Regarding the AIGA Alaska talk ...

... I’m thinking it will focus on the importance of having a firmly established set of principles for the work you do. Having those in place is an effective way to exist as an independent designer and to do the projects you’re most passionate about.

From there, the talk will cover a host of my projects that involve community engagement, political campaigning, getting active in your city, art show experiments, and ways to always keep pushing your design practice. Lots of slides/visuals/designs. (Some GIFs, too!)

It will also touch on working in flyover country (not a place known for great design), running a small business, making your city more awesome, and building up a solid client list. And really, why design can be a great career path while allowing you to make a difference in the world with your talents.

More Details from AIGA Alaska »

AIGA Alaska Lecture

Very excited to be speaking in Alaska later this month. A lunch round table and evening lecture hosted by AIGA Alaska. The focus will be on working somewhere not known for design, running a small business, building a solid client list, and making a difference.

Lunch Round Table on Action
Monday, March 27 // 12–1 PM
The Boardroom, 601 W 5th Ave
Anchorage, AK 

Making This Design Thing Matter
Monday, March 27 // 7–9 PM
Cyrano’s Theater, 411 D St
Anchorage, AK 99501

Portfolios, Social Networks, Resumés, Timesheets, Scopes, Invoices, Oh My

Last week I spoke with the Senior Capstone students in design at Creighton University. A casual presentation and discussion around working as a designer today. Mostly from a freelance/independent point of view, we pulled back some of the curtain.

Aside from going through my portfolio site and talking about the logistics behind some of the decisions made, we also dove deep into tracking time, putting together proposals, defending against scope creep, and getting paid. It was time well spent. I’ve never really discussed these topics in such detail before in a group setting. Two hours went by rather quickly.

It does play into something I’ve thinking more and more about, especially as it relates to discussing design with young designers and students. And that’s design as a career. I don’t think you should go into design if you don’t see it as a career. It is not a job. It’s much more. It requires more time. More effort. More blood, sweat, tears. It is not 9–5. But it also doesn’t have to be 80 hours week. 

Your career in design is meant for you, young designer, to design it. Your philosophy, your journey, your work ethic, your attitude, and your persistence. It’s there for you, and it’s ready for you to make it what you will, if you’re up for it. And not everybody is, which is completely okay. But if you are, it’ll be difficult but it’s totally worth it. The ride is turbulent, but if you hold on, you’ll be glad you did.

Ready to Affect

OMA > PDX

This week I’m hitting the road to PDX! I’ll be speaking at the Affect Conference on Friday. Here’s the schedule of events. My slides are done. The flow feels good. I’ve practiced a bit. Feeling solid overall. I’ll be sharing the story of #NOKXL design. Based on our case study, it looks at the high points of a six year project. From the land of rural Nebraska to the steps of the White House, it’s a tale of people power, relentless organizing, and working for social change. There’s also a healthy does of typography, color, texture, etc. It’s a design conference after all. Really looking forward to hanging out in Portland and experiencing a 2-day event on work, culture, and design for social change. 

Affect Conf »

Affect Conf PDX

The Affect Conf is a 2-day community event about the work and design behind social change. I’m very excited to be a speaker. One of eleven stories about the work, culture, and design involved in trying to create change, I’ll be sharing various design projects created to stop the Keystone XL Pipeline with Bold Nebraska. (Read the Case Study.) Early fall in the Pacific Northwest, sure to be an excellent time.

October 7–8, 2016
Ziba Auditorium
Portland, Oregon

Affect is part of Resolution Fest

Professional Development for Poets

This one’s for all the poets out there. Organized by the Nebraska Writers Collective, I’ll be presenting on how to improve your presence on the Web. A 40-minute session chock-full of ideas, lessons, how-tos, and why-the-hells. From websites to social media, it’s sure to be an enlightening time. What with all that happens on the Internet these days, how can it not be?

Tuesday, July 19, 2016 @ 6:00pm
Nebraska Writers Collective, KANEKO

Let’s talk about the new Instagram logo!

Last night I  participated in a panel discussion on branding for the Omaha Entrepreneur Network. A small, casual gathering at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. We talked definitions, process, and what branding can and cannot do. From a graphic design perspective, we also dissected a project I had done and then looked at some popular examples. Specifically, Instagram and why I think the new Instagram logo and brand decisions they made are really great, contrary to what the Internet thinks. I’m always up for spouting my opinions in public, so hit me up if you have a panel you need a designer on. Good times will be had by all.