This past week I went to a cafe with my husband and I couldn’t help but notice this guy probably my age with a young kid maybe 8-10 years old. I heard them talking (I am sorry! I couldn’t help but listen!) and the older guy sounded like a mentor to the younger child. He was asking him how he was and what was going on at school and how he felt about things. What really hit me though, is he kept saying “Be a leader.” He told this young kid that he had to lead and be respectful.

This statement really hit home for me. Though it is very important to be yourself, it is the simple fact that others are always watching. They maybe trying to find your faults or maybe they are curious about you. It is very possible that you are someone’s role-model without even knowing it. The fact remains though, eyes are on you. What you do with your life, it matters. Though you may feel like you cannot contribute to the bigger picture, think about it, your smile or compliment could be the one thing that made that lady at the grocery store feel good about herself this week. When you choose to accept others no matter who they are or what they do with their lives, people notice. I’m not here to tell you exactly what differences you could make. I am just here to remind you to actually stand up and make them.

As you do more good, there will always be people who will try to tear you down. Let them try but ignore them. Just hold on to your own values and don’t let others make you feel inferior for taking a stand for the human race. Alyssa, from techlovedesign, reminds us that nobody has it all figured out. That includes you too! You can’t judge others, just as much as you can’t let them judging you get under your skin. No one is perfect.

Listening to this guy, at this cafe, telling this kid to “Be a leader”, well that made a difference in my life. It was like he was telling ME to be a leader. I started to tear up a few times while they were talking. I truly am sorry to this guy though for listening in on his conversation, but those words were meant to find me too I think. He said them to this child with such confidence and meaning. He said them with care and he sounded like he felt he could make a difference in this childs life. I think he is right. I wish I could tell him, he made me stop and think too. – xoxo Jessica

What is something you have heard that has always inspired you and stuck with you since you’ve heard it?

This week has been interesting, I haven’t announced online it yet… but I’m moving!! We found a cute little apartment closer to my work and we will get to start painting and moving on monday! Isn’t that awesome? Also, I have joined Society6 (My Shop) just because I keep making all of these little illustrations and so now people can buy them as prints, phone cases, t-shirts, and more. If enough people are interested, I may start selling them myself. Really though, I just love to make them, ya’ know? Anyways, I hope your Friday is going great, here are some things to get you through that  mid-day lull.

These cucumber flower bites look so good! mmmmm.

Since I am on this popsicle kick because summer is coming, these popsicle phone case patterns are adorable.

My hair is naturally curly but hard to tame. I need to try these no heat curls asap!

I wonder if I could get my husband to wear this striped bow tie?!

These sculptures remind me of my wild and free deer design. I need to try to work with my hands more to bring my ideas to life!

That’s it for today! I hope you have a great Friday! -xoxo Jessica

It is still spring but summer is in the air. The pools are opening up, I am pulling out all of my cotton dresses, my hair is getting harder to tame. Ahh I love it. Another reason I love that summer is coming is because my 1 year anniversary is coming up too! My husband and I have decided to take a trip and I can’t wait to share all about it. In the mean time I want to share with you 10 things I want to do this summer.

1. Visit the ocean for the first time

2. Go star-gazing with my husband

3. Take a girls road trip

4. Go on a camping and canoe trip

5. Throw a summer dance party

6. Avoid getting sun burnt

7. Sew my own dress

8. Make friends with a complete stranger

9. Spend a whole day helping someone in need

10. Spend a whole weekend with my family

What are some things that are on your list this for summer? What is your favorite season?
- xoxo Jessica

ps. If you would be interested in me making prints of the above illustration, tweet me @coloroverboad. If I get enough people that want to buy a print, I will have them made! (:

Hello Friday lovers! I can’t believe it is already that time of week again!

I am more than excited to purchase A Beautiful Mess Photo App. It will be fun and interesting just to have an app designed by someone I actually know and follow!

I get addicted with photo apps. It’s even more funny that I am not really a filter junky, because I like a certain look with my photos that I normally create myself. Katelyn Brooke posted about editing for Instagram which is a really nice take on my own methods. There are a lot of helpful tips too that  could help you keep a consistent, clean brand!

Holding myself accountable for more has actually boosted my confidence. I still make mistakes, but  the desiveness and push to go forth has helped me cope with change every day. Seth Godin’s post about urgency and accountability really helps enforce some of my new outlooks.

I am in love with this bohemian lace dress. The water in the photos is making me want to go swimming too!

My anniversary is coming up in June (my one year is the 9th) and my husband and I are working out the details of our celebration. Though we are not going to disneyland this year, it is definitely something I would love to do. Danielle makes a day in disneyland look so dreamy. BTW, she has on the cutest sunglasses in one of her photos!!

If you haven’t seen it already, I am working on a new t-shirt line with Team Graphics, We would really love your input on the Team Graphics Facebook page. If you would like to read about it first, head over to my previous post about the custom school spirit t-shirts.

All-in-all this week has went by fast. I am having a yard sale on Saturday. What are YOU doing this weekend? -xoxo Jessica

I am currently working with Team Graphics on a new style of girls, school spirited tee’s. Team Graphics is a well known, custom t-shirt company, out of Rogers Arkansas, but works with clients all over the nation. We would like to get your input though. Everyone has there own team that they represent but,  with differences aside, what designs are your favorite? If we get enough feedback, you could have the chance to see more of these styles of girls tees representing your school. Let me know in the comments or you can let Team Graphics know on their Facebook Page. Say what you think, feel free to get a excited. Thank you guys so much for your support! – xoxo Jessica

P.s. You don’t have to be in school to give feedback! We would love to hear from everyone!

Sometimes when I feel like my life is lacking happiness, I step back and think of things that help me find true pleasure again. Sometimes it takes climbing a mountain (literally or figuratively) to help me figure out what I really need. Other times, it can be simple as adding these things into my life.

1. Count your blessings. When you wake up make a mental list while you are getting ready of a few positive things about you or the day ahead. It will help you start your day with a smile. If you feel like your day is going to be bad, try to find the silver lining to hold on to.

2. Take up a hobby. I love to craft, sew, watercolor, bike, and visit nature. Don’t say you don’t have time, your hobby could be meditation for five minutes every day.

3. Start a journal. For me, there is nothing like writing in a brand new journal. You may not know what exactly gives you pleasure, so over time you may find it through your writing.

4. Appreciate your surroundings. Sometimes it is easy to see others with great lives in other places and we lose appreciation for our own space. It is easier said than done sometimes, but this is where a positive and open mind really comes in handy.

5. Smile, say thank you, and give more compliments. Sharing positivity can in turn, bring more positivity back to you. Not everyone will appreciate your efforts, but you will radiate a warm personality that others can’t resist.

6. Exercise. We all know we need to do it, but even a small amount of exercise can trigger endorphins that make you happier. Not only does it help your body, it helps your mood.

7. Meet-up with friends. Socializing with others is an easy thing to neglect. With such “busy” lives, it is easy to skip dinner with friends because you are too tired.

8. Prioritize. Sometimes we force ourselves to do too much but never give back to ourselves. If you feel like you are too busy, step back and take a look at your routine. Skipping things that aren’t as important in the future, can make more room for taking care of ourselves.

9. Let go. Things happen. There are always going to be little hiccups in your plans for life, but go with them. Make them work to your advantage when you can. When you can’t just let go and move on.

10. Remember that you only live once. Don’t hold back on things because of the unknown. Make a plan and follow your dreams.

These are all things that help me. Though my life gets tangled sometimes too, keeping these things in mind help me keep it in check. Though they work for me, they may not work for you.

What are some ways that YOU find your true pleasures? 

As a creative person, sometimes we have to remember that we can’t take on the world alone. I went to a conference, called Made by Few, this past Saturday and learned so much. It is amazing what putting yourself in the room with other creatives can do. They all have a different way of thinking so when you put your heads together, the conversations will take you to places you would have never predicted. I will talk more about the conference later this week, but I just wanted to remind you to create with friends. It can be so simple, just do it. It doesn’t even have to be for anyone in particular. Creating and keeping those relationships are a powerful thing! Happy Monday! – xoxo Jessica

Photo by Howard Zieff Via Modern Photography 1953

What are some ways that you have or want to create with your friends?

Though I currently work at a publications company working on 4 or 5 book layouts at a time, they are all focused on technical copy and not really my style of design. Shauna’s (NubbyTwiglet) editorial magazine layouts are amazing. View one from her perspective in the making of Rock n Roll Bride Magazine. This year I am going to make it my goal to design an editorial magazine or book, so you all look out!

I am in love with these DIY tree stump side tables. My husband and I have always loved wood accents. This idea has always been something we’ve discussed but now that I see it, I think it is time to get moving on this project!!

Not too long ago I tweeted about how there is nothing a little bit of color can’t fix. My heart feels the same way about polka dots. So these interior obsessions have got me polka dotty for polka dots. (I won’t stop with the corniness. I can’t!)

This quote from How to work with creative people hits it spot on.

There are so many things I have had on my mind that I want to do. Not just things that I want to do someday. Things I want to do NOW. I always come up with a reason I can’t travel. It is usually because I can’t justify the cost. Deep down though, I am afraid of the unknown. I have been working on it and my first flight ever to Portland last month really helped. But when an inspiring babe tells me to “Just Go” I think I just might.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I am going to be busy mixing it up on Color Overboard. Changes are already in progress. I can’t wait to share more!! Happy Friday! -xoxo Jessica

The Blogcademy was so indescribably amazing. The truth is though, I don’t think the bulk of it has truly began to sink in. Portland was such a quirky and beautiful town. The weather was amazing. All the other blogger babes sported their cute ears. And those head mistresses really brought everything to the table. They laid everything down and really set things straight. My mind is swirling with the possibilities and endless ideas. In the above photo is the wall of my hotel room and my Blogcademy balloon! (:

The lobby of the ACE was straight out of some vintage indie magazine. Every corner had a new illustration or piece of art that words and photos could not describe. My favorite part were the plants though!

Amy, from Starfruit Cafe was one amazing lady. She was so smart, interesting, and had top notch style. I admire her travels, knowledge of music and food, and her super cute polka dot dress! The first day of my trip we explored Portland together and took so many photos. I loved every second!
Did I mention the old photo booth in the lobby of the ACE? It was so fun. It was a bit hard to predict the timing because It started taking really fast!! but that was the fun part!

When we went exploring, Amy and I found this awesome record store called Top Records. It had some great music playing and so many great records. They even let Amy try some out! Above is my awesome find.

Luna from QueenCicada was amazing too. We sat in the amazing lobby of the ACE for a few hours just eating vegan pastries and chatting about the world. I would love to hang out with her again! She is so unique and inspiring!

My dearest Shauna, Kat, and Gala, I am amazed by how well you all taught the class. It was so put together and full of so many things that will be beneficial to me as I push to be a better blogger and graphic designer. Though my words and photos may not express my full gratitude, I hope that the progress that I make in the upcoming months will show you how well you are doing. I can’t wait to see all of the recaps from your whole world tour. Girls, you are not just teaching, you are changing lives! Thank you so much for selecting me as the Portland scholarship winner! In the coming months there will be some awesome new things going on here! Thanks to all the awesome blogger girls for being such great classmates! -xoxo Jessica

*UPDATE* The headmistresses have posted the Portland Video by Made You Look Photography and it is awesome! I was so excited in it I could obviously barely talk. I loved the awesome shots and beautiful colors. It makes my heart skip a beat! Thank you so much! You can also view a collection of photos from the workshop here!

After I got off work yesterday, I did a photo shoot with a really good friend of mine for a project we are working on together. I can’t wait to share the project or the rest of the photos! I will be posting throughout the week to tide you over (or maybe it’s me I am tiding over).

This girl has amazing style and is the most fun to work with. She can turn the most serious shoot into a great time in between shots! Also, she really knows how to stick it out. You can’t tell in these shots, but must have been freezing yesterday in the cold winter wind!

Keep your eye out with-in the next couple of weeks! -xoxo Jessica