A few of you may have noticed a change around here--a bit of a freshening up, as it were. I'm happy to say that the genius behind the fresh look of Studio Mathewes is none other than Cara McKinley, a designer I found through referrals. We hit it off, and she set about updating my logo and taking care of my website for me.

Although I have a background in graphic design and experience building websites, I wanted to hire someone else to examine my photographic image. This "someone" would be able to objectively assess the qualities I was trying to achieve, and come up with their own take on how to showcase that. Cara did an excellent job, in my opinion, and I think has wonderfully accented the things I like about my work: playfulness and elegance.

My older, more staid logo:

A newer and more energetic look:

Cara carried this through even to the website design. The deep-colored background, combined with font choice and sweeping calligraphic accents were a nice way to play off the logo design.

The old site, very sparse and simple...

The new site, a little warmer and gentler...

I think you'll agree that her updated version of my logo is an energetic improvement, and that the site has a more homey feel to it. Thanks, Cara! I asked her a little bit about herself so I could introduce her to everyone as a fabulous designer.

AN INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER CARA MCKINLEY

How did you get into graphic design?
I have always been artistically oriented, since I was a kid. I come from a family of engineers, so pursuing a career in art was never really discussed. When I went to college, I actually entered majoring in...Indecision, then nearly switched to Psychology. On the day that I went to the Psychology department to submit my degree declaration, I passed an old friend from high school. She and I had been in art club together, and she mentioned that she was switching into this 'graphic design' program, something about art that also applies to everyday life. Then she asked why I wasn't in art school. That's where everything started.

What do you like most about the design process?
I really love learning about my clients. I love interviewing them at the beginning of a project to get a sense of what they do, why they do it, how they want to interact with their clients. Graphic design is really a very scholarly vocation. I've been able to learn things about roofing, specialty pharmacy, shopping carts, running an eco-friendly retail business from home, and more, that I would never be exposed to otherwise.

Name one of your favorite projects, and why?
There are different aspects about every project that I've enjoyed, so it's hard to pick one in particular that is a favorite. I would say in general I really enjoy working with clients in art-related fields, since it's something I'm also interested in and can connect with. Also, the content that you're dealing with (photographs, paintings, etc) look beautiful on their own, and inspire the design. It's always a pleasure to work with people who are passionate about what they do, since the energy is contagious.

The number one thing you'd like to tell prospective clients about graphic design:
Well, something in general for anyone looking to have a web site built: web sites are a lot of work. Unless you have room in the budget for a copywriter or for someone updating your web site regularly (if you have a content management system), making sure that the web site has good content will fall into your lap. I've seen a lot of instances where someone decides to write the content themselves, or asks to have a blog, but never anticipates how much time and effort this takes. Make sure you allow plenty of time or plan well in advance in order to meet your deadlines, and ensure the success of your new site. It's worth the work!

See more of Cara's work at her website, or drop her a line!