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Graphic Design by Amy Howard
13 timeline entries
Unchaptered
I superimposed Dick O's photo over his letter for my 50th Anniversary presentation
I created this graphic for a writing assignment for my Creative Commons class. The assignment was about building an online collection from items that were already shared online. The graphic is intended to look like a stamp collection. Using Adobe XD, I framed all the Creative Commons logos with a white, stamp-looking border and layered them in a messy pile. The background is beige like a brown bag. After creating the graphic, I discovered that Creative Commons has a restrictive copyright on these logos. I didn't use it on my assignment after all. I kept the stamps and background but replaced each logo with text.
I chose to take my chances and use the original graphic when I published the article on PaperlessPonteVedra.com. We'll see how hard they crack down on me for it.
I pieced this together using elements from the web: a file cabinet, a woman weighing options, an external hard drive, and a vector leaf I made myself in Adobe XD. I added the leaf in Gimp.
7/1/2024 I used this graphic in a newsletter article for SPVCA titled Going, Going, Green.
This is a screenshot of my welcome kiosk screen which I made in PowerPoint. It has a background photo of Esther Mahanes dipnetting for amphibian monitoring in the Guana marsh. It has three volunteer names that are clickable, and a tadpole appears when a name is clicked.
I published it in Interactive PowerPoint in the SPVCA newsletter and PPV blog.
I created this graphic by combining screenshots of my PowerPoint screen in my GTM Welcome Screen document. One screenshot shows me clicking the Animations button on the Word toolbar. The second screenshot shows me clicking the Trigger button, and the resulting choices. I combined the screenshots on the Word document of my SPVCA newsletter article and added orange boxes to it in Word. Then I screenshotted the whole batch on the Word page and saved it as a single jpg. I created it specifically for my article Interactive PowerPoint.
I created this graphic by cropping a tadpole out of a picture on the internet. I added it to the Word document for my SPVCA newsletter article, along with a speech bubble. Then I screenshotted the whole batch on the Word page and saved it as a single jpg. I created it specifically for my article Interactive PowerPoint.
https://paperlesspontevedra.com/interactive-powerpoint/
I created this graphic by combining screenshots of my PowerPoint screen in my GTM Welcome Screen document. One screenshot shows me clicking the Select button on the Word toolbar. The second screenshot shows me clicking the Selection Pane button, and the resulting pane. I combined the screenshots on the Word document of my SPVCA newsletter article and adding orange boxes and arrows to it in Word. Then I screenshotted the whole batch on the Word page and saved it as a single jpg. I created it specifically for my article Interactive PowerPoint.
https://paperlesspontevedra.com/interactive-powerpoint/
I created this graphic specifically for my Interactive PowerPoint article by taking a screenshot of my GTM Welcome Screen PowerPoint.
I made this graphic to illustrate my Going, Going, Green article, but then removed it to save space. I added it back in to the online copy of the article.
I created this graphic by typing the term Web Fonts in the sample text box on fonts.google.com
https://paperlesspontevedra.com/web-fonts/
I plastered Greg Frucci's photo of a turkey vulture with his watermark to illustrate my article: Publish someone else’s pictures.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Spinning Orbs of a Brilliant Mind</title>
<style>
body {
margin: 0;
background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #1a1a2e, #16213e);
overflow: hidden;
height: 100vh;
display: flex;
justify-content: center;
align-items: center;
}
.head {
position: absolute;
width: 150px;
height: 200px;
background: #333;
border-radius: 50% 50% 45% 45% / 55% 55% 40% 40%;
z-index: 1;
clip-path: polygon(50% 0%, 70% 10%, 80% 30%, 75% 60%, 60% 90%, 40% 100%, 20% 90%, 15% 60%, 20% 30%, 30% 10%);
filter: drop-shadow(0 0 10px #000);
}
.orbital {
position: relative;
width: 400px;
height: 400px;
animation: spin 6s linear infinite;
transform-origin: center center;
}
.orb {
position: absolute;
width: 40px;
height: 40px;
background: radial-gradient(circle, #fffaa5, #f7c04a);
border-radius: 50%;
box-shadow: 0 0 15px #f7c04a;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
color: black;
font-size: 12px;
font-family: sans-serif;
transition: transform 0.2s ease;
}
.orb:hover {
transform: scale(1.5);
z-index: 2;
background: radial-gradient(circle, #ffffff, #ffee88);
}
@keyframes spin {
0% { transform: rotate(0deg); }
100% { transform: rotate(360deg); }
}
.paused {
animation-play-state: paused !important;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="head"></div>
<div class="orbital" id="orbital">
<!-- 7 project orbs -->
<div class="orb" style="top: 0%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);">1</div>
<div class="orb" style="top: 20%; left: 85%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);">2</div>
<div class="orb" style="top: 50%; left: 100%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);">3</div>
<div class="orb" style="top: 80%; left: 85%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);">4</div>
<div class="orb" style="top: 100%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);">5</div>
<div class="orb" style="top: 80%; left: 15%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);">6</div>
<div class="orb" style="top: 20%; left: 15%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);">7</div>
</div>
<script>
const orbital = document.getElementById('orbital');
const pauseSpin = () => orbital.classList.add('paused');
const resumeSpin = () => orbital.classList.remove('paused');
orbital.addEventListener('mousedown', pauseSpin);
orbital.addEventListener('mouseup', resumeSpin);
orbital.addEventListener('touchstart', pauseSpin);
orbital.addEventListener('touchend', resumeSpin);
</script>
</body>
</html>
I asked ChatGPT for a zen entryway with a blank wall. It gave me a cool entry bench on stones with a potted plant. The plant was too tall - it reached into the space where I was going to overlay Greg Frucci's pictures. I asked ChatGPT to resize the plant, but it got much bigger. I asked ChatGPT to give me the entry without the plant, and the plant by itself. I merged them in Gimp.
Here is the ChatGPT conversation that developed this design:
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Chat history
You said:
I want to design a logo. Which ai model should I use?
ChatGPT said:
For designing a logo, you're going to want an AI model that excels in image generation with fine control, vector-style clarity, and style consistency. The best choice depends on whether you're prioritizing visual quality, editability (vector output), or creative input control. Here’s a breakdown:
🔥 Best AI Models for Logo Design in 2025
1. Midjourney (v6 or later)
Best for: Beautiful, stylized logos and brand aesthetics
Pros: Stunning visuals, very creative, good for inspiration
Cons: Not vector output; requires manual cleanup for pro use
How to use: Discord-only, use prompts like a minimalistic tech logo for a lifestyle brand --v 6 --style raw
Verdict: Great for inspiration or final raster logos. Not ideal if you need clean SVGs right away.
2. DALL·E 3 via ChatGPT (like you're using now)
Best for: Fast iterations and generating drafts in context
Pros: Integrated into ChatGPT, easy back-and-forth; image editing features (inpainting)
Cons: Raster-based, lacks vector precision
Verdict: Excellent starting point, especially if you want to brainstorm interactively with me.
3. Adobe Firefly
Best for: Commercial-use safe logos, Adobe-native workflows
Pros: Vector-ish rendering styles; integrated with Illustrator
Cons: Requires Adobe subscription
Verdict: Strong if you’re already in the Adobe ecosystem. More reliable for clean output.
4. Vectorizer.AI + Any Raster Generator
Workflow: Generate a raster logo in DALL·E or Midjourney → Run through Vectorizer.AI → Edit in Illustrator or Inkscape
Pros: Turns anything into clean SVG vectors
Cons: One more step, requires editing skills
Verdict: Best of both worlds — creativity + precision.
5. Looka / Brandmark / LogoAI (specialized logo tools)
Best for: One-click logo generation with brand kits
Pros: Outputs SVGs, fonts, full kits
Cons: Cookie-cutter designs, paywalled
Verdict: Use if you need fast professional outputs and don’t care about originality.
🧠 My Opinionated Recommendation for You
Given your style (nature + tech + intellectual edge), I’d go with:
Midjourney + Vectorizer.AI + manual polish in GIMP or Inkscape.
It gives you creative freedom and long-term usability. If you want help writing Midjourney prompts or turning your concept into a vector, I can help you do that right here.
Want to sketch out your logo concept together? Just describe your brand’s vibe, symbols, color palette, and any specific text.
You said:
The logo is just two words. Save Guana. It will be used with an ongoing series of nature, photos to be printed on posters and t-shirts and swag. It's like "save the tatas" and "keep Austin weird". Just a local lifestyle statement and call for protecting the reserve from threatened development.
ChatGPT said:
Perfect — this is the kind of project where a smart, punchy logo can become iconic locally. "Save Guana" has that short, chantable impact like “Keep Tahoe Blue” or “Don’t Mess with Texas.”
Let’s break it down to design it right — with a bold, clean aesthetic that holds up across t-shirts, signs, stickers, and social.
🎯 Design Objectives for “Save Guana” Logo
Purpose:
Rallying cry to protect the Guana Reserve
Evoke love for nature, without looking like a government park sign
Vibe:
Grassroots, natural, edgy, local pride
Needs to be recognizable in black & white and scale from tiny stickers to big banners
Usage:
T-shirts, posters, stickers, Instagram, signage
Printable → so must be vector or high-res raster
✅ Key Visual Elements to Consider
Element Recommendation
Font Bold sans-serif or rugged slab serif (e.g., League Spartan, Rift, or a distressed font like Rustic Forest)
Icon (optional) Outline of Guana Lake, a heron, gator, pine tree, sea oat, or marsh grass
Layout Stacked (SAVE on top of GUANA) or side-by-side
Color scheme Green, black, or earthy tones; make sure it also looks good in monochrome
Style Minimal but character-rich — think Earth First meets Florida local art
🛠️ Best AI Model Workflow for You
Step 1: Generate logo drafts using DALL·E or Midjourney
You can start with DALL·E here if you want instant options. Prompt example:
"Minimalist two-word logo design: Save Guana. Clean, bold sans serif text with nature-inspired graphic like a heron or marsh. For t-shirt print. Black and green color scheme."
Want me to generate a few concepts for you right now?
Step 2: Convert to Vector
Use Vectorizer.AI to convert the image into an SVG file you can tweak in Inkscape or Illustrator. This is crucial for print.
Step 3: Polish for Merch
Drop into GIMP, Inkscape, or Canva to add polish. Keep separate versions:
Full color for shirts
Black-only for screen printing
White-only for dark backgrounds
💬 Next Steps
Do you want me to:
Generate some concepts using DALL·E now?
Help you write a Midjourney prompt for more stylized output?
Mock up a few typography-based logos with no graphic icon?
Let’s build something that could be the Save Guana bumper sticker people slap on their hydro flasks.
You said:
Yes. Build a typography-based logo with no graphic icon because the logo will be used on pictures of local wildlife. I don't want to compete with the subject of the picture by adding an icon to it. Just the words save Guana.
ChatGPT said:
Image created
Generated image
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Generated image
Share
Here is the logo design you requested.
You said:
Make it peaceful and elegant as if you were bird watching at dawn in the marsh
ChatGPT said:
Image created
Generated image
Generated image
Generated image
Share
Here is the updated logo design with a peaceful, elegant aesthetic.
You said:
That's still too aggressive. Make it feel soft and outdoorsy
ChatGPT said:
Image created
Generated image
Generated image
Generated image
Share
Here is the revised logo design with a softer, outdoorsy feel.
You said:
No background. Initial caps. Font that looks like soft nature
ChatGPT said:
Image created
Generated image
Generated image
Generated image
Share
Here is the updated "Save Guana" logo with soft, nature-inspired typography and no background.
You said:
More rugged like wildlife. Let the words interact with each other somehow
ChatGPT said:
Image created
Generated image
Generated image
Generated image
Share
Here is the updated "Save Guana" logo with a rugged, wildlife-inspired design and interactive lettering.
You said:
Excellent. Make that underline look like a blade of grass
ChatGPT said:
Image created
Generated image
Generated image
Generated image
Share
Here is the revised "Save Guana" logo with the underline styled as a blade of grass.
You said:
That's perfect. Thank you
ChatGPT said:
You're welcome — and well done! That mark has the power to become the visual rallying cry for protecting Guana. If you need help turning it into a vector, mocking up shirts or posters, or creating variations (e.g. black-only, transparent PNG, social icon), just say the word.
Let's make this thing unforgettable. 🌱
You said:
Now teach me how to build an online shop for printed products that are drop shipped.
ChatGPT said:
Updated saved memory
Great move — a drop-shipped merch shop built around "Save Guana" can amplify your message and generate income with low overhead. Here's how to build one, step by step:
🛒 How to Build an Online Shop for Printed, Drop-Shipped Products
✅ 1. Pick a Platform
Since you already use WordPress, the best options are:
WooCommerce + Printful or Printify
🔹 Total control over branding
🔹 Easy integration with your WordPress site
🔹 No upfront product cost
🔹 Plugins make shipping/taxes easy
Alternative if you want simplicity:
Shopify + Printful/Printify
🔹 Easier setup, faster to launch
🔹 Monthly fees
🔹 Slightly less control than WordPress
🧩 2. Connect to a Print-on-Demand Provider
Two top options:
Printful
Printify
Both offer:
Apparel, mugs, posters, stickers, etc.
Custom branding (neck tags, packaging inserts)
Seamless integration with WooCommerce & Shopify
Printful = more reliable quality control.
Printify = broader catalog + lower prices via multiple suppliers.
🔧 3. Set Up Your Shop (WooCommerce Example)
Install WooCommerce plugin on your WordPress site
Go to Plugins > Add New > WooCommerce
Run the setup wizard:
Business address
Currency
Product types (physical products)
Choose a payment processor (Stripe, PayPal)
Set up shipping zones (can be managed by your print provider)
🔄 4. Integrate Printful or Printify
Printful: Install their WordPress plugin
Printify: Use the Printify for WooCommerce plugin
Log into your POD account and connect your store
Sync your first product (e.g. a "Save Guana" shirt)
It will automatically populate WooCommerce with the product listing, photos, pricing, and fulfillment settings
🖼 5. Design and Upload Your Merch
Start with:
T-shirts (unisex, ladies, organic)
Mugs
Posters or postcards
Eco tote bags
Upload:
Transparent PNGs of your logo
Set high-resolution (300 DPI)
Choose earthy shirt colors: natural, olive, sand, navy
🧮 6. Set Pricing
Typical markup = 30–50%
Example:
Base cost: $12.95
Sell at: $24.95
Profit: $12.00 (minus transaction fees)
📦 7. Test Order + Fulfillment
Always place a test order before launch.
Printful/Printify will:
Print it
Pack it
Ship it under your brand (white label)
📣 8. Launch & Market
Use your existing blog and photo series:
Add a “Shop” link to your menu
Include merch in blog posts
Post wildlife photos on Instagram with merch overlays
Add a footer banner like: “Support conservation with a shirt. Save Guana.”
⚠️ Tips to Keep It Professional
Use mockups on real humans in nature settings
Offer limited runs or seasonal drops (urgency = sales)
Tag your products for SEO: “Florida wildlife shirt,” “GTM Reserve merch,” etc.
Collect emails for future product drops
💡 Want Me to Help With…
Building your first product page?
Writing product descriptions?
Creating mockups with your logo on a shirt or mug?
Just say the word. You’re about to launch something powerful.
You said:
Is Pixels.com not a good option for a printer?
ChatGPT said:
Pixels.com (a.k.a. Fine Art America) can be a decent option — but it's built for photographers and artists selling framed prints, canvases, and wall art — not for full-scale branded merchandise shops.
Here’s a head-to-head breakdown for your purpose:
✅ Where Pixels.com Works Well
Selling photography or fine art prints (framed, canvas, metal, etc.)
Zero upfront cost — you upload, set markup, and they handle everything
Great quality for gallery-style prints
Built-in marketplace traffic (people browse on Pixels.com itself)
🚫 Where Pixels.com Falls Short for Your Use Case
Limitation Why It’s a Problem for “Save Guana” Merch
Limited branding You can't fully white-label it — customers know it's from Pixels
Not embeddable into your own store You don’t control the checkout or domain
Limited apparel & merch T-shirts, mugs, and totes exist but aren’t their focus
No direct WooCommerce integration You can’t build a seamless store on your own site
No email capture or upsells Hard to build a real customer base or sell bundles
🎯 Bottom Line
Pixels.com is great if your goal is:
“I want to sell framed wildlife prints of my photography with minimal setup.”
But if your goal is:
“I want to build a brand around Save Guana, with shirts, stickers, posters, email marketing, and a real online store” —
then Printful, Printify, or even Gelato are better choices.
🔄 Hybrid Strategy?
You could:
Use Pixels.com for fine art prints (linked from your site)
Use Printful via WooCommerce for your merch shop
That way, you get:
Museum-quality wall prints from Pixels
Wearable, brand-building merch from Printful
Control your own platform and messaging
Let me know if you want to wire this all together — I can even help you set up dual product sections: “Art Prints” and “Merch.”
You said:
I'd like each person who buys a save guana product to pledge a certain amount of money toward purchasing land that is threatened by developers. The someday land purchase will be turned over to the state for conservation. The logo will in fact be the tail end of a sentence that says" I pledged $x to Save Guana.
ChatGPT said:
Updated saved memory
That’s powerful — you’re not just selling merch; you’re building a grassroots land conservation campaign disguised as lifestyle branding. Here’s how to align your shop and message with that mission:
🌱 Campaign Structure: “I Pledged $X to Save Guana”
✅ 1. Logo as a Statement
Update your product mockups and listings to make the full message clear:
“I pledged $10 to Save Guana.”
(with the Save Guana logo closing the sentence)
Use this:
On the back of shirts (front can be plain logo or photo)
On posters as part of the footer
On the product page itself
On stickers, postcards, hang tags
✅ 2. Let Buyers Choose Their Pledge
Set up pledge tiers as optional add-ons or variants in WooCommerce or Shopify.
Example:
Base shirt: $24.95
Add a pledge: +$5, +$10, +$25
Display the pledge total dynamically (e.g., “This purchase includes a $10 pledge to the Save Guana Land Fund”)
💡 You keep the spread for donation and track pledges per order.
✅ 3. Create a Save Guana Land Fund
Options:
Start with a separate business bank account (LLC or DBA optional to start)
Track pledges per sale in a spreadsheet or via plugin
Publicly show progress: “$3,210 pledged toward land acquisition goal of $250,000”
Later, this could evolve into:
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Partnership with North Florida Land Trust or similar
Direct donations accepted via PayPal Giving or GiveWP
✅ 4. Transparency Page
Build a landing page:
paperlesspontevedra.com/save-guana-pledge
Include:
Your mission and goal
Running total pledged
Maps or visuals of threatened land
How funds will be transferred to state ownership
A Q&A: “What happens to my pledge?” “Who handles the land?” “Is this a tax-deductible donation?” etc.
✅ 5. Fulfillment & Message Inserts
Each package should include:
A card: “You pledged $X to Save Guana. Here’s what that means.”
Link to a thank-you page
Option to sign up for updates on the land campaign
🧠 Final Thoughts
You’re turning merchandise into movement media. The line “I pledged $X to Save Guana” is memorable, repeatable, and social-media gold.
Next, I can help you:
Design a pledge tier plugin or WooCommerce setup
Write your landing page copy
Make a social-friendly mockup that shows the full sentence on a shirt/poster
Ready to build the pledge experience?
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