Or, My New Obsession With Twitter.
I get home and the first thing I do is reach for a box of cereal. That's right, I'm having dry cereal for dinner, despite the amazing shmorgasborg set out by the very generous Mekong. I had a polite amount of food there, very little of which was vegetarian friendly- but no red meat, thank goodness. Since I'm not willing to cook, and I've been off meat since returning from a 2 week stint in Argentina (two words: cow brains), dry cereal is my DIY alternative to "real food".
So, as it turns out, there is something called #SMCRVA. For those of you who aren't local, "RVA" is our lovely abbreviation for Richmond. The SMC part? Social Media Club. That's right. Social Media. Club. These online junkies (of which there are many) have banded, organized, and gathered, not only forming a CLUB but having real-life events, too. Yes, real life.
Tonight the event featured a panel a local businesses who have used social media to advance their bottom line. As you may have heard, businesses are having a great success with social media, getting the message out, furthering the brand, and having a consistent and trackable audience.
You probably know Facebook, but you may not be as familiar with Twitter. For me, Twitter is the latest and greatest addiction. It's like crack, but more social. Twitter is often described as a"micro-blogging" site, but it's anything but blogging. It's essentially a series of Facebook status updates, which are limited to 140 characters. Folks use this medium to Tweet about "what they're doing right now"- they say funny things, or share interesting links, or inform audiences of products or promotions, etc. They ask questions, they get answers, they share, remark, comment, message, argue, whine, laugh, bemuse, etc. Perhaps the most challenging and frustrating part is also the best part- posts are short and sweet.
So when my boss asked if I would like to join her at the Social Media Club Richmond event, and offered to buy my ticket, curiosity got the best of me. Sure, what the hell! I said. I like my boss, and it's one of those "you should network" things, and what better way to network than to meet all those people you follow on the internet all the time when you should be working?
At first I was amazed. All these people, drinks in hands, chatting it up like a singles mixer at the local Synagogue. We filled out our nametags at check-in, picked up some free candy bars and stickers, and made our way to the bar. My boss began introducing me to people I should know, have heard about, and will probably hear about or work with at some point in the future. We got our drinks, and I snickered at the sign by the bar about Tweeting and drinking at the same time (but not doing either while driving). As conversations began, I scanned the room, looking to see if I could recognize anybody by their 1/2 inch squared icon photos. I read name tags (which were not only filled out with names, but Twitter monikers as well!) in search of folks I might be following. I was giddy that there were so many internet dorks in the same room.
Then I began to get distracted. At the most inopportune moments, the single girl in me comes out and says, "hey those guys are cute. I wonder if they're single?". I began checking out the menfolk, looking for rings (and hoping for none). Then the voice of reason chimes in. "You're here with your BOSS. Stop being such a hornball. You're not going to hook up with anyone anyway and you know it so just STOP". My eyes shifted across the room. Good looking fellow over there in a tie. That one over there made eye contact with me. Maybe he thinks I'm cute. Some days I don't think about this stuff. Other days, it's all I can do to wear a sign over my head blaring the words "ALONE".
As the panel discussion got under way, I noticed the audience kept their cell phones out. There would be no "please turn off your cell phones" warning here. This was about social media, and darn it, we had to tell the world about it- as it was happening. Got your phone out? You're not rude, you're just twittering. Don't forget to tag that #smcrva.
It was good to put some faces to names, including @younghouselove (writers of younghouselove.com), to whom I blurted "Oh my god I LOVE YOUR BLOG" upon being introduced, rather than keeping a subdued, professional "nice to meet you" tone. "I want you guys to do my living room SO BADLY it is such a disaster!" They were polite, and gracious, and awesome, of course. Twitter/Blogger celebrity- I was star struck. I'm still wildly curious about @thecheckoutgirl, and I failed to find her tonight. Perhaps she didn't have a name tag on? Her blog is hilarious and snarky and wonderful. I also saw and briefly spoke to/overheard many other who I will be adding to my Twitter follow list.
All in all, a good night. A few things I learned:
- Social Media is a great business tool because, hey, it's FREE ADVERTISING
- Some people maintain more than one Twitter account. How do they do it?
- Most of us are still pretty new to this business/social media thing. Except Mekong. They're pros.
- We should add our twitter name to our business cards- yes, that is where all this social media stuff is going.
- My type-a-day blog is not as awful as I think it is, and there are people other than my immediate circle of friends who do, in fact, read it.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Note: This blog will be featured in the LaDiff blog on Monday morning. Lucky you, getting a sneak peak!
I have my sticky little fingers in all kinds of things. From design to DIY, writing web code to ramping up our Search Engine Optimization, and from designing print advertising to managing social media, we designers are expected to do it all. The title "Graphic Designer" often expands and demands that one wears a variety of hats at the workplace. It’s easy to sit back and wonder, in any position, if you’ve missed your calling in life. As a designer, if you think you’ve missed your calling, it’s just because you haven’t been asked to do it yet.
If there had ever been any doubt in my mind that I should have perhaps gone into a field such as, say, film production, it was about to be put to rest.
The task at hand was to create two TV ads to promote two months worth of events: The Bedroom Sale in August, and the Upholstery/Seating Sale in September… so when Andy and Sarah called in Aaron Dotson and Frank Gilliam of Elevation Advertising, I knew we’d be in for a treat. They seemed so mild mannered at first, but after the initial business formalities were out of the way and the discussion got going, I had the feeling that this was going to be a hoot. Our little conference room roared with laughter as we pushed ideas around, and by the end of the meeting I returned to my office, wiped tears from my eyes, and watched as Aaron tweeted that “concepting TV spots is the best stress reliever ever”. Glad to be of service, Aaron. And we couldn’t wait to see what they would come up with, either.
In the coming weeks, we would be back in the LaDiff conference room. We would be regaled with concepts, we would choose wisely which ones would come to fruition. Elevation would then set to work on a storyboard, and get the folks together to produce the ads. Just days before we were slated to film, I met a gang of Elevation cohorts to scope out the space within which we would assemble props, stage bedrooms, and film. I also met with CJ Hawn, graphic designer, to choose nightstands, lamps, props and clocks for the ads. I shyly showed her around the store, offering up opinions on different nightstand/lamp combinations, while secretly envying her arty insights, design experience, and general expertise. While I was stumbling to find appropriate inventory, these are the concepts CJ was mulling over:
The Bedroom Sale ad, (follow the link to see the ad) on-air for the month of August, essentially featured a series of alarm clocks going off in various rooms using various alarm-clocky sounds. The sounds come together to create a rhythm, which moves faster and faster until building to the end of the piece, where hands are seen slapping each clock into snooze. The concept? This bedroom sale is a snooze button’s best friend (because that’s just how comfortable you’ll be!).
The Upholstery Sale ad, (follow the link to see the ad) now dubbed the Perfect Seat for your Seat Sale, is about just that- finding the perfect seat. The concept was to show a variety of seats with their corresponding rear-ends. Quirky, cute and a tad cheeky.
In preparation, we pulled about 8 different nightstands off the sales floor, with 10 lamps, 2 alarm clocks, and some random accessories from the gifts department. We also painted part of the wall in our empty neighboring space yellow, to serve as one of many backdrops to the “bedroom” scenery. I kept my fingers crossed that Elevation’s crew would cover the rest as far as props and equipment, as discussed (just in case). They did.
We started by filming the “Butt Ad” for the Seat/Upholstery Sale. Friends and employees of LaDiff took turns standing shyly in front of a white screen. We stood patiently on a piece of masking tape as the lights and camera were adjusted- custom tailored to frame each toosh. When the film was rolling (actually I think it’s all digital now), we shifted, swayed, turned and twirled. As one of the seats in the ad, I can say that I’ve never felt more awkward than I did then- knowing that all eyes- and the camera- were on me. Well, parts of me. It’s not as though I’ve never been “checked out” before… but it’s different when you’re shaking your derrière on command. ;)
We needed as many butts as possible, so it became my duty to start herding folks into the film-space. After all of the LaDiff volunteers had shaken it (like a Polaroid picture) and signed their release forms, we were still hoping to collect a few more. I ran frantically throughout the store, grabbing LaDiff employees who had most certainly NOT volunteered and shoved them next door. At one point, I even sent a couple of troops upstairs to the Massey Cancer Center to herd us a “suit butt”- someone wearing a suit, trousers, anything but denim! They even found him too, unwittingly having some happy hour drinks with colleagues. The slightly tipsy suited-butt stranger graciously followed us downstairs, agreed to help out, and jiggled his badiggle for our cameras.
As the evening wore on, we were ready to shoot the second ad. One by one, each “bedroom” was set up, staged, and scrutinized. CJ took her time arranging each vignette, adjusting the alarm clock just-so, adding picture frames or trinkets- things you’d see on any nightstand, adjusting the background and hiding price tags and lamp cords. Cameras were set up, adjusted, lighting played with… it’s surprising how the reflection on just a small piece of chrome lamp-base can throw off an entire scene. The actual amount of set-up time (oodles), vs. the actual amount of time filming (seconds, minutes at best) is… well, pretty boring.
Then, one by one, each hand actor would set on the floor next to the stage. Lights, camera, action! Over and over again, Elevation filmed multiple takes of hands hitting alarm clocks. Touching alarm clocks. Tapping alarm clocks. Finding alarm clocks. Falling alarm clocks. Et cetera.
And…Cut!
Generally speaking, I’m not a woman with much patience. The process of waiting while everything is staged, put together, painstakingly adjusted, and eventually filmed was practically agony! As enlightening as the experience was, I’m certain I did NOT miss a calling in a film career. I’d do it again, certainly, it was fun… but call somebody else if you have a feature film you need help with.
Of course, the anticipation to see these ads come to fruition post-production was agonizing as well, but well worth the wait. We are thrilled with Elevation, thrilled with their work, thrilled with their staff, and just thrilled to show these off.
Elevation, my hats go off to you.
I have my sticky little fingers in all kinds of things. From design to DIY, writing web code to ramping up our Search Engine Optimization, and from designing print advertising to managing social media, we designers are expected to do it all. The title "Graphic Designer" often expands and demands that one wears a variety of hats at the workplace. It’s easy to sit back and wonder, in any position, if you’ve missed your calling in life. As a designer, if you think you’ve missed your calling, it’s just because you haven’t been asked to do it yet.
If there had ever been any doubt in my mind that I should have perhaps gone into a field such as, say, film production, it was about to be put to rest.
The task at hand was to create two TV ads to promote two months worth of events: The Bedroom Sale in August, and the Upholstery/Seating Sale in September… so when Andy and Sarah called in Aaron Dotson and Frank Gilliam of Elevation Advertising, I knew we’d be in for a treat. They seemed so mild mannered at first, but after the initial business formalities were out of the way and the discussion got going, I had the feeling that this was going to be a hoot. Our little conference room roared with laughter as we pushed ideas around, and by the end of the meeting I returned to my office, wiped tears from my eyes, and watched as Aaron tweeted that “concepting TV spots is the best stress reliever ever”. Glad to be of service, Aaron. And we couldn’t wait to see what they would come up with, either.
In the coming weeks, we would be back in the LaDiff conference room. We would be regaled with concepts, we would choose wisely which ones would come to fruition. Elevation would then set to work on a storyboard, and get the folks together to produce the ads. Just days before we were slated to film, I met a gang of Elevation cohorts to scope out the space within which we would assemble props, stage bedrooms, and film. I also met with CJ Hawn, graphic designer, to choose nightstands, lamps, props and clocks for the ads. I shyly showed her around the store, offering up opinions on different nightstand/lamp combinations, while secretly envying her arty insights, design experience, and general expertise. While I was stumbling to find appropriate inventory, these are the concepts CJ was mulling over:
The Bedroom Sale ad, (follow the link to see the ad) on-air for the month of August, essentially featured a series of alarm clocks going off in various rooms using various alarm-clocky sounds. The sounds come together to create a rhythm, which moves faster and faster until building to the end of the piece, where hands are seen slapping each clock into snooze. The concept? This bedroom sale is a snooze button’s best friend (because that’s just how comfortable you’ll be!).The Upholstery Sale ad, (follow the link to see the ad) now dubbed the Perfect Seat for your Seat Sale, is about just that- finding the perfect seat. The concept was to show a variety of seats with their corresponding rear-ends. Quirky, cute and a tad cheeky.
In preparation, we pulled about 8 different nightstands off the sales floor, with 10 lamps, 2 alarm clocks, and some random accessories from the gifts department. We also painted part of the wall in our empty neighboring space yellow, to serve as one of many backdrops to the “bedroom” scenery. I kept my fingers crossed that Elevation’s crew would cover the rest as far as props and equipment, as discussed (just in case). They did.
We started by filming the “Butt Ad” for the Seat/Upholstery Sale. Friends and employees of LaDiff took turns standing shyly in front of a white screen. We stood patiently on a piece of masking tape as the lights and camera were adjusted- custom tailored to frame each toosh. When the film was rolling (actually I think it’s all digital now), we shifted, swayed, turned and twirled. As one of the seats in the ad, I can say that I’ve never felt more awkward than I did then- knowing that all eyes- and the camera- were on me. Well, parts of me. It’s not as though I’ve never been “checked out” before… but it’s different when you’re shaking your derrière on command. ;)We needed as many butts as possible, so it became my duty to start herding folks into the film-space. After all of the LaDiff volunteers had shaken it (like a Polaroid picture) and signed their release forms, we were still hoping to collect a few more. I ran frantically throughout the store, grabbing LaDiff employees who had most certainly NOT volunteered and shoved them next door. At one point, I even sent a couple of troops upstairs to the Massey Cancer Center to herd us a “suit butt”- someone wearing a suit, trousers, anything but denim! They even found him too, unwittingly having some happy hour drinks with colleagues. The slightly tipsy suited-butt stranger graciously followed us downstairs, agreed to help out, and jiggled his badiggle for our cameras.
As the evening wore on, we were ready to shoot the second ad. One by one, each “bedroom” was set up, staged, and scrutinized. CJ took her time arranging each vignette, adjusting the alarm clock just-so, adding picture frames or trinkets- things you’d see on any nightstand, adjusting the background and hiding price tags and lamp cords. Cameras were set up, adjusted, lighting played with… it’s surprising how the reflection on just a small piece of chrome lamp-base can throw off an entire scene. The actual amount of set-up time (oodles), vs. the actual amount of time filming (seconds, minutes at best) is… well, pretty boring.
Then, one by one, each hand actor would set on the floor next to the stage. Lights, camera, action! Over and over again, Elevation filmed multiple takes of hands hitting alarm clocks. Touching alarm clocks. Tapping alarm clocks. Finding alarm clocks. Falling alarm clocks. Et cetera.And…Cut!
Generally speaking, I’m not a woman with much patience. The process of waiting while everything is staged, put together, painstakingly adjusted, and eventually filmed was practically agony! As enlightening as the experience was, I’m certain I did NOT miss a calling in a film career. I’d do it again, certainly, it was fun… but call somebody else if you have a feature film you need help with.
Of course, the anticipation to see these ads come to fruition post-production was agonizing as well, but well worth the wait. We are thrilled with Elevation, thrilled with their work, thrilled with their staff, and just thrilled to show these off.Elevation, my hats go off to you.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Home.
Home again from a 2 week hiatus in Argentina. Pictures and notes on that to follow once I have re-organized. Travel is a little hectic, so it's good to be home and back to silly little daily creative project such as this.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday
Alas, as you may have discovered, there was no typography posted yesterday! This is in part due to the fact that I found myself wrapped up in assisting the production of two new television ads set to run in August and September. Rest assured there will be photos of this shortly.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Our Minds
Today's official type (insomnia aside) is an attempt at graffiti. Is it convincing?
If it seems like these are straight out of an online type tutorial, it's because some of them are.
If it seems like these are straight out of an online type tutorial, it's because some of them are.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Romance
I've decided that from here on out the criteria for the daily type project will not require putting the actual day's date. I just so happen to not feel like thinking inside that box. The date box. Speaking of dates, today's type:
Photography graciously borrowed from ffffound.com.
Photography graciously borrowed from ffffound.com.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday, Oh, Saturday
I'm spending a lovely lazy Saturday meandering about Cary Town and running a couple of errands for the cat. How do you like to spend your summer Saturdays?
Friday, July 24, 2009
It's like a Magic Eye, but not.
It's kind of like a Magic Eye picture, you have to cross your eyes halfway to see it clearly. I hope this doesn't send anyone into an epileptic fit.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Nutty
Today's type is a bit nutty. Special thanks to Trader Joe's (just don't buy the fish) for the delicious mixed nuts (with raisins)!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Planning your weekend
I hate that Wednesday is called "hump" day. Yes, it means you're halfway through the work week, over the hump, but it just sounds... awkward. Despite that, the work week is coming and going quickly. We're halfway there! If you're like me, you're already mentally planning out the weekend.
Being new to the area, I simply have no idea where to go, what to do, or where to find things to do. After several months of being in awe of my planning-type friends- the ones who say, "oh by the way there's a craft sale at such and such this weekend" or "hey free concert on Brown's Island, want to go?", I finally figured out just how they're so... in the know.
And so, here are some of my favorite places to peruse when planning for the weekend here in Richmond. It's true, there is always something happening.
Richmond Dot Com
I first found this site through Facebook, of all things. Upon further exploration into their site, I discovered a massive, well kept wealth of information. You can search upcoming events by category, day of the week, type of venue, etc. There's also a plethora of blogs, articles, and reviews on arts & entertainment, dining, shows, movies, and more.
RVA News
Building web advertising for my company often leads me to explore the sites for which the ads are intended for. As soon as I first laid eyes on it, I knew that I was in love. RVA News is an online magazine which is quickly becoming the city's most lively source for lifestyle, sports, entertainment and news. Not to mention they have a great sense of humor. Similar to Richmond.com, they have reviews, articles, blogs, and an events calendar- not to mention the regular listing of top 5 savings of the week (around town deals on groceries and the like).
And of course, Twitter
Up until recently I had been very very reluctant to join the Twitter crowd, but it's quickly become my new fascination as I click through people after people, followers after followers, and tweets after tweets. As a designer and craftster, it's a fabulous resource for DIY projects, photoshop tutorials, typography inspirations, and more. Follow your local businesses and be the first to hear the chirps on sales, promotions, and interesting goodies around town. Why just last week I got a free steak sandwich from Mortons through a Twitter promotion, and it was de-licious!
I'll add here, as mentioned above, that a few goodies around town are easy to locate from Facebook, or any other social networking site you may belong to. It's a chance for business to build their brands, tell you the latest on sales, events, and new inventory, and a great way for communities (I'm a fan of "Carytown", for example) to keep you engaged in local happenings. It's also a nice way to show your support, and of course, plan your weekend.
Being new to the area, I simply have no idea where to go, what to do, or where to find things to do. After several months of being in awe of my planning-type friends- the ones who say, "oh by the way there's a craft sale at such and such this weekend" or "hey free concert on Brown's Island, want to go?", I finally figured out just how they're so... in the know.
And so, here are some of my favorite places to peruse when planning for the weekend here in Richmond. It's true, there is always something happening.
Richmond Dot Com
I first found this site through Facebook, of all things. Upon further exploration into their site, I discovered a massive, well kept wealth of information. You can search upcoming events by category, day of the week, type of venue, etc. There's also a plethora of blogs, articles, and reviews on arts & entertainment, dining, shows, movies, and more.
RVA News
Building web advertising for my company often leads me to explore the sites for which the ads are intended for. As soon as I first laid eyes on it, I knew that I was in love. RVA News is an online magazine which is quickly becoming the city's most lively source for lifestyle, sports, entertainment and news. Not to mention they have a great sense of humor. Similar to Richmond.com, they have reviews, articles, blogs, and an events calendar- not to mention the regular listing of top 5 savings of the week (around town deals on groceries and the like).
And of course, Twitter
Up until recently I had been very very reluctant to join the Twitter crowd, but it's quickly become my new fascination as I click through people after people, followers after followers, and tweets after tweets. As a designer and craftster, it's a fabulous resource for DIY projects, photoshop tutorials, typography inspirations, and more. Follow your local businesses and be the first to hear the chirps on sales, promotions, and interesting goodies around town. Why just last week I got a free steak sandwich from Mortons through a Twitter promotion, and it was de-licious!
I'll add here, as mentioned above, that a few goodies around town are easy to locate from Facebook, or any other social networking site you may belong to. It's a chance for business to build their brands, tell you the latest on sales, events, and new inventory, and a great way for communities (I'm a fan of "Carytown", for example) to keep you engaged in local happenings. It's also a nice way to show your support, and of course, plan your weekend.
Wednesday already?
Modeling graciously provided by Mingus the cat. He'll tell you the date, but not without being catty. Har har. Vector sketches from vecteezy.com.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Girl with a drill.
In recent perusals of a favorite, local blog I have been enjoying, I found the young couple John & Sherry were working to clean up their neglected garage. They asked others to be inspired by their mess, and tackle that space you have been meaning to get around to, but haven't. I remembered that I was due for a trip to the hardware store and decided to hit up some crafty goodness as well. I have, after all, been meaning to make some additions to my bizarre little apartment.
But first, I couldn't help but notice an entry with a great DIY jewelry organizing project, submitted by a reader- Christy from Dwell Magazine. I dug through my collections of fabric and set to work at once. Here are the results:
Instead of cork board I used some plain MDF board from the local craft shop. I grabbed a bit of Elmer's Fabric Glue to use, and was quite pleased with the results. I'm generally a Mod-Podge girl, but the quality of Elmer's held the fabric in place firmly as I stretched and stapled it over the board.
Now, the little white shelf in the bathroom. I've been meaning to install one for a while. My fear is that the rambunctious and crazy cat would leap onto it during a fit of chasing invisible mice, and rip the shelf from the wall, smashing to bits everything upon it. I speak from experience. Despite that, I drilled several holes in the wall (make sure you are using the correctly sized drill bit or you will return, like me, to the hardware store for some Spackle and touch-up paint). The shelf, combined with my new radio, a plant to lighten things up and some other random decor and last-minute projects give a nice new feel to the drab old bathroom. Lovely!
But first, I couldn't help but notice an entry with a great DIY jewelry organizing project, submitted by a reader- Christy from Dwell Magazine. I dug through my collections of fabric and set to work at once. Here are the results:
Instead of cork board I used some plain MDF board from the local craft shop. I grabbed a bit of Elmer's Fabric Glue to use, and was quite pleased with the results. I'm generally a Mod-Podge girl, but the quality of Elmer's held the fabric in place firmly as I stretched and stapled it over the board.
Now, the little white shelf in the bathroom. I've been meaning to install one for a while. My fear is that the rambunctious and crazy cat would leap onto it during a fit of chasing invisible mice, and rip the shelf from the wall, smashing to bits everything upon it. I speak from experience. Despite that, I drilled several holes in the wall (make sure you are using the correctly sized drill bit or you will return, like me, to the hardware store for some Spackle and touch-up paint). The shelf, combined with my new radio, a plant to lighten things up and some other random decor and last-minute projects give a nice new feel to the drab old bathroom. Lovely!
July 21st, 2009
Today's day in type features one of my favorite pieces from LaDiff, the Cole Chair from the John Charles American Leather collection. What a sexy chair!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sweet Dreams
This is the last post today, I promise. Clearly I'm on an artsy kick tonight. Photo imagery borrowed and manipulated from www.ffffound.com
Free Quality Fonts
A while back I came across what was, at the time, the most beautiful thing I had ever seen:
A free, quality font foundry.
Just a website with free fonts, of exceptional design, available to any one in need of a good font. I refer back to it with much frequency, and so without further a due, I shall pass it on to you, my lovely ...reader-person.
The Exljbris Font Foundry.
A free, quality font foundry.
Just a website with free fonts, of exceptional design, available to any one in need of a good font. I refer back to it with much frequency, and so without further a due, I shall pass it on to you, my lovely ...reader-person.
The Exljbris Font Foundry.
Rainy Monday
Starting the day out with a fresh Type project is the tops!
Eventually I'll start putting these into photoshop and playing around with different effects. This morning, however, I'm off to the travel clinic to prepare for my upcoming trip to Argentina. I was surprised to learn that there is quite the art scene in Buenos Aires, and of course the country has oodles of folk art to explore. I can't wait!
Eventually I'll start putting these into photoshop and playing around with different effects. This morning, however, I'm off to the travel clinic to prepare for my upcoming trip to Argentina. I was surprised to learn that there is quite the art scene in Buenos Aires, and of course the country has oodles of folk art to explore. I can't wait!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Another lazy Sunday.
Quite some time ago, I began a daily typography project. This served as a great little way to boost the creativity and get the ball rolling each morning. For some reason or other, the project was abandoned. To celebrate my newfound roots in Virginia, and my determination to "make it" as a designer in this big crazy world, I've decided to reinstate the project. Starting today.
Updates will be on this site for the time being, until I finish the Proverbial Ink dot com redesign.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Part I, The Beginning.
Fresh out of college, bright eyed and bushy tailed, there I was: a graphic designer. Ready for gainful employment, I was among thousands of other eligible college-faced artists in the city of Portland ready to fight tooth and nail for a shot at a poorly paid, under appreciated and wonderfully nameless job.
If it sounds daunting, well, what job market isn't? Well, thanks to a little thing I like to call CraigsList, I found a position working in-house for some interesting folks, and settled into my career choice quite nicely.
After some years spending some time building brands, designing logos, websites, promoting the ol' Alma Mater's theater department and getting a taste of media buying and promotion, I decided it was time to leave my beloved city of Portland and set sail for something completely different:
Richmond, Virginia.
Only a quick 3,000 mile drive away, Richmond seemed innocent enough. I popped 'round for a preliminary 3-day visit during the summer of 2008 and discovered a humid little town with an a-typical downtown setting and a heavy history wrought with tales of the slave trade, tobacco warehouses, and one of the first settlements ever established in a brand-spanking-new America.
Gulp. What if I hate it here? Deep breath.
Here goes.
If it sounds daunting, well, what job market isn't? Well, thanks to a little thing I like to call CraigsList, I found a position working in-house for some interesting folks, and settled into my career choice quite nicely.
After some years spending some time building brands, designing logos, websites, promoting the ol' Alma Mater's theater department and getting a taste of media buying and promotion, I decided it was time to leave my beloved city of Portland and set sail for something completely different:
Richmond, Virginia.
Only a quick 3,000 mile drive away, Richmond seemed innocent enough. I popped 'round for a preliminary 3-day visit during the summer of 2008 and discovered a humid little town with an a-typical downtown setting and a heavy history wrought with tales of the slave trade, tobacco warehouses, and one of the first settlements ever established in a brand-spanking-new America.
Gulp. What if I hate it here? Deep breath.
Here goes.
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