Urban Design Studio1

Time for a GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-04-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

So this time the giveaway isn't to promote UDS1, it is to promote UDS1's baby boy! Haha, yes, our local radio station is having a contest for Calgary's cutest kid and naturally (as every mother does) I think mine should win! So, that's the "WHY" I'm doing a giveaway and now here's the rest:

WHAT - So this time I figured I should probably do something kinda big (and I'm clearly in contest and prize mode)... so here's the GRAND PRIZE!

A custom blog design complete with header, background, favicon, signature, sidebar titles, blog button and links to twitter/FB whatever.
A free Business card or Mommy Card design with 20 free cards (business card with your info on it and "mommy of..."
A free logo design to go with said Business or Mommy card
AAAAAAAND A Free photo card design (to be used now or hold off 'til Christmas... whatevs!)

Now THAT'S A Giveaway!

HOW- You can do any one (or a combination to get more entries) of the following:

Join the Vote for Nixon Facebook group and vote for him of course
Blog about his entry and share this link:
http://cutestkid.vibemorningshow.com/showcase/View.aspx?ID=142886
Tweet about his entry and share the above link and vote
Post the link in your FB Status and vote
Invite a friend and if they join or do one of the above you both get an entry!
This one is based on the honor system as I have no way to prove that you did it or not but go onto said link and vote for him each day (or almost each day if you can't quite do it).

Now just make sure you come back here and tell me what you did and I'll make sure you get an entry!

Just look at how cute he is!

WHEN - Now since the top 20 finalists will be announced on Friday April 23rd, if he for some crazy reason does not make this, I will do the draw then, otherwise the draw will take place when the contest is over on May 3rd.

Busy Busy Busy!

2010-03-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been able to post for a while because I've been sooo busy doing exactly what I love! I have been spending time with family and doing a ton of work! Yes it's had it's stressful times, but overall I'm doing what I love and am completely enjoying it! I have been doing blog designs, finishing up some websites, working on logos and business cards and all sorts of graphicy goodness! My favourite project I've been working on has been a website for a charity called Child Rescue of North America. I really enjoyed working with Lindsay and donating some of my time and talents to help with their wonderful cause. I decided to do an interview with Lindsay to help promote their cause and spread the word about their charity so here's the interview:

What exactly does Child Rescue of North America do?
Child Rescue is a non-profit organization that exists to fight the horrors of child trafficking.
Isn't child trafficking mainly happening overseas?
It is true that the numbers are incredibly high in developing countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, and India but child trafficking happens in every region of the world including The US and Canada. This is one of the most important things for us to understand- that this is happening in our own back yard. There are an estimated 1,200 child trafficked into Canada each year and somewhere around 18,000 in the United States. These statistics are shocking to say the least, but when you see and hear the actual stories of young people exploited into sexual slaver you will connect in your mind and your heart that there are thousands upon thousands of these nightmare stories that are being realized right now as we speak.
Aren't local police taking care of this problem?
They do try but the funding and resources are just no where near where they need to be in order for them to have a chance. Training, equipment, constant incoming tips from the general public need to be provided in order for them to save more kids. They need simple things like servers to hold all of the information on these criminals so that when they are prosecuted they can have more evidence against them. This costs money, so we need to be apart of the solution.
Are there many other efforts being made to solve these problems?
Unfortunately not enough, human trafficking is the second largest criminal activity on the planet today. Sexual slavery is a nearly 30 billion dollar industry and is growing rapidly. These are huge numbers to combat so we need all the help we can get, but there are amazing government and law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and other groups doing there best to stop this unthinkable problem.
What is your main goal?
Our mission is to reduce child trafficking in the US and Canada by 90%before the end of 2019.
How do you plan to accomplish this goal?
We have intended to accomplish this by two main efforts intervention and education. Education will be a comprehensive approach, we are engaging in aggressive public awareness campaigns to generate enough disgust in the community to influence political will. We need to create the demand to end this! We also focus on supporting the actual Task forces that rescue kids from trafficking and we want to help finance education for law enforcement or other agencies so they can be more effective in their efforts. Education also includes teaching indivduals at risk how to avoid becoming trafficking vicitims. Intervention goes hand in hand with these educational models and includes strategies of financing equipment to law enforcement, providing services to victims, creating a tip hot line, and funding rehabilitation facilities.
How did you first hear about child trafficking?
I believe I first heard about it on the news years and years ago but it wasn't until I recently began to work for Child Rescue that I really understood the scoope of the problem and the startling numbers world wide let alone in the United States and or my home state of Utah.
Why did you decide to help head up this charity?
I have known the founders for years and they are some of the kindest most selfless people I have ever known but aside from the fantastic team I work with at Child Rescue I am a mother of two small children and I cannot think of a more worthy cause for my time and energy. All children deserve to be safe and to have their childhood preserved. All humanity is worthy of more. I just can't stand by any more.
Where can I learn more about this issue and how to help?
The most comprehensive report done to date was done by the US State Department Tip Report on Human trafficking 2009. You can find it on their website, also just google human trafficking and you can read and or see any number or articles or new reports on the issue. The information is everywhere, you just need to open your eyes.
How can I as a regular person help out?
There are many ways in which you can get involved both specifically in Child Rescue as well as in the anti-human trafficking movement. You can contribute your time by volunteering. We have an every increasing need for help in any capacity and Child Rescue staff are willing to figure out with you where and how you can best be involved. Some examples are promoting our benefit concert coming up this fall, working on branding and messaging, fundraising, helping to get the public aware of this issue, and or even just licking envelopes. If you yourself are not in a position to volunteer then you can help connect us to those who can. Your friends, family, or associates maybe willing and able and if you can send them our way we would appreciate it. Also, if you know business owners or influential celebrity type figures that could help our voice be heard you can be that link. You can also always give your money. Donate by visiting our website. You can pledge as little as 3 dollars a week or even contribute a one time $5 donation. Every penny counts. You truly are the difference in this fight!

Being a mother myself, I can't believe that this is happening seriously right in our own backyards! After researching more into the subject, I learned that my very own city is a part of 2 major child trafficking routes in Canada. It was such an eye opener that many of us really do live in a bit of a bubble and I have decided to help out with Child Rescue where I can. If you'd like to help out as well or donate, feel free to email Lindsay at childrescue@rescuingkids.org or visit their website at www.rescuingkids.org

A Wonderful friend and an amazing company!

2010-02-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite clients and good friend, Carla McDaniel of Savour the Art of Food (a delectable company offering cooking classes, catering services and now PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES!!!!) is doing a giveaway on her blog for said personal chef service AND I WANT IT! haha So I'm tooting her horn and letting you know how wonderful she is and how great her company is! So check out her blog for a chance to also win a personal chef service giveaway!

Template.... Tuesday?!

2009-12-22T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hello again! The month of December has been a busy one, and the template Thursdays have gotten away from me. So here are the last 3 Template Thurdays and another will arrive this Thursday! So thanks for stopping in!

New things in the works...

2009-12-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

So I'm really excited! I have new things that will be coming in the new year and until then... they are TOP SECRET!!! And no.. I know what you're asking I am NOT changing my website AGAIN! It's staying! I can't wait though... it's gonna be awesome! (now just gotta hope I'm not giving it more hype than it deserves...)

And We Have A Winner!!!

2009-11-28T06:43:00.001-08:00

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I ended up being very busy with the wee ones, but anywho, here's the winner!

#3! Which is. BAKER FAMILY!!! So Elaine! You get a freeee custom photo card! Email me at info@urbandesignstudio1.com and I'll get started on a design for you right away!

Thanks all who entered and don't forget about the sale! You have until tomorrow night!

BLACK FRIDAY SALE!!!

2009-11-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

So in the US of A it is Black Friday (the biggest shopping day of the year). Even though I'm not in the US or American, lots of my family and friends are (including the hubby) so here's a special little sale for everyone! And Hurry! It ends Sunday at Midnight!

Template Thursday and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

So This week, we have a cheerful funky floral blog design! Also Make sure to check back tomorrow as we will be having a BLACK FRIDAY SALE!!!! And of course our giveaway! Whoo... it's gonna be a busy day!

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

What to Post? How about a Giveaway!!!

2009-11-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

So, I want to know what you want to know! What would you like me to post about? What would interest you the most? Would you like me to write about new trends in the design industry, would you like me to highlight certain companies I've done work for? Post all my new designs? What would be interesting to YOU my reader? And since people rarely act unless there's a prize here it comes! (but you'll have to work for it!)

FREE HOLIDAY PHOTO CARD DESIGN!
That's right! You are up to win a free holiday photo card! You send me a photo or photos of your family and I will create a holiday bliss for you to share with anyone who'll have it!
(you can get it printed at any photo finisher, I prefer Costco)

So here's what ya gotta do! (like I said, I'm making you work for this one!)
To enter, you need to:
1) Comment on this post and let me know what you want to read about and that you've done the next steps
2) Promote me on you blog or facebook or twitter or whatever. (Write a loverly post about me or just link to this one.)
3) If you haven't already done so, grab a button and follow me!

Thanks so much for all of your help and support and remember, word of mouth is the best form of advertising (and you just may get rewarded if you refer a friend!)

The Draw will be held on Friday Nov. 27th. So get your entries in!

White Christmas Blogger Template

2009-11-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Website haha!

2009-11-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Oh man, I've been uber busy and totally neglected to let you all know the website is up! You can find it at

http://www.urbandesignstudio1.com

And while I'm tossing out urls, here's the etsy store:
www.urbandesignstudio1.etsy.com

Take care and thanks for supporting me, I really appreciate it, also don't forget to come by tomorrow for Template Thursday!

Another Thursday, Another Template!

2009-11-12T14:40:00.001-08:00

Template Thursday!!!

2009-11-05T11:10:00.001-08:00

Here is the new blog template for this week! Each Thursday check back for "Template Thursday" where I will release a new blog design for sale each week! "Gypsy Garden" was inspired by "Gypsy Garden background" by Pixels & Ice Cream, one of my new fave designers!

Hope You Enjoy!

Blog Design Templates!

2009-10-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

So some of you have requested that I make some templates to sell, so here is at least round one! How it works is that you pick your blog, purchase it and then as soon as I can (within 24 hours) I will email you the blog code and the header with your blog name on it. It's that easy, so enjoy!

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!

2009-10-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for entering to win my free blog design giveaway and following us and twittering (or is it tweeting) about us and adding our button to your blogs! I am also very excited to say that the website will be up VERY SOON! I'm just waiting back on some stuff for the portfolio and it'll be up! (I'll post when it's done.. and who knows... maybe another giveaway!)

Allrighty then, without any further ado and with a little help from Random.org, I have picked a winner!

So, Jared & Liam Craig, email me at info@urbandesignstudio1.com and we'll get started on your blog right away!
Pictures will be posted upon completion!

GIVEAWAY TOMORROW!!!

2009-10-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

So Today's your last day! Get your entries in! The draw will be tomorrow! You get to win a whole blog makeover! The whole shebang so make sure to get those entries in!

$$$Pricing$$$

2009-10-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

So I've been checking out some other blog designers' sites and am curious what you guys think a good price for blog design is. One designer charges between $90 and $245 depending if you just want blog design or kind've a blogish website, and $20+ for a template.
Another charges $50- $200 depending on just a header and bg or a fully embellished work of art and another charges between $110 and $165. So what are your thoughts? What would you be willing to pay for a custom designed blog? What would you be willing to pay for a pre-made template? Have any other thoughts or comments? I love to hear from you!

Deadline!!!

2009-10-16T21:03:00.001-07:00

Ok, I've been neglecting actually doing the giveaway 'cause I've been trying to tie up some loose ends with other designs and was wanting to get my site up as well, but I think a couple of you are getting antsy, so I will give you a deadline and that will make me get some stuff done quicker! So, without further ado, the deadline for entries is:
FRIDAY OCTOBER 23rd
And I will pick a name and post it on Saturday! So if you haven't already, get your entry in!

The Blog and a GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2009-10-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
So, this is the official blog for Urban Design Studio 1 (formerly, "Keshia Larsen Designs"). I know it has been a long time coming and the site will be up next week, but I wanted to get some things rolling including A GIVEAWAY!!!!
So, for those of you who are unfamiliar with our work, we offer our services in all things design, including:

Websites
Blogs
Logos
Ads
Businsess Cards
Photo baby/birth announcements & cards
Photo wedding invitations & collections
And now offering Wedding Websites!

So to kick off our new company, we are offering a free blog design! Here's how to win, check out my company blog button on the right (------>), add it to your blog, come back here and tell me that you did it! (You get an extra entry if you follow us!)

Excellent, and thanks for supporting the new company!