DuoParadigms would love to work with you on custom announcements for your new little boy or girl. To get started, send us a quick quote request and we’ll be in touch!

In the meanwhile, check out some of the best birth announcements that we’ve found online. These are simply adorable!

DuoParadigms Public Relations & Design Inc.

Oh So Beautiful Paper

Etsy

Etsy

Mixbook

Babycenter

Cardstore

The Album Cafe

Photo Card Boutique

Parent Society

Pear Tree Greetings

Card Store

Card Store

Mixbook

MISI

Stationery Studio

Photo Card Boutique

KidsStyleFile

Pear Tree Greetings

KidsStyleFile

Card Store

Keep Calm and Carry On

Helter and Skelter

Party without Cake

Coffee

Cupcakes

Tea

Eat Cake

Pie

In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.

On Thursday, May 2, 2013, millions will unite in direct opposition to the attacks on religious freedom. It will be the largest National Day of Prayer on record. Individuals are being asked to pray, petition and be a voice of reason at such a critical hour in our nation’s history. To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org.

To download a graphic, click on the image to enlarge it and then right click, and select “Save As”.

Facebook Cover

Half Page Ad

National Day of Prayer Logo

Matthew 11:28

Philippians 1:3

Jude 1:24-25

1 Corinthians 13

Isaiah 46:4

Romans 8:18

Psalm 46:10

Proverbs 31:25

Matthew 19:6

1 Peter 3:4

Colossians 4:6

James 1:12

1 Corinthians 2:9

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Philippians 4:8

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Your wedding day is a very special day. The smallest decisions can make the day even more memorable.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know about the many options they have for the different types of papers for custom wedding invitations. Here is a list of the different types, and what they should feel/look like.

Jacquard

If you want something simple, but still eloquent, jacquard paper may be right for you. You can screen print this paper to have a layered or crotchet look that is very popular.

Glassine

Glassine is thin and waxy. Most people choose this paper to be an envelope because of its shiny surface.

Linen Finish

This is a fan favorite. It has a grainy surface that makes for a unique texture.

Marbled paper

This is a very decorative paper with swirls that truly resemble a marble texture. People love this paper because of its beauty.

Parchment paper

Parchment is the type of paper from the ink and quill days. It has a cloudy look, but an airy feel. This paper is perfect for traditional weddings.

Vellum

Vellum is a nice paper that is made from cotton. It has a smooth finish with a translucent and frosty look.

Matte

Matte has a non-reflective surface. People love this paper because of its versatility.

Mylar

This is another type of paper that is often used for invitations. It looks like a type of foil paper, having a shiny and metallic appearance.

Industrial papers

If you prefer something non-traditional, you can opt for handmade papers that are made from various fibers, cotton and hemp. Handmade papers typically have a rougher surface.

Hopefully this list gives you an idea of the type of paper you would like for your wedding. Now that you’ve picked out the paper, it’s time to choose a designer for your invitations! We would love to work with you here at DuoParadigms!

Ready to get started on your own custom wedding invitations? Contact DuoParadigms today to request a quote!

Here at DuoParadigms, we frequently use stock images in projects for our clients. But finding quality Christian images can often be a challenge in today’s secular society. Not any longer, thanks to a wonderful new start-up, Lightstock.

Launched in late November 2012, Lightstock is a faith-focused, safe-searching, carefully-curated stock photography website geared exclusively for the Christian community. Its images are perfect for any number of church or ministry uses, whether it’s bulletins, church websites, sermon slides, worship backgrounds, or video illustrations.

Lightstock changes the game in the Christian media space by filling a gaping hole with faith-focused content that can’t be found anywhere else. Professional photos portraying Biblical themes are no longer a distant wish, but a concrete reality as Lightstock and its customers help to tell an old, old story in new and visually compelling ways.

I recently caught up with one of Lightstock’s founders, Josh Bailey, to talk about the vision behind the site and how it is ministering to Christian ministries and designers worldwide.

Why do you feel it is important for Christians to play an active role in the design community online?
First off, we have incredibly talented Christian professionals throughout the visual arts world and I think that this talent is a gift deposited by God. Because of this, every Christian artist feels a deep calling to express their gratitude to Him through their unique discipline.

Closer to the surface we recognize that we should be good stewards with what He’s given us. And I think that plays out practically in the telling of His story. We do have an amazing story to tell, and when we exercise our creative gift toward that endeavor we sense God’s pleasure and experience a deep satisfaction in doing what we’ve been commissioned for.

That’s a roundabout way of getting to your question, but essentially we need to be active because we have this story – this incredible message that needs to be heard, seen and experienced in all its different facets.

How has graphic design helped you to spread the gospel around the world?
For me it’s about creating visual firepower.

I have a twin brother and we’re the previous owners of Graceway Media, a Christian design company that creates and supplies over 4,000 churches with visual resources such as sermon slides, motion backgrounds and print banners. For six years we poured our energy into creating media that would help ignite pastors’ sermons and support their overall mission, which at a macro-level is all about spreading the gospel.

With millions of downloaded files from Graceway and the inaugural downloads taking place at Lightstock, we feel we’re playing our part in advancing His kingdom.

We noticed on your website that your company supports several ministries, including two which are close to our hearts, The Joshua Fund and Voice of the Martyrs. What prompted you to decide to donate a portion of your profits to these groups and the others listed?
Giving back is at the heart of Lightstock. We donate 10% of our gross profit to kingdom causes. Lightstock Partners also have the ability to designate a portion of their royalties to these charities and others. I think it’s cool to know that when you purchase photos from Lightstock, in a small way you’re supporting kingdom-minded organizations world-wide.

For more information about Lightstock, please visit www.lightstock.com.

(source: Adirondack Authority)

Growing up, I was a label reader. I’d sit at the table and read every label in sight. Ketchup, cereal, butter, you name it, I read it. I saw examples of mediocre design—-and very good design.

When it comes to the milk carton, it has a readership that probably rivals some newspapers. So what marketing lessons can be learned from such a simple, yet practical product?

1. Originality

Be daring. Stand out from the pack and design something that’s original and eye-catching.

credit: Julien De Repentigny & Gabriel Lefebvre

2. Color

Think outside the box, quite literally, when it comes to your product’s color scheme. This kid-friendly design is sure to capture your little one’s attention and make breakfast more fun.

credit: Simply Creating

3. Classic Appeal

While color is important, class is equally as important. This trendy milk jar branding is a throwback to the days when milkmen still delivered.

credit: The DieLine

4. Informative
If eyeballs are going to read your design, give them something worth reading. This innovative milk carton is actually an infographic.

credit: Audree Lapierre

Ready to get started on your own innovative graphic design? Contact DuoParadigms today to request a quote!

Personal letters are becoming few and far between in our fast-paced, instant messaging, always texting society. Instead of jotting a friend a personal note to say hello, we send 2-second texts comprised of “how r u?”

I’ll spare you the rant, but suffice it to say, there’s nothing personal about a text message. And in 50 years, you won’t be cherishing that long-lost text message, rather you’ll be reliving the memories inside a treasured box of personal notes and letters from loved ones.

Fortunately, I’m not the only one in pursuit of bringing back the handwritten note. I saw these ADORABLE note cards on Etsy the other day, which sum up my feelings perfectly:

Wouldn’t you just love to receive one of these in the mail? I know I would!

A logo for your coffee shop will help you stand out among the rest and get your brand out there. A custom coffee shop logo from DuoParadigms will help you give your coffee shop the pick-me-up you’re looking for.

While you’re gathering inspiration, take a peek at these eye-catching designs that we’ve found on the internet.

Jack’s Coffee Shop

Coffee N Cream

Black Mountain Coffee Shop

Bay Area Coffee

Lattetude

Ready to get started on your own custom logo design? Contact DuoParadigms today to request a quote!