June 2011
1 post
Taking over the helm...
Well, I’ve officially taken over as Creative Director at floating-point. It’s been excellent and the team is amazing.
I’m being given some very challenging projects with limitless options and we’re working on a number of mobile applications at the moment as well. Really nice to have a crew with so many capabilities in-house.
So, check us out now that our rebrand has...
March 2011
2 posts
8 tags
Self-promo time…
First off, I cheated a bit this year because I couldn’t find the proper HTML version of the above site. So, I used the files I had on-hand to give you a rough idea of the layout.
So, it’s that time of year when you’re getting ready to head off for placements at studios, agencies and some in-house positions. You’re bloody nervous and I know it because I’ve been...
6 tags
Just seriously cool…
A few months in the making but the Closson Chase media kit is off the press and on its way to Seriously Cool Chardonnay 2011, in New York City.
This was a very exciting project to be a part of. Like all things Closson Chase undertakes, this project represents an honest desire for excellent quality and showcasing what the vineyard is all about — elegance, simplicity and superb taste.
The other...
February 2011
3 posts
Truly, off the hook…
This post has been a long-time in the making. Off the Hook Women’s Accessories, brainchild of Brandy Brown, was one of the first new clients I took on as I got Strike It Up Design back in action.
It was a simple branding/business launch and Brandy certainly knew what she was looking for. Invites, posters, thank you cards, flyers, business cards, a roll-up banner and website were all part...
The death of print?
So, I was listening to a piece on CBC Radio about the death of print and how electronic books are becoming more popular than the publishing industry ever thought possible. The whole idea perplexes me because it’s like comparing your PSP to your PS3 game system.
eBooks are a clever invention — no doubt about that — but they are most useful in certain instances. For example, I’m...
Tidied up & ready for some big news
Well, Strike It Up has certainly undergone some changes as of late. New clients, a bolder look, a couple secret projects… So, I thought I’d get the site tidied up a bit and outfitted with the bolder colours and a bit more detail. No major changes yet but I’m hoping those will be in the not-so-distant future.
Keep your eyes peeled because I’m certainly not going anywhere.
...
November 2010
1 post
12 tags
Revisiting and refining…
Well, it’s been a few months in the coming but the new Closson Chase Vineyards website is up and running.
The original site, built in Flash, didn’t lend itself to easy updates or SEO. A proposed switch to a fully HTML/CSS design, driven by WordPress for easier updating, began quite some time ago. An initial soft launch of the recreated site helped work information into search...
October 2010
2 posts
17 tags
Defining a region…
Well, here was an interesting, and long-term, set of projects. This has become almost and annual job for me, while at Scout Design.
TASTE! the County, Prince Edward County’s tourism initiative, helps co-ordinate the Taste Trail and Arts Trail guides and Visitor’s Guide, annually. This year the publication became a split, perfect-bound book and the Visitor’s Guide grew...
11 tags
A show of support…
Perhaps one of my favourite projects to work on are those that show support for other people.
Being from a military family, I know from my own experience how hard it is to have loved ones deployed overseas. Caroline Granger, President and CEO of The Grange of Prince Edward, decided to show her support for military family’s by deciding to donate a portion of sales of her Trumpour’s...
September 2010
1 post
A fresh start...
I’m working on getting up-to-date portfolio pieces and a new Testimonials section designed and online.
Strike It Up has been on a bit of a hiatus while completing some work for Scout Design but the contract is finished and I’m back in action.
So, drop me a line and the work will continue the way I like it to - on time, on budget and beyond expectation.
Cheers!
April 2010
1 post
A personal touch…
04/08/2010
We work quite regularly with students and those students come from all age levels and backgrounds, whether its high schoolers, college or university students we love working with them. One thing students always seem to have in common is a shyness, which includes not wanting to pick up the phone or show their face in their work. Self-promotion is about getting yourself out to the...
March 2010
1 post
Queen's BFA Select 2010
03/12/2010
Well, it’s that time of year again… Another class of fine artists is set to graduate from Queen’s University and, thankfully, they took the initiative to put together a brand new catalogue.
The editorial committee, Kimberly Armstrong, Simone Aziga and Monique Baena-Tran, worked overtime to get the information and photos to us. They did a fantastic job and, now that the...
December 2009
1 post
Speaking of...
12/03/2009
A few weeks ago I was asked to speak to the Bachelor of Fine Art fourth-year class, at Queen’s University, and I was a bit nervous, to say the least.
The expectations of young creatives are high because they are constantly exposed to solid creative work to help inspire them. All I could think was what can I share with fine art students as a graphic designer?
I decided to treat...
September 2009
1 post
Back in action...
09/24/2009
Well, it was a well-deserved break. I’ve been working steadily with the Agnes Etherington Art Centre on a variety of exhibition and public programs material for the past few months.
I also had the pleasure of popping up to Ontario to help renovate the soon-to-be-opened second location of Don’t Tell Mommas. With all the family visiting, relaxing and fantastic projects...
May 2009
1 post
A bit of a sabbatical…
05/18/2009
Time is ticking away on my departure for a bit of a break during the summer months. I’ll still be working regularly and taking care of my clients but I’m heading east to visit family and get my fill of Maritime life.
I don’t get home very often, so I’m really quite excited. New project prospects, continual growth with my current clients and all the seafood I...
March 2009
2 posts
Good times and congratulations…
03/20/2009
Another year and another graduationg class of the Queen’s University Bachelor of Fine Art program. This year’s exhibition, titled Playground and curated by Jan Allen, opened up last night at the Agnes Etherington and it was a good showing for a great exhibition.
The exhibition runs from March 19th to the 29th and I’d encourage everyone to head over and check it...
Revised… I really like that word.
03/17/2009
Well, it was about time the transistional web design for the Kingston Brewing Company got upgraded and a bit more designerly.
After a few hours of development, bringing the new design to a higher and more functional level, the Brew Pub’s new look is a slick CSS-based design with the same style and flair of the actual place. Going to the pub is an adventure in visual interest —...
February 2009
5 posts
A little networking…
02/26/2009
I had a fantastic time at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre last night for the launch of two new publications and the wonderful exhibition of Holger Kalber’s work. The centre has quickly become one of my favourite clients due to the nature of the work I’ve been able to do with them and their appreciation of a contemporary and designerly approach.
The books, Matt Rogalsky:...
Have you seen digital 3-D?
02/16/2009
Wow! That’s all that can be said about the difference between the 3-D I remember and what I witnessed in the new animated feature Coraline.
I don’t go to the movies very often because I, like a lot of people, prefer to be able to absorb a film. So, this story, brought to life by the director of one of my favourite’s, The Nightmare Before Christmas, captivated me. I...
Pretty excited about this reborn legacy
02/11/2009
Most of you know my guilty pleasure is low budget, campy horror movies from the ’70s and ’80s. But, I have my hopes high on this remake of an absolute classic of the genre — Friday the 13th.
If you’ve ever seen the original poster you’ll understand why I am so interested in the film. It’s an absolutely gorgeous painting, fantastic design and probably one...
Who can't wait for summer?
01/31/2009
It’s not that I don’t like winter because I certainly do enjoy playing in the snow with the little guy and just enjoying walks on mild days with our Great Dane, Doyle. But, the shoveling and horrific driving gets old fast.
I also love gearing up for destination marketing campaigns and the tourist season in general. This time of year is really busy for any tourism-related...
Nothing quite like the feel of something new… or...
01/30/2009
So, I’m off to Scout in the morning for a week of fun, design and collaboration. It struck me the other day that the amount of lessons and experiences you gain from others around you is incredible.
I always enjoy working with others and drawing as much from them as I can. I hope I’m returning the favour by sharing some of my own insight but it really comes down to...
January 2009
2 posts
2.0 sounds cool AND gets results
01/10/2008
Well, the proof was pretty easy to observe when I more than doubled my web traffic in the course of a day.
The inclusion of an updated and fully integrated Tumblr, larger portfolio pieces and a much slicker look with sexy copy throughout was a huge help. Three days of planning, then, implementing and a quick launch with a Facebook Page is all it took.
Sound like a lot of work? It...
Strike It Up 2.0 is live...
01/07/2009
Well, it’s taken some time but I’ve managed to integrate Tumblr further into my website but it’s up, running and in-line with my branding. I’ve beefed up and updated the portfolio section with plans to make some further additions down the road.
So, lots to look forward to and plenty of new projects on their way. Here’s to a new year, good friends and...
November 2008
2 posts
When the unthinkable happens…
11/26/2008
Well, even when you’re careful to back-up your files and keep a clean running machine — light on the junk — you can have equipment failure.
Right now my poor baby is on its way to get a new hard drive. It’s a scary feeling, almost like one of your closest friends has been taken away. But, the good news is it’s covered by the warranty and I’m back to work...
Finally, some change is taking place…
11/04/2008
Image from Barak Obama Series by Shepard Fairey
Looks like the U.S. has made the right decision. A man that has stuck to his ideals, rather than focusing on the much easier racial approach, is coming into power.
I, personally, am very excited to see what will come from Mr. Obama and wish Canada had a leader of even the slightest calliber. Maybe we have a lot to learn from the U.S....
October 2008
1 post
The art of self-promo
10/08/2008
I’ve had questions lately about self-promotion and thought I’d take the time to go over some of the things I was taught to do and have found works best for designers and clients alike. This is just a shortlist, so feel free to get in touch with me.
To make you all feel better I’ve included some of the variations my website has under gone since leaving the program at...
July 2008
1 post
Dragon taking flight
07/04/2008
Well, I’ve been all over the place and really let my blog slide. But, I’m back and work is moving along.
I’m glad to announce the pleasure I’ve had working with the Kingston Brewing Company, and a fantastic young designer, Amanda Burnette, on the design and launch of their new website.
The idea was simple - make the website feel like the pub. Using elements...
April 2008
3 posts
Flight of the Conchords
04/07/2008
Thankfully, I was exposed to these guys at my new work. Their songs are absolutely amazing and anyone with a sense of humour will love them. Two of my favourites are listed below:
Best line ever - “You’re so hot you make me sexist. Bitch.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT5AQIlmM0I
Just ridiculous it’s so amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GpTTf175aE
My how identities and design change
04/01/2008
I was reading an associate’s blog when I noticed this gem. Someone has placed a collection of vintage ’70s logos up on Flickr.
Some of these babies are incredible. This is the perfect example of what happens when you design to a current trend and not for longevity. Check them out here.
Thanks to Brandon Laird for this item.
Edgy and impactful, where to draw the line?
04/01/2008
Here’s an example of a VERY edgy ad. The concept and execution are super simple but it’s the context that’s making it so intense.
I stumbled across this on Mixx and the image caught me immediately. Both Hitler and Chaplin are so recognizable that most people immediately recognize their most noticeable features. I didn’t realize it was an advertisement for a...
March 2008
5 posts
Watch03/28/2008 Thanks to the folks at Metacafe.com I was able to refind this excellent video. Hats off to the advertisers that thought this gem up. It always reminds me of King Missile’s Detachable Penis song. What a great way to highlight AIDS and safe sex awareness. Cheers! PS - King Missile’s Detachable Penis can be found here.
Double-edged sword. But, kudos to Lindsay.
03/23/2008 Now, I’m not usually one to post nude or semi-nude photos — or celebrity photos for that matter — but this image is incredible. I think the biggest problem with making a come back with this sort of imagery is the backlash. The nudity is perceived as Lindsay using sex to get back into the spotlight and the fact it’s based on Marilyn’s last nude photo shoot also...
The Art of Fine Art
03/22/2008 Students from the Queen’s University Bachelor of Fine Arts program had a successful launch of their fourth year work last night. The completion of their book, a 60 page collection of all 24 students’ work, coincided with their opening at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in Kingston. Many praises were sung for the design but the real victory and acknowledgement goes to the committee and,...
Getting integrated
03/22/2008 Alright, I finally got around to integrating Tumblr into my new website. Please be patient as I try to grow this meager micro-blog over the coming weeks. All said and done, my new site and design work is a far cry from what it once was. Funny how quickly one changes and grows. I’ll see you all at my new position with Sum Inc., in Ottawa.