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.