Speak Human : The Playboy of Business Books

Despite my cat's determined attempts to destroy my Speak Human book (& this blog post) I managed to make it to the end so naturally I like to celebrate that with a review.

With most books of this nature, I tend to expect "this is how you run a business, this is how you sell your product"...bla bla bla. You can imagine my surprise when I found out it wasn't one of those books. It's as if I picked up a magazine thinking it was all about fashion and turned out to be a Playboy; Sure it puts it all out there but it's got some great articles!

What came across as blatant, raw, or bordered on the lines of TMI (too much information), was truthful, real, relatable...even personal. It wasn't just written to stroke the authors own ego, to fill space, or to try to be something it wasn't. It got me to sit up a little straighter and get interested in what I was reading, as if I was being told to smarten up and look at the big picture. It's the direction and honesty I was looking for in a book and it was one that I truly connected with. Maybe that's because of it's honesty and personal insight. If it hadn't been for the shock-value every once and awhile, I would have glossed over some fabulous business insights, which the book is full of, and it would have ended up being just like every other "marketing book".

Taking this outside of the book - so to speak, I occasionally interact with @SpeakHuman and the author @karj on Twitter and typically, I wouldn't expect a response from a well-to-do graphic designer or firm. Especially one, that's published! Not sure what the whole mind-set is on that one but, regardless of the reason, some people who have gained such elite success tend not to interact outside of their bubble. However, these guys (& gals) don't know me from a hole in the wall but still take the time to respond to my comments or tweets. What a concept! And is exactly what the book is based on. If they can make me feel like their friend, just for a few seconds, I can only imagine how their clients feel. Now that's good business.

So for those of you who think you know everything about good business and great marketing, this book will prove that you know nothing. It is a 'no bullshit' business book that is consistent in it's message; Speak Human. And @karj definitely does just that.

Want To Be a Great Designer...It's Not in the Programs

InDesign Doesn't Mean Intuitive
InDesign is a lovely program. The learning curve is relatively minimal if you're familiar with layout programs.

I have to warn you though, InDesign doesn't do any thinking or conceptualizing for you even though it may look that way. Think of InDesign as simply a 'tool' to bring ideas to life. Those ideas must be worked through before even touching a mouse which is where a lot of designers make the mistake. Hell, even I've made that mistake and still catch myself at times trying to shortcut the process due to time restraints. In the end though, it turns out to be wasted time as I find myself clicking in circles.

I've learned that having knowledge of any layout program is just one aspect of developing a successful piece. Sketching, brainstorming, and getting feedback on your idea should be the first steps before laying anything out in your layout program.

Photoshop Can Make Anything Look Cool
Another myth floating around is that Photoshop can make any photo, any layout, any background look well designed; Even cool. Open a photo, download some brushes, apply some filters and you've got yourself a pretty sexy Photoshop file, right?

Well if your objective is to make your piece look like a dog's breakfast, I would say use every effect, action, brush, pattern you can. However, if that's not your goal, I would steer clear from unnecessary or excessive effects. Save 'em for when you really need them, be simple, be concise.

In terms of layouts in Photoshop, I've heard (and even worked on) layouts being done in this manner. It's a hassle, it's inefficient, and a beast when it comes to larger files. Let's not consider this program all you need. Depending on your purpose, like an e-card or a single page layout, it might be easier to work this way but when you get into the larger, multi-page documents for print, you will be thankful InDesign exists.

Just Say No!
The bells and whistles of any program can excite you, fire you up, make you feel even more creative with so many options at hand but they can also make you blind. Blind to what your goals of the project are, blind to the development stages of an idea, and blind to the ever-so-popular theory of 'keep it simple'.

So close that program and go back to the basics of drawing and thinking. I know it's tough with so many distractions waiting for you but don't give in to what they are offering you. Just say no! Walk away! And come back when you're good and ready.

Want to be a Great Designer...It's All in the Fonts

Stop Using OS Fonts!
OS fonts are any font that comes pre-installed on your computer. Or any of the fonts to the left.
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Since these fonts are available on everyone's system, you can imagine how often they're used. Designers have an interesting reaction to these fonts; They're overexposed, overused, poorly designed, not to mention unattractive. We love to hate them! Ask any designer to use any of these fonts in your next project and you will be sure to repulse them. You've been forewarned ;)

Those Script Fonts Have to Go!
Now I'm not particularly opposed to using script fonts. In the right context they can add great visual value and depth. What I am opposed to is, once again, the overuse and the sheer myth that script fonts are the answer to showing a little 'class'.

I've heard clients say, 'I want it to look fancy so let's use a script font'.

Ok, sure but how does that relate to a dog grooming business? If it was one Paris Hilton frequented, maybe. But even then, it's just borderline cliché and who wants to be a cliché?

Listen, you hire a designer to help your business stand-out from others of the same kind. So why would you want to use a concept that is, in my humble opinion, amateur and overdone? You're paying your designer good money so why not get the most (and the best) out of them. Make 'em work for it! Delving deep into great thought, consideration, and strategy may not be the easiest way but great design demands due diligence and determination.

The way I see it, if something seems like a challenge, then you're on the right path. No one said success was easy.

Now designers, you're not getting off that easy. This applies to you too :)

So maybe the client gives you free reign with the exception of 'make it look fancy'. Funny to see how quickly SOME designers are to jump on the 'script' bandwagon. Maybe you aren't one of them but if you are, I challenge you to find other solutions to script fonts. Jump off that bandwagon!

And Finally, Stop Using So Many!
Some say, the more the merrier. Well, not when it comes to great design.

Some designers feel that the more fonts they use, the better. It will give the impression they spent a lot of time designing it or that it gives the final piece, personality. Unfortunately, this isn't the most effective way to do either. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the right ones. Just look at any great ad campaign or logo. Concise, clear, and clever.

When I see something with too many fonts I feel like I'm at an event where everyone has decided to dress to suit their own taste rather than dress to the theme that was chosen for the evening. You can imagine how chaotic it would be if some were dressed up, others were dressed down, some dressed in black, others in bathing suits.

Bridget Jones comes to mind when I say this. In one of the scenes from the movie, she attends a 'Tarts and Vicars' themed party so she made sure to choose the cutest Playboy bunny outfit to wear. When she arrives and no one is dressed like a tart or vicar, the host informs her that she called to tell her that she had decided not to have a themed party after all and Bridget is left embarrassed that she didn't get the message.

In the design world, like Bridget's party, there will always be a theme, a message, an objective, something that you need to work around, or communicate clearly. With this in mind, professionals chose fonts to support the context of the material they're designing for. It just makes sense right?

On that note I should say that there are no right or wrongs. But there is 'better'; Better options, better choices, and better results. In order to arrive at 'better' one is required to step outside of what you have available on your operating system and the standard 'fancy' script fonts, to find something else that works just as good, if not...better.

[I'll be posting Part II of the 'Want to Be a Great Designer' series in the coming weeks so check back soon! In the meantime, I encourage feedback :) It can only get better from here!]

The Buyer Experience : Real or Just a Fake Fendi?

Stepping into Aritzia, shuffling through shirts in search of a flattering piece of apparel, I felt a little strange. Not because it was a store I rarely frequented but as I was shuffling through shirts priced at $90, I noticed that they were on cheap plastic hangers and simple metal racks.

Not that this particular 'way' of selling clothes particularly bothers me but in my minds eye, I had figured this place to be high-end. The prices certainly screamed that but how they were being presented to me felt like I was buying a fake Fendi out the back of a classic Cadillac. [Yes, I like my Sex and the City]

Where is the class? Where is the message that these clothes are worth what I'm paying? The buyer experience there was less than expected.

Now to prove I'm not a clothing snob, I'll compare Aritzia to a store who's got it right; RW&Co. One of my favorite stores to buy clothes from (when I can afford it). Just like Aritzia, they charge a premium for their clothes but the difference is in the presentation and experience. When I walk in, I know right off the bat I'm going to pay a mighty price for a well-designed piece of apparel. The racks are well designed to not make me feel like I'm bargain-shopping, the clothes are on wooden hangers, the store is clean and professional, the music doesn't make me feel like I'm clubbing at 10am. You see, I want to feel my hard earned money is being well spent and that the clothes I'm buying are worth their price-tag so much that they merit wooden hangers and a fabulous showcase.

But then again, maybe Aritzia has it right in giving the impression that people have stepped into another average clothing store. Or maybe it was just this location that sold their clothes that way? If it was, they have some serious branding issues.

Either way, there's something to be said about 'the buyer experience' and I think it should be taken into consideration when you're selling anything over $50.

Social Media - The New 'Way' of the Universe?

Social media is a strange beast. It makes you visible to entire world. You can rub shoulders with the rich and famous, network with fellow colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and possibly even find a lover. The possibilities are endless really. It's like we've finally found a way to take control of the wheel of destiny. Who woulda thought it was that easy!

I guess I'm a traditionalist in the sense that I like meeting people and reconnecting the old-fashioned way. You spark random conversation with a stranger while stuck on a subway or you end up standing behind an old friend in a grocery store lineup. Some, like me call it fate. While others simply call it dumb luck or coincidence. Either way, the old-fashioned way seemed to have a little more magic and 'reasoning' behind it than "I found you on Facebook and poof we're best friends again".

Not to say that fate can't find you in the social media world or even outside of it but it seems as if a bit of intrigue has been taken away. Where's the mystery? Where's the surprise?

Ah hell, what does it matter really? Maybe none of it does but it's interesting to wonder the kind of role social media has in your life and how quickly it has evolved to become the social standard.

What IS Communication Design?

I've been getting some great feedback and constructive criticism on my new business cards. I've even been asked: "What IS a communication designer?"

Well to me, a communication designer is a graphic designer that stretches beyond aesthetics to inspire, invoke action, spark dialogue, and provoke feeling. Whether it's for a great cause, a great brand, or simply for informational purpose, the message has a voice that carries.

Changing my title has already helped to differentiate myself from the average graphic designer. It has also proved to be a refreshing switch from "oh so you do websites" and will hopefully attract the type of work I want to add to my portfolio.

Green Printer Online : Update

Well, my package finally arrived.

However, after many confused emails from them and a lot of 'beating around the bush' I was told i would get my 30% back on Monday. Have I seen a confirmation email about that yet? No.

Still continuing with emails and waiting to hear back from the BBB.
People can actually run a business this way? Ridiculous!

Now on to a more positive note...smile and carry on :)

Green Printer Online : Review

In harmony with my last identity (fusing design with purpose), it was only natural for me put my money where my mouth was and seek a 'green' printer for printing my new business cards. Little did I realize that I would be losing more than just my carbon footprint.

After finding Green Printer Online in a Google-search and noticing they had a Vancouver office, I ordered a small amount of business cards on April 21st to get a feel for their printing service, quality, and turn-around time. After having paid a 30% surcharge for a 3-day turnaround service, so I'd have them for design week, more than a week has passed and I still have not yet received anything. Expecting this order to be printed/shipped from their Vancouver location, I started to wonder what the hell was going on so I logged on to my online account to see that my order was still "in-production" when it should have technically been shipped out this past Tuesday.

Disgruntled and annoyed, not being able to contact anyone at either the Vancouver or the Brampton office, I contacted the BBB to file an official complaint. We'll see where I end up.

If you thought of using these guys or plan to, I would suggest you do so at your own risk and if you're not under a tight deadline, as I'm still awaiting samples they promised and my (very belated) business cards.

The Value of Design is More Than You Think

And so ends, another great design conference (and my 'fast' from social media).

Many topics were covered by the roster of talented speakers, who spent their time infusing us with insight and perspective. From the architectural wonders of Peter Busby to the romantically illustrative works of Marian Bantjes, there was an abundance of awe-inspiring work (and words) to absorb.

Design Is Feeling
The theme of Design Week 2010 was "the value of design" aka Design Currency. Much discussion was had about spec work and how we could bring value to our work. More importantly what does 'design with value' mean to each of us? How could we design value, in order for others to value design?

Dave Mason (the MC) coined it perfectly by saying the value of design is determined by whether or not you feel something because of it or even in spite of it. A great example was when a recap video of the 2010 Olympics was presented to us by Ali Gardener and Ben Hulse. A standing ovation soon followed and I don't believe there was a dry eye in the house after that.

After it was all said and done, I couldn't help but feel like I had been challenged to pull myself apart and put myself back together again in a different way; To find my niche, find my passion, differentiate, and refine myself as a designer, for the better.

Design Is Connection
I had some eye-opening dialogue with my table mates on the first day (Nancy Wu, Christina Peressini, Carol Avery, and Jen LeMercier) in which we spoke about the value of design and what it meant to us. Some buzz words like longevity, inspiration, action, change, reinvention, jealousy, motivation were passed around.

Jealousy? When the word was originally put out there we all seem to relate to seeing another designer's work and wished we had done it, or thought of it, ourselves. We noted, however, that this feeling of envy quickly transformed into motivation for us so we felt it was positive addition to our list. Without envy, maybe none of us would push the envelope?

Up until that point, I thought it was just me to have such a perspective and originally felt it was a negative feeling to have but having this dialogue made me feel human and it was nice to hear I was in the same boat as others. (Especially designers who's work I LOVE)

Design Is Passionate Risk
When it comes to the real world, it's easy to forget the passion that led us into this profession in the first place. This conference was a great reminder to keep our passion close to our hearts making sure to ask the question of whether you want to do something or whether you need to.

Quite a few of the speakers talked about the risks they had taken in their career and it all started from a place of passion. One cannot exist without the other. It left me questioning whether or not I was acting from a place of passion and whether I took enough risks in my career.

Design Is What You Make It
You would think going to such an event would leave you with all the answers but it always seems to do the opposite for me, which I feel is the best part. Nothing would be discovered if there wasn't a question to be answered or a problem to be solved. I feel challenged to now think of myself in a different way, refine myself as a designer in my own way as that is how I feel I will bring more value to my work. Because I believe the value of design is relative and it is what you make of it.

Et tu?

Disconnect to Reconnect

For the past few months I've been yearning to get outdoors more and spend more time with my mother...

Nature, that is.

Today I got the opportunity to spend the afternoon at a beautiful lake, trail blazing with a close friend. The location is somewhat remote despite the fact that it's just a 15 minute drive from civilization and the scenery is divine; Mountainous, vast amounts of trees, fast-running waterfalls, rough trails, an outdoorsy dream!

As I walk the trail and pass people along the way, I noticed the Gucci bags, the D&G sunglasses, and Lululemon yoga wear being sported and it didn't quite fit for me. It seemed so odd that we were in the thick of nature and these items still mattered to some. I even took a look at myself and even I was transformed from my natural form; my wildly colourful hair, my expensive glasses, my cell phone in tow.

Nature is raw, nature is pure, nature doesn't care, it is what it is, and yet us (as humans) always try to make life out to be more than it is. We place value on items that really have no value in nature. We care, even when there's no one around to see us. It was such a disconnect, a distance from where we were standing to the world we live in and have created for ourselves that it left me wondering what all of that "stuff" is really doing for us, and why we were willing to waste so much energy on it all?

We finished our walk with a good game of Gin on the beach in the middle of two mountains. The wind blew, the waves slowly splashed the shore. By the time we finished I was so relaxed and in such a Zen mode, I never wanted to go back to the hectic pace of life, the concrete jungle I live in.

When I got home, I deleted my Facebook account and decided to no longer Tweet, which might be a bit extreme. For now, the only form of online communication I want to concentrate on is this blog because it's a journal of my life that I've been neglecting and it's time to get back to it.

The people who really matter will keep in touch always. I don't need an application to tell me to touch base.

The time that I now have not keeping up with everyone elses life I can use to read, talk, relax, reflect.

And the energy I save not spreading it so thin on mundane tasks and people who couldn't care less, will be spent on rebuilding my soul, being more creative, and being in touch with things that actually matter.

It's time to get back to the things I enjoyed as a child, and still enjoy, so this is my first and last attempt to disconnect so I can reconnect with nature, with life...

...with myself.

The Hard Work is Just Beginning

Well, it has definitely been awhile hasn't it?

It may seem like I haven't been doing much but really I've been busy settling into a new job. No sooner did I get my layoff notice at the end of February, I was getting a call for graphic design positions. Lucky for me, I saw the layoff coming and started job-hunting right after Christmas. Sneaky-me! I am now part of a fabulous, hard-working, creative, and talented marketing team doing what I love.

So...now that I've landed the position, does the hard work stop?

Nope! It's just begun.

After all, I worked so hard to get here, spent endless hours, and countless dollars becoming a strong designer that it would be an awful shame to give up now. Don't you think? Plus, design is in my veins, I don't think I could ignore it even if I tried.

That's where I think most fall off the beaten path. Being strong at anything you do in life takes continuous work. Kinda like a relationship. Nothing is ever perfect, nothing ever goes as smoothly as you think it will, and it never is as easy as you hoped it might be, although sometimes you do get lucky ;)

The key is to stick with it through thick and thin, see through the bad, cherish the good, and you'll have a wildly-exciting career on your hands.

So what's next for me?
Sign-up for another course for my 2D Design certification at Emily Carr, attend Design Week on April 28-30th, and have fun in my new job!

You?

My Not-So-Secret Identity

As promised, I introduce you to my latest endeavor; A new logo and website design. You like?

I have also officially changed my title from graphic designer to communication designer as I believe effective design starts and ends with great communication.

The goal for this new identity was to develop one that focused on that very concept while also showcasing my design style and personality. 'Quotation' marks were integrated at the ends of each letter to convey dialogue, while the smooth, continuous lines were used to suggest connectedness. The chosen font and colour scheme act as supporting elements to not only the logo but my personality; Orange was chosen for it's energy, friendliness, and its high visibility factor while gray and blue were chosen for their sophistication, formality, wisdom, and balance.

I plan to officially launch my site sometime in the next month, complete with freebies and fun so check back soon!

Logo Love

I'll admit...I never liked designing logos. When briefed on designing one, it always felt like I was being asked to climb a steep mountain without any gear. However, the more logos I've designed, the less intimidating the process has become, even though the process never changed.

What attracts me to designing them is overcoming that challenge, finding a solution that allows the logo to speak to its audience without having to say a word, making them as engaging as a wink from across a room. It's such a rewarding feeling to accomplish that and addicting, to say the least.

Having designed my current logo almost 4 years ago, I figured it was about time to revisit it. Not just for the sake of designing a new one but to create something more conceptual, professional, and that would showcase my skill as a designer just a little better. Stay tuned for updates.

In the meantime, I highly recommend visiting this website by one of my favorite designers, David Airey, which is all about logo design love.

Because You Like It, Just Isn't Good Enough

Graphic design is all about visually communicating messages and giving those messages meaning. It's also about grabbing attention, making a statement, standing out, educating, and inspiring its target audience.

When I was a young designer, I used to think design was just about making things pretty. I'd design something that pleased my own eye and thought my work was done. There were countless times that I came across something I absolutely loved and would try to work it into whatever I was designing. I wasn't really doing it for the sake of the piece, I did it because I liked the look, the feel, the colour, the shape, the style. This is something they didn't teach me in school and had to learn on my own.

As I gained more experience, I started to understand communication design on a deeper level and realized that what I had been choosing to include in my designs, wasn't really working. It was at that moment, I started listening to what the communication designer in me was saying.

What is the purpose/reasoning? Why?
Does it add value to the layout/design? Why?
Does it help achieve the clients goal by solving a visual/communication problem? Why?
Does it speak to the appropriate audience? Why?
Is it speaking to the audience appropriately? Why?

If one cannot answer any of the above questions with clarity or has to dig too deep for the answer, then it's not an integral part of the design solution, and should be put aside.

To design something that serves a higher purpose than 'just looking pretty', requires more self-discipline and less self-gratification. I couldn't tell you how many times I've had to give up on an idea for one of my OWN projects because it just didn't fit the bill. You really have to be conscious of fonts, styles, themes, illustrations, and even ideas (as cool as they may be) and ask if it really serves a purpose or if its something you choose 'just because'. This isn't to say 'design something you hate' but to say 'design something that is effective'.

Sometimes I have a hard time not including something that's pretty or funky or slick so here are some things that I've implemented to keep me focused on the project at hand.

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The List
Starting out with a list of what a company/person is all about, helps to keep you on track when distractions pop-up. This list can contain anything from names, to verbs, to nouns, goals, creative direction, or any ideas you may have. Continually refer back to this list when sketching, brainstorming, or executing ideas to ensure you haven't veered off track.

The Questions
Jotting down a list of yes/no questions (like the above) is another good way to 'check-in' with yourself. They could be questions about creative direction and even goals you/your client wants to acheive with the project. If you can answer yes to all of your questions, then you're on the right path. If not, keep going! :)

The Idea Box
I created a folder on my computer called "The Idea Box". This is where I save all images and fonts I would find online that I liked but couldn't use. It's a great way to put it away and revisit it later to spark some inspiration for a personal project or maybe another client project.

The Design Files
This is an actual physical folder I put all tangible items in for inspiration. Anything from magazine pages, to paper samples, to promotional ideas, flyers, brochures, or ads. It's really fun to bring this out ever-so-often and swim through stacks of inspiration in its physical form.

The Traveling Sketchbook
I can't stress enough how important it is to travel with a sketchbook or an iPhone :) Too many times while I'm in transit somewhere, I've thought of an idea or saw something that intrigued my interest or I simply wanted to pass time by sketching. People also say the darnest things so it's always great to jot those down, if only for a laugh later on. Everything amounts to a potential idea so I make sure to record and revisit. Don't forget a pen/pencil!

The Wall of Inspiration
I never work in an office or cubicle that isn't decorated with inspiration. From quotes, to colour, to funny photos, I love taking the time to find stuff to put up. They serve as great reminders of who you are and keeps you grounded when you're working on something that might not be 'you'.

Goal #2: Prioritize & Organize

Although my efforts to prioritize & organize throughout the year are great in some areas, there are other areas where they seriously lack. So one of my goals was to bring these back-burner issues to the front burner, if you will, and deal with them head-on, right now. And so it's time to face the dragon of finances.

Some, like me, cringe when they think of investing, RRSPs, equities, stocks, bonds...eek. This feeling is one reasons why I made it a point to start here. It's been put off for way too long and I have way too many RRSP accounts open to know what to do with.

So my first plan of action was to find out why I felt the way I did about finances. Now that we're half-a-month into the new year, I'm realizing that it's not because I didn't want to deal with it, it was because I didn't know how to. I have little to no knowledge when it comes to letting my money work for me so it was that fear of not knowing that prevented me from moving forward. So it's about time I did. I'm also feeling a little riskier these days (I blame the big birthday coming up this year) so investing in something other than GICs, really excites me.

But it's funny; Even though my 'left brain' is working overtime with numbers and logic, I couldn't help but step back and notice my account balance sheets. The colour, layout, and the design all played a part in how I "felt" about a certain account and ultimately (or subconsciously), was affecting how I made my decisions. There were certain ones I couldn't wait to transfer my money from and others I didn't want to transfer out of.

Scary to think that identity plays that role in everything we have our eyes on, isn't it? ;) That really goes to show how important it is to have a well-designed identity. It can make or break how your clients feel, even before they really get to know who the company is and what they're all about. And you all know what they say about first impressions...

Well, my attempt at staying in 'left brain' didn't stick very long but it's interesting how it all played out and worked together.

Oh and if you happened to miss Goal #1, I encourage you to follow along and please feel free to share your own goals with me!

Starting the New Year with a Smile

Well it's back to the grind; More politely known as the official start to my new working year. It's my first day back and everything is just as I left it, except for my hair.

Nearing the last week of 2009, I decided that rather than compile a list of cliched resolutions for the upcoming year, I would put all my new years wishes out there for the world to see and unleash my creative beast with a new haircut and radical highlights. This will allow me to attract all of the things I want to achieve in 2010; Creativity, fun, surprises, colour, adventure, life!

I've never been one for new years resolutions as I feel that they are too limiting. However, despite my distaste for them, that doesn't mean I don't like to set goals for myself each year. I just simply keep them generic: self-improvement, exploration, creation, and the learning of new things. Not elaborating on details takes the pressure off having no time stamp on them and helps keeps things open to possibility, allowing me to get creative on how each one should be executed.

And even though those generic goals never change from year-to-year, the execution and the outcome are never the same.

Last year I wanted to:
- upgrade my skills (so I went to back to school and learned something new)
- become affiliated with a network or community of designers (so I became a LGDC member, attending a few events, connecting with many great people)
- travel somewhere I've never been (so I took a road-trip through the Rockies of BC and Alberta and explored, going somewhere I've never gone before)
- help me build a foundation for personal and career success (so I worked with a personal coach to help me self-improve)

All fabulous experiences and I can't wait to tackle my next list of goals for 2010.

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2010 goal #1: Filter less, share more

One thing I promised myself to wiggle free from this year was filtering my ideas before experimenting first since I found it lead to so much restriction that I could barely stand it.
So here is my attempt to filter less and share more by helping you start your new year off right and give others a smile.

I created and designed this "Badge of Awesomeness" to hand out at my workplace. Some days, things can get a little too serious around here so this is my way of implementing some fun and positive energy into the mix.

It takes me back to my elementary days when getting 'gold stars' earned you lunch with the teacher if you got enough of them. Unfortunately this one doesn't earn you a lunch but it does give someone a little recognition and hopefully a big smile. Sometimes that's enough :)

"Save-As" here:
http://twitpic.com/wo1n7/full