A Look at Art & Design

New Blog: Considerations for Living a Life of Art And Design

I'm really happy to share with you the news of my new blog - Considerations for Living a Life of Art And Design. 

Why start a new blog?

My career of late has taken a decided path toward writing.  Both graphic design and writing are forms of communication; however, I am rather enjoying the freedom and liberty that comes with being a professional writer.  It provides a way of finally being able to
S L O W D O W N and reflect on topics and dreams that are important to me.  This doesn't mean that I am giving up graphic design and marketing.  But the design and marketing clients and projects that I will be taking on will be far more selective.

Considerations is, in part, a reflection and chronicle of my experiences in the art and design industry but it also focuses on the more social aspect of helping you, the reader, develop the most creative and amazing life you possibly can.

Considerations for Living a Life of Art and Design is hosted at lisamikulski.com which has always served as my site for writing.  I wanted to have more control over the design and functionality of my blog and Wordpress provided me the ability to do this.  Self hosting is also more cost effective.

I haven't yet marketed Considerations in any way.  I first wanted to share the news with you and I've been working hard to create a body of quality content and refining the navigation and functionality of the site.  I'd like to invite you to visit and let me know your thoughts.  Please comment if you have an opinion or suggestion.  Read the About page because Considerations is not a blog for everyone.  Topics, thus far, include:

• Creating a Designer's Toolbox
• Artist Profile:  Balam Soto
• 10 Ways to be Extraordinary
• Designing Your Perfect Day
• How I Designed MY Perfect  Day
• The Client's Bill of Rights

Over the  years I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to market yourself as a designer or artist. My mission for Considerations is to share that information with you and to provide tips and thought provoking content for readers who don’t want to live an average and mediocre life.  It's not just a design blog or an art blog... my mission is to enable you to live a productive, creative and extraordinary lifestyle.

From an art business, standpoint, there have been many changes in the last 10 years and the rapid development of technology and the recent economic crisis has changed the way we need think about and conduct business. The Internet has become a major tool for communication and we should all be using it.

Quite simply, the old ways of doing business in the creative sector will not serve us well today.  It’s time to start rethinking the business of creativity and about how to better enable ourselves to live the type of life we dream about rather than sit on the sidelines being invisible or unheard. Who better to reinvent the parameters of doing business in the arts than the creatives themselves.

I will be posting to Considerations every Monday and Thursday.  Posts will include articles; artist, book and gallery reviews; profiles of amazing and extraordinary people (profiles will be few and far between because truly extraordinary people are hard to come by), art management and marketing tips and ways to incorporate art and design into your lifestyle.

I presently write for INK Publications (CT) and ArtScope Magazine (Boston).  Another project that I'm very excited about is my contribution for AIGA CT in which I've been chosen to write the book for the organization's upcoming LOTION event establishing a new brand identity for the American School for the Deaf.

Thanks so much for being loyal readers of ArtLOOK.  You guys ROCK!  I hope you will follow me at Considerations.

The New High Line in NYC gets a very favorable review

Nicolai Ouroussoff reviews the much talked about High Line park in New York City. 

Opening for the park was June 9, 2009.  Ouroussoff's review makes me want to hop a train into the city, right now!

The Vender Client Relationship

Made me giggle.  Found via Design Observer:

The nature of your logo and what it means for you

What is a logo? This may seem like a silly question, but I’m finding a good many people don’t really understand the elements which make up a logo or what that unique little graphic can mean to a business. Why is it so important? Some might even ask, “Is it important at all.”

Well yes, it is important. Your logo is like your handshake. It welcomes people to your business and like a handshake a logo can be weak or strong.  This is not to say that a bad company which has a great logo can depend on the design of the logo to lend excellence and reputation to the company. A bad company will be a bad company despite its terrific logo and the logo will often take on the negative elements of that company’s persona. A logo can, however, leave a lasting impression and make or break a first impression. Most importantly a logo is an identifier.  It should always be unique, distinctive and memorable.

Lifeclever shares some thoughts from the great American graphic designer, Paul Rand, on logos from his book Design, Form and Chaos.

• A logo is a flag, a signature, an escutcheon, a street sign.
• A logo does not sell (directly), it identifies.
• A logo is rarely a description of a business.
• A logo derives meaning from the quality of the thing it symbolizes, not the other way around.  A logo is less important than the product it signifies; what it represents is more important than what it looks like.
• The subject matter of a logo can be almost anything.

What a logo is NOT:

• A logo is not a piece of clip art or stock imagery.
• A logo is not a photograph.
• A logo is not your company name simply typed out in Helvetica or Times New Roman (or in Futura, Verdana or Gill Sans either.)
• A logo is not a DIY project nor can it be created by using "special software."
• A logo is not purchased on the cheap for $200.

Rand explains how the quality of a logo is tied to the quality of the company it represents. 

Should a logo be self-explanatory? It is only by association with a product, a service, a business, or a corporation that a logo takes on any real meaning. It derives its meaning and usefulness from the quality of that which it symbolizes. If a company is second rate, the logo will eventually be perceived as second rate. It is foolhardy to believe that a logo will do its job immediately, before an audience has been properly conditioned.

Let’s look at the example of the Swastika.  Originally this symbol was used by many cultures to represent good things such as power, good luck, life, sun, and strength.  The symbol was used for over 3000 years for representing positive connotations.  Once Hitler used it (1921) as his symbol for the Nazi party... the symbol will never again regain it’s positive ideology.  The Enron logo is a similar example.

The definition of a logo:

Wikipedia nicely defines a logo as: A graphical element (ideogram, symbol, emblem, icon, sign) that, together with its logotype (a uniquely set and arranged typeface) form a trademark or commercial brand. Typically, a logo's design is for immediate recognition. The logo is one aspect of a company's commercial brand, or economic or academic entity, and its shapes, colors, fonts, and images usually are different from others in a similar market.

Designing a logo takes a good amount of thoughtful creative energy by the designer and a process is always required.  To be done correctly, logo creation can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.  Remember, your logo is your business' face on your business cards, website, invoices, letterhead and other business collateral.  David Airey, logo designer, has written about “What makes a good logo design” and lists 5 elements that can be seen in every effective iconic logo:

   1. It’s describable
   2. It’s memorable
   3. It’s effective without colour
   4. It’s scalable i.e. works when just an inch in size
   5. It’s appropriate

The Process:

When you decide to invest in your company and hire a graphic designer to create something unique and memorable as your logo, you will be informed of the design process.  In fact, logo designers such as David Airey, Jacob Cass and Jeff Fisher will also offer informative articles and details on their logo solutions and processes.  The process of logo design usually includes the following along with some outstanding customer support, consult and communication:

• The Brief:   The accumulation and organization of materials and information from the client.  Thoughts, ideas, missions, goals, personality of the business all are considered.  This is the most important first step.  From this information the design brief is created. It is information necessary to the creative.
• Research:  Researching the business industry.  In order to create a branding symbol, the designer must understand the business, its competition, its history.  Is the business conservative (banking or corporate) or more cutting edge (music or the arts.)
• Visual Research:  Inspiration.  Researching other logos in that industry to see what is fresh, new, outstanding.  This is not copying other logos!  This is researching the look and feel of the industry.
• Sketching & Conceptualizing:  The fun part.  The creative part.  Sketching and conceptualizing the logo using the information obtained in the brief and via research.  The designer creates several sketches and concepts which could be used as the final logo product.  These sketches are done on anything from sketch books, to napkins, and can take place anywhere from parks to design studios to coffee houses and pubs.  When the designer hits on a great concept... they know it.
• Reflection:  Knowing when to put down the sketch book and back away from the project for awhile.  Fresh eyes and minds can yield wonderous things.
• Putting it all together:  A designer once said to me "my most important creative tool is my trash basket".  This is the stage where the designer culls together all the good stuff and trashes the initial or "less than desirable" attempts.  What works and what doesn't?
• Presentations:  This can be a creative art in and of itself.  The presentation to the client should always be professional and insightful.  Here is when the designer may provide several concepts or perhaps just showcase a few concepts.  The designer may take on the role of consultant (and provide suggestions and guidence) or just provide "the facts."  You will find that most professional designers act as consult and support for their clients as opposed to design contests where a design is provided and no more.
• Celebration:  Yes indeed, after some long hard months at the drawing board and after the job is complete, many designers might take a moment for a bit of celebration. As for myself, I celebrate with a great glass of wine and a clove smoke.  After all, a new logo has been born. 

I hope this article has helped define what a logo is and some best practices. Some may say that in today's economy, the small business owner can't afford to hire a logo designer.  My personal feeling is that you can't afford not to...especially in today's economy.  Save money on using both sides of the paper from your printer, reusing folders, energy efficient lighting or buying second hand office furniture but invest in your business personality ID.  Here are some additional resources:

The logo design process by Jacob Cass
Why a logo does not cost $5
DesignMag - 35 type based logos

The disconnect between what we love and what we do:

I became a graphic designer somewhat by accident.  Back in 1997, my original business plan was to be a writer for art publications and organizations online.  I landed an assignment almost immediately and wrote a piece called “Colors of a Woman’s Palette” for an online art venue.  It was fabulous little essay about Artemisia Gentileschi, Elisabeth Vigee-LeBrun, Käthie Kollwitz, and Berthe Morisot.  The trouble was that I don’t think anyone read it.  I remember being quite disappointed because after having turned in the piece I found the presentation of it poorly laid out and lacking in any visuals that would have complimented the content.  Even back in ’97, I just knew that an online presentation had to be effective. Feeling badly for the little essay, I decided to create a website specifically for that article to see if the reception would fair any better.  Once nicely dressed up Colors did gain a readership as did my newly created website. 

Dragonfly is now celebrating its 10th year in business.  Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about design, running a business, and like any entrepreneur I work very hard.  Most of my clients have been with Dragonfly for years... some have been with me since I first opened my doors.  Much of my work comes to me from word of mouth. I’m proud of this and believe it speaks to the quality of what I do and the sincerity of my customer support.

I spend a good amount of time looking at design. I can’t help it.  I see it everywhere... on the road signs, in the grocery store, magazines, mail flyers, tooth paste tubes and wine bottles.  And because I love design I go and seek it out... I read design magazines, books, and take tutorials and attend lectures to sharpen my skill set.  Design for me is not a job, it’s my lifestyle.

Despite the recession/depression, DFB has been extremely fortunate and busy working for its established base of clientele and has even acquired some new clients.  I worked hard to accomplish the work load but by the beginning of May, I felt like I hit a wall.  A vacation was required... but I didn’t want a vacation from the design work.  What I needed was a vacation from the business end of things.

The graphic design industry has been known as having an unusually high burn out rate.  I’m not sure why that is and I hope to never find out.  I’m pretty certain it has nothing to do with the actual design work.  Almost on a daily basis I’m assaulted with new ideas and visions from my muse but rarely am I able to see these concepts come to fruition... I’m too busy returning emails and phone calls, going to meetings, providing customer support, and doing paperwork. 

Let’s Consider Balance:

Yes, this is a term I’ve heard of before.  Friends, family, associates, and fellow artists have spoken to the importance of balance.  “Lisa, you need to find some balance.”  I would generally respond, “Ummm... you mean balance in the composition right?”  Not!

Ok, I will say to you, I SUCK at balance. I have always endeavored to make every client feel like my only client and sometimes I have been devastatingly successful at this.  If a client emailed me at 7 am., I responded within a matter of minutes.  Phone calls on Saturday evening during dinner... I took the call.  My Blackberry would alert me to communications during my son’s school events, birthday gatherings, grocery shopping, evenings out with friends and during vacations.  I ALWAYS responded to the client.  God, I must be a total drag to hang out with on a personal level.

No doubt there are “red flag” clients.  You can Google a thousand resources on how to best deal with this type of phenomena but I’m starting to wonder if as designers and consultants some of us just handle these folks badly.  Are we not, after all, responsible for our own circumstances?   There is absolutely no reason why a designer or any business person should respond to a client call or email at 7am.  There must be a separation between life and work so that one can enjoy a day at the beach without a tide of emails following along via Blackberry.  And there is no justifiable reason whereby a designer must be a clients “last minute gal” because that client consistently waits until the last day of deadline to call in a project. 

I am always in awe of people who seem to accomplish so much during the course of their life.  There are those professionals who design, teach, lecture, write books and blogs, travel, and are President of several design organizations.  On Saturday you will find them passing out hotdogs at the little league game or planting a tree.  I don’t know how they do it, but I’m thinking it’s because they are not responding to email 6 times a day 7 days a week.  They have found balance and in doing so they are better equipped (mentally and physically) to pursue the things that are important to them and give them joy.  They are also better prepared to meet the work week demands because they have made the time to devote to their own creative pursuits.  Creative people, even those who work for others, need to find expression for their own creative ideas

I love graphic design but these days I’m much less of a designer than I am a business woman.  This makes me sad.  So, in addition to several other new office policies that I’m instituting, I have decided to hire a part-time assistant.  Perhaps an Intern or college student who might help me out with some communications and production work.  I’m thinking this might be the answer (I’m hoping) to enabling me to do more of the thing I love.  Perhaps it will enable Dragonfly, now 10 years old, to develop into something larger.

If you are interested please email me at Dragonfly Blu.  Send your resume and qualifications.

I Am NOT Helvetica

"Now I often feel that my personality is only represented by Helvetica."

Forbes calls designers snooty and promotes spec work in one sided article

Call me snooty, arrogant, hoity toity and egocentric. I really don't care.  But when a well known and influential business publication validates and promotes the business of spec work and then insults the entire design industry... it grinds my gears!  And when that same well known publication prints the article in question with flagrant disregard for both sides of the story... it is unprofessional and unseemly.

I don't even know where to start with this.  I'm pretty sure that if I begin writing about it I might not stop until 2010.  I am not here to pontificate on the nature of naming calling.  I do however want to add my voice to those who found Steiner's reporting skills offensive, to point out the pit falls of spec-work, and to support the designers who choose to defend and promote their industry.  Additionally, this post is not necessarily directed to the designers who visit this blog (I believe designers know the value of their work and therefore this post is probably preaching to the choir), but instead it is my hope that in some way the info and links provided here may help to inform the uninformed (the students, emerging designers, photographers, writers, artists, clients etc) about this topic.

It all began in January 2009 when Catherine Wentworth of No-Spec received an email from Christopher Steiner, senior reporter with Forbes Magazine.  The subject line of the email read... FORBES MAGAZINE QUERY!!!  After some discussion with Steiner, No-Spec went ahead and set up interviews for Steiner with some top designers in the industry.  An interview was scheduled with Debbie Millman of Sterling Brands, and Design Matters, author of several design books and board member of the National AIGA.

Also lined up for an interview was logo designer and author Jeff Fisher, member of the HOW Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, UCDA Designer Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, and HOW Design Conference Advisory Council.

Steiner dissed all the interviewees without a letter of apology or explanation. And then... the bombshell headline appears in Forbes:  CrowdSpring Aims to Slash the Cost of Graphic Design Work and Democratize a Snooty Business.

CrowdSpring is website which solicits design contests whereby anyone can submit a logo and perhaps win a prize.  Sounds ok, right?  Competition is good.  If your grandmother submits a design and it is favored over mine... well that's the way it goes, right?  Yeah, except for the fact that it isn't necessarily the company who hosts the contest that decides the winner, there are no professional guarantees and the other 100 or so designers who have taken the hours and energy to create designs receive no compensation. I don't know...call me snooty, but I believe that anyone who works should be paid for the job.

Proponents of crowd-sourcing will say that the "client" benefits in having the luxury to choose from MANY samples of work at low cost.  Some may say that if an individual chooses to enter such a contest it is at their discretion and at their own risk.  However, crowd-sourcing can be a very slippery slope and to me it represents the bottom feeders of business.  Organizations such as No-Spec and AIGA have chosen to inform and educate designers and clients about the risks of crowd-sourcing. I encourage you to read what No-Spec and AIGA have to say about these matters.

Let's take a look at CrowdSpring's own terms of service. According to David Airey's post on this same subject, CrowdSpring provides the following caveat within its user agreement:

We have no control over and do not guarantee the quality, safety or legality of Creative Services, the truth or accuracy of project listings or member information, the qualifications, background, or abilities of members, the ability of creatives to deliver Creative Services, or that members will complete a transaction.

Yes, I can imagine how well this would go over with one of my clients...  "Sure I'll design a logo for you for $200 but I won't guarantee the quality, safety or legality of my product."

Work as a graphic designer is not just about making pretty pictures.  Professional work (of any kind) entails far more than winning on the cheap.  Effective graphic design is about finding visual solutions to a clients problem or needs.  Much energy, work, and thought is expended on the part of the professional designer to provide this service.  Additionally, designers often work as consultants for their clients.  Professionals, you will find, will support their customers.  The outrage that has ensued from the design community in response to the Forbes article is (from what I can see) on several levels:

1.  Ok... they are not real happy at being called snooty by a magazine for investment bankers.
2.  Designers are passionate and dedicated people who wish to preserve and protect their profession.  Not everyone who has a copy of photoshop can call themselves a designer.  I'm sure the college students and designers who have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a design education would agree.
3.  The one sidedness of the article is poor journalism and is absolutely stunning coming from a publication such as Forbes.

The discussion at David Airey's blog has been extensive.  The controversy has turned into a real shit storm with opinions ranging from support for the design industry to utter opposition. I also want to note that while no comments (to my knowledge) have been issued by Forbes or Steiner regarding the one sidedness of the article or the dissing of Millman and Fisher, CrowdSpring Co-founder, Ross Kimbarovsky, did enter the fray to offer several comments. I applaud his bravery.

Debbie Millman has recently been asked by AIGA to ‘chair a task force in an effort to understand the various sentiments about this practice in both the design community and the broader creative community, and report back to the National Board our findings and potential recommendations at the National Board retreat in April, and to share these findings at the Leadership Retreat in June.’   Should you wish to contact Debbie with your opinion on spec-work, please follow this link.

Inspiration Friday: Jacek Utko on Can Design Save The Newspaper

View this video from TED Talks, with Jacek Utko as he discusses whether or not Design Can Save The Newspaper.  Jacek is Polish newspaper designer whose redesigns for newspapers in Eastern Europe have won awards and increased circulation by up to 100%.  Absolutely beautiful... makes me want to go to Poland just to pick up the paper!

Jacek's talk here will not only inspire designers but publishers, photographers, journalists... anyone who has a passion for what they do.

Taxtime for Freelancers

10 Tax Deductions Freelancers Can Make.  Thursday Bram at Freelance Switch points out some ways to save you bucks!  (found via CreativePro)

Lots of good articles at both Freelance Switch and Creative Pro.  Check them out.

Cats and Their Designers at Design Observer

Ok CatFans...  A fun slideshow over at Design Observer of the long awaited Cats and Their Designers.  Check out the designers and their office felines... including a photo of yours truly and Oreo.

DogFans, you have not been forgotten... Check out Dogs and Their Designers.