A creative dumping ground for issues that interest me personally and professionally, with the thought they may interest you too. Issues such as the business of design, the design of business, the design of objects, design strategy, creative direction, innovation, creativity, thought leadership, observations, as well as recommendations, mid-century modern decorative arts and architecture, and the state of my thinking (and currently the state of my heart).
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Just a Thought: Life Changing Moments
Something caught my attention tonight. It was in an email sent to me likely as a result of my involvement in Christian Publishing. Interestingly it was from a company called Positive Media Resources and came from a URL called "Massmediamail." Don't ask me why exactly I read something from a place called massmediamail—not a personal appeal to say the least–also the word "Positive" is very often a code word for something Christian in content dressed to not look like it. Regardless, I read it.
The email was a sales pitch for a movie called Bella. What caught my attention was the idea that a single moment can transform. And on the heels of my first mission trip, it especially resonated.
A portion of the email read... There comes a time in everyone’s life when something happens that changes them forever. Bella is a true love story that shows how one day in New York City changed three lives. It reminds us of surprises that await us in each new day that sometimes a single moment can transform our life forever.
But here's what really got me thinking. Isn't it more accurate to consider that a series of single moments, in the bigger picture, weaves our story? A scary thought when I remember back to my actions even earlier today. Am I making sound decisions and guarding my heart to insure each single moment counts? What would it be like to be intentional about your day to the degree you can consider your thoughts and actions in terms that are separate, individual, but intertwined single moments? And one's that all mattered.
No doubt it is a neat thought that one single big thing can change your life. Or someone's you know. Costa Rica did change me. Lots of what I experienced, what was revealed to me and what I experienced as a collective whole was very life altering. We all want that "in-the-park-homerun" feeling of being a light to someone, especially if it's exactly at the right time. And we all search to be changed. For me I know I'm not that fortunate, or disciplined in my walk to be in the right place at the right time. So I challenge myself (and you) to be intentional about and make your single moments count. See what that adds up to, even at the end of a single day.
Recently I've overheard people discussing pastor and author Rob Bell's newest book, Love Wins. In my quest to learn more about God's Truths, and specifically Love Wins, I found the video below to be very helpful. I suppose if you don't align with this video, you might just Google Love Wins and get Bell's side, and/or read the book. I plan to do the latter. Please note that the first 45 seconds of this video are a waste of time. After that, this video is worthwhile. bzell333 makes a really good case against false teaching in many of his YouTube contributions, but each of his videos have bizarre openings which I find creep, poorly done, and contra-effective to his intelligent teaching.
I'm aware from personal experience of a growing amount of instances of false teaching, so Love Wins has been on my radar since I heard of it about a month ago, since manypeople I know to speak the Truth have claimed Bell's book is full of false teaching. Lisa loves it. Of course she claims John Piper is "an asshole", so put that in context if you read her review. Having read Bell's previous work, Velvet Elvis, I was interested to learn more. I want to know how best I can share His love, care for others, and worship Him in all phases of my walk, in my desire to bring Him glory. Bell has helped me with these issues in the past. God knows I am not perfect nor deserving of His love, but He knows I follow Him.
As you may or may not know, Love Wins is generating a New York Times bestselling amount of controversy. On one hand, this shouldn't be a huge surprise when considering the Bible speaks to Christ coming again in context of Love and Judgment. That's one of the primary things the cross stands for to me—God's love for mankind, and His judgment by way of the sacrificial death of His own Son, serving as a living sacrifice for our brokenness, to make us whole. He judged the world and then in perfect love gave of His Son. His new testament gospel offers us an eternal life which we don't deserve, nor can we earn. The Christian faith is controversial in general, when you consider the message of Jesus Christ is by it's very nature of absolute Truth, more and more intolerant in the post modern times we're living. A time where emerging churches are becoming so increasingly tolerant of sin in the world (though under the auspices of love and/or inclusion), that they're literally disappearing into the world, instead of standing up and teaching against these very sins. A time when the Bible is being considered irrelevant and out of step with society by so many in the church who are in positions of leadership.
I used to worry that as the end draws near, how will I ever be able to discern Truth from false teaching? The idea that the Bible speaks about false teachers being present and prevalent in end times has always concerned me, as it should you. I recall asking this question of someone in my then-small group, and their response was... "You will know through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, that which is Holy and True, from that which is not." In retrospect, I fall to my knees today, in appreciation to God that what she said was Truth, as false teaching and misplaced spirituality are all around me, including the place I was married. It could not be more clear to me—in all God's been saying—through the teaching I hear in His word; through the discipleship of others; by witnessing the devil's work in those I know and knew by their tongue, and by their actions. The Devil's power and subtle nature and effectiveness is increasing, as is predicted all throughout the Bible. The Devil looks good, is quick to tell you what you want to hear, and even more scary, is full of intention. In fact at C3 Exchange, the former Christ Community Church in Spring Lake MI (where I was wed when the cross was still on the building and where they no longer "worship a dead corpse"), they worship themselves over their Savior, even today. More on that here.
So I give thanks to God for all He's doing. His eternal plan for His world, and His people. Not everyone, but for those who choose to follow Him by both words and action, even when it is hard. Those who do not quit, and choose grace and forgiveness. Those who live with humility, with eternal life as their goal, who choose a walk towards holiness, over their endless chase for the happiness of the world. Those working to perfect their worship, over seeking a life of worldly pleasure. And for those who choose discipline over desire.
Love Wins alright. Ironically, and thanks be to God, that's a true statement. He does win. But the Devil continues to win converts as people bow to their sinful nature and personal happiness, over a life of serving a mighty and powerful God who both loves us, AND will judge over us. Read Love Wins for yourself, and see if what Bells explores speaks to you. One review I read says "in a tie, Bell wins". I can see extending Bell this benefit of the doubt, as God has no doubt given Him many skills. Bell is a powerful communicator. But the devil is equal to the task. He is intriguing, skillful and passionate. Also very spiritual. One thing that is clear in the Bible is what happens to people who choose life's pleasures over a life of right living, and follow what they believe to be truth over what the Bible says is really True. In Thessalonians 2, this individual is called the Anarchist.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (The Message)
The Anarchist
1 Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. 2 Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. 3 Don't fall for any line like that. 4 He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God Almighty." 5 Don't you remember me going over all this in detail when I was with you? Are your memories that short? 6 You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time.7 That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. 8 But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and-puff!-the Anarchist is out of there. 9 The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake,10 evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them.11 And since they're so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it-gives them what they want.12 Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions. 13 Meanwhile, we've got our hands full continually thanking God for you, our good friends-so loved by God! God picked you out as his from the very start. Think of it: included in God's original plan of salvation by the bond of faith in the living truth.14 This is the life of the Spirit he invited you to through the Message we delivered, in which you get in on the glory of our Master, Jesus Christ. 15 So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter.16 May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence,17 put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.
BarryBlog posts on ideas, issues and objects that are really all over the map. This is a reflection of who I am as a thinker, a designer, a christian, and is how I originally envisioned the blog from day one. I post on things which have caught my attention and which I find interesting and at times important. Things I observe by intention, by happenstance, by referral, or by The Spirit, as a way and a place to file interesting things away for future consideration. And for you too, if you find them interesting. The feedback I get in these regards has always been a high point of the process.
The last few months I've been posting less, but with more frequency regarding my flea market finds and the collection I am curating 50 cents at a time via St. Vincent DePaul, Goodwill and other local flea market haunts. Judging by my stats, this is less interesting to some, though ironically my core reader still remains rather solid. It is always fun to see which posts spike readership, but I never set out to gain a following or to boost readership. In fact my blog can best be summed up by a quote from Samuel Butler from The Way of All Flesh which I discovered in reading my book by Herman Miller called "Notes on Attention" by Ralph Caplan."
Butler says...
"The literacy instinct may be known by man's keeping a small notebook in his waistcoat pocket, onto which he jots down anything that strikes him, or any good thing that he hears said, or a reference he thinks will come in useful to him." (I would add: "Or to you").
One thing I never tire of and always find interesting is contract and residential furniture. Furniture industry insider I am not, but having grown up in Mid-Michigan in a small design boutique that was furnished predominately in Herman Miller, then calling Grand Rapids home for a few years as a communication designer, I have developed a passion for contract furniture. All furniture really. I always seem to find incredible furniture and decorative art finds at garage sale prices, which has only fueled by desire to learn more. Perhaps it's learning I enjoy mostly about furniture, not the finds themselves. Maybe that could be another blog post.
Anyway, what I really appreciate the most about the furniture design industry is the leadership role it has earned in the overall design landscape. Furniture design is approached holistically, and design is considered and relied upon at every level of thinking— from the board room to the retail floor. Those who have followed BarryBlog know the business of design is an issue that's been discussed here frequently.
All that to say, the newAllsteel Acuity chairhas caught my attention. In a big way. Mainly because ofall it isn't. It sits quietly and expectantly for it's user to draw near. In my estimation, the chair's personality takes on the personality of the user, not visa versa.
In some ways I see the Allsteel Acuity chair more representative of Audi than BMW, if you will. The Acuity does what it says, the Aeron says what it does.
You get the picture. Do understand I ama major Herman Miller fan, but like the Aeron, I see the Allsteel Acuity chair in a really small group of excellent products. Perhaps the reason this chair is so excellent, and has so little, is because of Bruce Fifield at Continuum. According to Allsteel's president Eugene Sung, Bruce is a relative newcomer to chair design. I have always been a relative newcomer to each industry I have designed for, and often find this to be a distinct advantage. Mainly because of so little preconception. But as always, you must have a client who trusts your intuition, instinct and voice. After seeingContinnum'sprevious work, I can see how this would not have been a stretch for Sung.
In reference to paying attention, and to all that this chair is not, here is a great quote by Ralph Caplan from the same publication On Attention I referenced earlier in this post...
"Pay attention so that people are free to attend to what they care about. Ironically, though, the freest societies invariably create environments that militate against attention. Visual pollution is harmful not just because it is ugly but because it is distractive. And therefore destructive. Like other pollution, it destroys the balance of nature–in this case, human nature. A climate loaded with designs clamoring for your attention is a climate in which you end up paying attention to nothing."
Bravo Eugene and Bruce and team. Thanks for paying attention. It made a connection. With me, anyway. And that's why it's on BarryBlog.
This is a long post. And I'm writing it for a single person. Is it you?
Nearly seven years ago to the day, my wife and I moved to Illinois from Michigan. Like many creatives, owning a design consultancy was an idea I’d often entertained, so about a year and a half into having taken this plunge, things were progressing well. But...(skidmarks)...to make a long story short, and due to a variety of factors and serendipitous relationships and circumstances, I was given the opportunity to help build a similar consultancy within the framework of a major Christian Publisher called Tyndale House Publishers. The exact story of how all this happened would require an entirely separate post.
Much has happened in 7 years at Tyndale, and it's been an interesting and fulfilling ride. To give you some background, the final project I did transitioning from my consultancy to my current full time gig was what's often referred to as a "chick calendar" — you know — a beauty calendar meant to help a Rock-n-Roll radio station make money. By many standards the calendar was a designer's dream. A client who wanted to push design to it's visual limits, and the opportunity to work with one of the best shooters in the country. Literally. But you see, even before this calendar, it was becoming very apparent to my wife and I how my skills were going to waste. I was spending night and day with the sole focus of helping promote commerce (not that turning a profit is useless or sinful, rather, my work felt empty). Without significance. Some of you might understand the feeling. So I share my story with you not to pass judgment, rather, to share with you how I felt God's leading in my life, and how using my talents for His work has been a life changing venture, or should I say adventure.
It is with gratitude and deep prayer that I have considered how best to share this, mainly because I've worked very hard for over 2 years on BarryBlog to post about personal issues, separating as possible my personal voice and opinions from my work responsibilities as a Senior Art Director. But in this case it's a bit difficult to separate the two. So I post this today with the hope that someone, just that special someone, may also be feeling led by the Holy Spirit, to break free and follow the call of God.
You see, Tyndale's Commercial Design team has an opening.
We're looking for a thinker—someone who loves to communicate with pictures and words. A communication designer with a marketing communication design background. Someone as adept at strategic thinking as design execution, with the desire and ability to add to a small team, and collaborate with internal marketing clients. Someone with a servant heart, and someone who brings a voice. It's an agency-pace position that requires swift and thoughtful work, and the day to day is never boring. Responsibilities might include client meetings, brainstorming, strategic and creative development, design presentations, design execution, research, growing your colleagues and learning from others, plus a ton more.
Our team is small by design. Consequently, we’re focused on finding the needle in the haystack. Someone whose work will blow us away, especially as we consider why we are called to work in the first place. We use the term “senior” in terms of the level of work and the ability to foster strong relationships with internal clients and fellow colleagues.
In a feeble attempt to avoid displaying bias (if that's possible considering how totally sold out I am to our companies' mission), I will state that Tyndale is an incredibly special company. God's work is being done all over the place. In us. Through us. Despite us. But it is really tangible. You can feel it. And at times see it. The company actually cares about their employees. They invest in us, and us in them. Kinda simple really, and a bit old fashioned. Which in this ever changing and at times superficial world is rather refreshing in my estimation. And that's not all. Not only are our skills being employed to glorify God, Tyndale’s Book design and Commercial design team are second to none. I’m uniquely qualified to say this as you consider the wide variety of previous professional experiences I bring to Tyndale, and to this discussion. It is truly one of the strongest creative teams I have ever had the chance to serve with.
So is it you we're looking for? Maybe someone you know? If so, I recommend two things. Number one, do not contact me personally. I tried this approach early on, then I realized how disrespectful this is to the process. We have a structured and measured method of bringing people on board, so if you are interested and are deemed qualified to move forward by those whose job it is to make this determination, you will eventually meet me. Second, you can follow this link. If you get tripped up in any way or need answers, simply call our front desk and ask for our Human Resource department.
So I hope you feel it is of no coincidence that you are reading this. I promise you that if you join our team, I (and our entire team) will invest heavily into you. We will make you a stronger communication designer. And your contributions will matter like never before. We will support you like mad, and do everything we can to see you succeed. And to grow our company. I can say this because I have been on the receiving end, and like I said before, Tyndale is a special company.
Speaking for our entire Design team (without permission in this case), we look forward to meeting you and growing with you. May God bless you and give you the peace and strength to step out in faith and answer this call.
Designer Philippe Starck makes the claim that "Design is Dead" in a ZIET interview from March 27th. From my perspective, I see this a a possible instance of a big name designer working to create PR buzz for personal gain. I might be wrong. In fairness, I don't now Philippe, so that's probably not fair. As you read the article, it becomes apparent Phillipe is an intelligent man.His workas an industrial designer is worthy of attention and respect.
The interview resonated with me.
About 7 years ago I made a career change for nearly the same reasons. I was increasingly tired of doing and creating things with virtually no redeeming value. In my case, I was called into Christian ministry. Though I don't know where Starck's motivation lies for making such a claim, I could relate with his interview based on my desire to do something more important with my giftedness. His comments and the interview in general are certainly important, and add greatly to the discussion on consumerism. Something I have found myself wrestling with of late — here,here and here.
A reminder from Thomas Nelson CEO Michael Hyatt in his blog FromWhereISit that true leadership is about influence and not control. His big four include:
He states that "time and time again, I have witnessed the power of a simple thank you.” Michael is teaching a great deal about being transparent, how encouragement pays dividends, and how it's okay to be bold. To me, the angst to be the best is worship. Christian publishing deserves nothing less.
brandnavigation is on the short list of companies that caught my attention after moving from Michigan to Illinois to begin serving in the role of art director for a christian publisher. At the time, the company was called The Design Office of Bill Chiaravalle. A name I was glad to see changed.
As a new believer, and as an art director for a publisher for the first time in 14 years, Chiaravalle's work kept capturing my attention, one book at at time. Well it's been about 6 years and I just re-visitied the brandnavigation site, and it reminded me what I found so compelling. At the end of the day, good work is good work. But superior work stands out. Chiaravalle's crew transcends the ordinary and strikes a chord. Attention to detail at their fabric and remarkable design thinking from front to end are only part of the intrigue. A balance of boldness with finesse, and a focus on effective communication is what I've found so compelling.
Another impressive thing about brandnavigation is the breadth of work. Simply put, they've been at it for a long time. Like myself, 20+ years in the trenches. Some weeding of the portfolio might benefit the company as a whole, but admittedly it all stands up well in the test of time for sure. Hats off to brandnavigation. They've somehow managed to grow and maintain at a high level in a business that's all about being relevant.
I suspect you might also enjoy their portfolio, and if you're particularly interested in identity, as am I, check out their case study section. You'll have to discover these directly on the site, because unfortunately I cannot provide you a link to their portfolio or case studies because they've built their entire site in flash.
CUR8TOR shop is open for business. It's a place to share vintage and modern things I find unique, in the event you do too. Vintage decorative art objects, mid-century modern style, one-off finds, and an occasional handcrafted good. I'm enthusiastic about craftsmanship, charm, and innovations of the past, so I share these vintage treasures with you.
* * * I see the world through the eyes of faith. While I realize not everyone shares my Christian worldview, I hope what I say, what I portray and how I treat you will adequately reflect my heart to serve, and my desire to glorify God.
Impressive is the work of Paprika —a design and strategic marketing firm specializing in business communications. They believe big is the only way to go– as in planetary in scope, because the world is their market. This resonates with me because in my role at a Christian publishing ministry, the word of God is as big as it gets. I invite anyone who shares this vision of bigness to dig deep and consider the consequences of doing it big. Or not.
Though not a bettin' man—if I were, I'd bet on Snipshot. With big boy funding by YCombinator, it just might be a precursor to what Photoshop may look like in the future. I've posted about an online resource called Resizr previously, but this one takes the cake.
Snipshot's a great way to save any photo you have, or one from the web as GIF, JPG, PDF, PNG or TIF, and then you can crop, rotate, resize, and conduct image adjustments like contrast, brightness, saturation, sharpness and hue. It's not limited to tiny web photos either, we're talking photos up to 10 MB, or 25 megapixels (5000x5000 pixels). Like a Mac there are unlimited undo and redo (Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+Y, or ⌘Z and ⌘Y on your Mac) and you can import PDF (first page only), EPS or SVG. It's also "nondestructive editing" when you consider Snipshot always works from a copy of the original image. Best of all, it's 100% browser based, no plug-ins required, and no downloading software! I've used this, and it really is amazing.
For cheapskates who don't have Photoshop, this is a great junkyard dog solution, and perhaps, a sign of things to come?
You've probably figured out by now that BarryBlog is an odd collection of things I find of interest— with the hope you will enjoy them too. Things such as communication design, the business and value of design, thought leadership, books and book design, publishing, well designed products and services, ideas, and at times faith (to name a few). And since it's always been about my passion for sharing, and about being transparent, I can't get more transparent than this post.
Buried in a category within a category of The Wall Street Journal's web site, Joanne Kaufman writes about variety in Bible marketing. I'll let you read it for yourself.
Thomas Nelson's President and CEO Michael S. Hyatt sounds encouraged and energized by what he saw at the International Book Fair in Guadalajara, Mexico last month – and as an exhibitor at the show, Hyatt is uniquely qualified to comment. He's done so at his blog.
The Book Fair is sponsored by the University of Guadalajara, and is 20 years strong.
It's a general market show. Grupo Nelson chose to exhibit. Only Christian publisher to do so.
The booths were sophisticated and reminded Hyatt of BEA. Beautiful product, great graphics and great signage.
Floor opened 9 to 5:00 p.m. for publishers, booksellers, printers, the media, agents, authors, etc., and 5 to 9:00 p.m. to the public.
Over 525,000 attended. Aisles jammed. Hyatt says he's never seen so much excitement about books.
Half of the attendees were under the age of 30.
Aprox. 17,000 booksellers attended from 39 countries
I find it incredibly refreshing that Michael's comfortable enough and transparent enough to blog in this fashion and from such a unique perspective. As President and CEO of a major publishing house, wisdom and logic will tell you he has a bunch on his plate, so kudos to Michael for sharing his wisdom and insights with the rest of us, from where he sits. I've learned a great deal personally from his posts.
Candid Questions. They ask ’em, so you don't have to.
No matter who you are, there are undoubtedly questions about faith, God, and your position and place in life that you’ve thought of yourself and/or wanted to ask publicly. Well now you don’t have to! Though you may not agree with all the answers, you have to admit the discussions are very thoughtful, and are conducted without all the shouting and red faces you get in public debate. Questions such as...How can I be convinced I have heard the voice of God, so I can know his will for my life?Why did God allow the tsunami disaster? Why is there evil in the world if God is all-powerful? What About People Who Say God Talks to Them? I have been in constant pain for over 30 years and I suffer from major chronic depression. I have been a Christian most of my life. My life is anything but abundant. Why would a loving God allow his child to suffer so much?
A creative dumping ground for issues that interest me personally and professionally, with the thought they may interest you too. Issues such as the business of design, the design of business, the design of objects, design strategy, creative direction, innovation, creativity, thought leadership, observations, as well as recommendations, mid-century modern decorative arts and architecture, and the state of my thinking (and currently the state of my heart).
Senior Art Director publishing; Follower of Christ; Boxing fan (and one time promoter); Collector of mid-century modern furniture, decorative arts and housewares.
Something caught my attention tonight. It was in an email sent to me likely as a result of my involvement in Christian Publishing. Interestingly it was from a company called Positive Media Resources and came from a URL called "Massmediamail." Don't ask me why exactly I read something from a place called massmediamail—not a personal appeal to say the least–also the word "Positive" is very often a code word for something Christian in content dressed to not look like it. Regardless, I read it.
