Life is full of awesome things.
This page is all about people we admire, things that are cool, stuff we think about and other random things. In other words... a place to collect awesome ideas.
Sometimes, life really is too short.
This morning started off beautifully. The cool, crisp fall sunrise was something to marvel at. It's the kind of moment that makes you happy to be alive.
My mood quickly changed, when I opened up the ipad and learned that Marco Simoncelli had passed away. He died shortly after an accident in the Malaysian MotoGP. I realize that many of you will have no idea who he was, and are wondering what this has to do with design. Let me rant, and I hope it will all tie together in a way that makes sense.
Marco was one of the up-and-coming stars in one of the most popular sports in the world. He was fun, fearless, fast, charismatic, and yes ... a little reckless. At first, I was deeply saddened. But, after some reflection, I realized he made his dreams come true. He chased his passion, reached the top of his profession, and inspired others while doing what he loved. I hope the same can be said of me someday.
In the end, I feel like that is the only way to measure a successful life. It is not enough to survive. Each of us must chase what we love, and in doing so learn to live. That is really all that matters. Rocketfuel's mission is a reflection of that realization.
This article was supposed to be a recap of the AIGA conference in Phoenix. This year's theme was Pivot, but my shift started several years ago. The real "pivot" for Rocketfuel happened during Larry Keeley's presentation at last year's GAIN conference. The words I wrote in my journal were "Design for the well being of human beings. Make work that heals, helps, educates and celebrates."
Pivot was a validation of that sentiment. I've spent the last year chasing that goal. Cutting what did not fit with that mission and focusing on doing more to make that dream happen. Our bank account may regret some of the cuts, but I have slept really well this year.
That said, I am far from having it all figured out. Working in this realm has been tough. It's really hard to keep a professional perspective, when your client is dying from cancer or when you know that there are hundreds of kids in your community with nothing to eat.
The major – and totally relieving – realization that I came away with last week is that we must have FUN doing what we love. It is easy to forget that the simple act of creating something beautiful can bring joy and happiness to others.
I fear we are at a crossroads in society and as designers. I see so many friends and colleagues struggling to reconcile their desires to change the world with their enjoyment of what are perceived as trivial everyday things. The 2 things are not and should not be viewed as separate pursuits. Life without joy is not a life worth fighting for.
In honor of Marco who died chasing his passion and my friend Gina who wanted to tell her story and inspire others to fight, I challenge you to make the most of each moment.
Sometimes life is indeed way too short. I'm going to go design something great today. I can promise you that I won't go to bed wishing I had done more. What are you going to do?
Read tributes to Marco at Superbikeplanet.com
Click here to view the video of Larry Keeley's presentation along with others from the 2010 Gain conference. The presentation from Jonathan Harris is particularly awesome.
The Catoctin Aqueduct restoration Project.
When the application for the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund came through my email box in 2008, I jumped at the chance to volunteer our design services. I have spent countless hours walking and biking on the C&O Canal – both as a kid and with my kids. I am very proud to have played a small part in restoring a peice of our region's history. Above are images of what the Aqeuduct looked like in 2008 and how it appears today. The driving force behind the restoration of the aqueduct is George Lewis. It is his dedication and passion that motivated the community to get behind the project.
Rocketfuel designed and donated signage and posters for the Adopt A Stone campaign through AIGA Blue Ridge's ClockWork program. A sign went up on the temporary bridge in early 2009 and posters were distributed throughout the region. Since then, almost all of the stones have been adopted. While the program helped to raise more than $10,000 for the restoration, it's biggest contribution was in rallying the communty to take an ownership stake in the project. The enthusiastic support of the community showed the National Park Service and the State of Maryland that this was something they should get behind.
I took a rainy walk down to the Aqueduct with George Lewis last Friday, but the weather did not dampen the excitement in his voice as we talked about the rebuilding process. This is what we live to do at Rocketfuel. When you mix a little design with passionate people and a worthwhile project, good things happen.
The official dedication ceremony will happen in October. Sadly, I will not be able to join George, the governor and the hundreds of other supporters. I will be attending the Pivot design conference in Phoenix, AZ where Design For Good is being unveiled as a national AIGA initiative. The Adopt a Stone poster along with other ClockWork projects will be joining examples of other design for good projects in an exhibit in the Phoenix Design Museum. Call it Murphy's law or Karma, either works for me.
Looking Back #8: Green on Greene Street
Episode 8: The Earth Day edition. Happy Earth Day everyone. Episode eight explains the thought process behind our award-winning Green on Greene Street branding for the University of Maryland Medical Center.
UMMC realizes that they have a tremendous opportunity to reduce toxins and waste, lower energy consumption, achieve healthier indoor air and create an overall healthier environment for its patients and staff. The identity that we created for the hospital is designed to be tailored to the various initiatives that present themselves. Be it farmer's markets, recycling or energy programs, UMMC is making a difference on many fronts. We feel we've created a brand that helps them tell that story effectively.
To see the other videos in the series, click here to visit our YouTube channel.
Looking Back #7: Education Week Mailers
Episode 7 contains 2 brochure mailers created to promote advertising in Education Week magazine. These kinds of projects are some of my favorites. I love taking something ordinary and making it special without breaking the bank. The "Doors" Brochure was created in 2004 and the "Ring Toss" concept was done in 2007. What sets these 2 mailers apart from the tons of stuff shoved in the mailbox everyday is that the concepts drive the message. Concepts are king in my universe. After receiving the Door mailer, one advertiser contacted Ed Week to comment on how cool it was.
To see the other videos in the series, click here to visit our YouTube channel.
© 2011 Rocketfuel Design Inc.