I will never forget when I first opened Photoshop and starred at the blank screen thinking ‘isn’t it suppose to do something’.  The powerful feeling knowing the capability a tool has to provide change but being completely overwhelmed by feeling of not knowing how to use it. 

Fast forward 3+ years and yes I can open Photoshop and yes I can use most of the tools however I am the first one to admit my shortcomings when it comes to my skilz or skills!?  There seem to be a lot of photographers out there that are also designers…TALENT galore!!  I often find myself getting sucked in to all they have to offer…so I grab a bag of my amazing Canadian Ketchup Chips and watch the Bachelor to drown my sorrows.  Then the next morning after running off all those empty calories I sit back down at the computer and figure out that although design materials and all the print options and important it doesn’t have to be my forte!  I specialize in life…people!  Photographing people and freezing those life moments!

I have a friend, Jess Caskey, of Caskey Design, who has grown so near and dear to me.  She loves coffee, shoes (lots of them), has an uber trendy fashion sense, and most of all challenges me to be a better me and a better mom!  AND she is a graphic designer more importantly MY graphic designer (yes I am a bit possessive).   AMAZING doesn’t even scratch the surface of her abilities!  She has saved me…not from photoshop or from wanting to learn more but from feeling pressure…the pressure to do something that is not me.  I love photography, she loves design…a perfect MATCH …YES!! 

I am so grateful for all of the business pieces she has designed for me.  Creating is her gift & passion.  I am thankful for all the business  she has referred to me and I appreciate how she is dedicated to sticking with her forte…doing what she loves.  DESIGN!  Of course people can do it all and if you are mad talented that way – GO FOR IT!  I however admit,  album design is one thing BUT when it comes to creative fonts, textures and major amounts of layers and smart objects…you had me at ‘HELLO’. 

Whether it’s a card for any occasion or some big random project Jess is prompt, relevant and willing to try something new!  She has designed for Tullys, Bellevue Collection, and Vogue and although it may seem extravegant to hire a ‘designer’, it’s all about YOU…getting a product that YOU love and is specific to YOU, NOT a generic template.     

It’s great to find comradery in a busy world of working behind a computer!