Event Signage: Aster & Eric
It’s officially YFK’s second wedding season, and let me tell you, we’re upping our game pretty majorly. And I’m so excited that we were able to debut our upgrades with an incredibly special family wedding. With the gorgeous Carnegie Museum as the backdrop, the classic vibes and timeless aesthetic made this one feel like an absolute dream.
Failing Forward: Month Three
This month, more so than the previous two, feels the most “failure-like.” But not in the sense that I failed at a crap ton of new things, but more so failing at doing any new things at all. In the “we’re back in the thick of it, more so grinding” work mentality, I feel like I didn’t actively take any steps to try something outside my comfort zone. I’m trying to give myself grace and space – but my inner critic today is holding some judgment.
Mural: Our Bedroom
I’m my own biggest target market—at least, I definitely am when it comes to residential murals. This bedroom mural is now the fourth official mural in our home (two in my office, one in my husband’s office, and one in our fireplace). And I feel like a literal broken record because I come to this place each time a new mural is done - I feel so full, but I can’t fully describe what that full feeling is. Is it joy? Is it peace? Is it pride? Is it some sort of combo meal of feelings? What is it that I’m really trying to share? Why do murals hype me up? And how do I get everyone else to be just as excited about their own living/working/existing space?
MaddyCakes Bakes: Brand Reveal
Although this is a branding reveal, I’m stepping back into my “dance teacher” shoes to begin this blog. Part of what I love about teaching dance, specifically, is that unlink educational schooling, I get to work with the same kids season after season for as long as they dance until they graduate high school. And as I’m now in my ninth season as a teacher, I’m realizing how long that time actually is. To say that I’ve been working with a few students now for almost a decade feels wild, but more than anything, I’m so grateful to have an opportunity to make a long-standing, hopefully positive, impact.
Amanda Wolf Creative Solutions: Brand Reveal
However, our journey wasn't just about shared interests; it was about transformative growth. Over a year and some change, I witnessed Amanda's willingness to tackle the tough questions and dive into the depths of her business. The evolution from a muted color palette to an unapologetically bold one mirrors the internal shifts she courageously embraced. I’m just so grateful to have been a part of it and been able to help set the strategy to put her valuable dancer and creative resources in motion.
Month Two of Failing Forward
Somehow, it’s the end of February - which has both felt like the longest and fastest month. Unlike January, where I could hold a more balanced life/work boundary, February went full force into the work side of that sea saw. But also, unlike January, I’m taking the failure-risk level up a notch (or two). My brother-in-law and his now new wife got married at the end of the month and, as a part of me wanting to show up for them in the only way I really know how, YFK did all of their signage.
Mural: Carter Family Nursery
Y’all, I love a nursery mural moment - especially one that involves cute critters. From the moment the Carters said they wanted a woodland-inspired nursery, I knew it was going to be so good! Follow along and check out some of the process and the behind-the-scenes of this sweet nursery mural!
A Year of Failing Forward
It’s been a hot second since I’ve sat down and actually written something that’s more than a project or process explanation for this site. And while I’ve loved sharing the projects I’ve been working on and some insight into why we made the design choices we did, I’m also feeling like there are opportunities to help you all know me a bit better. I believe that creativity is one of the most human things we have, and I want to share more of my “human side” with you all.
Amanda Wolf Productions: Brand Reveal
At Amanda Wolf Productions, we're not here to simply choreograph routines; we're here to craft experiences. Our approach is rooted in the belief that your first dance should be an expression of your connection, your style, and your wedding dreams. Whether you envision an intimate, romantic sway that transports you away from the world or a dynamic performance that captivates your audience, we're here to bring your vision to life.
Lush Event Co.: Brand Reveal
You know that person who seems to know the trends before the influencers do? The one who has every single tiny detail covered in a way that makes it work so much better than anything you could come up with? Rachel Stackiewicz is one of those people, and she has the experience and eye for design to create the most lavish weddings that celebrate your love.
CaregiversNW: Rebrand
Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics: rebranding. Rebranding can be controversial, as it risks alienating your original audience. But while rebranding is risky, the reward that comes when you do it correctly is more than worth the investment. Rebranding isn’t about jumping on a new trend so you can sell more; rather, rebranding is about evolving WITH the business, with yourself. We as humans don’t stay stagnant (you may try to dig in your heels, but change and evolution are inevitable), and neither should your business.
Sierra Marie Events: Brand Reveal
You know that boujee person, the one who has it all under control, all while coordinated to match? Maybe you know them in real life, or maybe they’re someone you follow on social media. Sierra Marie is one of those people, and she has every single detail of your big event nailed down to perfection.
Event Signage: Lush Event Co.
As a details gal, my favorite thing ever is when a client asks me to help them with another component of their brand (i.e. signage, murals, and other IRL design opportunities). And what a fun opportunity to apply the Lush Event Co. branding to their first official event! I loved getting to play with the iconography and typography we had previously set - and any opportunity to use a new acrylic is my favorite!
Wedding Signage: Rachel & Matt
While I love a traditional moment (my own wedding was black, white, and gold, plus a deep emerald green), I adore couples who adore color! Planning this couple’s wedding sign suite was such a joy to bring to life! This bride really understood her wedding’s brand - and we incorporated colors, shapes, and icons throughout the set!
Wedding Signage: Riley & Tyler
This couple had a vision and were ready to go! The unofficial theme was going big, and that’s what we did! We built a custom sliding box to house the 7-foot seating chart and welcome sign combination. We tried to touch every detail, including bar signs, dessert table signs, memory table, a card box, table numbers, restroom signs, and more! This wedding also featured our first-ever sweetheart table backdrop!
Wedding Signage: Regina & Ryan
This couple wanted a warm, terracotta-inspired sign set to compliment their September golden hour, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden wedding. We played with a mix of script and seriffed lettering that enhanced the classic meets contemporary feel. The copper piping, the metallic vinyl on the welcome sign and seating chart, leather straps, and wooden block detailing helped pull everything together!
Human Services Administration Organization Mural
Refresh is the word of this project. It was the word the team kept coming back to during our initial meeting. This wall is the first thing you see when you walk into the space - we wanted to find a balance that was inviting and alluded to the business, but more so acted as a change in scenery for the employees who work there.
My Branding Process
I’m always reflecting about something. As of late, I’ve been mulling over my branding services, concerned I wasn’t articulating my process/deliverables effectively. With a year plus some change experience now officially as a freelance brand developer, I also wanted to make sure I was encompassing everything a small business would need. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been drafting and editing true branding packages – and I’m excited to share they’re finally live. There are different options to fit the needs of different business owners – like social media templates for example – and graphic design add-ons.
My Mental Health Business Tools
This path of small business ownership has been a journey filled with obstacles and challenges. Most importantly, I’ve curated a collection of mental health tools that help me find a life/work balance and a sustainable way of creating all the things I want to create without burning out every other week.
Life is Too Short for White Walls
Your Friendly Kreative is officially adding Mural Painting to their services! Live in color and pattern and find more joy in your life through the spaces you live and work in. Life is too short for white walls!