Click the image to enlarge.

The above graphic is something I decided to plot out … A visualization of Mission Creep. Or in other words, the process of continuous lack of decision along a projected path of project execution. The goal of this graphic is to map the direct correlation between lack of decision and increase in cost for the project.

So many are hindered by the thought of failure, that they are not willing to even attempt the smallest amount risk to reach any success. Fear can be crippling. But I’m more fearful of not succeeding, than I am of potential failure. Failure is not the end all, be all. Its just one step in realizing the solution. Failure is the path to success. How many different light bulb experiments did Edison create before one actually worked? Over 10,000!

Many times, clients are blind to the potential of  success. And we must be stewards of that potential, bridging the perceived valley of death. Regardless of the visual aesthetics of any given design, it holds very little value in the equation of success divided by risk multiplied by cost. Conservative practicality will always prevail … it’s safe. Unless, the potential of success is properly communicated. If at first it not understood, repeat. And yet still not understood, then adjust the explanation. And repeat as necessary.

Stewardship of potential is key to attaining success with a client.

Read. Think. Then Reply. You’ll sound Genius!

Ok, while that may not be exactly 100% truthful, one can at least guard themselves from sounding or appearing to be less than competent. It easy, really!

Yes! Love it! This is how I see typography.

via ffffound via i love typography by Jihad Lahham

I started really exploring Google Earth outside of just “flying” around and looking at the 3D buildings in my neighborhood. Exploration with cause is usually much more beneficial.

Currently working on a somewhat “interactive” map of vineyards in Napa, I’ve been taking images from Google Earth as a base. Then work some magic in Photoshop. Its turning out nicely. Yes, it feels a bit barren, but it’s California.

Strategic planning, operations orientation, photography, brand mission development, content direction & creation, social media tactics, outlining marketing strategy … The list could go on and on. And I’m also tasked with becoming an expert in dietary supplements, carbon fiber manufacturing & crew boat racing, latex foam pillows & mattresses, the boutique cult wine world, luxury bath fixtures … The list could go on and on.

And yet, I’m just a “graphic designer.” From the lists above, does it sound like I play with crayons all day? This is the overall perception of “graphic design.” And the cherry on top is that no client has any interest, or holds any value on typographic rudiments, color theory, composition … The list could go on and on.

My tone may sound frustrated, but let me clarify, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Saw this ad on the train heading back into Manhattan … And my obscene compulsiveness noticed that the “ticker” of CNBC on the cell phone read only “First in Business Worldwide” over and over and over and over. From my experience at CNN, the “ticker” never says the same thing twice. I wonder if someone forgot to update this information, or was this intentional so that the ad would not be tied to any particular current event(s)? It seems the copywriter had an opportunity here to use the features of this new technology as info on the “ticker.”

Either way … It’s ashame this space was wasted for such a mediocre tagline!

What’s wrong with this image? I wonder if this advertisement was designed for an upside down installation. Something found on the way to the studio!

Update: So, I just discovered this is a new Gatorade product, Shine On. And I don’t think the upside down installation was intentional. However it might be … Apparently this is a new product for Gatorade AM. I’m assuming a Gatorade product to jump start your morning. Therefore it would, in many ways, make sense to install this advertisement upside down.

With this context in mind, how strong is design?

First let me state, that I see myself in two parts — as a refiner of problems, and a designer of strategic and holistic solutions. I did believe for a long time that the strength of design is only as strong as my ability to defend the designed solution. In the past few years, I have come to realize the designed solution does not need “defending.” Especially, from the likes of a designer. Or rather, in design terms. The strength of the designed solution lies in my ability to articulate its value as a holistic solution in terms that address the business objectives of the initially refined problem.

Explain why the design solution works, not why its pretty.

Please take note of the top four search terms on Google today … December 31st. Looks like there’s some Christmas gift gloom here … Seems that a lot of those Microsoft Zune mp3 players purchased as Christmas gifts aren’t working out so well. Just another reason to not purchase Microsoft products.