Seven months ago, I got married. The wedding served as the grand finale to months and months of planning. I spent almost a year of my life planning something to do with that one special day. The church, reception hall, cake, band, flowers, photographers, the list could go on forever. When the day had successfully passed, I couldn’t help but look back at the whole process and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.
Three weeks ago, I started a new job. The first meeting I had with the crew was spent making Bawby and Rawtny, the smart-mouthed duo that are becoming the face of Papa Joe’s Banjo B Que. Not a day has passed that I haven’t heard the ever so distinct voices of these two lovable characters in the background noise of the office. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard them have a conversation about “poopy”.
Recently, we were able to announce the full music lineup for the event, including some pretty big names in bluegrass. As exciting as this news is for the general public, it is even cooler being behind the scenes. I never thought I would be involved in planning an event of this magnitude. Even though it is still months away, countless hours are being spent laying out the vendors, positioning the beer stations, working with sponsors, making custom signs and even begging local bars for bottle caps (for a special project). Notice that I haven’t mentioned anything about all the design and web work, which is the only part of the project that you might consider ‘normal’ for your average designer.
After a meeting today with A.B. Beverage, I couldn’t help but get excited thinking about how awesome this event is sure to be. And then it hit me, Papa Joe’s Banjo B Que may be as close to planning a wedding as I could get. A two day wedding filled with pig racing, bbq competitions, loads of beer, and sweet bluegrass jams. Not so bad, eh?
So sit back and enjoy the videos filled with the pig’s antics that will soon be flying out of our office and onto your computer. Share them with your friends and family and make sure to mark May 28 and 29 on your calendar. Rest assured that everyone involved in this event is determined to make it one of the most creative, original and enjoyable events that the CSRA has ever seen. www.banjobque.com
Now I’m not a gambling man, but I will spare a dollar when the Lottery numbers get astronomical (as if I wouldn’t settle for anything less than $250 million). But thats not really what this is about. I was watching a movie last night; the movie was “Helvetica” – probably not a mainstream movie, but then again thats not why I watched it. While watching the movie, I was reminded of the impact of Graphic Design, its an easy thing to overlook or take for granted – its crazy how many things have been touched by designers. So this morning I decided to do a better job of trying to observe the design I encountered on a daily basis. I am currently wearing seven different items- all having logos on them – most with tags. My breakfast was comprised of 3 products – all which had unique packaging. In my wallet are 27 different items – all with different designs from cards to receipts, even money. On my desk are 42 different items – all with different logos, not to mention, that they all came in different packaging. On the bookshelf at the office, we have 17 different books all completely different. Those numbers barely break the surface in relationship to how many different designs I have taken in this morning. So if the numbers 7-3-27-42-17 represent a small sample of the designs I have taken in this morning I consider myself lucky that what I do is so prevalent in our daily lives.
The musician and his instrument, a chef and his knives, a surgeon and his scalpel. As for designers, we have fonts. Most graphic designers would tell you they have a special love/obsession with fonts (see the documentary “Helvetica”). For graphic designers finding new fonts and dissing fonts that plague us with their over use is all part of the relationship. Although we all use and see fonts everywhere, everyday do we ever think about who created them? Who is so anal they create individual letters that relate, sometimes perfectly, with every letter combination possible. They even create bold, italic, condensed, semi-condensed, black….. and way more. Who in their right mind would take on that task?
A type designer. Probably the only people who love and appreciate fonts more than graphic designers. I’ve always think about who these people were and what caused them to design any given font. Then, one day, while sifting though millions of fonts in an attempt to organize I stumbled upon a beautiful font and the story of how it came to be. The font is called Affair by Alejandro Paul at Sudtipos www.studipos.com and the pdf that came with it was fascinating. Clickto view the pdf.
The next thing you read think about who designed that font and why. Designing not only the letters of the alphabet but the numbers and punctuation as well.
A shameless plug? For who? You can’t hide pure vision – we were just prepared to deliver.
Meet Ms. Molly Meek – owner of Augusta’s newest and unique boutique, Neapolitan – Sweet Treats for the Home and Body. She is not your typical “Hey I like cute stuff, I have a hot glue gun and some fabric – I think I’ll open a fruit stand” kind of gal. No sir. It is not everyday that a true visionary of the retail society comes knocking on the door. It’s pretty safe to say this Augusta “native” has been quite busy the past 10 years – A grad from New York University with an MBA in marketing – this girl packs a punch. Working along side the likes of M&M-Mars and Victoria’s Secret as a marketing guru has a direct effect on her professional drive and endless vision for her girly-girl boutique.
Molly came to us a few months back in search of the perfect brand. Typically we like to meet with entrepreneurs and consult them in the areas of marketing and branding – get a feel for their business – probe their personality and vision – research their trade – and begin the branding process. We had NO idea what we were about to witness with Ms. Meek. Decked out in West 47th Street apparel and armed with stacks of printouts, tearsheets, examples, and a 4ft trifold theme board covered with everything from napkins to art slicks – this girl blew us away. Picture a bright spotlight beaming thru a fog-lamped doorway with fans blowing in all directions, confetti and any song from the En Vogue catalog blaring as she makes the entrance—-get the picture right?
She gave us a presentation that actually made me nervous with excitement. We wanted to capture the essence of a perfect escape where women of all ages can go to find adorable decoration, trendsetting accessories, and sweet desserts. Based on the Neapolitan color scheme (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry), she has an endless vision for inventory and evolving trends. Couple that with a vast knowledge of the retail business and exclusive contacts and you have a true afficionado.
We were honored to be a part of her logo development.
Just to give you a glimpse of her non-stop future-eye for trends and passion for sensual delight – she recently emailed us snapshots from a New York jaunt. You can’t stop these Stiletos! BIRD CAGE IS ALL THE RAGE.
Who do you admire? What makes design exciting? When are you the most creative? Where you do find inspiration? Typical questions I’m asked when I discuss my profession – usually at a gathering where most of my peers are discussing the latest mortgage rates, medical procedures, or golf game. I’m the “creative-artsy” guy – the one who is glazed over – struggling with attention span, and playing air guitar. Yes. I guess I have some explaining to do—
As a designer, I am constantly stimulated by what I see and what my imagination skews into reality. No it’s not a result of too many Phish concerts back in college. This is a condition shared by many creatives, and somewhere in between the “real” and “really?” is the galaxy called creative inspiration.
The plus side to creativity is that inspiration can be ignited by the smallest spark. Personally, I surround myself with great books to kickstart the flow. Whether it be books on branding, layout, typography, packaging, album covers – you name it – I have it. One book in particular that seems to open the tractor beam is FINGERPRINT by Josh Chen of Chen Design Associates. Chocked full of imagery (a must), this book explores the organic side of design – taking the tangible “hands on” approach. Each piece featured in this book marry fine art, primitive craft and digital wizardry. Layers of information – handcrafted – mixed mediums abound— For example: Taking various scanned textures (papers, fabrics, textiles) mixed with custom typesetting and distressed posterized techniques make for a powerful composition of creative expression and unique display. Unconventional design always catches my eye – whether it be as simple as the size or shape of the piece or adding depth and dimension through function and style. Does this mean every piece has to be a complex/busy over stimulated piece of hodgepodgery? No. As long as it answers the challenge to be effective. It all starts with the concept, research, and the expanded freedom to grab attention and provide information. FINGERPRINT is a great publication for opening the mind’s eye – exploring the endless junk drawer of design treasures – taking a fresh perspective – pushing the boundaries – bringing the essentials – and allowing the software and hardware to be used as secondary tools for excellence.
Will this book inspire you when laying out your next annual report or concepting the perfect logo for an Orthodontist? Probably not, but it will cleanse the palate, and allow you to exercise and stretch those brain cramps.
I went to the dollar theater to see 2012 tonight. Its the most action-packed/depressing movie I’ve ever seen. The point is to be able to survive a tsunami and another world wide flood. I figured that it has to be easier than hoarding the worlds resources and building big boats. Why not make a capsule that was underground, then after the wave goes over you you release it and float to the top. The capsule then expands with two inflatable arms into a make shift catamaran. I mean come on people. This is easy stuff. All you need is device to convert your urine to drinking water and a nice fishing pole. If Kevin Costner can do it, then you could as well. There could be good business potential in these devices.
It’s up! Super speedy style. Due to some circumstances this site was launched super fast. Of course we all have dreams to what kruhu.com should be and at some point we’ll get there. Until then, this should demonstrate a healthy portion of our portfolio and even more important, our character.
