Cheers for Event Branding

As a part of my “mom life” I volunteer way too much. I was on the the elementary school PTA for 2 years and them moved onto the schools Foundation. Every year we raise money for the school through an annual dinner/auction fundraiser. It is so cool to be part of an organization that helps provide projects for the school but I also have the chance to design creative branding for each years event. I design everything. Save the Dates, Invitations, Signs, Brochures, Programs, Live Auction Presentations, and don’t forget social media. In 2020, like most events we were shut down before our event. The team was able to quickly move to facebook and we still were able to have a successful fundraiser. Here they are…Under the Big Top, Las Vegas, Anchors Away, and 24K Magic.

Under the Big Top

Las Vegas

Anchors Away

24K Magic

Yes, I have ideas!

I have so many ideas when I get started on a project and like to provide options for my clients. For most projects I design 2-4 versions using different colors, fonts, layouts. Here are samples of some that did and did not make the cut.


The client went with this….

Not these….

The client went with this….

Not these….

The client went with this….

Not these….

The client went with this….

Not these….

The client went with this….

Not these….

Cookbooks and Catalogues

I have been busy. It has taken a while to get back to my blog. Over the years I have designed logos, magazines, brochure and everything in between. This few past years I had the opportunity to design cookbooks and catalogues. 

The cookbooks were created to raise money for college scholarships by The Texas A&M University Aggie Moms' Club which makes it even more interesting and rewarding. Restaurants in the areas surrounding the college submitted recipes for cocktails, starters, main dishes and desserts. A photographer shot the dishes and I was able to create a stylish clean cookbook design. The first one went over so well I got to design a second. https://www.thebestofaggieland.com/

For the catalogue, I got to work with an amazing food stylist (Cindy Epstein www.cindyepstein.com) and incredible photographer (Ryan Beck www.ryanbeckphoto.com)  who helped make this a piece of art. Rethinking some of the previsions layouts and organization made it fun. The stunning photography made my job easy.  You can see the whole catalogue, here https://trimarkusa.1kcloud.com/edlv_54J8J/#0

I can’t say enough I love what I do no matter if the project is big or small and I love a challenge.  —Alyssa

Logos, Logos, Logos

Because I am a freelancer, I am always working on different projects for different clients which all have different needs. Recently it has been all about logos. Some for new businesses, some redesigns, some for events and more.

My process for designing a logo is I work on 3-5 completely different ideas (sketching but on my computer). I try to use different fonts and styles. Then I share and talk to my client to see what works for them and what doesn’t. After this I revise 1-2 of the logos with feedback I received. Once again I share those with my client and find out if additional revision need to be made. By this time I am usually close to a final and work on making one perfect.

Below is a sample of the process…

STEP 1

Step1Logo.jpg

STEP 2

Step2Logo2.jpg

STEP 3

Step3Logo.jpg

The Final

FinalLogo.jpg

And the process is finished!

Here are some others that I have finished too…

OtherLogos.jpg

Under the Sea Invitations

in ,

For the past few years I have had the pleasure of designing invitations for St. Paul's Senior Services annual gala, this years theme is Oceans of LUV. To start for my clients I do 2-4 first drafts with a different design each for the theme. I try to use completely different fonts, colors, styles. This gives my clients the option to say, either they love one as is or they like, colors from one, fonts from another. I love every one of these and will be happy with what ever they decide to go with. Check back later for the final.

Fun Cover Designs

Every month I get the chance to work on a lot of fun projects. I am always designing different things for different clients, I love every moment. This month I had the chance to work on these publications which where both totally different and creative yet for the same client. The calendar is one of my favorites.

10-2015_October_RP_vF.jpg

Valentine's Day

Because I am a working mom, I sometimes feel like I don't have time to bake cookies, fix home cooked meals, keep the house clean...I could go on. On Valentine's Day I try to use my skills and make my daughter an extra special Valentine's to share at school. Here is what I designed for this year...and my daughter did love it. She is my most important client.


My First Blog

Hi, I'm Alyssa McNees. 

I have been a designer for over 15 years, I love everything about it. This is my first design blog. I hope to share things I am working on, things I like and that inspire me. 

Over the past 2 years of working at my kitchen table and learning how to have my own business. I have had many different clients some ongoing and some for one time projects plus everything from banners to brochures, logos to complete magazine layouts.

Over the past few weeks I have been working on a friends website, Adorations Botanical Artistry  which will be launching soon! I wanted to share it because it really inspired me to start this blog. Adorations' style is very clean modern and elegant which is what I do best. The whole project was right up my alley. 

Hope you enjoy the sneak peek!

Check out the finished website here...www.adorations.com