Cake Bake Penny - Logo Design + Frosting Brushes!!

Hey everyone! Recently I’ve been challenging myself to break out of my artistic comfort zones to better round out my portfolio. Adobe Illustrator is still remains my go-to program to transform my ideas into works of art! With the latest version of "CC" booted up, I decided to work up a logo design just for fun. I'm still obsessed with everything baking so yes, it's a bakery logo!!

For the logo I created my own set of bakery brushes. Creating brushes has intimidated me in the past but I KNEW it would  speed up my design process by like a billiondy. So I buckled down and created my first set of original brushes!!

The new fangled Illustrator updates make stuff like brush creation, so much easier!! I left the logo as a circle design and I'm eager to throw it on some bakery product mock ups to show off the tasty little emblem in action!

And I'm STILL interested in sharing my most polished ideas, thoughts and projects for you guys!! I can't make many promises as to how often I will be posting in the future though, so hang in there and keep checking back!! I hope you enjoy your weekend!!

Lora Warnick "Dream Team" Illustrated Portrait!!

Good morning everyone and happy Monday!! It's been MONTHS since I featured an illustrated portrait I created on the blog so why not post about one today?? Fairly recently I was contacted by a previous client and one of my favorite photographers, Lora Warnick, to create an illustration of her team as a surprise gift!

Photo via Facebook Page

She imagined a landscape type-portrait featuring each individual member of her photography team that illustrated what their main job was when it came to photo-shoots. Her team consists of herself, the photographer, Sarah the Creative Director, Dawn her stylist, Harry the video guy, and Anthony a make-up and hairstylist! She gathered up some photos and I sketched her out a layout then immediately got to work to create her image:

The portrait came out really great! I loved it, Lora loved it and most important her TEAM loved it!! I even got some special thanks from individual team members. This was the first time that I even had drawn that many people in one portrait before. It was challenging and fun to cram everyone in there while still making their unique super powers shine. Here are some close detailed close ups of the portrait:

Each team member received an 8x10 printed copy for themselves and she even posted the digital copy it on her Facebook page. If you haven't checked out Lora's Photography yet she has a website at http://www.lorawarnick.com and a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lora-Warnick-Photography/114375205268276. She is such a wonderful person and I was honored to bring her idea to life. contact her on both pages. Hope everyone has a great day!!

Snazzy Face Painting Las Vegas - Banner Sighting!

Hey everyone!! Since I posted about the new grand opening and cartoon brand identity created by yours truly for the awesome bakery, Cakalicious I thought I would post another one of my client's successful signs!!

Nearly a year ago Alyssa, owner of Snazzy Face Painting Las Vegas has an idea for a logo that stood for her as an artist but also the love she has for the city she calls home. We worked one-on-one together to create a cute and completely personalized work of art she could use for her business. I was happy to find out at one of her most recent events she brought along this banner:

The banner was used at a recent event she worked in February at the Sketchers Outlet for their 2nd year anniversary! Snazzy Face Painting is fun for almost any occasion whether it's indoors or out!! Visit their official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/SnazzyLV) to check out photos of some of Alyssa's happy and snazzy looking customers! 

Be sure to "like" them to keep up to date with all their events and help spread the word about a great new business!! If you have a logo of your own that's been swirling around your mind or sketched out on a napkin be sure to contact me at violet-ink.com/contact to make your big idea a reality!

Cakalicious in California is OPEN!!

Hey everyone!! I just wanted to take some time out to update you all on one of my client's exciting ventures that took my art to new territories!! As you may or may not know, I created the one-of-a-kind logo for "Cakalicious," a custom cake company back in 2011. Last year it went through some slight revisions and I got some exciting news!!

The owner informed me that business was booming so much she got the opportunity to open her FIRST bakery!! In fact, just last month they did a soft opening but on the 9th they are having their GRAND OPENING. In the meantime, Cakalicious is cranking out flavored baked goods of all kinds.

I am so excited for Heather and her business!! I cannot describe to you guys how great it makes me feel to transform a client's big idea to a reality. The coolest part?? My art work is now a permanent fixture of her business, it's on her sign!! Check it out:

My art has taken me to great places and given me the opportunity to meet bright and creative individuals whose passion for their craft is equal to mine!! I cannot imagine doing any other career!! So if you or someone you know has a business or a vision for an illustration or visual design, be sure to check out my website and hit up the contact section!!

Hyde's Sweet Treats - Illustration

Hey everyone! Just wanted to update the blog with a freelance illustration I created for another bakery!! This time it was "Hyde's Sweet Treats," a bakery based in Norwalk, CA right here in the states. Heidie the owner approached me with an idea for an illustration to use for her branding. I'm always inspired by cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, so of course I said to count me in!!

She incorporated the illustration into her banner, logo and even some graphics such as a "Custom Item" listing.

"Hyde's Sweet Treats" has it's own etsy shop where sweet and cute decorated baked goods are shipped all over the world thanks to the power of the internet!! Here are some examples of the products she sells:

Yummmyyy!! Be sure to check out her business at her official Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/HydesSweetTreats or just "like" her Facebook fanpage at http://www.facebook.com/cakalicious.customcakesbyheather!! OR if you are just looking to drool over her sweet treats follow her Instagram at http://instagram.com/hydessweettreats/ And don't forget to contact me, Laura at VioletInkDesign@Gmail.com for all your Graphic Design and Illustration needs. I love working on projects for bakers!!

Honeygirl's World: Illustrated Portrait

Hey everyone!! Just wanted to update the blog with an illustrated portrait; something I haven't posted about in awhile!! This portrait was created for a glamorous vlogger / blogger all the way from Hawaii named Honey! She is the creator and owner of "HoneyGirl's World," her website where she blogs about beauty, food, her beautiful family and much more!

Honey also runs a boutique website with handcrafted beauty products and accessories. She created her famous "Woven Earrings," that have been worn by Tracy DiMarco, one of my good friends and star of the StyleNetwork's Reality Show, "JERSEYLICIOUS!"

I had to pick a purple pair to feature on my blog, they are so pretty!! Too bad I don't wear earrings. So we know what she looks like and we know what she does how did the portrait come out?? Let's take a look:

She loved it and I think it turned out really beautiful!! She uses it on her website as a button you can link to her site from your blog on your sidebar!! I am really proud of this piece and it will definitely be going in my online portfolio. I made sure to capture a lot of the details including her trademark, hand made woven earrings mentioned above.

Honey is all over the web!! If you are interested in checking out her website the address is or check her out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Honeygirlsworld. If you are looking to purchase from her boutique the web address is http://www.honeyxo.com. She also has a YouTube channel up at http://www.youtube.com/destne146. Be sure to check her out!! And I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend!!

Gingerbread Cocoa Christmas Card!

Hey everyone!! Just wanted to update the blog with another Holiday design / illustration project I completed this month!! Just like any other family my family sends out Christmas cards! But why would they just run down to Wal-Mart and buy some when they were blessed with such a wonderful, talented and artistic
daughter??

I pitched them some thumbnails just like I would any other client and they decided on a cup of hot cocoa with a candy cane stirrer jammed in the top of a mound of whipped cream. They decided on a green mug over clear glass or other colors and I added a little gingerbread guy to the front. Here is the final design:

Cute right??? I created the background lattice with some fancy Illustrator brushes over a gradient background. The design was then all pulled together in Photoshop and sent to a printer. We also added a graphic to the inside as well: 

They were printed as 5"x7" cards with a glossy finish on the front. They just arrived today and everyone is overjoyed with how they came out!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Cassandra and Tracy DiMarco Cartoon Portrait!!

Hey everyone just wanted to update the blog with a digital portrait I did. This was for a special little lady named Cassandra!! Her mother, Jennifer, got in contact with me after an event we met all, (the Women Supporting Women event I posted about) to create a portrait for her daughter for a surprise birthday present!!

Cassandra is a huge Jerseylicious fan just like I am!! So why not commemorate her and her idol, Tracy DiMarco?? Regardless of what you might see on television Tracy is truly a doll!! She always makes times for her fans, Cassandra being one of her biggest!! Here is what I came up with for the portrait:

I think it came out so cute!! Cassandra was so polite and chatty at the event!! She is such an awesome little girl and Theresea is truly blessed to have her for a daughter :)

I am sure her new cartoon brought her a lot of joy!! I have a few more portraits to post this year!! And stay tuned for lots of Holiday posts as well. Hope everyone has a great week!

Another Happy Couple! Annette's Illustrated Portrait!

Hey everyone just wanted to update teh blog with another illustrated portrait I created for another happy couple this year. This one was for a girl named Annette who contacted me after seeing some of my work and sent me a lovely photo to work from. I think it is so cute that they are both wearing green!

And here is what I came up with:

Another masterpiece!! I made sure to capture subtle details like her makeup and patterned shirt. What a cute couple!! I had a copy printed and sent to her and she assured me it is hanging up and efinitly gets a lot of compliments!!

I hope everyone is having a great week! Everyone keeps talking snow around where I live. We shall see!! And remember if you would like an illustrated portrait of your own be sure to check out the contact section of my website, Violet-Ink.com!!

Anne & Steve - Illustrated Portrait

Hey everyone just wanted to update the blog over the weekend with another illustrated portrait I created for a happy couple. A woman by the name of Anne had contacted me when seeing one of my portraits looking for something to commemorate her engagement. She sent me a lot of great photos including some really detailed shots of her engagement ring. My favorite photo of the couple was this one:

And this is the artwork I created for her:

 It really came out great. I got a lot of the details like her ring. They definitly look like one happy couple!! She was super happy with it and I was excited to hear she also will be using them in her "Thank You" cards for her wedding.

I love creating special artwork for couples if you are interested in a portrait of your own, be sure to check out the contact page on my website: http://www.violet-ink.com/ And hope everyone has a great weekend!

Lora Warnick's Illustrated Portrait!!

Hey everyone!! Today is a dark, dreary and rainy day, the perfect time to stay inside and update my blog!! Just wanted to feature a portrait I created for an awesome photographer named Lauren Warnick!!!

Photo via Facebook Page

We crossed paths on Facebook where she contacted me about my famous illustrated portraits. Her idea was to feature both her and her boyfriend, Michal, with their favorite things in the portrait. Hers obviously being photography and his being golf. Here is a collage she created with both the photo and my portrait:

It came out super cute!! It was a fun concept and I appreciated getting creative!! It was definitely something different.

As a photographer, Lauren has worked with many different celebrities as well as clients I have worked with too like Jackie, Tracy and Brittany from Jerseylicious!! We crossed paths on Facebook and she was interested in having her own special portrait made of her and her boyfriend, Michael!

Jackie from Jerseylicious via Lora Warnick's Portfolio

If you want to check out more of Lauren's Photography visit her website at http://www.lorawarnick.com or "like" her Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Lora-Warnick-Photography/114375205268276!! Both are full with tons of high quality, professional pieces photographed by her. There's also information to contact her on both pages. Hope everyone has a great day!!

Rachel's Illustrated Business Card!

Hey everyone!! Since I recently posted Aisha's illustrated business card, I realized I must have forgot to post my FIRST illustrated business card and that was for a professional figure skating instructor!!

Rachel got in contact me and sent me a few photos. She really liked her photo of herself skating in a blue dress but wanted a pink sparkly dress instead. Here is what I came up with:

Step two was building the perfect layout to compliment the adorable cartoon in a sparkly pink dress! The front of the card featured my illustration in a vertical format with a flourishy hot pink background.

The back of the card changes things up a bit with a horizontal format to feature all her important contact information. The background was repeated tying the back to the front. The entire card is eye catching and expresses both elegance and fun!!

Once again, if you are interested in your own business card design be sure to fill out a contact form on my website, http://www.violet-ink.com ! Have a super day everyone!!

Aisha's Illustrated Business Card!

Hey everyone just wanted to upload the blog with a business card / banner design I recently did. A make-up artist known as Aisha was looking into getting a customized designed business card, complete with cartoon of herself on it!!

She was wearing a great slouchy off the shoulder top and wanted to be featured with her tools of the trade, a MAC makeup brush and NARS compact!! First check out her illustrated portrait:

Cute, right?? It turned out great! I made sure to bring lots of details into her make-up equipment and capture the careless slouchy quality of her blouse. The business card design was kept simple and very modern in a horizontal format.

This wasn't my first business card featuring a cartoon of the client on the front!! Want a card like this for your OWN business?? Hit up our contact form on http://www.violet-Ink.com/contact. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Tracy DiMarco and Corey Eps Engagement Portrait!!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to upload the blog with a really glamorous portrait I created. As you may or may not know, Tracy DiMarco from Jerseylicious recently got engaged!!

image via MyStyle

Tracy is someone I always admired from the Style Network show, and as strange as it may seem for a small town girl from Pennsylvania, we have gotten to be great friends!! She has a real appreciation for art!! So when I heard that I got to make a portrait for her engagement I was super psyched!! Tracy was thinking of having a cartoon of her and Corey wearing matching baby blue outfits for their engagement party!

The portrait came out really great!! I made sure to pack it with lots of details. Sparkly, bling-ed out jewels and everything!!

Tracy and Corey are the cutest couple and I am so glad I have gotten to meet them!! I hope I get invited to their wedding!! Jerseylicious is wrapping up here in the states. Who knows what will happen next season??