About MadiLu Designs:

Welcome! I'm Kim of MadiLu Designs. I specialize in custom marketing materials for photographers. From logos to letterhead, business cards to blog headers … I'll help create a brand that's unique to you! I have over 15 years experience in the design and printing industry. I love to make things beautiful. I love to put lots of little pieces together to create the whole package. I love people and I love to work. I also love Snickers, my family and sunshine … in no particular order!



    • Today IS the Day

    April 2nd, 2012


    If you’ve followed my blog, Facebook or know me personally, most likely you know I’ve spent the last week in Ecuador. I stepped way out of my comfort zone, which generally happens within a 1 mile radius from my front door. The goal of Team Simply Love was to help Bless an Orphan with the final stages of prep work for the orphanage opening in a few weeks. We also brought a ton of donations … seriously awesome! When you cut to the chase, I painted murals, doors, scrubbed toilets and bathrooms, cleaned windows, played with the sweetest kiddos you could ever imagine, taught about 60+ Spanish speaking children to play Ring Around the Rosey and the Hokey Pokey, delivered food to a village, trekked through the jungle and spend the final day white water rafting with our team. I’d mentioned we were installing water pumps in the villages, but truthfully, the guys ended up doing that while we organized countless bins of clothes and donations.

    What I learned on this trip is the part that I want to integrate into my everyday life and share with my children. At some point, we had the saying, “if I was going to “insert phrase here“, today would be the day”. Most phrases included things related to third world countries or jungle life in general, like “bring home a parasite, eat a worm, get lice, contract malaria, have an infected finger, come face to face with an anaconda, eat rice for breakfast, get washed down the river, have the brakes go out while driving down the mountain” and many, many more.

    The more we said it, the more I realized that today really IS the day. Every single day we are given the opportunity to start fresh, to make a difference and to be a better person. Every single day. Today is the day you can choose to step outside of your box and try something new, even when you’re scared. Today is the day you can learn something new about yourself, connect with a complete stranger, teach someone a life skill and offer comfort to someone who may be less fortunate. Today is the day to be a friend or make a new friend. Today is the day to help someone in their time of need. Today is the day dream big and then begin to go after those dreams. Or maybe today is the day you just unplug for a bit, take a step back and simply love.

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    Posted in personal | 15 Comments »

    Custom Branding: Little Bird Photography

    March 14th, 2012

    Hello! I’ve been putting blogging on the back burner in an attempt to catch up on other things. I’ve been a girl on a mission! Speaking of missions, I’m going to have my first ever mission experience this month. I’m traveling with a team to Ecuador. It’s a small group and we’re going to meet with the organization Bless an Orphan. We’ll be working in the orphanage and also helping with the installation of a water well. I’m a huge combination of nervous and excited, but it’s something that’s been on my heart for a very long time. My dad is doing much better. I’ve been on the fence about leaving, but I also feel like I have so much to be thankful for and it’s a good way to give back, even if it’s just a little. Anyway, if you don’t hear from me for a bit, I’ve skipped town … actually the country. :)

    This is Shelley’s new logo and set. I love all of the little details that went into this. Her gift certificate and sticker use the camera die-cut from Black River Imaging. It’s always fun to incorporate those shapes into your marketing pieces and mix things up. Wishing you well, sweet Shelley!

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    Posted in custom design, logo design, marketing set, personal | 1 Comment »

    Leapin’ Lizards!

    February 29th, 2012

    Last day of February. Can you believe that? I feel like the last half of the month has flown by. First things first … thank you to everyone who has been keeping my family in your prayers. Thank you for the sweet messages, the kind emails, the comments and posts. Thank you for taking time out of your day. I’m happy to share that my dad is doing wonderful! He was released from the hospital over the weekend. Last night I had a chance to Skype with him and he looks so good. He’s got a new ‘do … or lack of a ‘do … and a pretty nasty scar. My kids think it makes him look tough. :) It’s hard to believe a week ago he was in ICU and there was still a lot up in the air. What a strong guy! And my mom … bless her heart. She’s just as strong as he is. She’s been by his side the entire time. They will celebrate 42 years of marriage this year. I can only hope I’m as blessed! Again, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your prayers really helped during a very tough time. xx

    Let’s leap around a bit for fun! My friend, Sheye, is having a giveaway. If you’ve never seen her work, I highly recommend checking out her site and actions. Aysha is giving away a 50 1.4 to celebrate her one year anniversary. Congrats, Aysha! That lens is on my want list! Another sweet friend, Amanda, is getting ready to announce her in-person workshop. Check her site for a sneak peek of the details. Last, but not least, the incredibly talented Wendy Cunningham had her new packaging featured on the Pursuit 31 blog. It’s so cool to see shots of my designs once they are printed. Feel free to share! I’d love to see them.

    All right … as you can imagine, I’m working night and day to catch up but very close to getting there. Diet Dr. Pepper has once again become my BFF. Have a great day!

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    Posted in giveaway, personal, samples | 4 Comments »

    Update

    February 22nd, 2012

    If you’ve read my Facebook page, you may know that my dad had an accident last week. My parents were vacationing in Florida. There were only there a short time, and my dad fell. He had a head injury and had surgery early last Thursday morning. My sister and I flew in as it’s a 14 hour drive for all of us. He did good with the surgery, just a few post-op complications but we were pretty confident he was on the road to recovery. We just needed to help him get his strength back and get them home. Flying isn’t an option because of the surgery and a 14 hour road trip would be pretty painful.

    He was discharged Monday and we took them back to the vacation house so he could rest. That morning (early yesterday), he was complaining about a severe headache. All signs pointed to taking him back to the ER. He has some fluid on his brain and they performed a second surgery last night. At this time he’s in surgical ICU and we’re right back where we started. It’s been incredibly scary and frustrating to say the least. My dad is such an awesome guy. I was recently working on a project application and had listed him as my role model. He’s incredibly smart and I blame him for my crazy work ethic. :) It’s really tough to see him in this state. It’s even tougher not to know what lies ahead.

    I appreciate all of the emails and messages. I’ve always thought the world of my clients, but I truly believe I work with some of the best people in the industry. I appreciate everyone’s patience. I’m trying to work and keep up with things, but I’m a little quiet on the email side. I will get caught up. I promise. Please keep my family in your prayers. We’re ready to get out of Florida. I really miss those kiddos of mine! I’d post a picture of my dad and I from the hospital, but I’d be in trouble if he’d see it! :) From the bottom of my heart … thank you!

    Posted in personal | 9 Comments »

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