs, I will very gratefully send you a fun goodie from my eBay store's goodie bag. You can choose from one (1) of the following:
- COACH ponytail scarf
- COACH keychain
- gift set of bath & body items from either the Henri Bendel or Tutti Dolci lines
When the time comes to announce the winner(s), I'll email you links to exactly what COACH items I have available, as well as what scents and combinations of the bath lines from which you can choose. I promise, all of the choices are great, but too numerous to go into right now... aside from the fact that I need to stop writing long enough this week to actually re-open my eBay store from it's little vacation.
Just email me your ideas or leave them in the comments, along with your email address somewhere... ooh, and here's the best part: I'll send a mini-prize for anyone who leaves me any idea that's at all serious and reasonable, even if I don't use it! For instance, suggesting that the image be of anything gross or inappropriate (nudity, say, would be out) just won't cut it. If you are clearly serious, then I'll be, too. Be sure to include your email if you choose to leave a comment and I'll contact everyone for their mailing addresses when the new banner posts.
I should note that anything having to do with toy bunnies has already been nixed by me. Thanks for playing, though.
One last thing: if you know of another designer (or you are one) that could grasp all things Velveteen, let me know. If I decide to go with them, I'll consider that using your key suggestion, as well. I figure, the more blog banners to choose from, the better. Heck, I'd change this mutha up every month if I could.
Sooo... you know me, you know what I like, you know what I don't like. Any suggestions? What is the Velveteen Mind to you?
ps- I should have added that anyone that guesses where the post title comes from would win a car, because according to my husband, no one will know it's from Jerry Maguire. I live in my own little world. Too late on the car, by the way.