Show & Tell: Collection

Top left to bottom right:
1) Early draft of Ariel
2) Revised draft of Ariel, complete with breasts, a crown, and holding a flower
3) Is it an alien or a butterfly or an alien butterfly?
4) Sophia and Liliana flying to Grandma's house... who needs a plane?
5) Titled "Disney Minnie"
6) Sophia's family, in order of ascending height: cat Sebastian, dog Ramses, sister Lily, herself, her Mommy (me), and her Daddy.
7) Spider web and two spiders (both spiders have exactly 8 legs each)
8) Sophia is a budding composer, as well
9) Lion (probably Simba)
10) Rudolph leads the other reindeer in pulling Santa's sleigh

I collect the drawings of both of my children, from the time they could first use a crayon. My four-year-old daughter, Sophia, is highly prolific. She can plow through a ream of paper faster than a copy machine at Kinko's! Sophia is now well into in her second 5-inch binder. I only save the best of the best, and it's still a daunting task.

I am continually inspired by her innocence. This quality alone allows her to be free to explore her artistic talent without self editing, for which adults are often guilty.

I love Sophia's perseverance and her ability to watch a show only once and commit the characters to memory. She practices the same thing over and over till she is pleased with the accuracy of her rendering. I enjoy the progression and development of her skills.

Creative CV: tips & tricks

Bob was my inspiration for this entry. He asked for input on his résumé. I posted a comment, then thought about sharing it with all of you. Of course, I added other points of interest to keep in mind, so it isn't Bob's critique verbatim. I realize many people already know this, but you'd be surprised how many don't (for instance, someone who starts grad school immediately after undergrad). So if this post helps even one person (Bob included), it was worth my time to write. If it helps no one, its no worse than any self-indulgent blog I've read.

I've worked as a designer, an art director, a creative director, and an educator. I've seen a lot of CVs (on the hiring end) and I've held a lot of jobs. My creative CV has gotten me many, many interviews (and the job!).

First of all, always use the industry standard for terminology, when you send correspondence and in an interview. In the educational arena, no one calls it a résumé. It's a CV, short for "curriculum vitae." Also, I may be wrong about this (a writer's opinion, please) but if you do not spell résumé with the use of accent marks, it reads as the word resume [ri-zoom], meaning to take back or begin again.

If you are a designer, it is imperative that you actually design your resume. This is your number one marketing tool, and it's your first impression. If it's not a strong one, it will promptly get filed (in the trash). You have only seconds to entice the reader to learn more about you. Presentation is everything.

Use a grid. As with any design project, always consider the underlying structure.

There should be something that separates you from the other 100 or more résumés (no joke) that the potential employer receives. In addition to making a visual impact (and I don't mean kitschy or gimmicky stuff - rather strong design), make it memorable. A unique design on a standard-sized but high-quality sheet, or an unusual shape (other than 8.5x11) is memorable. Just keep in mind that the format should still be easily copied, scanned, and faxed. For example, 7.5x10 or 7.5x11 still fits on a standard-sized copy board. Who said the paper has to be white? Get a hold of some paper samples and choose a beautiful paper color and texture, not just standard laser paper. Remember that any changes that deviate from the "norm" should be smart design decisions. Most times, you'll email a PDF of your CV or apply online initially, but it's always good to have a hard copy of your CV when you go for the interview.

Excellent writing is memorable, and it makes a strong statement about you. As with every assignment you've had in grad school, you should challenge yourself to be creative in the way you present yourself (written voice).

Rethink the wheel. Rewrite those old, boring category names (experience, knowledge, education) using creative words, maybe some powerful verbs? Also rethink how you tell about the job descriptions. Maybe they are not even necessary? Most people skim over that "blah blah blah" section of a CV because there's nothing new there. You discuss all that in an interview, anyway, and often it's mentioned in a cover letter. If you keep the descriptions, have a little fun with creative writing. A professional designer or writer will appreciate good writing with a fun delivery. They will sense your enthusiasm.

List your Web site or blog. Don't have one? Better get one.

Run spell check. If your CV and cover letter is one of over one-hundred a blatant typo is reason enough to exclude you from an interview.

Don't lie. Don't even stretch the truth about who you are, what you know, where you've worked and how long, where you went to school (and whether you graduated), or the extent of your software knowledge. In an interview, be completely truthful about your part in any piece you show. Don't let them assume you did everything from concept to published piece if your only involvement was layout for someone else's idea. And that's not a bad thing. Employers want to know that you work well independently, but also as part of a team.

Lastly, extensive lists of software only prove that you are a skilled technician, but a future employer wants to know that you can think. Don't just tell them where you've worked, where you've gone to school and the software programs you know. Remember, say it or show it. Your CV should SHOW it. Prove to the viewer that you are worthy of an interview.

Booklet Copy

Heaven is a thick, perfectly square, lightly starched, fastidiously pressed, and meticulously folded napkin. A simple meal becomes a special occasion. A special occasion blossoms into a memorable event. All things are good in heaven, and it begins here.

A cloth napkin is a brilliant accessory to dining. You can play with it, gesture with it, tuck it into your shirt like a bib, rumple it, or dab your eyes with it after a particularly hilarious joke. Most importantly, you can wipe smudges and stray bits of food from your face. Of course it gets dirty, but that’s the point. It’s supposed to get dirty, so that you don’t. The upside is that cloth napkins are easily laundered to use again and again.

There are few alternatives to the aesthetic of a folded napkin. Whether you liken napkin folding to the fine art of Japanese origami or you revel in the postmodern ability to immediately deconstruct it, you will appreciate its impact. Your guests will delight in your attention to detail, and they’ll always remember their funky friend who transformed the dining table into an art gallery.

WATER LILY
Adorn each place setting with this fancy flower fold and transform your table into a beautiful garden. You can also place the flower fold into a stemmed glass for genuine floral appeal.
1. Fold the four corners so that the points meet in the center; press flat. Adjust the napkin carefully so that all the new corners are sharp.
2. Repeat the same process a second time.
3. Holding the center points together, carefully turn the napkin over. Once again, fold the four corners so that the points meet in the center, but do not press flat.
4. Hold the center firmly with two fingers. With the other hand, gently pull out the previous folds from under each corner till the petals are formed. (If you wish to make cup-shaped petals for holding rolls, simply pull the corners up while forming the petals.)

BISHOP’S HAT
A classic fold for any occasion, the Bishop’s Hat is formal and traditional. The proportions are important, so adjustment of the folds may be necessary as you practice the steps.
1. Begin with the corners of the napkin top and bottom in the shape of a diamond. Fold the corner at the top down till it meets the corner nearest you, forming a triangle.
2. Place your finger at the center of the top edge and fold the right corner down to the bottom point nearest you. Repeat with the left corner.
3. Bring the top point down to within 1 inch of the bottom point.
4. Fold the same point up to meet the center of the top edge.
5. Holding the folds in place, flip the napkin over so that the napkin now points up, away from you.
6. Place your left hand, fingers together and palm up, on top of the napkin. Fold the left corner to a little bit past the center point along the bottom edge and hold in place with your thumb.
7. Fold the right corner toward the center and tuck the corner inside the flap of the fold made by the left side.
8. Holding the tucked-in fold together, round it out carefully and place it standing on the plate. The decorative folds should face the diner.
9. Gently pull the front top corners of the napkin down and out a bit, like flower petals.

SWEET HEART
Perfect for Valentine’s Day or a family gathering, but a charming gesture for any occasion. The romantic shape warms your guest’s hearts and leaves a lasting impression. It is important to use a napkin that will hold a crease; thick, heavy napkins are not well suited for this fold.
1. Fold the napkin in half, bringing the top edge down towards you.
2. Fold the bottom edges up, just short of the top.
3. Place a finger at the center of the bottom edge and fold both sides up to meet the middle.
4. Fold each of the four top corners behind (forming triangles) to create the top lobes of the heart.

PRETTY POCKET
Smart design combines silverware and napkin in an attractive, compact package that stacks easily, and guests at a buffet or picnic can help themselves.
1. Fold the napkin up into a rectangle with the folded edge at the bottom.
2. Fold the top layer down to meet the bottom edge.
3. Fold only the top layer half way up from the bottom. Carefully turn the napkin over.
4. Fold the left and right sides of the design till they meet in the center.
5. Tuck one half of the napkin deep into the other half, locking the napkin flat. Turn napkin over and insert cutlery into the pocket.

MODERN STYLE
Unusual geometry and simple lines complete the gestalt of your presentation. The simple shapes beg the question “Why didn’t I think of that?”
1. Begin with the corners of the napkin top and bottom in the shape of a diamond.
2. With a finger at the bottom point, fold both sides in to meet the center line.
3. Repeat the same process a second time.
4. Turn the napkin over, keeping the long point facing you. Bring the bottom point up to meet the top, folding the design in half. Tuck the point into the fold.
5. Carefully turn the napkin over.

PEACOCK TAIL
Casual or formal, this uncomplicated design provide a fanciful display. Placed beside the plate, it creates an abstract but refined arrangement.
1. Fold the napkin up into a rectangle with the folded edge at the bottom.
2. Fold the right edge to meet the left edge, forming a square.
3. Grasp the top layer of the bottom left corner, pulling it gently and directly to the right, till it forms a large triangle pointing upward. Make small adjustments as necessary, so that edges line up exactly.
4. Turn the napkin over. Grasp the top layer of the bottom right corner, pulling it gently to meet the bottom left corner. This will form a large triangle. Make small adjustments as necessary, so that edges line up exactly.
5. Bring the bottom left corner of the triangle to meet the bottom right corner. You should now have four folded triangles stacked atop one another.
6. Hold the folds together at the top point. To fan the layers grasp the top three triangles and move them a bit to the left. Repeat with the remaining triangles, spacing them evenly. Place the napkin on the plate with the folds pointing up to resemble a bird’s tail.

SEA SHELL
Soft folds combine to form a splendid sea shell. This dainty design beckons a familiar and friendly setting for your special dinner party.
1. Fold the napkin into quarters. Place in a diamond shape with the closed corner points up.
2. Starting at the bottom point, grasp the first layer and bring it up to meet the top point.
3. Bring the second layer of the bottom point up to within 1 inch of the top point. Repeat with remaining two layers, so that each edge shows and the layers are evenly spaced.
4. Flip the napkin over; the point should now be facing down.
5. Place a finger at the center of the top edge and fold left and right corners down to meet the middle and create a point at the top.
6. Pinch the folds together at the top and bottom and fluff them slightly before placing the napkin on a plate.

Practice makes perfect.
Before folding a design using a crisply starched and pressed napkin, it’s best to “iron out the wrinkles” in your technique to avoid extra creases. Use the enclosed napkin to practice, practice, practice till your folds are perfect.

Once you’ve mastered the fold, add your own personal touch; choose the napkin pattern and color you feel best suits each design. When choosing napkins, consider heavy linen or cotton napkins. They starch to a firm, crisp surface ideal for folding. Collect various patterns and colors that compliment your décor and personal style. Complicated folds require larger napkins, a minimum of 18–20 inches. The napkins must measure as perfect squares, and the fabric must
be cut straight on the weave to ensure that the cloth will not pull out of shape easily. High quality napkins will yield great results.

For best results, napkins should be washed, treated with starch, and ironed while damp. Intricate folds require traditional starch to yield a sufficiently crisp finish. When ironing, gently pull the napkins as needed to ensure that they are perfectly square. Unless otherwise specified, always begin with the wrong side (back side of napkin) facing up.

You’re well on your way to the perfect dining experience. Welcome to the pearly gates of Heaven. Enjoy.

Part 3: Reliving

"Hey Daddy-O. It's me. Jannie Annie. I'm here now."

I held his hand and spoke gently into his ear. The ventilator prevented any verbal response, but he responded with his eyes. Try as he might, he could not open them to see me. I knew he could hear me. "It's okay, Dad. I know you can't talk. Just listen. I want to tell you how much I love you."

God answered my prayers. This was my opportunity for closure. I stayed with him for hours, holding his hand the whole time as I reminisced.

"Wow, I bought a really great card shuffler for you on Sunday night. I was going to give it to you for Christmas, along with a cribbage board that would be easier to see the pegs, and a new deck of cards. You know, your deck is missing a Jack. I keep wondering how all of those games might have been different if we'd had it. I was looking forward to our next cribbage tournament. I think I'll buy the stuff, anyway. I want to teach Hugh how to play. I'll miss playing with you, but I'll always think of you when I play that game. I'll also think of you any time I play Yahtzee. Those were good times, too."

"I remember when Jill and I were real young, about Sophia's age. You'd be working at the drafting table in the basement, and we would come sit on the steps in front of you. You always took the time to stop working and make funny faces for us. We would double over in hysterical laughter. Our cheeks and guts ached from overuse of muscles. I remember you could wiggle your ears. I never mastered that, but I know I inherited your funny faces gene. I make silly faces for my kids all the time. They love it. And I always tell them that I got those funny faces from Grandpa."

"I recall walking to church together on Sunday mornings, sometimes just the two of us. I remember those walks well. We walked together and we talked about religion or whatever else that had me curious. We walked together to be with God. This time you'll make the walk alone, but I'm here with you, holding your hand just as you did mine. You'll always be with me. Go ahead, Dad. Walk with God. Be at peace. And I'll walk again with you one day. Good bye for now. I love you, Dad."

I shared the story of our walks with God when I delivered his eulogy. My brother and my niece also spoke, and a recurring theme arose. Dad's gifts were purposeful. A good man with good intentions, he led by example. I learned a lot from him about being ethical and moral. I'm not near the Christian he was, but I strive to be more like him every day that I live.

Show & Tell: Dying to Show You

My "Starry Night" handbag (shown in class) was my inspiration for collecting unusual and unique bags. Over the years I've amassed an extensive collection. Can you believe someone made a handbag from a Maryland license plate? Even the rubber used for the strap is recycled material from the tires. Santa is carved of monkey wood. Timmy Woods does a new Santa wooden design every year. The zipper purse is loads of fun. Mine is black, but this photo (in orange) better shows the process of assembly.

elfyourself.com

Everyone needs a little break. Nothing wrong with a little comic relief to get you through. These two little elves are my daughters.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9630851112

3D project: the angry migraine

No forewarning, the angry migraine is triggered. A small annoying dot of white light appears. The edges of the dot pulsate rhythmically like a heartbeat. It’s impenetrable. Eyes open, eyes shut, the aura lingers. Squeezing shut, tighter and longer each time, nothing makes it disappear. The vivid blaze of white energy multiplies in size, morphing and consuming everything around it, till its victim is sucked into the gargantuan silent abyss. It can’t be willed away, it’s too late.

Deep, throbbing torment pounds inside, not begging for escape, rather delighting in wretched demeanor. A forlorn promise pit-a-pats and vibrates, enveloping all sensibility. Temples hammer with contempt, and a bitter pain permeates every crevice. Small sounds shrill like sirens. Even a comforting touch proves menacing as it reverberates deep into the outer reaches of every muscle. The haunting ordeal begets bleary and debilitated prey.

Seething, tumultuous waves engulf its victim’s gut, and anxiety exacerbates hopelessness. Pangs of agitation churn and rankle with every splash of its tide. A rush of vociferous growls echo aloud. The anguish intensifies, and the storm rages relentlessly. Stabbing shards violently scrape hollow, empty walls. The carefully calculated casualty is left queasy and tired, cognizant of inevitable fate. It will get worse before it gets better.

Agony twists and entangles, spiraling violently downward in a snare of despair. It spins furiously and abruptly crashes. The splat echoes a grotesque, heightened consciousness. It triumphs. Only now can its unabashed conquest begin the laborious ascent, a tedious, interminable process of healing. Fury subsides, but the residual effects resonate indefinitely.

Well Done: annual report

Brilliant concept, not just putting pictures with words. In fact, there are no words at all… until you bake it to perfection. The Well Done annual report is very well done. Check it out...
http://www.dezeen.com/2007/11/13/well-done-a-food-company-annual-report-that-has-to-be-cooked-first/

Show & Tell: Unnecessary Process

Directions for using Sure deodorant:
Apply to underarms only.

Where else would you apply it?
Shouldn't this be a warning instead?

Women In Art

Ed Gold told me about this video. It is absolutely beautiful. Check it out.

Show & Tell: Definition

The Effect of Black Lace On the Male Imagination.
The women in Goya’s paintings, wrapped in their black lace mantillas, have fascinated male connoisseurs for 200 years.

A more recent artist, this one an American, confessed that he became obsessed with the Brooklyn Bridge because its cablework reminded him of black net stockings.

(I am trying to keep this discussion on an elevated level.) There’s a wonderful paradox here. Black lace should logically seem to ensnare the woman who wears it…but in fact, the viewer is ensnared.

Bewitching Black-Lace Blouse (No. 1944), indispensable for your upcoming evening affairs. Acres of intricate floral lace with silkcharmeuse front placket and bands at turn-down cuffs. Silk-covered buttons, like delicious little lozenges. Hidden stays to keep collar pert.

Blouse comes with matching silk-charmeuse camisole that has adjustable shoulder straps, bust darts; to be worn underneath on most (but not necessarily all) occasions.

from the J Peterman catalog

Subject du jour

We've all noticed color palettes and styles that come and go, whether it's clothing, furniture, bedding, or wall colors for the home. Trends can "date" a piece; it happens routinely in the cyclical nature of fashion.

Graphic design falls into the same habits. Sure, styles and trends can date your work. But what about overuse, where you no longer make an impact? We see the same things over and over, and we lose interest. Sometimes it's not a national or international trend. It may be a rut we create on a smaller scale, within a work environment or in the classroom.

One trend in our classroom is the simple mention of Spanx in every brainstorm. It's innocent and lightly humorous, mainly because no one actually does a project about Spanx. And if it were done once for a project it would probably still be funny.

I've observed another very common theme in our class. Even if our professors love monsters and zombies, there should be a more compelling reason to choose that subject matter. Maybe the interest is genuine and the existing knowledge base is great but, if anything, isn't that reason enough NOT to do it? Haven't we seen enough zombies, monsters, and vampires to last us all a lifetime?! We should all be challenged to step outside of our comfort zone and try new things.

Am I the only one who is [yawn] completely bored with this subject matter? Anyone care to weigh in on this?

Part 2: Dying

The ring of the telephone awakened me that morning. It was Mom. The angioplasty was successful, but Dad had not stabilized after the surgery. The dehydration was severe, his kidneys were failing. Pneumonia had set it. The blockage in his heart had been cleared, but his ticker was not strong. Tears welled in my eyes as I asked, though knowing the answer, "Do I need to come?"

At breakfast I cried uncontrollably. I couldn't hide it from the girls, and I didn't care. It's okay for them to know that Mommy gets upset, too. Sophia, my four-year old, scolded me. "Mom, I want you to stop your fussing this instant." (Wow, I wonder where she's heard that before?!) In that moment of childhood innocence and comic relief, I took a deep breath and sighed. I explained to Sophia that there is a difference between fussing and being sad. "I'm sad because Grandpa is very sick. He's not doing well." Sophia responded, "I'm sad, too."

As a patient in the Intensive Care Unit, Dad's interaction was limited to no more than two visitors at a time. He had no phone in his room, and cell phones were prohibited. But Mom explained the extenuating circumstances to the doctors, and they granted my wish. I had only moments to express a lifetime of joy. What do I say? Dad tried to talk, but the fluid in his lungs garbled his speech. I could not understand a single syllable he uttered. I interrupted, "Dad. Whatever you are trying to tell me, it just doesn't matter. Mom will tell me. Listen, Dad. I love you. I love you so much. I'm coming."

I had to act fast. Only one airline flies direct to Des Moines, but it's out of Washington, DC. My biggest fear was that I wouldn't get there in time. "What do I pack?" I asked myself. I threw a few random clothes into a bag. Then I stopped to mentally review my dress attire for anything black.

We battled traffic on the capital beltway, and I got to the airport in time, only to find out that the flight was two hours delayed. I explained that I had purchased a bereavement ticket. Of course, the airline convinced me that my direct flight leaving late would get in about the same time as another flight with a layover. The flight was later canceled, and no other carriers could accommodate me any sooner.

I was stuck in an airport for four hours while my father was dying. My emotions were all over the map. I was sad, frightened, pissed off, and anxious. It was a race against time, and I had no control. Crying hysterically, I called my sister. "Tell Mom they canceled my flight, and I'm not going to make it." Mom called me moments later. She informed me, "I'm putting your Dad on life support. I don't know if he will last till you get here, but we hope he will. We'll see you soon." I frantically responded, "Thank you, Mom. Thank you so much. I just want to see him and say goodbye."

Once again, I had hope. I prayed to God, "Don't let him linger. But if it be your will, keep him strong till I can hold his hand, kiss him, and tell him how much I love him."

At last I boarded the plane, and I finally slept. It felt good to let my body and mind shut down. I would need my strength for the hours and days to come. When I awoke, I contemplated and scripted my parting words, my last chance to share my love and my thanks to him.

That day was the longest day of my life… That is, until the dawn of the following day.

Show & Tell: Narrative

I wasn't in class on Saturday, but I'm posting the Show & Tell I intended to share. My niece, Samantha, wrote an adorable story when she was 12 years old. She won all kinds of writing awards for it.

The Rainbow
Once upon a time there was a little sky horse who was the littlest of her kind. All the other sky horses had a horn and the humans called them Unicorns. The littlest did not have a horn so she looked like any other little horse. Her mother named her Uni not knowing she would not become a Unicorn. Uni felt very sad when all the other Unicorns laughed at her because she had now horn. One day a goddess named Iris came along and said that there were often droplets of water falling to Earth's surface caused by one of the sky horses. When she found out that it was Uni she said, "Uni, I will make a special path for you with special colors in it and I will call it a Rainbow. Every time somebody laughs at you a little sparkle will appear and it will move across the sky. You will run after it making a joyful Rainbow. This way down on Earth, people will have something to remember what to do but sometimes she forgot. One day several years later, Iris came back to Uni and said to her, "You did a wonderful job! Even though you forgot sometimes, people are beginning to be more joyful. I will grant you one wish." Uni wished to have a Unicorn horn but Iris did more than that, she gave her wings too! Now when water falls from the sky it is from tears of joy. Uni is so happy with her horn and wings that she will continue making rainbows forever and ever.

Part 1: Unknowing

Note to Amy and Stephanie: this is my second blog entry for last week. I had to leave town before I completed my entries for the week...

Dad was recovering from a fall that broke his hip (again) four weeks earlier. His therapy had been going well, and the doctors expected a full recovery of his hip. This was not the first big health issue he had beat. Dad was like a cat with 9 lives. He always bounced back, and I assumed he'd do the same this time.

Mom called Monday night. "Something's not right with your dad."

Mom suspected dehydration, and I was very concerned. Dad's always been awful about drinking water; he says it "tastes bad." So the likelihood of rehydrating himself was slim to none.

Later that night, Dad was admitted to the hospital. Ironically, he had been discharged earlier that day from the rehabilitation center; he was told he was fine to go home. The ICU is a far cry from home.

I went to bed, and I prayed the phone would not ring. No news is good news.

The phone rang. It was my mom. "How's Dad?"

"Apparently, he suffered a minor heart attack over the weekend," she informed me. "They'll do an angioplasty to determine the blockage. He is dehydrated, but they have to do the surgery. I'll keep you posted."

Something wasn't right with Dad. Everyone had missed the "signs" of a heart attack. Now they just needed to try to "fix" his heart. The doctors discovered the stint that Dad had put in four years ago was now blocked. They cleared the stint and called it done. Crisis averted, for now.

I told myself, "Go to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day. He'll do just fine. He always does."

Trick-or-Treating Gone Bad

5 frames to tell a story. Our group took a good bit of time developing the story/concept, and once we started cutting and pasting we were on a roll. This is the most fun I've had with construction paper since I was a kid!

Se7en

The title sequence for se7en nearly doubles as a trailer for the movie. As with many opening credits for movies type and image provide a short version of the story.

Typography is especially inspirational. The replacement of the "v" with a "7" is a brilliant use of typography.

George Carlin - F*CK Documentary

If you ever need a synonym for "dirty" don't bother with the thesaurus – just listen to this famous bit by Carlin. And he ends with the 7 dirtiest words! Now this is good old-fashioned entertainment!

Show & Tell: Typography

Poetry speaks more eloquently when the presentation is imaginative. The typography has a mood of its own, flowing on the page like a melody. Line breaks are especially important in poetry, where rhythm dictates a pace and tone for the reader.

Classification: Kids' Parties

Party Time! (headline)
What kid doesn’t enjoy the fantasy world of imagination, a place where the only rule is to have fun? A creative party will transport children to a land of magical and memorable adventures. And what parent doesn’t long for inspired ideas that won’t empty the piggy bank, a celebration that can transform your home into a mystical land laced with dazzling memories? These party themes are loaded with creativity, and smiles will abound with the personalized take-home crafts and keepsakes.

Zoo’s Who? (class one)
Dazzle
Presto! A creative mask transforms your child into her favorite furry friend. Elephants trumpet and lions roar as the children march to music in a fun-filled parade. Be sure to record this memory on video! Animal masks, $5.95 per dozen, orientaltrading.com.

Frolic
After the fanciful procession ends keep the kids busy with games. “Pin the tail on the donkey” is an age-old favorite. Try this twist… Why not pin the tail on a zebra instead?

Enjoy
Mini Pizzas add pizzazz to any party. English muffins, split in half and spread with tomato sauce and cheese, make excellent pizzas. Use sliced olives, mushrooms, bell pepper and cheese to transform the pizzas into unique animal faces. Recipe for Animal Mini Pizzas, see page 179.

Re:Think Green (class two)
Dazzle
Dig in! Kids love dirt, and planting seeds is the first fun step to a beautiful garden. An egg carton nursery will teach the children to cultivate and nurture plants of their own. The seedlings sprout and your child’s fascination grows. Instructions for egg carton nursery, see page 179.

Frolic
Toys are exciting, but not for long. Ask each child to bring two unwrapped gifts – a toy or book that is in great shape – to recycle in a toy exchange. Children take turns choosing one “new-to-you” toy to take home. Donate remaining toys to a local organization for less fortunate children.

Enjoy
A “seed planting” snack is yummy fun. Snack packs of chocolate pudding provide the “pot” and “mud” for this tasty treat. Scoop crushed Oreo cookies on top for “soil.” Then plant M&M “seeds” into the soil and mud. No need to wait. This garden is ready to devour.

Budding Artist (class three)
Dazzle
Voila! Your little Picasso is bursting with brilliant ideas. Provide a blank canvas and all the paint, glue, glitter, beads and whimsy to create a work of art. Add a simple wooden frame, and this masterpiece is ready to hang in the child’s home gallery.

Frolic
Artsy lollipops are fun to make and more fun to eat. Kids arrange brightly-colored crushed hard candies into funky shapes and patterns before baking in the oven. Be sure to photograph each child with his colorful lolli-”pop” art. Recipe for lollipops, see page 179.

Enjoy
Chicken nuggets make a picture-perfect snack. Simply arrange nuggets on a palette-shaped plate (or a plain white plate) along with three small cups of sauces. You’re sure to please even the pickiest palettes. Recipe for dipping sauces, see page 179.

Royal Ball (class four)
Dazzle
Bippity Boppity Boo! Fanciful jewels, puff paints, glitter glue, and markers embellish prefabricated crowns and bestow the royal touch. Photograph the crowned prince or princess in front of a fanciful backdrop. Prefabricated Design Your Own Crowns, $12.95 per dozen, orientaltrading.com.

Frolic
Your living room is an ideal setting for a royal ball. Push the furniture to the walls, adorn the room with streamers and fill the air with whimsical music. Then sit back and delight in the merriment.

Enjoy
“Magic wand” cookies add the crowning touch to a day fit for a king or queen. Bake star-shaped cookies with long lollipop sticks and let cool prior to the party. Each child frosts the wand and adds her own magical sugar sprinkles. For recipe and assembly, see page 179.

A Special Thanks (conclusion)
Your child’s hand-written notes are thoughtful and personal, but most kids don’t have the patience to write each card individually. Have your child script a single message and sign it; then scan and print the message onto the thank you notes. Remember the photos you took of each child at the party? Slide the photo into a picture-frame note card. This extra special touch turns an enchanting photo into a memorable keepsake.

Conjunction Junction

Remember School House Rock? Actually, it was on before many of you were born. There was a whole series of educational cartoons that ran on Saturday mornings. They were G-rated so, of course, the cartoon on interjections did not include "Fuck!" Check out other School House Rock videos at youtube.com

Show & Tell: My favorite words

Most of these words are just fun to use in conversation. I use a few of them in writing, as well…
vexed
vacillate
abhor
charisma
eloquent
lugubrious
gregarious
pontificate
whiz
zoom
zip
glub
swoosh
poosh (my father's pronunciation. We all know the word as "push")
spit
Spanx
chit chat
tchotchke
kitschy
gobbledygook
gaggle
malarky
supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Godspeed
mitbringel (German for "small gift")

Note: a few of these words fall under the category "onomatopoeia" which is a wonderful word, as well!

I really enjoy the many expletives I can't say in front of my children:
ass
arse
damn
shit
bitch
stupid
fuck
piss
bollocks
but never the "c" word

Usual item, unusual use

I am fascinated with handbags. Over the years, I've amassed a sizable collection of very unique and unusual handbags. My collection includes Van Gogh's "Starry Night" on a woven wood bag, a Santa bag carved of monkey wood, a bag formed from a Maryland license plate, and even a bag that was once a cigar box (still seasoned by the divine scent of Arturo Fuente cigars that once occupied the case).

I recently acquired two handbags (very different designs) made completely of duct tape. Size and function are not really the goal with these bags; both are barely large enough to hold the essentials. Aesthetics and individuality is what it's all about. They are little works of art and fun conversation pieces.

Check out this Web site:

Education Inflation

I completed all of the course work for an MA 15 years ago, right after I completed my undergraduate degree. By the time I started looking for my first job I was so tired of talking about design. I just wanted to DO it.

My first job search proved to be challenging. The comment I heard most often at the conclusion of an interview, and the reason so many job opportunities slipped through my fingers, was that I was "overqualified." No one wanted to hire me for an entry-level position because they feared that I would want too much money or I would become bored quickly. Perception won over truth.

The only people that seemed to be impressed by an MA were the HR reps in a corporation or association. Every design studio I've ever worked for – which is where I grew the most as a designer and art director – put very little emphasis on education (the owner of the company doesn't want to be one-up'd on education!) and almost all credibility on talent and ability to get the job done. The reason I got any subsequent jobs was only because of my previous experience. Beyond my first job my education didn't matter at all.

I'm seeking an MFA because I love teaching. I want to make it a career path. But if all I ever wanted to do was work as a designer and art director, my BFA would be education enough.

So has education really become inflated? I think it's in the best interest of the education institutions to tell you as much. And certainly there are fields of study where graduate degrees are helpful if not required. I don't believe design is one of them.

It's just my opinion. I might be wrong.

Campaign

Magazine Ad
Art: Photo of woman sitting on toilet talking on cell phone.
Headline: Always on.

It’s with you everywhere you go, and every call is important. So don’t hesitate to answer, no matter where you are. And if your friend calls you out when the toilet flushes, simply turn it around. “Would you have preferred my voice mail?”

Voice of the People invokes basic principles of common sense and educates Americans on courtesy and good will to others. Join us today in the war against bad judgment. We can change the world, one idiot at a time.

[logo]
Voice of the People
www.pet-peeves.com

Postcard
Front:
(sign) Express Lane, 100 items or less

Back:
Headline: No rush.

You are the only one with deadlines or other destinations, so take your time. Hold up the line. And if someone objects, be sure to ask “What’s your hurry?”

Voice of the People invokes basic principles of common sense and educates Americans
on courtesy and good will to others. Join us today in the war against bad judgment. We can change the world, one idiot at a time.

[logo]
Voice of the People
www.pet-peeves.com

Poster
Art: Photo of 4-light stop light, orange light has been added.
Headline: Orange is your color.

It’s the not-quite-red light, created just for you. Because waiting two additional minutes for the next green light is simply out of the question, your time is too valuable. And if you cause an accident, be sure to remind the victim that the orange light trumps right of way.

[logo]
A message from Voice of the People, a non-profit organization to educate Americans on courtesy and good will to others. Join us in the war against bad judgment. We can change the world, one idiot at a time. www.pet-peeves.com

Show & Tell: Classification

Nylon magazine classifies spring fashion according to style. Minimal text and grand imagery visually reinforces the theme of high style.

Your expertise, please!

My husband is a video guy, so we are both schooled in creativity. We often critique syntax, design, and continuity of editing while watching movies and television shows together. Here's one we can't resolve:

"I'm so happy that a person as caring as he is looking after you and Summer."

Hugh maintains that the sentence is structurally sound, and I disagree. Shouldn't it read "as caring as him?" Can someone help?! Who wins this round, my hubby or me?

Jeans for Dogs

Many years ago, there was an Dog Emperor who reigned over the entire neighborhood. He was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in canine couture. He had a different outfit for every occasion, made only from the finest materials and the most beautiful colors and elaborate patterns.

Time passed merrily in the neighborhood kingdom. One day, two scoundrels, who claimed to be good friends of his humans, and weavers by trade, appeared at the Dog Emperor’s front door. They offered to make the Dog Emperor an all new wardrobe. They claimed that the clothing would remain invisible to any one who was simple in character or not worthy of the crown.

The dishonest people appeared to work busily, though in reality they did nothing at all. They kept the fine materials and gold thread for their own, and they clothed the Dog Emperor in deceit, and nothingness. “How splendid His Majesty looks in his new clothes, and how well they fit! You will be the best dressed dog in the park.”

So the Dog Emperor walked through the streets of his neighborhood kingdom, his loyal servant humans at his side, and all the people who passed him cried out “Oh! This dog is so beautiful, so regal.” Indeed, simple-minded humans could not see his clothing, nor did they care. They were quite content with the Dog Emperor scantily dressed in only his fur coat. And when a dog passerby commented, “But the Dog Emperor is naked!” His Majesty was completely humiliated.

The dogs in the neighborhood would no longer be fooled by their people. From that day forward, all of the dogs in the neighborhood kingdom insisted that they be clothed only in the finest canine couture.

Canine Couture
11725 Sunshine Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 91604
woof: 800-HIP-DOGS
online: no-naked-dogs.com

Now that there'll git'r done!

Bob and I were chatting one day about redneck notions, and I mentioned the Mt. Dew imagery from the 60s and 70s. So this one's for you, Bob.

I remember when Mt. Dew used hillbillies and guns to sell soda (pre-Pepsi, of course). Wow, how times have changed!

Show & Tell: Call to Action

The campaign for social security reform speaks to a vast audience. It will affect not only our children but most of us, as well. This simple message conveys interest and intrigue.

Celebrating Punctuation

In 2004, Neenah Paper commissioned 24 top design firms in New York to design a poster in celebration of punctuation. C&G Partners celebrates the question mark, and they describe the concept eloquently. "The lonely little question mark, hiding in its labyrinth, surrounded by the maze of which it is comprised, seems to prove the old saying: at the heart of every question, there is always another question."

When I Wiki'd "question mark" an interesting synonym popped up: eroteme. Does anyone know the origin or mainstream use of the word eroteme?

The question mark is my favorite punctuation. It invites discussion, begs an answer, directs interrogation, challenges validity, or sparks another question.

What's your favorite punctuation?

Creativity and Education

Is America ruthlessly squandering talents and squashing creativity in education? Sir Ken Robinson contends that "creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status." In his entertaining 2006 talk to TED conference attendees he makes a profound and brilliant case for cultivating creativity. I'm sure you'll agree.

Some of you may have already seen this talk, but it certainly bears repeating. His poignant narrative about choreographer Jillian Lynne is a noteworthy example of misguided perception of creativity in children.

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design.

Them is Fightin' Words

When I was a little girl my older brother would pick on me, trying to upset me with his misguided opinions. I remember one particular occasion when I was about eight years old. Once again, my brother was teasing me. I consulted with my daddy, sobbing about how my brother wouldn't leave me alone. My dad consoled me, then he asked me to come back in a few minutes, and he'd have a solution for me.

My father got out the dictionary and scripted a response. He instructed me to memorize the response so that I'd be prepared to fight with my words.

The next time my brother picked on me, I calmly and quietly articulated the following: "Rob, you are a pragmatic prevaricator with a propensity for oratorical sonorities that are too pleonastic to be expediently assimilated." When my brother, a dumb look on his face, quickly asked, "What does that mean?" I simply responded "You're a liar." He had nothing witty to say. He knew it was true, and he quickly left the room... It worked!

My scripted response was pleonastic itself, but my 10-year old brother was left speechless, and that moment was priceless. I'll never forget that day, that response, or my father's wisdom in fighting with words.

Show & Tell: FOLDRite

The author and publisher is Trish Witkowski. What began as a thesis project for her MFA became both a passion and a business. In addition to the plethora of folds you find in the printed guides (which are a great resource for ideas) she also has FoldFactory, an online template building system. The templates are brilliant; all templates are set to printers' specs and folds are perfectly compensated. Check out the Web site for free downloads and templates for your next tricky project.

Assignment 1, Phase 3

I'd like to share phase 3 of my first assignment. Please feel free to offer you input and constructive criticism.

New in Blue
Bluetooth technology now transmits to a niche market.
By Janet Lenzer

Annabelle Costanzo is ten years old and attends Holy Trinity Elementary School in Des Moines, Iowa. She’s like any other ordinary little girl. She loves to jump on the trampoline with her friends, play the piano, and read. She even taught herself to knit a year ago. What really makes Annabelle extraordinary is her ability to excel at all the things that girls her age do, and she does them in the dark. Annabelle is blind.

Annabelle is an avid reader, and she’s been reading Braille since she was three years old. She recently won first place in the freshman level (grades 3-4) of the 2007 National Braille Challenge. Along with numerous accolades she was awarded a PAC Mate – a revolutionary pocket PC that makes a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) accessible to blind and low vision users. Annabelle’s PAC Mate is complete with a Braille display that makes it easy for her to read.

Seeing is Believing
Now there is innovative software available for Annabelle’s PAC Mate that will help her to see her surroundings in great detail. With Bluetooth enabled Global Positioning System (GPS) software, called StreetTalk, she can read maps and get anywhere she wants to go. StreetTalk tells her exactly where she is and how to get to her favorite shopping center or how to find the nearest Dairy Queen. Through voice-synthesized instructions, StreetTalk announces the names and locations of points of interest along the route, in addition to providing cross streets and turn-by-turn directions and distances for its user. It’s the same technology used in navigational systems for cars, but PAC Mate also offers a Braille interface.

The PAC Mate-StreetTalk system is meant only to supplement the skills that Annabelle has already assimilated into her everyday life. It won’t help her to find a curb or avoid an obstacle. Her cane still provides awareness of objects around her. “What a GPS system does for a blind person is not what people expect. It’s not guiding them so much as it is an orientation aid…. What GPS does is (let) you read a map.” (“Bluetooth Technology,” SIGnature magazine, page 16)

Technology en Route
The PAC Mate is a lightweight, portable, pocket PC that brings mainstream technology to the blind and visually impaired. It is affordable and easy to use, and with software like StreetTalk, the PAC Mate makes a significant difference in the lives of its users.

Why is this technology so important? It’s common even for a sighted person to get turned around in an unfamiliar place. This technology works in a person’s neighborhood and city, but also anywhere on earth. Sighted people take for granted the ability to pick up a printed map when they visit a new city or even an unfamiliar part of their own city. Now blind and visually impaired people can also navigate in places completely unfamiliar to them. StreetTalk knows exactly where on earth a person is at any given moment and how to get them to where they want to go. Annabelle is fascinated by the possibilities. “I think it would be cool to be in another city, or even another country, and know how to get to places.” Annabelle might also become a welcomed “back seat driver” on the next family vacation; she could provide the most efficient navigation, and the driver would not need to reference a printed map while trying to drive.

Moving Forward
According to the National Federation for the Blind, Annabelle is among the 93,600 blind or visually impaired school age children in the U.S. “Nonvisual access to computer technology is an ever-increasing challenge for the blind. Most educational … opportunities are now and will continue to be dependent on the blind individual’s ability to access and use a full range of computer and Internet technology.” Accessibility is key to Annabelle’s success, and her PAC Mate has given her a strong start.

Annabelle is elated with the possibilities available to her. StreetTalk would allow her to get wherever she needs and wants to go with an all-new level of confidence. Her passion for learning now includes a desire to read maps and become more independent. Annabelle remarks, “That would be so fun. How do I get that thing?”

Blind and visually impaired people all over the world share Annabelle’s enthusiasm. The PAC Mate-StreetTalk system provides the perfect synergy to bring a mainstream technology to a niche market at a reasonable price. Today’s technology provides myriad possibilities for an ever-brighter future.

Paris Hilton Wisdom

I found a great reference to Larry King's recent interview with Paris Hilton when I was researching a topic for another class. This intriguing summary of the interview is undoubtedly much more enjoyable and entertaining than the interview itself.

Check it out:
http://www.time.com/time/2007/paris_hilton/

My first love

I am completely enamored with beautiful typography, but my love for letter forms began before I ever took a course in typography. I mastered calligraphy first, and I developed a great appreciation for the aesthetics of individual letter forms. I also learned, by very traditional means, about point size, leading, kerning and tracking, and page composition – what better way than to construct entire sentences, paragraphs, even pages, all by hand.

I was passionate about my calligraphy classes. I recall a project with a minimum requirement of 70 words and two different calligraphic styles; the assignment I handed in was an 1100-word book with three different styles of lettering. I don't have the book anymore, because it vanished from either my office or classroom sometime last year. :-(

The example below was done by Arthur Baker, an innovative and accomplished master of calligraphy and type design.

Show & Tell: Inspiration

nest was a funky, quirky, over-the-top Interior Design magazine that lasted less than three years. The stories were unusual and interesting, the design exquisite, and printed on premium quality paper (which is often the first place a publisher will cut costs).

It's inspiring to see a publication that took risks with every issue.

A few of the risks were borderline disastrous. (Note the scorched crosshair in the center of the image on the right.) Imagine the stench that filled the air as the overheated die-cutting machine continued to churn, pages smoldering, and pressmen sweating over meeting the fulfillment deadline.

I often drool (note to Stephanie: figuratively, that is) over the design opportunity afforded to the art director and designers of nest. How refeshing it would be to hear the editor insist that you take more risks and have more fun! Ahhhhhhhhh...

Didn't Show & Meant to Tell: Inspiration

I have two children. Sophia is four years old and Liliana is two. They are a great source of inspiration for me. There is something quite amazing, and amusing, about the innocence of their quips. I keep a journal for each of them, where I document celebrated milestones, silly or poignant stories, and notable quotes. I hope you enjoy these snippets:

"Daddy is 43 and he still can't do hair!"

"Worry about me, not yourself."

"I have an ear confection."

Appletizers: Sophia's version of the word appetizers.

Happy-side-down: Liliana's adaptation of the term we all know as upside down.

Daffy Duck

Here is the first day souvenir for the Daffy Duck stamp that I mentioned in class last Saturday. I designed it for the USPS back when stamps were only 33 cents!

New!

Check out my "good stuff" links. They are highly informational and/or awe-inspiring. Visit often... I'll be adding more!

Welcome!

More later...