Whipper Snapper

Hoxeyville Music Festival 2011

2011-08-28T09:59:00.009-06:00

I am stoked to write about Hoxeyville Music Festival today, a week after the fun and festivities. I am proud to tell that I was the graphic designer behind their look and feel for this year. The look I designed was used on posters, handbills, the website and web banners, t-shirts (including a custom license plate design) and programs! I was so excited to see people wearing it, carrying it and enjoying the festival.

There was a lot of great great music - Steppin In It, Seth and May, Airborne or Aquatic, Starlight Six, GREENSKY BLUEGRASS, The Itals, Ivan Neville's Dumpstafunk, Ella Riot, Digital Tape Machine, Mickey Hart, and Umphrey's McGee to name a few... With three stages, endless campsites and all that great food and vending, it was hard to see it all. But I managed to see almost all the music. Except Todd Snider, which I am ashamed to say I heard only at my campsite. Even a groupie needs a break. :)

It was bittersweet being there without Benn, the original Hoxeyville gangsta. I thought of him every minute of every hour. I thought about how much we enjoyed seeing music together, and with that thought made it to as many of the shows as possible. It made me feel so happy and normal to watch music. Anyway, the highlight for me after 9 years of attending this festival was witnessing the late night pickin jam with Greensky and Seth and May. There were probably tons of others there that I just couldn't see or hear, but it was so amazing to be there and hear them at their most natural and finest. Super awesome too, because Benn and I always wanted to party with Greensky at Hoxeyville, so in a way I got to, and I danced and smiled and enjoyed every second. For both of us. I thank Jake and Kristin so much for the gift of music.

Whew. So onto the visuals. Here is a mix of posters, handbills, festival photos and whatever else. I love taking photos, more probably for me as a documentation factor. But you know us designers, always trying to get creative with things... anyway I hope you enjoy. I know I did.

Posters, Coasters and Treating Cancer Naturally

2011-05-01T15:10:00.010-06:00

Been cooped up long enough here in Northern Mitten Country! Here, finally, are some of the things I've been working on over the winter and through the woods. Some are designs, some are random new situations but all are part of the adventure.

My friend Kristin belongs to a great organization called Friends of Michigan Midwives, and they are putting on 2 different events in the next two weeks. Next Thursday, May 5, join them in Lansing for a 5k walk/run, a concert featuring Rachel and Dominic Davis, and a silent auction. Sunday May 15, join them in Kalamazoo for a benefit concert at The Strutt. Mechele Peters opens for Airborne or Aquatic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available for both events at www.friendsofmichiganmidwives.com.

I am also trying to update my Etsy shop with new items! Cork Hand-Stamped Coasters are up next!

Our adventure in naturopathic healing is also ongoing, Benn is doing good. I am amazed everyday by the healing power of nutrition and herbs. Just a side story, but Buddy the dog (Benn's parents dog) had a scary week or two this March where we weren't sure if he would live or not. His stomach area swelled up and was very hard for a few days, and he was peeing blood. We were pretty worried about him, but Kelly (of Healthy Basics) suggested we give him some herbs to take care of the fungus that was likely causing all this trouble.

Well we gave him Pau D'Arco, a powerful anti-fungal herb for about 2 weeks. People were telling us we should put him down and everything else. Well I would walk him every day per usual, and watch him closely. Eventually his urine had less and less blood, his hard swollen gut went down, and he was totally skipping around playing with Tiny Dancer! The herbs fixed what most people would have fixed with an early grave. Sad to think people have so little faith in healing things naturally, and that essentially we can fix ourselves with patience and a few supplements we need anyway.

As far as Benn's therapy goes, he is still drinking green juices, eating all organic (except if we go out, there are I think zero organic eateries that I know of in Cadillac). He isn't working right now, due mostly to the massive healing he has to go through right now. The cancer has worked its way out, through natural cleansing through the systems, as well as through a large hole on his chest that seeps painful lymphatic fluid 24/7. He is in a serious amount of pain most days all day long, as cleansing out all the dead cancer cell debris is hard work for the body. He is however, in very good condition as far as the rest of his health goes. Since cancer takes so much energy from the body, he sleeps a lot and small tasks are exhausting. I take care of all his basic needs as far as cooking, herbal teas, essential oil tinctures, and all that goes. Its super hard work, and its hard watching him in constant pain. I am annoyingly positive and try to remind him to stay positive as much as I can, but honestly cancer is super lame and exhausting. So say a little prayer to the universe or your God or just send Benn healing vibrations from wherever you are, as often as you can! :)

We had an awesome day today because Michigan weather is finally cooperating. We found 41 morel mushrooms in the woods today! That is about the most fun you can have here at the moment. Anyway stay tuned for more fun projects, photos and naturopathic miracles! :)

SEO & Why It Pays To Be A Nerd

2011-02-04T16:18:00.017-07:00

Its kind of like clipping your toenails or plucking your eyebrows - making sure your SEO is top notch isn't necessarily a fun thing to do, but its a longterm maintenance must. I am not a code poet by any means, nor am I a Google analytics virgin. I reside somewhere in the middle, doing my own SEO when I remember, or when I notice someone else is getting business that I should have gotten. Either way I realized know a bit more about it than most people so I wanted to just share some perspective on what I have learned the past few days (and years).

As a designer, its a pretty big value add to my skills to know and use this info. Learning how to plan your design for SEO is huge and can mean a huge difference to your clients. Knowing when and where to use large images, flash or other load-time heavy or unsearchable elements can save you a lot of time and headache.

Geographic Tags

Today I perused my various - and by various I mean cascading list of portfolio sites, blog, facebook fan page, Etsy store... and took stock as I added more regionally targeted tags and keywords. I am in Northern Michigan and let me tell you that the freelance market doesn't get much more cutthroat than here. I live outside a Michigan town of about 12,000 people that are all trying to make it work however they can in this economy. It is of utmost importance to have location tags and meta data where you can get it. Because someone else probably does, unwittingly no doubt, and they will get business because of it.

Consistent Names and Information

As I went through as many of my sites as I could remember passwords for... I noticed a major inconsistency. Half of my stuff used "Dani" and the other half, the more professional half used "Danielle." I looked into it, and decided that I need to use Danielle across the board, because my AIGA membership, most of my business registration information (and more) are listed under Danielle. Whoops. So I changed the pertinent ones, and those will start to get crawled and re-cashed by Google tonight. So lesson learned here is that yes its helpful to be available in many places on the internet, but it can be harmful if your information isn't consistent across all communications. Seems like a no-brainer now.

Text, Tagging, Keywords

There are some rules about SEO that aren't meant to be broken. For instance having most of your content as searchable HTML is crucial, tagging things appropriately, and creating a consistent flow of fresh, relevant content. There are certain things that will get you black listed by Google, such as hidden HTML or tags, directing links to yourself and keyword stuffing.

Titleing your site is probably the easiest way to be found. Title it with relevant info. Mine says "Danielle Gudowski | Northern Michigan Graphic Designer." This title gives a lot of pertinent info to Google, or potential customers.

I tag all my projects, web pages, anything I can using the same idea. I use keywords about my skills, the name of my profession, my location and info about the project or topic. This blog tags SEO, Google, graphic design, web design... You get the picture.

I also indexed my site with Google. Its a simple thing to do just in case.

Flash Flash Flash

This seems like almost out dated to talk about, but maybe I have just been making websites a long time. Flash and images aren't great things to have on your website unless you have a way of making the information searchable. They are awesome and I personally think flash does amazing, rich interactive but the name of the game is visibility. And new content.

But I want it all.

I am a graphic designer, which means I want the stuff to be pretty AND functional. I don't want a site that is all hyperlink text. Ugly. I want a beautiful interface with well designed typefaces that doesn't take forever to load or get penalized on Google for having awesome eye-catching visuals. Sometimes it can seem like design may get in the way of SEO. Not true. There are many awesome tools to help you get away from the Craigslist look. (I would like to note here that I know that the founder of Craigslist deliberately designed the site the way it is. It doesn't mean its not ugly. Unless you are suggesting that functionality in its self can be beauty... which would be very wabi-sabi of you...)

Typekit is a website that for a price gives access to code and typefaces that you can substitute with a flick of the ol' code finger. No longer are we bound by the 5 web fonts. (Or are there 7...) There was a way to use code and each individual letter to build custom type, but that just increases load time.

Before finding tools to help you, think about being a good planner, which is really what it means to be a good designer. If you can plan your web site with SEO in mind from the get-go making an optimized site can be a real breeze. I opt for this, but its nice that there are things out there like Typekit.

As mentioned I am no SEO expert, just sharing what I have learned. Please share what you have learned in the comments! Keep webinating.

I can never decide. (AIGA Postcard due tomorrow.)

2011-01-30T21:05:00.006-07:00

I think sometimes that is the hardest part of designing, when I make enough things that I have a choice of what will be final. I love the mitten, that has never been a question. So when things like the Let's Save Michigan Poster Contest, or this most recent AIGA Detroit Wish You Were Here Postcard Contest comes around... I feel like I get out my suitcase of Michigan memorabilia and go to town in 50 directions.

Well I did manage to narrow it down... submitting the postcard with the tiny squirrel on it. How cute is that?

Its from a photo I took in Harrietta, at the Caberfae overlook. I love the trees up there at about 4 pm when the sun is behind them. Anyway the postcard is my recreation of the image in Illustrator. Yes it has a lens flare, but I believe its an appropriate use. Maybe not but the tiny squirrel is effing heart melting. Holla!

New Work: Rex Renwick & Sons Forest Products Logo

2010-12-20T10:14:00.004-07:00

There are a lot of logging and forestry companies up here in Northern Michigan, but not quite so many are synonymous with quality, honesty and hard work as Rex Renwick & Sons. The company was in need of a fresh logo for use on upcoming marketing strategies including a website, new business cards and t-shirts. Their business has two facets—they haul logs which (trucking aspect of the business) and they produce and harvest logs with heavy machinery (forest products side).

After a couple of rounds of logos, they chose the logo here that focuses on the R of Renwick and the name, rather than imagery of trees, forests, or machinery. The dominant R is very much a reflection of the simplicity and honesty you get when working with Rex and his company. While searching for an appropriate typeface, I came up with this description of what I needed:

"Looking for a font that's manly but not too modern; western but simple; John Wayne meets Jack White kind of feeling but not too rock n' roll..."

Sometimes the path of the deisgner forces us to articulate our vision in very descriptive ways. Anyway that analogy up there pretty much describes what kind of person Rex is, what kind of business they run, and where they run it. We needed the logo to be simple, strong, convey an "up north and approchable" kind of vibe, all while keeping in mind that Rex needed a "John Wayne" look and feel. That was his wife Deb's description :)

I look forward to screen printing t-shirts, making them new business cards and creating a web presence for them in the upcoming months.

New Work: Superior Stone Signature Series Labels

2010-12-03T09:28:00.002-07:00

Here is some design work I finished up this week. Labels for a line of signature stone products. Superior Stone is my client. There were 6 products we created labels for, each has their own color scheme.

Inspired by... everything.

2010-11-10T14:45:00.003-07:00

I did a photo shoot today of some books I have made the last week or so. These are some of my favorite shots. I like taking photos of my crafts almost as much as making them! I have been on a kick making things that are very fall looking, some things very HUNTER looking... In Northern Michigan, opening day of gun hunting season is next Monday. There inevitably are always dudes in trucks wearing ridiculous hunters orange garb. I am a product of my environment. I embrace this.

Green Car!

2010-10-26T08:47:00.003-06:00

I just finished this car yesterday! It went into a web design comp for a client (waiting to hear back)... But I couldn't wait to share it. Here it is! Vive la resistance!!

Stefan Sagmeister at CCS in November

2010-10-12T13:09:00.005-06:00

Just got my CCS alumni newsletter in the mail, and it looks like Stefan Sagmeister will be doing a lecture at CCS in November! I think I will have to grab my Behance Dot Grid Book, my sharpie pen, and head on down to the WB Ford Building. Who's coming with me? Check him out here: http://www.ted.com/talks/stefan_sagmeister_shares_happy_design.html

New work: K.SASS

2010-10-08T15:27:00.003-06:00

New business card design for glassblower Kristina Sasser. I call this style - gangstadelic. Hope you like. (Showing front and back of standard size business card.)

Nothing goes together like sustainability and free schwag.

2010-09-25T13:51:00.008-06:00

Who says print is dead? After listening to the Tandemtalk on Thursday, it seems electronics are dead, in landfills. Reps from Central Michigan Paper (CMP), USPS, and French Paper came to Tandem Design in Traverse City to talk to a small group of designers, printers and other industry people about paper. Of course they wanted us to use more paper, but they came with startling data about how GOOD using paper actually is. Some of the most startling facts were about how much CO2 sending emails actually creates.

Some of the startling facts*:

• 70% of all toxic waste in U.S. landfills comes from electronic waste
• Burning a CD produces four times as much CO2 as printing one annual report
• 75% of all the electricity used in the home to power electronics is used by products that are turned off
• Spam emails sent annually have the carbon footprint of driving a car around the globe 1.6 million times
• It costs an estimated $2.8 billion in energy annually to leave computers sitting idle overnight in the U.S. alone. On a CO2 basis that is 20 million tons of carbon dioxide — the same amount produced by 4 million cars on the road

My favorites, since my man is a lumber jack:
• Decreasing your use of paper will not "save a tree". When demand for paper declines, tree farming declines taking with it all the important ecological impacts like clean water, wild life habitat and cleaner air.
• Does buying paper really help grow forests? Yes! In the next 30 years, the U.S. could lose 44 million acres of forest to development. When you choose paper you keep trees growing.
• 70% of U.S. timberland is privately owned, 30% is government owned.
• WOOD IS A RENEWABLE RESOURCE

*These facts were researched and compiled by CMP and presented to us in a power point and fact sheet.

The USPS representative followed the sustainability presentation with pointed ideas on how to limit your paper waste while still doing direct mail effectively. By creating more targeted lists of customers, having great offers, and following up with strong creative.

Some facts that were hard to ignore about mail:
• 60% of retailers say that catalogs are their primary sales channel
• Of retail shoppers 90 million consumers currently use coupons from their newspapers
• 2.24% is the direct order response rate from printed catalogs, .48% is the direct order response rate from emails
• 67% of online action is generated by offline messages. Catalogs and direct mail generate the second and third highest response rates after telemarketing.

And then of course, as shown in the photos above, the French Paper rep closed out strong with free French Paper promotions. I won an autographed Jerry French toy by answering correctly on the sustainability pop quiz. Fun, fun, and more fun.

My take away? (Besides free stuff) Use more paper, its good for the earth, and my honey bunny's job.

Sharing the wealth... of information.

2010-09-14T11:16:00.004-06:00

I wrote this comment on an article about curing lymphoma naturally, because I can't find any information about it. So I figured I should post what Benn is using anywhere I can to help other people with their research on the subject.

My fiance is currently treating his large b-cell lymphoma naturally. He has been building his immune system for about 3 months now by changing his diet (all organic food, no sugar, no yeast.), juicing leafy greens 5 times a day and taking a constantly changing arsenal of essential oils and supplements. Right now his list consists of: Enviro Detox, Red Clover, Food Enzymes, Protease Plus, Pau d'arco, Chickweed, Germanium, Paw Paw, E-Tea, Barley Juice powder, Noni Juice, Vitamin C (and Intervenious Vitamin C once a week), Unadegato, Artemesia, Frankincense, clove, Myrrh, orange oil, natures fresh internally and externally, liver cleanse, CCA with yerba santa, paw paw and golden slave externally on the tumor, infa red light once a day, and Everybody's Fiber. We use Natures Sunshine products because they are the best out there.

He is like mentioned above getting intravenous vitamin C, and he is also undergoing Ultra Violet Blood Irradiation once a week. A process in which 200 cc of his blood is drawn, exposed to UV light, and cycled back into his body sans sugar, animal protein and bacteria. He has had one round of colonics so far, which is essential to expelling parasites from your body. Cancer patients should rid as much toxin, bacteria, virus, and parasites from their body as possible so their immune system can focus on kicking out the tumor/cancer.

He has a thorough naturopath suggesting the supplements after extensive muscle testing and research with her peers. Each week the mixture changes and his body is currently on a build/cleanse/build/cleanse regimen that tells us his immune system is ready to kick the tumor out. Its important to nourish your normal cells, just as important as killing or reverting cancer cells! Your body has to have an immune system to keep you healthy while you fight.

He is currently working still, he is a logger and works very hard but the work keeps his mind off of things. He is 28 years old. Very healthy, active. He is a smoker which we know is the worst thing ever. We have been working on this for about 2 months with some success. There have been a few days with no cigarettes.

It takes a lot of will, faith, hope, positivity to take this route, and from what I have learned the last four months or so is that you can cure any disease this way. Get your body back the way its supposed to be, have faith in god, believe you will be better and never lose hope.

Dani

Things I thought were winners...

2010-09-07T10:27:00.008-06:00

But my clients maybe didn't. Well, that wasn't always the circumstance sending these recent works to their archival folder in the sky. This is their one chance to see the light of your LED, but if only for a moment. Goodnight sweet posters, goodnight.

Top: Poster and postcard that almost got through for the September 9 West Michigan AIGA Chapter lecture this week.

Bottom: A poster I sent to Greensky as a 420 gift.

It's been a while...

2010-08-24T10:47:00.006-06:00

Its been a while since I posted anything... I moved back to Michigan about 3 weeks ago and have been really busy ever since! Its been quite a process but I feel like this week I am finally settled in and ready to get to work!

I moved home at the beginning of August from Denver, Colorado to help my longtime boyfriend Benn (10 years... or is it 11?!) fight lymphoma. He is 28 years old, and has a giant tumor that has grown around his collar bone over the last (we think) 5 years. We thought it was scar tissue from a snowboarding injury where he broke his collar bone. This tumor grew in the exact spot.

Anyway Benn feels really good, he is very healthy and through natural methods is cleansing his body so it will kick the tumor out. He opted not to do chemo for various reasons, and I see him everyday going to work and living life without being sick or without his hair. Its truly a blessing.

Benn's only treatment is a UBI - Ultra-Violet Blood Irradiation - which cleanses his blood by way of UV light. Its about an hour long process where he has 200 cc of blood drawn into a bottle from his arm, and its then put back into him after it passes through a crystal cuvet that lies under a UV light. The UV light makes virus, bacteria, animal protein and sugar stick to the cuvet, while the cleaner blood goes back into his body. It probably reads a little more complicated than it sounds, but either way the UBI treatments in essence help to clean the blood which in turn stops feeding the tumor all the toxins that help it grow.

Benn has also changed his diet to be all organic veggies and meat. He doesn't do much dairy, can't have yeast or sugar in anything. Yeast turns into sugar, and sugar is a major tumor feeder. We also juice everyday, and some days more than once. I make him green drinks from veggies like spinach, broccoli, beets, carrots, and chard. All veggies have enzymes that only live about 20 minutes when juiced, so fresh juice is really good. Juicing alone has cured cancer in people. It's very good for you.

Anyway that's kind of the story about why I up and left Denver ya'll. Here is the last project I did for Weaver, a motion graphics piece that I designed, animated and chose the music for. I had a week to do it and am proud of what I accomplished in one week! Although the packing for moving to Michigan may have suffered a little... Enjoy. Link to video, click here.

Can't stop, won't stop.

2010-07-03T11:27:00.006-06:00

\

I have gone rougue on a crafting binge. I don't know if there is any bringing me back. I worked on books last night, printing and binding them. The printing didn't go as awesome as I wanted it to, probably should have practiced on some paper to get the feel first. But I love to dive right in so I printed on about 20 books with my new water soluable block printing ink. I also made three I didn't print on, three Coptic bound books. I am really proud of these ones. I really took my time and they turned out beautiful. Have a great 4th of July!!

I also love making books...

2010-06-28T10:06:00.002-06:00

This past weekend was really productive for me! I printed and heat set 30 onesies (see previous post), and managed to stab and sew 5 books. The books are all bound using the coptic style, which is an exposed binding. All the pages lay flat with this binding so its easy to write, sketch or make lists in them. All the larger books were made using upcycled record album covers and contain 40 pages (60 on the Benny Goodman book) of lined paper. The tiny coptic bound book contains 30 sewn signatures (4 pages each, 8 if you count front and back) for about 240 pages.

I love printing things.

2010-06-27T10:30:00.005-06:00

Last night I made a couple new stamps, okay FIVE... and went to town on some new onsies I got. They came in all these cute colors, and I just went for vibrant, fun, with a touch of retro. These will be available in my new etsy site soon: charmellow.etsy.com. I will also be selling at the Hoxeyville Music Festival this August.

AIGA Postcard

2010-06-14T09:54:00.007-06:00

The Colorado AIGA participated in a HOW Lounge at the HOW Conference last week in Denver. They sent out a call for submissions for a postcard packet from Denver's finest AIGA members. The theme was to show Denver's pioneering spirit on the postcard. I chose an info graphic to represent my thoughts. Not sure if it was chosen for the postcard pack or not yet, but I thought I'd share!

Tiny Bags

2010-06-12T14:42:00.003-06:00

Today is a rainy day, and for some reason my midwestern roots find this inspiring. Must be all that time spent under the white sky in Michigan. So today I worked on some little bags I got at target yesterday. Mini totes for little girls (or big girls who am I to judge?). Custom gradients rule.

New Work

2010-06-11T12:43:00.006-06:00

These logos were presented to T4 Group out of west Michigan. They went with the last letterform shown as the basis for their design. I have included my sketches to show some process.

Shiney and New

2010-05-26T09:20:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I made some mini portfolio's to take with me to Michigan. It ain't no joke being a hustler. Its hard on the streets, which is why I finally got off my rear and took a hold of my future. So here is my latest rendition of "The Teaser."

For those of you that don't know about what the teaser is, get your life together. No just kidding that was harsh, but honestly some people don't know that designers have to take these extreme, time consuming measures to get noticed by potential employers. Everyone can send an email, but not everyone can hand bind a book.

Anyway these things are usually a long work in progress, so leave your comments!

*I just want to note that the Detroit Tigers stamp was hand crafted by Nick Gudowski. (big ups)

Etsy pics... check!

2010-04-13T19:12:00.001-06:00

I am very excited about the photos I took for etsy. Go Tigers!

Craftiness Abounds

2010-04-11T09:43:00.003-06:00

Here is a sneak peek at the inventory I have been building for the launch of my new etsy store and design studio. Today I will be constructing tags, packaging and taking photos of all these lovely goodies. Vive la DIY revolution!!!

Some New Designs...

2010-04-09T09:51:00.004-06:00

I designed these spreads for the Dallas Official Visitors Guide, coming out in a couple of months. *Excuse the low res images... its only at the first round :) Shoe laces courtesy of Chris Gregori.

Logo Work

2010-04-01T17:36:00.006-06:00

Hey there. Here are some logos I worked on over the last couple months. I did a refresh for Anna Zoromski-Linde and her business Zorophoto. I also made a logo for a glass blowing business in Golden, Colorado. More work to come as I finish up some projects in the works.

Greensky Bluegrass @ The Fox Theatre Boulder

2010-03-31T11:18:00.004-06:00

Some of my favorite pics from last night. I love these guys and on many occasions, hoped that they would play The Fox one day. Its such a great venue with lots of great music history. So glad I made the drive up there! Much love Greensky, you are awesome.

Tiny, tiny type.

2010-03-31T11:14:00.002-06:00

It was like a whisper.

Reasons 1-33 Why Michigan is Awesome.

2010-02-28T01:14:00.005-07:00

An awesome Facebook post has my mind thinking of all the great bands (or maybe not great, but notable?) that have come out of Michigan. Here is the running list, I thought this was worth re-listing!

Blues/Soul/Motown: Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, John Lee Hooker, Diana Ross, The Supremes, Mayer Hawthorne

Electronic: Derrik May, Kevin Saunderson, Juan Atkins

Hip-Hop: Eminem, Insane Clown Posse :)

Pop: Madonna

Rock/Punk/Ska: Ted Nugent, Bob Segar, Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, Grand Funk Railroad, George Clinton & The P-Funk, The White Stripes, The Verve Pipe, Mustard Plug, Kid Rock

Smaller local bands that are awesome: Greensky Bluegrass, Steppin' In It, Rachael Davis, Shout Sister Shout, Seth and May, Luke Winslow King Trio

This info (and more!) can be found at Wikipedia. I may have to make a schnazzy info graphic out of this...

Poster Contest Finalist!

2010-02-23T10:10:00.004-07:00

I was chosen today as a finalist in a poster contest from the Detroit Institute of Arts and Let's Save Michigan! My poster can be voted on here: My Poster

Vote everyday! Tell your friends! :)

Tiny Dancer

2010-02-19T10:09:00.004-07:00

This is Mick, my tiny dancer. I am thinking of getting his portrait tattooed somewhere... Jenn suggested getting some temporary tattoos printed up first. Good idea.

Let's Save Michigan Poster Contest Submission

2010-02-15T15:24:00.002-07:00

I like to stay current on my Michigan news, and in January I stumbled upon the Let's Save Michigan website and poster contest. The Detroit Institute of Arts' (that I lived across the street from for 2 years while attending CCS) current exhibit is WPA posters from the 1930's. The details of the poster contest you can read about here (deadline is today at midnight!!) So here is my submission. I want to do my part to keep Michigan alive!!

Printing By Hand

2010-02-13T20:43:00.008-07:00

Adventures in printing. Bear with my phone camera pictures, my camera is out of commission right now. Tonight I got to try a few of my new stamps. I mixed some custom screen printing colors and threw down on some onsie's, kids tees and sweatshirts. I also experimented on some Arches paper. My hands look dirty and I can go watch T.V. now that I accomplished something creative. More to come as I build an inventory to be sold on Etsy! Yee haw!!

DIY in 2010!

2010-02-11T14:05:00.007-07:00

I have been prepping to launch a line of handmade goods up on my Etsy shop. Here is a sneak preview of what's to come...

Making you hungry.

2010-02-11T13:17:00.006-07:00

This is a collection of photos I have taken on my phone of food I've made. Mmmmmm...

Its cold in Colorado today.

2010-01-08T09:28:00.002-07:00

Warming up the car like a boss. It was 0°.

Threadless Submission

2010-01-05T11:43:00.004-07:00

Hey! Go vote for my t-shirt on Threadless!!

http://www.threadless.com/submission/248060/Austin_is_Awesome

Gifts in action.

2009-12-30T10:52:00.005-07:00

Here are a few of my gifts in action! Yeah!

On the fourth day of Christmas...

2009-12-17T10:25:00.006-07:00

So last night, on my 4th day of banging out gifts and goodies, I made t-shirts! For my nephews Keegan and Kaleb. Hopefully they will love them. ha. I also made chocolate dipped potato chips and chocolate covered pretzels. Tonight will be Christmas cookie baking and decorating, as well as packing all my packages! Mick (my dog) will be really glad when I'm back to paying all my attention to him. :) Happy Holidays peeps!

More Christmas Projects

2009-12-15T10:45:00.004-07:00

Last night I made these hand made, hand printed books. Even made some sweet graph paper...

Christmas Shenanigans

2009-12-14T10:08:00.004-07:00

So every year, I love to set myself up for possible disappointment by making everyone stuff for Christmas. This year is no different, as I have also decided to bake everyone goodies too. Well last night I tried to get most of the fun designy stuff out of the way. So here are some sneak peeks of what i was doing.

Bordo Bello: The Event

2009-12-12T21:25:00.005-07:00

Here are a few picts from the Bordo Bello skateboard art fundraiser event for Access Gallery and Youth Design Denver. They were able to sell over 100 boards which go to help fund these two great artistic outlets. Feels good to do my part. My board is the center of image 2 & 4. Holler!

Bordo Bello: Due tomorrow!

2009-11-30T22:41:00.004-07:00

Okay. After seeing what some peeps like, what some peeps don't like, weighing what's feasible versus whats realistic... I have decided to finalize this lightening bolt/rain one. I added a heart, and changed the scale of one. One of these will be the entry. I'm thinking it goes along with the recent theme of heartbreak anyway. And I can't stop singing Kanye's Heartless. mmmhmm.

Bordo Bello: Raygun, is that you?

2009-11-28T20:48:00.003-07:00

I have been struggling with this project! I JUST finished watching Objectified, which had me stoked about pretty things, and I really liked the idea of doing something in the style of Roy Lichenstein, so I finally made it happen.

Well the lightening bolt and cloud from the previous post were in his style, it just wasn't telling enough of a story for me. So I looked up toy gun... and ray guns or laser guns came up. David Carson (a professor and graphic designer/antagonist - you either love him or hate him, I don't really feel either...) will be at the Bordo Bello event (maybe) with his class from Wyoming. So I kind of think its only fitting to do a tiny play off of the ray gun theme, as that was the magazine which he designed for back in the day, the magazine that in turn made him somewhat notable.

Too much? Too soon? Some how I think Sue LaPorte would either see the humor in my designs or slap me in the face. Either way - so far its my simplist, most effective designs yet. Whether its funny or not.

Bordo Bello: One more...

2009-11-28T10:06:00.005-07:00

Here is one I whipped up yesterday. I think I like it the best so far.

Bordo Bello: And more process...

2009-11-25T21:05:00.003-07:00

Only about 4 days until my artwork is due to the vinyl printer for the event. Here is some info about the designs.

From top:
Legalize Skateboarding I made green to make reference to all the legalization connotations.

Shredder is kind of a rough digital sketch playing off of the old atari game Frogger. Needs more development I think.

Next is what appears to be 1983. Some ideas about shredding that I have been kicking around. The original idea involved actual shredded paper glued to the skate deck in that striped 80's pattern.

I'm not really that excited about one yet but feel like I am at least moving forward. Leave your feedback!

Bordo Bello: Process...

2009-11-23T19:41:00.003-07:00

Helloooo... So here are some of the things I have created so far for this skateboard art thing. Originally I wanted to do something right on the board, but have since been designing on the computer. So here are a couple of things. Nothing is set in stone, and I feel like I am still in the exploration process. There are MILLIONS of things you could do on these things! The prospects are overwhelming. But I stopped looking for inspiration, and starting taking some good advice. I just read Michael Beruit's (Yale, Design Observer, Pentagram) "The Lazy Designers Guide to Success," (which is really short btw.) The one that stuck with me was "Have an executable idea by 5 p.m." As in, keep it simple. Good advice. Anyway I digress. Here are some ideas I've been kicking around.

Oh one more thing. I began making ribbon type, which let me tell you is a very, very hard thing to excecute well. If anyone has any ideas about it, please share.

Skatan, Rough Illustration 1

2009-11-12T11:47:00.002-07:00

This is an idea I am mocking up for Bordo Bello. "Skatan" plays off of those darwin/christian car decals. With a tiny hint of punk rock...

Bordo Bello!

2009-11-10T17:07:00.002-07:00

I am participating in a fundraiser for Youth Denver and the Access Gallery this December. The event/fundraiser is called Bordo Bello, and you can see all the happs here at their website. Here are a few picts of my sketches so far for the skate deck. So many ideas... only one board...

How to Make a Stamp for Handprinting, Part Deux

2009-09-29T22:01:00.004-06:00

This is a stamp I made over the weekend. Its a method that was explained in the book Printing by Hand. I can't wait to make more and stamp on fabric! On the last page of instructions I show a couple of printing examples. Cheers!

Art!

2009-09-27T09:25:00.008-06:00

I don't get a chance to do a ton of fine art, but yesterday I finally sat down and really got it out of my head. I have been inspired by vintage Japanese art for a long time. I always loved the painting "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," done around 1831 by Katsushika Hokusai. So here I have done my own interpretation of this. I am also in love with simple Japanese floral arrangements, the concept of wabi sabi and naturally beautiful things.

I started this process with some hot press Arches paper and did a watercolor wash as a background. Then I applied my stamp (see previous post!) as some added texture. I then painted using acrylic and watercolor. On the wave I interpreted the art with a sharpie first, and then filled it in with watercolor. I outlined some of the pluses to get that lovely detail that appears in the form of tiny calligraphy on some Japanese art.

The long pieces are 9" x 22.5" and the rectangle pieces are 13" x 19."

I am pretty happy with how things turned out! Felt good to really make something again. I plan on making more stamps and experimenting on some fabric. Can't wait!

How to Make a Stamp for Handprinting

2009-09-27T00:25:00.003-06:00

My LOVE LOVE LOVE for printing stuff came with being a designer (of course) and taking this great class in college called "Exploring the Book." I learned a variety of letterpress printing techniques and picked up some great additional hand printing ideas from a book called "Printing by Hand," by Lena Corwin. She has a ton of great projects in there. She prints on fabric, which is something I am definitely going to work towards. I love the ideas in the book because I have very limited space, and all of them you can do on the kitchen table basically. So I hope the tutorial on making a stamp comes in handy, and look for more posts like this with crafty how-to's!

Moo Cards!

2009-09-17T14:17:00.003-06:00

Aww So cute! I ordered 200 Moo mini cards from moo.com. Great printing and quality. Just wish there was a spell checker WHHAAA WHAAAAAAA. (total debbie downer.)

My faves from the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 Collection

2009-09-17T11:46:00.003-06:00

I watched a documentary about Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton last year around this time, and I love Marc Jacobs and his creativity. The documentary is called Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton, filmed by frenchman Loic Prignet. Its a really great look into the controlled chaos which is Marc Jacobs creative process. Anyway, these are my faves from the Marc Jacobs show in NYC this year. Photos are by Getty. (screen shots, of course)

Freshtight Poster

2009-09-08T15:21:00.004-06:00

My friend from Detroit Stephanie sent out a call for submissions this summer for posters for her event, Emerge & See. Well the submissions are in! Check out my poster, along with the other awesome submissions from some of my old classmates and instructors from CCS!

http://freshtightdesigns.com/ftd/2009/09/08/ftd-poster-submissions/

Tied down to Michigan

2009-08-31T12:11:00.007-06:00

Here are some drawings I did in the car on the way back to Denver from Michigan! I plan on doing some serious hand printing with these guys. I see small town water tower shirts on the horizon...

My name is Simon, and I like to do drawings...

2009-08-31T09:23:00.002-06:00

Hey peeps. Here is an update from my Moleskine sketchbook. These were all drawn this summer!

Illustrations

2009-07-23T11:44:00.002-06:00

Here are some of the illustrations I did for Austin on their own. I plan on posting a lot more of this kind of stuff, so stay tuned!

Austin Official Visitors Guide: My Faves

2009-07-09T17:37:00.003-06:00

These are a few of my favorite spreads from the Austin Official Visitors Guide that I redesigned this year. I illustrated, designed, laid out, and did all the production/prepress on this little goody.

Chicago Greenlight Guide Marketing Materials

2009-07-09T17:20:00.002-06:00

These are some recent designs I did for a launch party in Chicago. The party is going to be on a boat. And if you've ever seen the "On a Boat" YouTube video, then you know how hard i was laughing through the whole project.

Free Poster Download

2009-06-24T22:30:00.006-06:00

Hey kiddo's. I was super inspired by my new friend Drew's shirt last week at the Greensky show. I was feeling like making something, and what better than a homage to the home skillet? So here it is.

Download it here for FREE!! Its a Michigan poster!! I'm from the mitten mother effers!!

Greenlight Guide Home Page Redesign

2009-05-02T14:17:00.005-06:00

The Greenlight Guide is a website and printed piece that make meeting planning easy for the non-proffesional meeting planner. The website features a one-of-a-kind five-minute meeting planner that takes users through a series of questions to narrow down the vast choices of venues, caterers, and entertainment there are out there. The home page redesign is phase one of a complete overhaul of the original site. www.greenlightguide.com

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Website

2009-05-02T14:06:00.002-06:00

This is a site redesign for our Philadelphia clients. The old site was very historic feeling, something they embrace about their city but wanted to focus less on. The new site uses the fresh urban color palette Weaver came up with, as well as the fun graphic elements we infused into their print pieces. Overall the site is an exciting update for the Bureau and points them in a more updated direction, while still showcasing the great historic mecca they are known for.

Design Work from the Vault

2009-05-02T14:01:00.002-06:00

Hey peeps. I have been meaning to do a major portfolio update... and I'm posting another chunk of it today. I have been swamped with a few projects since the first of the year, and I'm finally pleased to be showing them off a little! Please leave me comments and feedback!!

Female Flame-off Posters

2009-02-26T14:16:00.003-07:00

Just a starting point for a website going up this spring. The event is to get women together and raise money for other women around the world. Over all an uplifting and creative event in Berkely, CA. Tell me what you think about them! Which one(s) do you respond to?

Recent Work

2009-02-11T13:40:00.002-07:00

These are some screen shots of the Austin Official Visitors Guide, out in spring 2009. The guide reaches audiences old and young, rockers and conventioneers, lazy and jet setters alike. Austin is a great unique place, and I've tried to capture that in some of these illustrations. The sequence is the digital process after scanning in the original line drawings.

W.W.B.D.

2009-01-29T16:08:00.002-07:00

Bacon!? Did someone leave their bacon on my Coroflot site?

Shredding

2009-01-20T20:12:00.007-07:00

I am so stoked about 2009! Today was the very anticipated inauguration of our new president, Barack Obama!!! YAY!! I'm so glad its official, and he can get down to business. Les. Do. This. Very exciting. I am also very excited because I climbed up Berthoud Pass yesterday on a solo mission and snowboarded down! YOU DON'T NEED A RESORT TO RIDE! Ha ha. Loved it, really. It took a long time (an hour and a half), and I didn't have snowshoes (note to self), but i was genuinely smiling the whole time! I took my phone so I could take pictures and prove I accomplished this feat.

A little about me is that I have never done this before, and while I'm pretty independent, I tend to wait for group activities. It's usually just more fun. But I was determined to go riding, if only for one run. And that's what I did. It was glorious. Seriously. I was so mother effing happy, gliding down a real non-commercial mountain that only a handful of people make the effort to ride down. Highly exclusive. I felt like I was being a true Coloradoan. I am very proud of my ambition that day, and it re-proves to me that I do have a lot of motivation. Sometimes I just need to act on it.

It felt really great to walk up that mountain. I didn't go all the way to the tippy top, there was no snow up there. It was west-facing and most had been burnt off by the sun. So I went up to a respectable place below that point, where the snow was okay still. I had stopped half-way up and decided that it wasn't really worth it to ride down from there. So I drag my board to the center of this open space that I had stared up at from my car. The car looked small. That was good.

I went past the Continental Divide Trail marker and plopped down with my board. It was a magnificent day to hike up there. You could see for probably 100 miles if there weren't gigantic peaks everywhere. So clear and blue, I sat for a few minutes and caught my breath. I was kind of sad that all my work was going to be hastily forgotten in a joyous five minute ride down. Of course, aside from the million dollar view, the ride down was my reward. So I took a deep breath and strapped in.

I stood up and I was off. I was riding down a real mountain. As in, not a corporation. It felt fucking fantastic. Excuse my french... I know that sounds kind of hippie chic, but I was more than happy to use my own power to get up the hill. We were made for walking, and that's just what I did. It was awesome. I tried to be graceful, but it wasn't that easy at first. It was my first time all season, so I was a little wobbly, but I was so HAPPY I couldn't even concentrate! Ha ha! By about the halfway point that I stopped at originally in the hike, I was getting my glide on. All I could think for some reason was Champagne Powder and how I was really on it. Like really, really. It was so brief, but so sweet. I got to the bottom and could only stare at the beast. (Ha ha ha ha. So funny.)

It looks pretty wussy in the terrible photos, and perhaps I would have fared better time-wise not taking the trail up. I loved every sweaty/cold minute of it. When I got to the bottom, unbeknown to me there was a family sledding. I didn't realize it until the guy started talking to me. He said, "Ya, I know, there's no sledding here." I looked at him and said "Oh, I didn't know." He then said, "I know its for skiers and snowboarders. Even though I don't understand why someone would do that. I guess its more for the hike than the ride." I replied, "That's what I just did." That felt very good. Very good indeed.

Resolutions... Or am I dreaming?

2009-01-16T18:59:00.002-07:00

So I have been thinking, well I ALWAYS think about all the stuff I wish i fit into my life. Things I used to spend a lot of time doing, but that have been replaced by life, jobs, relationships and the moments you spend trying to hang on to an hourglass life that seems to dwindle faster every day. So I decided to make a list. A list of things I used to do all the time, but now rarely have time to miss. The purpose is hopefully to get me motivated. We'll see.

1. Make Music.
Music has always been a GIGANTIC part of my life. My dad is a drummer, my mom could carry a tune in her heyday, where she sang backup in a few local bands. My brother and I picked it up very naturally. When we were young we would sneak MTV, watch Dad play in bars way past our normal bed times, sing across the hall to each other when we where supposed to be sleeping... We were surrounded by it. We both mimicked our favorite pop musicians, and we could both actually sing! We both played guitar, Nick excelled at it. We both loved being musical. I think it must have been when I started design school that I played and sang less and less. I was never much for practicing, and its much easier when you can practice in your basement with microphones and all the other equipment. It fell off, and I have picked up my guitar only a handful of times in the last year or so. I've seen more concerts in the last few years than I have picked up my guitar. Sad. Not that I want to perform in front of people, or pursue a music career at all (I am VERY very shy about performing. seriously.) but it would be nice to practice more so that eventually i can pass that same love onto my kids or nieces/nephews.

2. Writing
I'm sure everyone had those angst filled, late night, wish I didn't have a ten o'clock curfew evenings of pouring your heart and imagination out on some paper. No? Just me? Okay. Well, I have a few volumes... poetry mostly, and a few rants about mean girls or soulless boys. I used to write all the time! It was such therapy! Well, this one I'm trying to resolve in a more digital manner, via this blog. Workin' on it.

3. Snowboarding
This is a huge part of who I am. I started snowboarding when I was 15. 14 years ago. I remember when it was still like, FROWNED upon... anyway, I used to go riding seriously, 50+ days a year. That is a ton, I realize now. Here I was going for even more when I was young... I would love to have the energy to even think about it. I used to instruct, which at the time wasn't actually very fun, because then I wanted to be riding instead. But now I feel like that would be a great way to be out there. No it would still suck. Rather get the pass. Anyway like I was saying, used to go all the time. Really always loved the subculture of snowboarding—the music, the people, the shenanigans. All seems so whimsical, when you're too young to do hard time. Now, especially living in Colorado, I find it harder than ever to go! Sounds fucking backwards, and I'm sure there are plenty of people ( I kNOW there are MILLIONS of people) that make the journey west each weekend, sacrificing eight hours in a car, even longer in lift lines... and snowboard in the famous champaigne powder of Colorado. Sounds so worth it. I don't feel like it is. I would much rather take a week off, get a condo, and head west than try to get a couple hours in for $85 a person. Because lets be real people, these aren't mole hills we're talking about. These are real deal Evander Holyfield Mountains. The Rocky Mountains, where weather changes on the tip of a dead pine tree and Northface jackets abound. Its hard! Its for only the most seasoned athletes! Think I'm joking? COME TRY! Haha. No its fan-fucking-tastic but a huge pain in the ass. I need to go more, thus the blog here. Moving ON!

4. Talk on the phone
This isn't something I feel like I really WANT to do more, but I did used to be a chatterbug. Now its like I can barely send a text!? What gives? Is all of this list an innocent victim of technology and at-your-finger-tips culture? I don't know, but I just realized that my list is four items deep and two are involving some sort of communication...

5. Excersize
So this is a biggie. I was a fat kid, always. I got tired of it and lost 50 lbs. in highschool. I kept it off for about... 4 years. I was living at home, working, going to community college. Then I went to Big Girl College and forgot all about myself. It was a very tough school, and anyone that thinks their program at like, state college, or anywhere else was tough, think again. Seriously. I've tried telling people how mother fucking busy I was, and I'm pretty sure people think I'm exaggerating. But I know about 30 other people that graduated with me in December of 2005 that would tell you as well, that shit ain't no joke son. Its one of the top private art schools in the country, and I lived by myself (unless you count my drunk, unconcious "Fibers Major" roomate as not being alone) in downtown Detroit. All that is why I gained weight, I just realized. haha. I was surrounded in stress from morning till wait, morning?? Never pulled so many (and we arent talking like 2) all-nighters in my life. Thank you CCS. You still own me. Anyway, even when I was there doing homework 23 hours a day, I still managed to go to the gym WAYYYY more than I do now. Must have been the sleep deprivation. I'm getting to much sleep... that's it.

I suppose thats a pretty good list to read over and over again to get motivated. I feel like I could write a whole seperate blog about CCS right now, even though I have blocked most of the constant rejection out of my mind.... haha just kidding I LOVE YOU CCS YOU COMPLETE ME. Jenn I hope you read this haha. and amanda. anyway maybe this will inspire YOU TOO!

peace and chicken grease.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T20:05:00.003-07:00

Oh, there you are... Happy New Year! 2009. Here it is. So my 2009 started at a great party at the State Theater in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The line-up included: Greensky Bluegrass, Steppin' In It, Seth Bernard and Daisy May Erlwine, and the man behind the madness, Jake Robinson. (It was great, THANK YOU JAKE! That was super dope.) The music was fantastic and it was a beautiful place to see a show. We did note that the security staff was particularly quick witted for such a small team, but all in all it was a great experience and I hope to attend again some New Years Eve.

I made a couple of "resolutions" you could say... I made the resolution to write in a calendar everyones birthdays so I could send birthday cards. I want to be less of a scatterbrain. So far I've done good, and I already managed to get in the 2 birthday cards I never seem to get to. Off to a good start on that one. I also made some health resolutions, which I make every year, but this year I really just want to feel good. My friend Kelly made the comment that this is the "winter of Dani," which I chuckled at. It kind of is though I guess. New year, Benn is in Michigan logging off the countryside, I'm kind of on sebatical from feeling "obligated." Its weird and nice. Its weird because I cant sleep, and its nice because I can do what ever I want. Overall I'm pretty bored so far and have managed to stay on top of all my social networking...

I have a new design project I am doing host research for right now. Its an informational website for the International Female Flame-Off in Berkely, California. My friend Kristina is a glass blower, and attended this all female glass extravaganza. The event is for charity, this year they donated to The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. It brings ladies in a primarily male dominated field together to compete, work with other girls and women age 14-40 and learn from each other. I'm excited to help out on the design of this project. I love glass and have always been fond of campfires. Ha ha.

Anyway the year is off to a decent start aside from the lay-offs of 8 more people from my company. A few of my good friends were laid off in about the third or fourth round of layoffs that have occured over the last year or so. I feel very, very fortunate to have a job in this very saturated market and the state of the economy world wide. I'm sure all of them will bounce right back, they are all amazing people and I feel greatful to have met and worked with all of them.

So with great HOPE and entusiasm, I forge on into the depths of 2009, a year that is already full of changes and great opportunity.

Cheers!

Handmade Books!

2008-11-17T09:26:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again! I am in full production swing right now making anything that comes to mind. Check my shop out at danigirlboutique.etsy.com to see what I made this weekend!

Guide Books and Maps Survey

2008-09-29T21:26:00.004-06:00

I have a few questions for anyone who reads this, but please don't be shy, leave me an answer.

Map Survey:

• Do you use maps?

• What are you generally looking for when you refer to a map? (places, roads, or regions)

• What do you find useless on a map?

• What do you find helpful on a map?

• Do you find illustrations of landmarks on a map helpful?

• Do you find symbols and color coding helpful?

• Have you ever used a map in a foreign country?

• What was most helpful about maps you used to get around there?

• What information do you expect a map guide book to have?

• Where do you get your map information?

• Do you buy guide books, or pick up in-town guides?

• Do you prefer a hand held size, or larger size guide book?

• Do you like fold-out maps?

• Do you prefer maps designed in with the content of the book?

I am working on a concept for a new map guide book, and I wanted to get some feedback from all my friends. If you would rather email than leave a comment, most of you know my info. Any good insight you can provide really helps me in finding the proper solution for this!! Thanks!

Missing Michigan

2008-09-28T10:35:00.006-06:00

Benn and I went and saw one of our favorite bands of all time last night, Steppin' In It with Rachael Davis. It was SO GREAT to see a band we've probably seen like 15 times in Michigan, playing here in our new town, Denver. It made me miss my friends and family a lot. Rachael is a friend from childhood, we went to the First Congregational Church in Cadillac, Michigan together. Her family and my family went there, and we kind of grew up together every week. We were in youth group, we camped, she and I were even in the high school talent show (separately, and she won the category, of course). I loved seeing her up there, and remembering her charming stage presence. So cute. It brought a ton of memories of all our friends back, and childhood memories of when I wasn't a total heathen. I was fighting tears the first couple of songs, because of all the memories, but also because her voice is so great - magical, moving and familiar.

Rachael played a little tune about a bird with a Ukulele, then one with she wrote in her room on "Music Sundays" when she was younger, with Joe on the Dobro. Then Dominick (upright bass, and Rachael's fiancee) came up and joined them. Great tunes with so much love, and she mentions places like Diggins Hill in Cadillac which is so heartwarming. Loves it. After that Josh Davis (first image) came up with Andy (the harmonica player) and they did "Shout Sister Shout" from the Shout Sister Shout album.

If you have never heard these songs, go to iTunes and just give a listen, they are so fantastic. They took a break, and came back as just Steppin' In It, and played about 5 tunes from their new album, Simple Tunes For Troubled Times. One we heard about three summers ago at the Spirit of the Woods Festival in Brethern, Michigan. The Long Haul is a feel good traveling tune that mentions "The shores of Michigan" in its chorus, and there is a sweet accordion singing a sad song in the background. So great to have recognized it, and it sounded great.

Steppin In It has a great stage presence together, and enjoy making music together. Joe and Andy are brothers, you can see the resemblance in the photos above... These guys are madmen, playing a great game of push and pull with their slide guitar and harmonicas, or their trombone and trumpet. Andy is a master of expression on his harmonica, it looks like he is in an argument when he plays his harmonica. His body language is so intense when he is into a solo, its a great show. Rachael came back out and they did a couple more Shout Sister Shout tunes, Slow Down, one of my FAVORITES. They got a standing ovation, came back out with some Nat King Cole Trio, and got a second standing ovation.

Its so great to see these people you know (or have followed since about 2000), playing so far from home. Its also cool to see complete strangers or first timers see them, and its great that they end up loving them as much as we do. Side note, John Cassidy, a designer I had classes with at CCS who also drums for Steppin In It at the Green Door in Lansing, is noted as a contributor to the album artwork. Small world. I love the album artwork.

After the show we bought the new Steppin In It album, and we bought Joe's album Steels Heal The World, all steel guitar tracks, playing all kinds of different steel guitars. They are both awesome. I really wanted to talk to Rachael, say hi at least and give her a hug. I was really nervous for some reason, but she recognized me and was like Dani!? And i was really excited to talk to her and catch up briefly. She has a little boy, Virgil, and he was really beautiful. I met Dominick, a very kind soul, who attended the Christmas Eve Celebration at our church last year. (She introduced me and mentioned that we went to that church and ran a muck in youth group together, so he said "Oh! I went there last Christmas! It's not as good as it used to be, I mean, that's what I've heard...) Great people, and I told her it was great seeing her, she looked great and happy. I almost chickened out, in fear, but I'm so glad my stronger side dragged me back over.

So anyway, they sounded so good! I love Rachael and her innocent yet incredibly hypnotizing voice, and Steppin' In It and their vintage instruments. It's always a little bit of a visual show too, Andy's giant harmonicas, and he has so many of them!! It was great. The shots above I feel really lucky I got, since I turned off the LCD screen and was manually setting the shots through the tiny old school lens! (It's amazing how much we rely on the effing LCD screen.) Now I'm going to book a flight home, since I miss everyone so friggin much! Shout out to Trav and Katie, Nick and Abbey, Keegan and Kaleb, Mom and Dad, other Mom and Dad, Nana and Papa, Cousins, Aunts, and Uncles, and mom's psychotic cat, Maddy.

Ewe John McCain Sucks.

2008-09-26T20:27:00.003-06:00

Please excuse my rant about semiotics in politics...

This debate has been outrageous, if not for the simple fact that John McCain has not even glanced in Senator Obama's direction, for the fact that he doen't even know what they are debating about. I feel like speeches, for all of time basically, have been carefully worded statements about personal and party ideologies. That's no secret; there are people whose careers are devoted to analyzing presidential speeches. I don't think the general public is necessarily aware of this language, and that is so scary. I think everything McCain says is lip service, and I don't think he is a skilled debater what-so ever. And his wife looks skanky.

Barack Obama is very intelligent, diplomatic, and is just a better person. Obama's words are logical, organized and very clear. McCain goes off on tangents, tells sappy and unbelievable stories, and uses gimmicks basically that appeal to the undecided, white voters. The white voters that are probably as racist as John McCain himself. Barack Obama was clearly annoyed at McCain twisting the facts and talking about the past, but McCain looked like he thought he was far above Obama. He looked very negative, condescending, and it made him look totally racist. And the messed up thing about that is that body language a is appealing to a whole segment of white voters that would act the same way if put in that situation. The even more messed up part about that is that its probably a part of the McCain strategy. Skanky.

I hope people vote for Obama, because I believe he will lead us to better times. I really don't think McCain, someone who doesn't even know how to email, is right for the job. And frankly, I can't STAND it when people can't look at you when you are talking to them, and John McCain is totally THAT GUY. Don't let arrogance, ignorance, and complete denial into the office this November. VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!!!

The Cool Kids

2008-09-23T23:31:00.002-06:00

These are the cool kids. They live at my desk. I was thinking about making mini cigarette buts to sprinkle around them.

CMBSWOKHTWC

2008-09-18T22:38:00.002-06:00

I think everyone has a clothing line these days. I just saw a Sears commercial with LL Cool J, promoting his new line. Check back frequently, because I may have a new line coming out soon. I think I would like to call it: Clothing Made By Someone Who Only Knows How To Wear Clothing. Of course there would be an abbreviated version: CMBSWOKHTWC.

Flash is Dead

2008-09-15T21:24:00.009-06:00

Its about that time again: to update my portfolio site. Its quite an undertaking when you consider a few of the current circumstances. My site is designed primarily in flash, I have about 5 projects I need to shoot, and I'm wondering if its not a bad idea to start fresh. New identity, new photos, a new selection of my best and most current work, and new site. When you are a CCS alumni, no design project is ever easy. There is a nagging little voice in the back of my head saying things like: "Have you considered the semiotics of your imagery?" or, "Explain the concept to me and how you plan on executing the design?" or the classic, "Are you looking at the whole? I see the pieces, but have you considered the whole?" There is always a lot to think about.

The Identity

So my current identity consists of my own Sharpie sketches of everyday design things. Robots, exacto's, and spinning wheels. The design really says three things to me: I can illustrate, I have an understanding but somewhat sarcastic idea of design, and my skills are diverse. I love this design, and the printed teaser was a great piece that got awesome feedback from some reputable creative directors. The Sharpie was printed on Kraft paper, and looked like it was all hand-drawn on. I loved/love this piece. Could stand to keep it.

The things I don't like about the current identity is that its not that sophisticated. I don't know if I want to appear to be all sophisticated, I don't think that's me right now. But I don't want to seem as student-like as the identity kind of connotes. Maybe keeping some elements while adding more sophisticated elements to the mix is a way of refreshing it.

The Pieces

So as of my last job hunting, I made the following pieces that will need to be a thought of as part of the update: Identity Kit of Parts ("logo" if you will, but really it is so much more than that if you do it right), Business Cards, Resume, Teaser, CD labels, Portfolio Page Design, Website, Thank You Cards, and miscellaneous other self promotion.

The Future

Some of these things will need rethinking - like the teaser and CD, which was originally used for sending a PDF portfolio. I think the printed teaser is an important piece for a Creative Director to receive, since deep down we designers are all really tactile in nature. So sending a clever but humble piece is always a good idea. There needs to be some thought about green design, sending emails instead of a printed piece? But how does that same tactile quality come across in an email? How can you get that great feeling of some beautiful looking and feeling paper in a vehicle that is normally used to send annoying Costco updates or bank statements? I feel like some serious innovation needs to happen here, and it isn't about an email blast that looks like Apple designed it.

I'm not sure what the future of self promotion is, but it has to consider everything a printed piece has and more. It has to be smart, smarter than what we've done but still capturing the greatness of what we've done. I am thinking that this whole thing might end up along the lines of blogging, social networking, getting updates and invites in a way that is designed and appealing. Like, what if employers got a little teaser on their ichat? A well designed little image pops up saying, you have a new applicant for your graphic design position, click here to view more images from their portfolio. I also keep thinking there needs to be a site where they can sign up for this feature, where employers and the unemployed meet in a visual way. Its all very iphone, web 2.0, but i think this is how the cutthroat world of design (or any profession in the current economy) will have to surpass the masses to succeed and continue to bring good design to the world. (Kelly, I will never stop fighting for the design of things, its the design is the vehicle for the message! It has to be clear, and the only way to achieve that is with design.)

So I want to keep thinking what the short term, not setting up a design social networking system, solution would be to this green/smart/tactile teaser. I think there is something feasible there, but my mind isn't there yet.

I love Marian Bantjes site (she's personal design hero for saying "Fuck Ya" on the stage of the AIGA National Design Conference in 2007) for its simplicity and artful use of pixels. Its really great, and I did a little research into her host, an online content manager. I have some reading to do still about it, but it seems a lot like a blog, which I like.

I haven't come right out and said it yet, but flash is dead and I'm going straight HTML for this next site. MUCH easier to update, not half the load time of some heady flash, and frankly I'm ready for some simplicity.

So this has been my rant, my rambling thoughts that the blog forces me to put out there and re-read later. I am excited to design a site and photograph my work again. I always love having the updates of life to keep me on track and never forget Frency's little french voice saying "Danieeeeeee, guuurrlll, you need to UPdate that PORTFOLIOoo. TSK TSK, there is no slacking! You don't want to get behind, you have to UPdate because you NEVER KNoooWWW..." Thanks Phillipe and Jenn for always being there to bust my balls when I have no motivation.

GZA the Genius is playing on my birthday! Protect Ya Neck!

2008-09-11T21:58:00.002-06:00

So I just got word that GZA from Wu-Tang is playing up at the Fox in Boulder on my birthday!! YAY! Here are a couple pics from the last GZA Boulder/Fox show from March 2006...

Slamming Wine

2008-09-09T19:04:00.008-06:00

Slamming wine doesn't taste so good.

I just got home from a hard days rockin, and I'm having a glass of wine and writing some thoughts down so I can get past my day today.
So I got some new Dunnys' today from this great store called The Plastic Chapel in east Denver.
The bearded guy there is the new one. I also got the ice cream cone head one too. Sunday I ALSO went to the Chapel, like a good girl, and got these glorious figurines. These ones are from the new series, the series 5 Dunnies. So anyone who doesnt know about these toys, it's an addiction you will not want to enter into. kidrobot is the brand of these unique vinyl toys, and there are many shapes, themes, and even other brands of toys. They are pretty sweet and I started collecting them during a trip to Chicago this past spring with my friend Jenn. So I have tons of these toys now; different series of this "dunny" toy, I have two smorkin labbits, about ten smoking mongars, between Benn and I we have four do it yourself "Munny", a whole other larger toy. Its a collection that is large enough now to have like, a cabinet or shelf or something. Out of control. But interesting and inspirational to say the least. They are really fun to collect too, since they are in a "blind box." So you can get duplicates, trade, all that business. I traded a French Dunny for a series 5 Dunny with my boss friend Kelly today. Jenn, you need to get some series 5 so we can trade it up. Good times. Here are some more images of these captivating little toys. I've added the kidrobot site to my favorite sites list.

Triumphant Tales September 5, 2008

2008-09-08T15:24:00.007-06:00

So the fund raiser was awesome! A ton of peeps showed up and it was an alaround good time had by all. And we even managed to raise some money for MaxFund!

DNC Denver 2008 part deux

2008-08-29T19:23:00.015-06:00

2008-08-29T18:37:00.004-06:00

Wow! What an amazing speech from Barack Obama last night!! I was moved to tears at times, when the urgency of his words were being felt and realized by myself and the crowd on television, if not the world. The idea of change and positivity was so powerful. Its really awesome to think of all the good that the democratic party could do the next four years. I feel like Barack Obama would launch an investigation on all of congress or something, ya know? His speechwas so real, HE is so real, so down to earth, and so IN TOUCH with what people are going through.

I feel like McCain tries to look in touch and pretends to get it, which he doesn't, and its even more apparent today by his choice in running mate. His choosing a woman is so obvious, fake, and only a ploy to take away the attention from one of the most powerful speeches of all time. How much more ELECTION STRATEGY are we going to see? How long can he mask his true ideologies from America, scaring the weak into voting for him again. Whoops, haha, freaudian slip; I meant voting for him. Barack Obama is definitely my candidate, and I hope the speech he gave empowered as many people as I think it may have. I hope he keeps on the path he's going, of being real and actually understanding what needs to be done. If he keeps that up, I think McCain will have a hard time keeping the smoke and mirrors thick enough for people. Obama is so much more progressive than McCain; he is thinking of what the future holds. That's a pretty important concept for government. I mean, they didn't really take the future seriously in the past, and now look at the REAL energy crisis that is upon us. We need someone young, willing to take risks, and forward thinking. Someone who isn't just going to "get by" doing a C job, skating by leading a country while he enjoys the perks of the job and continues to fill his and his friends pockets.

It makes me feel really good to be this fired up, it feels like how the French feel when they are about to have another revolution. It feels like its really important, and that its important to say something about it. I feel like I need to spread the word about Obama, and reveal the shroud of control the republicans have left us under.

Its important to know how loaded all John McCain's language, advertising, and campaigns are. Its important to know that they have done their research about you and how you react to the meaning they instill in their imagery and words. Its important as a person in the creative class to make art with its OWN meaning about how we feel things are going down. The reality of how things are are in our hands, and our hands are more powerful than theirs. We can influence our friends and our communities and show the true message of whats important.

And what is important?

DNC Denver 2008

2008-08-28T08:23:00.009-06:00

DNC fever! Yesterday, Kelly, Annie and I took a little field trip to the Manifest Hope Gallery in the 5 points area of Denver. It was an AWESOME and inspiring show. Very awesome to see the art of this very important election. A lot of the art was the same positions and compositions of the top ten photos i saw on Google while i was researching reference art. I think that really speaks to our digital age, and i was so inspired to see what artists had done with their original art. Very cool. So today I am sporting my limited edition OBAMA knee socks, and i feel more political than I ever have. Its very cool and inspiring to see the art through out the city, and to feel the vibe all around of this impending election. It is such an important one, and for so many reasons. It feels good to be American today!

maxfund invite and logo

2008-08-22T12:37:00.003-06:00

So this is it. Logos for blacktie.org and emily's landing page; invite used as PDF for blacktie and mass emailing. scary.

2008-08-13T08:18:00.002-06:00

Closer to final design... sending it out this Friday!! I rewrote the text last night, the new text is reflected in the orange design. Emily wanted to take out the When, Where yada yada, and I think that is better. More conversational.

Maxfund Fundraiser 1/2 Size Versions

2008-08-04T22:19:00.002-06:00

These versions are 1/2 the size as the name of the blog states, but I feel like they have a more intimate feeling. Also i think these will allow the reader to get all the info without scrolling (hopefully). Emily provided some better dog shots (not that Levi is bad, he's pretty awesome) and I will make some other arrangements. I like the Trade Gothic, I think its contemporary, hip, and serious, but not too serious.

Maxfund Fundraiser

2008-08-04T16:26:00.002-06:00

So, I'm helping a friend out with her gallery/fundraiser graphics. The premise is: raise money for Maxfund's outdated shelter. Maxfund is Denver's only true no-kill shelter, adn they accept dogs and cats of all ages, medical histories, and conditions (for the most part). There is a whole family of dogs there that a friend of mine has photographed, and is now to the point of sharing this art with the resto of the world. Her photographs and silouhettes portray dogs that have been given a second chance to live a happy life and get care and affection that they so desperately need.

I am super inspired by this, and I am charged with creating a few pieces to help promote and tie together the event.

The first piece i am posting is an email invite - a PDF attatchment. This is the first go so dont be too harsh jenn. haha.

sodabega rhubarb

2008-07-16T09:45:00.000-06:00

So we just got back from Michigan, and it was so great!! We attended the inaugeral Rothbury Music Festival, saw friends and family, and had an all around relaxing time. I will be back to tell more tales of this trip!

D