ANDREW BASS

Hey there. Where do I start? The name is Bass…Andrew Bass. I am the Principal/ Creative Director of my own graphic design studio, adbass:designs with experience that spans over 16 years. My studio focus is on print—ranging from corporate identities, promotion, print collateral to publication design. I got my start in an industry that still makes folk talk—the adult industry. I used to art direct several adult magazines when I first started. The funny thing is that the adult industry is like every other business so there were no wild and crazy antics in our offices. My career has taken me through many companies such as McGraw-Hill, CMP Media, and Essence Communications. My studio is based in New York (Long Island, NY to be specific…kind of still hard to say since I was born and raised in Brooklyn) and that is where I live with my wife, Karen, who runs her own PR/marketing firm and my son, Sebastian. In addition to my studio, I am also an adjunct instructor at New York City College of Technology teaching Typographic Design I and III. It has also been a goal of mine to teach one day and I got the opportunity this fall. Man, I am geeked about it. Challenging but I enjoy it. OK, what else you wanna know? I am a big James Bond fan; big sci-fi fan; big, big, Yankee fan (let’s go YANKEES!)…basically I am just a big guy…’cause I’m 6’6”. Well, onto the thread…


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I decided to be a graphic designer in college sitting in my advertising class. I realized when my professor was spewing her profanity-laced lecture that advertising bored the shit out of me. I lost track of what my professor was saying because I was daydreaming about my logo project. BAM! It hit me…I was totally turned on by my design classes. From that time on, design has been my mistress. She has always been there for me through thick and thin. Shhh! Just don’t tell my wife.


Who or what inspires you?

Good question. I ask myself this everyday. Ordinary folks who face a myriad of obstacles but never let them stop their quest. Those stories are what inspire me since growing up I had to endure many hardships but I never let them interfere with my plans or goals. That is why I got a tattoo on my right forearm of an African Sankofa symbol meaning “one who can withstand hardships”. Passion for an interest is also what inspires me. Reading or hearing about someone’s unquenchable desire to do something is very inspirational to me. A lot of abstract feelings and actions inspire me. I tend to like the “unnormal” aspects of life. Being predictable is uninspiring.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

Well, I spent a year in community college then transferred in my sophomore year to Pratt Institute where I got my BFA. Starting working in the industry while still at Pratt so the bulk of my training came from on the job. I poured through tons of design books and annuals to see what others where doing and what was being recognized. Still do the same thing as the mounds of books/magazines in my office show.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

Can I answer that? Am I fresh? All I can do is just keep my mind as open as possible, read EVERYTHING, expose myself to EVERYTHING, learn from EVERYTHING, and try not to dismiss any idea no matter how idiotic I feel it is. Never settle into a familiar, comfortable space. Always challenge you opinions, thoughts and feelings. Push the button…who knows who will answer.


What are some of your current projects?

Getting my studio up and running. LOL! I have only been doing this now for about 2 months. Working on my direct mail pieces and my promotional brochure. Frak, it is so hard designing for yourself. Took me months and 3 redesigns to get my current website up. I just finished up an identity project for a company based in Florida and now doing some signage for them. Not a big deal but hoping it can lead to a repeat client and expose my studio to their connections. Major projects ahead: learning Flash, Motion, Indesign and figuring out how to pay for all my upgrades. Aaaggghhh!


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

One project was the redesign of the magazine I was art directing up until two months ago. Why? Because they were prepared to send it out to Roger Black’s studio and once they saw my presentation, they were floored. They didn’t expect any of their art directors to be able to produce designs that matched that caliber. I won an award earlier this year from the American Society of Business Publication Editors for Best Redesign and that felt fantastic.


http://www.adbassdesigns.com/pub1.html

http://www.adbassdesigns.com/pub2.html


Another project was the media kit for Essence Communications in 2000. They had previously produced media kits that were poorly constructed, lack any design impact and had no direct message related to its main product, Essence magazine. It was a battle but I was able to convince the marketing director and associate publisher that economical advantage and impact of my proposed design. I also convinced them to move to a printer I had an established relationship with where I knew how tight the end product would be. Needless to say, once it came off press I didn’t have to go to battle for another project…at least not until 6 months after.


























Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I would like to try more interactive design. I have been so immersed in the print arena for so long it would be cool to mix up the perspective. Also, I would like to tackle film/motion graphics…always thought about designing the opening to an obscure movie then moving that design over to its poster and other print components. Shamefully, I have not created any work using my own hand. I used to sketch, paint and shoot my own photos but as my career advanced, my time for personal pursuits shrank. Most definitely need to go back to it.

Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Read. Listen. Try everything. Research what you are trying to do. See what others have done. There is so much available to designers & illustrators now that you can take it for granted. DON’T! Use the resources around you. School is great but practical experience is what really gets you growing.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

Such a subjective question. My personal barometer of how successful a project is quite simple: if the project’s intended message is heard, if the client is happy they are getting what THEY asked for, if the project makes me proud to have my name attached to it. Most importantly what makes a piece successful, above all else, is if the project has a solid idea behind it. I know a radical thought process but a solid idea will go a long way then just a pretty piece. Are my students reading this?


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

This is an ongoing mission. I have gone through burn-out (or meltdown I like to call it) at least three times in my career. I just came off one now and it was because my old job was just that—a job. There was no longer any real creativity going on; I was just a highly paid layout artist. To avoid that, sometimes you have to lighten your load and carefully balance the work with your personal life. Always remember to live past the work because a meltdown will destroy your work and your life. It happened in my first marriage. Motivation comes to me through the ordinary stories I read day in and day out. If folks who are in such dire straits than me can persevere, then what the hell do I have to complain about. That is motivation enough for me.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

I have just started watching prime-time TV again (usually I just check out HBO and other non-TV channels) and the shows that catch me are Girlfriends (yeah my wife watches but it sucked me in too), CSI, Law & Order, Night Stalker, Everyone Hates Chris. The best is still hands down the Law & Order collective…but only if the Yankees are not on.


Related Link:

www.adbassdesigns.com

Recent Work:

ANETTE HEIBERG

Hi, I'm wynlen. I'm a Norwegian illustrator working mainly with ink and watercolors. My whimsical characters make people smile and bring magic to children and playful adults. After working as a graphic designer I followed my dream and began working freelance with design and illustration in 2001. I figured out that illustration is my true passion, so that's what I'm currently focusing on. I plan to make loads of colorful illustrations and children's books filled with happiness. I think it's fantastic to be able to create something every day, and most of the time you'll find me with my nose in a sketchbook, drawing or painting strange characters, or in front of my computer named Igor.


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I've always been drawing a lot - and always loved it, so I was never in doubt what to do with my life. I worked with graphic design for a while, but understood that illustration is what I love the most. I found my own style and began to see a future as an illustrator.


Who or what inspires you?

I get most of my inspiration from watching the work of other illustrators and designers. I love children's books, labels, napkins, business cards, posters - everything with a design on it. I find most of my inspiration on the internet and in books. It's also inspiring to look at my old sketchbooks and get new ideas from old work.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I went to art school and I learned a lot there, but I consider myself mostly self-taught. I have always had a strong interest for drawing, design and colors, so I have gathered as much information as I can about the subject and done a lot of drawing to improve my skills. After I started out as a freelancer I have also become very interested in marketing, and I'm getting better at that from reading articles and books.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

I don't worry about this. I think that as long as I do what I love - and make my illustrations the way I like, I will stay fresh because my personality will be a part of everything I make.


What are some of your current projects?

I've just finished a calendar for 2006, and I work on a children's picture book script and dummy that I will try to finish before the end of this year. One of my goals for next year is to get in touch with publishers who want to use my illustrations, so I have to plan a lot of promotion. Take a look at my blog (http://www.wynlen.no/english/news.php) to keep updated about my latest drawings.


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

I'm very proud of my first children's picture book.I have both written and illustrated it, and now I'm in the long process of trying to get someone to publish it.
Another project I'm proud of is an animation I did for Norwegian TV2. I'm not an animator, so this was a huge project for me - and I was very pleased with myself when I had finished it.





















When it comes to personal projects I'm proud of my journals. I started my first illustrated journal about 2 years ago and I got addicted. It's inspiring to look at the journals filled with my personality and vibrant colors, noticing how my skills are gradually growing.























Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

When I went to art school I got to try a lot of different mediums and techniques. Right now I'm focusing on my ink and watercolor work, but I hope to experiment a lot with different mediums and projects in the future. I know I would like to get better at painting with acrylics, and learn more about photography.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Believe in yourself and never give up. You will have days you think your work is good, and you will have days you think your work is bad. You'll make mistakes and get rejected, but if you love what you do you won't give up. It's also a good idea to learn as much as you can about your tools, the business and marketing.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

I think that has to do with personal taste. If I'm happy with something I have made I think it's successful (even if it's just a doodle in my journal), and it's great if others like it too.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

I remind myself how lucky I am working with what I love. I know I have to work hard to make a living of it - and I do work hard, but it's also important to relax a lot. It feels good to read great comments people have left me about my work, to talk to other creative people and to read articles.


Related Links:

http://www.wynlen.no/ or
http://www.wynlen.no/english/
http://www.wynlen.no/english/news.php


Recent Work:

JASON GAYLOR

I'm Jason Gaylor, I'm a freelance designer and I work alongside software developers, other designers, and a marketing director. Together we collaborate on projects but maintain our independent contractor status. Soon we will be incorporated or LLC or something. We all work out of an office in downtown Springfield, MO, home of Bass Pro Shops and 30 minutes from the Country Music Capital of the World, Branson. Although we don't currently have any Branson projects on our roster, nor do we intend to. I like hot peppers and peanut-butter-and-honey sandwiches.

My portfolio (in need of updating): http://www.jgaylor.com
Some current work (I plan on adding to the portfolio soon):http://www.designfruit.com/jasongaylor/portfolio
My blog: http://www.designfruit.com/jasongaylor/blog
My Photoshop brushes: http://www.brushes.designfruit.com


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I wouldn't say there was a pivotal moment. I've always loved art classes. Art was the one thing I could actually focus on in school. So I took art classes in high school and college. During my partial college career I decided to major in Graphic Design, minor in Marketing, and drop out to be in a band. I continued to hone my skills doing flyers for our shows, CD packaging, posters, etc. I did some other CDs for bands along the way.


Who or what inspires you?

Just about anything can inspire me, but I'm most inspired by great design. I spend a lot of time "researching" or looking at others work. I think the more time you spend absorbing great work the more it will show in what you output. Bad design is also quite a motivator. When I see something that is not designed right such as a "resealable" bag that doesn't reseal, or a company name printed on the side of a truck misusing proper typography rules and punctuation, I feel out of control. I think design is good therapy for people who like to be in control.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I'm mostly self taught. As I said earlier, I didn't finish college. I did spend enough time there to learn a lot about composition and typography amongst many things that I most likely would not have picked up quickly such as when to use an Em dash.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

I read a lot of books and subscribe to several magazines. My favorite is HOW. They provide articles containing highly useful information that I can apply to my daily life as a designer. They have several competitions such as the Interactive Design Competition and the Self-Promotion Competition. I love looking through all the work and getting ideas. I feel like most of the time I'm a follower, but as long as I'm following the right people then my work is fresh. I don't mind following trends. If you follow the trends then the Industry is always changing, keeps it "fresh" and interesting. I'll leave it up to someone else to start the trends. I'd rather use my free time to hang with friends.


What are some of your current projects?

Rabbit Fighter CD Packaging. I just completed a CD for a band called Rabbit Fighter. I was mostly inspired by the band photos that were taken at a friends house. The house in which they were taken is owned by a friend that designs and builds cabinets and old-world style carpentry. Everything he does is dark, robust, heavy and reminiscent of the quality work that you see in older homes. With the high ceilings and rich colors as backdrops, the band took on a look that I wanted to carry over into the art work. After recently seeing the band at House of Blues in Chicago and experiencing a similar architecture and quality of craftsmanship, I had plenty of ideas to start laying down. I was going for rich, regal, strong, ornamental presentation combined with a touch of modern. These days the distressed, worn look is fairly popular, and I think it's because it gives our modern canvases an aged dilapidated look that is appealing because it is unexpected.

Here's a link to the CD artwork: http://www.designfruit.com/jasongaylor/portfolio/rabbitfighter.jpg

Randy Bacon Photography Web site. Randy Bacon, a photographer in Springfield, MO approached me about doing a Web site. Since I created his last one I was extremely excited to work with him again. He's one of those clients designers dream of having. He's very open to new ideas, and basically lets you do whatever you think works. Randy is not just your average photographer, he takes pictures of people, but more than that he "freezes a moment in time." His philosophy is to change peoples lives through their experience with him. He wants to capture the preciousness of life and the reality in the lives of each individual. Sounds fun huh? The Web site needed to be alive and real, not forced or modern, but natural. I used a hand drawn technique for buttons. I combined rough edges with a cut-and-paste presentation that gives the site a soft organic look that is very alive. I didn't want it to compete with the photography, so I made most of the non-photography pieces neutral in color.

Here's a link to the site: http://www.randybacon.com


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

I'm usually most proud of the projects I've just completed. Perhaps it is because they are so new, but when time wears off I suppose I'd say I'm most satisfied with all of the CD packaging I've done. Something about having so much design work packed into a neat little compartment supplemented by music is hard to top.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

As with any profession there are infinite directions I could choose to take, so yes. However, I've read several books on Macromedia Flash and the use ofActionscript so I can continue to grow in the area of Interactive Flashdesign. I really think it's important to be good a many things as a designer in this day and age. Although it's impossible to learn everything, continuing education is a must. I would like to go back to college but I fear I've learned more since I dropped out, and I would only be spending money to learn something I could teach myself. Perhaps those Art History classes could help though.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Design is like any other skill/craft. It takes years to develop your sensitivity to all the subtleties of composition, contrast, repetition, typography, etc. More than that though. Even if you are a great designer, you will have to sell yourself to the world. You can't just put a bunch of design up on the walls in your apartment and expect people to start calling. You've got to look for opportunities. Take part in interviews. Market yourself in forums on the Web by asking for critiques, etc. Get critiques from great designers that will tell you like it is and be honest. Take on some free work in the areas that you want to pursue. For example, I love doing CDs for bands, so it's pretty easy to walk up to a band in a club and say, "Can I do the artwork for your next CD for free." If you're just starting out, this is a great way to get some stuff in your book. On the contrary, if people are coming to you, don't be afraid to charge what your worth. There are books on this subject and articles on sites such as creativepublic.com that help you figure those fees. Charging too little hurts you and the entire design community.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

I know in my heart when I'm ready to present something to a client. But you can't depend on that, you must be able to back up the reasons for your decisions. I think a successful piece solves a problem or issue, and presents it in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Typical: Function meets Form. Mostly though, if the client is pleased, and I am pleased with the work I've created, and I was able to make a living doing so, then that is success to me.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

Change. Embrace change. Go play tennis, or rock-climb, or something you've never done. Take walks. Create boundaries. Don't work all the time. Roll the idea of change into your work. Try different techniques. Scan random things in. Print out your work and rub it on the ground or pour water on it. Dry it out and scan it back in. Use the tools. Have fun.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Arrested Development, The Office, Family Guy. Oh, I hate to say this, but I like the O.C..

DEVON BENDER

Is this thing on? *ahem* HI! I'm a 27 year old graphic designer from Erie, PA. I'm an in-house designer for a small company that deals with the outdoor industry. I've bounced around more agencies than I care to mention and I spend my crazy nights trying to figure out Metallica songs on my piano so I can impress my fiancé. My two cats are my life and I amuse myself by chopping their fur off. I travel on weekends to be with my future husband. I have an obsession with Totino's pizza rolls, Sour Altoids, and the color lime green. If you want to send me something lime green, or a picture of something lime green, please contact me and I'll give you my mailing address. I'm afraid of spiders. I am NOT afraid of cockroaches.


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I actually decided .... wait I didn't decide!! I accidently took an Intro to Graphic Design course and was hooked ever since. It seemed like it would pay better than doing ceramics. I was so wrong.


Who or what inspires you?

Mmm...... my friends. My incredibly talented design friends, seeing really good work, and ideas that have never been executed. FRESH is the key.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I went to Edinboro University of PA, and got my four year degree. Funny though, my internship taught me more than any formal course did. Even though the designer who worked there probably wanted to kill me. I was a bit "inquisitive." Aka "annoying." I owe him though.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

I TRY to keep up with industry trends. I've never really been TOO trendy. I like to march to the beat of my own damn self. Plus, it's expensive to be trendy. The HOW conference was pretty amazing. I've met so many contacts and friends through that experience.


What are some of your current projects?

Weeeellll. I guess I've been obsessing over wedding invitations.... after all, I only have a YEAR to design them! OH. also, the HOWIEZINE is going to be due in a month. I believe the theme is "lost and found"... this could get interesting.

http://www.howiezine.com/


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I've really been interested in letterpress lately. I need to just bite the bullet and use my resources to try to get into it.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

DON'T give up. If you're any good, persistence is the key to success.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

When it evokes something. A feeling, a memory, a thought, a smell......


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

What I WILL be doing is getting more sleep. ALWAYS have a goal. When you have nothing to push for, you end up stagnant. Stuck in a life rut.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

I don't have cable.... (which proves to be extremely effective in getting stuff done around the house) but I enjoy, "So You Think You Can Dance!" Craig and I love us some Desperate Housewives though. We never miss it. JUICY!


Recent Work:

CHRISTIAN MESSER

Christian Messer has been in the design industry for several years and currently is at the helm of his own studio, Whiplash Design. Christian launched his company in 2001, partnering with clients ranging from Portland, Oregon’s oldest family owned auto specialist, Everist Brothers, to clients in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Recently, Christian refocused Whiplash Design to specialize and target the board-sports industry, marrying his passion for design and extreme sports. This year the studio also introduced dynamic web development services to small and medium sized businesses and offers marketing consulting, strategies and implementation.This year, Whiplash Design’s self-promotion piece, “The Tiki Book” was featured in the design book, “The Savvy Designer’s Guide to Success,” written by award-winning designer Jeff Fisher. Christian believes in giving back to the community as an important part of a business model and has begun pro-bono work for and with the Portland Area Business Association; of which he is a member.


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer /illustrator? Was there a pivitol moment?

Always an interesting story, No matter what designer answers it. I was one of those 20 year olds who had lack of direction, and waited tables throughout my late teens and mid-20’s. I had excelled in creativity in many ways, many told me I was very talented, yet no one…gave me a clue about going back to school, or urged me in doing something with my talent. That was, until I got closer to my friend Bob (no pun intended.) I had known Bob for about 8 years. Around 1996, I moved back from Seattle after living there for three years. Everybody comes back to Portland, Oregon. Its like a spell weaved over you if you live and then move, you always find your way back.

At this time, I was doing a re-modeling/construction job with a friend, drywall/mudding, among other things. cement nails are cool when you hammer them, they spark, very cool. But I digress. This project or job was coming to a close and I didn’t know where I was going, what I wanted to do. I got a few other waiting jobs, but Bob kept needling me to look into going to school. Eventually, his persistence paid off. I picked up a local community college class catalog and looked through it. Now, some might say that a community college isn’t the best education for a designer, but what lie ahead was what I now know as fate. I say fate or that it was meant to be, because luck is one thing, this was too powerful and incredible to be just luck.

I took my first class, an introductory class, in the Summer of 1997. That is where the journey began and I will always be grateful for it. I was smitten with it, hook, line and sinker. I excelled at it, and got an A in the class, and proceeded to continue on the fall. Now, here’s the miracle part. If I had gone into the program a year before, I would not have received the education I did. The design program at PCC Sylvania was 25 years old, had not been gutted and re-vamped in quite a while. 1996 was the year when the department head decided to (or had to) retire and a new one took his place. At that point, she really did gut the program and re-designed it to bring it up to the modern, more work-intense program that it is today. I met many of my best friends there, from both alumni classes, that I would have never met had I gone to some other year. It was a two year program, I stayed 3 because I had never been to college and didn’t realize there were things called “requirement” classes you had to get through in order to graduate. Even though the class left that I went through the program with, and I was done, I still had my foot in the pool, taking a few classes within the program for extra measure and met my best girlfriend Sabrina because of it and would later create “The Tiki Book.”

90% of the alumni for that program for 1999 and 2000, didn’t need to continue their education to a four year. Some did. One of my other best girlfriend (yes, I have two!) got accepted to Art Center, a prestigous, high-calliber design school in Pasadena, California. That right there tells you how complete and incredible our design program was. No one got accepted to a school like that before. I still keep in touch with most people from there, teachers and all. It was a special time and place and we all knew it. The two groups were incredible people and we all relish how damn good it was. So there’s your answer…was that too long? I thought you said you wanted a novel! Oh…not enough time? Biscuits!


Who or what inspires you?

I am such a visual freak that I don’t think I could pinpoint one or two specific things or people that inspires me. The people on the HOW forum inspire me. Jeff Fisher inspires me to excel in my business, he’s my role model of the design entrepreneur, but then again, so is Von Glitschka. Von inspires me to cart my sketch book around with me. I will always remember what he said about getting better at illustrating. “I tell my daughters; the only way to get better is to continue doing it. Keeping picking up the pencil and do it every day.” Or at least the first part of that quote is right. Davpunk, Chimpy, (Dave Pasciuto I think is his non-monkey-mother name.) His work is inspiring. He has this incredible skill with light and shadow that is amazing. Chris Hayes is another, of No.e studios. His own wedding invitation was remarkable. Which reminds me, I need to get him a F.A.O Schwartz Gift Certificate or something for a copy of that. I could go on and on and on, and I am sure there would be someone left out, so I probably should stop with the HOW list. Ash is incredible with her books, so freakin' talented. Oh - one last couple. No…they aren’t a couple, but they are both photographers. Janet Little and Joseph Blend; both are masters of their own universe with their field of photography. I am constantly amazed at the talent.

I would say - as far as people who inspire me, they are the ones who have come before me, the ones who are established in their businesses. Especially the one’s who are entrepreneurs, because I relate to them, I am one myself. We all have this drive, this undying thirst to be
better, to reinvent, to continually create. I could never answer this question without mentioning those outside the design field. The Gert Boyle’s of the world. The pioneers of entrepreneurial spirit and success. They help me to remember that when I fall, to just get up, brush myself off and keep going. To do otherwise would be blasphemy!

Design to me is a lifestyle, not necessarily just a career. I’m sure others will agree with me that we, as designers, are drawn to well-designed stuff. Take Target; for example. I love Target. Why? Because they take the time and resources to implement design on every level of the customer’s experience. Heck, I even saw someone take cell phone photos of the illustrations that adorn all of their Halloween displays, simply because it was done so well. Does that say anything? I have a fascination and addiction to glass, especially cobalt blue glass. Vases, candle holders, anything really that in my eyes is a work of art. I go into Costco and massage wine labels and their bottles, call me crazy. Why do I like Apple products? Same thing…they respect
design and spend an incredible amount of time and energy using it to its potential.

I guess what I am saying is that I am inspired by my world, the things I encounter, and the people that I encounter along the way. The artists, the illustrators, the entrepreneurs. There you have it.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

Answered this one in the pivotal moment…didn’t I? Oh yeah, I there’s more to that story. Not enough room on the blog to go on? GETOUT!


How do you keep “fresh” within your industry?

Hmm…O.K. - this ties into the self-taught, training question too, I saved it for this; I just knew you’d ask this one. There’s two halves to this entity, I call it my Whipped Mojo. One is moving forward as an entrepreneur. The other half is strictly design oriented. I keep fresh in the entrepreneur spirit by constantly looking for ways to improve my edge over the competition. I am always reading, always researching subjects on the web. I have a knack for obtaining and
filing information; some may call it an obsession. This, however, gives me an upper hand in the game, because I can latch onto new technology as it’s coming up the pike.

I can reveal some of the most recent success of this; ‘cause it’s on my web site. Others are industry secrets I can’t yet reveal. I figured out, somewhere along the way that I had to differentiate myself from other web developers if that was a field I wanted to tackle. What I
discovered is that most web sites are not cross-browser, cross-platform compatible. I saw this as an opportunity, bought a book or two, and taught myself to use XHTML and CSS to their fullest potential. I ditched Dreamweaver, which some might disagree with, but for me I wanted to banish using a program as a crutch. Now I can offer this to my clients and have a certain edge that others may not. The hardest part of this? I’m so right brain it isn’t even funny! Trying to stretch that left brain, by hand coding everything is a kicker.

Marketing has been something else I realized needed to be in my bag of tricks. I had been one of the “victims,” if you can call it that, of the economy tanking in 2001. I knew that I had find out how others were surviving, and discovered that I needed to find a niche. By accident, I found that I had an immense passion for board-sports, so this is now my niche that I focus on. The marketing aspect came about while doing research for a colleague who was hit by the web taking over her industry, she’s an independent travel agent. It was here that I realized that somehow, I became an expert at researching subjects on the internet. I’m sure I wasn’t born with it, but it is a talent nonetheless.

The second half of my Whipped Mojo, we have my field, graphic design. I think trusting your own instincts is the key. I have tried to keep away from looking at design annuals and such, because in the end, it is your vision, your creativity that clients hire you for. I do look at some stuff online, like the HOW forum. I also check out a gazillion web sites within the board-sports industry. I also have an incredible library of sites that have their pulse on trends, demographics, like teens, 25-30 year old men, etc. Damn, there’s the marketing thing again. You can’t hide from it, it’s always there no matter what your specific design field, you have to know your audience.


What are some of your current projects?

Well, lessee…there’s 4 web sites I am working on. The clients consist of an Estate attorney, a Spa on Wheels type company, my own Business and Life Coach’s site (we are in the process of a brand-new site) a graphic designer, and well, that’s it. I’m working on a logo for the Spa on wheels company as well. My own re-launch is still going strong, which means a ton of marketing.


Which projects are you most proud of? And why?

I would have to say, right now, “The Tiki Book” self-promotion piece I did for my own studio a couple of years ago. Why? Because it started as a design school project. It was so well received that one day, I thought, “Hmm…why can’t I do this for real?” It was such an intense process. I raised the bar for this version quite high. Hundreds (or so it seemed) of hours went into researching the history of Tiki, the genre and the people that it came from. It was a labor of love, and it was the biggest learning experience I could have ever self-started. It was well received by those who got one, and I am still in touch with some of those recipients. Did I mention I wrote the whole thing? Yeah -I wrote the whole book, so my writing really got stepped up a notch too during this process. Ah - writing another love, another talent…but that's a whole other barrel of Chimpy sticks.

The main reason I am proud of it is the fact that I never gave up, and now the damn thing has some incredible, edible legs! Because it was featured in Jeff Fisher’s book, I am getting way more out of it than I ever could have imagined at the time the idea was conceived! I thank
Jeff profusely for that opportunity. The only link I can provide is this: http://www.whiplashdesign.com/richter.html, because the other main photo is within a PHP gallery section.

I also have to say my own web site in its current state. Link is here: http://www.whiplashdesign.com Davepunk doesn’t think so, but he isn’t aware of the learning curve I had to tackle, the umpteen hours of studying and hand coding. Plus, now that this process is over, it all comes so easily now, and that is priceless. I even know PHP code because of it. Shut Up! Yes, shut up indeed. (K - a little valley girl speak, get over it.)


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I have just recently begun to understand and use my “Eye” (that extra gift that the creator gave me, which I have not mentioned here yet) for photography and I love it. I want to continue down this road. This new aspect of viewing photography as an art form rather than a necessity,
is due on part to Joseph Blend. I do some painting and wish to continue that as well. I want to be fluent in many areas actually. I have the talent and ability, so why not? If that sounds conceited, well go hug a rainbow! I would like to sharpen my illustrating skills, and not the computer stuff, I do well at it, but it ain’t my bag of funky dust.


Any advice to the novice designer / illustrator?

I would say, get an education. Find your Passion! Find your passion, and go for it! Otherwise, you will die old and bitter. I know too many people, my relatives included, that hate what they do. They’re in retail or some other dead-end job. I wish that they had someone that could have moved them to pursue their passion, as I did. You will always be a work in progress, so never forget that learning is a bottomless goblet, it will never empty and you will never die of thirst (in this respect anyway.) Oh - and don’t go to the computer immediately with a design project.
Respect the graphic design history and the hands on skills that have been used for our profession, a piece of paper and pencil is your friend. Learn brainstorming techniques, if you don’t know where to start, buy a book. “The Do-It-Yourself-Lobotomy” is a good start.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

CONCEPT. Period. Clarity is the sister to a concept. If you have a concept and clearly visually represent your message, and people “get it” right away, no questions asked…then you’ve done your job.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

Balance in one’s life is important. If you let your career take over, work all hours of the day, and at lunch you find yourself doing work in front of your computer…you’re on your way to burnout. I learned this the hard way. You must do things outside, go to movies, to galleries, to dinner, whatever. But take those times for yourself and your loved ones. Take time for yourself as well, I call it “ME Time.”


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

Desperate Housewives, LOST and ALIAS. Alias is waning on me though - the pregnancy thing and Vaughn getting killed off was just too much to swallow. I just know they’ll pull another of their stunts and bring Vaughn back from the dead, which they would have jumped the shark. The others are my new favorites. I love JJ Abrahms, his Alias story lines are so intricate and tightly wound together, criss-crossing each other. He has (along with the others on the team) have done the same with Lost - Can ya tell I like the smart, “thinking-man’s” dramas??


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