NEW Year! New Website!

*Running in hysterically* I can't believe I am almost one month late in wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2012 has been a very busy and eventful year full of blessings. I regret not sharing them with you. But I am back and ready to blog away.

One of my resolutions this year was to work on my procrastination. When it comes to doing anything productive for myself, I am the biggest procrastinator. I wouldn't say that I am a perfectionist, but I do believe that timing plays a big part in having a great outcome. For the last 5 years, I have made "revamping my website" a top 5 priority. And each year I felt like the timing just wasn't right.

Sometimes we need special dates as a motivator. So I chose my birthday, January 3, as my launch date. So far I have been receiving great responses from my peers, clients, and associates. I have incorporated new features for my clients, such as a client log-in and a VIP Membership.

I truly appreciate the support and referrals that I have received despite of my outdated site! Now without further adieu, I present the new and improved Oddball Dsgn website (www.oddballdsgn.com).

Cover Showcase: Get the Look

With Wife Extraordinaire Returns Part 2 being released this month, I wanted to showcase the makeup look that I did on cover model, Feven.

Face: MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC45
Cheek: MAC Blush in Pinch Me
Lips: NYX Lip Pencil in Fuchsia, Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia
Eyes: MAC Paintpot in Blackground. MAC Pigment in Naked.
Brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud

Another Banger Revealed

I told you all that model Lauren would be featured on a book cover in an earlier post. Well it was only proper that she graced the cover for the FABULOUS 5x Award Winning Author Venesha. Kiss the Boys: Fabulous Guide to Love & Relationships is set to be released this Fall. Venesha's book covers are always a joy to create because her only demand is that they are fun and fabulous.

Kiss the Boys follows her latest best selling book, Mirror Mirror: Sweet 16 Tips To A New and Improved You!

For more information on Venesha, check out her snazzy site at www.urbanbarbiedoll.com.

HONK if you like Oddball Dsgn & Cartel Publications

Seeing my work on wheels is SO DOPE :0) Van wrap and book cover designs by yours truly (Oddball Dsgn). If you spot this fabulous vehicle around the city, please send me a picture. And be sure to check out the Cartel Publications at www.thecartelpublications.com.

Do You Have the Right Business Card?

The one mistake that a lot of Entrepreneurs make is not having the proper marketing material. The most important marketing tool is a business card. I've compiled a list of features your business card should have.

1.) If your business involves anything visual then it is a MUST to include snapshots of your work. I get so many business cards from other photographers, hair stylist, fashion designers, etc...that do not include pictures of their work. Your business card should always remind a person of why they should be contacting you. Showcase your awesome work!

2.) Using stock photographs instead of photographs of your own work tells your potential clients several things: A.) You aren't taking your business seriously B.) You aren't confident in your own craft C.) Use my services at your own risk. The point of a business card is to sell yourself and what you can provide. A person may be reluctant to using you if they can't see the actual work.

3.) When you give one person a business card, chances are other people will see it as well. Include as much information as possible about your services. Instead of listing 10 different social site addresses, use the space to list your prices or specials. My photography business card (below) has my prices and a description of my packages. So when a person calls, more than likely they are ready to just book.

4.) Having a Facebook or Twitter page these days has become as common as having a driver's license. If your Facebook or Twitter page is not 100% dedicated to your business then you should not include that link on your card. If you insist on connecting to people through those outlets then set up a business page, especially if it's FREE.

Here are my cards for OBD Photography & Oddball Dsgn. I have a collage of my work on both cards. On my photography cards I have my packages and prices. The card is also slightly larger to act as a mini comp card as well. If you are in need of a set of fly business cards, feel free to contact me at davida@oddballdsgn.com.

BLOG FOLLOWERS WILL RECEIVE 10% OFF OF THEIR 1ST SET OF CARDS

Another Banger Revealed

Coming in May to a bookstore near you, HARD: Cocaine Hood Stories, with stories from Amaleka McCall, Danielle Santiago, Boston George, Foreword by New Times Best Selling Authors Ashley & JaQuavis.

This new anthology brings you street fiction’s most authentic writers as they give you cocaine hood stories like never before. The streets are a complicated melody that can only be mimicked by the best. Walk with these new authors as they bring you mind-blowing classics in HARD.

With a line up of great street authors, Ashley and JaQuavis bring you the heat with this sizzling anthology! These are stories filled with sex, drama, deceit, hustling, and twists. Walk into their world and experience the streets...the hard way. 

I LOVE Seeing my Work in My Hands

When Cash Money Records started their publishing company, Cash Money Content, it was only proper that they came to one of the best designers for urban literature. Today I received the book and promo items created for them. It’s always a pleasent surprise to see your work in your hands. Yahhh me!