Business fun and a giveaway

For the last few years, I've had a business designing custom wedding invitations, programs, menus, birth announcements, birthday invitations, etc. I was figuring out the business side of things and getting a groove (and a steady customer base) when I got pregnant with Elle, was working two jobs and going to college for continued education. Needless to say, the design business didn't get a lot of extra love poured in to it, and aside from a few requests from friends and family over the last 2+ years, I hadn't been doing much business.

But last year, I attended a friend's wedding and decided to make her a special, personalized gift. I created a custom print based on her wedding invitation, and I matted it and framed it and gave it to the lovely couple. And they loved it. My friend has mentioned several times how special it was to them and how much they loved being able to frame the reminder of their special day in their home for years to come.

An 8" x 10" custom wedding print, matted and framed.

I started to think about other occasions I could give a gift like this - something so customized, so different and so appreciated. As I created birth announcement and anniversary prints, my design business, Media Bug Unlimited, was revived and revamped.

This time, I branched out and streamlined things by listing on Etsy and developing Facebook and Twitter pages. I don't do quite as many custom invitation orders anymore, but the custom prints have gained in popularity, and I love designing them.

What better way to remember your wedding day than
with a custom print of lyrics from your first dance?

I love working with my clients and seeing their orders take shape. And I love, love, love the positive feedback and repeat business I've received. I've designed company logos and blog headers since my unofficial relaunch, too, and am excited to see what new projects that future holds.

A birth announcement print to match a nursery done with a jungle theme.

I really, really enjoy the work that I'm doing, and I was excited when Molly at Stilettos and Diapers issued a call for giveaways last month. I love Molly's blog and have been a following for years, and I am pleased that my first giveaway is live for her "Celebrate the 1!" event - head on over and enter to win a custom print! And feel free to "Like" Media Bug Unlimited on Facebook, follow MBU on Twitter, check out MBU's Etsy page or e-mail me at mediabugunlimited@gmail.com.