By far the best skill I’ve been able to hone.
Where’s your element?
That place where you’re at your best. Your wheelhouse. The zone. Where you really feel it. And it all comes together for you. When I was a kid, I’d travel with my dad in the semi as he drove truck across America. I noticed something different about him when he was behind the wheel. I now understand that he was in his element out there living the dream of the open road, working hard for a living, in command of his destiny. I’ve seen this with many creatives in different situations—selling it in a client presentation, humming along behind the computer, commanding the elements on a photoshoot, or standing over a sketch pad ordering ideas into existence. It’s really a magical thing to behold.
Every creative has a place where they’re in their element. It’s impossible to be there all the time, but it’s key to know where that special place is so you can call on it when it needs to be called on and you can get there when you really need to deliver the goods.
Stellar party playlist
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.
Everyone needs to keep a Journal
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.
Let’s talk about the new Instagram logo!
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.
What are you thinking about these days?
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?
Still Standing
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.
