Gernot Wagner is a lead senior economist at the Environmental Defense Fund, adjunct faculty at Columbia, research associate at Harvard’s Kennedy School and author of But Will the Planet Notice? We designed and developed the new website for his writing in anticipation of his next book Climate Shock, which he co-authored with Martin Weitzman, Professor of Economics at Harvard University.
Hugs and High Fives
My second contribution to Flywheel. A “work in progress” framework for client relationships.
In my independent practice, I’ve had clients that run the spectrum from inspiring and wonderful to kind of soul-crushing. I’ve had relationships with kindred spirits working together to make a project the best it could be. Those I hold on to. Then there have been those clients akin to after-school detention. You know the ones. They come with the expectation of silence on your part and a process that reminds me of chalk sentences on the board with little chance of making something valuable. Those relationships don’t last, thankfully.
Hey, is that an email signup?
Why yes, yes it is. Embedded right here. A little business strategy I’ll be trying out for the rest of the year. If you sign up above (or at the bottom of the Connect page) you will most likely get the JKDC Newsletter once a month. Straight from Mail Chimp to your inbox. Interesting happenings, work updates and what’s next in the works. And there you have it. Thank you for your interest.
I want you to see it all, for the most part.
The fine folks at Flywheel asked me to write some posts for their blog. The first was just published. It’s about portfolios and such.
A designer, especially an independent one, has to stay current: in your knowledge of the latest design trends, being up-to-date on software, and with the type of projects being done, from responsive websites to compelling infographics. And also, making sure your portfolio and the work shared on it aren’t flying on 2011 coattails.
Celebrating Four Years of Independence
Back on July 1st, 2010, I said good-bye to a cushy ad job. I was looking to go it alone with the type of design and activism work that I was most excited about. After four years with a host of nonprofits, community organizations and startups, the independent work continues. Looking forward, there are lots of good things on the horizon. New clients, new collaborators and new self-initiated projects that will be announced soon. To everyone who has played a role in the journey, especially the truly wonderful clients, my kickass collaborators, the Nebraska design community and Chief Creative Officer and amazing wife Katie, I could NOT have done it without you. Here’s to another year. Cheers!
Straight Shot 2014 Class
I'm excited to be included on a fine list of mentors for the Omaha accelerator called Straight Shot. For seven startups in the 2014 class, I'll be sharing my insight on “Creating A Compelling & Unique Brand” in a roundtable setting as well as providing advice where applicable on brand design. These are early-stage startups, so a believable brand is key. With a structured process, some best practices and a few startup experiences to relay, I'm hoping I can help them on their sure-to-be intense startup journey. Here are the companies looking to accelerate in 90 days.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 10:30pm
Downtown Omaha
Year of Words
This year, 2014, I’m focusing on words. Meaning, I’m going to write more. I’ve always enjoyed writing about specific projects, but I’d like to formally put an emphasis on writing about working as a designer, making things with other people and general life learnings of note. Posts on these subjects will be posted in the section of this site called WORDS. Some will be brief thoughts. Others medium (snippets that link out to other blogs here and here and here). I’m also speaking more. Those engagements will be highlighted as well. And finally, there will be some general announcements on JKDC. You can expect to find something new posted once or twice a week. Enjoy!
