KC HomeGrown

Tonight, AIGA held an event at Rush Wade Photography showcasing some of Kansas City's own. Known nationally for their impact on the design community came Brady Vest from Hammerpress, and Ingred Sidie and Michelle Sonderegger of Design Ranch. The greatest impact to me was the sheer honesty and willingness to share how they really felt. There was an unexpected contrast between Brady, who still believes in a very "indie" outlook on his business (even with the significant growth of this company in the last few years), and Ingred and Michelle's corporate dealings with fun high-profile companies like Buckle and HR Block. What both companies definitely had in common was they clearly have a love for this city, and would only like to see the best things come from it. Each of them from the Midwest, they all seem eager to "expand the bubble" of the "truly" great things happening here.
Over all, it was an inspiring talk from three totally rad people, especially for the younger designers in the audience; sharing some of their triumphs and pitfalls of being in the "big-times". Not to mention "Fresher than Fresh" brought snow cones! This could be the first of many in this series so keep an ear out, it could well be worth your time.

I'm sure Erin would like to add a little more about this event (and maybe some pictures, if you are lucky), so stay tuned.

-Josh

Stefan Sagmeister

"Knock, knock!" "Who's there?"

Stefan Sagmeister!

(Full report after he speaks here next Monday.)

Chip Kidd

Clue: 19 across, A number of people. Ten letters.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Chip Kidd, his book designs, anecdotes and humorous voice impressions entertained a large audience at Hallmark this afternoon. I made sure to get there early and ended up in the second row with an ideal vantage point of the images he put up on the big screen.

He started off telling us his most asked question when he gets up in front of groups like this. What is it that most inquiring minds ask of Chip Kidd, the rock-star of book jacket design, writer, graphic novel enthusiast and little-known band member? Inquiring minds like you maybe... a college student standing looking out at the world wondering where you'll end up, how far your portfolio will get you.

What should I do to be a good designer, what advice would you give to someone like me in school, getting ready to look for a job?

Chip (can I call him Chip? Mr. Kidd?) said that there are 2 things that designers must teach themselves: to write and to do crossword puzzles. Because if you think about it, letterforms are the beginning of all design. You put these 26 different shapes together in different ways, and you are able to convey a message.

Clue: 19 across, A number of people. Ten letters.

A __ E __ __ __ E __ I A

Though he's perceived as someone who can design whatever he wants and the clients immediately love it, everyone claps and sings, confetti is tossed in the air and balloons fall from the sky... Chip says that is not the way it works. Concepts are often shut down by either an editor or an author and his first idea is not always chosen.

Chip's presentation was captivating and thought-provoking (thank goodness for the thesaurus widget... inspiring... interesting...) and if you live in the Kansas City area, he will be at Unity Temple on the Plaza tonight at 7:00 p.m. I definitely recommend you go. (But you must not let him or anyone else know that you now have the answer to 19 across. That would just be rude.)

Clue: 19 across, A NUMBer of people. Ten letters.

A N E S T H E S I A

Chip Kidd + Hallmark = Lucky Me

Chip Kidd is here tomorrow. I'll have a full report in the afternoon.

Trend Week : Day 5

Being green is becoming quite the trend. But our speaker today for Trend Week started his project without even thinking about the environmental benefits.

Chad Pregracke grew up on the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. (I'm from Iowa so that's why I chose to say he's from the Quad Cities and not the more specific East Moline, Illinois.) As a high school student and an off-again-on-again college student , Chad worked on the river and loathed all the garbage he saw. Not just Coke cans and grocery sacks, but bigger things like tires. Refrigerators. Tractors. Oil drums.

Over the course of a decade, Chad and his non-profit organization, Living Lands and Waters, have cleared away over 4 million pounds of garbage from America's rivers. As I sat and listened and laughed at energetic, spastic Chad tell his story I could see how his enthusiasm for the project has caught on. Not only caught on, but changed lives and more importantly the environment.

Sure, being green can be trendy... but it is also a passion.

Please click this ----> CBS News Video <---- to watch and learn about Chad and his focus. Meet the personality we had the pleasure of listening to and watching this morning for the final day of Trend Week.

Trend Week : Day 4

This is going to have to be quick because I have a full afternoon of meetings/brainstorming/launch kick-off/one-on-one with my manager...

Can't believe it's day 4 of Trend Week already. Today's speaker was Issa (can't help myself saying "the artist formerly known as" Jane Siberry.) She talked about her life, read her poetry and sang one of her songs. She spoke about accountability in everything you do. Also making sure that you are projecting the kind of energy that you want others to receive.

What really makes Issa different though is that she gives her music away for free... using what she calls "self-determined" pricing. This month she started offering "creative currency" as a payment option: in exchange for a download, you can choose to do a good deed— Earth-friendly deed, Elder-friendly deed or other— and her site will automatically post your choice for others to ponder.

I checked out her website when I got back to my desk and found that parts of it weren't fully up and running. But her writing is there under the journal tab and worth a look. Also be sure to visit the Sheeba webstore.

(from Sheeba webstore)
What is a Sheeba Spirit Store?
"This store model is based on the belief that:
People are good.
In trust, our best comes forward full force.
To treat others as we would like to be treaded is generous, not selfish.
Good living can still come from not trying to control things; in trusting in a wider sense of transactions.
We are "a part" more than "apart."

Things to ponder, not too long though, life is out there waiting.
The most important thing is that the music flow out to where it could bring enjoyment.
And THAT is the best thing you could give back to me.

Issa"