2012 Was good...but 2013 is going to be better!

 My friend and co-worker, Genna, asked me the other day, "What's your favorite job?"

I pondered this for a while whilst I stretched the canvas photo around the wooden frame (that's my fulltime job, although I've always wanted to do graphic design fulltime...more about that later). I began to think about all those moments when I felt like a good human, a good man, a good person. Memories from years gone by flashed through my mind's eye and I saw many many great moments. They say hindsight is 20/20, and it's true! Every time I think about what I want to do or who I want to be, I think back to those moments when life was good. Yet I know that those moments weren't only good because of me—it's bigger than that. I give credit to God for those great moments. I'm not saying I'm a bad person without God, but I'm definitely worse off.

All those moments that I think about are good, because I see Him helping me to grow as a person, as a man, as a brother, a son, a friend, a husband. I'm not the same person I was 2 weeks or 2 years or even (especially) 20 years ago.

So, "What's my favorite job?"
Genna had gone to do something else and when he returned about 30 minutes later, he asked me again.

My reply was simple, but complex. I told him that my favorite job was one where I help people. It's one where I feel better through the work I do. It could be designing a business card to help a business have better exposure. It could be helping the team setup the stage and sound equipment for Sunday morning worship. It's the job where I believe I'm helping to move God's Kingdom forward. What I mean by that is that I'm not just doing good to do good. There are a lot of good things out there in our world to do, and we can do them—but if I know my heart isn't in it, I'm really not giving it my best to help move anything forward. It would be like going through the motions.

A Better 2013
I believe growth happens when we choose to let it happen. It happens naturally in our bodies everyday, but to really change in one's character, ideas and influences, one must choose to grow and to flow with the changes of that growth.

2013 is going to be better because it's building on my experiences from days, weeks, months and years ago. It's going to be better because I choose to let God have more influence in my decisions. If you're not a person who believes in God, then let me put it this way: I'm going to walk out my faith in a real, genuine way, trusting that the choices I make are going to be the best ones; that helping people make better decisions to improve their lives, businesses and families is my job; that sometimes it isn't about finding the perfect match, but making the best of what you have.

So, what's your 2013 going to look like?

An Honest List

2012 is here!

We are super excited at the prospect of freshness that comes with change, particularly in this case, a new year! The past 4 years have been exciting as JGD gained new clients, tried new gigs, explored new designs, convinced potential customers (probably scared a few away too!) and managed to relocate from Cincinnati to Baltimore. We expanded our playing field in 2010 with our Business Page on Facebook. We transformed the logo of Peppe Ramundo & Son. We turned over some business cards and designed some fun event posters, CDs and DVDs for Central Parkway Church of God. We increased in experience and applied new consulting techniques.

2012 presents us with new opportunities to work with clients in both Cincinnati and in Baltimore! With the ease of transferring files online we'll stay connected to you for effective and efficient econonomical services.

So, you're probably asking, "Where's the honest list?" Here it is.

1. If someone asked me what love was I'd quote John 3:16.
2. When you call me, I smile as I answer to phone.
3. Each day that passes isn't wasted, but it cannot be recreated.
4. When Adobe© Illustrator crashes I get vexed.
5. I love to design cards, logos, posters, ads, tshirts, fliers, brochures, maps, and books.
6. Sometimes I would rather read a book like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.
7. My wife is my biggest fan.
8. We have 2 cats that inspire us—they at least entertain us!
9. My ambitions have grown but sometimes I don't like what I have to do to get to those ambitions!
10. As a graphic designer I still don't know everything I want to know about the design world, how it works, who does the best work, and what it takes to get there, but I'm learning.
11. Life is boring without challenges.
12. You can live on a budget and still have fun!
13.  God puts people in our lives to help us see more of Him.
14. There are good ways of saying bad things, but sometimes that doesn't prevent the pain.

15.  Save and Control/Command + S often.
16.  If life had Control/Command + Z we wouldn't know how to use it without abusing it!
17.  Being a graphic designer doesn't mean anything until you help a client improve his/her life.
18.  A dose of humility is far easier to deal with than a dose of hostility.
19.  Admitting I'm wrong isn't as easy as Staples says. I would rather not push any more buttons.
20. This list isn't complete without you; JGD strives hard to meet the deadlines, create original artwork and dazzle your eyes.

Explore Art

"The static routine of the workplace can narrow our minds. Enlarge your creative scope through regular explorations of the vast territory known as The World of Art (both past and present). 

Exploring art is a lifetime journey.

When you explore art, travel lightly: leave preconceptions and opinions behind. Explore galleries, museums, bookstores (new and used), libraries, artist's studios. Meet other designers and find out what they are doing now and what has influenced them in the past. Many cities host a gallery walk at least once a month. How about an art history class?"

This is an excerpt from Creative Sparks, written by Jim Krause, and it offers one a chance to both return to a former schooling and embrace new inspiration.

THOUGHTS…
If, as a designer/artist/professional you find yourself too busy to explore the ever-expanding World of Art, then here are some steps I've come up with to let loose of those tight guidelines that box you in. In this case, embrace Taco Bell's mantra: Think outside the box.

1. Eat more Taco Bell. It may not be a 5 star restaurant, but you can choose another fast food (could be a chain) to fill up on as you step outside your normal routine of trying to eat healthy.
2. Make a board of all the small notes you write on a given day and post it on the bathroom door to remind you that when you're in the commode, deadlines, phone calls, photo edits and dreaded emails are on hold for at least 3 more minutes. Enjoy your peace.
3. Visit a 1950s-meets-2020s diner in the middle of Baltimore, MD. The Lost City Diner thrives on the futuristic space living as the servers parade around in WWII-inspired fashion. You'll love Saturn.
4. Sit down to a game of Bonkers and let the board change with every roll of the dice!
5. Call someone you haven't talked to in 3 months and let them tell you what they've been doing! Listen intently and ask questions to let them know you're following along. And smile—they can hear it in your voice.
6. Turn off all electronic devices, take out a book and read through to the end. You'll increase your knowledge on the subject matter and invest in becoming a better person—and a better reader! 150 pages later you'll be a new person.

If you have more ideas, leave them in the comments below. Thanks!

The Early Bird Gets The Chicken

People were lined up out the door, the drive-thru line extended into the intersection, and the phone would not stop ringing—or so people thought. Today, September 29, 2011 was the final Thursday in September for Marylanders to get a free breakfast entree from Chick-fil-a by simply saying: "The early bird gets the chicken", before 10:30am. It was a 1 month promotion (Thursday mornings only) by the chicken restaurant chain who has come to be known by the cows holding signs with this phrase "Eat Mor Chikin." Other phrases associated with them are "I can take the heat" and "We didn't invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich."

What I learned from this experience:
When a restaurant decides to put a free entree on the table, asks the public to say a simple phrase which is usually advertised over the radio, and greets every customer with a smile, who wouldn't go for it? Who wouldn't get up a few minutes earlier to get a free breakfast? Who wouldn't stop at the Chick-fil-a they pass every day on their way to work? Who wouldn't try to be sneaky and go to multiple locations to get a couple entrees? To answer bluntly: everyone who was too lazy and scared to say that simple phrase. Chick-fil-a put out a promotion that only cost 2 minutes of your time (yes, they're usually that fast!). You walk in, you say to the cashier, "The early bird gets the chicken." As they smile, they say, "Ok. Will that be all?" You say, "I'd like a large peach milkshake and a large sweet tea." No, actually, you don't have to get anything else. I didn't even get my wallet out! When the woman who greeted me asked, "Will that be all?" I said, "Yes." She said, "Alright," turned and requested an "early bird" from the kitchen. I had my bag in 30 seconds. It was simple, efficient, and very fun—tasty too!


How does this effect graphic design, marketing, and/or branding?
Each day we're overloaded with over 5K images asking for our attention, time and money. Each day we choose from these 5K where to spend our lives, our conquests, our resources. Whoever screams the loudest and clearest consistently usually attracts our ambitions, but whoever can do that and give away free stuff will always only get about 35%* of the intended audience to react. The other 65%* are too busy, too distracted, and too lazy to make it happen.
When I first heard the announcement on the radio I was excited, since I missed out on the previous promotion for their spicy chicken sandwich (it was the same idea, only you had to say the phrase, "I can take the heat,"and you got a free spicy chicken sandwich). I totally forgot on September 15, but I was determined not to miss it on the 22nd. I got there on my way in to work, parked the car, went in, and said the phrase. I had also planned on getting a peach milkshake (so I did spend money), but I quickly recognized by the cordial service that I didn't have to buy anything if I didn't want to. So, I took it back to the office and gave it to my boss (he had been out for his brother's funeral and I wanted to cheer him up). When my other co-workers heard about the free entree, they were sad they missed it, but I told them there was 1 more day.
Tuesday (27th), I made little signs and posted them up as reminders for everyone to get their free chicken today. Well, as I rolled in and began talking with everyone, they all missed it again! I had even texted several of them at 7am to remind them, and they still said they didn't have enough time, or forgot, or didn't like chicken!
As a designer/advertiser, I sunk the ship because I'm the only one who benefited from my campaign to help them out! I was 1/12 of the crew and no one else saw this as enough of an opportunity to make something happen to "spice" up their day!


Was it worth it?
Yes. It was worth the sandwich, the campaigning, the smile from the cashiers, the smile from my boss, and the fun of experimenting with the kindness of the chicken giant. I've always been a Chick-fil-a fan and will continue to help them promote good food and good advertising, down to the last waffle fry.


*percentages based solely on personal experience.

Baltimore Business

JGD has moved to Baltimore! We still have connections in Cincinnati and would love to continue working with current and new clients in both Baltimore and Cincinnati (and anywhere else!)

Each step to move JGD forward has been met with challenges: of finance, of transitions, of new ways of communication, of new technology, of new ideas, of new jobs, of new clients, of new regulations (we could keep going and list everything but why waste the time and blogspace!). But I assure you we are persevering and working to make it an exciting design agency where creativity thrives and brims over into our clients' ads, brochures, websites, graphics, social networks, etc....

To sum it up nicely, Jeremiah Good, our creative director says this:

"Creativity wells up within me. Creating exciting compositions and thinking outside the box keep me inspired: to focus on the task at hand, to be ready to take on the next challenge. As a freelance graphic designer I jump at the opportunities to explore new concepts and projects that help people live more adequately. I believe that making something exciting to look at is just as important for the shirt in the store as it is for the canvas on the wall or the photo in the album. Each detail is important, each color chosen specifically, and each character kerned and tracked to communicate that specific message.

That's what I do."

And that's the way it's going to continue to be. If you have ideas, comments or questions, we're always open to them.


There are many ways to reach us. You can leave a comment here on Blogspot. You can LIKE us on Facebook. Or you can send an email to jeremiahgooddesignATgmail.com. We love to hear back from our fans, clients, friends and potential clients. 

Note: We're working on our website (see pic below) which will go live in the coming months. Stay connected on here and Facebook for updates on what we're doing.

More to come!

There's Evidence…

For many years I've considered what it means to manage my own company, how to be an excellent familyman, and how to juggle all my other activities. But it just isn't as easy as I thought. There are many good things competing for my time! I love what I do, but there comes a time when I have to accept the challenge of balancing it out! The focus isn't changing on the creative side—that's my strong suit. The focus is going to change in my methods and time that I agree to dedicate to specific people, events and ideas along the way. But it's not my words that will display evidence…it's my actions.

Update—It's been a while!

In the past several months since my last post (which was in January and so much has happened since then!!), I've been trying some new ideas, looking for exciting opportunities, and enjoying the path God is leading me on as a husband, brother, son, teacher, employee, and freelance designer. I also want to brag on my wife, who, in June, graduated from The University of Cincinnati DAAP's Masters of Architecture program!

Below is one of those opportunities. I applied for a job in northern Virginia as a visual information specialist, and it challenged me with some interesting questions. The 1st statement/question is below in BOLD, and my reply is below in ITALICS. I'll be posting the other 4 statement/questions in the coming days. I don't claim to be an excellent writer, but saw this as an opportunity to explore a creative essay. Please read the statement/question and let me know if you think I answered it adequately or if I failed to entice you with a proper message.

Seeks out opportunities to increase knowledge sharing with others within the team or unit

Each person is equipped with the tools of verbal and gestured communication. It is by these that we have the capacity to share the knowledge of and foster an environment in which these ideas and information can be shared openly. It has been my experience in both isolated and open conversations that an innate factor of humanity is to share something enlightening and loving.

Many times I find myself intrigued by the new idea that crosses my path or I hear about from others, hoping that this will be the next thing to push me into a better position in life. I cannot be satisfied with where I am and continue to learn, seeking out fresh content with relevant consequences, that I may grow from the experience and help guide others through similar circumstances. I have heard it put many ways, but the basic idea, that “when one stops learning, he stops living too,” sets a solid principle—one that should be followed with adamant focus. I also recognize that without the help of family and friends, and other external sources, I would not be who I am today. I value friendship and the company of another person, who I can share my experiences with, as well as listen and actively participate in their life experiences. I believe we are more vulnerable when we isolate ourselves, and our knowledge, setting up barriers to expression and freedom for the company we work for and ourselves. However, I believe there is an appropriate way of communication that must be addressed in the workplace, especially if it is classified and/or confidential information. Therefore, when working with a team or unit, I try my best to communicate effectively, efficiently and truthfully. I strive to make it enjoyable and exciting for those around me. This does not mean I just fool around, but it means that I take pride in being an encourager to my coworkers and peers. I recognize what can and cannot be said around certain people, and I also recognize the power of words. What we say and how we say it can have an immense impact on the receiver—whether it’s sharing knowledge about a new gadget or gossiping about a coworker.

As a freelance designer and art director, I have the privilege of communicating new insights that help develop others in their professional lives. Over the past year and a half I have successfully initiated the importance of using updated equipment for the purposes of ministry within the church. Prior to my coming on staff, each staff member had only basic equipment and software on their outdated PCs. I brought in my MacBook and iMac and showed them how to do some amazing things, like the ease of iMovie and GarageBand, along with the simplified navigation and convenient, user-friendly tech support. I worked on Macintosh computers all through elementary and high school, and college, so I had a wealth of knowledge from the IT side. A keen understanding of the keyboard shortcuts, coupled with the education I received in college in Visual Communication Design, and suddenly Adobe didn’t seem so hard to work with either. Thus began the transition over to Apple products, simply by demonstration that they had the better tools to work with. I’m not anti PC, but for the projects and ideas that needed addressed in the creative environment, the outdated PCs were too far behind and logically Apple made sense.

Another part of sharing the knowledge is capturing the moments of bliss for someone to look back on over the years. I’ve had the privilege many times to both photograph and film an event in a way that, once edited to perfection, will instill appreciation and honor for the persons involved for years to come. Sharing knowledge is vital in most forms, and to that end I do my best to preserve those special moments, so that they can inspire new waves of sharing in the future.