Greeting Cards - Everday Subject Art - sized to printed card: 6 5/16" square or round:

Due March 2nd, 2011

This client has some art by Iclal landing in stores this summer.
They pay an advance plus a royalty on sales.

If you have anything, please send us your jpgs by email.

Select Cards:

everyday subject categories that will scale to a printed card

size of 6-5/16” square or round.

Thank you,
Kim

Greeting card appropriate artwork in all

Purse Designs - very specific references

Hi Everyone,

We have sold this client a purse design or two in the past.
They pay competiviely for their designs.

They just sent me these references below of what they are seeking.
Since they are actively seeking art for these - please send whenever available.
I will send to the buyer if any art "rolls in".

Please send jpgs if you have something very similiar in "look and feel" as these references.

Thank you,

Kim

I love Sundays...Art by Marcela.

The art above is by Marcela.
I can not say enough nice things about Marcela.
Marcela not only sends us great designs consistently and cheerfully but she also always sends her love in each email.
And we feel it.
Marcela has been contributing to Kim Designs for about four years and resides in Argentina.
Marcela has her own line of clothes on Etsy!  I am very proud of her accomplishments.

It's 29 degrees out - but this art by Elle Jane makes me think Spring!

The art above and below is by Elle Jane.
Elle Jane resides in Maryland, USA.
She's been contributing to Kim Designs for about two years.

Today - we are wrapping up the Umbrella PDF

Hi All - Today Chanta will be wrapping up the Spring/Summer 2012 Print PDF we will submit to this client and others that ask us for new prints in this "flavor".
Thank you for all the design support.  - kimHLY C O N F I D E N T I A L

Company:

Umbrella Client

Due:

February 25, 2011

Project Manager(s):

Kim

Email from Client:

Hey Kim,

I am beginning to look around for Spring 2012 prints. This year, we are looking for super simple, but

interesting prints. A good reference for these would be Orla Kiely

http://www.orlakiely.com/

and prints like Boden makes ( http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Clothing.html#nav)

Please send along print ideas when you get a chance.

Thanks!

Note from Kim:

I was at Costco and saw this umbrella brand there. They also support major retailers such as Neiman

Marcus, REI and Nordstroms with their own private-label designs on their umbrellas. Many KD

designers have sold to this client in the last three years.

This client expects layered files in repeat for their purchase price.

If you submit for this - write: Umbrella Prints for Spring 2012 in email subject line.

Send jpgs by email to me and Chanta@kimdesigns.com.

We then put all the jpgs we receive in a PDF for client review.

Which we also share with other clients seeking prints for Spring 2012.

We love to “RECYCLE” art for many clients.

Also upload all designs you do for Kim Designs - into mykimdesigns.com or mystrikeoff.us.

This way - other clients may have the opportunity to purchase your work.

The way I think: First Come - First Served = Most immediate sales for us.

________________________________________________________________________________

 

Do not pass this document to anyone! And please, never contact the client directly if client is known.

Happy Friday! Art Love...

This art is by Talia.
Talia may or may not realize it - but her art and design motivated me 70 months ago to start KimDesigns.com.
Talia is a single mom that resides in Israel.
Her enthusiasm for design - moves me to wake up as early as possible to make opportunities for us.

Julie also thought some of you may enjoy this - Sock_It_To_Me Contest

Kim Note:   Each day as I "plug" our great art/designs, I realize, day-in, day-out, that we increasingly live in a very competitive, low-risk client environment.  At the end of the day, with so many of us vying for sales/opportunities, I realize this business is a labor of love, in passion,  in the pursuit of the beautification of North American retail.  :)

With this said, another spin on this....

Hi Kim

Found this cool contest that your designers might like to try out.

it is clever of the company to invite designers too - I am sure it 

will give them many new designs and will cost little money.

https://www.sockittome.com/cart/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page_id=10

Hugs

Julie

Trend Information

This is an email ad I received - Thought it may be of interest...

The Winter 2011 Maison & Objet Show in Paris

conveyed a comprehensive message about the on-going economic recovery.

Here's some of what you need to know about this important International Show:

COLOR NEWS

- Red-cast Blues took the lead in color

- And Hot-Pinks popped up repeatedly

MATERIALS & FINISHES

- Linen was key

- Denim looks raced forward

- Felt grew dramatically 

PATTERNS & THEMES

- ZigZags were the way to success

- The 1940's were an emerging theme

- Contemporary went cubist

To learn more about Maison & Objet Winter 2011 colors and trends, please visit:  

http://tdcv.us/eQBLEu

Print BlogSpot

Julie reminded me of this blogspot - which does appear very cool in content:

http://printpattern.blogspot.com/

Thanks Julie.
Enjoy,
kim

Quote for Today:

Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.  ~Pablo Picasso

No Monkeying Around for Today...

Annie B's Art is a fun start for today:

Annie has been contributing for about one year to Kim Designs.
Annie lives in Vermont, USA and produces Maple Syrup - yum!

All Kim Designs Product Sightings - ask Chanta to see file.

If you are new to Kim Designs - check out where our designs have landed in the last several years - simply email Chanta@kimdesigns.com to receive the PDF.

Product Sighting - Art by Sally S. for Garnet Hill

The Tree Art was done by Sally S. at Kim Designs.
Sally resides in Vermont.
Sally has been contributing to Kim Designs for approximately three years.

A touch of art for this morning by April G. - Wednesday 2.23.2011

My children were asking me when Easter is ..they love the Easter Bunny.
This art came to mind so I thought I'd share because it makes me smile and think Spring.

The Easter Art above is by April G.
April resides in Missouri, USA.



Question by M.L. / Answer by BG

Hi All,

I am sharing this hoping it may help others for uploading to mykimdesigns.com and mystrikeoff.us.  See below. 

A special note of thanks to all of you "behind the seams" here that help fellow KD contributors out.  Many of you share your expertise in design with those that do not have the immediate information they need to contribute or get a job done.    Like BG has done below with M.L.

Question by M.L.>

Hi there,

I'm running into an issue in regards to resizing my artwork (JPEG photos) to be no more than 648 pix in height or width as requested for uploading to your site, I am able to custom resize them, however part of the image gets cut off. 

I also have not been able to find out what dpi my images are.  I run a mac with iphoto.  Is this going to make it impossible to upload to your site?  I do not run windows or Firefox, as mac has Safari, which is excellent (no glitches), but may be incompatible with what you run.

Sorry if this is a mess, but I've tried to solve it myself with no success.

I would appreciate any help you can offer,

Thank you!

M.L.

REPLY by BG at Kim Designs >

Download photos from IPhoto. Open up photos in photoshop and make sure your document size is no larger than 9 inches square. Save your file for web and save as a jpeg. That jpeg will be 72 dpi.

Make sure your 72 dpi jpeg is no more than 648 pix. Open this low res file to see if pixals are no larger than 648. In other words when you open up your jpeg in photoshop and notice the pixals are 649 or larger then change them to 648. Try to see if this works.

Working with a mac and Safari should not be a problem with images being cut off.

BG

(BG has been contributing to Kim Designs for about three years.  Thank you BG!)

New York! New York! Found some of Daisy's work on shirts

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for my delay.
Below is a quick "photo preview" of my trip to Manhattan where I met Jones New York Apparel Group and Aeropostale.

Met with Jones - Below is a snapshot of their entryway to the office:

The buyer reminded me (poor memory on my part) that they purchased this art from KD (Daisy) last year:

Then, I headed to Aeropostale....

Went through their entire department...it was very cool to review how they bring their lines to "life" and their mood boards were incredible.

I am now in touch with the buyer to get her list of needs for Spring/Summer 2012.

More soon on this.

Bon nuit!
Kim

This email promotion was just sent out...Kim's Favs

Whirl"wind" trip to Manhattan - I am back!

Hi All,

I had a great trip to Manhattan.  I need to type up my notes so more soon.
It was windy there!

Kim "on location" (Haha) in Manhattan on 2.18.2011

Off to Manhattan - Travel Art by Amit (one of Kim Designs first contributing designers):

Amit resides in India.  Amit has one son - Om.

Manhattan - here I come

There is a plane seat with my name on it in the morning (doing business as Kim Designs).

With designs and awesome prints in hand, I will be visiting our clients Aeropostale and Jones New York.
Please know that this week, we have combed our files for the best candidates for this meeting.

With any luck, we will win some business and if I am lucky - I will get to take a run in Central Park Saturday morning which is one of my favorite things in the world...(okay, if you don't know this by now - I am an avid runner).

If you have questions/needs - please direct them to Chanta (chanta@kimdesigns.com).

With cheer,
Kim

Art below by Ritika - love it!

Oprah Quote - I like...zig zagging

I have created a life by stepping out of the box of people's limitations.

I call it zigging when others are zagging.

 -Oprah

"Oh la la" for today by Elliot P...

Elliot lives in Florida, USA

Wow - an email from Karo that nearly made me cry

Just received this email from Karo.  (below)  I share the email she wrote me with everyone because her writing that to me is like a dream come true to me.   

I started KD to create a platform for folks that God gave the gift of "art" to.  My dad was an artist but his dad beat him with a belt if they caught him drawing.  They said - you will starve as an artist.  "Go be a trash collector - they always have work".  (Or so the story my dad told me went).  It didn't help that my father grew up during the depression era in America in the 1930's.   

So - how neat for my company to be a platform for artist.  So, it's with vigor and enthusiasm that I start my day with your art and the strong desire to make opportunities from your creative talents.

Email from Karo is below.

Dear Kim,

Thank you for posting all these interesting things on your blog. I feel like I am part of a community. ( and that is the best thing ever )

Karo

========
My father passed away three years ago in January 2008.

My favorite design du jour...by Shubha

This design is by Shubha.  Shubha lives in India.

New Call for Spring Art for Umbrellas - DUE 2/25/2011

Our umbrella client is back for Spring 2012 options for their lines.

Client wrote me:

Hey Kim,
I am beginning to look around for Spring 2012 prints. This year, we are looking for super simple, but interesting prints. A good reference for these would be Orla Kiely
http://www.orlakiely.com/
and prints like Boden makes ( http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Clothing.html#nav)
Please send along print ideas when you get a chance.
Thanks!

==========Note:  I was at Costco and saw this umbrella brand there.  They also support major retailers such as Neiman Marcus, REI and Nordstroms with their own private-label designs on their umbrellas.  Many KD designers have sold to this client in the last three years.
This client expects layered files in repeat for their purchase price.

If you submit for this - write: Umbrella Prints for Spring 2012 in email subject line.
Send jpgs by email to me and Chanta@kimdesigns.com.

We then put all the jpgs we receive in a PDF for client review.
Which we also share with other clients seeking prints for Spring 2012.
We love to "RECYCLE" art for many clients.

Also upload all designs you do for Kim Designs - into mykimdesigns.com or mystrikeoff.us.
This way - other clients may have the opportunity to purchase your work.
The way I think:  First Come - First Served = Most immediate sales for us.

Thank you!
Kim

A Greeting -

I really enjoy knowing more about the world celebrations through the KD designers who reside worldwide.

Yesterday, Muhammad shared this greeting with me.  So, I pass it to you as well in an effort to share the awareness.  I had asked him what the card said as I could not read it.

Have a good day - kim

From Muhammad below:

Dear kim

This card was saying congratulations on Birth Day of Holly Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him).we are celebrating this day with cheers and happiness and love

thanks

Go to www.superstock.com - see new art by Mark W. at Kim Designs

Good Wednesday Morning Everyone,

We get checks quarterly from our art and designs on Superstock.
Check out our latest editions by Mark W.
Go to http://www.superstock.com/ and search Kim Designs in the search box.
Rights-Managed (all KD art on Superstock is Rights-Managed).

There you will see some of Mark's astounding new art.

Consider your art and photography on Superstock as well.
If yes, contact cesca@kimdesigns.com and copy me!  (kim@kimdesigns.com).
The file requirements are stringent in quality because it's for media applications.

Thanks All!
Kim

KD "Stuff" - Feedback on our art/designs

Hello Everyone,

We often get asked by you, the designers/artists, for feedback on the art that is submitted.  When some revision/idea strikes me - I wil offer an idea on maybe how to make it stronger for the client review based on my experience.

But, in the nearly six years I have been doing Kim Designs - maybe a dozen times, a client actually offered us a bit of advice or thoughts on the designs we submitted.  And believe me, I would share it with the designer.

I will say we do get some "blanket replies" - like "WOW, these are great".
Or, "Not for us".

To be honest, we are lucky if we get a thank you for our efforts.

Clients (like all of us) are super busy.

They contact us when they need something OR when they want to buy.
Otherwise, it's pretty dim in the "email tunnel" we live within.

Hope this helps a bit...
With cheer,
Kim

Due 2/18/2011 - Paperware for Staples

Happy Tuesday,

This week Chanta and I will be pulling Plate/Napkins for the competitor to the other company that we are working with on plate/napkins.

We will be "recycling" for this client much of what we have on file.
But if you have new - send our way.

Client writes:

Hi there,

 I am working on program of party ware for  Staples, so I’m looking for designs on paper plates and napkins that would be used in an office to celebrate birthdays, showers, promotions, retirement, and such. I’m open to ideas,  a mix of some edgy humor office humor, celebrations,  and all occasion , Please send lo res jpegs my way to start.

Thanks,

Update for Plate/Napkin Art Due 2-26-11

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to remind you to please send all submission for this art call to Kim and I.

We look forward to seeing your patterns.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

~Chanta
Kim Designs/Strike-Off

Happy Valentine's Day...I send my love for all the great designs and art you share with us here at "Team Kim Designs":

Love Art Featured Above by Talia - Talia was one of the founding designers at Kim Designs.  No other artist has contributed more art and designs than Talia.  Talia resides in Israel.

I like this celestial design by Chris....

Christine recently joined Kim Designs.

Another Paper Plate / Napkin Design Request - Due Feb. 26th 2011

Good Sunday Morning Everyone,

See below.

This just in from the nation's largest paper plate/napkin distributor.  We have been submitting for five years to this company.  We have probably sent them close to a thousand submissions over the years - and had success about five times.  I just wanted you to know that this is a highly-competitive client to reach.

Themes they are seeking are Bridal, Juvenile Girl/Boy and Pet.
That is what their trend boards represent.

From the client:

Greetings All!

Here’s group 2 trend boards for our ED12 catalog line.  One thing I forgot to mention in my previous email is our compensation. First off, all designs are submitted on spec.  Then, if a design of yours is selected & finalized for our line, it can fall into one of 2 brands that we carry.  Our Paper Art brand (party channel) is $1,000 advance with royalty of 5% for tableware and 2.5% for décor.  Our other line is Party Creations (food & drug channel). It is $1,000 advance with 2.5% royalty on all items.
Deadline:  Saturday, February 26th, 2011
Our schedule for Group 2 as follows:
 Kick off: 2.8.11
 Designs due: 2.28.11  8am EST
 1st Review: 2.28.11
 Contact Artists: 3.1-3.11
 Revisions due: 3.8.11
 2nd Review: 3.10.11
 Contact Artists: 3.11-15.11
 Revisions due: 3.17.11
 PDF ready to send out: 3.21.11
 Sales/Key Act Feedback***: 3.21-23.11
 Regroup to discuss feedback 3.24.11
 Contact Artists: 3.25-28.11
 Revisions due: 4.1.11 8am EST
 Select Design/3rd review: 4.1.11
 Revisions due: 4.11.11

The creative briefs are proprietary information.  Please do not share with others – time to be selfish and think of yourself first :)

ASK Chanta@kimdesigns.com to see these.  Chanta will email them.

Keep in mind that we do ask if a design of yours is selected that you place your artwork on our templates that we will provide.  We have made them more user friendly.  Hopefully this will aid in overall efficiency.

If you have not heard from us by April 18th, please consider your artwork available for other channels/opportunities.

We are very excited to see your submissions!


---
Have a great Sunday!
Kim

Does anyone want to try their hand at a line of rug designs?

Attn:  Rug Design Folks

We have a client that purchased about $20,000.00 in designs from Kim Designs last year.
The client called - he needs a line of six rugs.
He gave me a list of what he wants - mostly nature themes.
I am trying to find references that may inspire him to say yes to the ideas - before we get started.

Client will pay about $350 - $500.00 per design.
However, he only wants to buy the designs if he likes them.
They are for wool rugs - some with carved attributes.
They will land in retailers such as Ross/TJMaxx and furniture stores in USA.
Anyone want to see his "wish" list?
Thank you for considering this.
Cheer - kim

A fun floral by Pinal - Saturday Morning Art Preview:



Pinal lives in the USA and has been contributing to Kim Designs for about one year now.



Karo wrote on Egypt:

I know, I am watching it as well.

It is incredible! Reminds me the revolution in Czech Republic. Brings up memories.

Congratulations people of Egypt!

Karo

 (Karo is a KD contributing designer and resides in Spain).

Friday Eve - Nice! Design by Jane W.

Very pretty "take" on Tie-Dye:

By Jane W. - contributor to KimDesigns.com

Need for New York Apparel Company - due ASAP or by Monday 2/14/2011

Hi Everyone,

I am wondering if anyone can use some existing art for placement prints for a New York apparel company?

They have purchased last year from us for this.  Notice they are seeking embroidery and stone/embellishment ideas in the art.

Placement print means it will be for a shirt - NO REPEATS.

Here is what they are requesting ASAP or by Monday (a.m. please) 2/14/2011:

Hi Kim,

We need Xmas graphics/ appliqué/embroidery design.

They need to be very traditional such as;

Snow man with candy canes

Scotty dogs

Cats/presents/ xmas trees

They need to be multi colored and bright/ xmas colors, red, green gold etc with  stones and embellishment etc…

Please send us an assortment as many as you can ASAP. If we select will need the access to the artwork file immediately.

Awaiting your reply by return

Email #2 - had more clarification from the client so I send this as well.

We are looking for more placement ideas (not all overs). NOT too juvenile. We have an older missy customer and need traditional xmas embroidery and appliqué placement ideas that go on the form of a tee shirt. 

Thanks anyway,

Best Rgds

Tennis Skirt Design by Tracy M. Sighted

Hi All,

Check out the "product sightings" from designs sold through Kim Designs:

http://www.clientskimdesigns.com/log/product_sightings.htm

Tracy M's design we sold to a tennis company just went on sale.

Have a good day,
Kim

BBB - Bev Blogs on Bedding - 9th Day of February

Hi Everyone!

First thanks to all that have been uploading your layouts to the KD New bedding catagory!

They all look great!

Above is one type of layout by Amit which is FANTASTIC

 Below is a layout done by Paula. ALL FANTASTIC

I wanted to point this out to all... being I think what she has done will add to the visual selling power.

She did both a bed layout in her own style along with a flat layout of the entire collection.

Which could appeal to a company that isn't looking for prints for bedding.

Example: The quilt fabric industry.

She is uploading them... one right after another giving two different view.

NOW...

 I know this can be a lot of work, but believe it or not some people who have creative positions in the design industry...

aren't necessarily creative enough to think out side the box.

They see a bed layout and they think that must be what this design is only used for.

Wrong!!!!

Note to Paula LOVE THIS!

Thanks Bev NYC

Sweet Art for a Tuesday....by Marlene

By Marlene - This design makes me hungry!

Due in 14 hours - how's that for notice?

Hi All - okay -  this is for a very high-end gift box/paper company.
They buy a good bit from us.

If you have anything new or something you have sent that you think is perfect and a "must see" (remind me)! - please send by email to kim and chanta by 10 a.m. EST on 2/9/2011

Client writes:

Hi Kim,

Do you have any new contemporary christmas? Something clean but “fun” and sophisticated....(not juvenile).  No plaids, no animals
Maybe damasks
Do you have some christmasy graphic patterns?
I have a meeting tomorrow on this.Any ideas??

Pay is very fair.  And they love layered files. 

Thanks for all your support - sorry for the laten notices.

kim