Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Let's hear it for Pip Pip Hooray!

This week's featured shop is Pip Pip Hooray shop. Pip's shop is one that I've been looking forward to reviewing for some time as I admire her graphic style enormously, not to mention her one-of-a-kind, stunning illustrations.

This business card features a watercolor painting of flowers to frame the text. The Bernhard Modern typeface is sophisticated and the colors mimic the illustration making this a card that could work for scores of business types.


This card features an iconic image from Pip, one that is totally representative of her art and one that she has expanded to other venues and products.




A playful illustration of a chicken in various colors and orientations makes a unique chubby-style card. The colors are striking against the rich, dark brown. The cursive font used for the name and bottommost text lends a whimsical feel, contrasting harmoniously with the traditional serif.

A dress is formed from a mass of icons tempting one to want to examine this business card closely to see just what those icons are. The type treatment works well to keep the focus on the image.
A perfect card for a restaurant, caterer or any food-related operation, Pip has given this business card a high-end look in its simplicity. Taupe, rose and cream make a sophisticated palette.

This letterhead is stellar in its straightforwardness and polished effortlessness. The curved rules are unusual and lend a natural air.


This is an exceptional series for a cleaning service. The illustrations of the bird, broom and spray bottle are appealing.
The photograph of these tomatoes are an unexpected color. It mixes with a simple, yet refined text treatment to keep the focus on the image on this business card design.

Bright color rules contrast well with the black background to frame the customized text on this skinny-sized business card. This is a completely versatile card that would be suitable for hundreds of business-types or a personal profile card.
These hand-drawn flowers are drawn in a detailed but integrated, illustrative style using soft pinks and peaches which add to its visual appeal.

When I saw this one, I knew I had to include as it is just too adorable to pass up. The owl and design, done in pastel colors, would be absolutely perfect for a children's clothing shop or as a mommy (or mummy) card. And it does double-duty as a gift/favor tag.

Make sure to visit Pip Pip Hooray for more business solutions as well as unique invitations and gifts.

Monday, June 6, 2011

MGDezigns

This week I have chosen to profile MGdezigns. She is a designer with probably close to two dozen separate Zazzle shops, so describing her as prolific would be an understatement. Rather than focusing on just one shop, I have taken the liberty of reviewing some products from two, MG Business Cards and MG Business.

This business card had to be the first on my list as lime green is such bold color and a personal favorite of mine for graphic design. Its simplicity and use of negative space is effective and having the knockout monogram off in a box to the right is unexpected.

This business card utilizes a simple type treatment that demands attention due to its contrast in font size and modern color palette. This would be conspicuous in a stack of business cards.

The above is a business card that exudes a serene feel. A consummate image for a yoga studio, but it could also be used for a hair salon or anti-aging spa. The typography is a sans serif with an organic, handwritten feel which is a successful solution for a business of this type.

The pattern and colors on this chubby business card are vivid and "juicy". The company name spanning the pattern in a solid red panel works well as the typography would be competing too much with the pattern if were simply placed on top. The panel breaks up the image and draws attention to the company name.

Here are paper goods where there are matching products available. This damask design uses a contemporary color palette while while the graphic flower contrasts against the traditional damask image and gives it a modern flair.



This is an exemplary identity system for a cupcake shop. The pink and brown color combination as well as the polka dots are spot-on and conjure up sweet treats.
 
This chubby business card and label for a dog groomers are just two products in a larger series which obviously could be used by any sort of pet business. It's simple, to-the-point and the turquoise color is pleasing. The heart within the paw print is a clever addition as it says everything about about pet owners and how they feel about their animals.
 
This binder and letterhead also come with a variety of matching products in alternate colors. This green version has a clean, potent simplicity and a versatile image. It's used on the binder for legal notes but it could also be applied for a telecommunications, marketing, production company or any type of corporation.
     

    This is an enchanting series for a wedding or event planner. The pink and black are a fashionable mix with the floral pattern giving it a soft appeal.

    You can view products as well as an enormous selection of other business and personal items at MG Business Cards and MG Business.