Donny Osmond Uses My Logo

I ran across this on the web the other day, a couple of years ago I designed this logo for a radio program called 8 Track Playback, which looks like it's getting some use.

The logo was designed to envoke the feeling of disco, roller skating, and of course, the 8 tack tape. It was one of my more successful designs. Groovy!

Kid A OK? Or... why can't I get into Radiohead.

As the title suggests... I have this issue. I don't even know if it's an issue. As an artist I am supposed to be open to all things artsy fartsy and progressive. I listen to lots of music that would be considered... out there. Bjork, Sigur Ros, Ornette Coleman, Boards of Canada... but the elusive trendsetters. Thom and the Radiohead just don't do it for me.

Granted, I do like some of their recordings, In Rainbows was good, OK Computer, The Bends... but there's this whole dying emo alienation radiation kind of mooing purring weirdness that Radiohead embodies that keeps me from drinking the Kool-Aid and becoming a full on member of the cult.

So, if there are any Radiohead fans out there... tell me what I'm missing. What don't I understand? Help!

Modeling Scams... Still Around?

For everyone with a great face and a dream, there's someone out there that will take advantage of it. At least that's the way it's been. The internet and abundance of information has made it more difficult for scammers to get away with it. Also, there's a murky in-between group of individuals that are sort of legit... but are lousy at what they do except collect money from talent. They offer lots of products but no jobs. Here's a checklist that may help you...

- Trust your gut instincts. Does the agency look busy? Is there a license on the wall? Is the staff professional? If you feel uncertain, leave. You're not missing an opportunity if you don't initally trust the people involved.

- It's all about the dollars. Anytime an "agent" or talent scout wants cash upfront, don't believe it. They work on commission alone. As for classes... personally I'm not a fan of "schools." You can learn everything you need from an episode of Top Model or by trail and error with local photographers. Many are always looking for local talent to shoot, especially young women. Just be sure everyone keeps it professional.

- Most real agencies do not beg for talent. You find them, they don't find you. Be skeptical of people advertising for fresh faces.

- Most scam artists make money by offering high end photo shoots and expensive comp cards. It's the digital age, if they want you to shoot with a particular photographer, chances are someone's getting a referral check. A great photo is a great photo, regardless of who shot it.

Most important, know that you alone are in control of your career. Many places like to make promises and say one website, one photo, one perfect thing is going to whisk you away to stardom. It doesn't work that way. It's a business and you are selling your image to sell something else. That's the bottom line. The best way to discover opportunities is by networking with others. Comp cards, websites, all of that is secondary to a handshake and a one-on-one conversation with the right people. Sometimes I think the best way to start is to get your comp cards and be an agent to yourself. Get mailing lists for editors of local fashion magazines and popular photographers, market yourself to them. Most of the time they choose models by sifting through piles of postcards and head shots. It doesn't matter where they came from. Once your career is moving, the agencies will seek you out personally, and you'll have a successful track record, and a lot more to bargain with.

All You Need is Love, and a Blogpost

So, after the wedding... you have this whole 50-year relationship to deal with. As a service to our wedding clients we like to keep you informed of the latest trends and information to keep you happy. Engaging Discussions is a collection of blogs and stories that help the modern couple during all aspects of your relationship. It's worth a visit!

Visit Engaging Discussions

Chris Anderson and the Free speech.

I had the opportunity to watch WIRED editor-in-chief Chris Anderson speak at the 2008 Economic Insight in Seattle. His subject... giving away items in your business for free, to lure customers into purchasing other commodities. This is nothing new. Much of what I heard reminded me of something my art teacher Steve Sherrell once said... that the 19th Century would have more in common with the 21st century. As for the Free Speech, I won't go into too many details, you can find those by clicking directly to his story.

View Anderson's article 'Free! Why $0.00 Is the Future of Business' on WIRED

Let's face it, the 20th century was a weird fluke in terms of business. The idea of a parental corporation that took care of its employees was noble and naive. How could GM ever expect to take care of all those former employees and their rising medical costs? I truly feel bad for the baby boomers, they've had the carpet pulled from under their feet during every critical moment in their lifespan. They had a choice between college or Vietnam. Their women's liberation efforts were rewarded with adjusting the economy to a two-person income. And when it was time to retire, many had the pleasure of watching their 401K's disappear. And then 9-11 and another war that seems like it's fought for the wrong reasons. No wonder the boomers are distraught.

I want to enforce the notion that everything we knew about the world between 1950 & 2000 was a hiccup in the timeline. It's back to business of survival, and fortunately we have new technology on our side. Thanks to the small cost of internet storage (referred to in Anderson's speech), we can now reduce online costs to virtually zero. And if you read his book The Long Tail, you know how Amazon.com and other on-line stores thrive on the simple face that since they don't have to turn around physical items on valuable retail shelf space, they can offer gobs of merchandise aimed at the niche markets for reasonable costs.

If I had one complaint about the speech, it was that I didn't really learn anything that I hadn't already read in his book and his article. The one true highlight was his play-by-play on how Ryanair can offer plane tickets for free, by weaving in lots of 'ala carte' costs. There's something to this, especially with a downturning economy and a Generation X that thrives on experiences. I like this business model as well, because it emphasizes responsibility. Obviously, the more responsible passengers will be rewarded by spending less. It's a good example of an airline doing good, for a bad one... watch PBS Frontline's take on marketing and how they examine the downfall of Song Airlines.

Is free the future of business? Perhaps... I personally think there's a different word for it. It's COMMUNITY with a dash of EXPERIENCE.

More later.

The Book Club

As you may have noticed, I've got a new widget on my blog courtesy of Shelfari. Here's where I put books I've read or own on the shelf, along with reviews so you can get my humble opinion on certain reads related to the arts, business and so on. If you're an avid book lover I'd highly suggest jumping in on this social site with brains to match.

Our Newly Redesigned Site

Hope you like the new digs! After many years, we decided it was time for a major overhaul. So we're still in the Beta testing process, you might encounter some bugs (like the crazy graphic on the wedding packages page, we're working on it.) So be patient, and if you see anything that links the wrong way or doesn't go where it needs to go, shoot us an e-mail.

Also, we will be adding several dozen new photos this weekend. So check back as we make updates during the month of March.

Free the arts... no it's actually for free now.

One of the topics I really want to explore is the impact of digital media and how an artist can compete (let alone put food on the table) in a world where so much information is now given away. The first step, this article by WIRED magazine's Chris Anderson entitled "What Are You Worth in a Free Economy?" by Nat Ives for Ad Age Magazine.

View the article here.

RAINN continues to help victims.

We were happy to have RAINN utilize our photography talents for their recent on-line campaigns, especially for their myspace account. The photograph of a woman holding an umbrella, sheltering herself from harsh words, has made a huge impact on some people.

View the RAINN Myspace Page by clicking here. Be sure to send them a donation.

Some of the comments posted about our photograph...

"wonderful. this has the power to open up people's eyes and let them become aware to what's going on"

"These words should be made into an umbrella for your gift store... and in the CIRCLE in the center of it, should be the words "HOPE, STRENGTH, COURAGE= SURVIVOR... BECAUSE OF RAINN.ORG" .............. just a thought.... as I NEED a new umbrella, but wanted one that made an IMPACT and had HOPED you all had one listed in your RAINN store!!! =)"

"I just read this in its entirety..and..wow. Thank you for all that you do."

"I had seen this picture on all the RAINN sites (website, Myspace, Facebook), but I just now actually read all the words on it. I like this a lot."

-we are very honored to be a small part of such a wonderful organization.

Art Show at Miro Tea

As it turns out, my paintings are already hanging at Miro Tea, the official opening will be for the Ballard artwalk this Saturday the 8th from 6 to 9pm. We really hope to see you there!


THE SCOOP

miro tea, 5405 Ballard Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 98107 Phone: 206.550.2242

http://www.mirotea.com/
http://inballard.com/detail.php?id=secondsaturdayartwalk