The Creative Dove Photo + Graphic Design

03/04/2026

When Shay Edmonds came to me about designing the cover for his new book, 'Stop the Self Sabotage', we didn’t just jump into one design and call it a day.

We explored 15+ different concepts.
We talked through color psychology, masculine vs. softer tones, font styles, and studied other successful book covers to understand what truly makes someone stop, look, and pick up a book.

Because all of those details matter.

A book cover isn’t just a pretty graphic. It’s the first conversation between the reader and the story inside. The right design can spark curiosity, emotion, and connection before a single page is turned.

That’s why good graphic design matters.
It should feel intentional, original, and uniquely yours.

I’m excited to introduce the final cover for Shay Edmonds’ book, Stop the Self Sabotage, now available on Amazon, and so far, it’s a great read.

Congratulations, Shay, and thank you for trusting The Creative Dove with your vision.

02/23/2026

Your AI image that you made in ChatGPT will not be hi-res enough to be your logo for a sign.

AI-generated images from ChatGPT or similar tools are raster-based (PNG/JPG).

That means:
They are created at a fixed pixel size
When enlarged for signage, they lose clarity
Edges become soft or pixelated
They are not true vector artwork

For signage, vehicle wraps, storefront windows, embroidery, or large format print, you need:
✔️ Vector files (.AI, .EPS, .SVG, or vector PDF)
✔️ Clean paths
✔️ Scalable shapes
✔️ Proper color mode (CMYK or spot colors)
✔️ Outlined fonts

AI is fantastic for:
• Concept/ideas
• Style exploration
• Mood direction
• Draft mockups

But it is not a replacement for:
• Proper logo construction
• Vector refinement
• Typography balancing
• Production-ready file prep

The more you know...

02/03/2026

✨ A little peek into my world ✨

Photography. Design. Storytelling. Community. Arts. Small business.

This little cartoon version of me pretty much sums it up… always creating, always dreaming, always juggling a whole lot of creative hats. From The Creative Dove to The Williston Graphic, from cameras to drones to graphic design and big ideas… I’m so grateful to get to do work I love, in a community I love.

If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your brand, telling your story, advertising locally, or bringing a creative idea to life, I’d love to connect. 🤍

Let’s make something beautiful together.

01/03/2026

Abbie is heading off to college.
Nick is heading off on a mission.
Two different paths… with the intention of finding their way back to each other.

This session wasn’t about posing or perfection. It was about capturing this moment—the sweetness, the laughter, the closeness before life stretches them in new directions. The kind of love that says, go become who you’re meant to be… and I’ll be here.

I’m so honored I got to freeze this chapter in time for them. 🤍

12/31/2025

🖤✨ TONIGHT IS YOUR NIGHT. Midnight Looks. Masked Mystery. Pure Confidence. ✨🖤

This New Year’s Eve, The Creative Dove will be at Great Northern Events capturing Masquerade Micro Portraits.

Think:
✨ confidence
✨ mystery
✨ main-character energy

🕗 Dec. 31 | 8PM–12AM
💫 $25 Micro Portrait Session

Low light. Luxe vibes. Masks that hint instead of tell.
Whether you’re with your date or your favorite people, this is your moment to step away from the noise, lock eyes with the camera, and capture the energy you’re carrying into the new year.

Payment at event (cash or Venmo).
Images delivered in 5–7 days — just in time to remind you exactly how you rang in 2026.

Masks on. Shoulders back.
Let’s make something unforgettable. 🥂📸

12/30/2025

🖤✨ Midnight Looks. Masked Mystery. Pure Confidence. ✨🖤

This New Year’s Eve, The Creative Dove will be at Great Northern Events capturing Masquerade Micro Portraits.

Think:
✨ confidence
✨ mystery
✨ main-character energy

🕗 Dec. 31 | 8PM–12AM
💫 $25 Micro Portrait Session

Low light. Luxe vibes. Masks that hint instead of tell.
Whether you’re with your date or your favorite people, this is your moment to step away from the noise, lock eyes with the camera, and capture the energy you’re carrying into the new year.

Payment at event (cash or Venmo).
Images delivered in 5–7 days — just in time to remind you exactly how you rang in 2026.

Masks on. Shoulders back.
Let’s make something unforgettable. 🥂📸

12/23/2025

✨ 2025 Recap | The Creative Dove ✨

As this year comes to a close, I’ve been taking time to reflect — and wow, what a year it’s been. Not in a bragging way, but in a deeply grateful, how-is-this-my-life kind of way.

In 2025, I had the honor of working with so many incredible people and projects:

• 15 branding sessions
• 17 headshot sessions
• 28 events captured
• 14 family sessions
• 6 senior sessions
• 2 weddings
• 2 real estate projects
• 12 business logos
• 12 website designs
• 2 book covers
• 1 library bookmobile design
• Multiple podcasts
• 3 speaking events
• 1 successful conference brought to life
• oh, and working on a new book 😅

Beyond client work, I was proud to serve as Board President of Harmonic Creative World, helping support and grow music, theater, and art programs for our community — especially for youth and families. I was also honored to be part of the Brew Your Business – Williston committee, working alongside passionate people to support and encourage local business owners.

On top of that, I published 8 editions of the Williston Graphic as Managing Editor, fulfilled one major public relations project, and managed multiple social media accounts throughout the year.

To say 2025 was busy would be an understatement — but it was also fulfilling, meaningful, and deeply rooted in community. Every project, collaboration, rehearsal, meeting, and late night reinforced why I do what I do.

I’m incredibly thankful for the trust, support, collaborations, friendships and support from family that made this year possible. This community continues to inspire me in ways I can’t fully put into words.

✨ And while I’m soaking in gratitude… I’ll just say this:
BIG plans are coming for 2026.
I can’t wait to share what’s next, and to have you be a part of that next journey!

Thank you for supporting me and being a part of my world 🤍

12/09/2025

Reindeer Games photos are up! Go check them out at Williston Community Builders 🎅♥️

12/07/2025

My incredible team from last night’s Festival of Trees ❤️

I’m truly lucky to have these amazing humans by my side. We had so many beautiful moments come through our photo line, and now I’m diving into over 5,000 images to sort and edit... worth every minute!

Be sure to like and follow the Williston Community Builders page so you can see the full photo gallery as soon as it’s released! 📸✨

12/04/2025

Reindeer Games is tonight, December 4th! Come join us and get a free photo with Santa!

12/03/2025

Excited to help celebrate! Come join us on Friday ♥️📚🚐

📚🚐 Ribbon Cutting Alert! Come Celebrate Williston’s NEW Bookmobile!

The Williston Community Library is rolling out something special — a brand-new Bookmobile! Their previous one served our community for 15 years and traveled over 80,000 miles across Williams County. Now, it’s time for a fresh chapter with a fun new look and even more adventures ahead.

🎉 Join us for light refreshments, giveaways, and a celebration of literacy on the move as Library Director Andrea Placher and Bookmobile Coordinator Tori Lee share more about this exciting milestone.

📅 Event Starts: 10:00 AM
✂️ Ribbon Cutting: 10:15 AM
📍 1302 Davidson Dr, Williston, ND 58801

Let’s show our support for the library, literacy, and a future full of stories on wheels! 🥳📖✨