A list of tips about making amazing playlists via Tiperosity.
This isn’t a mixtape. This is a party playlist. The control freaks out there might try to orchestrate the vibe or steer the ship. In my opinion, that would be wrong. I pack my playlists full of goodness and then I leave it to chance. Read: push Shuffle.
And it needs to be public. Read: Joe Sparano is a solid dude. That’s all that really needs to be said here. I just prefer to have these blog posts go to at least 3 lines.
Last night I participated in a panel discussion on branding for the Omaha Entrepreneur Network. A small, casual gathering at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. We talked definitions, process, and what branding can and cannot do. From a graphic design perspective, we also dissected a project I had done and then looked at some popular examples. Specifically, Instagram and why I think the new Instagram logo and brand decisions they made are really great, contrary to what the Internet thinks. I’m always up for spouting my opinions in public, so hit me up if you have a panel you need a designer on. Good times will be had by all.
I like this question as an opener for fellow creatives. They’re certainly working on something, but I’m also curious what they’re thinking about. I used to think a lot about design as activism, community engagement, and “good design” projects. These days I’m thinking a lot about process, building teams, and getting new progressive clients who are working on interesting ideas. Regardless of where you’re at, I’m curious.
I had lunch last Friday with Craig Hughes (Studio Polymath). He’s thinking about lots of interesting stuff — design anthropology, running a business, what to do with his new master’s degree, etc. All of which made for a really excellent way to the end the week.
So with that, what are you thinking about these days?
With 5 years worth of posters, the complete Appleseed Poster Show was on exhibition last week in South Omaha at the Bancroft Street Market put on by AIGA Nebraska. 54 posters by Nebraska designers for Nebraska Appleseed, a non-profit, nonpartisan public interest law firm that works for equal justice and full opportunity for all Nebraskans.
The prints, hand-pulled by Screen Ink in Lincoln, have been used to help tell the story of Appleseed and the people the organization helps. As well as to inspire others to stand up for justice in their own communities.
They’re a reminder that it only takes one person. One person is all that’s needed to write a letter, to call a Senator, to march for opportunity, to rally for equality. One person is all that’s needed to say no to discrimination, oppression, and indifference. To stand up for justice, it only takes one person.
This year is Appleseed’s 20th anniversary. Looking ahead to the 6th year of posters, we want to make sure this one is extra special. We’re in early planning stages so if you’d like to lend your time and talent to the cause, hit me up.
I try to make it a priority to always close the loop on a potential project or collaboration. If we’ve spent time working out some initial details together, it seems obvious that if we decide to not move forward for whatever reason, we should at least conclude officially. No just letting it hang out there in the abyss. If we exchange emails, talk on the phone, or meet in person, that definitely means I should let you know, the potential client or team member, that things are a no-go. Call it good business practice or common courtesy, let’s all try to make this a priority in our busy lives.
Just under a month after Katie and I facilitated a visioning workshop for Schuyler Is Home, we were back at the St. Benedict Center to present the final Vision and Plan. In the workshop, we wanted to answer 2 important questions: 1) How do we build an inclusive community through volunteerism? and 2) How do we bridge culture and age barriers with community pride?
Last Thursday, the plan we presented was a road map meant to provide guidance for helping this new non-profit, Schuyler Is Home, become a reality. We took the great thinking we documented in the workshop and formalized the plan complete with the mission, the vision, elevator pitch, and action plan.
Schuyler Is Home is about more than just volunteering. It’s about activating the community of Schuyler to give back in meaningful ways that create a sense of pride, a sense of belonging. It’s about investing in the place you call home. It’s about creating an inclusive place where all are welcome to make Schuyler a great place to live, grow, work, and play.
The goals are big goals. The key actions will take hard work. And what needs to happen in 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months is challenging. But from our experiences with the dedicated residents of this small rural town in America, we know they are up to the task.
Big things are in store for Schuyler Is Home and for the town as whole. Katie and I have been very impressed by the effort this group put in and their commitment to creating an inclusive community in Schuyler. We can’t wait to see what they do next.
