Sometimes you just need a vacation. You just need to step away from work, allowing yourself to be better at work. Some really great things can come of it.

Back in April, just after my long weekend away with Mikey in Austin, I came back to start the second phase of a new project with a new client: a branding and eCommerce website design project with James and Lily Jewelry.

The branding portion of this project had been completed prior to my trip, and when I returned it was time for me to design the website. I remember sitting down after I returned and feeling like I had my mojo back. Mojo that I didn't even know I was missing.

I remember reflecting back on the chat that I had had with Mikey about working hard and playing hard, and thinking that sometimes those two things are the same thing. Work and play. When you love what you do, work is play.

But sometimes you do need to step away altogether, which is what I did on my Austin getaway. And the product of that was invigorating.

I knocked out this design and presented it to Kelly of James and Lily Jewelry, and felt more confident about this design than I had felt about a design in far too long.

For some reason, I feel it appropriate to say "damn, it feels good to be a gansta." Because that's how I felt.

And so, just before heading off on my most recent vacation, we launched the new James and Lily Jewelry website, a project that consisted of the following:

• Brand design
• eCommerce website design
• Website population
• Email marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Implementation onto the Adobe Business Catalyst platform

The final product is one of my favorites to date (man, I feel like I always say that, but it's always true), and working with Kelly from James and Lily was a breeze. I mean, we even launched about a half-day ahead of schedule. Awesome.

One of the things that made this project such a pleasure for me was working with someone who's products display such stellar craftsmanship, and from someone who knows how to show them respect. I mean, look at those product photos. Whoa.

And here's what sweet Kelly had to say about working with me (note: it made me cry):

I can't say enough about the wonderful experience I had working with Emily Thompson.

The idea of creating a website to represent my work was a scary one for me. I wanted to keep with the elegant and classic look of my jewelry but with a modern style and definitely needed a very user friendly appeal. Emily was able to take all of the desires and concerns to heart and produce a site that is beyond my wildest dreams. I'm IN LOVE with my new site and I see the potential for this site to grow with my company.

If you want a constant professional and a talented artist to work with you step by step, Emily is the lady for you. I'm doing a happy dance everyday just realizing what a huge impact this site is having on my business. Thank you so much!

Enough said. Fantastic client, fantastic project.

Damn, it feels good to be a gangsta.

Visit James and Lily Jewelry >>

Looking to jump in on your own website project? I'm currently booking projects for late summer. Shoot me a request and let's chat.