Photography with Adam Sparkes

During my time at the International Academy of Design and Technology, I had the very distinct opportunity of having some very unique instructors who taught me some valueable skills in design that I use to this day.  One such individual is Adam Sparkes.

During my time there and shortly after, I was given the chance to work with him on about three of his wedding photography projects.  What a learning experience!

Needless to say, I was a sponge, soaking up as much knowledge of the process as I could. These jobs gave me a major part of the hands on experience that I needed to become a better event photographer. Working under his instruction was truly a pleasure and I would jump at the opportunity to do it again.

When you get the opportunity, check out Corey and Aimee Wedding in the D with Adam Sparkes to see one of the cool photoshoots we did in downtown Detroit.

Chickee Bijoux (Jewelery)

 I had the distinct pleasure of  traveling to the beautiful city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada to assist my good friend Natalie Chickee on a business venture that she started called Chickee Bijoux, a custom jewelery service.    

Her objective is to make one-of-a-kind pieces and sell them online and to local shops who want to carry original and unique jewelery that are beautifully crafted with meaningful purpose. Her goal is to not only make asthetically pleasing "wearable" art, but to also create a sense of well being, comfort and joy for whomever wears it. 

 I was there to assist Natalie in her online promotional efforts (photography) as well as her corporate branding and presentation (logo / product concepts).

Check out what we came up with in the slide show below.

See the latest at ChickeeBijoux.com

Project: Smithberrie Accents

My sister Charnette has always had an entrepreneurs mind.  So during the 2011 Holiday Season, she asked me to help her with logo concepts for her latest venture, Smithberrie Accents.

Smithberrie Accents is a seasonal giftwrapping service that was opened in the main shopping area of Twelve Oaks Shopping Center in Novi, MI, right outside of Macy's Department Store.  Services included basic giftwrapping to specialty wrapping for all gifts large and small.

I had the pleasure of assisting my sister through designing some of her promotional products, which involved graphic design and a little bit of photography.

 

She was really happy with the logo design concept that I came up with for her that she immediately sought to have it grace her storefront (as you can see in the photos above). Fortunately the whole thing was a success.

 

I imagine that this will be a continuous "yule time" effort for her, so I look forward to another holiday season of helping her out with it in 2012.

 

Must be nice to have a Graphic Design Dynamo in the family...lol.

Project: Chene Park/The Right Productions Internship

During my final term in college, I acquired an internship position at Chene Park Ampitheater in Downtown Detroit with the Right Productions as their Content Management Intern.  

Chene Park is one of the crown jewels of Metro Detroit and facilitates weekly events throughout the summer featuring local as well as national recording artists from several different genres of music.  

During that time I got my very first experience working with Content Management Systems (WordPress to be exact).  

It was my responsibility to update the home page with the coming events as well as the event schedule if and when things changed.  I also had the privilage of designing some invites and concession menus.

The main perk was all the wonderful artist that I had the opportunity to take pictures of:

I also had the privilage of working with one of the very best promotion/production staffs in the nation which included Mrs. Shahida Mausi, Nannette Wheatley, Sulaiman Mausi, Nina Payne, Rashid Mausi, Piper Carter (who is also a professional photographer), Malik Mausi, Dana Cleveland, Sundiata "OM" Mausi, Ken "Blanks" Harrell as well as so many others that contribute so much to the daily opperations of Chene Park.  It was truly a wonderful experience that I will cherish and hold dear for years to come. 

Special thanks goes out to Paula Anderanin, who was instrumental in my being there.  Your contribution to my success at Chene Park was not in vain; as well as Monica Morgan who I always love to watch in her element.  You inspire me to be a better photographer.

I also did some work on The Right Productions website which will be accessible shortly.  I will definitely be giving a "heads- up" as to when it is available to view online.

Project: NV Designs 2011 Spring/Summer Collection

Natasha Tipler is the very charismatic and energetic designer of NV Designs.  She has been making clothing for quite some time and approached me about helping her out with her portfolio along with Mario Walden, Brian "Bugsy B Fresh" Buggs and Nathaniel Lindsay; All of whom are/were students at the International Academy of Design and Technology.  

This was really an interesting project that required alot of energy in a very short amount of time (3 Days).  Fortunately for Natasha, our combined efforts produced wonderful results. Have a look for yourself.

!!!! PEEP MY NIFTY DANCE MOVES @ 2:50 !!!!