I have a bit of an obsession with design especially graphic design, so when I first met Lindsay of LBrown Design & Paperie, I immediately adored her. Anyone that can dream up big ideas and make them beautiful is a rockstar in my mind, and that is exactly what Lindsay does. From innovative save-the-date-cards to glitzy wedding invitations with custom lined envelopes to beautiful dinner menus, Lindsay knows how to take your aesthetic and transform it in into gorgeous paper goods. From modern to glam, to pretty to timeless, her designs are unique and designed just for you. Best of all, she shares a design space with Christine Janda Design & Events at 910 N. Damen Ave in Chicago.

I am so thrilled to introduce you to Lindsay! Today, she is sharing how she became a graphic designer, her favorite things to design and what she thinks is the next big trends in the wedding industry for 2015. Come learn more about her and take a little peak at some of her beautiful work! I promise you will not be disappointed.

What do you specialize in? 
LBrown Design & Paperie specializes in custom invitations suites for weddings and events. My experience in events provides me with a unique perspective; thinking outside the box to provide clients with one-of-a-kind paper suites.

From spray painted wedding invitations to textural silk and lace menu embellishments, I personally works with every client on every little detail of their wedding or event, providing custom designed save the dates, invitations, escort cards, thank you notes and more.

How did you get started?
It is hard to believe that I actually got my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and student taught 2nd grade. After graduating, I worked at a children’s bookstore in Chicago where I had complete creative freedom and designed graphics for children’s onesies and t-shirts and they were a huge hit!

I met with the head of the intern program and a large ad agency and she suggested that go to design school to build a design portfolio. After researching many different design schools, I ended up going to Chicago Portfolio School, a one-year advertising school that focused on art direction, copywriting and design. I went the design route.

I have had several different design jobs from designing website to iPhone apps to product development and packaging of children’s toys. While at these jobs I designed invitations for my friends that were getting married and loved it. I landed a job at a small event company designing invitations and absolutely loved it. After about a year and a half, I started my own company and have not looked back!

What inspires you/your work?
Design inspiration can come from just about anywhere. From department store window displays to magazine ads. I also follow a lot of paper and event designers on Instagram and Facebook, I love keeping up with what is already out there and seeing how I can make it better and different.

What do you like to do in your free time?
One of my favorite things is live music; blues, jazz, piano bars. You name it! I love being a tourists in my own city, and exploring its neighborhoods. There are so many cool and new places popping up around Chicago.

What’s a fun fact about you that your clients may not know?
I love art shows and supporting local artists. It is so fun to find one-of-a-kind pieces; from jewelry to furniture. If you walked into my apartment you would see everything from a stained glass mural of the Chicago skyline to old CTA signs. One word to describe my personal design taste is “eclectic”.

What is one of your favorite thing to design and why?
Invitations! Since there are so many components that go into a wedding suite, I can really get creative with each aspect of the suite, using design elements in different ways.

I also love corporate branding from logos, business cards, websites and marketing materials. If allows me to switch gears a bit and design something a little different- away from weddings and events.

What is trending in the event / wedding industry now?
I’ve seen a departure from the classic white and gold, or silver and navy invitations. One of the biggest paper trends for 2015 is COLOR and mixed metals especially rose gold and copper. A fun twist to silver and gold.

I always love to incorporate something a little unexpected. Whether it is a pop of color with the RSVP envelope or playing with different patterns and textures with the paper choice. Have something in your head but haven’t seen it on Pinterest? Chances are I can create it. Spray paint, dyes, ribbons and more – I love to get my hands on it all!

Last but not least, my personal favorite trend is envelope liners done in unique ways. Like sheet music of your first song or a black and white photo of the Chicago Skyline taken from your engagement session. The options are endless.

What trend are you tired of seeing?
The monogram is a timeless, classic icon that I love custom designing for my couples. Where it’s typically utilized can get a bit tired, if only placed on the dance floor and in your return address stamp.

Your invitation sets the tone for your wedding and your monogram can help convey this sentiment through design. Printed on welcome bags for guests to receive upon arrival, in your ceremony programs, on food tags placed in hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, on photo booth props (even included on the film strip keepsake), on favor tags and more.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Where do I even start?! I am so fortunate to be able to wake up and do what I love every single day. I love connecting with each and every client and seeing their vision come to life through their invitations and paper details. Since I design everything custom, it is fun to think out side of the box and come up with something that the client may not be expecting, but still love!

CONTACT + SOCIAL MEDIA
To see more of Lindsay’s work or to contact Lindsay, be sure to check out LBrown Design + Paperie. 

Feeling social? Follow her on INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER

A special thanks to Christine Janda Design & Events for the event design and floral in the featured photos.

Every month, I’ll be featuring one of my favorite industry peers, so be sure to check back next month to see who else I adore!