Don't Panic Design

Printable invitations are becoming more popular, and with near constant access to the internet, your resources are extensive.  There are so many options that I think it must be impossible to not get what you want.  It may take a little research, a little work refining your searches to return to you the results you want, but somehow, there is something for everyone out there, and you can find it. If you can't find it, you can always have your design custom made.  Search for created designs that have a similar sensibility and then contact the designer about custom work.  I would be willing to bet you will get a resounding, "Of course I can do that for you!" almost every time, because designing is what designers like to do, so taking on your project will be fun for them. Here are a few of the designs available on my etsy site,  http://www.etsy.com/shop/DontPanicDesign .  They're not just for weddings; I've adapted a few of these for birthdays and even bu...

When doing your own invitations, it helps to understand a little about design and print.  A lot of times you'll be asked questions you won't know how to answer, or hear terms that aren't quite clear to you.  Having a base of knowledge will help you start designing, have something designed, and definitely be useful when you have something printed.  With just a few minutes of time, you'll be that much more prepared to have a smooth printing experience, and end up with just what you want. I have chosen what I think is the most important and most useful information. This glossary is not alphabetical. Instead it is divided and sorted by subject.  Sometimes the terms used to explain the terms are defined next and so on. The first thing to know is Copyright. Copyright : A group of legal rights granted to the author or creator of written or visual work. All work appearing with the © symbol or the word "copyright" is protected by its creator or his heirs.  C...

When you set out to create the perfect invitation for any event, it's always good to know what you want. It also helps to know what you don't want and to not know what you want. So, let's start with the most important thing: knowing what you want. Unless you have the invitation in your hands, try not imagine what you want too specifically. The human mind has the capacity for endless possibility. Unfortunately, technology is limited by human ability. So imagine what you want, color, theme, paper, even size.  But be flexible and keep an open mind; sometimes what doesn't quite match our imagination has a way of becoming just what we want. After that, know what you don't want. Remember, knowing what you don't want is just as important and helpful when starting the design process.  I don't want to send a postcard, I don't want it too big, I don't want a block font.  Do you want a card that folds, or something flat? Do you want to use envelopes? ...

Well, I think I am going to attempt to update this at least weekly at first, or as the desire strikes me. Since the title of this blog is inspired by my store on etsy, I am going to start there. I have worked in copy and print for the better part of the last ten years. The interruptions in that decade have usually involved travel. I am largely self-taught in design. I had some early on training in Pagemaker (how many of you remember Pagemaker?) and taught myself InDesign. Early on, I had some wonderful teachers and mentors. From there, I have picked up different skills from others I've worked with and from trial and error. What I really learned after all this time, is how much I enjoy designing. Creating something from nothing, matching someone's imagination on the page, is awesome. Starting on something, not knowing where it will end up, and finding the end result is better than you expected, well that's about the most you can ask for you when you create somethi...

Welcome to the first post of the Don't Panic blog. While this is primarily a place to showcase new ideas in digital design, it will also be an outlet for other creative endeavors. I enjoy knitting, torn paper crafts (did I make that up?), building stuff with power tools, and spray painting stuff. I love garage sales and the Goodwill. I love a deal, but I also love to find things I can re-purpose to meet a need. Oh, and check out my etsy store for complete listings of customizable digital invitations for the ultimate DIYer. There are also personalized note cards, Thank You cards, and organizing tools. There's a button to the right. Pull up a chair, and a mouse, and feel free to ask any questions or leave any feedback, including your ideas and projects! Amy