O, what might have been. O, what could have been. O, what magic could’ve been made. In retrospect, taking on a particular project I said no to would’ve probably been great, it would’ve probably given me a heart attack from the constant working. I know it was best I declined, but it does still sting. I just don’t like saying no. I want all the awesome projects with awesome people always. But that doesn’t always work out because of timing and current commitments. Comes with the territory of independence I guess. Chalk it up and move on to the next.
Platform, Network, Users, Revenue
The momentum is picking up. Today the 5th session for the Schuyler Media Network is going to finalize the concrete steps needed to get things done. Last time we put additional definition around our vision statement and began to define short-term goals as they relate to the long-term. Katie and I kept the format loose and feel we had productive discussion all around.
We know a web-based, multimedia platform is needed and progress was made there in session four on how to make that a reality. Now we need to know what’s needed to build a partnership network, attract users, and generate revenue. We’re really proud of all the hard work the participants have put into this and we know their efforts are going to pay off.
How to get a (modern) website
Omaha Creative Institute hosts an eight-week seminar called Artist INC. Started in Kansas City, the program is a great resource for Omaha artists looking to focus on professional development and business training. Myself and Jake Welchert presented a crash course on how to get a modern portfolio site up and running. From domains and hosting to platforms and CSS. Some philosophical ponderings on the meaning of an online presence as well as how to think about social media. All in all, a pretty good time sharing what we know about the modern web.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 7:30pm
Omaha Creative Institute, Artist INC
Actions Speak Louder
The 5th annual poster show for Nebraska Appleseed is ready to go. The posters, 10 in all, will be unveiled at The Good Apple Awards on October 22nd. The theme, probably one of my favorites, is “Actions Speak Louder.” Each poster is designed around a specific area of focus in Appleseed’s day-to-day work. Health coverage for everyone, quality jobs that pay living wages, and new immigration laws that keep families together are just a few. Excellent designs from some truly wonderful Nebraska designers, it’s sure to be quite a show.
Feeling like you just can’t take your eye off it
Because if you do, it could all crumble. If you don’t send the follow up email, no work comes in. If you don’t stay up to all hours until the concept is nailed, you’ll never get it done. If you don’t update your portfolio, people will think you’re a one trick pony. If you don’t watch those latest Creative Cloud tutorials, don’t learn Sketch, you’re going to fall behind. Don’t learn to code, become obsolete. Don’t push the envelope, you’re going to hate yourself.
If you forget to track your mileage, you won’t get that deduction. Miss the latest networking event, you’ll drop off people’s radar. Not always checking email? Well then the next big thing is going to pass you by. And if you aren’t keeping yourself up at night, you just aren’t letting the work become all-consuming enough.
If you don’t take this low paying project for this interesting thing, you’ll never work on anything interesting ever again. Don’t say yes to everything, the requests will start to dry up. Don’t get more work, gonna have to find a real job. Don’t watch anymore independent films, become boring and drab. Don’t subscribe to this podcast, become stuck in your ways. Don’t listen to that latest vinyl album that’s all the rage, well then you just aren’t hip. And if you forget to watch the new Daily Show, you won’t be on the pulse.
And on and on. Even though all of this is exaggerated, for the most part, there’s a bit of truth there. Which is why trying to disconnect can be such a challenge, especially when life can blend so easily into work. The one thing that is fact, and something you should keep in mind regardless: If you don’t start somewhere, you’ll never finish anywhere.
Thoughts on graphic design as a tool for meaningful change
Alongside the craft of design, as a tool for creativity and communication, as a way to solve problems and find opportunities, with its big picture vision and nitty gritty details, where does social justice fit?
WIP: My Introduction
Goodness, my personal introduction at networking events is weak! Like weak-weak. Weak ass weak. I tell you what, the timid utterance of “um, I’m a designer” bores me to tears every time I hear myself utter it. That’s typically the reason I go running off, away from large crowds, crying as I go. I bore, uninspire, and leave a person with no reason whatsoever to want to continue to learn about what it is that I do. No wonder I still have all my business cards from 2010. Who wants the contact info from the boring, weepy guy running out the door. Such a drag. Well I'm going to work on that.
My introduction from now on is going to magnificent. Extravagant. Impressive. Striking. I know, I know. I’ve said this before. But this time is going to be different. I’m really going to do it. The next time you spot me in the crowd, looking eager and fidgety, what appears to be the precursor to yet another cry baby runway show, I’m going to surprise everyone with an introduction so grand, it will shake the foundation of all commonly held etiquette at such gatherings. For the text time you see me in such a networking setting and ask who I am and what I do, I'm going to meet the challenge head on with a profound, “Hi, I’m Justin and I de
