Hello, all! Jen here. Have I ever mentioned that Kenzie is a creative genius? I think I have. If not, let me tell you again. Kenzie is a creative genius. I am constantly amazed that she’s able to create so many fresh ideas time after time. I have always wondered what her creative process was. Where does she even start? Does she love her designs every time? Each one seems so perfectly unique, where does the inspiration come from? Today I asked her. Check out what she has to say.
Jen: “Tell me where you start on a new project.”
Kenzie: “It depends on the project and the client. Sometimes after talking with the client I have a clear vision of exactly what they want, others give me a bit more creative freedom. For larger projects I generally start with an inspiration board or collection of images and colors that inspire me. Like with most weddings I look at everything as a whole. How can the save the dates coordinate with the invitations which will ultimately tie into the menus, programs, seating charts…I think long term and how everything will look together day-of. Plus, you need it to look cohesive in photos!”
Jen: “Let’s say a bride comes to you with her vision for a nautical wedding. She wants a stationery suite – save the dates, invitations, menus, programs, the works – to match. You have a clear understanding of her vision and you create an inspiration board. What’s next?”
Kenzie: “Coffee!” [laughs] “But really, I would sit down with them in person, online, or on the phone and talk about what they like and don’t like. What on the inspiration board do they want to keep, toss, or maybe they want to make additions. Then we’ll talk business for a bit, budgets, contracts, all that stuff. Then comes the fun part.”
Jen: “Ohh, tell me about the fun part!”
Kenzie: “I break out paint, sharpies, paper pads, and of course Illustrator. I take all the little details we talked about, or maybe I dreamed about, during our consultation and design, design, design. Often times I become so engaged in my work that I don’t stop until it’s nearly done. I play with fonts, letter techniques, colors, textures, patterns...anything that will make a design fresh and unique. I try to design in black and white first so I can focus on composition. If it works in black and white it will work in color, guaranteed.”
Jen: “Wow. It sounds like you really get into a 'zone' when you’re designing.”
Kenzie: “Oh I do. I also tend to have many, and when I say many I mean like 10, iterations of a design. 99% of the time I never delete a single version. Okay. Maybe more than 10.” [laughs] Actually last Christmas I went through an entire pad of paper before I got one hand lettered Christmas card I was happy with.”
Jen: “So sometimes you hand draw your designs?”
Kenzie: “Yeah I do! It really depends on the time constraints and budget of the client. Something hand drawn takes more time than a digital design. It’s typically always more unique as well. But, as much as I hate to say it, time equals money. I love doing it, but it’s not always practical. I wish I had more time to hand letter everything”.
Jen: “So. You've had your client consultation. You've done your inspiration board. You've designed until your hand was numb. You are confident you have a beautiful design. Is that it? Do you always love the final product?
Kenzie: “Love is a strong word. I like every design that goes out my door. I would never send a design I didn’t think was beautiful. That being said, I am partial to some over others. All that matters it that my clients love them, that’s the important part.”
Jen: “Final question. You have a creative block. You need inspiration. Where do you find it?”
Kenzie: “Gosh, those are the worst! Sometimes I go to design books. I may look up something completely unrelated but still design oriented online. Others times I have to leave the project and do something else for a while. I find that I get really creative ideas when I’m not even thinking about them. Especially when I am driving or taking a shower. It’s weird, I know. That’s why I have notes everywhere: my phone, my computer, my planner, my hand. I don’t want to forget them because I know a perfect project will eventually come up. I find inspiration in everyday in the most unlikely places. It’s part of the reason I love what I do.”
See? I told you she was a creative genius. All I’m thinking about while in the shower is how much I don’t want to shave my legs. Still curious about her creative process? Just have questions in general? Get in touch! We’re here to help. Contact Kenzie at kphillips@ivoryhousecreative.com and get the creative juices flowing.