The Design Can

The other day I posted this message to Twitter about the launch of the new TPC.com home page. It's a major site for us, even though we only redesigned the home page. The secondary pages were from the TOUR's previous marriage.

I received a few well deserved kudos but more importantly one of my fellow designers pointed out a major issue with broken links involving flash navigation. (I know, who still does that?)

Fortunately we were able to fix the problem before the Big Boss found out. I think I'll be using Twitter from now on prior to launching. It's like a dozen of more fresh eyes!

Labels: branding, cool web stuff, design

I've started reading Debbie Millman's latest book, "How To Think Like A Great Graphic Designer." The premise is a series of interviews with iconic designers like Milton Glaser and Lucille Tenazas. I thought it might be interesting to chronicle my thoughts after reading each interview.

The first is Michael Beirut. I've always liked Michael. We met in Nashville in 1995 at an AIGA Board retreat. Even then he was a Design Superstar. I discovered that he played blues piano and it just so happened I had brought my guitar. We jammed in the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes. I hadn't even graduated from college yet, and here this gracious Design Legend took time to hang out with me. He probably wouldn't remember that day, but it certainly left an impression on me.

In his interview, Michael confesses his flaws and inhibitions about his talent, his Design process or lack thereof and compulsive tendencies. Very revealing and quite entertaining.

What surprised me the most was learning how much Michael and I have in common. To achieve success, we both had to work very, very hard and had to use our brains to compensate for a lack of natural talent. It's inspiring to know that someone can rise to the top of his profession despite initial shortcomings.

Like Mike, I've also stretched myself with learning to write better. Between proposals, copywriting and this blog, it's almost like starting over in a new profession. You get excited when you see a finished piece that you're proud of. Michael talks about the challenges of his writing endeavors and it's comforting to know that if Michael can do it, I can too.

Labels: branding, Debbie Millman, design, design issues

Come by the Burrito Gallery tonight to see a first-of-it's-kind exhibit in Jacksonville. Imagine a wall of iMacs with digital creations from around the country. Circuits, a digital exhibit curated by the nationally-known Designer Doug Grimmett, will open at tonight's Artwalk and run through this Sunday.

Doug is the principal of Primal Screen, a motion graphics and animation company out of Atlanta. Although we won't be seeing his amazing work we will see work from artists PES, We Work For Them, MOOVlab, ©ause Collective, Jeff Boortz, Eric Dyer, and others.

Circuits officially kicks off Re:Charge, AIGA Jacksonville's every-two-year conference. If you haven't signed up, there is still time.

Labels: aiga, cool web stuff, design, downtown jacksonville, things to do

Self-Promotion. New Business Development. Not unlike the "War On Terror," the effort to promote oneself and generate new biz is never ending. It's a constant struggle because it touches so many aspects of your firm. Positioning, differentiation, product offering, what to charge, it all affects your success or lack there of.

Labels: aiga, branding, design, design issues, spark, things to do

One of our clients, Engle Homes, asked us to kick up their Web presence a notch. We are helping them with a new campaign, Choose 2 for free. So we dug up an idea from about a year ago, of adding some Flash Video. Rocky, our main client contact, has a lot of experience with public speaking. So we rented a video camera from our good friend Paul Figura and set up a ghetto-style studio in the vacant office next door.

Add a little help from Adobe Premier and Flash and voila, Rocky walks on screen announcing the big sale. It's certainly not a first for the web, but it's definitely a first for us. Too fun. Anyhow, check it our for yourself. http://www.englejax.com/index-video.html

And while your at it, why not buy a house or too.

Labels: branding, cool web stuff, design, engle homes, flash video

Design. Short. Sweet. A website built because the internet wasn't made for long prose and you know you're supposed to be working anyway.

Design Opinions at 200 words or less. A Brief Message

Brought to us by Khoi Vinh, the design director behind NYTimes.com and Subtraction.com, featuring the design opinions of design luminaries such as Steven Heller and Debbie Millman.

Even the comments have to be kept short. So stay off your soapbox.

Labels: design, design issues, shorties

I was sorting through the blogroll and came across this "open letter" to Palm. Their astute observation about Palm's impending demise is riveting. Apparently the Treo is seriously up against the ropes. iPhone, HTC and Moto and others are throwing a "blanket party". The Engadget boys have provided an exceptional critique of what's wrong (and right) with Palm and what they need to recover.

If there was ever a time for design to save a company, this is it. This letter is definite read:

Dear Palm: It's time for an intervention - Engadget

Labels: design, design issues

Labels: art, design