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yegarts · 2 years ago

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I am YEG Arts: Ray Dak Lam

Since taking the plunge into freelancing, Ray Dak Lam has made big waves as a graphic designer and illustrator. Known best for his signature geometric designs and vibrant colour palette, Ray is sought after locally and internationally with some big-name clients under his belt. In just a few years as a freelancer, Ray has embraced new opportunities from his first mural project to taking part in Adobe’s Global Creator series — this week’s I am YEG Arts story puts the spotlight on Ray Dak Lam.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and about why you’ve made Edmonton your home.

I'm an illustrator and designer from Edmonton. I graduated from the MacEwan Design Studies program in 2014. I got my creative career started working at a couple of advertising agencies and at a smaller design agency. Since then, I’ve become a full-time freelancer — that's what I've been doing for the past few years. I really like the creative freedom of freelancing, and that I get to explore more of my own personal style as well as choose my own clients and hours.

I was born in Edmonton and have lived here all my life. All my friends and family are here, I feel like Edmonton will always be my home. Edmonton has also shaped who I am as an artist in many ways — the people, especially those I went to school with and have worked with, all my coworkers, friends and experiences growing up — I think it all inevitably influences the subject matter in my work and the themes that I introduce into my illustrations. And now I hope to contribute what I can to the city's creative culture.

What drew you to graphic design and illustration? How did you get your start?

During my first year of high school, I took a graphic arts program, and my very first project was to recreate a font or typeface. It was through typography that I discovered my love for graphic design. And that's when I began considering it as a career for myself. As for illustration, drawing has always been part of my life. I was always drawing as a kid, and I was never really good at any other subjects in school. Art was the only subject that I was passionate about. It is what motivated me and pushed me to pursue it all through childhood until now.

Tell us about someone who mentored you or helped set you on your path.

One of my first mentors was Andrew Benson. I worked with him at my first job at an advertising agency. He taught me a lot about branding, design, and the advertising industry in general. He’s passionate about print design and illustration and taught me their importance when it comes to design. He really inspired me when he went off to start his own studio and I hoped for myself I could follow in his footsteps.

Tell us about a big professional risk that you have taken and how it has influenced where you are today.

I would say taking the leap into full-time freelancing. It was scary in the beginning. I got laid off during the beginning of the pandemic from my advertising agency job. And at least for me, it was hard to find another full-time position. I was only able to land various short-term contracts, and some freelance projects here and there. In that moment I saw it as an opportunity to try this freelancing thing full-time since it has always been a dream of mine.

The pandemic and getting laid off were the push I needed to take the full leap into freelancing. It really changed my career for the better and it has opened up a lot of opportunities that I never would have thought possible. I have had a chance to work with and collaborate with a lot of clients that I had thought were unattainable. And I’ve gotten to collaborate with many other incredibly talented designers and creative people in Edmonton.

Who's someone inspiring you right now?

Someone who is really inspiring me right now is an illustrator from Vancouver, Tom Froese, he makes Skillshare courses, through which he teaches his approach to commercial illustration; YouTube videos, podcasts — all on the topic of illustration, and aimed at people interested in the creative industry. I've done a couple of his Skillshare courses and I'm attending one of his workshops at the RGD DesignThinkers conference coming up May 30 -31 in Vancouver.

He inspired me to find a focus and explore it as deeply as I can. His style has a very distinctive voice and he mentioned in his videos that it was the result of repeating a set of techniques over and over again once he found something that worked for him, so this really inspired me to seek a similar path for myself in terms of finding my own unique stylistic voice.

What does your creative process look like? Where or how do you usually begin?

For me, it always begins in my sketchbook. I try to bring my sketchbook with me anywhere and everywhere I can. Especially when I'm traveling, during those long plane rides and train rides where I can just let my mind wander and draw freely — whatever comes to mind. After that I pick my favorite sketches and vectorize the artwork, then bring it into Photoshop where I use my drawing tablet to add texture to bring more of my own personality to the artwork.

I enjoy creating abstract and geometric compositions because it's a meditative and calming process for me. I started a personal project during the pandemic called "Shape Studies", and it's been an ongoing project ever since. With a focus on the fundamental elements of shape, line, and colour, I explore freely within those basic fundamentals to create the most interesting compositions that I possibly can. I also use similar principles of geometry and abstraction when I'm illustrating other subject matter, such as animals, landscapes, people, etc. I'll continuously remove any unnecessary details and distill them into their most essential and fundamental forms.

Tell us about one of the most exciting projects or opportunities you've had.

One of the most exciting opportunities I had last year was the chance to collaborate with Adobe on their Global Creator series. It was a series where they featured different artists from around the world and they decided to feature me. They had me self-shoot a ton of footage around my studio, capture shots around Edmonton, and create a short tutorial explaining some of the techniques that I use to create my illustrations.

It was both exciting and nerve wracking appearing on video, but I'm glad I did the project because I love the way it turned out in the end.

Tell us about a favourite local project and a favourite international project.

One of my favourite local projects was for Doughnut Party. They had me create a mural for their Ritchie location. I collaborated with Jennifer Konanz — she's a local mural and sign painter. She's incredibly talented and I feel grateful to have collaborated with her. She helped translate my artwork into a large-scale mural. It was really cool to see my artwork on such a large scale, which I don't get to see very often.

A favourite international project would be a commission for GoDaddy to create a set of illustrations centered around Asian Heritage Month and Lunar New Year. The project was really special to me because I got to express my own cultural background and upbringing as an Asian Canadian. Also, it was fun to illustrate dragons and dumplings in my own style.

What are you currently working on and what do you hope to explore next?

I've just completed the 36 days of type challenge on Instagram yesterday and it was really satisfying to see it through from start to finish! The project invites designers, illustrators and artists from all over the world to create a letter or number each day for 36 days straight. It was my first time taking part in the challenge. I really love to explore creatively, and I feel it’s important to work outside of client deadlines and budgets. It’s somewhere I can freely express my voice and craft and refine my style.

It was great seeing all of the other work from artists and designers that I follow, as well as discovering new artists to follow. Freelancing can be isolating at times, so participating in this challenge made me feel like I was part of this larger community all undertaking this daily activity together.

What excites you most about the Edmonton arts scene right now?

All the projects centered around Edmonton's Chinatown like Chinatown Greetings, created by Emily Chu and Shawn Tse, and Jordon Hon’s A Portrait of Chinatown documentary series. And many other creative projects that are supported by the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative (CTC). All these projects play a really important role in the revitalization of Edmonton's Chinatown. It's really inspiring to see so many people from different creative backgrounds coming together for a common cause.

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! You can keep up with Ray on Instagram, Behance, Dribbble or visit his website.

About Ray Dak Lam

Ray Dak Lam is a designer and illustrator from Edmonton, Canada. His work is characterized by its simplicity, utilizing vibrant colours and bold geometric forms as the basis for direct, communicative imagery. He works primarily on brand and illustration focused projects with clients around the world, such as Asana, GoDaddy, and McDonald's.

#iamyegarts #yegarts #edmontonarts #yeg #illustration #edmonton art #yegartists

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seankoillust · 11 days ago

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From Sketch to Screen: My Journey from Traditional to Digital Art

Creativity has always been at the core of who I am. From childhood sketches to exploring the worlds of photography, graphic design and animation, my artistic journey will take me through a very dynamic blend of discovery and growth. With each medium, I will learn new techniques, adapt my skills and always find new ways to tell stories through visuals. This post is simply the beginning of my journey as a multimedia artist and how I will learn to integrate different art forms into my creative process.

In my early days I fell in love with the idea of drawing, the thought of turning my thoughts into visuals into a sheet of paper always intrigued me as a child, and like many artists, my journey began with a pencil and paper. Drawing was really my first love—it was my way of expressing ideas and bringing characters to life, and as someone who is interested in not only illustration but also photography, graphic design, and, eventually, animation, learning digital art feels like a natural progression. Graphic design, for example, depends heavily on software such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Animation necessitates knowledge of digital drawing tools. Photographs frequently include digital retouching. By honing my digital illustration skills, I can bridge the gap between these creative disciplines and broaden my artistic horizons.

Well, of course, moving from traditional to digital isn't easy. Unlike a pencil and paper, where I can feel the texture and control every stroke with precision, drawing on a tablet feels completely different. There's a learning curve—getting used to the pen sensitivity, understanding layers, and figuring out how to blend colors digitally.. At times, it's frustrating. But I remind myself that every great artist started somewhere. One of the most difficult challenges is getting past the comparison mindset. I see digital artists who have mastered their craft and wonder if I will ever reach that level. But instead of allowing doubt to hold me back, I remind myself that this journey is about progress, not perfection. My traditional art skills will serve me well in digital illustration; all I need to do now is figure out how to apply them.

However.. There is another of my interests that I want to share.

Illustration isn't my only creative outlet; I also enjoy photography and graphic design. These fields work better together than most people realize. Photography helps me understand lighting, composition, and color, all of which are useful in digital illustration. Graphic design teaches me about layout, typography, and how to produce visually appealing images.

By combining these abilities, I hope to create one-of-a-kind artwork that blends illustration, design, and photography. Eventually, I'd like to experiment with animation, bringing my drawings to life through movement.

Finally, this blog will serve as a personal journal of my journey—documenting my struggles, achievements, and everything I learn along the way. I want to show that transitioning form traditional to digital art isn't an overnight process, but a rewarding one. I've always wanted to become an amazing illustrator or an amazing animator, so I am willing to take this journey to achieve my goals.

To any other artists out there feeling intimidated by digital art: I get it. It's challenging, but it's also exciting, there is something incredible about thinking about how much potential you can unlock by putting in the time and effort to patiently learn a skill. Every new skill starts with a first step, and I'm ready to take mine. Let's grow and prosper together!

So for now, I'll show some drafts that I worked on in my design classes in school! The whole idea is to combine cats and an animation/illustration vibe..

With all that said, if you're also learning digital art or just have any tips to share, feel free to comment below! Let's support one another on this journey!

#sketchbook #art journey #traditional art #learning digital art #art blog

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nitinrajput2922 · 23 days ago

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What is Basic to Advance Social Media Graphic Design Course?

For Quick Enquiry: Click Here

Introduction: Why Social Media Design Courses Are Essential Today

Social media graphic design isn’t just about pretty pictures and trendy aesthetics. It’s a combination of art, psychology, and marketing that drives engagement and creates meaningful connections online. In India, where social media platforms are thriving like roadside chai stalls, businesses and individuals alike need skilled designers who can stand out in this saturated digital space. Whether you’re an aspiring creative or a working professional, joining a Graphic Design Institute in Noida is your first step toward mastering this craft and turning your ideas into visually stunning realities.

Think about it: every scroll, double-tap, or share is influenced by visuals. From eye-catching Instagram posts to engaging YouTube thumbnails, social media graphic design has become the backbone of digital communication. But how do you go from basic to advanced skills? A structured course designed specifically for social media graphics can help you understand the nuances of color theory, typography, layout, and branding — all tailored to the needs of digital platforms.

For someone considering joining a Graphic Design Institute in Noida, these courses are not just about learning tools like Photoshop or Illustrator. They teach you how to think like a designer — to strategize, plan, and execute your creative ideas with precision. The demand for professional graphic designers is soaring, and social media graphics are at the forefront of this demand. So, let’s dive into the key components of a basic-to-advanced social media graphic design course and see what makes it a game-changer for your career.

Mastering the Basics of Social Media Graphic Design

Before you can create jaw-dropping designs, you need to grasp the fundamentals. Every great designer starts with a solid foundation, and the basics of social media graphic design are no exception.

1. Learning The Fundamentals Of Design Principles And Elements

Design isn’t just about making things look “pretty.” It’s about balance, harmony, and conveying a message effectively. When you enroll in a professional course, you’ll start by learning the principles of design: alignment, contrast, repetition, proximity, and hierarchy. These are the building blocks that determine whether your design looks polished or amateurish.

For example, knowing how to align text properly can make your Instagram post look professional, while random placement can make it look like a school project. Courses at a Graphic Design Institute in Noida often emphasize these principles through hands-on exercises. From choosing the right font to pairing colors that complement each other, these basics are essential for creating designs that resonate with your audience.

Moreover, understanding design elements like lines, shapes, textures, and white space allows you to craft visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. This combination of creativity and logic is what separates a graphic design enthusiast from a professional.

2. Exploring Popular Social Media Platforms And Their Design Needs

Each social media platform has its unique quirks and design requirements. Instagram is all about aesthetics and storytelling, while Twitter demands concise, impactful visuals. Facebook leans towards community engagement, and LinkedIn prioritizes professionalism. A good course teaches you how to tailor your designs to fit the platform’s personality.

For instance, an Instagram carousel post requires a seamless flow of images, whereas a LinkedIn infographic should focus on delivering maximum information in minimal space. By understanding these differences, you can create platform-specific designs that truly connect with your target audience. This knowledge is crucial for students studying at a Graphic Design Coaching Near Me, as it prepares them to handle real-world design challenges.

By mastering the needs of each platform, you also enhance your versatility as a designer. This ability to adapt is what makes you a valuable asset to businesses, who often juggle multiple platforms simultaneously.

3. Familiarizing Yourself With Essential Tools And Software

Every graphic designer’s journey involves mastering tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. These are the digital equivalents of a painter’s brush and palette. A good course ensures that you don’t just learn these tools but also understand when and how to use them effectively.

For example, Photoshop is great for editing images and creating detailed graphics, while Illustrator is ideal for vector-based designs like logos. Canva, on the other hand, is perfect for quick, professional-looking designs without requiring advanced skills. At a Graphic Design Coaching Near Me, you’ll get hands-on experience with these tools, making you confident in handling any design project.

Knowing your tools inside out also allows you to experiment and innovate. You’ll find yourself creating designs that are not only visually stunning but also optimized for different screen sizes and resolutions, ensuring your work looks flawless everywhere.

Advancing to Professional-Level Social Media Graphic Design

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up. Advanced social media graphic design isn’t just about creating pretty visuals; it’s about strategy, branding, and driving results.

1. Developing A Strong Visual Brand Identity

Branding is the soul of any business, and as a graphic designer, your job is to give that soul a visual form. Advanced courses focus on teaching you how to create a cohesive brand identity that aligns with a company’s values and goals.

Think of McDonald’s golden arches or Apple’s minimalist designs. These iconic visuals aren’t accidental; they’re the result of meticulous planning and execution. At a Graphic Design Coaching Near Me, you’ll learn how to create logos, color palettes, and typography styles that reflect a brand’s essence. This skill is invaluable for businesses looking to stand out in a crowded market.

By understanding branding, you also learn to think strategically. You’ll start designing with a purpose, ensuring that every element in your graphic contributes to the overall message.

2. Using Data And Analytics To Create Impactful Designs

In the world of social media, numbers matter as much as creativity. Advanced courses teach you how to use analytics tools to understand what works and what doesn’t. For example, if a particular color scheme gets more engagement, you can incorporate it into future designs.

This data-driven approach ensures that your designs aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but also effective. For students at Graphic Design Courses in Gurgaon, learning to interpret analytics is a game-changer, as it prepares them to work in environments where results are as important as creativity.

Moreover, using analytics allows you to refine your designs continuously, ensuring that your work remains relevant and impactful in an ever-changing digital landscape.

3. Creating Designs Optimized For Social Media Advertising

Social media advertising is a whole different ball game. Unlike organic posts, ads need to grab attention instantly and drive specific actions, whether it’s a click, share, or purchase. Advanced courses teach you how to create ad designs that not only look good but also convert.

From understanding audience psychology to crafting compelling call-to-action buttons, designing for ads requires a unique set of skills. At Graphic Design Courses in Gurgaon, students are trained to create high-performing ad visuals that align with marketing goals, ensuring their designs deliver tangible results.

This expertise in advertising also opens up new career opportunities, as businesses are constantly looking for designers who can enhance their online presence through effective ad campaigns.

Conclusion: Why a Social Media Graphic Design Course is Worth It

A basic-to-advanced social media graphic design course isn’t just about learning tools or following trends. It’s about becoming a visual storyteller who can craft designs that inspire, engage, and convert. For students in India, especially those enrolling in Graphic Design Courses in Gurgaon, these courses offer the perfect blend of creativity and strategy to succeed in a competitive market.

Social media is evolving, and so are its design demands. By mastering both the basics and advanced techniques, you position yourself as a versatile designer who can adapt to changing trends while delivering consistent results. Whether you’re designing for Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, the skills you gain from these courses will serve as the foundation of your success.

So, if you’ve been contemplating whether to take the plunge, remember this: in a world where visuals speak louder than words, being a skilled graphic designer is like holding the key to a treasure chest of opportunities. Don’t just scroll through social media — design for it, and let your creativity shine!

Also Read This:-

How Important Is Social Media For Graphic Designers?

#kvch #GraphicDesignCourses #GraphicDesignTraining #LearnGraphicDesign #PhotoshopCourses #IllustratorCourses #AdobeCreativeSuite #MotionGraphicsCourses #3DDesignCourses #OnlineCourses #OnlineLearning #LinkedInLearning #SkillDevelopment #CreativeProfession #DesignCareer

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asdckanpur15353 · 4 months ago

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best web development courses for beginners | classes for graphic design near me

Best Web Development Courses for Beginners | Classes for Graphic Design Near Me

Are you looking to kick-start your career in tech with the best web development courses for beginners? Or perhaps you have a creative flair and want to explore classes for graphic design near me? At ASDC, we have the perfect blend of courses tailored to both beginners and enthusiasts, making sure you receive quality education and practical skills in the growing fields of web development and graphic design.

Why Choose Web Development as a Career?

Web development is one of the most in-demand skills today. As more businesses go online, the need for skilled developers is skyrocketing. But why should beginners consider a web development course?

High Demand: Companies of all sizes need websites, apps, and online platforms.

Great Earning Potential: Developers are some of the highest-paid professionals in the tech world.

Creative Freedom: Web development allows you to bring ideas to life and create functional, user-friendly websites.

Career Flexibility: Whether you want to work for a top company or freelance, web development offers multiple career paths.

At ASDC, our best web development courses for beginners are designed with you in mind. From learning basic HTML and CSS to mastering complex frameworks like JavaScript and Python, we cover everything needed to launch your career as a web developer.

What You Will Learn in Our Web Development Course:

HTML & CSS Basics: The foundation of all websites, essential for structuring and styling web pages.

JavaScript: Bring your websites to life with interactive features and dynamic content.

Responsive Design: Learn how to create websites that work seamlessly on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.

Backend Development: Dive into databases and server-side scripting with popular languages like Python and PHP.

Project-Based Learning: Build real-world projects, adding to your portfolio and showcasing your skills to potential employers.

Explore Graphic Design: The Art of Communication

In today’s digital era, good design can make or break a brand. Our classes for graphic design near me are ideal for anyone interested in visual storytelling, brand design, or simply wanting to create beautiful graphics.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade your skills, ASDC offers comprehensive graphic design training that covers:

Design Fundamentals: Understanding color theory, typography, layout, and composition.

Adobe Suite Mastery: Learn industry-standard tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Brand Identity: Discover how to create compelling logos, brochures, and marketing materials.

UI/UX Design: Specialize in designing intuitive, user-friendly websites and apps.

Why Choose ASDC?

Expert Instructors: Our courses are taught by professionals who have years of experience in the tech and design industries.

Hands-On Learning: We believe in a project-based approach, ensuring you gain real-world experience and practical skills.

Flexible Timings: Whether you're a student, a working professional, or someone looking to switch careers, we have flexible class schedules that fit your lifestyle.

Placement Assistance: Our goal is to not just teach you but also help you land your dream job. We offer career counseling, interview prep, and job placement assistance.

Conclusion

If you're searching for the best web development courses for beginners or graphic design classes near me, look no further than ASDC. We are committed to providing high-quality, industry-relevant education that opens doors to exciting career opportunities. Visit our website www.asdckanpur.com to learn more and enroll today.

Take the first step toward a bright and successful career in tech and design. Let ASDC be your partner in this journey!

ASDC: Shaping Future Innovators & Creatives!

#WebDevelopmentCourses #GraphicDesignClasses #LearnToCode #DigitalSkills

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uncloseted · 1 year ago

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Hi Christina! I have an interested on graphic media like branding and logos. I really want to start getting into graphic design and I was wondering if you have any advice yourself for someone who is wanting to learn the basics such as typography, procreate, adobe, canva etc. My boyfriend bought me a MacBook Air and I have an Ipad w/ a pen. Do you mind sharing any knowledge you have? Also provide links of artists on yt and fun beginner projects to work on for fun? Thank you so much in advance!

The first thing I would start with is checking out classes on Coursera or edX. These are free classes from actual universities that can help you understand the basics of graphic design. There are lots of options, but I would consider starting with the CalArts Specialization in Graphic Design on Coursera. It's a beginner level set of classes that cover fundamentals of graphic design, typography, imagemaking, graphic design history, and branding. These classes will give you projects to work on that you can add to your portfolio later on.

There are also some books you might want to check out to get a better idea of graphic design theory. A few I've seen recommended are The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams, Graphic Design: The New Basics and Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton, The New Designer's Handbook by Alastair Campbell, No Logo by Naomi Klein, Helvetica and Objectified by Gary Hustwit, and Graphic Means by Briar Levit. You can also see if you can find the reading lists for university graphic design classes- sometimes they're publicly available online.

Once you understand the theory behind graphic design, then you can start learning how to use software. InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are the biggest ones in the industry, and so those are what I would start with if you have access to them. I would do these one at a time, since they can get kind of confusing if you're trying to learn them all at once. Again, there are lots of free online courses that will teach you how to use them. Adobe has their own free online tutorials for their software, so that's where I would start.

Once you have a handle on the principles of graphic design and the tools you need to be a successful designer, then you can start working on creating mockup designs for a portfolio. There are a few sites you can visit to see actual design briefs that you can use to practice: 99designs, Daily UI, Fake Clients, Minted.com, and Theydrawandcook are a few that I've seen recommended.

Once you have enough mockup designs, you can create an online portfolio for other people to see. Having a portfolio ready to go can help you get clients, apply for jobs, or apply for graphic design programs that can help you sharpen your skills.

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wwwprocreationsin · 1 year ago

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Website Designing and Development: Your Path to Online Success

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for businesses and professionals alike. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or just someone looking to showcase your skills or hobbies, having a well-designed and functional website can be your ticket to online success. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of web design and development, and how it can benefit you in the digital world.

Understanding Web Design and Web Development:

Before diving into the importance of web design and web development, let’s clarify what these terms actually mean:

- Web Design: This primarily focuses on the visual aesthetics of a website. It involves creating an attractive and user-friendly layout, choosing color schemes, typography, fonts, graphics, and overall look and feel. A web designer's goal is to make your website visually appealing and easy to navigate.

- Web Development: Web development, on the other hand, is the process of turning the design into a functional website. Web developers use various programming languages and technologies to build the backend of your website, making it work seamlessly. They create interactive features, like contact forms, online catalogs, and applications, that enhance the user experience.

The Importance of Website Designing and Development

Now that we have a basic understanding, let's explore why web design and development are crucial for your online success:

1. Professionalism: A well-designed website gives your business or personal brand a professional image. Visitors are more likely to trust and engage with a website that looks polished and well-maintained.

2. User Experience: An easy-to-navigate website ensures that visitors can find the information they're looking for quickly. A positive user experience can lead to longer visit durations and higher conversion rates.

3. Digital Marketing: Your website is the hub of your online presence. With the right design and development, it becomes a powerful tool for digital marketing. You can integrate SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques to rank higher in search results and use your website to promote your business or services through various online marketing strategies.

4. Accessibility: A well-designed website is accessible to a wide range of users, including those with disabilities. This not only expands your audience but also demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity.

5. Mobile-Friendly: In today's mobile-driven world, it's crucial to have a website that's responsive on different devices. Responsive design ensures your site looks great and functions well on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

6. Competitive Advantage: Your competitors are likely investing in web design and development. To stay competitive, you need a website that stands out and offers unique features or content.

Choosing the Right Course, Company, or Agency

If you're considering website designing and development but don't know where to start, you have several options:

1. Courses: Many online courses and tutorials can teach you the basics of web design and development. These are great for those who want to learn and build their websites from scratch.

2. Professional Web Designers and Developers: If you prefer to focus on your business or profession, hiring a professional web designer and developer is a wise choice. They have the expertise to create a custom website tailored to your needs.

3. Web Design and Development Agencies: If your project is more extensive or requires ongoing maintenance, consider hiring a web design and development agency. They have a team of experts who can handle all aspects of your website project.

4. "Near Me" Solutions: You can search for web design and development services near your location for convenience. Many agencies offer local services, making it easier to communicate and collaborate.

In conclusion, website designing and development are your pathways to online success. Whether you're running a business, promoting your professional skills, or pursuing a personal project, a well-crafted website can help you achieve your goals. Take the time to explore your options, choose the right approach, and watch as your online presence flourishes. Don't underestimate the power of a well-designed and developed website in today's digital world.

#web design and development company #website design company #digital marketing company #web development company #web design company #website designing services #digital marketing services #digital marketing agency #website development company #website development agency

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cindyhangrad604 · 1 year ago

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Object #1: Family Photographs Significance: Photograph of my Grandmother and Uncle on my Dad's side of the family. Between 1975 and 1992, many refugees escaped the murderous regime of the Khmer Rouge. Immigrated to Aotearoa to start their new life with the New Zealand Embassy emblem stamped. More photographs of the family of their lives in Cambodia. New thinking/Connections: Using collages using a variety of mixed mediums (photographs, illustrations etc.) has been a technique I’ve been wanting to work on and tend to gravitate towards. P.O.V: Exploration of my family background and their cultural upbringing and heritage. Visual Elements: Vintage photographs. Creases. Low saturated and grey scaled colours. Qualities: Glossy paper and matte paper. Technical Components + Processes: Context: Socio-cultural and Historical. Primary sources of what Cambodia was like at the time. Relationships to Work: Concertina. I wanted to investigate my cultural heritage.

Object #2: Buddha Statue Significance: A Buddha statue is located in our dining room that is placed on top of our bookshelves. New thinking/Connections: Buddhism is the way of living. I could potentially showcase this idea in my poster to cherish it’s way of living. P.O.V: The values and beliefs of the religion teach how to be resilient, learn how to let go, mindfulness and acceptance. This was where my beliefs and values stem from – although I may not identify as religious but has helped me to better understand who I am. Visual Elements: Buddha can be seen as a peaceful figure. Qualities: Made out of some kind of material. Technical Components + Processes: Buddha’s position helps the viewer to understand what kind of figure he is. Context: Socio-cultural and Historical. The history of the religion and its significant impact on communities. Relationships to Work: Folktales. Given the opportunity to explore my heritage’s religion, Buddhism is a predominant religion in Southeast Asian countries.

Object #3: Buddha Statue Significance: Close-up shot of Sampot, a traditional garment worn by men and women in Cambodia. Ao Dai is a Vietnamese traditional garment worn by women. New thinking/Connections: Take inspiration from the style of the clothing. How it’s presented, taking inspiration from it’s patterns. P.O.V: Cultural clothing is a reflection of the community's history, identity and values. Visual Elements: Elegant, Extragent. Qualities: Different kinds of fabric. Context: Socio-cultural and Historical. Someone's cultural background contributes to how an individual sees themselves and is also to be shared and celebrated with others. Relationships to Work: Concertina. Where I explored different aspects of my cultural heritage.

Object #4: Food Markets Significance: My solo trip to Vietnam. Although I haven't had a chance to visit my ethnic country, however, the environment itself is very similar. New thinking/Connections: The differences between my life in New Zealand in comparison to a third-world country. P.O.V: This trip has helped me to gain insight into the environment my parents grew up in. Visual Elements: Overcast, Cloudy, Quiet. Context: Socio-Cultural. Life in a third-world country. Relationships to Work: Taking photographs of the places I’ve been to and being able to look back on them.

Object #5: Family Owned Businesses Significance: Being a daughter who is a part of a family-owned business. My parents owned a bakery, where I had spent the majority of my childhood. New thinking/Connections: The impact of being a part of a family business has its moments and hardships. P.O.V: What I miss about this place, was the community and the relationships I've developed while working there. Visual Elements: The designs of collaterals (signs, menus etc.) are in-cohesive. Technical Components + Processes: Typography. Relationships to Work: Brand identity for a cafe.

Object #6: The Kiwi Classics Significance: Kiwi culture - Mince and Cheese Pie, Cream Donut, and a bottle of coke is a staple in New Zealand Culture. New thinking/Connections: Growing up in the Bakery - loved the atmosphere and how food can connect people. Qualities: Savoury, Sweet, Bitterness. Technical Components + Processes: Commercial machines (pastry roller, coffee machine) that are used to ensure the quality and quantity of a product. Relationships to Work: Brand identity for a cafe.

Object #7: Chinese New Year (Red Envelop) Significance: Growing up, celebrating cultural traditions such as Chinese New Year allowed me to feel a sense of community. Now that I haven't celebrated it since my grandparents moved out; it has made me realise how much I missed it. New thinking/Connections: The importance of learning about cultural heritage. It plays a crucial role in shaping how we view the world and feel connected to those who hold the wisdom and insights of those who came before us. P.O.V: Chinese New Year is centred around removing the bad and the old, and welcoming the new and the good. It is a time when it's worshipping ancestors, exorcising evil spirits and praying for a good harvest; to start off the new year. Coming together and celebrating with others. Visual Elements: Red and gold. Technical Components + Processes: A lot of activities and rituals for prep before the New Year. Typically, during this time of year stores will be closed. Context: Historical Context.

Object #8: Flower Dome Significance: I have a lot of fake plants in my room. This one in particular was given to me as a gift. New thinking/Connections: Helps to keep me grounded when things get stressful. Visual Elements: Different kinds of dried flowers Qualities: Rustic, Vintage, Delicate Technical Components + Processes: Dried flowers, fairy lights, Floral Arrangements. Relationships to Work: Floral designs.

Object #9: Acoustic Guitar Significance: I enjoy listening to music, especially listening to an acoustic cover. This led to a new hobby that I cherish in my spare time. New thinking/Connections: Learning new chords, plucking and strumming patterns. Learning how to read sheet music. P.O.V: A part from acoustic, I enjoy listening to instrumental songs in general. Visual Elements: Not your typical wooden guitar. I liked the design of it overall. Repetitive pattern Qualities: Wood Technical Components + Processes: Tuning the guitar Contextual: Being a part of a community and contributing sheet music. I use Guitar Tab, where it's a website where people can contribute their chord or tab version of a song, YouTube is a great source as well.

Object #10: Snowy (Stuffed Animal) Significance: When I was a kid. My Stepdad, Mum and I visited Martha's Backyard. Martha's Backyard is an American Store and at the end of that trip, I brought a plush toy home with me. A Scottish Terrier named Snowy; to this day, it holds sentimental values from my childhood and my love for dogs. New thinking/Connections: I've collected a lot of dog plushes growing up. I've learned the names of each breed and had to name them. I've always wanted a dog but wasn't able to get one until I got to own a Labrador retriever. P.O.V: My love for dogs. Qualities: Some kind of fabric material. Soft material Context: All animals deserve a home.

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wahgifs · 2 years ago

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userdramas event 06: second time to shine — black & todd, not me (2021) | romantic homicide, d4vd

#userdramas #asianlgbtqdrama #bldramaedit #not me the series #gun atthaphan #sing harit #😭😭😭#sing played todd like he was in love with black #that scene in episode 13 where they are trying to kill each other #todd with tears in his eyes urging black to just do it #knowing he can't #neither of them can #anyway this is their song!!!#this has been in my head for a year #lets not talk about how i can't do typography #once again i'm asking for someone to come to my house and teach me #also i wanted more grain but tumblr size limit said no 💔

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jasmine604 · 1 year ago

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W5. Formative Script/notes for presentation

I wrote up a little script to figure out how long I was taking to talk - with this script it was around the 5minute mark or less.

The creative

My name is jasmine.. Some of my creative work in the past involves photography, campaign and multimedia work. A lot of my influences as a designer come from the media I consume as such artists like rene Ferrari stand out to me as their material’ also use entertainment as the building blocks to their work. Thematically I draw a lot of inspiration from people like lise sarfati who document girlhood or psychogeography through travel photography - a lot of these show up in the work I have done such as the cyanotype I did documenting objects of sentiment in my life.

The community

I explored this in more detail through my mindmpa linking my research to date with my work. Here you can see themes of sentimentalism, music, feminine identify that link my work to that of other creatives a lot of the artists i look into were women who explore what being a women in the modern world intails - it then looked into academic sources exploring this. a lot of the culutral or social infleunce coming through my work is that of the people around me and how they choose to bring meaning to things - something kija lucas looks into specfically. environemtnal influences would be the art of traveling - and how diffefrent environements impact peoples memories/emotions. I do feel a lot of my work is largely visual and I would want to look into typography going forward alongside screenprinting - possibly how the two can mar together.

Creative communities

Lise sarfati, is a french photography who still practises today, I would love to work for her or she be my mentor. I didn’t know the name psychogeography before i started researching her, and I think it applies to the sort of photogrsphy ice always been interested in - as such shes a big current inspiration. Denis dulude is a practising canadian type, motion, and graphic design is someone who’s work excites me, I think its interesting how he mixes silk screenrpitning with typography - how he layers them, Hes someone I would want to learn more about technique from. Kris Sowersby A nz type designer is someone I’ve found through this class and made me look at typography in another way - since i feel im not that versed with ty[ograhy learning from someone like him who uses a range of typogrhy would be interesting. Jim allen is a deceased NZ visual artist, i particularly likes how he valued all 5 senses when it came to his work - often setting up exhibitions that i imagine would make me feel like i was in cyantoype. I rarelt think of senses like touch or hear since a lot of the work ive done doesnt rely on those two things - it could be interesing to explore. Kija Lucas is someone I found while looking for inventory examples, she is an practising american photography whose work is that of collections. a lot of her work is around sentamentalsim and as someone who collects my memories it was interesting to see why others do the same - yet how different teach persons stories are. Leading from that , ive started collecting some objects its not complete yet but ive collected objects such as pendants, keepsakes, letters, photography, media with themes of sentamentalism, psychogeography and girlhood and is what im looking into going forward.

#week 5

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mundaneandmagicalcreature · 10 months ago

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I transcribed it cuz the typography is tiny

Leigh Keily: Where are you from?

Sam Reid: I’m from south of Sydney, I grew up on a cattle farm an hour south of Canberra Near the Australian ski fields, which actually exist, which most people don’t know. But I went to school in Sydney which is usually an easier answer!

Stephen Conway: Were you a farmer?

Sam: In school holidays I was, yeah…

Stephen: We had a farm issue…

Sam: Did you?

Leigh: Yeah…

Sam: Oh issue as in a magazine issue… I thought you meant you had like an ‘issue’ (raises eyebrow).

Leigh: Yeah… Most magazines don’t have farm issues. It was actually in my editor’s letter last month that we had to do the Outward Bound survival camp.

Sam: I was an Outward Bound instructor! Did you enjoy it.

Leigh: Only in retrospect. It was horrible at the time.

Sam: Very good life experience I think. Good for character building.

Leigh: It was really good to see people crack under the pressure, of course.

Sam: It was always the guys that cracked! I loved it, having to get massive spiders out of the tents and teaching people how to make tents out of plastic and bits of rope. I always think I’m the worst advertiser for Australia because I always bring up the spiders…

Leigh: I once went to get to bed and there was a snake in my bed.

Sam: Really? My mom once put her foot in a shoe and there was a funnel-web spider in it, and they’re the spiders that are so deadly you have like twenty minutes to get to a hospital if you’re bitten, or you die. And that was living at home in Sydney.

Leigh: Yeah, that’s kind of scary.

Sam: It’s cool though.

Leigh: It’s kind of cool coming from a country where you know spiders are deadly. English people get so freaked out by the smallest creatures here.

Sam: Well it’s kind of like a playground here where you can run around in the grass bare foot and not even worry about it.

Leigh and Stephen gesture arms flapping, running through a field.

Leigh: So what have you been doing lately?

Sam: Well, I’ve had a few films out this year so I’ve had kind of a mad year flying all over the place promoting these films. The Railway Man came out this year and Belle, which we had this incredible journey around America. We opened the film in America and Oprah Winfrey liked the movie and invited me, Gugu and the director to her house. She threw this big lunch - it was nuts! I remember driving up to her house and being like “holy fuck this is actually happening” and there was Oprah standing at the door in her orange poncho. I mean it was incredible having someone

Never getting over the fact that our favourite farmboy Samanthyne Reid also used to be a survival instructor who liked to build tents out of scraps and go hunting for cool spiders in the Australian outback.

From JON Magazine issue 6.

#i love that the whole interview is sam contradicting whatever leigh keily says #hilarious #sam reid

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seascapesandsalt · 7 years ago

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Welcome to my “designing a book cover for little to no money” process. I’ve just begun to think about this cover. It’s quite likely I won’t use any of these, and may still end up completely changing the title and/or tagline.

#self publishing #poets on tumblr #book cover design #someone teach me how typography works

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20dollarlolita · 2 years ago

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I want to make my own version of AP's 2022 lyrical bunny coat. I have an embroidery machine and digitizing software. I've already digitized the lyrical bunny patch. The other patch says Angelic Pretty. I don't want to put their name on something I made. I was planning on making it say just AP. Do you think that's too close? I could do LB for lyrical bunny or my own initials. I'm changing the colors of the jacket to what fabric I have in my stash, so it won't be identical to the real one.

For starters, copying existing things so that you can learn how to do something is totally legitimate. Referencing, especially when you're doing something complex like embroidery, is completely valid.

For people who don't digitize embroidery, it's a lot more complex than just vector art. There's a ton of stuff out there that no one's going to teach you how to do, and you have to learn how to render an image in thread by looking at how others rendered it in thread. Just looking at how someone draws it isn't the same, in the same way that looking at a photograph of a person isn't going to teach you how to blend oil paint on wood to perfectly capture their skin texture. "Learn how to make your own without copying," is not a valid argument here.

That said, you're completely correct in that copying a brand logo and trying to pass it off as legitimate is not the same as copying a brand to learn their style. I'd definitely want to do something to make it clear that it's not trying to be counterfeit.

You could easily get something that's similar looking, but upon inspection is clearly not the original brand. "Angelic Petty" kind of comes to mind.

You could also pick something that's absolute gibberish, but has a similar uppy-downy-curly-shape (some typography nerd please tell me what that's called) as the AP logo. Skerple brand sharpie markers come to mind.

You could also definitely just put your own initials or your own signature. You could make a patch with a shape that feels like it should match the bunny. You could pick something else from the release (I liked this key chain) and turn that into a patch.

But if you're asking if I think it's a good idea to just digitize AP's logo and stick it on a patch, well? It's not really doing anything morally wrong as long as you're exclusively using it for personal use and are not attempting to gain some kind of money or social status from it, but you have such a good option to make something to elevate the concept.

So, if you can, try taking the image in a different direction. What is something that you can add to it that makes it something no one else could make? How can you make this yours?

For further reading: I answered another ask similar before.

#machine embroidery #lolita fashion #handmade lolita #ask #anon

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lepusrufus · 4 years ago

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Double edged scalpel ch. 7

Ch.1 ch.2 ch.3 ch.4 ch.5 ch.6

Summary: in which Cassandra gets bullied and other sappy shenanigans

---

"Oh Nicole dear, so happy to see you again!" Duke's voice was cheerful as ever, tone masterfully crafted over years of being a businessman.

Nicole, taking small steps inside the ornate and now full of items room, greeted him with uncharacteristic giddiness.

"Duke! How's business?"

"Same as always, I'll be heading to Beneviento later tonight to deliver some tools for her," he took a long drag of his cigar and, noticing green eyes scanning over multiple items and said, "I also have your order."

With a childish grin on her face, she approached him, hands shuffling inside the small bag attached to her belt that all staff members had. She pulled out the money owed for her package and, in return, the Duke placed a decently sized box in her arms. With an oof she shifted it in a less precarious position, it's heavy contents seeming to plot against her small frame.

"Unfortunately I can't stay, duty calls. But thank you Duke."

"No worries, I do understand that your employers can be quite," he took another drag of his cigar, looking for the right word. "...demanding"

Nicole chuckled. That was one way to put it.

"Well until next time dear. Or if you find yourself in need of something else, I'll be here until six."

---

She was only wearing a long white towel when she heard a knock on the door. Assuming it was another maid, or even Anita inquiring about whether or not she'd be joining the rest of them for dinner, she opened the door just a crack.

It was a surprise to see none other than Cassandra standing there, her elegant frame in odd contrast with the modest corridor. She flung the door open, letting the brunette inside and took a quick glance down the hall, making sure no maid was on the floor after fainting due to fright.

"What are you doing here?"

"Aw, are you not happy to see me?" She was pouting, but her tone was joking.

Nicole rolled her eyes, but the small smile on her lips betrayed that she was indeed happy to see her. Cassandra only laughed instead, a beautiful melodious laugh, so unlike the dark cackles heard by prisoners down in the dungeons.

"Just sit down, I need to get dressed," Nicole pointed to the bed before moving to the small dresser and pulling out a clean uniform.

Cassandra went to sit on the slightly disheveled bed, eyes following the redhead's form as she let the towel drop to her feet and started to put on the various layers of her uniform. Then golden eyes darted to the box sitting on the bed. The tape sealing it had been cut not long after Nicole brought it back to her room to make sure all its contents made it safely. Not that she didn't trust the Duke, but postal service was postal service.

"What's this?" Cassandra inquired, trying to read the label but having no success as it had been scribbled over with a marker.

Nicole stilled for a moment, hands frozen on her white button up. She cleared her throat and shyly admitted:

"Actually that's for you. Do open it if you want."

Cassandra's eyes widened, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. The gesture had really caught her off guard. She gingerly lifted the lid, inspecting it's contents for a moment and then hummed.

"And here I was thinking you like my hair. With how much you love to pull on it and all that."

Nicole, now fully clothed and sporting a deep blush, marched to her and plucked the two boxes of red hair dye from gloved hands. She placed them on her nightstand and, with her voice just slightly more high pitched, she turned to the brunette.

"Those are mine, I meant the rest of it." And, after a chuckle, "I mean have you seen my roots? They're horrible!"

Cassandra only gave her a deadpan look and, after a long moment, said: "I think your hair is beautiful."

She didn't wait for a reply, not that it would be anything more than a stammered mumble of course. Instead she chuckled and returned her attention to the box. She examined the rest of its contents and then gingerly lifted one of the few tomes inside. The cover was glossy and malleable, it's pages shiny and with a distinct typography smell to it. It was so unlike her other books, it's pristine white state making it feel extremely out of place in the castle. She glanced at Nicole inquisitively.

"I do appreciate the gift, don't misunderstand me, but surely you know there's a small bookshop's worth of medical books in this castle."

"With all due respect, from what I've seen most of them are at least somewhat outdated. Interesting, yes, but I thought you'd like to learn something more...modern." Then she pulled out another book. "This is the same one I used while studying forensic pathology. It would make teaching you some things easier. Uh… assuming you want that."

Nicole averted her gaze, suddenly unsure of the usefulness of her gift. Cassandra however grabbed her chin between two fingers and pulled her gaze back on her. She smiled, finding the shy demeanor beyond endearing.

"I'd love that."

A small smile appeared on thin lips and Nicole leaned in to kiss Cassandra. It was soft and short, but no less intimate than the deep kisses they shared so many times in Cassandra's bed.

They had to go anyway.

---

Let's go to the library, Cassandra said. It'll be empty, she said.

When Cassandra swung open the intricate door, only to find the other two sisters lounging on one of the couches, it's not like they could do a one eighty and leave the room. That would've been both impolite and highly suspicious.

Instead, Cassandra grabbed her arm protectively and led them to the reading spot farthest from the other two. They placed one of the textbooks on the small desk and Cassandra took out a notebook. This would've been a lot more fruitful with an actual body on hand, but there were still a couple days until the human flesh supply had to be replenished and Cassandra was beyond eager to start on some things. So, for now, they had to settle for theory alone.

It took all of five minutes for the other two sisters to make their way to their desk. Daniela had a giddy yet curious expression on her face, while Bela seemed as unreadable as ever, if not for a glint in her eyes that betrayed her interest.

"Whatcha dooooing?" Came Daniela's voice, who cocked her head not unlike a curious puppy would while looking at the book's contents.

"Working," Cassandra replied, a slight growl accompanying her words.

"Could've fooled me," Bela spoke from behind the youngest sister, eyeing the hand protectively placed on Nicole's waist.

Cassandra snapped her eyes at the blonde, looking ready to throw her notebook at her head but Bela ignored her sister's ire and addressed Nicole instead.

"What are you studying?"

"I uh- just some basic anatomy concepts. Thought it would be a good idea to start with the things that the older books in the castle don't cover."

Bela only hummed, grabbed an ornate chair nearby, and plopped herself at the desk, opposite from the pair. Daniela mimicked her sister, but instead chose to sit down right by Nicole on the small couch. It took more willpower than she would admit not to glue herself to Cassandra's side when Daniela's face came uncomfortably close so she could look over the book's diagrams. She stood still as a statue though. After a couple seconds of silence and Nicole trying to figure out what she was supposed to do, Daniela drew her head back, looking at her with what was possibly the most serious expression she had seen on the youngest sister.

"You do realize we're not going to hurt you right? How could we lay a finger on our dear sister's lover hmm?"

Nicole's breath caught in her throat. She wasn't sure if it was due to the word used to describe her or how Daniela apparently knew that she was utterly terrified of her. Cassandra sighed beside her and, seeming to at least partially read Nicole's thoughts, clarified:

"Your heartbeat."

Oh. Yeah. Yeah her heart was beating a million miles an hour. And apparently the other three vampiric occupants of the room were able to hear it loud and clear. It did very little to ease her mind.

"Please do calm down, it feels like someone is having drumming lessons. Bad ones," Bela complained, head resting in one of her hands like she was already bored.

"Then shove a sock in your ears," Cassandra snapped.

Bela simply leaned back in her seat and stretched her arms above her head. "And risk not hearing my beloved sisters sing along to some pop song?"

Cassandra shut her mouth, a blush now slowly spreading across her cheeks while Daniela burst out into laughter. Even Nicole couldn't help betraying the brunette and letting out a giggle.

"I didn't know you could sing."

"I can't."

"Au contraire dear Cassie! Should I remind you of the last time Dragostea din tei came on the radio? The pathos!" Daniela reached over Nicole's lap to lightly shake her sister's knee through her giggles.

Cassandra only let out a long groan, face now hidden in her palms. "I hate you both."

"Mhm, we love you too," came Bela's reply, accompanied by a chuckle.

Nicole couldn't keep a small laugh while she snaked her arm behind the brunette to show some form of support against the merciless assailants. Maybe not a complete betrayal.

The scene really had something deep within her heart aching beautifully. It reminded her of the countless times she and Alex would mercilessly tease each other, but still have each other's backs through thick and thin. And for this familiarity to come from people that any sane person would consider bloodthirsty monsters? Hell, maybe they should start considering her a monster too, for the only word she could use to describe them in that moment was endearing.

"So," Bela lightly clapped her gloved hands. "Now that your pulse isn't giving me a headache anymore, what are we doing?"

She had a confident smirk on her face, but her eyes betrayed curiosity. Same for Daniela and, although mixed with a hint of annoyance, Cassandra. She opened the book in front of her, one of general human anatomy, and decided that the digestive system would be a good enough starting point.

---

Their little impromptu lesson didn't last more than two hours. Two hours that proved to Nicole just how oddly human all three sisters can be. Of course she had gotten familiar with Cassandra, intimately so, but the other two still felt like two looming monsters hiding in the shadows. At least up until now.

Bela seemed oddly intrigued by Nicole's explanation, although unlike Cassandra, she seemed to view it more like a story than anything. Daniela seemed slightly more interested, asking questions here and there and even starting to giggle like a middle schooler when they got to the rectum section. That got an eye roll from the other two. Nicole just laughed, finally understanding Mrs Hawkins, her private biology teacher from before she was allowed to step foot in any public school.

After they were done, Bela simply stood up and bid them good night. Danila instead excitedly proposed the skeletal system for next time and picked up the books she abandoned earlier. Then, with a small tower of tomes she went through a door tucked at the very back of the room. Her study, Cassandra had pointed out as they made their way out of the library.

"I didn't know your sisters were interested in medicine too." Nicole kept her voice low, almost as if talking too loudly would disturb the shadowy hallways.

"More or less. Daniela likes it and has a bit of hands-on practice but she has her nose in romance novels more often than not. Bela finds it interesting but botany is what she really loves. That and classic lit." She added the last part with a grimace and Nicole had to wonder which author had offended her personally.

Before she could continue that train of thought though, her gaze moved to the windows, the cloudless sky beyond thick glass panels full of twinkling stars. Her mind kept going back to a few hours earlier and at what Daniela had said. Lover. Did Cassandra truly see her as one or was the youngest sister just being her over the top self. Did she see Cassandra this way? Nicole had not allowed herself to dwell on that up until now, the idea that the brunette saw her as more than an over glorified lab partner with whom she occasionally scratched an itch seemed almost laughable. But the small gestures of affection shown in ways Cassandra seemed to know best were undeniably there. And the familiar flutter in her chest at each of said gestures was also undeniably there.

"What's wrong?"

Cassandra's voice, accompanied by the slight echo through the empty hallway, snapped Nicole out of her thoughts.

"Oh um- nothing." She sounded as convincing as someone trying to sell you a fork while showing you a spoon.

And Cassandra didn't seem to buy it. She moved in front of the redhead, walking backwards with no concern over possible furniture to collide into along the way.

"You always get this… face when something's bothering you."

"I do not-" the indignation in her tone was weak, little more than an attempt to change the subject.

"Mhmm you do. You normally look focused. Kind of like, if someone tried to scare you by throwing an eyeball at you, you'd laugh." She would. "Now? Now you look like a rabbit that has no time to run and is just laying low hoping whatever's hunting it passes by."

Nicole shut up for a moment, only looking at the brunette in front of her incredulously. Maybe she was far more attentive than she gave her credit for.

"Uh. Just thinking." At a raised dark eyebrow, the no shit went unsaid, so Nicole tried to elaborate. "About earlier. When we were with your sisters and Daniela uh- Daniela called me your lover."

Saying that the words felt awkward on her tongue was close to the year's biggest understatement. It felt like pulling out teeth would be an easier task. Nicole had never been good with her words, having learned since childhood to keep her mouth shut. But the fact that Cassandra seemed to share her struggle brought some semblance of comfort.

"And?" As if they were talking about the weather.

"And… was she right in describing me as such?"

She couldn't help a small gulp when the brunette stopped walking, looking at her with a frown. Any sane person would be at the very least somewhat afraid in this situation. Sanity however was scarce these days as Nicole was afraid, though not of the bodily harm that may come from her inquiry, but rather of Cassandra's answer.

"Nicole, your tongue has been in my mouth." Amongst many other places.

The redhead's cheeks turned a slight shade of crimson and she mumbled for an answer. She wasn't sure how to tell her that sleeping together did not automatically make them lovers. But then again, Cassandra's thoughts remained a mystery more than anything.

Thankfully the brunette took the metaphorical reins of the conversation and stepped forward. She wrapped her hands around Nicole's arms, gentler than one would imagine possible from her, and bent down to whisper no more than an inch away from her ear.

"I'll have you know, I'm not particularly fond of letting anyone I don't deem important touch me. Especially not the way you do."

The words made something flutter in Nicole's chest, an unfamiliar and comforting warmth. Said warmth got chipped away at the slightest bit when Cassandra pulled back to look her in the eyes.

"Should I take it that it's not mutual then?" Cassandra's tone was nonchalant, almost as if she didn't truly care about the answer. She could keep doing whatever she wanted either way, afterall who was going to stop her? But to someone who got familiar with all her small quirks and habits, the waver in her voice was more than clear.

"No." The world slipped from her lips with no hesitation.

No hesitation, because the more she thought about it, and she didn't need to think a lot mind you, the more Nicole realized that she couldn't remember a time when she felt the way she did here. Sure the initial threat of death looming over her head was anything but pleasant, but once that melted into affection and nights spent in Cassandra's arms the thought of leaving didn't as much as graze her mind.

"No, no. It is," she repeated, more certainty making its way into her tone.

At that Cassandra smiled. A small, almost shy one would say if they knew her well enough, smile. Her shoulders seemed to lose some of their tension when she leaned down again, her lips stopping not even an inch away. Nicole wasted no time leaning forward, their mouths meeting in a kiss that mixed softness and need beautifully. Their lips slid against each other until, surprisingly, it was Cassandra to pull back and sigh.

"Come sleep, we have some cutting up to do in the morning."

Nicole frowned. "Tomorrow? Wasn't that supposed to be due in a few days?"

A devilish grin appeared on black lips, fangs shimmering ominously in the low light. "Bela caught a foolish man-thing sneaking around the forest on the castle grounds. She's really excited to turn this one into a nice steak."

The redhead only let out an oh in acknowledgement. Foolish indeed. At least they could finally put into practice a few autopsy tricks Nicole had been itching to show her.

She let herself be guided back to Cassandra's chambers and into her bed, that she had grown intimately familiar with. The last thing she felt before falling asleep was the brunette's cool skin, pressed against her own. A welcomed comfort among the myriad of soft pillows that surrounded them. Nicole wondered briefly if being undead meant it was hard to keep yourself warm, but the thought quickly slipped away as she fell into a dreamless sleep.

#cassandra dimitrescu x maiden #unhinged maiden™ my beloved #bela dimitrescu #daniela dimitrescu #double edged scalpel #fanfic #the dimitrescu daughters

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