Here’s to the New

This year was amazing. Challenging, exhausting, too busy at times, out of sync every now and then, but still amazing. Sure, you’ll lose RFPs, get frustrating client feedback, have a terrible meeting, and keep yourself up at night worrying about how it all keeps going. But you work with inspiring people, you learn something new everyday, your projects can make an impact, and the fire deep down in your being burns hot for the need to keep making things because that’s when you’re at your best. And for that, the uncertainty and the stress are beat out by the thought of what’s to come. Another year passed, here’s to the new.

JKDC offices will be closed until January 4th. Enjoy the magnificent downtime.

Tuesdays are for giving

On this global day dedicated to giving back, here are a few wonderful organizations to support today and through the end of the year. They truly do amazing things. The Union for Contemporary Art unites artists and the community to inspire positive social change. They have big, exciting things planned for next year. Nebraska Appleseed advances the fight for justice and opportunity for all. Bold Nebraska has a store stocked full of great stuff. And a friendly reminder to save the date for next year’s Omaha Gives!: May 25, 2016.

Many Thanks

You all are spectacular. Your enthusiasm, your great ideas, your laughter, and your good heart. You all make this life a wonderful experience. Many thanks to you, for all that you’ve taught me this year. For the high fives through the good times, for the hugs through the bad, and for my deep rooted excitement for what’s to come. 

JKDC offices will be closed until Monday. Enjoy the time off!

See Show Cheers!

AIGA Nebraska put on SHOW last Saturday night. Nebraska’s most prestigious juried competition honoring and showcasing the years’ best design. Hosted by KANEKO, the competition was juried by Lauren Hom, Dan Cederholm, and David Sizemore. Each year, it’s a great night for the community to get together and celebrate design. For me, I won a few awards, high-fived other winners, had a few beers, and talked to a couple students. Big shoutout to the all-volunteer board of AIGA Nebraska. They worked tirelessly to make sure everyone enjoyed the evening and are just a damn cool crew. And to the Design in Motion exhibition, you were amazing. Until next year, carry on.

Graphic Design to Stop a Pipeline

In breaking news last Friday, President Obama rejected the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. In Nebraska, the fight to stop KXL was led by Bold Nebraska. I work with Bold on a regular basis doing design work for their online and offline efforts and since 2010 we’ve battled TransCanada’s dirty, tarsands project.

As the pipeline was elevated into national conversation, putting farmers, ranchers, tribes, and everyday people against Big Oil and the Republican party, we’ve had highs and lows. But in the fight to act on climate, to protect our land and water, and to stop this extreme pollution project, Friday was a day of great celebration. A huge victory of historic proportions that just goes to show you, if a small group of dedicated troublemakers come together to do the hard work needed to make change, that change is indeed possible. 

The Keystone XL used to be seen as inevitable. Just another fight the people will lose. The big corporation, in lockstep with our politicians, will win the day and we’ll go back to our homes defeated and a little more cynical. But that didn’t happen this time. This time, the people won the day. And you can be damn sure we’ll continue to be here, putting it on the line for people and planet. For the things we need to do now so we can ensure the future is bright. 

For now, that tarsands filth is staying in the ground and isn’t passing through Nebraska. Instead, we’ll be focusing on a clean energy future. A future by the people, for the people, for generations to come. And with all the pipeline fighters out there who will continue to play a part in the fight, we say to those on the side of Big Oil, bring on the next.

Design + Social Justice Symposium

The graphic design program at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln’s Department of Art and Art History announces a Design + Social Justice Symposium. 

This is happening in less than a week. The Love Library Exhibitions have been up since mid August. Yesterday, I led a cause poster workshop for Advanced Graphic Design students. The work of Emory Douglas opens in the Sheldon on Friday with his lecture happening next Tuesday. And the Love Library Panel Discussion is next Wednesday. I’m really excited to be part of such an important event at the University. From the Art college:

The events and exhibitions of the symposium will highlight the visual communications, stories and portraits of revolutionary social movements and will examine how graphic design is a tool for organizing. The graphic artifacts that will be exhibited represent the role of art as a revolutionary force and how art and design can communicate about a need for social change. The symposium will examine the role of graphic design in creating messages that promote civil and human rights, preservation of the environment, and advocacy of equal opportunity.

Design + Social Justice Symposium
September 15–16, 2015
University of Nebraska–Lincoln