Character in progress...

Drawing

...karate rhinos today.

Secret Life of Everyday Things

More here.

Baby named "Facebook"?

 

Crazy Egyptians! Why didn't they mention her older sister Twitter? Full story here.

New JCPenny logo.

I don't mind it as much as the abandoned/new Gap logo, but: 1) Why can't I get these easy jobs? 2) Why do all of these designers produce lame explanations of the designs? "Evoke a sense of movement and discovery" read more. Give me a break.

Super Fun!

Logo project this week, Cee Lo on the radio- life is good.

Damn Piranha Plant.

Rodeo Day?

    Rodeo Day at school for my son Miles yesterday. WTF, Rodeo Day!? I never got a Rodeo Day at public school. When the kid comes home with complimentary cowboy hat, bandana around his neck and a huge smile on his face- I feel just fine about paying monthly tuition.

What do you think?

My friend over at The Hopostle and I were in a slight debate. I assumed this logo sported a hop leaf & he called me out on the obvious, claiming it was a chestnut tree leaf. What do you think? Both are very similar. *My full logo review is below.

 

    In a world of glossy, three dimensional logos, this represents a nice change of pace. Utilizing complimentary colors in a slightly retro (for lack of a better term) design, this logo stands out amongst other local breweries. The layout reminds me of an electricians emblem, in a good way, almost demanding respect.
    The fonts are easy to read, making me appreciate the sans-serif look. The negative space used in the glass is clever, but leads me to my only question about the design. Is the leaf from a chestnut tree, or hop plant? Overall, I'd wear a t-shirt adorned with this logo and rate it a solid B+ (only because I wish I could have had a stab at the design).

Rad!

Somebody drives this daily. Radical.

Swamped!

Tax season has kept me too busy to post lately.

Did find time to read this funny article though.

Thanks Mickey, and Happy Valentine's Day to the best wife in the world!

So...

I'm working on a difficult project today. Does this concept make sense?

Straight out of a Norman Rockwell scene...

The annual doctor's visit, all are healthy and still very short.

Cool business cards?

Designing a custom set of these for a client today, I like the concept.  Makes me want a square logo...

Future of Logo Design?

A client asked me if I could design a logo like this. I don't want to. It will never translate to print correctly, as it's photographic/too many colors/gradients. I know this from years of print/embroidery experience. Is this really my competition? The future for logo design? Successful brands continue to use iconic/symbolic logos (Apple, Coke, Nike), not this 3D rendered crap, so I guess I'm not too worried- or am I just stuck in my old ways, unable to accept change?

Sleepy Maxx

My wife takes the best photos.

Funny to me.

The Facebook conversation/thread below is hilarious, but may require a preface to fully appreciate. Trent and Jennifer are good friends of mine and have been a couple for quite a while (last names omitted to respect privacy).

*Best of luck to Audra @ the new gig! You'll be missed in St. Louis.

Need advice

I blast out a monthly email to all of my contacts either offering a promo or deal, etc. I'm having trouble coming up with something for February, so I wouldn't mind getting some input from anyone willing. I'm not the best salesman, as the below image has been my most clever marketing bit yet, so please help! I'm thinking maybe offer a "refer a friend" program- where I pay a finder's fee to anyone that can track down a logo project...

Silly fonts!

More here

"The Diesel" Keisel

I don't follow football, but will be will be attending the annual Super Bowl get-together, as usual.  Something about the game today is enticing me to place a small bet to make it interesting. Maybe it's all the hype, as both teams seem to have super-dedicated fans. My heart says go with Green Bay, as I've had some good times up there and went to school in Milwaukee. However, the Steelers have a better logo (pointed out by my lovely wife). Plus they have this dude below playing for them.

(Thanks SHFT for the article)

Catholic bishops place bets on Super Bowl

Guess this answers my question of "is gambling a sin"?

Still doesn't help me pick a winner for tomorrow.

?

Finding my most recent search results pretty funny for some reason.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

Read the full story here.

   Business was booming last week and now slow this week- you think I'd get used to it. Regardless, if you know any small business owners- send them my way for a new logo, business cards, magnets, etc. I'd also appreciate any marketing advice out there, I need some new ways to get people to my site!

MIAD

   Although I didn't score a degree from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, the 2 years I spent there were amazing. I know I wouldn't be where I am right now without that experience. It wasn't so much the classes and teachers, but the other students I met that inspired me then, and continue to.

  Anyhow, It was very cool and a little surprising to find out that a MIAD professor designed the new HTML logo above. Although this new logo has gotten some negative publicity- what new corporate logo hasn't lately? Read more here.

Snow snow snow

Looking forward to a vacation in Wisconsin this summer.

Logo Faux Pas?

Much like the Gap logo commotion, you will probably hear about this one. The top is the old logo and bottom is the new. I thought for sure the Gap's mistake was intentional for publicity, but I'm not quite sure about this one...

Happy Birthday Maxx!

 
Happy birthday to the most clever 4 year old I know, my boy Maxx. May your curiosity and enthusiasm keep you interested and ambitious in everything you do!