Entry #001 of 2016,
As the end of January approaches, a great year is underway...very early. I'm never one to gloat and brag but I am very excited for this year in many ways. There will be many changes in such a short time, I can't help but to be on edge as the days go on. I look forward to sharing my thoughts a bit more, not gloating, but keep you all along on my journey. Stay tuned my friends.
I feel that everything turns out better if it has a great theme to accompany it. A great example of that is seasons. A simple thing such as seasons can lead very complex ideas. Sure we all love a good pumpkin spice latte as soon as they are available. Seasons will come and go, but don't forget have a good theme along with your ideas. It will structure your visions and allow new ones. Stay warm and keep the PSL's coming.
I was named the winner of this year's AH5k Design contest! I was the previous winner in 2013 also. It's so much cooler this year because my 4-year-old daughter won the kids design! Both of our shirt designs will be worn by runners, kids, volunteers, even family members. A great way to start off the fall season.
(Picture via my wife's Facebook page).
Sometimes an idea will approach you when you least expect it. Always keep a sketchbook handy or maybe even just a pen. Grab a recycled piece of paper, cardboard, or whatever scrap and be sure to mark down the idea. Sure you may not be able to recreate the moment down exactly how you first envisioned it but capturing the "idea" is what's important. The image below is an idea I got very early Sunday morning, now only one hour is left in the day and I finally completed that thought. Hey life happens so sometimes you really just have to keep swimming (a quote from Finding Nemo, if you didn't know, a favorite animation of mine).
A movie poster based on my son, Max.
I have a goal that has been lingering for quite some time. As a parent we sometimes forget about our own focus. To focus on your own family is always number one. But to forget your own dreams, is another story. We allow ourselves to sacrifice things in order to survive. The new focus that I propose is to focus on all things. Dedicate time for what you need. You are important!
by J.J. Marshall
One thing about being an artist is knowing that consumers all have different tastes. You can't let this get you down because it does not mean that you are a failure. Your individual talents will be appreciated by those who can relate to a particular subject matter. You all have talent and never stop trying. Happy Holidays my friends.
I majored in college focusing on motion graphics. I don't get much of that work currently but it is still a dream of what I want to do. With my lifestyle, I don't get that much time to focus on those types of designs because they are very time consuming (render, render, render). So I tend to do print, web, and mobile content for the time being. I have found many different passions during this time. I have always been in to film and photography, they are amazing outlets for creative expression. One day I will be in the position to do what I love, fully. So here's to dreaming about what life can be one day. Cheers.
This is a personal motion graphic test of my brand, in a cinematic style. Slowly but surely, more will come.
Ideas in the design process.
As promised, here are some images of my travels during my amazing birthday. I hope that as I post this, that it scares old man winter back from the evil corner it is currently lurking.
Dusty window in the clouds
Lighthouse on Freeport
New York City lights
The Atlantic Ocean
Exploring Nassau
Hey adults can play in the water too!
Wave runner! My wife was terrified!
We had fancy desserts everyday
I had an amazing time away being cut off from social media. This was my third cruise to these particular islands and I was able to cross off a few things off of my bucket list.
This trip was also my first time being away from my children that long since I have had them. So it was slightly difficult to not think about them all of the time. With that being said, I cannot wait to see them tomorrow. I certainly will miss this weather as I sit in this MIA airport in shorts and a polo shirt, but I will take my kids and yard full of leaves any day.
Off to New York in roughly 180 mins, but here is a few quick images from the trip. I will post more when I am able.
Private Island in the Bahamas.
Miami Beach
Grand Bahama Island
Going to be doing a little traveling next week so I will be posting some interesting images of the time away, early November. Hoping to get some great captures!
I will be adding personal things that I have been working on or spur of the moment creations. Stay creative my friends. Check back very soon!
I am finally ok with what I have currently. I should probably back away from my desk before I change my mind. Short and sweet like the perfect grandmother. Goodnight.
A fresh start is sometimes the best thing for an artist. Art is never done. Design is a superpower for some people. Some times it's hidden. For us it is creatively found.
