Monday, December 28, 2009
Spring Internship
So after spending the last 3/4 days checking my phone and computer hoping to hear from Mission Media I got the email I had been hoping for! I will be interning with them in the spring, wOOt!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Interview with Debbie Millman
For anyone who does not know, Debbie Millan is a co-partner at Sterling design. She is both a writer and designer. She has published books, created pod casts, ran blogs, and done numerous other things based around design and the design community( as well well as the non design community). Because of her success in branding and her ability to gather and share information to the interested masses she is one of my favorite ( kind of role-model-like) designers. Around a month ago as some of you may know, I contacted her to interview her for an internship credit. I was very excited for a phone interview when I checked my email and saw that she had invited me to come to her office to speak with her. At first I had planned on responding saying I was in Baltimore and a phone interview would be better, but then I realized a phone interview was not better, it was easier. It took me about five minuets and a quick text to Sean to decide that I was going to NY to interview one of my personally most inspiring designers.
Impressively when I got to NY I kept managing to not notice the Empire State Building( Debbie Millman's Office) and almost passed it. Honestly, I have no clue how, maybe the huge line and huge building were just too obvious... but that is neither here nor there. I was very nervous for meeting Debbie and very excited. Sean and I had passes to go to Sterling Brands and I must say, I felt special with my little pass, like I was on important official business or something of that nature( it was pretty cool).
Sterling brands took up most of the 17th floor and had a crazy queen bed -sized door that had a pole or something in the middle and rotated open and closed which was both a little intimidating and kinda awesome. I think middle schools should look into getting their vice principles doors like that, just as incentive to never be sent there.
Anyways back to my interview, actually meeting Debbie was crazy. I have seen her picture many times on the internet, but I did wonder what she would look like and how she would act in person. At first glance she was very much like the woman I have seen pictures of on the internet, serious, well dressed, ready for business. However once we got talking she was much more like the person I imagined from her writings. She was very pleasant and easy to talk to. She was very willing to share her story and opinions and also was interested in me and what I was all about. I was more than happy to talk about myself, a little too much, I started rambling on like some school girl meeting her favorite rock star, but she did not seem to mind which was nice.
So I had a little list of questions and once I can scan the image I will put it in, but for now I will just type my Qs and her As
(note these are notes, not quotes.. I typed them exactly as I wrote them, except for anything in ( ) that is stuff i remember but did not write)
Q: How did you become a partner at Sterling Brands?
A: came in 15 years ago Sr VP in Sales
promoted to prez then partner
Q: You went to school for writing how did you make the change to design?
A: (did not go to school for writing) worked on school news paper
Q: Do you like either better? How do they compliment each other?
A. (no) design has to be as good as writing & writing as good as design,( they do not "compliment" they ) work together & fully integrate
Q: When did you decide logos/branding is what you want to do?
A: more by accident( started out hired as VP in sales)
Q: Do you have any favortite interviews?
A: a few- Eric Kandle
Barbara Krugar
Malcum gladwell
Q: Why are they your favorites?
A: mind blowingly smart
Q: Any advice for interviewing people?
A: Make other person feel as comfortable as possible, go with own vibe
Q: Do you still get nervous?
A: (yes)
" Being nervous means it's important to you"
Q:Key Advice for someone to be successful in the design world?
A: Work hard, harder than everyone else, when you are done, keep going, do as much as you can and do not worry about failure
Q: Can you spot people who you think will be successful?...interns, applicants, jr designers?, what are their qualities?
A: Work ethic, ask questions, keep working till perfect, curiosity, someone who is not afraid to work hard
Q: What literature do you find inspirational?
A: Print Mag, notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, Bernard Malamud --can't remember the name of the essay she said, I really should get a recorder--
Q: At a portfolio review a woman told me I could not do advertising and work to help the community because the style and work is too different, do you agree... is there some super difference where these things will never be able to work together?
A: Don't listen( people told me I couldn't write and do design)
There was some more talking and question asking in addition to this, however that was everything I wrote down. She then offered me a copy of her new book " Look Both Ways", which I took without hesitation and she signed that as well as the copy of " How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer" which I had brought for that purpose, as well as reading on the bus. She then walked me out and gave me 2 brownies, 1 for myself and one for Sean and I was on my way (skipping down the hall). Seriously, that was probably one of those events I will always remember, it was so cool and like nothing I had ever done before. Listening to Ms. Millman was so inspirational and she really made me feel like I was on the right path to do what it is I want to do. It was wonderful meeting her and I hope we cross paths again, I will most likely apply for at least an internship if not a job at Sterling somewhere down the line : )
After my interview Sean and I went out to get dinner and wine, and check out the bottle!
We brought it home with us because I couldn't bare to part with it, and later found it is was an award winning design which I think it well deserved! Really look at that kangaroo eagle, who couldn't love it!
ps while researching this wine I stumbled across this really cool site about brand news, for anyone into that
Impressively when I got to NY I kept managing to not notice the Empire State Building( Debbie Millman's Office) and almost passed it. Honestly, I have no clue how, maybe the huge line and huge building were just too obvious... but that is neither here nor there. I was very nervous for meeting Debbie and very excited. Sean and I had passes to go to Sterling Brands and I must say, I felt special with my little pass, like I was on important official business or something of that nature( it was pretty cool).
Sterling brands took up most of the 17th floor and had a crazy queen bed -sized door that had a pole or something in the middle and rotated open and closed which was both a little intimidating and kinda awesome. I think middle schools should look into getting their vice principles doors like that, just as incentive to never be sent there.
Anyways back to my interview, actually meeting Debbie was crazy. I have seen her picture many times on the internet, but I did wonder what she would look like and how she would act in person. At first glance she was very much like the woman I have seen pictures of on the internet, serious, well dressed, ready for business. However once we got talking she was much more like the person I imagined from her writings. She was very pleasant and easy to talk to. She was very willing to share her story and opinions and also was interested in me and what I was all about. I was more than happy to talk about myself, a little too much, I started rambling on like some school girl meeting her favorite rock star, but she did not seem to mind which was nice.
So I had a little list of questions and once I can scan the image I will put it in, but for now I will just type my Qs and her As
(note these are notes, not quotes.. I typed them exactly as I wrote them, except for anything in ( ) that is stuff i remember but did not write)
Q: How did you become a partner at Sterling Brands?
A: came in 15 years ago Sr VP in Sales
promoted to prez then partner
Q: You went to school for writing how did you make the change to design?
A: (did not go to school for writing) worked on school news paper
Q: Do you like either better? How do they compliment each other?
A. (no) design has to be as good as writing & writing as good as design,( they do not "compliment" they ) work together & fully integrate
Q: When did you decide logos/branding is what you want to do?
A: more by accident( started out hired as VP in sales)
Q: Do you have any favortite interviews?
A: a few- Eric Kandle
Barbara Krugar
Malcum gladwell
Q: Why are they your favorites?
A: mind blowingly smart
Q: Any advice for interviewing people?
A: Make other person feel as comfortable as possible, go with own vibe
Q: Do you still get nervous?
A: (yes)
" Being nervous means it's important to you"
Q:Key Advice for someone to be successful in the design world?
A: Work hard, harder than everyone else, when you are done, keep going, do as much as you can and do not worry about failure
Q: Can you spot people who you think will be successful?...interns, applicants, jr designers?, what are their qualities?
A: Work ethic, ask questions, keep working till perfect, curiosity, someone who is not afraid to work hard
Q: What literature do you find inspirational?
A: Print Mag, notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, Bernard Malamud --can't remember the name of the essay she said, I really should get a recorder--
Q: At a portfolio review a woman told me I could not do advertising and work to help the community because the style and work is too different, do you agree... is there some super difference where these things will never be able to work together?
A: Don't listen( people told me I couldn't write and do design)
There was some more talking and question asking in addition to this, however that was everything I wrote down. She then offered me a copy of her new book " Look Both Ways", which I took without hesitation and she signed that as well as the copy of " How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer" which I had brought for that purpose, as well as reading on the bus. She then walked me out and gave me 2 brownies, 1 for myself and one for Sean and I was on my way (skipping down the hall). Seriously, that was probably one of those events I will always remember, it was so cool and like nothing I had ever done before. Listening to Ms. Millman was so inspirational and she really made me feel like I was on the right path to do what it is I want to do. It was wonderful meeting her and I hope we cross paths again, I will most likely apply for at least an internship if not a job at Sterling somewhere down the line : )
After my interview Sean and I went out to get dinner and wine, and check out the bottle!
We brought it home with us because I couldn't bare to part with it, and later found it is was an award winning design which I think it well deserved! Really look at that kangaroo eagle, who couldn't love it!ps while researching this wine I stumbled across this really cool site about brand news, for anyone into that
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Interview Tomorrow
So I just finished up my portfolio to show to the people at Mission Media tomorrow because I have an internship interview : ). I need to rework the envelope since I am changing my identity a bit, but this will do for now. The red book is my portfolio and the 2 sheets of velum are my resume and cover letter, they will be neatly packed and carried in my hand made envelope..yay( at least it's more fun than a big black portfolio case)
ps, tomorrow I will post about my trip to NY and visit with Debbie Millam( it was excellent)
ps, tomorrow I will post about my trip to NY and visit with Debbie Millam( it was excellent)
Christmas Shoes
It's impressive that they were actually able to make a video as bad as the song.... it's fantastic really
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
25 free font
Free fonts are often lousy. However I found this guys blog with lots of interesting posts in it including "25 Best Free Quality Fonts"
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
tea mice
One day mice will don little aviator helmets and take to the skies. Their air crafts will be made of fine china and dove wings. Armies of them will speckle the ground with their shadows and they will shoot little green lasers in a 1980s arcade game fashion. India ink pen and photoshop.
Tappa
So I finally took some pictures of my Tappa book! The idea of this project was merging two different people's ideas into one wall paper company. I created a jewelery designer ( who focuses on intricate links and clasps) and an anthropologist who spent his last college year traveling the pacific Islands and studying their primitive art.
Oh, ps stay tuned I am going to NY on the 21st to interview Debbie Millman. I don't have a video camera, but I will post all my notes and pictures, should be sweet!
Oh, ps stay tuned I am going to NY on the 21st to interview Debbie Millman. I don't have a video camera, but I will post all my notes and pictures, should be sweet!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sr. Project
So, as I may have said for my sr project I am doing a book that highlights community art projects in baltimore. SO far I have taken pictures and interviewed people involved with "the great lantern parade" and "kurplunk". I have also been talking to Marshal Clarke via email about a project he does with kids and photography. It is awesome! Check out what they have done!
love it!
love it!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Create! Don't Hate FINAL DAY
So today was our last day and personally I am impressed that we finished. We had less than four hours to work on this and part of that time went to taking photos and teaching Maddy how to use the pen tool. I totally lucked out with Maddy though I must say. She was very dedicated to her work and she did a bunch while at home. Anyways, this is what we did
I'm not sure why this is so small or off colored, I still have not quite figured out bloggers photo stuff. I'll put this on my webpage once I get that up and running. Which btw-->
ilenesdesign.com
I'm not sure why this is so small or off colored, I still have not quite figured out bloggers photo stuff. I'll put this on my webpage once I get that up and running. Which btw-->ilenesdesign.com
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Breaking News from the Baltimore sun
"The large pink flamingo outside Cafe Hon in Hampden will return to its home.
City officials and the owner of the restaurant on The Avenue on Tuesday morning announced an agreement that allows the pink bird, made of bedsheets and wire, to return to its spot atop Cafe Hon's fire escape, where it had been for the past seven years. Owner Denise Whiting said she will pay a reduced annual instead of the $800 officials had ordered her to pay for a "minor privilege" permit, most commonly used by businesses whose tables and benches encroach on sidewalks.
In exchange for Whiting agreeing to pay the fee and dropping her public protest, which culminated Tuesday morning with a rally outside City Hall, Mayor Sheila Dixon said the city will put a sign on Interstate 83 alerting travelers to Hampden in order to help the small businesses along 36th Street. The sign will be similar to ones advertising the Maryland Zoo, the Inner Harbor and the city's sports stadiums.
Officials from the Department of General Services will also meet with small business owners to review fees and restrictions, a spokesman for the mayor said.
"It is an icon," Dixon said. "It is a thriving business and part of what Baltimore is made of. I felt like we could have taken a different approach. It's a lesson learned."
Whiting said she and city officials began working on an agreement late last week. Whiting had removed the bird Oct. 20 to avoid paying the fine. Whiting had challenged the tax, saying the bird was a work of art. She said she is unsure how much she will have to pay the city but estimated it would be more than $400 a year.
"I'm thrilled I had the opportunity to work through things with the mayor and to give a voice to the small businesses that are really the backbone to this economically challenging time that we're having," she said.
Whiting said she is unsure when the bird will be put back up. She said it remains at a local business in Hampden."
City officials and the owner of the restaurant on The Avenue on Tuesday morning announced an agreement that allows the pink bird, made of bedsheets and wire, to return to its spot atop Cafe Hon's fire escape, where it had been for the past seven years. Owner Denise Whiting said she will pay a reduced annual instead of the $800 officials had ordered her to pay for a "minor privilege" permit, most commonly used by businesses whose tables and benches encroach on sidewalks.
In exchange for Whiting agreeing to pay the fee and dropping her public protest, which culminated Tuesday morning with a rally outside City Hall, Mayor Sheila Dixon said the city will put a sign on Interstate 83 alerting travelers to Hampden in order to help the small businesses along 36th Street. The sign will be similar to ones advertising the Maryland Zoo, the Inner Harbor and the city's sports stadiums.
Officials from the Department of General Services will also meet with small business owners to review fees and restrictions, a spokesman for the mayor said.
"It is an icon," Dixon said. "It is a thriving business and part of what Baltimore is made of. I felt like we could have taken a different approach. It's a lesson learned."
Whiting said she and city officials began working on an agreement late last week. Whiting had removed the bird Oct. 20 to avoid paying the fine. Whiting had challenged the tax, saying the bird was a work of art. She said she is unsure how much she will have to pay the city but estimated it would be more than $400 a year.
"I'm thrilled I had the opportunity to work through things with the mayor and to give a voice to the small businesses that are really the backbone to this economically challenging time that we're having," she said.
Whiting said she is unsure when the bird will be put back up. She said it remains at a local business in Hampden."
Monday, October 26, 2009
Save the Flamingo
Sean and I were at Cafe Hun the other night but *gasp* there was no flamingo. I was a bit confused until this morning..and now I am enraged. Haha not enraged, but I am disappointed, and I certainly hope the birdy can stay
baltimore sun's covering of the bird story:
Memo to Baltimore: The bird stays - Topix
baltimore sun's covering of the bird story:
Memo to Baltimore: The bird stays - Topix
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Brand Gap
Found in an old email from Lucy.. I'm sorry I hadn't seen this when I created that branding post
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Day of photoshoots
Soo last friday was a day full of photography. At Create! Don't Hate Maddy and I spent most of the time taking photographs around the school. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to look at the images together, but I took them home, picked out what I thought would be the best, and edited them all just a bit so we won't have to worry about that stuff this friday. Ug I wish this was longer than four weeks. Anyways here are some of Maddy's photos:
After that I went to Lucy's where we did a photo shoot for a personal trainer. It was kinda cool, but just the amount of time it took and amount of photos we weren't going to use was sooo annoying. Oh did I mention also if was for a personal trainer.... yea I went to the gym later that night haha
After that I went to Lucy's where we did a photo shoot for a personal trainer. It was kinda cool, but just the amount of time it took and amount of photos we weren't going to use was sooo annoying. Oh did I mention also if was for a personal trainer.... yea I went to the gym later that night haha
Friday, October 2, 2009
Creat! Don't Hate( First day)
Alright so today was my first of four mornings at Patterson HS. Myself along with other members of Baltimore's AIGA are working one on one with students to create Billboards with the theme of tolerance. 8 designs will be chosen and turned into real billboards, which is exciting! Anyways today we met the students we were to work with and we started brainstorming. The girl I worked with's name tag said " Madoline" but I thought she said something different when we first met... I know I sound like a jackass not knowing her name( I'll get it right next week), however I learned a lot about her including where her family is from, where she lives, where she wants to go to school, dreams and aspirations as well as hobbies and more. It's funny her future goal, like mine at her age,is to go to and work in Japan.. what highschooler doesn't love Japan?
The day started with intorductions and going over the project a bit, what they were told about it, thoughts and ideas, as well as what I knew about it and stuff I thought would be important to consider( basic things like legibility and what media would be used). After this basic intro we did some brainstorming, though that did not last too long, words were just not coming to Madoline(?). I tried to delve a bit into intolerance and tolerance in her life, which she had obviously experienced but was also very hesitant to delve into. I did not want to make her uncomfortable so I tried to take another approach. I had brought some magazines and scissors and offered she find some pictures and make a collage of things she realted to tollerance. This worked well we came up with a bunch of new ideas
So, we've got two ideas we're working with now that both involve tolerance of people and of the environment. While I'm not so sure if the environmental one would be chosen to be turned into a real billboard( I don't think that is what they are going for) I think it is a good idea and if that is the direction Madoline(?) wants to go in then I am all for it! For homework I suggested we both brainstorm some slogans and look up any non copywritten images she would want to use.
I'm a little nervous with only 4 weeks to work on this and only an hour each week..but hopefully we can make something sweet.
The day started with intorductions and going over the project a bit, what they were told about it, thoughts and ideas, as well as what I knew about it and stuff I thought would be important to consider( basic things like legibility and what media would be used). After this basic intro we did some brainstorming, though that did not last too long, words were just not coming to Madoline(?). I tried to delve a bit into intolerance and tolerance in her life, which she had obviously experienced but was also very hesitant to delve into. I did not want to make her uncomfortable so I tried to take another approach. I had brought some magazines and scissors and offered she find some pictures and make a collage of things she realted to tollerance. This worked well we came up with a bunch of new ideas
So, we've got two ideas we're working with now that both involve tolerance of people and of the environment. While I'm not so sure if the environmental one would be chosen to be turned into a real billboard( I don't think that is what they are going for) I think it is a good idea and if that is the direction Madoline(?) wants to go in then I am all for it! For homework I suggested we both brainstorm some slogans and look up any non copywritten images she would want to use.I'm a little nervous with only 4 weeks to work on this and only an hour each week..but hopefully we can make something sweet.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
I'm back!!
Woo so I'm back in school after a fabulous summer of traveling fun. I went to dubai with school( you can read about it on my " Fahrenheit 105" or "Don't Judge" blog) and then itally with mummy(pictures to come, once I put them on my comp)! Sean and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary the same day that Sandy and Jason celebrated their one year, and I moved into a new apartment.. that is looking super sweet : )
As metioned in a previous entry I am now interning with Lucy Morreale at ladder back design and I am learning a lot as well as having a good time. Right now we are in the process of moving the office to Clipper Mill. For anyone who doesn't know the area it is a lot of old factories turned into posh studios, restaurants, and other such things.
More or less school has been the same old same old though, except now I'm thinking a lot more about doing work to help get me a job. My ultimate goal, that I am now so sure I will reach, is to work at Pentagram in London... maybe I will be able to intern with them at the very least. One thing I am excited about, that I'm waiting to hear back from my teacher on, is my senior thesis project. We are supposed to start it next semester but the idea I have in mind is a bit ambitious. I'm not going to give away too much of it, but I want to create a book showcasing the work of Baltimore artists( designers, illustrators, painters ect.) I will definately keep you all updated on that.. I'm going to talk to my teacher next class and if she thinks it is something I can do than I'm going to start researching ASAP.. if not, well maybe I will do it on my free time. Hmm, what else... I'm getting a new comp today cause I destroyed mine and lost all my fonts...boooo
ug, so much to think about and all I wanna do it become a great designer, is that so much to ask?!
As metioned in a previous entry I am now interning with Lucy Morreale at ladder back design and I am learning a lot as well as having a good time. Right now we are in the process of moving the office to Clipper Mill. For anyone who doesn't know the area it is a lot of old factories turned into posh studios, restaurants, and other such things.
More or less school has been the same old same old though, except now I'm thinking a lot more about doing work to help get me a job. My ultimate goal, that I am now so sure I will reach, is to work at Pentagram in London... maybe I will be able to intern with them at the very least. One thing I am excited about, that I'm waiting to hear back from my teacher on, is my senior thesis project. We are supposed to start it next semester but the idea I have in mind is a bit ambitious. I'm not going to give away too much of it, but I want to create a book showcasing the work of Baltimore artists( designers, illustrators, painters ect.) I will definately keep you all updated on that.. I'm going to talk to my teacher next class and if she thinks it is something I can do than I'm going to start researching ASAP.. if not, well maybe I will do it on my free time. Hmm, what else... I'm getting a new comp today cause I destroyed mine and lost all my fonts...boooo
ug, so much to think about and all I wanna do it become a great designer, is that so much to ask?!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dubai
For anyone following this blog, right now I am in Dubai with my school working with Emirate students to create art and learn about each others cultures. I have 2 blogs for that and they are:
http://fahrenheit105.blogspot.com/ (that is my personal blog)
and
http://dontjudge2009.blogspot.com/ (thats is my group blog)
it's more culture based than art, but it's still kewl
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
V day card
At first this was just to play with my new stamps but then is started looking good. Anywho...here's a card/poster/whatever size I print it out thing for sean : ) It might not be a graphic masterpiece but I had fun making it and practicing my pen tool skills!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Latest Project
As some may know I spent last summer interning at Nasuti+Hinkle in Bethesda, I really enjoyed myself so I went back winter break and am now helping them with some projects while I am at school. My most current project, one that I am pretty excited for, is actually for a catering company that I work at. So I am designing some simple yet elegant water bottle labels(sounds fancy right). Anyways, I just made a few real quick ideas to send off to my art director, and these are them. The grey when printed would be silver. My favs thus far are the 2nd, 3rd and 5th(going from the top down)
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