February 2013
4 posts
November 2012
1 post
October 2012
2 posts
September 2012
4 posts
Let it be.
Since recently becoming nearly completely interactive focused 9-5, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my approach and process.
I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s hard to let it be. As humans we just have this natural tendency to try to twist and mold whatever we touch into something it ought not to be. Call it depravity, I suppose. I realize by something “ought” I’m making a lot of assumptions about intent and purpose but the idea remains the same.
Two examples on opposite sides of what we might call design:
1. Architecture
There’s a great talk by Mr. Dan Phillips, the funny and talented home builder and general handyman about how we try to force natural, imperfect materials into being something they’re not. A tree was intended to be curvy, grown towards sunlight, stretch and twist - everything but being a straight 2x4”.
Sure, Dan is a little wacky but I think there’s something to be learned here about authenticity in what we create.
Watch the talk here.
2. Mobile App Design
Our company was recently asked to develop a Windows 8 app for one of our clients. Being a pretty committed Mac guy, I needed to brush up on the latest technology on the Windows platform. Shoot, it’s been years since I even touched a PC for more than two minutes.
I began learning about Metro design language and the ideas behind what will be the new Windows 8 operating system. I must say, as frustrating as their navigational convention is, the design philosophy is spot on. Critics are calling it “authentically digital”.
The opposite example of this would obviously be Apple’s notorious faux-real UI designs. As much as I love Apple, I really wish they’d quit it.
Overall, my point is: Know the realm you’re working in and respect your materials - don’t try to make something what it ought not to be.
Or we will both be losers
“There will always be someone better than you
Even if you’re the best
So let’s stop the competition now
Or we will both be losers…”
Losers by The Belle Brigade
Listen to the whole song here.
October 2011
1 post
You're a family man. Balancing family time with the demands of freelancing and running your own business can be tough, I imagine. Any advice/tips?
Absolutely. There’s hours to talk about here. A few quick things I’ve learned:
1. God’s grace is sufficient.
2. This job isn’t for everyone. You have to make sure your wife/husband is willing to make these sacrifices along with you.
3. Do your best to work more regular hours. You’ll be more productive separating the two anyway. This way at least your family knows when you’ll be home or done for the day. Rather than you just working constantly with no real structure.
4. Mentally separate your client work time from time spent just playing around and experimenting. This can be a huge distraction. Get the important stuff done first. Play later.
5. Now to be entirely contradictory: Occasionally, involve the family in your processes. I know that sounds wild but if you’re painting for a project, bring it home, crack out the paints and let the kids have a blast. Making them feel like they’re a part of what you spend most of your average day doing.
December 2010
2 posts
Overworked and Underslept
Since the launch of my new brand, I’ve been busier than ever. Truly, I don’t remember being so busy in my entire career. Between printing, designing, marketing and juggling home life, the last two months have been a roller coaster.
We’ve got lots of great things in store for Lincoln in 2011. We’re going to be releasing a jacket, tote bag, backpack and some leather items along with a ton of new great t-shirts. Keep checking out the website for more info. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Makes the medicine go down...
I’ve been extremely busy lately. Nothing makes a long day less miserable than good music. I’ve really been enjoying the new work from Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, Mindy Smith, John Vanderslice and Jimmy Eat World. Bon I’ver has a cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Come Talk To Me” out. You definitely need to check it out.
Come Talk To Me - Bon Iver
Thank God, there’s still people out there making good music.
