I’m Ilene, the owner and designer of Star Stream Design. Established over 20 years ago, Star Stream Design is a labor of love that has evolved from a layout and design enterprise to corporate identity development to personalized stationery products. Our specialization is in customizable paper goods, apparel and gifts with keen attention to typography, one of my passions. Star Stream Design is smart design, customized by you.
In the beginning:
Coming from a highly-creative family, I knew my future would be in a creative vocation, either as a fine artist or any alternate artistic field. Becoming an award-winning, professional graphic designer and art director came as a natural progression after earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, followed by formal training in graphic design. While working as a full-time designer, I longed to expand my design opportunities and took up freelancing. Star Stream Design was born, beginning a dual-career lifestyle, working in the corporate world by day and freelancing the rest of the time. My specialty was in corporate identity development , publishing and marketing. Skilled at calligraphy, I also had a (very) small calligraphy business for brides-to-be and event planners, providing them with ornate handwritten addressing, menu and placecard/tablecard calligraphy. I became a stay-at-home mom following the birth of my daughter, but after some years spent with the preschool set I felt the creative itch and returned to my career in graphic design.
The rest:
It was a fluke that I discovered the world of Print-on-Demand and opened a Zazzle.com shop. One shop has now expanded into eight, and we have a presence on Greeting Card Universe and Cafe Press as well. Our latest venture has diversified our product line to Etsy.com where we offer printable party invitations, holiday cards, announcements and other paper goods for all events and occasions ready to print from home or through a local printer. From weddings to graduations to holiday party invitations to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, I pride myself in the variety of designs and occasions for which I design. I have never been able to pigeonhole my graphic style except to consider it versatile. I can create a formal gala invitation followed by a whimsical baby shower invitation. Conceptual design is something for which I strive, with the goal being an effective visual concept whether it is overt or not. The impression behind a printed piece is vital to me as it derives and has been influenced by years working in advertising, publishing and marketing. A customer’s aim is to “sell” their party and having a theme come together for a function is gratifying, especially when it is followed through on all aspects of the event. As a contributor on Party Simplicity, I am honored to count myself a part of this group of talented artists and designers. Their drive, knowledge and creative force inspires me and hope that it will inspire anyone planning an event to strive for an overall concept, making any party one to remember.
For custom design requests, contact me directly for purchases that can be made through Zazzle or Etsy. Please keep in mind that a custom design fee may apply.
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/starstreamdesign
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/starstreamdezin