The beauty in hard work

A common issue I tackle when working with my website clients is the level and amount of work. As a designer, I commit hours on end to programming, structure, functionality and graphics when building a new website. I try to communicate that a website is always a work...

Short Business Plan

I am excited to celebrate nine years of Karen Oakley Designs. I started out as a person with a great creative idea, a strong skill set and an education to back me up. I had written a business plan and tucked it away but felt ‘responsible’ because I had...

Giving YOU the Tools

I am frequently approached about the design services I provide. I want to give YOU the tools to ask these questions and place your requests. I have very user-friendly order forms for the myriad of design services I offer. Each one offers different options but gives...

The Power of ‘Just Because’

Have you ever received something “JUST BECAUSE.” It wasn’t a holiday, no birthday, no major national event or accomplishment… it was just a quiet, “I’m thinking of you today,” moment or gift. It had been a very long week and...

Try, Try, Try Again

I was invited to participate in an art show this weekend. I have been working on a piece of art for months. I took a lot of time to carefully sketch it out in my mind. I reworked it and reworked it several times before I picked up any materials. I was SO sure it was...