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Snowboard Design for 2018 Paralympian, Michelle Salt

February 7, 2018 by TheChoiceUmbrella Leave a Comment

As a graphic artist, it always amazes me that there are design opportunities everywhere that I turn.  Last summer, my sweet friend Heather connected me – through the power of “word of mouth referral” – with Michelle Salt, a Canadian Paralympic Snowboarder.  Michelle needed a designer for her 2018 Paralympic race board – and after discussing a concept that I presented to her, she offered me the job.  What an honor – I never in my life imagined I would have a snowboard design that would be seen on the slopes at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games!

Her Story:

“She was in a life-threatening motorcycle accident June 27, 2011 that left her on life support for 7 days, broke numerous bones, having to endure many surgeries and in the end, lost her right leg above the knee.[2] She is now a National team athlete for the Canada Snowboard para-team and also working towards making the National para-cycling team. She was selected in February 2014 to compete in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia and upon competing, became the first Female Canadian Paralympic Snowboarder.[3][4] She is currently reigned National Champion in Canada and in January 2015, made her first World Cup Podium on home turf at Big White finishing 3rd.” (source)

The Design:

Such an inspiration, right?

I really wanted there to be immense meaning behind the snowboard design, so that when she looks down at the snowboard while training and competing, she will see personal inspiration to keep her motivated.

Metaphorically speaking, the word “salt” has many meanings – and since it’s Michelle’s last name, I decided to pull meaning from it and create the design around salt crystals.  She also said that she likes “Bears, Maple Leafs, mountains.. anything Canadian really”, so I made sure to take this into consideration.

Here is a look at the concept board that I created – it includes references to salt, bright red coloring, and a maple leaf embedded into a salt crystal.

Salt seasons.

Salt heals.

Salt preserves.

Salt thrives in many forms.

 

After reviewing, Michelle decided that #2 was her fav!   This was a super tight deadline, so after applying all of the sponsor logos to the center, I had to make sure that the bindings were not going to cover any of the important parts of the design – something I had not accounted for in the beginning…

This is the final design, with her name/logo in white at the tip of the board and the sponsors in the center.

I love how it turned out, and of course, it was such an honor to have this opportunity.

A few months after the snowboard was completed, I am able to see it in action through her posts on social media.

Here is the finished snowboard design, applied to her custom board:

 

So now, of course, I now am a follower of Michelle.  (And yes, so excited to see my design at such an amazing event…)  But even more, I am inspired by Michelle and all that she represents.

The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will begin on March 8, and from what it says here, NBC will be broadcasting “94 hours on television, which nearly doubles the coverage of Sochi 2014” – (source) – that is so exciting!

We wil be rooting for you, Michelle!

 

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Filed Under: Blog Post, Featured Branding Project, Featured Design, Featured Posts, Graphic Design, Uncategorized

Cathy Savage Visual Brand Project

October 18, 2017 by TheChoiceUmbrella Leave a Comment

 

The eclectic, beautiful powerhouse named Cathy Savage has been an honor and a total blast to work with.  Cathy is the founder and owner of Cathy Savage Fitness, and her business helps thousands of women each year to achieve health and wellness goals – through in-person and online coaching.  From world champion fitness competitors to women who just want a healthier body and lifestyle, Cathy has a program, a plan, and a support network for each and every one.  I have known Cathy for a few years now and was absolutely delighted when she reached out for design and branding work.  As a fellow health and wellness professional, I know the importance of her work and was so inspired to help with the visual delivery of her messages and brand.

We worked together to come up with branding elements that totally represent her classy, bold and edgy style – and since these characteristics might seem contrasting, it was a fun challenge for me to bring them all together in one “look”.

The end result (or is this really the beginning?) is a hand-drawn script-ie logo paired with timeless, classic serif font.  We used soft pinks and earth tones in the color palette, as well as bold charcoals and bright and sophisticated metallics.

You can view some of Cathy’s branding process below:

Other elements were created to use pieces like blog posts and events that Cathy offers.

Beautiful square business cards showcase the logo, business information – and Cathy’s favorite – FLOWERS!

Social media covers for business, personal and group uses.

And, the fun stuff!  My new di-cutting machine has a big hit as I am able to create so many new pieces for my branding clients – and I cannot thank Amy, at Coastal Etching, enough for the beautiful job she did on these wine glasses!  How much fun is it to have branded wine glasses?  Apparel and specialty products are also options – the sky is the limit.  🙂

 

 

This fall, stay tuned for more updates on my blog about branding and design services – I have lots of exciting new news to share!

 

 

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Filed Under: Blog Post, Branding, Featured Branding Project, Featured Posts, Graphic Design, Uncategorized

Ripped By Rycroft Rebrand

July 12, 2017 by TheChoiceUmbrella Leave a Comment

It’s been not only fun, but inspirational to work with Michelle Rycroft, of Ripped By Rycroft.  Michelle is a personal trainer and nutrition coach, and helps women to overcome their fears of lifting weights!   She is kind and comforting, but also has a no-nonsense approach to leading women.

Ripped By Rycroft has been an established business for a few years now, but Michelle felt like her brand was not really representing her voice.  It had only 1 logo and needed a fresh look, as well as a few variations to use in other spaces.  Michelle was striving for bold and edgy with bright pinks and bold charcoals.  Here is a look at her new visual branding pieces!

Michelle also wanted to offer her audience a 30-Day guide, so we worked together to create a template that represents her new branding, but is customizable by her.

We also worked together on her social media cover, Instagram images and web graphics:

You can see more about Michelle and the Ripped By Rycroft business by giving her a follow on social or checking out her website!  It has been a pleasure working with a fellow female entrepreneur and I am so excited about what Michelle has in store for others, and herself!

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Filed Under: Blog Post, Brand Stylist, Branding, Featured Branding Project, Featured Posts, Graphic Design

Michelle Rycroft Rebrand – #MoodBoardMonday

May 24, 2017 by TheChoiceUmbrella Leave a Comment

This #MoodboardMonday goes out to a client who is having her visual brand revamped and I am so excited about sharing it in a short bit!   Michelle and I talked a few months ago about doing a visual rebrand for her health and wellness business because she was feeling like her true voice wasn’t being represented with her current visuals.

These are some of the images & colors that helped to establish the direction of her rebrand – she loves bright and vibrant colors, but still wants edge.  We are so excited to be putting the finishing touches on her visuals over the next few weeks!
All of the image credits are posted below.

Woman | Door | Heart | Light | Quote | Flower

Filed Under: Blog Post, Graphic Design, Uncategorized

Keri Stanley Brand Launch

April 6, 2017 by TheChoiceUmbrella Leave a Comment

Keri is a Women’s Life and Leadership Success Coach. She helps women leaders finally say YES to themselves moving from optional to NON-Negotiable in their own lives! Building not only an amazing career, but also a LIFE YOU LOVE to live!  Keri has been another branding client who has been an incredible inspiration to me and I am so excited to see what this year has in store for her and her business!

Along with launching her visual brand pieces this month, she has also orchestrated an amazing online summit called “Women Who Lead”, which is a free online event with over 20 amazing interviews with powerful female leaders.  To hear these interviews, you can head to www.womenleaderslive.com and sign up!

Keri’s bright and positive personality shines through in her visual brand – I love the vibrant color palette and and strong logo.  Her tagline, “Lead with Direction” has been the perfect fit for someone who coaches other leaders!

You can see a peek at her branding process below:

Inspiration:

Quote | Mountains | Sky | Mug | Woman | Chairs | Stones

Opt-in & Business Cards:

Launch Graphics:

Photo Credits: Randi Marie of Boss Babe Photography

 

 

Filed Under: Blog Post, Featured Branding Project, Featured Posts, Graphic Design, Uncategorized

Choice Premade Brand Studio

February 28, 2017 by TheChoiceUmbrella Leave a Comment

Welcome to the Choice Premade Brand Studio!

Visual Branding Packages for the Busy Health & Wellness Professional:

 With 8 years of experience as a personal trainer, fitness instructor and nutrition coach, I know that creating a brand that stands out is a challenge in this over-saturated market.  

That’s why finding your unique voice, both physically and visually, is so important – and expressing them is essential!  If you are working hard to be recognized but are feeling overwhelmed with all of the facets of growing a business, you are not alone.  Training in person, growing your online presence and trying to be consistent with your message across all of your platforms can be a challenge, especially if you’re taking  on all of these jobs by yourself.

If you feel that you’re brand is ready to move forward with a professional and cohesive identity, but you’re not ready to invest in an entire branding package, then one of these premade brands just might be for you!  

These premade brand packages were created for the health and wellness professional who needs a professional, clean-looking, and affordable visual brand, but is not yet ready to invest in a full branding experience.  Your name or business name will replace brand examples below.  Which one works for you?

Each of these brand packages is only sold once and includes:

  • Primary Logo
  • Logo variation
  • Logo Submark(s)
  • Color Palette
  • Font Recommendations
  • Business Card Design (printing not included)
  • 8.5 x 11 Printable Brand Style Guide with primary logo, secondary logo, logo variations, pantone colors and font recommendations
  • Brand Launch Graphic for Instagram
  • All digital files in .eps, .gif, .jpeg, .pdf, png and .svg formats

*** Stock Photography is not included with these packages.

To view details of these brands, click on the images below.  (I will be updating this page frequently, so please check back for more brands.)  

For more information about payments and the premade package process, click here.

Premade Visual Brands for Health and Wellness professionals
Uplift: $899
Premade Visual Brands for Health and Wellness professionals
Sydney Moore: $899

Premade Visual Brands for Health and Wellness professionals
Samantha Harris: $899
Premade Visual Brands for Health and Wellness professionals
Leslie Cranston: $899

Premade Visual Brands for Health and Wellness professionals
Amelia Marshall – $899
Premade Visual Brands for Health and Wellness professionals
Rachel Rogers: $899

 

Filed Under: Blog Post, Featured Posts, Graphic Design, Uncategorized

Visual Branding Worksheet

January 4, 2017 by TheChoiceUmbrella Leave a Comment

Visual Branding Worksheet

2017 is here, it’s hard to believe!  Are you a business owner who might need to up level your visual identity?  A great first step is to take a few moments to fill out this Visual Brand Worksheet – as answering these questions generally prompts business owners to gain clarity around the mission of their business, which is very helpful during the initial phase of the branding process.

Visual Brand checklist

 

Some would say that the health and wellness industry is saturated with professionals
who offer and advertise the same services – if this statement resonates with you, this worksheet will help you to gain clarity about your vision how to help your business stand out.

Visual Branding Worksheet

Visual brand checklist convert kit thumb

Sign up to receive the Visual Branding Worksheet here!

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If you would like to chat about your business’s visual branding needs, please fill out my Contact form and we can schedule a time to chat!

Filed Under: Brand Stylist, Graphic Design

Instant Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

December 2, 2016 by TheChoiceUmbrella Leave a Comment

‘Tis the season!  It’s time for hot cocoa, peppermint sticks – and lots of holiday treats!

My kids LOVE hot cocoa.  We make it a lot during the winter – and they are used to good, old fashioned, homemade hot cocoa.  I decided to start experimenting with a hot cocoa mix this year so that we could have something that was super easy to make on the fly, as well as something we could package up and use as gifts for the holiday season.

So this is a recipe for a dry mix – and it is doubled, so it makes a huge batch.  We have been able to use it for after school snacks as well as have enough to make substantial amounts of holiday gifts!

In another post, I will show the labels and 8×10 sign that you can print or buy to set up your own warm beverage bar.

Ingredient for the dry mix:

  • 10 cups of dry milk
  • 1¾ cups of coffee creamer
  • 1¾ cups of cocoa
  • 7 cups of powdered sugar (or your favorite natural sugar substitute, like Stevia)

hot-cocoa-mix-blog-post2

  1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients with a whisk or fork until all are mixed together. Make sure to store this in an air-tight container, or divide into batches for gifts.  This can be used for up to 8 months.

hot-cocoa-mix-blog-post3

To make a cup of cocoa, carefully whisk 1 cup of very hot water with 1/3 cup of the hot cocoa mix – serve hot with your favorite hot cocoa toppings like marsh mallows or whipped cream.  You could also add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla to your cup of cocoa for a burst of extra flavor.
hot-cocoa-mix-blog-post1

You can also use toppings like peppermint sticks and chocolate chips – so many options – what are your favorite toppings for hot cocoa?  Do you usually use an instant mix, or do you opt for homemade hot cocoa?

To see the free “Hot Beverage Station” printables that go with this recipe, read on!

Hot Beverage Station Printables & Instant Hot Cocoa Recipe

Filed Under: Blog Post, DIY, DIY Christmas Gifts, Featured Recipes, Graphic Design, Holidays, Recipes, Uncategorized, Zazzle Tagged With: free downloads, Holiday DIY

Free download Friday – Hot Beverage Bar with Printables!

November 27, 2016 by TheChoiceUmbrella 8 Comments

Happy Holidays!  I can’t believe that the 2016 holiday season has already arrived and I hope that this post finds you all doing well!

I am kicking off this season with another round of “Free Download Fridays” – and the first one is a set of printables for a hot beverage station.  This year, along with the printables, I am also sharing links to where you can purchase the printables rather than printing them yourself.  I know that things can get tricky when dealing with printer settings, or just having to purchase certain papers when you do not have them at the ready.

This set includes:

  • an 8×10 “Baby it’s Cold Outside Print”
  • 2″ circular hot cocoa mix labels
  • 3″ circular hot cocoa mix labels

The 8×10 print is a white graphic over a chalkboard background, and looks great in a white frame.

Hot Beverage Station Printables & Instant Hot Cocoa Recipe

 

These glass canisters (as well as the red mugs) were found at my local Dollar Tree!   I love the finds at the Dollar Store during the holidays!  I used the pre-printed labels for these, but you can print your own if you would like.  These are the 3 inch labels, but you can also print the 2 inch files for uses on other types of containers.  You can see here that I used an upright jar as well – and this would work with the 2 inch OR 3 inch labels.

Hot Beverage Station Printables & Instant Hot Cocoa Recipe

Upright mason jar:

Hot Beverage Station Printables & Instant Hot Cocoa Recipe

The Fiskars circle cutters are great punches for circular labels – you can use the 2-inch cutter on the 2 inch labels, or the XXL much to create a much larger label.  (3.5 inch)

Hot Beverage Station Printables & Instant Hot Cocoa Recipe

Order the 3″ labels here – super easy and I was very happy with the print job!
Hot Beverage Station Printables & Instant Hot Cocoa Recipe

DOWNLOADS:

Baby It's Cold Outside!

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Hot Beverage Bar Printables!

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I would love to hear how you set up your hot beverage bar this holiday season – you can tag #thechoiceumbrella in your posts!  you can see the entire set of pieces here:

zazzle-header_holidays-2016

 

Filed Under: Blog Post, coffee mugs, DIY, DIY Christmas Gifts, Featured Posts, Graphic Design, Holidays, Uncategorized, Zazzle

Jess Glazer – Brand Launch!

October 12, 2016 by TheChoiceUmbrella 4 Comments

Not only has it been an honor to work with the very fierce Jessica Glazer, it has resulted in an amazing connection!  Jessica is a fitness professional, personal trainer, retreat planner, motivator, educator and all-around inspirational bright spot in the world.  When Jessica and I first spoke about rebranding her health and wellness business, I honestly thought that I had her figured out!  But as we began to connect more and more about what lights her up, I realized how eclectic, well-read and inspiring she really is!  After lots of concepts and discussions, we were able to visually illustrate her edgy flair and her love for straight lines – I will NEVER look at a triangle the same way as it is a shape that symbolizes strength, femininity and wisdom – all words that embody what Jess Glazer is all about!   We have enjoyed working together and look forward to a few upcoming projects and collaborations.  This is her brand reveal!

jg-launch-day-2

Inspiration – see image credits below:
jess-glazer-inspiration-boardfinal

doors | handwriting | shoe | jacket | metallic woman | cross fitter | Avatar | feathers | photo

Brand Style Guide:
Business Cards:
cards-optin
Printed Pieces:
hat-and-banner
Social Media & Web:

jg-launch-day-bannerLaunch Graphics:
jg-launch-graphics

Filed Under: Blog Post, Featured Branding Project, Featured Design, Graphic Design, Uncategorized

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The Choice Umbrella is a blog that is part of affiliate advertising programs, which means that commissions may be received after clicking on links throughout this website. On occasion, I might also receive and review products that align with my services and beliefs. All of the content and images on The Choice Umbrella’s website belong to Sibyl Smith, unless otherwise stated. Please be sure to show the love and link back to my original post of you’d like to share content! © The Choice Umbrella, 2015.
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