In the day-to-day, the foundational method of communication is email. From there, Slack for easy workflow messaging back and forth, Hangouts (or Skype) for video calls, and a host of design tools for iterating and feedback. And there’s the almighty phone to talk it all through. These are all so key. But when appropriately timed, the in-person meeting does reign supreme. (When poorly timed, the only thing being in person is good for is a high five.) Being present, in human form, free from screens, echoes, or freeze ups, is where everyone realizes we’re all just people trying to create something together. We feel the energy, understand the stakes, and can get into each other’s rhythm. When this happens, the emails, hangouts, and phone calls hum along at a steadier clip. It can be easy to keep it all digital because it seems more efficient. But we must never forget, when the need arises, when harmony is the goal, the in-person approach is the best way to go.
Coworking
To this point, the office for JKDC has been in my home. This week, however, that is no longer the case. I’m now in a flashy new coworking space with the fabulous Jake Welchert of Obama for America and Coolhouse Labs fame. It’s in Dundee, right next to the Dell. Amsterdam’s is just around the corner. (BOOM!) Jake has put together a truly inspirational space that I am lucky, and so excited, to be part of. We’ll be making it a home for design, development, and collaboration in midtown Omaha. Good things are coming, because you know we’ll be branding the shit outta this thing. They’ll be shared here. If you want to stop by, hit me up. In the meantime, there’ll be plenty of Twitter banter if you’re interested. Godspeed.
Working Not Working
Was recently invited to a lovely site called Working Not Working. (Thank you Chris!) An invite-only community of the best talent in the creative industry, my profile is up and ready for whatever happens next. My hope is that it becomes useful in some way and doesn’t just fade off into the ether, which has happened before with other creative communities. Time will tell I suppose. At first pass, it feels appropriate and needed, and the setup process was fairly enjoyable. Sites like this help me feel a little more connected and part of a network of other folks dealing with similar ups and downs in the workings of design independence. For that, thank you WNW.
Repeating
Talk about this without talking about this. See where this could go. Look at it from the other side of the room. And up side down. Try to look at it while not being in the room. Imagine it without the confines of physicality. It doesn’t have to be where it’s at. It can be somewhere else. It is okay if it’s something. It is okay if it’s nothing. Let’s call it “Removed Assessment in Objective Notation.”
Off and Running
And here we go. 2015 is in full effect. The downtime was amazing and now the sleeves are rolled up and we’re back at it. The next couple of months are sure to be interesting. To track progress, shots will be Dribbbled, some projects will be Behanced, and Action Backed will be Tumbling. This blog will get its steady use while Medium could see some longer writings. And, of course, new work will be added to this portfolio. So many accounts, so little time. Here’s to sharing and being open about what works, what fails, and how we grow and change.
In the Neb
The winter solstice kicked off a period of little work and lots of downtime. That downtime has been filled with reconnecting with friends in from out of town, family gatherings, and time with my wife where we could just slow down a little. Here in Nebraska, with dark nights of frigid cold, the feelings of home and belonging make for a reflective time that looks forward to a new year. The upcoming schedule for 2015 is already packed with plenty to get done—design, activism, and collaboration all made in the Neb. Nebraska, this place in the middle of everything, with all of its Midwestern qualities, where small is beautiful and roots grow deep, will ring in the new year with much fanfare and high spirits. And come January 5th, we’ll be ready to roll up our sleeves and get back to work.
Good People
In the mad dash to wrap up 2014, all the to-dos can make a fella just a little grumpy. As projects conclude and the beginning of 2015 comes more into focus, the downtime around the corner will definitely be enjoyed. Going offline for a good stretch, one thing about this year I want to emphasize is the people. Wonderful, amazing, and inspirational people. Trusted client partners and collaborators who can really bring it are the network who help make JKDC possible. I am extremely impressed by the people I get to work with every day. So creative, so smart, so thoughtful. They make me want to do my absolute best on whatever thing I happen to be working on with them. They have made this year particularly great. With that, my advice for the new year to anyone reading: surround yourself with great people and be thankful.
