May
07

jamestgreen: “Hearts on Fire at Firebelly” You know how you have those experiences that nearly take the breath out of your lungs, those moments where your life feels like it changes with every step, the wheels get the turning in your mind? Inspiration runs wild and passion drifts a foot? Thanks to a little luck and perfect timing from the man upstairs, I was stepping indoors to one of my favorite design studios in the Chicagoland area, Firebelly Designs. My first year as an AIGA Member, I chose to be apart of a mentor group, which is essentially one of the coolest things you can be apart of in this design organization. Basically what happens is a veteran artist takes you under their wing and plans out activities, usually twice a month, where you get to experience the world of design. Groups usually run about 6-7 people, who you all begin to get to know through this whole experience. This week was the trip to Firebelly Design, and I couldn’t be anymore excited. As I stepped into the door, I was floored by the beauty of the place. A warehouse/storefront repurposed, a design lab took place behind these beautiful doors. Not only did artwork and design happen in these many walls, but it was also home to a non-profit organization with a focus in giving to others, a design camp and a full multi-person internship program. This organization was living my absolute dream and I was about to meet the one that made it all happen, Dawn Hancock. We went about a tour of the location, my heart racing with utter excitement and dreams a brewing. My notebook was on fire with the notes being scribbled about. Seeing the facilities where everything happened made it all seem so real, completely opening hope that anything is truly possible. By the time question and answer time came, my nerves were at an all time high. Here I was, in front of one of the people that I admired in the design world, living the dream I want to achieve in a few years, I mustered up the courage to ask my question. “How do you get past the fear of achieving your thoughts, putting your ideas in action?” It is a true fear of mine, having a head full of ideas, but being able to talk yourself out of them before they go into action. It is definitely not a talent, but quite a common thing. She answered back humbly, expressing her thought processes. She mentioned how she always had an attitude that everything would always work itself out and to put your ideas in action, as it is the only way you will know if they stick. Such simple words but completely genius. A common thing I’ve noticed in the art and design community is that many achievements are created by simply doing. Simply putting yourself out there, making yourself vulnerable, putting out work that you are proud of for the world to see. All it truly takes is one idea to take fire and spark inspiration for us all. During my long drive home, Dawn’s advice resonated with me, and will for years to come. Here’s to putting ideas to action! -James

jamestgreen:

“Hearts on Fire at Firebelly”

You know how you have those experiences that nearly take the breath out of your lungs, those moments where your life feels like it changes with every step, the wheels get the turning in your mind? Inspiration runs wild and passion drifts a foot? Thanks to a little luck and perfect timing from the man upstairs, I was stepping indoors to one of my favorite design studios in the Chicagoland area, Firebelly Designs.

My first year as an AIGA Member, I chose to be apart of a mentor group, which is essentially one of the coolest things you can be apart of in this design organization. Basically what happens is a veteran artist takes you under their wing and plans out activities, usually twice a month, where you get to experience the world of design. Groups usually run about 6-7 people, who you all begin to get to know through this whole experience. This week was the trip to Firebelly Design, and I couldn’t be anymore excited.

As I stepped into the door, I was floored by the beauty of the place. A warehouse/storefront repurposed, a design lab took place behind these beautiful doors. Not only did artwork and design happen in these many walls, but it was also home to a non-profit organization with a focus in giving to others, a design camp and a full multi-person internship program. This organization was living my absolute dream and I was about to meet the one that made it all happen, Dawn Hancock.

We went about a tour of the location, my heart racing with utter excitement and dreams a brewing. My notebook was on fire with the notes being scribbled about. Seeing the facilities where everything happened made it all seem so real, completely opening hope that anything is truly possible. By the time question and answer time came, my nerves were at an all time high. Here I was, in front of one of the people that I admired in the design world, living the dream I want to achieve in a few years, I mustered up the courage to ask my question.

“How do you get past the fear of achieving your thoughts, putting your ideas in action?” It is a true fear of mine, having a head full of ideas, but being able to talk yourself out of them before they go into action. It is definitely not a talent, but quite a common thing.

She answered back humbly, expressing her thought processes. She mentioned how she always had an attitude that everything would always work itself out and to put your ideas in action, as it is the only way you will know if they stick. Such simple words but completely genius.

A common thing I’ve noticed in the art and design community is that many achievements are created by simply doing. Simply putting yourself out there, making yourself vulnerable, putting out work that you are proud of for the world to see. All it truly takes is one idea to take fire and spark inspiration for us all. During my long drive home, Dawn’s advice resonated with me, and will for years to come.

Here’s to putting ideas to action!

-James

Source jamestgreen

Reblogged from jamestgreen

Jan
10

I Am A Mentor - Social Media Day!

Join with youth mentors and mentoring programs around the country January 11 and help inspire others to learn about mentoring and how they can make a difference in the life of a child. Now in its 11th year, National Mentoring Month focuses attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us—individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits—can work together to increase the number of mentors to assure brighter futures for our young people. Together, the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Corporation for National and Community Service are working to focus national attention on the need for mentors. This year’s National Mentoring Month theme is Invest in the future. Mentor a child.


How can you help?

1. Share this info with other mentors, mentoring programs and supporters of mentoring.

2. On January 11, post your experience about being a mentor. Here is some sample messaging you can use:
“Did you know I am a mentor with [program]? Being a mentor to [first name] is rewarding and has helped me to [have fun, make a difference, learn new things, be a better parent, gain a better understanding of other cultures, etc.]. You can make a difference in as little as an hour a week. Find a mentoring opportunity in your local community today at www.serve.gov/mentor.”

3. Be sure to tag your program in your posts so people can learn more about the program where you mentor.

4. Feel free to post comments and suggestions on this page so other mentors can learn how you are promoting mentoring during National Mentoring Month.

Nov
22

Nov
01

iknowchicago: I’m VERY pleased to announced that the applications for this year’s Grant For Good are now available (and due December 2nd so hustle!) If you know a non-profit who meets these qualifications: nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations or a fiscal agent with such status; units of state or local government; or federally-recognized tribal communities or tribes may apply the organization must exist within 50 miles of Chicago, or be willing to pay for travel and accommodation expenses for on-site visits throughout the course of the year for 2 members of the team at key points throughout the year overall annual budgets must be between $100k and $1m and could use a serious marketing overhaul then send them our way! This year’s grant will include a year of free brand strategy, design + development, photography, video, space planning, organizational development, social media strategy and printing. Yes, really. Download the application now.http://www.grantforgood.com Deadline is December 2nd! Follow us on Facebook + Twitter. And if you are interested in seeing the amazing work we did this year for the Chicago Women’s Health Center then join us next week on November 11th for the Grand Unveiling + Inaugural Gala!

iknowchicago:

I’m VERY pleased to announced that the applications for this year’s Grant For Good are now available (and due December 2nd so hustle!)

If you know a non-profit who meets these qualifications:

  • nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations or a fiscal agent with such status; units of state or local government; or federally-recognized tribal communities or tribes may apply
  • the organization must exist within 50 miles of Chicago, or be willing to pay for travel and accommodation expenses for on-site visits throughout the course of the year for 2 members of the team at key points throughout the year
  • overall annual budgets must be between $100k and $1m

and could use a serious marketing overhaul then send them our way!

This year’s grant will include a year of free brand strategy, design + development, photography, video, space planning, organizational development, social media strategy and printing. Yes, really.

Download the application now.
http://www.grantforgood.com

Deadline is December 2nd!

Follow us on Facebook + Twitter.

And if you are interested in seeing the amazing work we did this year for the Chicago Women’s Health Center then join us next week on November 11th for the Grand Unveiling + Inaugural Gala!

Source iknowchicago

Reblogged from iknowchicago

Jul
22

iknowchicago: GRANT FOR GOOD Perhaps this is a smidge self-promotional but well it’s for a good cause and it’s my blog damn it. My company, Pivotal Chicago, was going to straight up steal an idea from Firebelly Design (with their permission of course) to award one grant to a lucky non-profit for one years worth of our work. It was our way of focusing our “giving” efforts into something more meaningful than piece-meal support. After some chatting we decided, wouldn’t it just be smarter to join forces (since we work together a lot anyways) and create an even bigger grant! After more chatting we thought, “Holy shit, what if we could get all of the players we work with and love so much to get in on this.  That would be one MONSTER grant!” So, we did and The Grant for Good was born. Applications went out in October and by deadline we had over 80 applicants from all over the country. We selected the Chicago Women’s Health Center. On January 3 we began our work. Firebelly Design creating a brand new look + website, PK Wheeler Communications writing all the copy + developing voice, IShootRockStars handling all photography, One Tree Forest Films creating a legacy video, Salsedo Press donating all labor costs for any/all printing, The Morten Group providing organizational and resource development, Pivotal Production providing event strategy, planning and production + social media strategy + development and Latent Design providing architectural design services as CWHC is moving into a brand new location this Fall! The culmination of much of this work will be unveiled at the CWHC’s very FIRST (in 36 years) formal fundraising gala on November 10th! The great news is you can already buy tickets! AND, we have some badass sponsorship packages available and we are accepting rockin’ silent auction items. Don’t you want to help? Yes or Yes? You can email me: shannon@pivotalchicago.com for info + packages. Some folks who are already on board and we LOVE them for that! Greenhouse Loft - Chicago’s newest greenest event space opening this FALL (we will be their first non-profit event!) @ghloft Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale - YUM! @gooseisland Good Harbor Vineyard - Family owned + operated winery + vineyard in Michigan who cares about the environment and supports local artist. @goodharborwine I think this is an epic example of the power of collaboration for collective good. It’s been an amazing experience so far. SAVE THE DATE - NOVEMBER 10th!! Grant for Good on Facebook

iknowchicago:

GRANT FOR GOOD

Perhaps this is a smidge self-promotional but well it’s for a good cause and it’s my blog damn it. My company, Pivotal Chicago, was going to straight up steal an idea from Firebelly Design (with their permission of course) to award one grant to a lucky non-profit for one years worth of our work. It was our way of focusing our “giving” efforts into something more meaningful than piece-meal support.

After some chatting we decided, wouldn’t it just be smarter to join forces (since we work together a lot anyways) and create an even bigger grant! After more chatting we thought, “Holy shit, what if we could get all of the players we work with and love so much to get in on this.  That would be one MONSTER grant!” So, we did and The Grant for Good was born.

Applications went out in October and by deadline we had over 80 applicants from all over the country. We selected the Chicago Women’s Health Center.

On January 3 we began our work. Firebelly Design creating a brand new look + website, PK Wheeler Communications writing all the copy + developing voice, IShootRockStars handling all photography, One Tree Forest Films creating a legacy video, Salsedo Press donating all labor costs for any/all printing, The Morten Group providing organizational and resource development, Pivotal Production providing event strategy, planning and production + social media strategy + development and Latent Design providing architectural design services as CWHC is moving into a brand new location this Fall!

The culmination of much of this work will be unveiled at the CWHC’s very FIRST (in 36 years) formal fundraising gala on November 10th! The great news is you can already buy tickets!

AND, we have some badass sponsorship packages available and we are accepting rockin’ silent auction items. Don’t you want to help? Yes or Yes? You can email me: shannon@pivotalchicago.com for info + packages.

Some folks who are already on board and we LOVE them for that!

I think this is an epic example of the power of collaboration for collective good. It’s been an amazing experience so far.

SAVE THE DATE - NOVEMBER 10th!!

Grant for Good on Facebook

Source iknowchicago

Reblogged from iknowchicago

May
17

What I’ve learned from my mentor group so far

I’ve learned a lot of things from my mentor group and the designers we’ve talked to, but this is the most important to me:

No seriously, MAKE STUFF!


Aka, the best way to become a better designer is to design, and this is not dependent on having an employer or client.

Apr
18

Apr
14

“

Turning the habit of self-criticism upside down

Perhaps this sounds familiar:

When it’s time to write a resume or talk to a boss or discuss a project glitch with colleagues, the instinct is to spin, to avoid a little responsibility, to sit quietly. Put a best face forward, don’t set yourself up.

When reviewing just about anything you’ve done with yourself (in your head), the instinct is to be brutal, relentlessly critical and filled with doubt and self-blame.

What if they were reversed?

What if the habit of the project review meeting was for each person to put their worst foot forward, to identify every item that they learned from? What if we took responsibility as a way of getting more authority next time?

And the flip side—when talking to ourselves, what if we were a little more supportive?

It’s not an easy habit, but it works.

”

Source sethgodin.typepad.com

Feb
27

Links to share - from one mentor group

Our group had a great meeting and we wanted to share with everyone the topics we discussed in case anyone wants to go back to look or revisit the sites. This is the list of the sites or designers that we find inspiring, interesting, bad or funny:

http://www.27bslash6.com

http://www.ms-studio.com/bioresume.html

http://jessicahische.com/overshares/her-resume

http://lazmarquez.squarespace.com/
(10 posters, 10 days, Oscar theme)

http://kapitza.com/shop/
(typography/patterns/etc.)

http://www.underware.nl/site2/index.php
(created many versatile fonts - making each letter different from the next. Almost like handwriting, each letter is not exactly the same)

http://www.lesley-moore.nl/

http://www.layertennis.com/
(Each designer sends their files to another designer and they add or change the design to what they want - We looked at one between Mig Reyes and Armin Vit)

http://underconsideration.com/

http://yourlogomakesmebarf.com/

http://www.crowdspring.com/
(discussed everyone’s dislike for this site)

Saul Bass: http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/medalist-saulbass
http://designmuseum.org/design/saul-bass
Paul Rand: http://www.paul-rand.com/
Paula Scher: http://www.pentagram.com/en/partners/paula-scher.php

Feb
22

mentor/mentee

A note from someone in the blogosphere about that I thought I would share…

—-

Hello,

Since you like my post about mentoring and the whole blog here is about mentoring i thought i’d share the links to my fellow classmates at the MFA visual communication design at Herron School of Arts & Design - IU as we’re all learning about the mentor-mentee relationship through practicing it this semester and we’ll be blogging about our experience.

Mentors (2nd years):

Mentees (1st years):

Feb
16

“

Make big plans

…that’s the best way to make big things happen.

Write down your plans. Share them with trusted colleagues. Seek out team members and accomplices.

Shun the non-believers. They won’t be easily convinced, but they can be ignored.

Is there any doubt that making big plans increases the chances that something great will happen?

Is there any doubt that we need your art and your contribution?

Why then, are you hesitating to make big plans?

”

seth godin

Source sethgodin.typepad.com

Feb
10

The Difficulty of Discovery (Where Have All The Geniuses Gone?) | Wired.com

rosasay:

Fascinating article by Jonah Lehrer:

I think this research helps explain why the era of the lone genius is coming to an end. If our current lists of global thinkers seem paltry, it’s because the best thinkers no longer exist by themselves, toiling away in a vacuum. Instead, they require the constant feedback and knowledge of others. We live in a world of such complexity that our problems increasingly exceed the possibilities of the individual mind. Collaboration is no longer an option.

via Mike Wagner

Source rosasay

Reblogged from rosasay

Feb
09

Autarky is dead

Self sufficiency appears to be a worthy goal, but it’s now impossible if you want to actually get anything done. All our productivity, leverage and insight comes from being part of a community, not apart from it. The goal, I think, is to figure out how to become more dependent, not less.

-seth godin

Jan
27