print design :: Small Pond Graphics

Archive for print design

inspired by . WPA Posters

· September 4, 2012

It was very nice to spend a little extra time playing with my little ones over the Labor Day holiday, and to enjoy a break from my normal design work. It was also nice to take a few minutes to recognize how blessed I’ve been with such incredible clients to work with! I was looking back through some posts from the first year of Small Pond Graphics, and I was inspired again by posters designed through the Works Progress Administration. In my 2010 Labor Day post, I highlighted a few from the “living archive” of the Posters for the People website. This weekend, I enjoyed another look through their collection and found a few more designs highlighting the value of work that so much of our country has been built on. Enjoy!

Categories : inspire

Tags : illustrators, print design, vintage design

princely projects . Christmas in Starkville

Posted by haley montgomery

· December 14, 2011

[poster design]

This Fall, I’ve enjoyed working with the Starkville Convention & Visitors Bureau / Main Street Association to promote Starkville, MS — my town! This year’s theme for the Christmas calendar of events was “Christmas in Candyland.” Enjoy a peek at some of the Ho Ho projects from the campaign!

[event flyers]

[event billboard]

[event e-vite]

Categories : in the studio

Tags : client profiles, holidays, print design

inspired by . Work

Posted by haley montgomery

· September 6, 2010

Happy Labor Day! I am increasingly blessed these days with the opportunity simply to work–to continue serving my clients during this time when the infancy of Small Pond Graphics intersects with a challenging economy.

During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted a program called the Works Progress Administration designed to put Americans to work during a time (like today) when employment opportunities were scarce. Practicing artists were one segment of the workforce that found jobs through the WPA. Many commercial artists (the precursor term for graphic designer), photographers, painters and other artists were put to work in public service projects across the country. These projects produced some of the most recognized photographs documenting the environment and history of our nation during that time period. In addition, if you look around your own small pond, you might find a mural or painting in a local post office or public building that was produced through the WPA. On this Labor Day, I’m inspired by examples of the extensive collection of public service posters that were created through the Works Progress Administration. Many showcase outstanding illustration and screen printing techniques, and some of my favorites include great uses of art deco-style typography and composition. Here are a few examples. To view an organically grown collection of WPA poster examples, visit Posters for the People.

Categories : inspire

Tags : print design, vintage design

favorite things . Design-Your-Own Stuff

Posted by haley montgomery

· September 1, 2010

Being a designer by trade and by obsession, I’m always inspired by products that let me customize or add my own creative touch. I found several great products recently that let you do just that. I posted them a few weeks ago at the Small Pond Facebook Page, but I thought I’d share them here as well. Be inspired to create your own designer stuff!

DESIGN YOUR OWN… Dinnerware at LAPLATES.COM
You can choose your pattern, color and monogramming style for these great melamine plates. A great hooray for the waning days of summer outdoor party fun!

DESIGN YOUR OWN… Pillows and Bedding at INMOD.COM
Wow is all I can say about the great patterns and options available with this great product. There is truly something for every style. For pillows you can choose your own pattern, fabric option, size and colors to fully customize your look.

DESIGN YOUR OWN… Boardshorts at SHORTOMATIC.COM
I love this product! These shorts make me want to head to Venice Beach in a convertible and sing Beach Boys songs. You can choose your style and colors right down to the custom text printed on the inside waistband. You make them your own by uploading your own artwork file and positioning it on the shorts. What do you think? Princely shorts?

DESIGN YOUR OWN… Notecards & eInvites at AGADABOUT.COM
This designer has some great illustration options that are available for monogramming or printing with your full name. One thing I really love is the iPhone app that lets you customize and send designer e-invitations straight from your phone. Very cool.

Categories : favorite things

Tags : fashion design, print design, tableware, textile design

Hello & welcome! I’m Haley Montgomery, and I’m the designer and owner of Small Pond Graphics. I sometimes fancy myself a frog kisser— a documentarian coaxing poignant moments from unexpected places. This blog has evolved from those moments.

The small Pond FIELD GUIDE is part diary, part sketchbook, and part wish list – an archive of ordinary wonders. For years, this space has housed my stories – creative ideas, vintage inspiration, our forays into curious places, and the simple artifacts of quiet of conscious living. Through watercolor, photography, and illustrated tales, these pages uncover the blessing of ordinary days and the wonder found in authentic places and pursuits.

I invite you to open the boxes.
Peek into the drawers.
Rustle through the pages.
I’m honored to have you here.