Supersonic

You work on this great idea. You develop it from a raw idea to a quick sketch on a post it note. Then it goes to many versions on the computer screen, countless color and black and white proofs.... to a final color mockup. The design is good and a perfect fit for the project. You make the pitch to the client... their reaction is... lukewarm. Ugh!

What is wrong with them? Don't they get it? Don't the see the genius in the solution? What the...?!

You are always trying to supply the best solution to a problem in this business. You have to always design the better solution over how it was previously done, the better solution than all the client's competition is doing it.

I dislike it when we think it is great and the client doesn't exactly.
Am I not selling it hard enough?
Are we not understanding the initial problem correctly?
...because this idea, is indeed, the perfect solution to some design problem!
Remember to save this for future use...

Well the answer is a tough one. We have to climb over this brick wall we hit. We have to start over and push the ideas harder, in new directions. Our job is to always leave the client happy. We have to have the client psyched about our solution.

We like it when they say Wow this is great!

Side note: We also dislike it when the Sabres lose a playoff game and someone crashes into our truck.

And Your Bird Can Sing

This is one of those rare days and it falls on a Friday. All the comps and working designs have been presented to the clients and the ball is in their court. We could get ahead on an upcoming project or work on something fun perhaps... After all we are in the creative business- it should all be fun, right?

We shall call this Creative Friday-- we can work on on our own projects, i.e. all the things we can't get too when we are buried under paying projects, deadlines, proposal writing, book keeping, etc.

I was pretty productive last night, but we have the whole team here today so we can review what has been started and build on it. Jill is really good at looking at my raw designs and reigning them in- fine tuning them. Making them work. Today will be for research and sketching, brainstorming. And it's Friday, no one wants to work to hard on Friday. Its been a long week and we got playoff hockey tonight!!

BONUS BEATS: Paul Westerberg's Dyslexic Heart- acoustic version.
This is a "Singles" outtake. Quality is so-so, but get it while it still is posted!
This is a really good Friday song- oh yeah.

The Sound of Science

It comes down to, sometimes, that I just have to design something that really looks cool. A perfect example is the work that gets done for t-shirts, rock bands & DJ posters-- no really money involved = creative freedom. So you get to do what you want (something really cool), but since you are not getting paid you don't want to spend a whole lot of time....

So when designing these things, a kinda quick search and grab, design and destory can take place. Quick free-form design based on all past experiences- design and otherwisz(e). Flipping through a magazine or browsing the net- an influence is recognized and transformed into something new. Punk rock like Art Chantry or patched together sampleldelica like the Dust Brother doing Paul's Boutique. Ask for Janice.....that's Paul's Boutique and they're in Brooklyn....

Anyway, we are suppose to be working on new W2R T-shirt designs. We have a lot of ideas, not to try and get some of this stuff on paper. Time to root down. I'll let you know how it works out. As long as it looks cool, eh?

Living in Fame: The Email Interviews (part 6)

Here is the 6th of several quick email interviews with Buffalo designers, artists, photogs and the like. There are a lot of talented creative types in the Queen City- let us see what is in their heads-- topics include BFLO, design and their inspirations.

My sixth responder is Chris White, a local designer who works under the name GeekWarriors.

Name: Chris White

Age: 36

Occupation: Internet Guy and Design Whore

Company: GeekWarriors, LLC

Design Education (if any): Much credit to some great art teachers (and none to a few not so great) throughout my life. Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Some internships. The daily grind.

I decided to become a designer because....?
I suck pretty hard at math, so that automatically ruled out a whole bunch of stuff. That, and I've always liked design and being creative in one way or another. Seemed like the best way to make a creative living since I missed the Rockstar boat.

Designing in Buffalo is....?
Probably similar to most other places in many ways and not in others.

I find inspiration in....?
Just about everything... well, that I see and hear at least... not so sure about smell... though that sometimes inspires me to eat.

My favorite design(er) is ..... ?
Anyone that makes the world easier on the eyes. But if I had to pick just one person, it would probably be Saul Bass.

Right now (I mean RIGHT NOW!) I am listening to...?
Helpline Operator - The The

Living in Fame: The Email Interviews (part 5)

Here is the 5th of several quick email interviews with Buffalo designers, artists, photogs and the like. There are a lot of talented creative types in the Queen City- let us see what is in their heads-- topics include BFLO, design and their inspirations.

My fifth responder is Julian Montague, an artist and local designer who works under the moniker Montague Projects. He is the author of the book "The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America: A Guide to Field Identification, this year's Diagram Prize for the Oddest Title of 2006.

Name: Julian Montague

Age: 34

Occupation: Artist/Graphic Designer

Company: Montague Projects

Design Education (if any): The Streets

I decided to become a designer because....?
As a kid I loved Tintin, record covers, Ukiyo-e prints, books about wild life (the Golden Guides in particular) and everything connected to skateboarding. I was always excited by graphic design but for some reason I never really thought about being a graphic designer. I did not study art or design in college but after graduation (1996) I realized what I wanted to do with my life. Fortunately, computers were changing the technical side of design making it possible to get into designing without returning to school.

Designing in Buffalo is....?
It is hard for me to say. I have spent most of my career doing work for non-profit entities, Hallwalls, Just Buffalo Literary Center, etc., and working full time as the art director for First Hand Learning, Inc. (a non-profit that develops curriculum and materials for elementary school science programs). I am only just now going freelance and starting to pursue commercial clients.

I find inspiration in....?
Books, art, music, other designer's work, science, popular culture.

My favorite design(er) is ..... ?
Buro Destruct, Syrup Helsinki, Neasden Control Centre

Right now (I mean RIGHT NOW!) I am listening to...?
Bill Fay's album Tomorrow Tomorrow and Tomorrow. I was recently introduced to his music, he made three beautiful sad albums between 1966 and 1971 but he never had much success. I think he might be dead.

Living in Fame: The Email Interviews (part 4)

Here is the 4th of several quick email interviews with Buffalo designers, artists, photogs and the like. There are a lot of talented creative types in the Queen City- let us see what is in their heads-- topics include BFLO, design and their inspirations.

My fourth responder is Alan Kegler, an award winning local designer who works in the UB Creative Services division and freelances as Courage Design.

Name: Alan Kegler

Age: Middle Jurasiac (45)

Occupation: art director/designer

Company: Creative Services at UB, Courage Design

Design Education (if any): Buffalo State, my brothers

I decided to become a designer because....?
It’s the only thing I could do.

Designing in Buffalo is....?
Great, if you can find the work. You can design anywhere, so I would rephrase the question to “Living is Buffalo is”... Absolutely great! The quality of life here is outstanding.

I find inspiration in....?
Music, art, design, junk, snowboarding, Mt biking, getting out and living life!

My favorite design(er) is ..... ?
Yee-Haw Industries, my boys.

Right now (I mean RIGHT NOW!) I am listening to...?
Joseph Arthur, You are Free

Living in Fame: The Email Interviews (part 3)

Here is the 3rd of several quick email interviews with Buffalo designers, artists, photogs and the like. There are a lot of talented creative types in the Queen City- let us see what is in their heads-- topics include BFLO, design and their inspirations.

My third responder is Don Keller, a local designer & illustrator who is part of the Eyerazor collective of artists which includes Mark Freeland, Kotas and rock photog Bob Mussel.

Name: Don Keller

Age: 36

Occupation: Art Director

Company: Moog Advertising

Design Education (if any): Bryant Stratton, UB

I decided to become a designer because....?
It seemed rewarding and satisfying and I was good at "art".
Annapolis and "the band" didn't work out.

Designing in Buffalo is....?
... directly related to my alcohol consumption.

I find inspiration in....?
Clients who pay promptly!

My favorite design(er) is ..... ?
Milton Glaser because I talked to him on the phone once and he was unusally cynical about this business.

Right now (I mean RIGHT NOW!) I am listening to...?
Dirty Little Secrets (Thrill Kill Kult)

Pretty in Pink

I come from the old school of 'cut-and-paste' and guerilla marketing. Being a DJ, designer of rock band posters and 'zine publisher- I have covered the Queen City with promotional material. Flyers, posters and stickers have graced telephone poles, walls, record stores and niteclub walls. A couple of hours out on the town on a weeknight, armed with a roll of tape and a staple gun- I would sneak around like a grafitti artist. It was always the cheapest and easiest way to reach the people, targeting the audience.

The best-designed posters disappear as fast as they have gone up. As a poster designer, nothing is more satisfying than watching your work disappear. I love being at the show (that the poster was designed for) and watching an audience member remove your poster from the wall-- being careful to peel the tape slowly, all the while looking over their shoulder-- rolling it up and stuffing it in their jacket!

The above photo is the DJ booth of the old Pink (there used to be a 'new' Pink for those that do not know) where an OtherWisz and deja blu sticker still remain. There is also a small remnant of a 'BuffaloPOST' sticker in the booth... but that's another story.

Living in Fame: The Email Interviews (part 2)

Here is the 2nd of several quick email interviews with Buffalo designers, artists, photogs and the like. There are a lot of talented creative types in the Queen City- let us see what is in their heads-- topics include BFLO, design and their inspirations.

My second responder is Dan Humpartzoomian of The Design Department, a local design company specializing in drug packaging.

Name: Dan Humpartzoomian

Age: 42

Occupation: Owner / Art Director / Lover of Fun / Hockey Dad (The later takes up most of my time)

Company: Design Department, Inc.

Design Education (if any): Crayolas - NCCC Fine Art - Buff State - Graphic Design - Life

I decided to become a designer because....?
From as far back as I could remember I loved to draw and create. I guess I was steered in that direction.

Designing in Buffalo is....?
A challenge sometimes. A lot of my customers are out of town now.

I find inspiration in....?
The bottom of a pint... or 6. And the respect for other great design, it makes me push myself.

My favorite design(er) is ..... ?
mark wisz (aw shucks.... mw)

Right now (I mean RIGHT NOW!) I am listening to...?
The buzz of an electrical box in my office. But if I were to launch iTunes right now it would be The Raconteurs, T. Hip or Southern Culture on the Skids (SCOTS)!

I'm your tax man

April 15th...tax day!
Mixed emotions for today.
First, a nagging feeling that I need to get something done.
Next, giddy relief that my taxes were completed, e-filed
and my return was deposited safely in my account a month ago.

Having a corporation is great in so many ways:
1. you save on that horrible 'self employment tax'
2. you protect your personal assets from liability
3. you file your taxes by March 15- and your done!

[Un]fortunately, my accountant's new business is really thriving...
and being that the two businesses share the same seasonal calendar,
I need to find another accountant.

On the upside, I know where to get a great pirogi.

Living in Fame: The Email Interviews (part 1)

Here is the first of several quick email interviews with Buffalo designers, artists, photogs and the like. There are a lot of talented creative types in the Queen City- let us see what is in their heads-- topics include BFLO, design and their inspirations.

My first responder is Rich Kegler of P22, local font foundry, bookmaker and creator of many cool things.

Name: R Kegler

Age: 41

Occupation: Font Guy

Company: P22

Design Education (if any): Buff State, UB, Hard Knocks

I decided to become a designer because....?
I didn’t decide to become a designer it decided to become me.

Designing in Buffalo is....?
Nice work if you can get it. A warm Blanket. Pure raw potential.

I find inspiration in....?
Letters, Celebrities (who are not singers or musicians) who record music albums, View Masters.

My favorite design(er) is ..... ?
David Eggers (because he’s not really a designer)

Right now (I mean RIGHT NOW!) I am listening to...?
Japancakes- Sleepy Strange

No{t} fade away...please.

Who were the ad wizards behind this one?

Has anyone seen the latest from Revlon haircolor?

http://haircolor.revlon.com/aspx/colorist/ColoristAdvertising.aspx

[Click on the Glamour 30sec spot ad]

It features backup singer Sheryl Crow,

[I don't care what you say, she sings like a backup singer,

her singing makes my ears hurt.]
with a voiceover of an older man talks about how great her hair is?

"a real woman, with real glamour and really cool hair..."

Yeah, I am sure that had I scratched and clawed [screeched and cawed]

my way to the top- past women who were better singers than myself -

I would want to be known for my hair.

And I am sure every woman out there who watches a successful woman on screen is really thinking, 'Wow, she's got great hair.'

I haven't heard crap like this since I watched Charlies Angels as a young girl.

Note to AdWizard: This is NOT what your client means when they say they want to market to today's woman.

Shiny, Happy Surfaces

According to STEP Inside Design magazine these are some of the the Design Trends for 2007. Some of these are standards that never go out of style (disciplined typography, for example) and some of these I have been noticing lately such as the “happy colors & hippy pictures.”

Whether these are truly predictions for the future or reflections on the recent past-- all are good food for design thought. Is the grunge, punk style dead? Is 'matte finish' finished? We shall see, eh?

> Variations Within a Theme: several ads, or designs based on the same theme. Example- different color business cards with all the same design for a single company.

> Shiny, Shiny Textures: high gloss varnished and shimmery surfaces.

> Disciplined Typography: I am always a big fan of experienced typography and well kerned text!

> Black is the New Black: forget about brown as the new black, black is back.

> Happy Colors & Hippy Pictures: trippy graphics are fun to look at.

> Straight Photography: goodbye collages, single large photos rule the layout.

> Visual Narrative: every picture tells a story, don't it?

> Posters: posters offer immediate visual impact and are indeed 'art'. I love doing rock posters (see last year's Strummer Benefit poster above).

The Show- 12"

Today was an "all paperwork day"- the downside to running your own design company. All play and no work-- yeah, that's what I had hoped some many years ago too! Using computers- designing things, oh yeah!! But it is the reality of the job. It has been all day and we are still editing, rewriting, squashing numbers, making lists and so and so (it's night now). We are reduced to laptop music and cassettes on the frazzled office CD player (won't play past trax 4).

The good side to all this is 2 things really:
1. The paperwork either means invoices or proposals going out. Both good.
2. We are forced to have to listen to a lot of old cassette tapes. We have listed to the '90 minutes a side' of Soul Coughing. I think its Ruby Varoom and another LP (Jill loves the Math bands)... and my best hip-hop mix of all time "Back to The Lab"- vinyl live mix straight to cassette tape. Only available on cassette. Only one break in the action- when ya's have ta flip the tape over!

I'm different, so don't compare me to another
Cause they can't hang, word to your mother