And we’re off!

What made you decide to start your own blog? 

Rachel: We felt the need to get our names out there, it was time to design a blog that felt like us and was able to show people what we’re made of. This gives us a website that has all our ideas and projects in one spot, and allows potential clients to see who we really are, without all the conservative blockage of other sites. We want to be judged by the caliber of work we do, not by our tattooed, pierced appearances. In this day and age creative types should be allowed to express themselves in whatever way works best for them.

Jessica: We’ve been talking about doing something together for a while now and never really put much thought in it. Then one day we kind of just did it, I love that even though we don’t live near each other we can still share our passion for design in one spot.

Where do you find your design inspiration?

Rachel: I love the internet because you can find anything at anytime. There are so many resources out there on any particular topic that you just need to know where to look.

#1-Pinterest.com, for anyone that doesn’t know what that is- Pinterest allows you to see and collect pictures from all over. You can make boards about a certain topic and “pin” pictures (with links) so it’s all in one place. It’s good for going back later to see ideas or recipes you couldn’t remember on your own.

#2- Houzz.com, there’s tons of pictures that designers have added of previous projects and designs they’ve done. It also allows you to make ideaboards to keep everything organized.

#3- Behance.net, a site that showcases designers work. You can also follow other designers to keep updated on new projects they do, and to find new artists.

Jessica: I agree, Pinterest is where it’s at! I will officially admit that I am addicted to it.

Were you nervous about starting your own blog to promote your services without any prior business experience?

Rachel: I’ve taken Professional Practices classes while attending The Art Institute. They teach you how to be in the mind frame of running your own business. It’s geared more towards having an actual store or firm, but a lot of it translates for our virtual design services. I’ve also been gathering a lot of business information recently, and I keep hearing there’s never a “good time” to start your own business, you just have to get out and do it. For Jess and I it felt like right now was that time. The only way we can gain relative experience in our respective fields is to get out there and work. Only for us we’re working for ourselves; learning together as we go.

Jessica: I was a little nervous because I felt vulnerable in a weird way. But Rachel was right, now is the time.

How does it feel to work with your sister?

Rachel: So far so good, I think this venture can only bring us closer as we gain knowledge on how to do and what not to do. With us starting out so close, we’ll be able to give each other honest opinions on our work. We respect each other enough to understand that the only way for one of us to succeed in this is for both of us to succeed. 

Jessica: Haha we’ll see… I think its going to be fun, I love that I don’t have to worry about not getting honest feedback because if something I do is crazy, she’ll be the first to let me know!