Happy Friday Friends!  Boy oh boy do I have a treat for you!  Up for today is one of my favorite designers Dear Miss Modern (Christine) from Deluxe Modern Design!  Deluxe Modern Design specializes in logo design, branding, and business identity.

Their mission:  To make your brand sparkle!

Now that is what I am talking about!  Dear Miss Modern design shop also specializes in pre-made logos and marketing templates for photographers and other savvy professionals!    Not only is her custom work fabulous, but I know first hand just how great her instant download items are!   I fell in love with the Pink Coco Starter Logo the minute I saw it and just had to have it!

You can purchase the psd file to change the layers of the logos….I seriously had so much fun playing around with different color combinations to get exactly the look I wanted…..can you say AWESOME?!?!  Here is what I came up with for my logo: LOVE IT!

Check out these other fabulous ready to go logos!  So fun!

In addition to instant downloadable logos, Dear Miss Modern came up with the Blog Sugar Design Kit concept, which has been a HUGE suceess!  There are 7 different styles of Blog Sugar Kits, all with matching Marketing Pieces and Social Media Templates!

Here are a couple of examples of the gorgeous Sorbet Blog Sugar Kits!  I am seriously IN LOVE with these Sorbet kits!!!  SO CUTE!

Now….let’s take a peek into Dear Miss Modern’s artistic mind shall we?

Rumor has it you’re a self-taught designer. How did you get involved in this level of design?

The rumors are true. I was seriously born a hyper-active design fanatic.

I designed a birthday invitation (on a teeny tiny little mac) when I was about 20, with absolutely no computer skills at all. I did it in Microsoft Publisher, printed it out, and glued little confetti hearts to it. I made a bunch of copies and everyone loved them. That was kind of a turning point; I was hooked. After that, I would design anything I could get my hands on, and kept creating new little “businesses” so that I could design the branding for them. Finally someone

(ok, my mom) said, “you know, you could make a business out of doing that for other people.” And here we are.

Where did your inspiration come from for not only your design-style, but also the business in general?

I create what I like to look at. I don’t really know where the design-style itself came from, but like any designer will tell you, I’m influenced by everything. The little Asian market on the corner has the best packaging. I’m a foreign film and magazine junkie, and simplicity always wins.

Just paying attention is the best influence. Every day I’m amazed by my business; how much I love it, how well it’s doing. That’s inspiring.

How did the notion of selling pre-made logos and design templates come about?

I was actually really against selling anything pre-made for a long time. People would ask me if I had pre-made logos and I would cringe. I truly do feel that design should be specific to the client, the personality, and the feeling of the business, but after so much interest in the templates, combined with the wait list for custom work (and the instant nature of technology), I couldn’t say no anymore.

I’ve had the Dear Miss Modern shop for a little over a year, and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s a creative outlet for my creative outlet, and it’s fun, pretty, instant gratification for my clients. It’s really satisfying to come up with an idea, run it by the facebook crowd, and put it in the shop the next day with smashing results. That’s instant gratification for me.

In addition to your pre-made templates you also offer customized services – what are some of your favorite custom jobs you’ve worked on?

I love custom work, and it’s the main part of the business. My husband and I opened a restaurant in Northern California, and I have to say it was my hands-down favorite design project. Because it wasn’t just design. It was the whole nine. Company name, (complete with fun story behind it) logo, menus, tag line, website, events, decor, marketing, facebook – all of it. It all has to work together, all the time, and it all has to come from the same voice. No excuses.

THANK YOU so much Christine for taking the time to share a little bit of Dear Miss Modern with us!

So…….who wants some good news?   For this weekend only, receive 30% off instant downloads!  Check out the shop to see more of Dear Miss Moderns fabulous work!

Deluxe Modern Designs Website

Deluxe Modern Designs Facebook Page

Dear Miss Modern Shop

Have a GREAT weekend and HAPPY SHOPPING!

xo

Staci

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Gorgeous & Company

The name states it simply and perfectly!

This prop shop has GORGEOUS items!
Well.. that might be an understatement, to say the least.

When I first saw this shop on Etsy, my jaw dropped.
These items are top notch, stunning and simply delightful in every sense of the word.
Gorgeous & Company props are the kind that us photographers dream about…
and their prices, yeah, those are no dream… they are a REALITY… affordable and worth every cent!!!

We lucked out by trying out a new item in their shop,
flowered bloomers and matching headband!

and check out her other crafty creations…
seriously unique…
ultimately GORGEOUS!

I mean.. the little winged sets alone are just DROOLABLE!!!

Everything is hand crafted with urber beautiful materials,
drizzled in dazzles…
and SCREAMS ….. GORGEOUS!

Yeah, perfect shop name, right?!?!

DISCOUNT ALERT!

15% off of their entire order by using code PROPINSANITYLOVE

*swoon*

(pics above thanks to Amy Robertson)

WHO WANTS TO WIN?!

One lucky PI reader will win the above pictured
(pink set at top)
Sized newborn to 4T available
TO ENTER, leave a comment below with some GORGEOUS LOVIN!
And head over to their shop to check them out >>> Gorgeous & Company

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Ready for another installment of our famous PROP JUNKIE OF THE MONTH?
Prepared to fall in love with yet another amazing and uber talented photographer?

Then meet our new love, Kristen Mackey of SonKissed Photography!!!

1. So Ms Kristen, newborn goddess and prop junkie … lets introduce YOU and get the junkies “in” on your work! What is your photography site, blog, and any other sites you own that you’d like to share with us?
Thank you so much for having me, what an honor! My blog is www.sonkissedphotography.com/blog and facebook is www.facebook.com/sonkissedphotographykristenmackey. I do have a site but it basically sits there to house my blog.

2. Your newborn photography is quit extensive …. how did YOU get started in the photography business, and when?
I began my journey in photography after my son was born in 2007. I had a bad experience at a studio chain and thought to myself, “I can do this!” I NEVER in a million years thought that wanting to take better pictures of my son would turn into a full blown career. I’m one of those that has to learn something inside and out so I took a few photography classes at a local camera store and became addicted with manipulating my camera into doing what I wanted it to do. I loved playing in Photoshop but when I realized that this was more than just a hobby and taking better pictures of my son was when I photographed my first newborn in 2008. I was still working full-time and after my first newborn session I kept getting more and more interest from clients. It was a domino effect from that point on with people referring me. I am truly loving every second of it!

3. And we have to ask, our typical question…… WHAT DO YOU SHOT WITH, and what is your favorite lens?
I’m a diehard Canon girl. Yes, I have the annoying focus issues but when that focus is sharp, it’s SO yummy! I may overshoot and wear my camera out too quickly but there’s no way I’d ever switch! My favorite lens… well I photograph newborns with my 50 1.2L and love it but I do love my 100 2.8L macro as well so I’d have to say it’s a tie. I have the 24-70 2.8L as well but it never sees the light of day. Would love to get the 135 at some point.

4. On your blog (and site), you cover mostly newborns.. they are an obvious favorite (mine too!). What drew you to newborns, and why?
Gosh, I think it’s just that newness and if you’re a mother I think it’s just natural to love on and nurture a new being. I do my fair share of snuggling those sweet babies when they’re in my studio. We have two kiddos and do not plan to have anymore so I think working with newborns gives me exactly what I need to cure my baby fever. But honestly, I love capturing that fleeting moment for every family that walks through my door. I’m both flattered and honored when I am chosen for the job. I do offer a Baby Plan that covers baby’s first year. I love watching them grow!

5. Do you have a favorite newborn prop that you use in most sessions? (ie certain blanket or hat, etc) And where in daylights do you store all of those delicious blankets & other props you show?!?!
I am really in love with the backdrops from Couture Props right now (*click here*) and I do knit so I try to knit up something special for every newborn session. I’m really loving bonnets with matching blankets.

6. Do you have a favorite “PROP SHOP” that you regularly work with? Please share , and give them some nice bragging rights with a url …
Loving the backdrops from Couture Props (Couture Props). I think I have one in every color, teehee! I love unique hats and my go-to girl for those is Jen from lil owl knitts (Lil Owl Knits) She spins all of her yarn into the most yummy goodness you’ve ever seen. I love the creativity from Lisa at SweetLove Creates (http://www.facebook.com/sweetlovecreates). She blows my mind with what she comes up with; so incredibly talented. I love the simplicity from Heather at HeatherBell Hats (http://www.facebook.com/HeatherBellHats). Her creations are so pure and gorgeous. I love Heather from Woolywishes (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woolywishes/193307734022795). Not only is she crazy talented and always comes up with new items (I don’t think I’ve ever seen her post the same hat twice), she has the biggest heart. And my new favorite must have are Shanelle’s boa blankets, they’re amazing for stuffing baskets full of texture. Her Facebook is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shanelle-Nicole-Photography/289666116236. Just love her and all of these girls. OH and where do I store all of my props?? I have a loft studio that has a big shooting area as well as a big room. Right now everything is just thrown in there because I’m too tired after a newborn session to tidy it up, ha! All of my hats (I have over 100…) are stored in the linen closet in the bathroom. I did have them in bins but now they’re just tossed about the closet. Sigh…

7. Is your yummy studio out of your home, or do you have a store front? Your lighting looks beautiful.. so we’d love to hear if you shoot studio or natural light….
I have a loft studio located in the heart of Downtown Tulsa. I love my studio but it is quite the drive for me, especially when I’m there 4-5 times a week. We are in the process of selling our home and buying a home on an acreage to build a studio. Now that would be convenient! I will be the first to admit that I was a natty light snob. I only shot natural light up until Septemberish when I traveled to California for a mentoring session. She used studio light and I was shocked when I looked at my images SOOC and how consistent they were. Those of us that shoot natural light, it is kind of a maddening when you have a partly cloudy day and we’re constantly battling those clouds, adjusting SS, etc. With studio light, I can shoot in the evenings if I want to. I have been shooting studio light for about 2 months now and love it! I do have yummy west light in my studio so if I ever have the urge to go all natty, I can!

8. Ok… those triplets… you ROCKED THAT SHOOT! Tell us more… how was it handling triplets.. a lot of composites? And did you purchase all those darling props or did the mommy bring them? (If you purchased, where are the bonnets and headbands from??)

Thank you! Not one composite that entire session. Those girls were ROCK STARS and little sleepy heads! Oh and did I mention that they were born on my birthday so we definitely had a bond, ha! I have to give mega props to my two assistants for the day. It could not have been possible without them. So Bobbie Yocum from Yocum Photography and her assistant, Rachel… thank you! I highly recommend having one person per baby when photographing multiples so mom and dad can catch a little break. The crowns were from Modern Baby Photography (http://modernbabyphotography.bigcartel.com/product/little-crown), hats are from lil owl knitts (http://www.facebook.com/lilowlknitts) and the darling headbands are from Glamour and Glitz (http://www.facebook.com/Glamourglitzbaby?ref=ts).

9. As photographers are curious, and we love to brag about our mentors… so who are a few fellow photographers whose work you adore , and keeps you inspired (like you inspire us!) ?
Gosh, I have so many. I find myself drawn to those whose style is not completely like mine. So here we go – I love simply by suzy. Her posed newborns are beautiful and her lifestyle newborn sessions are incredible. I stink at lifestyle but I drool over lifestyle newborn sessions. Rachael Myers. Amazing person, business savvy and rocks those lifestyle sessions as well. Shannon Dodd. Love looking at her images both newborns and outdoor sessions. Baby as Art. Who are we kidding? Their processing is so yummy it makes me hungry for more! Kristen Cook – her posing and black and whites make my heart smile.

10. What would you call your personal style. Are you a vintage chicka, or a modern diva… maybe a home town girl or plan ole geekie gal
I’m a lover. I am totally in love with my kids, my husband and my job. I love to make people happy. I’m a peacemaker. I’m not a pushover and I stand my ground but I like to keep the peace. I love to give back.

11. I LOVED YOUR BLANKET DYE TUTURIAL!!! Please share the link with everyone else here, and include a few pictures so we can share what a great idea it is!
You bet! The link for the blanket dye is http://www.sonkissedphotography.com/blog/archives/2521 and I recently did a DIY floor tutorial for photography and you can find that here: http://www.sonkissedphotography.com/blog/archives/2545

12. Any fabulous information you can “share” with fellow photographers, just starting out in the newborn business ?
I would just say patience and practice for sure. I’ve been photographing newborns going on 4 years and I still learn something new at every single newborn session or how to better a process. Keeping their environment warm is HUGE when photographing newborns. The womb is somewhere around 98* Fahrenheit and when they’re brand new they still aren’t able to fully regulate their body temperature. I keep my room at 85*.

13. Tell us more about KRISTEN… Who are YOU? Other than a photographer.. are you a mother, wife, other sort of artist?
I have two feisty little kiddos. My son will be 5 this year and he is a little firecracker. My daughter will turn 2 next month and she’s my little cuddle bug. I adore being a mother and I what I adore even more is being able to stay home with them. What an incredible gift that is. I’m a knitting freak. I have a closetful of yarn that I need to knit up but there’s that little thing called time that seems to always get in the way. I’m totally addicted to it once I get going. My husband is constantly putting away my swift and winder (what you use to wind skeins into those perfect balls) that I attach to our bar in the kitchen. And the kiddos are always playing catch with my balls of yarn. Fun times in the Mackey house!

14. Lastly… any fun or extraordinary talent, or obsession, that you’d like to share with us? IE: can you touch your tongue to your nose, or do you snowboard, maybe run marathons?
I’ve been involved in some marathon newborn sessions but that’s about the extent of my involvement in marathons, ha! I can talk with my mouth shut and I can clap my hands without clapping them together. So they just flap at a high rate of speed and clap against my wrists, pretty hilarious!

Thank you SO much for having me. What a fun interview and an honor to be a part of the Prop Insanity blog.

Kristen Mackey

Son Kissed Photography

Recent work: www.sonkissedphotography.com/blog

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sonkissedphotographykristenmackey

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away

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Boudoir Business Boutique

Love boudoir?
Wanna bring it to the max for your 2012 boudoir shoots?

Then you NEED to know more about  Boudoir Business Boutique!!

Especially when it comes to their new Boudoir Posing Guide #2.
Chock full of AMAZING poses for your boudoir session,
making your shoots run smooth.. and HOT HOT HOT!

Boudoir Posing Guide #2 is a great addition to the first guide or a perfect stand alone guide for a great variety of posing ideas and principles.

The 36 page pdf and over 100 individual poses contain many examples of flattering poses and how to achieve them, tips and tricks on how to compensate for problem areas and to enhance your client’s best features……

visit thier site >>>> to read more and purchase now at the low intro price of only $75 (regular $125)

And while your drooling over their new posing guide..
dont forget to check out their plethora of
Templates, marketing tools, lighting guides… and other boudie goodies!

Boudoir Business Boutique is more than a place to find inspiration..
it’s a place to learn!
And to increase your boudie knowledge!

WHO WANTS TO WIN?!

One lucky reader will WIN
their own Posing Guide!

To enter, simply visit their site >>> Boudoir Business Boutique

Then come back HERE and leave us a comment on your favorite product
(aside form the awesome posing guide!)

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Camera Creatures…. Elizabeth A in CA

Photoprop Floors… Kelly Murphy

Bonnies Bits & Bows… Brandi Gilbertson

Quietude Quilts… Sarah Page

Adorama… Haley Knapp

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from Megan Horsch, of Kaylee Bug Design!!!
Congrats Megan… it was a close decision, but your design won our hearts!!!

Thanks to all of the talented designers who submitted designs… you were all amazing, and this decision was NOT an easy one on us!
If YOU are looking for a new logo design, or some fabulous graphic artists…check out our group of competitors, and give them some LOVIN!
Check them out yourselves…and scoop a new design for YOU shop or photography site.

Leanne Wildermuth, of Intricate Art

Kristie Jacoby, of Estelle and June

Megan Horsch, of Kaylee Bug Design

Natalie Cutler, of Natalie Cutler Designs

Nikki Coe, of NI Creative Studio

Rasa, of Art M Studio & Gallery

Susan Liberatore, of Visions 2 Images

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The Freckled Fairy

Who doesnt LOVE a great tutu?

WE LOVE TUTUS… and by the dozens!
I mean, tutus are a staple of prop photography,
and something every “baby girl mama” ADORES!

So we invite you to check out a new lil tutu shop, The Freckled Fairy!

Tutu dresses are easy to use!

Just slip over baby,
tie around neck…
AND SHOOT!

Pretty as a princess, and simple as pie!

(NOTE lil flower clip is meant for hair… we used it on the dress to be sassy & fun)

And with tutu dresses at only $25…
its a WIN WIN!
(loving the purple tutu dress myself!!!)

WHO WANTS TO WIN?!

One lucky PI reader will win a tutu dress (with 2 choices of color).

HOW TO ENTER… simply visit their site >>> The Freckled Fairy
and like them! Then… come back HERE and comment on what 2 colors youd’ choose.

HAPPY PROPPING!

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Happy Saturday, everyone! I’m so excited to share one of my new favorite hat shops with you today.

Jessica is an incredibly talented hat maker, and she owns a sweet li’l shop called Knitz. Her hats are just gorgeous! She uses only the highest quality yarns and adorns each hat with the prettiest ribbons, handmade flowers, and sparkly baubles. If you want something unique and high end, go check out her shop.

When Jessica sent me this pretty li’l silver number, I instantly fell in love. The yarn is SO soft, and has a subtle amount of sparkle, which adds just the right amount of bling for a sweet baby girl.

I also adore her bonnets – pretty ribbons and fabric flowers are just gorgeous – I can’t get enough of them!

Jessica designs new hats for each season and holiday. I love love LOVE this sweet Valentine-themed hat. Isn’t it just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?

Don’t worry – her shop isn’t just for girls. She makes super cute hats for boys, too.

Guess what? Jessica is going to be giving away a beautiful hat to one lucky PI reader? This is the hat she’ll be giving away.

If you want to win this lovely li’l cream colored number, first, make sure to “like” Knitz on Facebook. You’ll be so glad you did, because this is where she unveils her newest designs, offers fun contests, etc. Once you’ve liked her Facebook page, head on over to her shop, and take a look around.  Then, be sure to come back here and let us know which design is your favorite.

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A favorite little shop of ours is Crickets Creations!
We’ve been loving and diggin’ on Crickets for the past 4 years,
right from the get go!

She was one of my first,
one of my best,
and one of my FAVORITE prop shops still!

Crazy awesome customer service..
and insanely talented props!

Crickets Creations Fashion Accessory and Prop Scarves
Baby Birdz Newborn, Infant, Maternity and Pet Props
Crickets Home Decor & Prop Family Throw Blankets and Accents

It’s Portrait Taking Season….
Save on Crickets Scarves for Every Reason!

Seniors!

Engagements!

Boys!

Girls!

Newborns!

Babies!

Maternity!

Couples & Families!

Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on any order of any size (yes, worldwide!). Just enter promo code CricketsShipsFree at checkout THIS WEEK ONLY when you order scarves (or blankets) at any of Crickets’ boutiques:

Crickets Creations Fashion Accessory and Prop Scarves
Baby Birdz Newborn, Infant, Maternity and Pet Props
Crickets Home Decor & Prop Family Throw Blankets and Accents

PLUS when you order multiple props and use the CricketsShipsFree coupon code at checkout, $5 PER ITEM will be promptly refunded – even if you choose an assortment of goodies from any of the three, separate shops! Now is the time to stock up on all the handmade, top quality goodness that Crickets has to offer!

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