I really like this question. I was part of a design roundtable recently led by this guy and these folks where this question kicked things off. Both parts, taken together, for maximum impact. But I like this so much I think I’m going to start asking it to myself in everything that I show up to. Simply showing up being a good portion of any work you do, knowing who you are and why you’re there, that’s the rest of the equation.
See Show Cheers!
AIGA Nebraska put on SHOW last Saturday night. Nebraska’s most prestigious juried competition honoring and showcasing the years’ best design. Hosted by KANEKO, the competition was juried by Lauren Hom, Dan Cederholm, and David Sizemore. Each year, it’s a great night for the community to get together and celebrate design. For me, I won a few awards, high-fived other winners, had a few beers, and talked to a couple students. Big shoutout to the all-volunteer board of AIGA Nebraska. They worked tirelessly to make sure everyone enjoyed the evening and are just a damn cool crew. And to the Design in Motion exhibition, you were amazing. Until next year, carry on.
On Ideas
As someone who works with new ideas every day, both from clients and my own, I’ve solidified some opinions on the topic. First off, what I consider to be fact is that there is no shortage of ideas. I’d even say there is an abundance of great ideas out there. Second, what makes it possible for ideas to become reality is actually doing the work. You know, executing that idea to its fullest potential. Sweating, failing, tweaking, trying, changing, sweating more, and ultimately, hopefully, succeeding. That’s what makes ideas happen. What has become my least favorite place to be in the ideation process is a conference room full of people talking about ideas. I think you could even scratch this conference room of people talking out of the equation altogether. In my experience, ideas becoming reality always happens after that anyway, so let’s just get to it.
Graphic Design to Stop a Pipeline
In breaking news last Friday, President Obama rejected the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. In Nebraska, the fight to stop KXL was led by Bold Nebraska. I work with Bold on a regular basis doing design work for their online and offline efforts and since 2010 we’ve battled TransCanada’s dirty, tarsands project.
As the pipeline was elevated into national conversation, putting farmers, ranchers, tribes, and everyday people against Big Oil and the Republican party, we’ve had highs and lows. But in the fight to act on climate, to protect our land and water, and to stop this extreme pollution project, Friday was a day of great celebration. A huge victory of historic proportions that just goes to show you, if a small group of dedicated troublemakers come together to do the hard work needed to make change, that change is indeed possible.
The Keystone XL used to be seen as inevitable. Just another fight the people will lose. The big corporation, in lockstep with our politicians, will win the day and we’ll go back to our homes defeated and a little more cynical. But that didn’t happen this time. This time, the people won the day. And you can be damn sure we’ll continue to be here, putting it on the line for people and planet. For the things we need to do now so we can ensure the future is bright.
For now, that tarsands filth is staying in the ground and isn’t passing through Nebraska. Instead, we’ll be focusing on a clean energy future. A future by the people, for the people, for generations to come. And with all the pipeline fighters out there who will continue to play a part in the fight, we say to those on the side of Big Oil, bring on the next.
Session 6: The Strategic Plan
Two and a half months ago we set out to inform the public and promote the town through the formation of a new entity: the Schuyler Media Network. Katie and I have facilitated five sessions to this point and are now ready to turn over the strategic plan. Empowering our community with reliable, relevant and accessible information is the vision. From the beginning, the SWOT analysis set us up well and we feel the long- and short-term goals will get the town of Schuyler, Nebraska to that vision in five years.
Today is our last trip to Schuyler for our 2:30–4:00 session. It’s bittersweet for sure. Been a ton of pro-bono time and we’ve had to navigate the challenges of facilitating a group of volunteers already over-committed in their day-to-day responsibilities. But we know good things will come from their hard work. And it’s been a great pleasure to work on something like this with my extremely talented wife and her father, who is quite a force for good in the community.
I also have to say, dinner afterwards with Katie’s folks at one of Schuyler’s authentic Mexican food restaurants has been awesome. Many options, all great. Best burrito in Nebraska: the Burrito House. It’s the real deal.
How likely is it that you will take on this ridiculously urgent project?
I’m thinking about a widget for independent folks that answers that question clearly and honestly. I mean, I do like my fast and furious projects as much as the next guy, but sometimes, it’s just not possible given the current workload. This widget would take into account what’s in the queue, self-confidence level, amount of active creative juices, and how well the last urgent project went:
- Fuck-yeah-let’s-do-it!
- It’ll cost a shit ton, but we can make it happen!
- Okay, but we gotta focus this fucker.
- Oi vey, maybe if it was for the President.
- Seriously, no fucking way.
And there you have it. Simple and easy. The answer to one of life’s most pressing questions. Will iron out the kinks and let you know when it’s ready for primetime.
Fast-Cheap-Bad, Slow-Expensive-Great
How do you want your design? In reference to the infamous venn diagram and first thing I ever put on Pinterest, it’s an honest question. One that I think cuts right to the chase. In my design practice, at it now for 12+ years, I prefer to have nothing to do with the fast, cheap, or bad. On the other hand, I’m not all that interested in slow, expensive, or great. I do really want the steady, the appropriate, and the good. I suppose I’ve never been all that into extremes. Design in the middle of everything is what I’m after. So no, I cannot get you your urgent request for awesome next week. I’m also not gonna go slow, won’t overcharge, and will deliver something that’s meaningful. You want great, go here. Glad we got that out of the way.
