Living in the Past

Went to see Reno 911 The Movie the other night, and saw the preview for the new Jamie Kennedy movie Kickn it Old Skool, [insert unrealistic comedic plot here] mostly about 80s break dancing. I got to thinking... is there real value in looking to the past?

I'm always looking to the past for inspiration. Weather it's a Glaser poster from the 60s, or 90s alt-rock, I often look to the past for some sort of influence. Is this a normal thing? Is there a thing as looking TOO much into the past? Is that when it becomes novel, like Jamie's movie?

Principal's Office

Last Friday I went to a local high school to meet and coordinate a community fair my company holds ever year. This year, my job is to help a local school district set up their bands and other school clubs to provide entertainment for the fair. I've never done this before. My contact is the assistant superintendent. He wanted to bring the high school principal into the meeting, and have it at his office.

I haven't been to the principals office in 15 years. I was reminded of my early high school days. I wasn't really a trouble maker. I just didn't know when to shut up. Freshman & sophomore years, I was usually in detention. Junior & senior year, I moved, and switched schools. Different atmosphere, new friends... I grew up that year, and never set foot in the principals office again.

New Work: BeryLicious Identity

Wednesday, I get the call from Kissimmee, Florida. Cafe is opening next week, and the new owner forgot to call me two weeks ago. Now, they need a new logo. I'm in Pennsylvania, so they describe the place and menu, and I ask the right questions (no fumbles) and accept the challenge.

They wanted me to include the Microsoft clip art included in the mock-up they sent me (to represent coffee and food.) Thankfully, I was able to persuade them to detach from it, if I could come up with a better representation for 'food' ...and 'cafe' is a given that they have coffee. After presenting several options, I thought they'd go for the strait one, but they preferred the top one. I can't wait to visit next time I'm in Florida. Although, secretly, I just want to see the logo I created on the sign, menu, and everywhere else they use it.

Talking to Clients

Why do I sometimes fumble when talking to clients?

I was asked recently to quote a website design for a photographer. I would've loved to do the job, however, his needs exceeded my ability. He wanted a website that could be updated on a regular basis, with the ability to sell prints online. I could've done the job, but the time committment would've been a lot, especially with full-time work, and my summer plans. So, I referred him to an online photoservice instead... thus turning down a job. He appreciated my honesty, but I can't help but wonder if I should've just done it anyway?

Flanimals illustration by Rob Steen

Game Night

Complete with Primo's subs, wine, and four consenting adults playing a board game called Seven Deadly Sins. The dares aren't anything too crazy. It's a combo trivia-dare type of thing. Very fun game, though. I almost won. Almost.

Moving On

Well, no one seemed interested in the new direction of my blog. It was discouraging, but I didn't want to give up. So, time to move on with a slightly new direction. It'll still be a venue for my design work, but this blog will be about me, with my raw thoughts. Unfiltered.

Work inspired by Barbra Kruger, of course. This was in response to someone I know saying "I don't care about people shooting each other because it doesn't affect me. As long as me and my family aren't affected." Ignoring and not speaking about social problems are as bad as the problems themselves.

Philadelphia Flash

I was sent to Philly for a couple of days for an advanced Flash ActionScript course. The course material and instructor were very thorough. Despite the traffic and being sent to north Philly for the hotel, it was a fine experience. I didn't eat anywhere special (unless you count Cosi, which had me addicted to their fresh mozz-tomato sandwich.)

On the morning of my arrival, after the long drive, I ate breakfast at this tiny diner right next to the building. I ordered two eggs scrambled, toast and hot chocolate. The waitress giggled and said "how coy."