Design Speak

Keep Growing.

I have been looking at a lot of other people’s design lately. That can be really inspiring... and really discouraging. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, I know, but I want to be. That may seem like an outlandish goal but I think it’s a vital one. Growth and excellence have never come out of a desire to just survive or be mediocre. Those things emerge from a passion and a desire. Survival is instinctive I know. We just do it. Being proactive isn’t just keeping from drowning, it’s setting a record for treading water. I am thankful for the abilities I have been given. I believe that we are happiest when we achieve what we are truly capable of. What is that? You won't know unless you go for it. So, I say this to myself and to you, keep growing.

These thoughts were inspired by this article. Very well put together and thought out. Take a look and benefit from the advise.

Hi, my name is...

I feel like I need to re-introduce myself. Between, a recent vacation and my failure to post, it has been awhile.

Let me break the awkward silence by posting a recent AD I created. I will be posting shortly about what else I have been up to design wise, but this will have to do today.

The Replacement/Upgrade

Well, I should be getting my 15" Macbook Pro today or tomorrow. So while my ibook dieing on me made for a nutty week, it will be good to have an upgrade. I was crawling along with certain Apps.

Not having a laptop at home for the past month has proven to be challenging. It has also been, dare I say, a blessing in some ways. It took me a couple of weeks to actually deal with the fact that I didn't have a computer at my finger tips day in and day out. While that was difficult as far as freelance goes, it was a blessing as far as my family goes. When I got done working and came home, I was done. I didn't have the option of working more (or surfing :).) The time without my laptop has made me re-evaluate my computer time.

I am looking forward to not needing to travel back and forth as much and of course the added boost of power will be great.

Paint Ad

This is an ad campaign I developed for a piant line that Morgan Recreational provides. This will be posters that will be displayed in retail stores along with flyers.

New Cards

With my new logo and splash page, I decided to get new cards printed. I sent them to 48 hour print and I am really happy with how they turned out. I may never be able to give some of you a card so... this will have to do.

I am currently working on a project for Morgan Recreational (The boating supply company) that I would like to post but will wait until it hits the streets. I have a meeting on Friday in Massachusets to help pitch it to the owner of the company. I am taking my wife and daughter to NY where my family lives (2 hours from where my meeting is) to make the most of the trip.

A Whole New ME.

I have found myself you might say, or I am just another design happy creative.

Regardless, I have a new splash page up featuring my new identity.

I like it... for now.

My goal is to have an actual site up soon.

Sidney and Norman

I received my copy from Portland Studiostoday. I worked on the front and back cover and interiors of this book, written by Phil Vischer (think Veggie Tales) and Illustrated by Justin Gerard.

It’s always nice to see things you have worked on in print.

I like the story and love the illustrations. Keep up the good work Portland. Thanks for the opportunity.

Order your copy today.

Finished Logo Project

I recently finished a logo project I am happy with. It was great to work with Jeff Gray a friend and former co-worker. I am happy with the results.

What a Weak

Some of you are aware (and some are not) that I am heavily involved with my church as well as being a freelancer. I like to say I am passionate about design and passionate about the church. A friend of mine was suggesting that I get two screens for my computer. One with work I do for church and the other with design projects. "sounds a lot like my life," I said. "Split right down the middle."

This weak was especially crazy with two project deadlines looming, preaching at our church while my pastor is away, battling a nasty cold and BAM! my ibook dies. Yeah, it died. Logic board, they say.
Thankfully the hard drive was fine and I have all my files. Just a bit of setback. I am using a clients G5 until I can finish up some jobs to be able to get a new machine.

Anyway, apart from that I am excited about some opportunities on the horizen and am thankful for the blessing of me being busy and being able to serve in my church the way I do.

And, I have the cutest daughter any <a href="http://www.bensfriends.com/mestudios/">Dad</a>could ask for.

Creativity, here I come.

In my never-ending attempt to be organized I purchased a moleskin at Barnes and Noble tonight. It's pretty sweet. I feel inspired by just buying one. I can't wait to fill it's empty, rule-less pages with ideas, thoughts and whatever the flip I want. It even has a little pocket on the back inside cover to put... stuff. Buisness cards maybe. They always get bent in my wallet.

I have felt I needed to sketch more, so having this handy little thing will at least make me want to carry something around with which to do it. I almost bought the reporter style one, just cause it looked so cool, like those reporter guys in the old movies. Anyway, I am glad I got it and excited to use it.

Creativity, here I come!