Kayd Design

Super Bowl Freebies!

2012-02-04T11:55:00.000-06:00

I had a great time working with Style-Architects for their Big Game styled shoot.
Head on over to Style-Architects for tips on throwing a Chic Super Bowl Party and download printable files to help decorate (designed by me!)
Thanks Canary Grey for the wonderful photos

I have a new home!

2011-11-03T06:36:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to let everyone know that I got a new job! For a little over a month now I walk into Target Headquarters, swipe my badge and go up to the 21st level where I'm greeted by a floor an insanely awesome designers and thinkers.

I work for the Hard and Homelines division as part of Product Design and Development for the Trend and Brand Team as an Assistant Trend Designer. Whew!

Being part of the Trend and Brand team, our goal is to uphold the brand standards of Target's Owned Brands (Target Home, RE, Circo, Smith and Hawken...) and gather and develop season trend information that can be passed on to the designers in the other departments (like Tabletop, Decorative Home, Bedding...)

Basically, my job rocks. :)

Here's an interview that was just in Minnesota Monthly this month about my department:
http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/November-2011/Hitting-the-Bullseye/

I'm still available for freelance projects and happy hours so don't be shy!

Identity: Windy Knolls Farm

2011-10-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

Identity project for Windy Knolls

Invitations: Lauren and Jordan

2011-09-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

These have to be one of my favorite invitation designs. Lauren and I go back to the danceline days of Eagan High School and that's also when her and Jordan started dating. Her wedding photos are phenomenal and really capture the personalization of the wedding and what a great time everyone had.

Wedding photography from Studio 220

Invitations: Liz and Kenny

2011-09-02T08:43:00.001-05:00

I am a huge fan of themed weddings and was really excited when Liz told me she wanted to incorporate a historical feel and an elegant fun flare into her invitations. San Fran is where Liz and Kenny met and ultimately where they got engaged so what better way to set the mood than the Golden Gate Bridge and a little trolly?

Wedding Photo from Alta Prima Creative

Invitations: Brenna and Charlie

2011-09-02T00:34:00.001-05:00

Brenna is a friend of Erica's and was a super easy bride to work with. She already had ideas of what she wanted and that included a handy strip of paper adhered to the back of her invitation to hold the cards together. We came up with a simple design and followed through with brunch cards, programs and table numbers.

Insipration photos from Pinterest
Wedding photo from Graddy Photography

Invitations: Brittney's Bridal Shower

2011-08-31T18:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun invite I worked on for Brittney's bridal shower.

Photos from Pinterest

Invitations: Erica and Charles

2011-08-30T23:27:00.001-05:00

The way Erica and I met was completely coincidental. We were both browsing the aisles at Paper Source. She was looking for invitation designs and asked if I worked there - I didn't but happened to know everything she needed! We snuck out and met up to talk invitations.

We chose a classic design and developed a family monogram. The design elements were carried out to table numbers, place cards, guestbook inserts, stickers and signage.

Photography by: Capital Photography

Branding: Mediamazing

2011-08-26T06:26:00.001-05:00

Here is a recent project Abhrajeet and I worked on: Mediamazing.
Mediamazing specializes in digital strategy, production and entertainment services. As a power-couple, Travis and Bridget can take care of all your needs - from video production to copywriting and from DJing to social media.

Featured: Magazines

2011-08-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

Before the month runs out I thought I'd share that By Elizabeth Dehn and Style-Architects were featured in the August 2011 issue of Minnesota Monthly!

Looking back, it doesn't look like I posted about By Elizabeth Dehn being featured in the June issue of MSP Mag!

Featured: The Dieline

2011-06-17T07:41:00.001-05:00

If you haven't already heard the fantastic news: Elizabeth Dehn and I were featured on The Dieline for her fab product line! Check it out

Product Design: By Elizabeth Dehn

2011-05-08T11:38:00.002-05:00

I'm SO excited to introduce you to By Elizabeth Dehn, a luxe line of natural beauty products. Elizabeth Dehn, a beauty-writer in Minneapolis, contacted me to design labels for her skin care line and we instantly clicked. I can't wait to get my hands on some face spray.

Elizabeth is throwing a launch party to celebrate her new products on Thursday, May 12 from 6-8.

Check out her website to get the full scoop on her lovely products:

Photography by Amber Procaccini

Branding: Jenna Kay

2011-05-05T13:47:00.002-05:00

Have a lot of photos but don't know what to do with them? Want a scrapbook but don't have time? Leave it all to Jenna Kay, making memories last. Jenna enjoys taking the time to make your scrapbook personal so you can relive the memories you've created. She also creates wedding and party invitations. Check out her facebook page for more samples.

Logo: The Morning Kings

2011-05-02T22:24:00.003-05:00

The Morning Kings just got a brand-spankin' new logo. Check out some of their music.

Branding: Casey V Photography

2011-02-01T08:07:00.001-06:00

I've very excited to announce the launch of Casey's new photography website, Casey V Photography. I met Casey helping her my cousin Amber shoot this wedding. Casey does great work so if you're looking for a photographer check her out!

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Stay tuned for the design process and other materials for Casey.

My Wedding: Will you...

2011-01-30T12:42:00.001-06:00

It's official - I've asked my bridesmaids!

Now onto designing our save the dates!

Website: Christina Holm-Sandok

2011-01-25T23:02:00.000-06:00

I'd like to introduce to you one of my favorite clients... drum roll please.... meet Christina Holm-Sandok, founder of Style Architects. You may remember the website debut of Style Architects a few months ago. Her business aims to help lifestyle companies create authentic brands through design and communication. Christina does editorial and styling work in the fashion and beauty industry and her own website showcases her portfolio.

So what are you waiting for? Go and checkout:
Christina's Website | Christina's Blog | Christina's Twitter
Style Architect's Website | Style Architect's Facebook | Style Architect's Twitter

My Year in a Nutshell: 2010

2011-01-02T19:56:00.003-06:00

Mighty Swell

2010-12-09T21:13:00.000-06:00

I'm super excited to be a part of this season's Mighty Swell. Be sure to clear your schedules this weekend and head on over to Tarnish and Gold to get some holiday gifts.

Here are just a few of the rings I'll be selling

Olivia :: Class of 2011

2010-10-31T18:51:00.001-06:00

I had such a great time with Olivia and her mom this weekend taking some senior photos. Olivia is a friend of Megans and is on Eagan Dance Team (just like I was!). She was very into climbing trees, sitting in fields and even dipping her feet into the lake all for the sake of senior photos.

I'm Employed!

2010-10-28T01:49:00.001-05:00

I am the newest intern at Catchfire

**update: I was hired as a Graphic Designer

Red Shoe Photo

Anthony

2010-10-27T23:05:00.000-05:00

Meet Anthony... what a good looking fella!

Anthony is friends with Megan and Seth and his mom will hopefully be making my wedding pie (yum)! Anthony is a great guy, willing to stand in any field and loves his truck. At the end of this senior photo session Anthony took me mudding. Yes ladies and gentlemen I went mudding (only briefly though because there wasn't a lot of mud).

Homecoming Photos

2010-10-09T22:16:00.001-05:00

Homecoming is my favorite time of the year - mostly because it was the push for Abhrajeet and I to begin dating back in 10th grade.

This year my cousin is in 9th grade and attending her first high school homecoming! Alex went to many of my homecoming/prom photos and I knew I didn't want to miss the opportunity to be at hers.

Al -you looked beautiful. I hope you had a great night!

Apple Orchard with Devon

2010-10-08T22:26:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I met up with my old CaringBridge teammate Caryn at an apple orchard to test out my new lens on her handsome little man Devon. Devon is a great runner, loves planes and can devour an entire apple. Caryn and Brian - if the daycare ever falls though you can ship Dev to me and I'll keep an eye on him :)

Here are my other shoots of Devon + family
Devon 1 year photos
Devon 7 month photos

My Little Munchkin

2010-09-28T22:32:00.000-05:00

Photo from Kicky Pants

Don't forget to check out the Kicky Pants website!

Arny :: Class of 2011

2010-09-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

This is my brother Arny. (don't you see the similarities?)
Actually he's my fiance's brother but since I've been around since Arny was 10 we act like siblings.
Senior photos were very chill - if you don't know Arny he's a very laid back, go with the flow, into artsy things kind of a guy. The greatest thing of all is that I can call Arny up anytime to do another round of Senior Photos. Our first shoot was in India and we got some great shots when we were in Puri and Noida. The second shoot was at Caponi Art Park in Eagan where Arny has volunteered. There will most likely be a third post of us walking around Minneapolis, finding graffiti and Arny sporting his new glasses. Thanks Arny!

David :: Class of 2011

2010-09-25T21:11:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take advantage of possibly the last nice day Minnesota will see until spring and was thrilled when David jumped on board for some spur-of-the-moment photos. David is a senior this year and friends with Seth and Megan. I first met David's younger sister when I taught Eaganettes, a summer dance class - little dd I know that all the families were connected and we would be spending many gatherings together. David is easy going and we shared in some good laughs about his parents at their first 'senior photo shoot'. When I first went through the photos I was amazed by how old David looks. (seriously time flies by!)

If you're near Duluth...

2010-09-24T00:11:00.000-05:00

My friend Josh and his cousin opened their shop up in Duluth and I couldn't be more excited for them! They are having a grand opening party with tons of great music including Sector7G and Evedea, some hand-blown glass pipe raffles and a sale! What could be better?

So if you're in the Duluth area check out the grand opening party!

Saturday, Sept 25th 11am-9:30pm
30 West First Street, Duluth Minnesota

and check out their new website: www.legacyglassworks.com

Megan :: Class of 2011

2010-09-14T01:07:00.001-05:00

After Seth's photo session Megan came and joined us at the park for her own senior photos. The two families along with Abhrajeet's family grew up together digging for bugs. (Most likely this was mainly the boys. I'm sure the girls did something equally as fun though.) I got a few shots of Megan and Seth together... now we're just missing Arny for an all-senior shot. Megan's shoot was much different than Seth's and included U-turns, trespassing and hummus. (yum!) Megan is an extremely gorgeous gal with beautiful eyes and knew how to work the camera. There are so many great photos from the shoot - here are just a few.

Seth :: Class of 2011

2010-09-14T00:40:00.002-05:00

The weather has been absolutely fantastic the past few days - not just for yard work but also for some senior photos! Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Seth. Seth is a family friend who is basically family. I've known Seth for almost 6 years now and I can't believe he's already a senior and how grown up he looks. (very handsome!) If we were in India I would call him a cousin and he would call me Katie didi (older sister). We walked around the lake trail at a nearby park, caught up on our summer adventures and took some photos. The location was absolutely perfect since Seth loves the outdoors.

Oh and Seth... I'm really digging your new glasses!

Branding: em.my events

2010-09-13T00:26:00.001-05:00

I'm super excited to announce that my friend Emmy is starting up her own event planning business! It's called em.my events. (get it! Her name is Emmy and it's your event .... so MY Events. hehehe clever) She is extremely organized, has the biggest passion for event planning and is the most happy-go-lucky person I have ever met. She will plan any type of occasion - from birthdays and weddings to organizational events. Anyone throwing a party would be lucky to have her as your go-to-gal!

To get em.my events started I designed a logo, business card, facebook fan page, blog and twitter account. Even if you don't have a party to throw right away start becoming acquainted with her business - I'm sure she will have plenty of wonderful things to share!

Event Branding: Amber's Baby Shower

2010-09-01T22:28:00.001-05:00

I'm back from India and I have a lot of news and projects to share. First up: My cousin's baby shower!

I teamed up with my aunt Barb to throw the baby shower of the century for my cousin Amber. We made a great team especially considering that we were half way across the world from each other and I didn't have internet to communicate most of the time. The food was absolutely tremendous and it was great to catch up with the ladies of the family - 23 of us.

I took cues from Amber's nursery inspiration and designed lots of flags that went with our 'oh boy' theme. Check out all the photos & enjoy!

Personalized glasses

I think Alex-Marie had 6 or 7 bars. sooo tasty

I told you the food was delicious - and these were just the appetizers

napkin wraps

oh boy waterbottles


Barb made and frosted these cookies - so cute!

Here are the games we played

time for dessert!

Best of luck Amber with your little guy! Can't wait to meet him!

We're heading to India

2010-07-23T01:12:00.002-05:00

That's right... I'm traveling to India with my boyfriend and his brother to visit relatives and do a little soul searching. Follow our travels on my other blog: http://summersquashing.blogspot.com/

Need something designed? I will be back August 20th and would absolutely love to be a part of your next project.

Logo: Legacy Glassworks

2010-07-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

Legacy Glassworks is a glass blowing company started by my friend Josh. They have really beautiful work and are looking to open a store. Legacy needed a logo re-design. This new mark can now be applied to a variety of things while still keeping the look consistent. The website re-design should be up shortly. Legacy Glassworks will be vending at Moondance Jam in Walker Minnesota, July 14-17. Check them out in the MDJ Saloon for tobacco pipes and glass art.

Photos : The Pustovars on the 4th

2010-07-07T12:32:00.001-05:00

I can't believe how big Logan and Grant are getting! It's fun to hear Logan's little voice as he starts warming up to people and the curls on Grant's head are to die for. I took family photos a year ago in Stillwater. I've learned a lot in a year - much more about my camera, the art of patience and trying to capture the right moment in time. It will be interesting 10 years from now when Logan looks back on all the photos and asks why he stuck his tongue out all the time.

Paddling with the Loons

2010-07-01T13:39:00.001-05:00

1 down, 9 to go.
Last weekend I took the kayak out at Sunset which means that I can cross it off my post-grad bucket list. (I originally had canoe with the loons but my dad bought two kayaks for the lake and just couldn't resist.)
My mom and I went out on our lake and I completely forgot that our view sees the sunrise, but not the sunset so it wasn't the picturesque moment I had envisioned but still pretty awesome. Before we got out the loons were chirping away (can you call it chirping?) but then after we got into the water it was silent for a good 5 minutes. Finally there was a lonesome cry from one of the loons and then they all just started chatting.

Good enough for me - Cross it off the list!

Check out my post grad bucket list

Müs Hüs Wine

2010-06-20T20:49:00.002-05:00

My parents brewed and bottled their own wine a few months back and of course they needed some wine labels!

I had a blast going through 60+ years of family photos - some of my favorites photos were of my grandparents engagements, seeing how often my mom dressed me and my younger brother alike and remembering all the time spent at the cabin. There are 30 bottles - each with a different picture and branded with "Müs Hüs Wine"

So far they've been a big hit. I think I'll brand all wine bottles from now on!

Click for more photos

Wedding Invites for A&B

2010-06-19T00:11:00.001-05:00

It's wedding season! I couldn't be more thrilled about how this invite for A & B turned out. I especially love the personal touches, including shout-outs to contributing family members and an RSVP card that was left blank in order to encourage some creative responses. It was truly wonderful to work with such a dynamic couple - I wish them the best in the years to come.

Wedding System for E&B

2010-06-06T19:16:00.002-05:00

It was so much fun to work with couple E & B. The invitation is a tri-fold complete with directions, accommodations and a perforated RSVP card. The pieces are printed on stardream paper, so although you cannot tell from the photos, there is a bit of a shine and sparkle to the paper for an elegant touch.

The whole system includes the invitation, envelope, groom's dinner invitation, thank you note, menu, name cards and wine labels. Each wine label tells a different story of the couple - including the couple's first dates, traveling experiences and the proposal.

Continue reading for more photos

New Website

2010-06-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

My new website is up and running! Check it out: http://kayddesign.com/

before:

after:

Bucket List

2010-06-02T00:47:00.000-05:00

Here's part of my Bucket List I want to have accomplished in a years time.

Lists

2010-05-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

Leave it to me to make a to-do list and a household chores list nice to look at.
The first is Pay Back the Loan: Household Chores. I am proud to say I graduated college without any debt. My parents helped me out this past semester with money and I plan to pay back the favor with doing things around the house and complete projects that are long overdo.

The second is a So Much To Do List divided up into each person's tasks. Hopefully the tasks become more fun to accomplish knowing that I can cross them off this organized list.

Up next to design:
Packing for the Cabin
Grocery List

Senior Project :: the show

2010-05-17T00:15:00.001-05:00

Words can't describe how it felt on Senior Show night. This was the moment my four years in college lead up to. It felt so unreal and everything happened so quickly.

I am so happy with the way everything turned out. I received a lot of great feedback - plenty of people said they would buy cookies from me and told me I should pitch it to a store. (I am absolutely positive that having a mixer filled with cookie dough helped draw people in to ask questions and to take a closer look)

I would like to thank my classmates for helping me along in the process, being there for bricks of cheese and crackers, laughs, stressful moments and the memories we've created.
A huge thanks to family and friends that made the trip to Menomonie to check out Senior Shows. You have no idea how much it meant to me to have you there.
To Abhrajeet - You were probably just as stressed as I was about this project. Your expertise and feedback made the final product possible. I can't believe we've made it this far.
And to my parents - thank goodness you two are artsy! You've stood by me, watch me learn from my mistakes, heard me say 'I hate it when you are always right' over and over again and have always been there when I needed to work out a problem.

Links
Senior Project :: development
Senior Project :: the goods

Senior Show Invitation
Behance
UW-Stout Senior Show

Senior Project :: the goods

2010-05-16T23:54:00.002-05:00

Since The Sweet Spot focuses on quality rather than quantity there was no better way to get that point across than to screen print as much as I could. I enjoy the unique aspects of screen printing - each pull is slightly different and there are happy mistakes. Plus you get to really experience your design work since it's all done by hand.

Packaging is a big part of my system - it's what customers would see, experience and appreciate. The three patterns, beaters, oven mits and spatulas were screen printed on boxes and bags. The tag-line, Handmade, Homebaked, Warm & Delicious is also on each element.

Thankfully I took a screen printing class this semester and a photography course. I used the open photo assignment to my advantage and was able to get in the studio to take photos for my senior project and photo assignment. 6 batches of cookies and four photo shoots later here's what I came up with:

I'm also a big fan of stationery. Although people keep telling me that letterheads are going out of style I still appreciate the hand quality of it as apposed to an email. The pattern follows on the back of the letterhead. The envelope opens on it's side and is sealed with a label that says: Deliver to.

And it wouldn't be complete without a website which can be accessed here:
http://kayddesign.com/sweetspot

Links:
Senior Project :: development
The Sweet Spot Webpage
Behance

Senior Project :: development

2010-05-16T23:23:00.000-05:00

For those that don't know, the art students at Stout finish their last semester with a Senior Show. For graphic designers, this means we create a fictitious business or service and design all the elements. After loads of brainstorming and stressful 'how can I make my show rock' moments I landed on a cookie delivery service.

I first experienced a cookie delivery service when I visited Abhrajeet in Philly. It was amazing! Who wouldn't love freshly baked cookies delivered right to your door? Then last summer, while I was at CaringBridge, cookies from Tank Goodness were delivered - in the most beautiful box ever. I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve in my project.

Much like Domino's or Jimmy John's, you can call up The Sweet Spot and order traditional cookies, or create your own recipe. The Sweet Spot team whips you up a batch, sticks it in our oven, and delivers it right to your door with some milk.

Here are just a few of my logo sketches. Have I ever mentioned that the letter 'W' may be one of the hardest letters to get right? I have pages and pages of just that single letter.

After a lot of feedback, crits, hand cramps and illustrator crashes the logo was born:

To say that I am a fan of patterns is an understatement. I wanted to incorporate baking goods into my patterns that would be a reoccurring element. I ended up with three patterns: Spatulas, Beaters and Oven Mits.

Screen Printing Pieces

2010-05-08T00:18:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I forget I have other classes this semester other than Senior Project. I'm also taking photography, art history and .... drum roll please... screen printing.

I love screen printing. My craft is not impeccable, and for a perfectionaist I am - I'm okay with that. I enjoy the fact that each pull is different, that each piece has a little uniqueness to it and that it's all hand done and not mass produced.

Stout Graphic Design Senior Show - The Waiting Room

2010-05-04T12:48:00.002-05:00

Senior Show is just around the corner. (10 days away)

Friday, May 14th 2010
7pm - 9pm

Applied Arts Building
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751

Check out the Website

Check out the Promotional Video

The Waiting Room from Sterling Vorwerk on Vimeo.

Check out the Promotional Posters (larger than life)

Senior Show : Invite

2010-04-20T20:55:00.002-05:00

My Senior Show is just around the corner. 24 days to be exact. eek!

Here are the invites that will be mailed out tomorrow to family and friends.

Four Years: 48 Projects, 43 Courses, 1 Name Change, 5 Jobs, 3 Vehicles, 4 Cameras, Countless All Nighters - All lead up to this moment:

You are invited to the Senior Show of Kayd Mustonen

Friday, May 14th 7-9pm

First Level Applied Art Building, UW-Stout.

Can't make the show? See my final Senior Project after May 17th: KaydDesign.com/sweetspot

The Gals are back!

2010-03-25T16:04:00.002-06:00

I've acquired some more old earrings and turned them into fabulous rings.

These will be the perfect accessory to any outfit. Please contact me if you would like to purchase one of these lovely ladies before I go around town looking for a consigment buyer

Meet the gals original post

Be You Campaign

2010-03-16T14:21:00.005-06:00

My first Advertising Photography project took cues from the anti-discriminatory ad by imagine’ in Amsterdam. The concept was to show people two different ways: the body style portrays their true personality and the head in the sign portrays the mask they have to put on for the world in order to 'fit in'. The ad calls for you to 'Unmask Yourself' and to 'be you'.

Wonderful learning experience. Can't wait to get back in the studio for my second project

CaringBridge : March Themes

2010-03-08T09:26:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited to share these themes with you, they were my absolute favorite to create - simple but they get a lot of feeling across. I hope they help CaringBridge members tell their story

Who in your life needs a CaringBridge?
CaringBridge is a free, personalized website that connects familya nd friends during a serious health event. CaringBridge makes it easier to share health updates and receive message of love and support

Photos : Devon 1 Year

2010-03-07T19:43:00.003-06:00

Look at that drool monster!

I went to Caryn and Brian's house today for a little photo shoot of 1 year old Devon. He is already like his daddy and loves tractors. It's insane how much he has grown since the last time I shot his photos and how interactive he is now. I'll babysit anytime Caryn!

Check out Devon's 7 month photos here

Design : Cigar Labels

2010-03-02T22:10:00.000-06:00

Recently I've been trying to schedule time to do "me" projects - just to sit down, turn on some music and design whatever I want to design without thinking about homework, the job hunt or finding a place to live.

My first finished piece are cigar labels for my boyfriend as a celebratory gift for be admitted into the University of Minnesota's Biomedical Engineering Program. (gosh that sounds good!)

May 18, 2010 is the day we'll both be back in Minnesota for good. After over 6 years together, 4 years of those being in a long distance relationship while in undergrad, I cannot be more excited to have him back in Minnesota and close to both of our families.

Invitation : Bridget & Todd

2010-02-21T19:43:00.000-06:00

Happy 1st Year Anniversary Bridget & Todd!

Here are the invitations I created while I worked at Pulp Fashion for Bridget and Todd. I can't believe that was a year ago!

From: Pulp Fashion Internship

Photo by: Vicky Weiss

Senior Project

2010-02-18T21:50:00.001-06:00

The past three and a half years have been leading up to this moment...
This semester I'm in senior project. Students in senior project come up with a business or service and create all the materials that go with it - logo, signage, ads, fliers, posters, website, packaging etc... basically everything you can imagine.

My senior show will debut on Friday, May 14th at 7pm in Applied Arts, Menomonie, WI
(mark your calendars!)

I'll post photos on here once everything is complete, I have my diploma in hand and moved out of Menomonie.

Wish me luck

Screen Printing

2010-02-18T21:35:00.003-06:00

Pretty exciting to be in Screen Printing this semester. Here is my first project - I may want to add another layer on top of white.

Freelance : AIGA Show Your Stuff

2010-02-16T17:17:00.000-06:00

Poster designed to promote an AIGA UW-Stout Student Group event

Gallery : Graphic Exposure

2010-02-10T14:35:00.000-06:00

I was obviously very excited yesterday when I found out one of my pieces made it into the Graphic Exposure 2010 Exhibition at Steven's Point.

This is the package my PDF Portfolio comes in when asking for informational interviews. It always seems to go over very well. Custom made envelope out of craft paper, Resume/Coverletter is French Paper Mod Tone Ecru.

more photos after the jump

Valentine Cards

2010-02-07T14:33:00.001-06:00

Valentine Day cards being sold for AIGA UW-Stout's Student Group

Website : AG Makeup

2010-02-05T14:33:00.000-06:00

Check out the wordpress page I pulled together for AG Makeup

Photos : AG Makeup

2010-01-23T14:32:00.000-06:00

My friend, Aimee Grosso, is starting up her own makeup and hair business.
She has gone to school for both fields and is very passionate about helping people achieve a stunning look for any occasion.

Check her out here:
Twitter
Blog
Facebook

I'm in the newspaper!

2010-01-21T14:31:00.000-06:00

I could not have been more thrilled when I received the phone call from Jerry, the new communications staff writer at UW-Stout about wanting to write a story about me and my past internship experience with CaringBridge. So far from my internet searches it's been in 7 digital papers and made it in the printed Dunn County News

The article can be found here, but is also below.

Student designs CaringBridge Web pages
Jan. 21, 2010

About seven years ago, when Kayd Mustonen was in high school, she visited the CaringBridge Web site for the same reason that most people go there: to keep track of someone she knew who was sick.

At that time, Mustonen had two classmates in Eagan, Minn., with cancer, and they had CaringBridge Web pages where friends and relatives could read about the patient’s history and current medical condition, see photos and leave encouraging notes.

When Mustonen went back to CaringBridge in the summer of 2009, she had a different mission: use graphic design skills she is learning at the University of Wisconsin-Stout to make CaringBridge an even better virtual meeting place.

As an intern at CaringBridge headquarters in Eagan, Mustonen designed 50 Web site templates for patients using the site. Each new template gives patients another option to personalize their page and help express themselves during a trying time in their lives.

Mustonen designed pages that appeal to various groups of patients, including children, women and men. Among her many colorful themes were unicorns, ladybugs, hunting and such intangibles as hope, joy, laughter, peace and love. The latter pages were a tribute to one of her ill high school classmates, who relied on those words while hospitalized.

“I’m so proud of my work because it helps somebody. I love that personalization. I feel like I have a little bit to say in somebody’s life now,” said Mustonen, who also helped with other graphic design and marketing projects at CaringBridge, including a new Web banner.

Mustonen, 22, expects to graduate in May from UW-Stout with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

With Mustonen’s creations, CaringBridge now has about 100 Web templates. She recently learned that nearly 10,000 patients are using her new theme pages.

CaringBridge, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1997. Each day, more than a half-million people log on, according to its Web site, www.caringbridge.org. It has users from all 50 states and more than 200 countries. The company has about 40 employees.

Tammy Ablan, senior Web designer at CaringBridge, was impressed with Mustonen’s skills.

“She’s fabulous. She did whatever we needed,” Ablan said, citing Mustonen’s ability to not only create attractive theme pages but to break them down so they could be attached to the Web site without further staff work.

“So she really went end to end from design to implementation. That’s what really helped,” Ablan said. “Once we gave her the parameters, she just cranked them out.”

Because CaringBridge introduces about three new page themes a month, designs by Mustonen still are being rolled out. “Even though she’s gone, she’s still helping us,” Ablan said.

John Vorwald, a UW-Stout assistant professor in art and design, called Mustonen a great student who “always puts a great deal of effort and thought into her work in every stage of production. Kayd has a good sense of design that she’s cultivated through school and her own projects.”

Graphic design classes at UW-Stout prepare students to be well-rounded designers, Vorwald said.

“Classes challenge students to think not only about how to create something visually appealing but to also consider and develop critical thinking skills about information, message and audience,” Vorwald said.

Students learn through art studio and technology classes that “develop creative and technical skills, respectively,” Vorwald said.

Before she went to CaringBridge, Mustonen had created a Web site in a multimedia class at UW-Stout. “I wouldn’t be anywhere without Stout,” she said.

Mustonen became interested in graphic design while in high school in Eagan, which is in the Twin Cities metro area. Her family home is about seven miles from the CaringBridge offices.

“I was very much into art. I took my first graphic design course and loved it. My art teacher went to Stout, and I knew Stout had a great reputation in graphic design,” Mustonen said.

Mustonen has taken full advantage of UW-Stout’s strong co-op and internship connections, which involve about 75 percent of students. Along with CaringBridge, she has had two internships at a fashion/wedding boutique in Stillwater, Minn., and another at a beer distributor in Menomonie.

In early February, she plans to host a CaringBridge workshop for other graphic design students at UW-Stout so they too can help create pages.

Mustonen has a design business, www.kayddesign.com, and is hoping to balance a full-time graphic design job with freelance work after she graduates.

After her CaringBridge experience, she wants to continue to impact peoples’ lives with her creative skills. “The people at CaringBridge are all advocates, and most of them have a story or experience. Everybody loves coming to work. It was a wonderful experience,” Mustonen said.

Freelance : Brian

2010-01-20T14:29:00.002-06:00

One of the projects I've worked on over break are posters and business cards for Brian Claxton. Brian is a friend of a friend and has been a patron of mine for almost a year now. The other projects I've done for him include Jazz Band posters and Swing Dancing Posters. Brian is a recent UW-EC grad and has a passion for music and teaching.

I designed two posters: One to be used for high schools and colleges and the other to be used in middle schools.

Best of Luck Brian finding new students. I hope your phone is ringing off the hook!

Photos : Forever Yung

2010-01-11T14:29:00.002-06:00

am in love with old photos. Mostly because they tell stories of a life somewhat forgotten. On a recent trip to my Grandma Betty's I brought over my computer and scanner and asked for photos of my gram and grandpa. I scanned a ton of photos here are just my favorites.

These are photos of my grandma at age 22, the same age I am. Pretty neat

[Betty and Lawrence Yung, 1946]

Mara-mi : Production Work

2010-01-10T14:23:00.000-06:00

I went down to Pulp Fashion in Stillwater to visit with Jen and Danie a few days ago. It was so good to see them after 8 months. Wow I can't believe it's been that long. With every one's life changes it's like 25 years flew by.

Two summers ago Danie and I helped out the Mara-mi gals finish their January 2009 line and did the mock-up and production work. We worked on a ton of boxed cards and invitations. One of my favorite projects were these die cut, fold out cards. There was 4 different pattens/artwork from outside artists that we pieced together to create a seamless look. Let me tell you they were a pain to cut each letter to see how they would look but they turned out wonderful. Jen said they even added some new pattern (the L and R have the polka dots and stripes that were added later). It was great to see these in the store!

CaringBridge : January Themes

2010-01-04T14:22:00.000-06:00

Three new styles I complete over the summer have just been deployed for CaringBridge themes

http://www.caringbridge.org/stylegallery

Packaging : NOON Wine

2009-12-17T14:22:00.003-06:00

NOON is a brand which offers two different types of wine: a chardonnay which is labeled "before" and a merlot which is labeled "after". NOON was chosen as the brand name because the word movement works well when the bottle is in use, since NOON appears the same when viewed upside down, rotated, and backwards.

Here is how my wine bottle turned out.
The sandblaster at school is out of sand and since it's so close to the end of semester they are holding off until next year to buy more sand. (bummer, but I'll live
I have every intention to sand blast these bottles like my plan in the previous posts below but until then... vinyl stickers it is.

Who in your life needs a CaringBridge

2009-12-02T14:18:00.000-06:00

I was having a rough day today until I received an e-mail from my old pod mate at CaringBridge that absolutely turned my frown upside down!

Caryn informed me that 9,883 CaringBridge users are currently using the themes I designed this summer.
THAT'S ALMOST 10,000 people!!!

I miss so many things about CaringBridge - the people, the story behind it, helping families, friends and strangers, the designing, the food :) I miss working for a place where everyone had a heart and cared.

CaringBridge has been in my life since high school when two classmates had pages. I cannot image going through a difficult health crisis without CaringBridge.

Which brings me to my next point: Who in your life needs a CaringBridge?
If you don't already know, CaringBridge is a website that helps keep loved ones informed during difficult times. In return, family and friends give patients and caregivers support through guestbook messages. It reduces time and emotional energy spent on repeated phone calls and emails and keeps everyone informed with the same, accurate information. www.caringbridge.org

CaringBridge : Featured Template

2009-10-26T13:16:00.000-06:00

Very excited to share this with you -

My friend and old CaringBridge pod mate Caryn sent me this link earlier about one of my CaringBridge templates being a feature on a news story Click the little video camera to watch the video. Here is a direct link to Shelia Davis's CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sheilatdavis/journal

Freelance : AIGA UW-Stout Student Group

2009-10-16T14:15:00.000-05:00

Posters designed to promote the design abilities of Stout's AIGA student group

This year I am the Marketing Director of UW-Stout's AIGA Student Group. Mainly I'm in charge promoting our events by seeking out members to design posters and to promote AIGA membership.

Packaging : Desi Delights

2009-10-15T14:14:00.004-05:00

Package design for a ready-to-make Bengali dessert. The package provides a culturally interested individual with an introduction to Indian cooking and the spices and ingredients involved. Mulberry bark and banana leaf papers were used to relate to the project culturally. Each individually wrapped item is shaped in such a way as to be stacked nicely inside the main package.

My absolute favorite Indian food Abhrajeet's family makes is Payesh, which is similar to rice pudding. I like mine with noodles instead of rice, and thicker rather than thinner. This idea sprang to mind when Abhrajeet suggested I start learning how to cook Indian food from his Grandmother. Coming from a mid-western family where my mom thinks that Ketchup and Salt is the only spice needed, it's taken me a bit of time to get use to the Indian dishes made at Abhrajeet's house every night. When I first had Payesh I was so thrilled that it wasn't spicy I asked for seconds.

This package ideally would be used for as a gift to give to culturally interested individuals so they can start learning how to cook Indian food and as an introduction to Indian spices. The paper I chose is Mulburry Bark and Banana Leaf paper to relate it culturally in both colors and in resources. The shape of each individualy wrapped package is taken from incents containers and allows everything to be stacked nicely in the box.

Lots of different ideas with this project and I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Can't wait for the second packaging assignment.

Freelance : Robyn

2009-10-12T14:13:00.001-05:00

Aimee's friend and recent Faces graduate Robyn Voges ask for business cards to start off her career as a makeup artist.

Freelance : Aimee

2009-10-01T14:12:00.001-05:00

My friend Aimee's last day of school was today! CONGRATULATIONS!

Here are some business cards I designed to get her started. If you every need you makeup done for any occasion go to her. (She also does hair)

Freelance : Legacy Glass

2009-09-02T14:10:00.002-05:00

My friend Josh and his cousin started a hand blown glass business and asked me to do all the promotional material including the logo, business cards, stickers and banners. They are making some amazing looking high quality products and I can't wait to get invited to see them blow. (hint hint... can that be soon please?)

Check out the website that Jared worked on: LegacyGlassWorks.com

Website is LIVE!

2009-08-28T14:09:00.001-05:00

My Website is up! Go to KaydDesign.com to check it out for yourself!

I'm so excited and so relieved to finally check this off my to-do list. Isn't the coding great? Yep that would be my amazing boyfriend's work. (Who knew we would just be able to figure all this out?) You should have seen us this summer -we both just sat on the couch working on different elements of the website with either a glass of wine, a beer or a bowl of ice cream. I definitely miss those nights now that he's gone for the summer.

Check it out in Firefox or Safari please. There's still a few tweaks that I need to figure out when viewed in IE
Comments and Suggestions are greatly appreciated as well so shoot me a note.

Freelance : Ronald McDonald House Logo

2009-08-08T14:08:00.001-05:00

Back in the spring when I was looking for a summer internship I ran into Josh, the Marketing Communications Manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities, and set up a meeting to learn more about the organization and to see if he could steer me towards the right career path. I was very impressed by the work they do for families with sick children and how close they get to the families staying with them. They had an awesome set up and even a dog running around the place. After the meeting I knew nonprofit was a path I wanted to try out.

As you can imagine, I was thrilled beyond belief when Josh asked m e 2 days later to create a logo for a new summer fundraiser. The idea is that kids can set up their own lemonade stand (with the help from Ronald McDonald House printed materials) and then donate all their proceeds to the Charity. It's a great way to foster philanthropy among the children. What a great way for kids to help other kids in need!

Here's the final logo:

Here are some elements used on the printed materials

Photo via: RMHC

Visit the website: http://www.rmhtwincities.org/lemonaid_stand.html to learn more!

Photos : The Pustovars

2009-08-01T14:06:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I went to Stillwater to visit my aunt, uncle, cousins and the little boys for some family photos.
Here are some of my favorites. The view we were shooting at was great... but the stairs to get up to the park made my calves hurt for 2 days after. (maybe I need to take up running like my cousin Leah)
The condo has a great view of the river and was a perfect spot for Lumber Jack Days
I never knew just how challenging it would be to get 2 young boys to smile at the same time. It was fun to watch Logan play on the playground with his daddy

At one point Logan wouldn't take any more photos unless he had a stick in his hand.

Thanks Mike for letting me use your camera... I love it and promise I'll return it soon :)

Workshop : Studio On Fire

2009-07-31T14:06:00.000-05:00

As soon as I heard that Studio on Fire was hosting a workshop I jumped on the opportunity! Good thing I did too because the it was sold out in a mere 2 hours. I cannot thank Ben, Salina, Eric, David (and two other workers) enough for allowing a group from AIGA MN to tour the studio, pick your brain and give the press a try.

I've known about this studio for a few years and they are constantly being featured on blogs all around the US, so I just thought they would have some huge luxury space. However, their space is pretty small in comparison to their reputation and gives it a feels that a lot of heart and sweat went into make it what it is today. They are very proud of what they do and absolutely love letterpress. Ben used to work a 40 hour work week at a firm and went home and did 40 more hours a week on his hobby, letterpress. He soon figured out that he could create a business out of this and Studio on Fire has been going strong for 10 years. (man, I hope that happens to me someday!)

Letterpress machines are pretty much ancient. It took a great deal of muscle to get one page, I could never imagine doing a thousand sheets without going to the gym to train first.

I cannot wait to letterpress something... so if you're looking to get something designed and printed this way let me know!

Studio on Fire Website, Blog
More photos on Flickr

CaringBridge :: Themes

2009-07-01T14:04:00.001-05:00

It's been an month since I've started interning at CaringBridge and they have definitely kept me busy! Today 7 of my personal page themes were deployed and can be used with anyone with a CaringBridge site.

You can check out more of their themes here: http://www.caringbridge.org/stylegallery

Remember when I decorated my desk? Well I've been pinning up my designs (all 25 of them) and it definitely gives the space a lot of color!

Photos : Caryn, Brian and little Devon

2009-06-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

I'm so thankful for my family and friends these past few months- many of them have found freelance gigs for me, helped me in my job search and let me borrow their 'much-too expensive-for-a-student' equipment. A huge thanks goes out to Caryn, a pod mate of mine at CarringBridge, for allowing me to experiment with photography on her first born. I didn't really know where to start with a photo shoot of a sixth month old but I gave it a shot anyway. I got tons of great photos of the lil drool machine playing with his parents. Here are some of my personal favorites:

So once again, thanks Caryn! Your little guys is such a charmer!

Meet the Gals

2009-06-26T14:01:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I posted a sneak peek of my new summer hobby - taking vintage earrings and broaches and making them into so dazzling and funky rings. So without further adieu, meet the girls...

Meet Alice.
This dazzling ring is the life of the party.

Meet Regina
This dazzlin' young thing is sure to draw you some attention, and who knows maybe someone will buy you a drink next time you two are out on the town.

Hello Rebecca.
Elegant burst with center pink stone makes this accessory the icing on your outfit.

Meet Norma Jean
This little pink thang of fun is perfect for those first dates.

Hello Minnie
Some striking color and a bit of shine, you know Minnie's in for a good time :)

Meet Lucille
She'll add a brilliant sparkle to any summer couture.

Meet Florence.
Elegant, Black simulated pearl enshrined with faux diamonds. She's ready for a night on the town.

Hello Evelyn.
Driving in a convertible with a scarf around her hair, this daisy can always be found in the sun.

Add one of these fine ladies to your accessories. Ask me for pricing
Each ring is unique, I can't make duplicates so be sure to tell me if you want a particular one.

CaringBridge :: One Act of Kindness

2009-06-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

I am just lovin' my internship at CaringBridge. We are wrapping up the "One Act of Kindness" campaign and my design was chosen as the wrap up banner.

Sneak Peek :: Rings

2009-06-23T13:58:00.000-05:00

Jennifer and I went to Estate sales last weekend and bought some goodies for our new hobby!

Here's a sneak peek of our new creations.
Each ring is $12 and they are unique so we cannot duplicate them.