It is almost time for FALL MINI SESSIONS!
Enjoy updating those family photos or just bring your puppy dog along. Anything goes for mini sessions!
We will hang out at the beautiful Henry Clay Estate for 30 minutes and all your photos will be delivered digitally with a print release.
Christmas tree farm minis coming soon!!
Snag your spot: https://calendly.com/franzett…/fall-mini-sessions/10-27-2018
We came. We ate. We conquered! Had a great visit to Crave Lexington in support of #ACAcakes sweet tooth booth at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, KY.
ACAcakes Owner Amanda Edwards had all the right style but needed help executing her plan on short notice of a food festival opportunity. Luckily she knew where to go to knock it quick and professionally!
Her laminated signage by Office Depot was grommeted for easy hanging and her banner printed by PrintLex offered quick turnaround. Design only business cards was a quick solution for her to print as needed before Octane quickly produced signature “sweet staff” t-shirts to complete the full branded concept.
Amanda wanted her signage to pop but also reflect the playful energy she has as a professional cake artist! Her food not only looked good it tasted amazing! Did you try them?
Of course we couldn’t NOT tour the grounds and explore ALL our tastebuds. Samantha Johnson of @SamanhattanPR didn’t skip a beat and was my grounds co-explorer as we ate all kinds of sweet treats and good eats! The grounds were full of activities for kids, families and adults.
At the end of the day the job was not only complete but filling inside and out!
Interested in having #ACAcakes create beautiful and tasty sweet treats? Visit her online at: www.acacakes.com
Transparent Moment: My birthday is today and I’m honestly in my feels. Days I’m so filled with purpose and others I want to never leave my bed. I’ve felt attacked all month by trial and circumstance to not feel worthy of celebrating myself, my success or my life.
#TrueFact: I get this way every birthday. It’s like my emotional purging before I make that uphill climb to being a strategic badass. I’ve been told this process is quiet normal for strong creatives. This time, you get to read through my process…
But I know (from the foundation of Christ) that on the other side of all this fear and anxiety is JOY (and peace).
My life is far from perfect. I struggle with the best of them. I’m living proof that God wrestles tirelessly in this realm. God is fighting for my good even when I don’t feel good in this season.
Birthdays are hard because it forces me to look at things that aren’t always pretty. I feel guilt about things I woulda/ coulda/ shoulda done. But that is what also makes my life extremely rich and beautiful.
My life has been an ebb and flow of experiencing the best and worst of myself. As I’ve built my business I’ve also made eternal friendships and built foundations that could’ve only happened the way it did.
I’m incredibly grateful for each of you that have spoken wisdom and truth into my life. To my clients and friends that have gifted me direction and clarity this past year; thank you.
Hoping this next year reveals even deeper planting for my life, my business and everything in between.
Happy Birthday to this beautiful mess.
NOTE: Depression is very real and can affect your everyday life. If you or anyone you love is experiencing signs of depression, seek professional help, offer this natural remedy article.
Octane was super excited to be a part of this years Wild Hearts Fun Run Superhero 5K benefiting Kerringtons Heart Inc at Keeneland this year, sponsored by UK Healthcare and Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital.
With over 600+ 5K participants and over 75 Super Sprinters this event was filled with superhuman abilities! The biggest part was fundraising $12,000 for children with congenital heart defects in Kentucky.
From caped crusaders to legendary heart heroes, let’s recap!
Octane has designed this special event for Kerrington’s Heart since its conception in 2015. The organization chose a superhero theme because they believe that kids fighting and living with congenital heart defects are real life superheroes (and they are)!
For Octane this means pulling elements of comic book flair which was fun and challenging. Each year a different type of superhero was selected which means whole new color schemes and new artwork was created. The traditional logo for the event focuses on a traditional comic pop art with a beating heart in the center.
This year theme: The Incredible Hulk featured in the recent Marvel Infinity Wars Pt. 1!
Before we settled on the Hulk we were still playing around with the latest Marvel film Infinity War Pt. 1 and wanted to incorporate that feel in the initial teasers of the event. Phase 1 began with the FB cover and phase 2 with the theme and updated website followed. New this year was our first ever 5K Photo Filter created for participants Facebook stories!
Its first event held at the former commonwealth stadium brought a few hundred people together to support kids and families in Central Kentucky affected by Congenital Heart Defects. As the event grew we found that Keeneland was a better location logistically for both our families and our sponsors.
This year the crowd was OUT! We loved how the barns helped breakup the various activities and sections of the race (Registration, Kids Metropolis, Awards Stage). And the course is absolutely beautiful! THIS is Keeneland!
This years theme was all about “Hulk Smash!” With that in mind we wanted all the awards to reflect the epic heroism of the Incredible Hulk.
All the awards of Best Superhero Boy and Girl were given hulk mugs with the event decal.
Earlier in the design process of the event, the race committee liked the idea of the rips and cracks of the hulk coming from his center, similar in mark to the hundreds of CHD kids and adults that have the iconic heart surgery scar across their chest, many enduring heart surgery within days after being born. The medals and t-shirts followed this design pattern with the iconic silhouette of the mean green machine.
All event sponsors were given autographed event posters from the Kerrington’s Heart Board of Directors as special thanks for supporting CHD families in Kentucky.
T-shirts Printing: 10th Planet
Medals: Always Advancing Medals
Printing & Signage: PrintLex
Event Design: Race Director Britney Howard & Committee
Venue: Keeneland
Event Photography: Adam Padgett Photography
Event Branding, Graphics & Social Media: Octane Design Studios
In my Russell Crowe voice; are you not entertained?!? (I seriously love that movie though!)
The Kentucky Derby (+ Cinco De Mayo) is right around the corner and I decided to break from my routine to create my own quick entertainment for the fastest 2 minutes in sports.
By ‘quick’ I mean single handedly designed, produced and photoshot. Whaaaaaa?
Here’s to juleps and Woodford on the porch, dreams of Millionaire Row and ALL the roses this side of the Mississippi!
So I initially got my wheels a turnin’ from this concept of a simple black, white and gold palette inspired by Rodin Designs. I love the sophisticated look of the color combo but also wanted it to be a little lighter for the Derby theme I envisioned.
My initial thoughts were: Invites & welcome sign, party table & reception table.
Because I had a lot of items already in stock in my office/ craft room, my shopping list was literally:
And then, I got stuck. Drats.
After not finding some specific items, I wasn’t sure if I could pull off the ideal look I wanted. Luckily I had just recently finished a quick Facetime Call with my fellow crafter, woodworker and cousin Jacqueline Rowan of JRow Everything whom I immediately called back for some quick designer advice.
After some camera flips and some frozen unintended video selfies (aka frozen camera), she totally refocused my vision with some quick fixes (switching out tablecloths for foil paper rolls and other simple things my brain was farting on) and I was rearing to go! I used one half day to stain wood and design the simple pieces and the next day to design the rest and assemble and start snapping some progress shots. I shared a few on my instagram.
Day Two was all about assembling the small stuff early. By early, I mean by 2:30pm before I completely switched gears to embrace a completely different profession; motherhood of 3.
I used my beloved Cricut Explore Air 2 to cutout all the pretty horses with gold foil cardstock from Michael’s and attached them to my straws for the glasses. Then continued to cutting out my removable vinyl for my wedding sign.
As I rushed to pick up my troop from the bus stop I remembered the horseshoe piece that was my intended focal point for all the smaller pieces. I decided to use that on the two color menus and the initial invitation for ALL the southern charm! I decided to roll with a sister font for the table tent cards at each setting, each with a fun derby themed phrase.
My personal fave, “I’m betting on you” and “You’re in my winner’s circle”.
Horseshoes, check.
Horses, check.
Bright & Sophisticated, check check.
Onward to the invitation suite.
To be honest I went through this process all wrong because it was the LAST piece I designed! Typically with a client the event logo is what I would complete before anything else but I felt confident about the use of the horseshoe. I wasn’t just any other client so that was my rationale going into this; cheeky I know.
My original idea was gold foil roses across the top but I decided to rock the simplicity of the horseshoe. I’ve noticed the trend of watercolor and foil & used that on this bridal suite. The gold foil Louisville skyline and cascading roses looks so beautiful with the red watercolor brush stroke. The picture doesn’t do it justice!
So finally on the second day I assembled the reception table.
When you’re styling things you’re moving things around, inch by inch, sometimes even, breath by breath for just the photo. I was already between other business deadlines that day yet still I was determined to complete something for ME. Thankful that had Jacqueline on Facetime from North Carolina for on call “professional accountability & support”. Hence these pretty photos!
Day Three is party day! I invited my mum and the kids for some fun upcoming derby day fun! First how about these cute signs? I was able to use some blank clear acrylic pieces I already had to make some simple vinyl based table signage (And We’re Off & All The Fixin’s) and I think it turned out wonderful! Using simple and open Kentucky phrases kept the convo going when the kids and Gigi carouseled the table. Lastly, I continued the striped gold foil paper from Party City and the wedding sign for the “married couple” to keep things consistent.
Strawberry Delight anyone? Those straws totally complimented the look of the bright and colorful derby style reception turned backyard derby party! Throw in a close enough Derby Pie and you’ve got a simple party!
Curating and cherishing memories is what I live for! Maybe this inspired you to do something simple or not so simple for a themed Derby Day event? Either way, this was fun for me!
Looking for those themed printables or cricut cutouts I used? You can purchase the digital downloads for your own soiree!
I’ve officially completed the first week of 2018 and I’ve been doing quite a bit of purging, clean slating and then reconfiguring. I’ve noticed that right toward the end of the year the piles of trash and paper scraps have flooded my office floor. My desk is loaded with business cards and the occasional scattered brochures. It’s THAT time of year!
A New Year means new beginnings right? Out with the old and in with the new? I’ve been inspired by some amazing people in 2017 as I continue to “build up” in the New Year.
To help motivate myself I’ve candidly captured some wisdom from some of my fave creatives / business owners / colleagues to inspire/advise you to make 2018, your year! If you don’t know these powerful ladies, get to know them. Better yet, follow there success. I’m still learning from them.
Here’s to littering the floors more, breathing fully (metaphorically and literally because the flu is no joke this time of year) and laughing a lot louder in 2018.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” -Lao Tzu
“Business Wisdom: find people who are smarter than you and figure out a way to work with them. Barter, trade, save up. Do whatever you have to in order to ensure you are working with people who are better than you. It’s the only way you will have the space you need to get better too!”
“Be humble in all that you do as your business will eventually reflect your inner true self. Do things for the right reasons.”
“Keep your blinders on, worry about you, your business, and being successful. Passing on some wisdom does not dull your shine at all.”
“My Advice for 2018 is …no matter who you are, odds are you unintentionally think to prepare for the worst more times than not, but in 2018 try to ask yourself, “what’s the best that could happen?”
Ephesians 3: 20-21 in the Message: “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us”
Do the work. You literally have to stop overthinking and journaling and positive meme posting and just do the first thing. A lot of our answers come out in the movement, not in the brainstorm during a netflix binge. Write the next 20 lines or pages, contact the adoption center, take your health seriously, schedule therapy, record that podcast, audition for that film, go viral… do something toward your goals/happiness to force yourself to take the next step.
Get out of your own way and be great daily!”
“Starting a business can be an amazing fulfilling adventure but it will take time and patience to build the business of your dream. Don’t get discouraged if in the beginning things are slow or not going your way. Don’t quit! Keep going and remember that the world wasn’t made in a night… nor a successful business.”
“Don’t harbor unforgiveness. You immediately imprison your own heart. Forgive and set yourself free. This is true liberation.”
“Successful entrepreneurs (online or brick and mortar): What’s your no.1 fear for you and your business?
Is it:
a) Revenue: How to increase profits while decreasing overhead expenses
b) Balance: How to balance your business and personal life before you lose your cool.
c) Retirement: You don’t have a plan in place. All you ave is the business as your retirement plan. “
True Story: While reading a bible passage of the Christmas story to my kids before bed, an idea came to me. I was literally telling my kids that each time I reflect on the birth of Jesus and how it ALL came to be, I notice more subtle details that make this story more special than before.
Tada! Part 2….
If you’re like, part whaa? Then read this first. For the rest of you lovely bunches of Oats, today’s #TablescapeThursday was simply put, FUN! Getting further away from the traditional green red and orange look & used only two colors –keepin’ it cozy. In my Ernest voice, know what I mean?
All month-long I’ll be showcasing tablescapes of various styles I love. Be inspired & purchase custom paper items on #OctaneOnEtsy! Lookout for extra pics & comments in my Instagram stories!
Interested in having Octane design your holiday party or event? Chat with us at info@lexoctane.com.
So this is where I decided to get fancy with the camera. I love pumpkins… but I also love to reuse. You better believe these were from Halloween… its got my little ones doodles all over them. Love the array of families memories spread all across the table!
What is it with natural wood?! I Iove the texture and color and works really well with the candles I put in my faux lanterns. It always flows well with natural foilage. And I loved that the table is bare… I like being able to use the table as a means to talk to others I don’t always get to talk to. Having tall crazy pieces kind of ruins that possibility. It’s a Ga-ther-ing, remember?
Let’s talk about these menus. My kids crack at me for still using “turkey day” instead of Thanksgiving Day. Growing up the only time I had turkey was on Thanksgiving Day (and the leftover turkey salad sandwiches thereafter ) with my family. As a paper enthusiast kraft paper gives me LIFE. I was also shooting for a signature look. (The curse of being a graphic designer…and all her “looks”.) Just a simple natural black and white feel with my favorite embellishment, satire. That’s right we’re having TURDUCKEN, Grandma’s mashed potatoes (not that Idaho in a microwave bag mess) and The Pie of ALL Pies… who doesn’t want that?!!
Overall this was more fun than last week because its closer to my personal style. Next week we’ll get further from traditional and go for the gold… literally! #StayTuned and continue to follow #OctaneOnEtsy for more #TablescapeThursday inspiration for you holiday gatherings!
Hello #November! This month is made for gatherings, giggles and gnache. I’m always excited to experience all three with loved ones this time of year. Fall brings out the best of my creative crafty mood. Not too hot and not too cold… hot cider… and all the pumpkin you can eat!
As a child I loved dressing the table and the habit never left me. So to continue this little childhood tradition I’m showcasing lots of dreamy tablescapes and paperie and invite you to follow me all month long as I dress to impress the table!
Be inspired & purchase custom paper items on my #etsyshop! Lookout for extra pics & comments in my Instagram stories!
Interested in having Octane design your holiday party or event? Chat with us at info@lexoctane.com.
This table is a pretty traditional look. I used simple traditional tones of gold red and green to capture the nostalgia of old time holiday season. Chargers give all the elegance needed to dress up the table. The “Give Thanks” printable is from @circutofficial. This printable is pretty easy to use and style however you need.
I love details! It what makes every thing flow and connect together to set the mood. These simple leaf cutouts are perfect for an extra decor at each setting. I decided to add some foil to these for a lil more “bling” factor. (Psst! You can purchase these and other paper greenery on my etsy store for your Dinner Party 👍)
What do you do when your vase breaks at a vendor setup? You SAVE it and reuse it for rustic chic candle holders. I repurpose almost everything if I can. My little way of saving the planet, one #nailedit at a time!
Believe it or not my mom would constantly remind me to make sure to make sure it looks the same as everyone else’s plate. But mooom! The christmas radio is just starting! I’m dancing and styling full spirit over here! And yet somewhere in Kentucky my mom’s looking at this and scowling. Haha! Sorry mom!
Let’s talk greenery! I got away from using the cheaper faux vinery and started looking at more elegant ways to showcase florals. Paper florals is definitely its own fine art but I fell in love with paper foilage. Hopefully you’ll see what I mean at the next tablescape reveal!
#Fin
So, I decided to go out on a limb this year for our wedding anniversary this weekend. We did a photoshoot in our wedding clothes.
I’m serious.
Most of us can’t even wear the blouse from this time last time last year. I can’t. ( But kudos to everyone that kept there new years resolutions of weight loss .) Miraculously my idea panned out.
This year the “newlwed” cloud landed in a rough season for my husband and I and I clearly had a vision for how to commemorate and treasure a year of loss and joy and triumph. Reminding each other of the eternal promises we made “for better or worse… in sickness and in health.”
Life is a growing process.
Life takes it time.
Time heals all things.
Not just fortune cookie wisdom.
This photoshoot meant so much more than just reminiscing from “I do” three years ago, this still is an emotional renewal of the faith and promise of loving deeper; especially when it doesn’t always feel loving.
I was super fortunate to cross paths with amazing knit queen and local photographer Lea Thompson of Velvet Paper Photography who just happened to be working with me on a future IG giveaway (shhh… more about that later) and offered an open photo session that we miraculously fit into.
And thus this idea of SAME CLOTHES. BETTER PEOPLE was born.
Because… its true.
I’m better because he loves me when I’m physically at my worst.
He’s better because I love him at his darkest and lowest moments.
We’re better because we keep running back to God in the midst of pain and sorrow and confusion.
We’re better because God keeps loving us to love each other deeper, especially when the answer is no.
Our wedding day symbolized all that and more. What better way to remember eternal promise than with the love of your life?
This whole experience was surreal. In seeing the photos, seeing the joy and the love that endures past the pain of optimistic failure, low self esteem, multiple miscarriages and a crazy amount of personal soul searching. The greatest of these is love. We stuck to it. And we’re better for it.
—
So I began my FB post:
In our nearly 7 years of life together this year was really a rough patch.
“For better or for worse…In sickness and in health…. and the greatest of these is love.” These words have such deeper meaning now than the first time we said it to each other.
This season has given us deeper purpose. It’s taken us through winding narrow paths. Roads less traveled.
It’s easier to scoot it under the rug and not wield the bad times as times of promise. But it was a promise. A promise from our Maker. A promise to a man filled with the characteristics of God. A promise to myself.
Inch by inch in weaving Gods love into the fabric of our lives, we’re certainly not the same ‘Danielle + Kevin” from three years ago. We’re better.
We see it in lives present. We feel it in lives lost.
In our clothes
In our skin
Between soulsWe still ‘do’.
“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good…” – Genesis 1:31
#InTheBeginning #MSfamily #WeddingAnniversary
We’re a graphic design firm firmly planted to provide fresh logo design, driven creative branding, precise print collateral, and dynamic web design.
Plain and simple: we love what we do. Contact us today!
We’re the real creative connoisseurs. We are planning thoroughbreds that take the lead. We are experts in graphics, project management, sweet treats, amazing cakes, rocking photography, the dougie and righteous hi-fives. We assist businesses and individuals in building powerful brands for today and tomorrow. We are women, mothers and dreamchasers. We ignite cultural influence and believe in it like a cold Ale-8-One. This is Octane.
