Truth in advertising … Does anyone actually consider Swedish Fish a food ?!!? I realize it may be fat free, but seriously … Food !!

I saw this packaging / POP display for Swedish Fish at the cafe downstairs, and I just couldn’t resist.

As I was walking home the other afternoon from the 1 train, I passed a corner bodega with tons of magazine hung in the window. These three stood out! A bit overboard, wouldn’t you say?

With so much of the publishing industry faltering, I wonder how long these pubs will hang on. Honestly, is there a large enough audience to keep all three of these magazines in business? How much value is there for the advertisers? It just seems that this would be such a small, niche audience that these magazines would have closed their doors long ago!

And on a side note … I wonder if its hard for these guys to tie their shoes!

As a designer, many times I am both. Not by choice!

I emphatically believe that design is not art. But defining the difference between design and art is a lengthy debate not to be had via this venue.

I am passionate beyond belief for my work … Trust me, just ask some of my clients. My level of specificity borders on the insane. Some may say well beyond that border! Regardless, there is a fine line to tread between these two “personas.” And even though clearly drawn in the sand, the struggle still exists as to which side I must tender.

Here’s the thing … “Love” in this world is cheap! While I do generally agree with this, I have a hard time believing that “love” can’t necessarily pay the bills. Herein lies my struggle.

So, what would purity in the city look like? How visible would just a small amount of purity in the chaos and distraction of New York City? That was a recent question in my mind. Through a somewhat strange, off beat mental journey I came up with white balloons filled with helium. You don’t usually see a big bunch of balloons in the ciy. And when you do … Well, there is something refreshing about that sight.

I walked around Manhattan for a few hours toting my 25 balloons, camera and some light gear. And let me tell you … What an experience! I had more random conversations, smiles, giggles, waves, gestures, and hellos in those three short hours than any other three hours in my life!

New York City is such a surprising place.

Apparently there are so many Starbucks in NYC that they are now taking it to the streets and have an army of coffee trucks. You can literally find a Starbucks on every other block in Manhattan. Jenny and I were down in Tribeca doing a photoshoot at dusk when this bright blue truck rolled by. I just couldn’t resist.

“Humankind cannot stand very much reality.”

T.S. Elliot

Well, that’s not entirely true. Yes, I am a graphic designer by education and thousands of hours of work experience. However, I am not a Graphic Designer … I will not allow myself to be so narrowly defined. While graphic design is a part of who I am and what I do, it is not my sole responsibility.

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.

We ran a quick errand over the weekend which took us to midtown, to drop off my new/antique watch at jewelers for a little speed up. Regardless, I had the camera with me for a change. So, here are a few shots from what became a productive errand, in more ways than one.

Zach & Kalea

Oliver

Oliver

Jen P.

Natalia

Nate

Jen P. and Jen B.

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.