November 16th, 2009
I decided that it would be fun to have a little kid help design this year’s Ekstein Design holiday postcard, to promote art and creativity in young children.
So I am holding a holiday-themed illustration contest for kids 10 and under. I’m leaving it completely open in terms of interpretation, so they can draw Santa Claus, a snowman, gifts, reindeer, you name it. Use crayons, markers, pencils, paint, glitter, anything your heart desires.
I’ll be posting all of the submissions on the Ekstein Design web site at www.eksteindesign.com along with their first name, age, and hometown, and then I’ll be asking a few art-minded coworkers to help me pick a winner. The child whose drawing is chosen will receive a $10 gift card to Target, and the illustration will be featured on a postcard that I’ll be sending out to my clients.
The holiday card will feature the winning illustration, along with the Ekstein Design logo and a greeting that reads, “Happy Holidays from Ekstein Design.” The back side of the card will explain the details of the contest, and it will congratulate the winner! I will also be sure to send you a few copies of your child’s winning postcard if one of your little ones happens to win.
Scan and email me the submissions at eksteindesign@hotmail.com along with their names, ages, and hometowns by November 26th. I’ll announce a winner by December 1st.
If you know any other little kids that would want to do this, pass it on! Just make sure they email me a phone number or some way to contact them if their child wins.
Thanks for taking the time to read this! Happy Holidays!
Janae
Tags: art, children, christmas, coloring contest, contest, fun, graphic design, holiday, kids, parents, snow, toddlers
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August 10th, 2009
This blog will address many many EksteinDesign topics and updates.
NAME TO REMAIN THE SAME
Although I got engaged in June, and will be taking on a new last name when Topher and I get married, we’ve decided that it would be best to keep the EksteinDesign name.
JDRF Walk
I am raising money in support of finding a cure for diabetes. If you’d like to make a small contribution, check out my donations page: http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmID=87396840
There is no donation too small and ALL donations are greatly appreciated! I’ll be walking on September 27th at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska along with hundreds of other walkers. Feel free to come out and show your support!
As of August 10, 2009, I’ve reached 50% of my goal.

SITE UPDATES & ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Some of you know that in addition to my freelance work with EksteinDesign, I work full time as a graphic artist for Olsson Associates, along with 4 other full time designers. Recently, one of my fellow designers challenged us to come up with something new for our freelance work, whether it be a logo, business cards, a web site, etc. Well, I already have those three things, so I’m working hard to come up with something new and exciting, whether it be a re-vamp of the current side, a flash splash page, or some new marketing materials. I haven’t decided yet, but be on the lookout!
To my current and past clients, friends, and family, thanks for taking the time to check out the site & blog.
Tags: eksteindesign, graphic design, Holmes Lake, janae ekstein, JDRF, web site
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May 21st, 2009
This DVD learning module “30 Architectural Gems in Nebraska” is available free of charge (while supplies last) to public and private schools, and to after-school, and summer school programs in the state of Nebraska.
I recently put together this 20 minute educational dvd video for the Architectural Foundation of Nebraska.
I encourage all elementary school teachers to order a copy today.
For more information, or to order a copy of “30 Architectural Gems in Nebraska,” log onto the Foundation web site at:
http://www.aiane.org/foundation/dvd.php
The DVD learning module contains a series of five segments organized in such a way that they may be shown individually or all at one time. Segments are organized chronologically from 1803 to the present day and by building user needs, structural requirements, and aesthetic considerations.

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May 7th, 2009
You can now vote for the new Nebraska license plate designs. The license plate with the most votes will be the design for Nebraska’s 2011 license plate. Voting will continue through Sunday, May 17th, 2009. They are asking that only residents of Nebraska vote and that each person only vote once.
Personally, I feel like the only unique design is the first one with the state bird and goldenrod. But none-the-less, go out and vote.
If anyone knows how I can design the next one, let me know…
https://www.nebraska.gov/survey/licenseplatecontestsurvey.php
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April 16th, 2009
In March I was asked to design another birth announcement, this time for my friends Becky and Jeff who are having a little girl at the end of this month (April 2009).
This is the second birth announcement I’ve designed in a couple of months. It seems as though a lot of my friends are getting pregnant these days.
That being said, I’d like to remind everyone that I can absolutely design any birth announcements, invitations or thank you notes that you may want to send out.
So the next time you decide to throw a wine party or announce an important event, keep me in mind.
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January 14th, 2009
Friends and Visitors,
I finally bit the bullet and purchased my own domain name. Over the next few months, I’ll be adding some of my favorite designs. My goal is to market Ekstein Design to a broader audience, both locally and across the country. If you see anything that you like, or if you have any graphic design or multimedia needs, give me a shout!
My new logo design is also ready to go and featured prominantly on the site. My tagline is “homegrown productions from the heartland” and I really wanted my logo to encompass this idea. I want my clients to know that they are in good hands when they hire me for their graphics needs. My designs are homegrown in the heartland just like I was. The “e” in Ekstein is represented much like a wheel and axl in my logo, surrounded by vines – much like you might see growing on an abandoned wagon wheel somewhere in the heartland.

I hope you find something you like on my web site.
Sincerely,
Janae Ekstein
Ekstein Design
Tags: eksteindesign, graphic design, graphics, lincoln, local, local business, localbusiness, multimedia, nebraska
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