Birthday Party Invite

This is how I geek out on personal projects. If I am having a party, I can’t use a pre-made template and be done with it. No, this is a chance for me to make something. Woot!


This invitation is designed to feel like dropping the needle on a favorite record—warm, familiar, and full of good company. Set against a shag carpet backdrop, it channels a nostalgic sense of camaraderie, where music plays, laughter flows, and conversations pick up right where they left off.

Process

  • Step One

    First, I styled and art-directed the shoot. This was the final image from the photographer.

  • Step Two

    Next, I added contrast to the image and gave it some dust texture, noise, and light leaks to give it a more retro look.

  • Step Three

    Then, I cropped the image to 1:1 and added graphic elements and party details to make it look like an album cover from the 1960s.

  • Step Four

    Last, I added more layers of texture, plastic wrap, stickers, a colored vinyl record, and put it over a shag carpet.

Save the Date “Transformed”

This is an iPhone pic taken after the shoot. I was in my civilian clothes but still in hair and makeup and found myself against a pretty cool background, so let’s start here!

Start with an iPhone pic

A little saturation, contrast, texture, and graphic elements make the image feel retro, yet modern. Eye-catching images get clicks and I got all the RSVPs I was looking for.

Finish with style and personality