I mentioned in my last post (all the way back in January) that I would be teaching a class in newspaper design this semester at Castleton State College. I began my career in newspapers and was excited to teach journalism students about design. Adding teaching to my already full docket, however, forced me to put a few things on hold. One obviously being this blog.
My students are handing in their final portfolios today, so class is officially over. I have enjoyed this experience tremendously and have learned a lot along the way. The students in my class have made great strides and I'm eagerly anticipating their final projects. If these young twentysomethings are any indication, the future looks bright.
I wish them all the best of luck.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
I Resolve to ...
Ahhh ... it's that time of year again. Time to make a plan.
I have to admit that as each year winds down I face the start of a new year with a little trepidation. As far as business is concerned, I had a great 2008. The best ever, in fact. So as I step into 2009, I set my goals a little higher. I reach a little further. It's scary. But, admittedly, exhilarating too.
Here's what I look forward to in 2009:
• SOMETHING NEW. I'll be teaching a design class to journalism students at Castleton State College in Vermont. I acknowledge a healthy amount of anxiety here.
• UP, UP AND AWAY. Each year I set a goal to increase my income by a certain percentage over the previous year. For 2009, the goal is an increase of 15%. Not a huge jump, but 2008 was better than expected.
• LEARNING CURVE. I resolve to learn something new this year. As you can see, I haven't put a whole lot of forethought into this (I'm too busy writing a syllabus after all). Maybe this will be the year I learn Italian.
• NEW DIRECTIONS. This year I plan to expand into a new niche. I've been wanting to delve into a "sister" niche for a while now. The skills and experience I've gained from my current niche translate well to this second group. It's time to stretch out a little.
• BLOG. I almost forgot ... I plan to add a little design flair to this blog. It's the proverbial cobbler's story, you know?
Maybe I'll post more resolutions as this year gets into full swing. There's always room for alterations. How 'bout you? What do you plan to accomplish this year?
Have a great 2009!
I have to admit that as each year winds down I face the start of a new year with a little trepidation. As far as business is concerned, I had a great 2008. The best ever, in fact. So as I step into 2009, I set my goals a little higher. I reach a little further. It's scary. But, admittedly, exhilarating too.
Here's what I look forward to in 2009:
• SOMETHING NEW. I'll be teaching a design class to journalism students at Castleton State College in Vermont. I acknowledge a healthy amount of anxiety here.
• UP, UP AND AWAY. Each year I set a goal to increase my income by a certain percentage over the previous year. For 2009, the goal is an increase of 15%. Not a huge jump, but 2008 was better than expected.
• LEARNING CURVE. I resolve to learn something new this year. As you can see, I haven't put a whole lot of forethought into this (I'm too busy writing a syllabus after all). Maybe this will be the year I learn Italian.
• NEW DIRECTIONS. This year I plan to expand into a new niche. I've been wanting to delve into a "sister" niche for a while now. The skills and experience I've gained from my current niche translate well to this second group. It's time to stretch out a little.
• BLOG. I almost forgot ... I plan to add a little design flair to this blog. It's the proverbial cobbler's story, you know?
Maybe I'll post more resolutions as this year gets into full swing. There's always room for alterations. How 'bout you? What do you plan to accomplish this year?
Have a great 2009!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Research is Sexy
If the headline conjured up an image of a bespectacled librarian in a pencil skirt and high heels, this entry will probably not live up to your expectations. Sorry, it's not that kind of blog.
Few people think research is sexy. For many of us it's a necessary evil. Something to be dreaded. Or put off.
As a graphic designer, I begin most of my client projects with research. This entails educating myself on the client's industry and their competitors. If I'm working on an identity project, for example, my research is instrumental in proper positioning of my client within their market.
I also use research in smaller projects. Occasionally, my digging will reveal a hidden gem; I find something in the research that inspires me beyond the project at hand.
A few seasons back I was asked to design an invitation and save-the-date card for an annual golf tournament fundraiser for a local historical museum.
The museum itself is housed an an old Victorian home. Guests to the fundraiser were encouraged to attend in period dress. For inspiration, I began researching the styles in Victorian times. To my delight I found great inspiration in Victorian Trade Cards.
Trade cards are really the forerunner to business cards. They were roughly 3"x5" cards that were mini-advertisements for businesses and products. Often they contained elaborate, very colorful and detailed illustrations coupled with a slogan. In fact, these trade cards were more like minute posters.
I chose to do the save-the-date card in this same style (though as you can see at right, I was limited to one color printing and the finished postcard was considerably larger).
I learned a lot about a pivotal time in the history of advertising and graphic design while researching the Victorian era. It inspired the design and exceeded the expectations of the client.
I approach research now with a bit more excitement. I look forward to the possibility of uncovering another hidden gem. I not only found the research to be sexy, but history too.
Few people think research is sexy. For many of us it's a necessary evil. Something to be dreaded. Or put off.
As a graphic designer, I begin most of my client projects with research. This entails educating myself on the client's industry and their competitors. If I'm working on an identity project, for example, my research is instrumental in proper positioning of my client within their market.
I also use research in smaller projects. Occasionally, my digging will reveal a hidden gem; I find something in the research that inspires me beyond the project at hand.
A few seasons back I was asked to design an invitation and save-the-date card for an annual golf tournament fundraiser for a local historical museum.
The museum itself is housed an an old Victorian home. Guests to the fundraiser were encouraged to attend in period dress. For inspiration, I began researching the styles in Victorian times. To my delight I found great inspiration in Victorian Trade Cards.
Trade cards are really the forerunner to business cards. They were roughly 3"x5" cards that were mini-advertisements for businesses and products. Often they contained elaborate, very colorful and detailed illustrations coupled with a slogan. In fact, these trade cards were more like minute posters.
I chose to do the save-the-date card in this same style (though as you can see at right, I was limited to one color printing and the finished postcard was considerably larger).
I learned a lot about a pivotal time in the history of advertising and graphic design while researching the Victorian era. It inspired the design and exceeded the expectations of the client.
I approach research now with a bit more excitement. I look forward to the possibility of uncovering another hidden gem. I not only found the research to be sexy, but history too.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Call for entries (sort of)
The creative mind is a very interesting thing. In order to continually produce creatively, it requires constant feeding in the form of stimulation.
If you're a creative professional — be it a photographer, graphic designer, copywriter, illustrator, etc. — I"m interested in hearing how you keep the creative fires burning. Better yet, show me what you do to fan the flames. I'll post photos in upcoming blog entries.
Personally, I've gone through several "phases" of interest. I have always been attracted to textile art, so several years ago I took up quilting. It was immensely satisfying (despite never becoming proficient), but requires more space and time (and patience) than I have. I've shelved that hobby for the time being, and have replaced it with jewelry making. I've found that making something with my own two hands is very rewarding. In the graphic design industry, rapidiograph pens have long been replaced by the computer mouse. I love the act of working with my hands and physically building something, however small. It's also very satisfying to be able to start and finish a piece in relatively short order, with no deadline and no one to please but myself.
Pictured below is a bracelet I made recently. The colors are perfect for fall.
There are many things that interest me. Screen printing would be cool. Maybe someday I'll take up pottery. Come fall (at the age of 35), I'll begin piano lessons for the first time.
I can't imagine a life with no creative outlet.
If you're a creative professional — be it a photographer, graphic designer, copywriter, illustrator, etc. — I"m interested in hearing how you keep the creative fires burning. Better yet, show me what you do to fan the flames. I'll post photos in upcoming blog entries.
Personally, I've gone through several "phases" of interest. I have always been attracted to textile art, so several years ago I took up quilting. It was immensely satisfying (despite never becoming proficient), but requires more space and time (and patience) than I have. I've shelved that hobby for the time being, and have replaced it with jewelry making. I've found that making something with my own two hands is very rewarding. In the graphic design industry, rapidiograph pens have long been replaced by the computer mouse. I love the act of working with my hands and physically building something, however small. It's also very satisfying to be able to start and finish a piece in relatively short order, with no deadline and no one to please but myself.
Pictured below is a bracelet I made recently. The colors are perfect for fall.
There are many things that interest me. Screen printing would be cool. Maybe someday I'll take up pottery. Come fall (at the age of 35), I'll begin piano lessons for the first time.
I can't imagine a life with no creative outlet.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Engage Your Super Trouper
Life is a blur
I was recently reminded how important it is to take pleasure in extracurricular activities. Sometimes life gets so hectic that, in order to fulfill our commitments, we neglect the extraneous pleasures in life. We stop doing the things we enjoy.
I was recently invited by a group of friends to see a movie. Hmmmm. Work. Family. School. Kids. Clients. Volunteer. Cook. Clean. Eat. Sleep. Do I really have time to see a movie?
Now, I don't consider myself to be a "movie person." Movies rarely live up to my expectations; I'm left disappointed. But on this particular evening, I tossed everything else aside and I joined my friends at the theater to see "Mamma Mia!" on the big screen.
I don't recall enjoying a movie as much as this one. While listening to songs I'm almost too young to remember, I laughed and I cried ... and I found myself taking notes.
Hmmm?
That's right. I was hit by a creative wave while sitting in a dark theater. I reached into my purse and quietly rifled through the many, many, many old receipts — some of which I'm almost too old to remember — until I found an old envelope perfect for note taking. I had brilliant ideas for upcoming client projects. One after another. Now, none of these brilliant ideas incorporate lyrics from the 70s, but they were inspired by a fun, energetic, enjoyable two hours.
I urge you to make time for fun. It'll show in your work, it'll show on your face.
Perhaps I will listen to ABBA more often.
I was recently reminded how important it is to take pleasure in extracurricular activities. Sometimes life gets so hectic that, in order to fulfill our commitments, we neglect the extraneous pleasures in life. We stop doing the things we enjoy.
I was recently invited by a group of friends to see a movie. Hmmmm. Work. Family. School. Kids. Clients. Volunteer. Cook. Clean. Eat. Sleep. Do I really have time to see a movie?
Now, I don't consider myself to be a "movie person." Movies rarely live up to my expectations; I'm left disappointed. But on this particular evening, I tossed everything else aside and I joined my friends at the theater to see "Mamma Mia!" on the big screen.
I don't recall enjoying a movie as much as this one. While listening to songs I'm almost too young to remember, I laughed and I cried ... and I found myself taking notes.
Hmmm?
That's right. I was hit by a creative wave while sitting in a dark theater. I reached into my purse and quietly rifled through the many, many, many old receipts — some of which I'm almost too old to remember — until I found an old envelope perfect for note taking. I had brilliant ideas for upcoming client projects. One after another. Now, none of these brilliant ideas incorporate lyrics from the 70s, but they were inspired by a fun, energetic, enjoyable two hours.
I urge you to make time for fun. It'll show in your work, it'll show on your face.
Perhaps I will listen to ABBA more often.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Share the wealth
Creativity.
Defined as "the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination."
For some, creativity is like the Fountain of Youth ... a mirage you can't keep from chasing.
For others, it's a well from which we dip into ... but can run dry.
For all of us, creativity is a necessity. It's what gives our lives color. Vibrancy. Bounce.
This blog is for anyone who wants to re-energize their creative bounce. And it's for those who have plenty of bounce to share.
This blog isn't going to give you "tutorials" that promise to revive your creativity, though I will occasionally provide links to those resources. This is more of an open window into my personal attempt to keep my own creativity humming from day to day. I intend to highlight the creativity of others in hopes that it will spur the creativity of another.
If you've found creative inspiration or have done something inspiring; if you want to share how you found a creative solution to a problem, bounce your ideas off of me.
Maybe bouncing ideas off each other will make us all a little more creative.
Defined as "the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination."
For some, creativity is like the Fountain of Youth ... a mirage you can't keep from chasing.
For others, it's a well from which we dip into ... but can run dry.
For all of us, creativity is a necessity. It's what gives our lives color. Vibrancy. Bounce.
This blog is for anyone who wants to re-energize their creative bounce. And it's for those who have plenty of bounce to share.
This blog isn't going to give you "tutorials" that promise to revive your creativity, though I will occasionally provide links to those resources. This is more of an open window into my personal attempt to keep my own creativity humming from day to day. I intend to highlight the creativity of others in hopes that it will spur the creativity of another.
If you've found creative inspiration or have done something inspiring; if you want to share how you found a creative solution to a problem, bounce your ideas off of me.
Maybe bouncing ideas off each other will make us all a little more creative.
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