Strike It Up - Graphic Designer Craig Smith

Taking over the helm...

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:53:44 -0400

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 been released: http://www.floating-point.com.

Cheers!

Self-promo time…

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:38:00 -0400

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 there many times.

Getting someone’s attention takes something really interesting and different. You don’t have a big budget and are, for the first time, your own creative director, so here’s some tips to keep in mind:

1) Plan your attack
Every good design has to start somewhere but before that you need to know where you’d like to be. So, think about the studios you find compelling because even if you don’t get a job you might plant the seed for a future opportunity.

2) Conceptualize
You’ve got your list of places and you’ve studied their work and who’s important to appeal to. Start thinking. Put your pencil to paper and figure out what qualities you want to share. It’s important to rely on your strengths but show you’re willing to work on weaknesses.Remember, NEVER apologize for a mistake or something you missed. Play it off as part of the design. But, PLEASE check your spelling. That’s always a big draw back.

Once you’ve got your concept look into domain names that suit the idea. I went through dozens of ideas before coming up with Strike It Up and domain availability is a part of that equation.

3) Execute and DIY
You have a small budget but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off your idea by being creative. My matchbook business cards are hand-folded and stapled by me. Mind you, the printing is superior quality — you can’t skimp on everything. So, the napkin I came up with my idea on became the launching point for everything.

4) Get that portfolio looking awesome
I don’t mount my portfolio anymore because everyone wants to touch and examine the finished products. You have to mount your portfolio and precision is something people like myself look for. I remember paste-up, so accuracy by-hand dictates accuracy in your electronic files.

Keep the number of pieces to a minimum and make sure they’re pieces you’re passionate about and can speak to. Your process, ideas and concepts are what really matter. You’re a student and no one expects you to be perfect but your ideas are what’s going to sell you.

Real-world piece you’ve done? It has to be stellar. Don’t put something in your book that isn’t top-notch simply because it’s a “real-world” piece. Think 5 minimum to 10 maximum. This way it’s a decent reflection of variety.

5) Get your stuff out there
Social media is great and something that you can all take advantage of. Network online using Twitter and Facebook, join LinkedIn and, REMEMBER, people will look at your profile so lose the party pics or skimpy bikini shots. These don’t go over well and can really damage your credibility and viability.

Make sure you don’t just e-mail your material. Send that sucker via mail. I love paper and I’m going to want to keep the really awesome pieces I get. Pick up the phone a week after you fire your stuff off and follow-up. Eagerness is important and a willingness to get yourself out there says a lot about you. Timid, hiding in the shadows doesn’t really cut it if you ask me.

6) GO TO NETWORKING EVENTS!!!
I like answering questions and I love talking about this business. Meeting a person goes a lot further than an e-mail or phone call. You don’t need to rock a suit but tidy up and don’t be shy.

Be who you are and be honest. I tried to hide my tattoos and things but that’s part of who I am. If you make a choice make sure it’s one you can live with, be proud of and stand up for. There are times you need to back down (i.e. room full of lawyers= wear a suit and shave).

7) Don’t be afraid
We’ve all gone through this process. You have a lot of competition but if you get yourself dedicated to finding work you will find it. But, you’re going to get rejected along the way. That’s just a part of job hunting, so aim high and keep at it.

8) Ask for opinions and listen
Experience is important and listening to those that have been in the business, at any capacity, know more than you. Listen to their thoughts and try to gain something from what they have to say.

But, don’t let anyone speak down to or abuse you. A real professional is going to be honest and critique your work in a way to help you, not make you feel like an idiot. So, take everything that’s said with a grain of salt and consider the source.

9) Be ready to make mistakes
It’s going to happen. Trust me, it WILL happen. But, you’re becoming a junior, so it’s expected. Do your best to be diligent, ask questions and see if someone senior to you can take a look at what you’re doing before it gets sent out. The trick is to give you enough room to learn and grow but provide enough guidance to help you gain valuable experience.

10) Work at your craft
There’s always something new to learn and as a junior you’re going to be expected to do just about everything. Teach yourself HTML/CSS, illustration, photography, writing and good ol’ fashioned print design and production. Keep your skills sharp; read, listen and do whatever it takes to continue growing.

Long one this year. Wow. I’ll include a link to one of my previous posts, which has different tips but probably the same ideas. Good luck and love what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to take on a part-time job or a position you don’t really want if it means getting closer to your goal.

Pardon the sloppiness but I haven’t had time to program my actual tumblr page. This post has several variations on my website, including my first that had me racing around to three different job interviews while finishing the last of my projects and placement.
The art of self-promo

Cheers!

Just seriously cool…

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:31:49 -0500

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 exciting part of this project is the USB flash drives that were created. Nothing says class like a brushed alloy card engraved with your identity and details. Every component of this project was custom. The kitfolder itself was a custom dieline and utilizes a decidedly different horizontal format.

I’ve added the complete material to my portfolio section, which you can find here, and I hope you take a chance to look the material over. Or, visit Closson Chase to see what they’re saying about one of the most exciting wine events in North America.

Good luck to all of the participants because we all know how seriously awesome our local wines are.

Truly, off the hook…

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:36:29 -0500

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 of the final product.

But, like everything, there was a beginning and in this case it was the identity. Simple, urban and modern — instructions I followed closely. I took a classic typeface and made minor modifications to it. The ‘links’ that are now created imply the very products Off the Hook carries, which is a variety of jewelry, purses and other women’s accessories. The contrasting purple of the letter-forms also helps it jump off the page.

So, we booked a photographer, recruited some models and had a blast. The project turned out as I’d envisioned it and was delivered in less time than most can imagine. I am glad to report that, due to her success, Brandy is hosting a grand opening of her new showroom to accommodate her expansion.

Here’s the link to her event on Facebook.

The death of print?

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:18:00 -0500

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 traveling to several different destinations for business and barely have enough room for my clothes and toiletries, let alone a stack of books, iPad, Kindel, et cetera, obviously, come in super handy. You can carry as many books with you as you like.

BUT, at home, on the couch, just relaxing… out comes the printed book. Why strain your eyes in the comfort of your own home? And, you can share that book with whomever you wish. eBooks have digital protection, so, unless you’re handing over your device, it’s a no go.

Yes, middle-aged to older members of the community have been programmed to appreciate the printed word — cherish it even and treat it with respect. But, anyone that’s ever edited copy or tried digesting large volumes of type on ANY screen, at any size, will tell you it’s tough to keep track of where you’re at. I agree the readers do help keep the text to an easily digested size, format and word count but give me the printed book any day of the week.

I’ve got my stacks of books in the basement and I frequently re-read those books. I plan to continue and I know many of you out there will do the same. I also have a number of eBooks for when I’m waiting or traveling. As a traditionally-trained graphic designer, print comes first. Electronic is a nice compliment to the actual finished product but never a replacement.

Cheers!

Tidied up & ready for some big news

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:58:50 -0500

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.

Cheers!

Revisiting and refining…

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:58:00 -0500

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 engines, while, in the background, further design considerations were able to continue.

The new site features additional information, including a Resources section for the media and wine writers, links to Restaurants offering Closson Chase wines, larger bottle shots to accompany tasting notes, video and purchasing links throughout the Our Wines section to help make the wines more readily available online. The site is also now offered in French.

The Purchase section was also revisited and redesigned to make the purchasing experience more simplified and provide more information about the wines. The aesthetic of the site is much the same but with elegant type treatment and a simplified interface.

Congratulations to the team that’s worked tirelessly on this project and a big thank you for the opportunity to design and art direct this project. The future may hold additional expansion in exciting new directions, so keep an eye out. WordPress programming by Jacob Kennedy, French translation by Rémy Charest and project management by Angela Rodzinyak, for Closson Chase.

Cheers!

Defining a region…

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:37:00 -0400

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 exponentially.

It was a pleasure as a designer to work with a great team at TASTE! and with individual members of each of the trails. It’s a lot of work gathering information and images together to put design this type of publication. But, their team rose to the challenge and so did the team I was working with.

Both publications, accompanied by a separate Trails and Experiences map, included their own maps and each page was devoted to an individual member. I think the finished product speaks for itself and often found myself speaking with tourists sharing their praise for the comprehensive guides.

So, cheers to everyone involved!

A show of support…

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:20:00 -0400

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 Mill wine to Ontario Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC).

I was fortunate to be the designer on this project, while at Scout Design. Supporting our troops means thinking about the family’s behind the men and women. Soldiers are, afterall, people first, MFRCs offer a number of programs to assist families and provide a variety of other services that make a big difference to families, including programs for children and spouses.

So, check out The Grange’s Trumpour’s Mill wine at the LCBO and select Ontario restaurants. Your purchase is directly helping people.

A fresh start...

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:11:46 -0400

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!

A personal touch…

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:49:00 -0400

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 world and the more we are asked to speak to students, the more we notice this tendency. Well, I broke that habit out of the Queen’s BFA class for 2010.

The premise was to include a profile picture, like you’d see on Facebook, to give a face to the artists and present them as personable and approachable artists. It was no easy task but in the end all of the class agreed the image really assisted the overall design.

This was only the second time, in the three years the Agnes Etherington has been hosting an exhibition called the BFA Select, I worked on the fine art catalogue. The class received rave reviews from the people in attendance last night for the quality of their art and the completion of the catalogue while working with me.

I too was very gratiously received for lending my time to the project and helping to make the publication a reality. It’s no simple task to organize 16 creative people into managing photography of selected works, content generation and overall approval.

But, the editorial committee, comprising Kimberly Armstrong, Simone Aziga and Monique Baena-Tan, did just that. They took my direction, advice and ideas to heart and worked very hard at keeping the project on deadline. They even went as far as to arrange for additional sponsors to help foot the bill for the catalogue.

Again, J.B. Printing (Trenton) Ltd. came through with excellent printing and their own sponsorship of some of the cost. Owners Teresa and Mike Bell were able to attend the event as well and were likewise impressed with the caliber of the work and greeted with kind words for participating again.

Congrats and cheers!

Queen's BFA Select 2010

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:39:00 -0500

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 catalogue is on press, we’re all breathing a sigh of relief. :)

So, now we look forward to the opening reception of the BFA Select, at the Agnes Etherington, on March 18th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the exhibition will be on display until March 28th.

Keep an eye on Strike It Up and Scout Design — isn’t collaboration great? — for the unveiling of the book after the event. Or, join us in celebrating on the 18th.

Cheers!

Speaking of...

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:59:00 -0500

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 it like I would any presentation and, after a brief introduction, shared my current portfolio. The reason I’d been asked to speak to the students was simply from an observation I’d made during work on the BFA’s catalogue in 2008. During one of my visits to discuss the project I was asked a barrage of questions about self-promotion by the students in that class.

A short conversation with Kathleen Sellars, a fantastic sculptor and professor in the Queen’s University Department of Fine Art, peaked her interest in the topic and, a year later, I was invited, upon Kathleen’s recommendation, by Associate Professor Ted Rettig to present.

Now, my hopes for the presentation were to share some of my experiences, which have been both positive and negative, but also to show the students there is a viable way to make a living in the creative world. As time moves forward, there is an endless need for creative thinkers to help shape the world and replace the many veteran creatives approaching retirement.

So, ask questions and learn from the experience of others. The path to your ultimate career may not be a straight line because there are so many ways creatives can step up to the plate and having fun along the way is as important as some measure of success.

Design may not be considered fine art by some but the technical knowledge, craftsmanship and concept development all amount to a similar goal, except that we as designers work almost exclusively in a commercial market. I hope I was able to impart some of these ideas on the class and am certainly thankful for the opportunity to share.

Cheers!

Back in action...

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:38:00 -0400

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 I’m feeling ready to put my head down and work full-tilt this fall.

So, as usual, my regular clients can look forward to their usual high level of service and for any new prospects just drop me a line to discuss your ideas.

Cheers!

A bit of a sabbatical…

Mon, 18 May 2009 16:30:00 -0400

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 can eat — I know you’re jealous. :) Drop me a line and I’ll be more than prepared to take care of your project needs. It’s business as usual but a bit more mobile.

Cheers!

Good times and congratulations…

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0400

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 out. Some of the pieces are just plan phenomenal. It’s also cool to see the wordmark I developed for the invite as cut vinyl on the art centre’s wall. It’s been really awesome seeing my work get used in such a way.

Keep an eye out for the numerous public programs in development as well. I’ve been working steadily on churning out new ideas for each of them and I hope the community enjoys them. For more details visit the Agnes Etherington online at www.aeac.ca.

Cheers!

Revised… I really like that word.

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:36:00 -0400

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 — thanks to the THOUSANDS of cool items, pub paraphernalia and photos.

Trying to accommodate so many photos and items becomes a real issue because there’s so much you want to show but this new design helps place a variety of images throughout the site and still utilizes the chalkboards, found everywhere in the pub, picture frames and limestone.

So, it’s revised but maybe refined is a better term. Thanks again to the freedom of CSS-based website design, the new look will be online in the near future.

Cheers!

A little networking…

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:15:00 -0500

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: When He Was In High School In Texas, Eric Ryan Mims Used A Similar Arrangement To Detect Underground Nuclear Tests In Nevada, and, Condé and Beveridge: Class Works, are both excellent additions to anyone’s library and I’d encourage you to drop by the art centre to pick up your own copies.

A big thank you to Matthew and Jan, and all from the art centre, for the great opportunities, kind words and a great evening.

Holger Kalberg: stadiem will run from February 21st to May 10th. The minute imperfections were really what caught my attention. Really impactful exhibition and I particularly liked, raydon.

Cheers!

Have you seen digital 3-D?

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:00:00 -0500

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 honestly had no idea they were using this new 3-D technology in so many new films.

Trust me, the old blue and red glasses don’t make the cut, unless you’re feeling nostalgic. They were awesome at the time and I enjoyed quite a few movies with those fashion statements on but the new glasses, which are the ultimate in black-rimmed plastic with clear-looking lenses, bring every detail to life. They also fit easily over my own glasses, which is a plus.

The best example of the 3-D is in the opening sequence where you swear the needle stitching Coraline’s doll points square in your face and moves off and over your right shoulder. The other thing I found so impressive with the technology is the amount of depth of field created. No more two to three popping elements, it’s all popping off the screen and I found myself exploring the background of this amazing world as much as watching the foreground action.

Wonderful movie, a bit scary for some kids but, overall, completely worth seeing.

P.S. Friday the 13th is also unbelievable but it didn’t receive the 3-D treatment… Not that it really needed it. :)

Pretty excited about this reborn legacy

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:14:00 -0500

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 of the best wordmark/identifiers a film has ever had, especially at that time.

So, this Friday the 13th, I look forward to revisiting a film series I grew up with and was absolutely terrified by. As I got older, realized the cheese factor and became a designer I began seeing them in an all new light.

A couple of other great examples would be Phantasm, A Nightmare On Elm Street, the Evil Dead, amongst hundreds of other great examples. Contact me if you have your own suggestions or want to know some more of my own.