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Communications Design Industry Discussion, Inspiration, & Tutorials

Jul 26, 2010

Worst Typeface - That’s easy. The second worst - that’s tough…

By On 15:03
Comic sans is number one!  That’s the truth according to every graphic designer I know.  I’m on that bandwagon, too. While we’re all in agreement, we can’t come to consensus on number two.

Recently a young designer that I respect and admire totally blasted Bleeding Cowboys on a popular social media site. She said it’s the “absolute worst.” Bleeding Cowboys is a distinctive typeface with limits to it usefulness, and it has been greatly over-utilized of late–to my knowledge--by young designers with limited access to, or knowledge of typefaces.  But is it really the worst??

Last Friday, I enjoyed an incredible night of music and performance at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. I say that in spite of the bitter slap in the face I received when I looked at their summer program—laid out with headers and subheads in Cracked. Ouch!

Some say Times New Roman is Terrible! Horrible! Awful! But I haven’t heard a sufficiently good reason except that it was the default typeface for Microsoft Office (and everybody knows that as professional designers and Apple adherents, we must loathe anything non-Apple).

People, everything African, Indian, and Middle-Eastern can not be represented by Papyrus. This is another typeface that non-(or unskilled)designers use as a go to when unable to rely on sound typography skills to create an effective use of space, hierarchy, movement, purpose.  

Bradley Hand and Dakota Hand. I personally believe that these two live in the same zip code as Comic Sans.

Finally, this name wouldn’t have come to mind except that I got a request to create a logo from this font. What self-respecting professional membership organization wants to be represented by Monotype Corsiva? You heard me! It's ridiculous, yet this offensive, improperly used, over-used abomination is what they chose to represent their decades old, professionally respected organization. I choose Monotype Corsiva too... as my number two worst font of all!




Jul 22, 2010

Internet Job Searches - The Keyword is the Key

By On 06:56
The prospect of looking for work is a scary one, but it’s a fact of life for many of us; either you’re dealing with a lay off, or you’re looking to cash in your education, or you simply long for a better work life.

The pickings are slim out there and with companies tightening their belts, creative departments are taking a huge hit.  Small to medium-sized firms now choose to make due with the few folks they have. 

So, how do you ensure that you’re not missing out on jobs when searching online???

Choose Relevant Keywords
You’re a graphic designer. You want a graphic design job. Think about where you want to work: the government, retail, hospitals or medical centers, fashion, colleges, etc.  Be precise and narrow down your industry. Then make a list of things associated with your industry. Let’s take hospitals as an example.

Associated terms: hospital, medical, non profit (all hospitals fit in this category), health care,  allied health, etc.
You are a ‘Graphic Designer”. So, that will, of course be a search term.  Maybe not. Many companies still use the term graphic artist, so think about simply using the word “graphic” or "graphics"
Associated terms: design, **UI or UX (Web design terms), multimedia, graphic art, in-house design, communications, marketing (yep!),  pre-press, creative, etc

Start out with one or two keywords. Then, as you continue with your search session, switch out your keywords and see what different options pop up.

Look at your results.  Are there terms in the posted jobs that are relevant to you? Add them to your list, and use them in the next keyword search.

Be Search Engine Savvy
There are tons of job search websites that can be helpful in your pursuits.  I’m partial to a site called SimplyHired.com (SH).  SH pulls jobs from dozens of different websites. In a recent search I found positions originating on dozens of different websites including job sites, company sites, and headhunter and consultant sites.

For me SH was the perfect one stop shop—it’s where I found my current job—but it’s not necessarily for everyone. Here’s a nice long list of search sites that have yielded good results for graphic designers I know in this region:

Happy hunting!


**User Interface, User Experience

Jul 19, 2010

Rant: Apple, iPhone, iMac, MacBook

By On 13:16

Apple has gotten its last dollar from me.  I’ve always been true to Apple. The desktop that I purchased last month was to be my fourth Apple computer and the first desktop I’ve EVER bought.  Unfortunately, the machine turned up with a crack in the screen.  After getting jerked around by the nads for weeks by the geniuses in their call center, I’ve had enough.

You see, in my attempt to re-order my exciting new machine, I was:
  • hung up upon 
  • transferred from department to department
  • deceived about a return mailing label that was never sent
  • and generally treated poorly by a company that has several thousands of my hard-earned dollars!!
The rude,  stupid,  customer care staff in the call center placed me on hold for no less than 30 of the 35-45 minutes I spent on each call with them, and I got an ulcer from internalizing my hatred and ire–lest I be hung up upon again. 
I just had my last contact with Apple, three minutes ago. I checked on the status of my refund and was kindly reassured that it was processed and cleared through my bank by Joan—likely the only competent customer care rep in their entire call center.  

I have one final phone call to make to ensure that I’m rid of Apple for good.  I’m calling AT&T and bidding their asses “adeiu”, too.

My heart aches for those struggling with the newest iPhone. Good luck getting any help on the phone.

Jul 3, 2010

Designer Freebies!

By On 07:48
I love love love free stuff. And , working for a nonprofit, I'm used to resorting to ad hoc methods and making do with not getting everything on my wish list to make my job easier.  When I do web searches for freebies and vector elements I always check for 'Creative Commons' before I download anything --there's never a need to risk a lawsuit for misusing  intellectual property.

Here's a list of my favorite sites that provide designer resources:


Jul 1, 2010

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Belltown Pull Apart

By On 11:22

I was in downtown Seattle last week where I met the owner and proprietor of Belltown Pull Apart, a used bike shop on 4th Ave.
Eric started out working on Pedal cabs, the once ubiquitous three wheeled transports that worked the waterfront. His alleyfront shop specialized in fixing and fabricating the rides. Today he has the front and back of the building. In open hours, 5 or 6 bikes line up for sale along the sidewalk and the shop dogs amble fatly in and out of the open doorway.
Inside, sexy refurbished bikes hang from the walls and form neat rows for easy access on the floor. The guys who hang out in the store also work there, and there’s a refreshing feeling of realness. Eric and his cronies love bikes, and belong to the growing ranks of the self-employed.
When I went in last Saturday to pick up the cheetah print handlebar grips I ordered, Chicheron, the rotund Chihuahua was helping himself to somebody’s half sesame bagel smothered in cream cheese. The last I saw him he was being chased into the back of the shop with half a bagel gripped in his jaws. That morning I got a chance to talk to Eric about why he took the entrepreneurial plunge. His answer was simple, “I can’t work for other people… I’m a terrible employee.”
I feel you dude! Most of the folks I know who are ready to take the plunge are Eric. I've heard it before. Here’s the checklist:
  • Passion for the organization’s mission wanes.
  • The persistent feeling of being underappreciated weighs on you.
  • The commute—no matter how short—gets longer every day.
  • The work is unfulfilling.
  • At least 20 % of your work week is spent planning your escape route (i.e. looking for jobs, updating your resume, reading up on how to ship anthrax thru the mail, etc.)
  • Stress builds from Sunday night to Monday morning, and continues until Friday at 1pm .


My hat’s off to you Eric.  If I were a Seattle native, I’d make Belltown Pull Apart my second home.

    Jun 6, 2010

    I LOVE T-Shirts!

    By On 11:52
    One more stop motion piece. I created this for I love T-Shirts. Rebekah and Dan from Club Chuck starred and the music was lifted from DJ Medic (thanks).

    Two Art Scapes ago they met me on campus and let me pose them, shoot them, and eventually make one of them into a t-shirt monster. The music's a bit loud, but this is a fun little piece.

    Fresh Burrito

    By On 11:36
    Hey Hey. I totally forgot about this little gem.

    I created a 30 sec spicy Burrito ad for the Chipotle contest back in 07. I bought some produce, beans and a burrito and took between 100 and 200 still images then strung them together in Final Cut.


    ASIDE: Final Cut is the best program to edit any sort of video. From simple, silly things like this to artful and thoughtful documentaries like "The Tuskegee Airmen". If you're partial to imovie or flash for these projects give it a try you'll be impressed with the control and functionality.

    Anyway, I love stop motion. Enjoy!

    Jun 2, 2010

    A Minute of Your Time, Please

    By On 17:19



    ACNM, my current employer and one of the great professional associations, has it's 55th Annual Meeting in a couple weeks. As part of the festivities--and to raise awareness of midwifery--we sponsor an annual video contest. In years past the contest was open to student members, the topic always being 'Why are You Becoming a Midwife?'

    This year we opened the video contest up to all members and midwifery clients (or potential clients) nationwide. The response was overwhelming! The winning vids will premiere to our Saturday Night at the Movies viewers and then awarded prizes during the awards ceremonies.

    As a promo, I put together a 60 second sample for our site...this is it.

    "Because I wouldn't trust the health of my family to anyone else"

    May 14, 2010

    New Website

    By On 20:06

    http://www.simonejenifer.org is new for the summer. I must admit it took me most of May 14th to format the images, rig the CSS, and composite the pics. But the carpal tunnel is worth it. I believe I have a site that is clean, uncluttered, and true to me.

    -enjoy

    May 7, 2010

    The End of an Era

    By On 06:11


    Grad school is over.

    My best friend is gone, Flo was lost in Haiti, Papa Smitty is with the angels, L'il Nick breathes no more, Barry did not outlive his son, Erin was too young and talented to go--but she did. I've accumulated many ghosts this year. -Bitter-Sweet.

    May 1, 2010

    Internship Negatives?

    By On 11:23


    CC License Attribution: Astragony
    Of course, there is a potential downside to internships. Presently, many of the available postings are unpaid. Companies find that stiff competition between college students and recent grads makes it a “seller’s market”.  The decline in availability of paid internships is evidence of this.

    In addition to the possibility of upaid work for part of your school year, here are a few other negatives to consider when making your decision:


    1. Workload:  There’s a slim possibility that an unscrupulous employer will take advantage of your technical skills and give you tons of labor intensive projects, while you get none of the recognition. A great way to screen out this sort of employer is to get a clear idea of the scope of work and hours expected of the intern during your initial interview. Ask questions during the interview!
    2. Uninspiring Projects: Although this is rare, a few people read the title "Intern" as a catch-all position that encompasses coffee maker, copy collator, errand runner, and grunt-work doer.
    3. Expenses:  Finally, you may end up spending a bit out-of-pocket to gain valuable experience. Is this a paid internship? If not, will you have to pay for room, board and travel expenses after accepting the position? Does the company offer mileage reimbursement? Find out!

    Learn more about the up-side of participating in an internship.

    As you weigh your options, remember that the ultimate goal is to land an decent job, in your field, with a competitive salary and a level of job satisfaction. Internships offer you real work experience that is hard to get once you leave school.

    The Case for Completing an Internship

    By On 11:17

    In college, they tell you that your internship counts as professional experience. It generally does. This is why participating in an internship is an excellent idea for design students who plan to have jobs post-graduation.

    An internship gives you the opportunity to test drive your chosen career path, work on real-world projects, and see an actual workflow–without the luxury of multiple revisions that you have in the classroom. Undertaking an internship when you’re still in school is one of the best ways to see what you’re in for before your university closes its gilded doors behind you, for good.

    These are the top reasons for you to bite the bullet and take that 3 or  6 credit internship:

    CC License Attribution: Astragony
    Gain Experience:  First and most importantly, an internship gives you opportunities and experiences you won’t get as a student. Although it’s less true today than two years ago, you have the chance to get your foot in the door of a company or industry where you want to work.

    Test-drive a Career:  Is graphic design really for you? Are you prepared to work in a fast-paced , deadline driven environment? Are you prepared to fire a client? Find out more about yourself and about the field through your internship.

    Pry Open a Door: Having Discovery Channel, Johns Hopkins University, or Blakeslee Group on your resume reads a lot better than freelance babysitter. Believe it!

    Make Connections:  As an intern you meet people working in your industry—with years of experience under their belts. Pick their brains! Get feedback on your on-the-job performance, and even on graphic design school projects. In no other industry are peers more willing to share their knowledge, expertise, and work-arounds. Keep business cards and bookmark these folks’ websites, and connect with them on LinkedIn—a freelance referral, glowing recommendation, a job lead, or a mentor might well be in your future.

    Of course, there is a potential downside to internships. Presently, many of the available postings are unpaid. Companies find that stiff competition between college students and recent grads makes it a “seller’s market”.  The decline in availability of paid internships is evidence of this.

    Find out about the potential downside of participating in an internship

    As you weigh your options, remember that the ultimate goal is to land an decent job, in your field, with a competitive salary and a level of job satisfaction. Internships offer you real work experience that is hard to get once you leave school.

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