Great Post From Guy Kawasaki

Guy Kawasaki has written an interview over at the American Express Open blog with Hartmut Esslinger, industrial designer.  I think you will find Kawasaki's post "The Inside Scoop on Design: Ten Questions with Hartmut Esslinger" very informative.

Apple AirPort Extreme

Today I would like to share with you my recent purchase of the Apple Airport Extreme and my decision process.

  

Previous Network

I was using a Netgear wireless router WGR614v6 but it just stopped working.  It worked well for what I was doing.  Just surfing the net and email.  

Comparison Shopping

I had been looking at the new Apple Time Capsules because I wanted to have a network attached storage solution as well as the ability to have a network attached printer.  Apple offers a 500 Gb priced at $299 and a 1Tb for $499 with a usb port for printing.  I tried to do some comparison shopping and found that Netgear doesn't really offer anything with a usb port.  The Linksys WRT610 Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router has a usb port but it seems as though it's only good for a hard drive.  Here is a link to a review on cnet.  So there wasn't really anything that was comparable to either the Airport Extreme or the Time Capsule.  Upon further research, the Apple products allow for the attachment of a usb hub that would allow for both printing and storage.  A perfect solution for my situation.  

Number Crunching

So time for a little number crunching.  The Airport Extreme is priced at $179, the 500 Gb Time Capsule is priced at $299, and the 1Tb is priced at $499.  If I bought the Airport Extreme I would have to by a usb hub to allow for hard drive and printer sharing.  The Time Capsules would need no additional accessory.  So Here I go in search of a usb hub.  I came across the NewerTech miniStack priced at $59.99 for 'Add-Your-Own-Drive' Kit.  This usb hub would allow me to add my own hard drive and give me 3 additional usb ports for more hard drives.  It also offers 2 Firewire 400 ports but attached to the Airport Extreme they wouldn't work according to the macsales support.  These ports would be handy later if I decided to use it attached to my MacBook Pro.  So the total price for the Airport Extreme with the ministack would be $238.99.  That's $60 cheeper than the 500 Gb Time Capsule.  Being the penny pincher that I am, the problem was solved.

Setup

Setting up the Airport Extreme was simply amazing! So easy, a caveman can do it.  (Sorry Geico)  First, I had to install the Airport utility and then plugged everything into the Airport Extreme.  After that, just a little typing.  Name and password for Airport Extreme, then if you would like you could enter a name and password for Airport Disks. Next, enter a name and security level of the wireless network and finally, a choice to enable a guest network with a name and password.  That was it.  Beautiful.  

Conclusion

I am very happy that I purchased the Apple Airport Extreme.  I have not purchased the NewerTech miniStack yet.  There's no rush right now, but as soon as I add it, I will definitely be posting about it.

Interview with Larry Jensen

Larry Jensen is the owner of Jensen Designs, Inc. As a Graphic Designer and Illustrator he believes creative ideas are meaningless unless they provide a results-oriented solution to the marketing problem, meet quality standards, and satisfy the client’s budget. Jensen Desings, Inc brings together creative and production specialists to work with the client, creating a team that will produce innovative, cost-efficient solutions that generate results.

Now , let’s get to it.

Larry, what are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
Mac and PC, mostly Mac for design and PC for administrative work. For several years I have used dual monitors with my Mac. I have used expensive scanners and printers, but now use a basic Microtek scanner and HP printer/copier.

What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)?
My favorite software has been Macromedia FreeHand. But, thanks to Adobe, that will be a thing of the past. I also use Adobe Creative Suite. For intial concepts I still like pencil and paper the best.

Favorite Resource(s):
This varies with each project. It may be the web, a trip to Barnes & Noble, or a tour of the client's work...

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
I consider myself to be a right brained individual with left brained tendencies. I often start my creative process brainstorming using a word grid exploring terms that relate to the project.

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
God's creativity. Wow, just imagine what you could do.

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
"To be a community of believers that glorifies God through Christ-likeness and proclaiming Christ to the World." One-on-one marketing is the most effecetive marketing weapon a church has in its arsenal. My goal is to create tools that inspire and equip people to engage in one-on-one marketing for their church.

What hindrances do you have to overcome?
My biggest hindrance is me getting in the way of God's solution.

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
The word grid mentioned above is probably my most effective tool. I use this for myself and also in brainstorming sessions with clients. Along with the word grid I use a visual grid (still words -- not sketches) to explore colors, symbols, abstract, and concrete terms relating to the project. Combined with the word grid visuals begin to emerge -- visual that solve the problem and typically bring results. My second "trick" is to ask questions and take notes. Sometimes asking the right questions will prompt my client to provide the solution.

How did you get started in your profession?
I've been drawing all of my life. I started creating graphic design projects for my church in high school. I was blessed to have a family and church that encouraged my artistic pursuits. I began my career as an illustrator for the U.S. Army where I was selected to head the Graphic Arts Department for the Chief of Staff of the Army in Washington D.C. In this position I designed collateral material and visual presentations for the highest levels of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, and the President of the United States.

Readers can find out more about you by?
www.jensen-designs.com

Making Vision Stick by Andy Stankey

Andy Stanley is an author, speaker, and the founding and senior pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia.  His book, "Making Vision Stick", is very short but to the point.  Andy Stanley gives firsthand examples of why vision doesn't stick and then explains how you can succeed in making your vision stick in the hearts and minds of those you lead.  Here are some points that stood out.

•  vision doesn't stick without constant care and attention

•  the most important thing to remember - You are responsible.

•  clarify or simplify - it must be memorable

•  define the problem, determine a solution, and discover a compelling reason why now is the time to act

•  build vision casting into the rhythm of your organization

•  celebrate the wins

•  living out the vision establishes credibility and makes you a leader worth following

•  passion comes and goes, but commitment never wanes

•  Think steps, not programs

•  Pay the price.  Embrace the vision.  And do whatever it takes to make your vision stick!

Interview with Marcello Aquino

Marcello Aquino is the graphic designer and photographer for The Refuge in Concord, NC. He is responsible for all the imaging that is related to The Refuge, from branding, print design and web design to photography.

So here we go...

Marcello,

What are your tools of the trade (Computer, Monitor, Scanner, Cameras, etc.)?
The basics: Pen and Vellum paper - man, I use those a lot! PC or Mac with lots of RAM and fast processors, Wacom Tablet, cheap HP Scanner, Canon 5D plus Lenses (24-70 2.8 L, 85mm 1:2 L, 100-400 4;5L, 100mm 2:8 macro Lens and to provide lots of fun a 10mm Fish Eye) and 2 430Ex Flashes triggered with pocket wizards (wireless transceivers).

What is your favorite tool (Plug-in, Software, Equipment, etc.)?
I've been using Corel Draw for 10 years. It has a very user friendly interface. I like it better than Adobe Illustrator. I know that AI is a lot more popular here in the U.S., but I love corel draw, It will be my favorite tool along with Photoshop to add some extra spices.

Favorite Resource(s):
Collide Magazine
NAPP - National Association of Photoshop Professional
Flickr (Church Marketing Lab)
Church Marketing Sucks
Phill Cooke Books and Website
CMYK Magazine
Create Magazine
Luzers Int'l Archive to keep up with worldwide media.

Who, what, or where do you get your inspiration?
I love going to junk yards and antique stores to get inspired. There is a huge one called "Clines" in Mount Pleasant. I've heard that even famous movies directors are going there to get some props...

If you could have one thing what would it be? Why?
Deep intimacy with God! I'm striving to get there...Currently reading "The Shack" and I would love to have a similar experience. Why? God knows better and He will protect me from myself making me a better husband, father and friend!

What are the primary goals of the church as it relates to your position?
The church, in general, needs to speak a language that our culture understands.
The primary goal is to express our lead pastor's vision "visually" I know that it sounds redundant, but this in the main goal.

What hindrances do you have to overcome?
Lack of organization is one of the hardest ones along with prioritizing time: work time x family time

What is your favorite trick or technique and would you consider giving an example?
I love sketching! Paying respect for basic techniques is ones of my best tricks. So pen and paper is my favorite one. It's quite challenging when you have a project to develop and start with a blank piece of paper...That is when God shows up and we have fun together!

How did you get started in your profession?
I always loved drawing since I was a little boy! My mom can paint and draw and she gave me great incentive. I ended up getting an Architecture degree, but better than that I was exposed to Graphic Arts and Photography during college times, so they became my passion!

Readers can find out more about you by?
marcello.aquino@theRefuge.net
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aquinonline
www.triple7design.net

2009 Color Trends

The 2009 Spring color trends have been given by Pantone.  You can read what they have to say about them here and view the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2009 here.  What do you think about these or other color trends and how are you using them?

"Branding Faith" by Phil Cooke

I just finished reading Phil Cooke's book "Branding Faith" and it is filled with essential information for any Church, business, or non-profit that wants to understand and implement the power of branding.  Here are a few quotes from the book that stood out to me.

"... anyone who attempted to present the Christian message in a relevant way knew they had to recognize and understand the cultural framework of the time in order to be an effective communicator."

"For a visually oriented, media-savvy generation, it's about more than just the message; it's also about the medium.  And it's about the brand."

"Today it's about making a connection - the kind of connection that not only makes them want to hear what you have to say but also makes them respond."

"At its core, branding is simply the art of surrounding a product, organization or person with a powerful and compelling story."

"... a successful brand isn't what you say it os; it's what they say it is."

"The key is in understanding how the media works and using it with integrity and authenticity."

"God gave you unique DNA, so your job is to discover how your unique gifts and talents can differentiate  your ministry form everyone else's."

"The medium does indeed impact the message."

"... the power of design has influenced millions."

"... the three most dangerous areas of branding are (1) technology, (2) chasing relevance, and (3) a key conflict with the concept of marketing."

"Real branding is about creating and maintaining trust; and without delivery on that trust, the relationship is broken."

"Branding isn't an exact science.  It's organic, reflecting the changing culture, trends and ideas of each generation."

"Don't give your audience what you think they want.  Give them what they never dreamed possible."

If you are in the profession of design, communication, marketing, or media - you must have this book in your reference library.