Branding

BRANDING
 

BRANDING is a mark, an identifier. BRANDING is a visual representation used in marketing that uniquely differentiates you and your product to the public. When I was a much younger artist I naively created art by practicing only what I knew. Sound familiar? Maybe it was my repetitive choice of colors or maybe it was my adherence to all things asymmetric. Over time friends and loyal customers validated my art, and I am ever grateful to them but I in my restless nature I drifted with the shifting sands of my imagination. After years of curious experimentation, my creations matured and I added to my artist repertoire substantially. Now, I am not the artist I once was but it is critical that the printed symbols I used then to make my first impressions still remain with me today. BRANDING. Do you remember your first business card? Oh! how old school of me, I mean, like your first web site or even this means of communication called a BLOG? What I have learned is that certain identifications need to remain, need to stay incorporated as we grown our art, our business. Even though its completely natural to desire change and a new look… its also key to keep a logo, or a color, or a quote that was once part of your original and humble beginnings in order to stay recognizable. BRANDING. The original photos I used to package my jewelry designs (11 years ago)! I still use today, although the image has visited Photoshop many a time. I hate to admit it but, its my business name that has not been consistent; The Beach House Gallery, that’s because I’m constantly redesigning cards, signs, packaging as I continue to branch out my jewelry lines. So be careful and pay attention to these waves of growth, again, BRANDING. So, as I fess-up it is a valuable reminder to me and for you to keep your original representation in some form and to repeat it in print or in words in everything you create so that who you were or where your going in the future, you and your art will be not just remembered but always recognizable! Oh, yeah, It’s called, BRANDING.

Technology

"The Fern"                         6' x 5'  Latex on Canvas        Inez Dunn©2003

Hello Dear Friends!
Summer is glorious. Gardens, swimming in a dark lake, running bare-foot on cold grass, sipping warm sun tea, squeezing hard tubes of old sunscreen, scrubbing black tar off of bare feet in a apron sink, sucking warm butter from a single ear of corn. Ah!
Then technology taps my bare brown shoulder...to announces in polite, corporate speak" Your Server is Out!
I'm just trying to get a message to you my dedicated readers. Some kind of informative communication, to say that all is right with the world here in the land of the midnight sun (except I have no internet!). Apologies for technicalities which, I have no control over. And for my own foolishness to right the cyber world of pretentiousness. I thank you.  I am grateful for you and for this iPhone. And for what I don't take for granted this afforded luxury of time, to complain. I strained this evening to post a single not so important message ( I mean this is just a blog). Eventually my internet connection will resume, so to all of you who are patient, a warm summer greeting is yours. Please return back on August 15, 2013. Cheers!

A Diary

"The Clearing"                 Inez Dunn©2013

A Diary

A diary is a daily record. It’s a written or oral account that summarizes either personal or business experiences. As a child I kept a diary, it was a hardcover generic tiny book with a fake lock glued to its cover.  It came with a miniature key, that I had to keep hidden far away from

my siblings. I wrote in my diary everyday after school. The thin-lined pages were covered in blue ink by my wavy 11-year-old hand. My scribbling included: childish exaggerations, stories of puppy love, schoolyard dramas! That was a long time ago, and a diary seems to have been replaced by what we now call a journal. What’s great about today’s journals is that they go way beyond moleskin and leather covers. There is a growing popularity with mixed media in hand creating altered books and artist books that take “journaling” to a whole new level.  The beauty here is that the written word, and the artist book end up being an actual piece of art! So rather than me suggesting the perfect beach read for summer, I’m going to encourage you to begin a bit of note-taking, a page of input, a decorative grocery list. And while you’re at it, maybe include a bit of doodling, or a sticker. And who knows, perhaps after awhile your page might begin with something like, Dear Diary. These photos are of my artist book, to see more and find out how to create your own go to www.interweavestore.com The magazine is titled, PAGES read about how I made this book on page 54.

P.S. And for anyone writing the electronic way, always use spell-check!

"The Clearing"                                                                             by Inez Dunn©2013

Clarity, Conflict, Resolution & Seasonal Changes

"Resolute"                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2013

Clarity, Conflict, Resolution & Seasonal Changes

Remember people there are no losers, only failed (best) attempts. What you see is what you get, and the above photo is my weeks long experimentation with all things resin. Remember my situation? (Read last Sunday’s post). My experience to date, unfortunately, resulted in failure. Photo: Top row is a resin pour from a leading manufacture to the trade, which promises an elevated contour in its instructions yet, after my full compliance no baby bump appeared. For the last 6 days I converted my desk top into an incubator of sorts using various heat lamps, and none of the bezels cured completely!

In the second row I used products intended to add luster in paper applications. I also used two different kinds of nail polish, a two-part epoxy, and a product with the initials M.P. The pun here is the results were "mixed".

Conflict: Two things worth mentioning, one is using the proper fixative to protect paper.

Previously, I was using a spray product intended for neutralizing paper. Wrong product!

The result is not sufficient enough and causes the paper to bleed. Not a good thing, unless creatively this is what you want to achieve. A better product to use is a spray fixative designed for permanently “sealing” paper. The other conflict is how to simulate an artificial temperature of 80 degrees, constant. Anyone?

Resolution: This is my shout-out to all-northerner’s this side of latitude 60. Please share here any tips on how to achieve consistent resin results and how to maintain an environment with temperatures adequate enough for curing.

Seasonal changes: This is my acknowledgement to the18 hours, and gaining of daylight, otherwise known as, Alaska’s summer. This means my indoor activities take a hiatus, and my outdoor life blossoms into well, being outside. And I’m referring to being outside like all hours of the day & night (which is still day-light). So tonight will be my last regular weekly post on Sundays. For my summer schedule I will publish a new post every 15^th of the month from June until the month of September. My gratitude I send to all of you faithful readers and followers, please come back on the 15^th. Until next time, here’s to a safe and overly joyous summer season! Blessings to all.

IRS

"Resin  Ates"                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2013

 

IRS

Long before I decided to blog, I made a list of subjects that I would and would not write about. Politics and taxes definitely taboo. But something in his week’s news struck a cord with me it was about the IRS and its need for transparency. For years I have been meaning to write about the IRS, no not that IRS, but rather mine: Inez’s Resin Situation. What is my situation? I’ll tell you. I have tried almost all the resin products out there, and my results have been more about tragedy than triumph. Now, if your still reading this and scratching your head, I’m talking about the gooie substance derived from plants that when mixed with other chemicals is poured over stuff to cause preservation. The subject of resins and their applications is quite broad, and when you get into the whole chemistry behind hardener and catalyst well; that requires a chapter of a blog post all unto itself. You see the whole reason that the IRS thing and transparency resonates is because resin too requires clarity; it has to be transparent to work in jewelry design in order for the entire concept to be fully understood. Working with resin requires a complete adherence to preparation, and most importantly a really warm environment, like 70 degrees+.  Living in Alaska, the whole temperature thing presents a bit of a problem, but I haven’t given –up. Okay now, back to my situation I have set-up numerous bezels all with different resin products. And I will reveal my latest findings in next Sunday’s post. And because I am not a spokes person for any of these products I will not be naming names only results-but if you need specifics please send me an email and I will answer your questions. I may have heard a collective sigh that seemed to reverberate through the blogo-spere? Hey, I’m simply applying the same conventions that all mystery writers adhere to: Suspence works, Baby! So just wait patiently for next week. All things considered, perhaps implementing a bit of transparency in ones life isn’t such a bad thing, I mean being seen for who you really are is actually a good thing but being fully understood well that’s really powerful stuff. Save that for the next time you need some sense of accountability, whether dealing with yourself or the other IRS. Until next Sunday think clarity, clarity, clarity. Ah!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

"She's a Classic"                                                                                                         Inez Dunn©2013

Today was Mother’s Day. I say, “was” because if you’re reading my post, the local time is now midnight. As a tribute to Mother’s day I decided I would focus on the individual attributes that make each mom unique in her own way. No two moms are alike, nor are her children. All moms vary in temperament, some moms are sunny, some are overcast and some moms vacillate in and out of the storm. And although most of us complain about our mom’s, I believe its equal to the amount of love we have for them. Basic biology, if it weren’t for our moms, we wouldn’t be here. Now, when it comes to gift giving for mom or any female in your life, there are a few simple rules, especially when jewelry is the gift your selecting; get it right and you’ll remain in good standing at least until next year. Below I have created a quick stylistic reference that will make buying jewelry a lot easier, keep you stress-free about any last minute purchases, and save on your pocket book. Okay, I can’t guarantee the “pocket-book thing, but read on…

1. She’s a “Classic”, tailored, career oriented, disciplined, older, retired, almost organized but, fussy about her individual self.

Go for anything pearls, pins; post earrings, crystal jewelry that is singular in design. Nothing-pretentious here, select jewelry that is straightforward, and as individual as she is.

2. She’s a “Newbie”, eclectic, diverse, independent, modern, younger, multitasked and family oriented. Her style choices are mixed and matched.

Go for avante-guard pieces, standout necklaces that have vintage touches, leather bracelets, and earrings that are long. Handmade, and local is important here.

3. She’s “Bubbly”, bold, boisterous, and put-together, fashion forward, attention to detail about her looks, and presentation. She’s at her best at shopping malls, and knows value when she sees it.

Go for color, color is key here when making a jewelry selection. Anything beaded, chunky necklaces in multistrands, playful charms, and busy bracelet designs. Neon or florals set the tone and will work well.

4. She’s a “Team Player” jeans and sweatshirt; innovative, creative, retrospective, family comes first. Her idea of a vacation is alone time with a good book.

Go with dainty earrings, necklaces that are streamline and on a chain. For this pick it is important that if you choose metal it be matched to her wedding ring, or wristwatch. These considerations will ensure the jewelry won’t be in conflict, and she’ll feel more comfortable wearing it.

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms, new, old, happy, and even cranky thank you for all you do and especially for your love. Hmm, now what to get for Dad?

"She's a newbie"                                                                                                   Inez Dunn©2013

 

 

"She's Bubbly"                                                                           Inez Dunn©2013

         "She's a Team Player"                                                                 Inez Dunn©2013
All jewelry photographs, creations, and designs are handmade by Inez Dunn.

Big Birds

Bird Brain Collage                                                                  Inez Dunn ©2013

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Bird Brain

It’s May, and here on the Kenai Peninsula there is a particular sound in the air. The sound

is the echoing call of Sandhill Cranes. Their arrival signals something absolute, it is that spring has finally arrived. These migratory birds are reminders of nature’s cyclical patterns. These patterns by the way don’t only apply for avian species but, also for people. Folks throughout my community are referred to as snowbirds: people who uproot themselves once winter arrives and return back again to the same region once the temperatures have moderated. This type of to and fro makes me think about just how many life forms there are that are actually nomadic rather than stationary. Around here the Sandhill Cranes are observed with a sense of awe and reverence. And although these birds precede the zillion of shorebirds that beckon our shores for their nesting grounds nonetheless, Sandhills rein supreme! Here in Homer, its cause for celebration for the last 21 years the city of Homer has celebrated our feathered friends by holding a flock of activities called the Shorebird Festival. www.homeralaska.org May 9-12^th save the dates! Saturday the 11^th, in conjunction with the festival there will be an Arts & Crafts faire, and yours truly will be showcasing all new jewelry perfectly suited for spring and summer. Admission is free! So get packing, grab your binoculars and your rain gear and I’ll see you at the fair!