Operation Barbie: Unique, United & Free!
I thought that I’d be writing this post to launch a collection of hot new stylegroups for 2012. Instead, I sat down in September to start planning the designs and I realised that my heart just wasn’t in it.
I do a lot of visual identity design, brand development and custom website builds and the process I take my clients through is all about finding what is unique about you and translating that to your business. I started asking myself, “How can I tell clients that being you is what matters the most, whilst selling stylegroups which are about choosing from a limited selection.” I also noticed that Showiteers were buying stylegroups because they either liked the layout and wanted to apply their own branding or they liked the styling but not the layout.
And of course, I couldn’t get the Showit mantra, “Unique, United & Free” out of my head.
I know not everyone can afford a custom built website or a custom visual identity process, so what to do? How to bring the custom process and affordable professional design to a wider audience? I went round and round it in my head until one day, not too long ago, it came to me whilst watching my daughter playing with her Barbie, of all things. She loves her dolls, and sometimes she wants new outfits for them, but that doesn’t mean she wants to get rid of the Barbie itself. She just wants to dress it up. And then it came to me.
WHAT IF YOU COULD BUY A SHOWIT LAYOUT & THE DESIGN STYLING SEPARATELY?
What if you could buy a Showit layout with innovative features that flows beautifully?
What if you could buy a Style Kit of beautifully crafted decorative items to dress up your site?
What if you had your own branding materials and just needed a new, exciting layout without the styling?
What if you could buy a set of print marketing materials and a logo to match?
What if you could learn universal design principles and apply them to every project you undertake to market your business?
This is my solution.
The new look Melissa Love Design Store is going to be selling basic layouts for every aspect of your business – from Showit stylegroups to studio brochures, business cards, letterhead and photo cards – and gorgeous style kits to dress them up.
The layouts are designed as ‘blank canvases’ to allow you to easily visualise applying your own branding or any one of the Style Kits, to the layout you think will work best for your business.
Here’s one of the first layouts I’m getting ready for the launch – Boxfresh – a full screen layout that’s perfect for showcasing brands that are packed with personality and inviting visitors to discover hidden areas of your website. To make it even easier to visualise this layout in your business, I’ve used generic ‘illustrations’ instead of images.
Check out the live version of Boxfresh HERE.
And if you’d like to trick it out, freshen up your existing branding, or launch a new niche to your business, then you’ll be able to choose from an ever-growing library of style kits which include key design elements, including borders and trims, fonts converted for use with Showit, high resolution textures, yummy decorative design items and custom social networking items. You’ll even be able to buy the source files in order to make the style kit truly your own. It’s like buying a new outfit for your Barbie!
Want to see it in action? For the Boxfresh layout combined with the Country Chic Style Kit, CLICK HERE.
I can’t wait to launch this new store and I hope you’ll enjoy the opportunity to be free and unique. See you in Vegas.
Melissa x
LOOOOVE this! such an amazing idea, and so well executed!
Melissa, your passion simply SHINES through. I love that you are constantly thinking of how to innovate, be creative, evolve. I’m much the same way. It keeps me up at night, I hope it pays off for me as it has done for you in this endeavor. I LOVE this idea and honestly wish you alllll the best with it!!! <3
Alex – my dear. You are the kindest with your thoughts and encouragement. And yes, it keeps me up at night! xx
Melissa, I love this! I don’t completely understand, but I can’t wait to see more!
Can I be put on a newsletter? I am not going to be in Vegas this year and would love to know when it’s released!
Did I say I am SYKED!,
AMAZING!!!!! This is perfect, Melissa!! I’m SO excited to see this come together and be one of your first customers in this new facet of your business! Congrats!!
Heck yes! This is amazing and innovative. I make mine from scratch because I’m that person that likes a stylegroup but not a the “style”. Congrats on the great news!
An absolutely fantastic idea Melissa! Brilliant. Very Cool. Kudos girl! Seriously looking forward to all that you have in store for us in 2012 (no pun intended). Wow! Please keep us updated with each new release.
This is awesome Melissa! Great work!
I love this idea.
Melissa!
This is an AMAZING idea!!! Your work is amazing! <3
fabulous as ever x
Fabulous Melisssa, and definitely needed.
What an amazing idea, you have just described my position and what I wanted to do. Can’t wait for the launch of your new store!!
More! More! More! More! More! More!
This is a fantastic idea! Good for you and way to do something different.
Ho
Looks like a great idea, asimcha etching a bit different, can you keep me informed please.
love love love this!! I won’t be in Vegas either, so can I somehow get on “the list” to be notified when it’s up and running too?
Wow.. that’s a great idea…
Well done… And keep up the good job!
Great idea!! Awesome stuff, Melissa. So excited. Was just looking at what you did for Zach and Jody! Brilliant!!
this is EXACTLY what I have been looking for because I always like to change it up!! I cannot wait to get this!!!
Brilliant and truly inspired!
Are you ever at WPPI in Vegas?
I am so excited for this. It is brilliant! I can’t wait to work with you!
cannot wait! so excited
SPUUURLT!!!! I don’t know where to start!! This is totally and utterly completely exciting!! Its pure genius Melissa – it feels really organic and so individualised. Its such a good idea – loving it – can’t wait to see more!
You are amazing. That is all.
So smart!! Can’t wait to see it all!
This is perfect! I can’t wait for the release!!!
I’m dying for the release of this!
Flipping fab!!! x
Love this! And would love to know more about your company and how you can maybe help me sort my website & blog – will be in touch to talk about options later
Nicky
This is the answer for so many photographers . Beautiful design and a professional business tool – love it
When will this be available for purchase?
Its like you read my mind. I’ve spent the last few days thinking exactly that. i like that layout but that style. How do i combine?
Looking forward to them. Please release them soon!!!!!!
xx
One more thing. How do the blogs work? would this be linked to a seperate blogsite or would it be integrated? If seperate, would you be providing matching template to the site???
Thanks again
xx
Wow, Melissa this looks amazing! I am very excited for the release