1. Request an ill conceived idea for a book
My client X, requested that I prepare an ebook with title X, I thought the title was a poor idea but I don’t judge – I do what I’m requested, in the time frame specified by the client.

2. Provide ghost writer with Zero content for the book.
Client X, provided me with ten chapter names and not a single point under these chapter names, leaving me to “create” all of the content of the book.

3. Refuse to provide feedback – although the client requested the product on a deadline, there was no communication whatsoever regarding the created content UNTIL I submitted my invoice for services, several days after its completion. It’s not so ironic that the client did not like the product after being requested to pay for it. Perhaps client X decided the project was actually ill conceived.

4. Inform ghost writer that she does not pay for services until they are performed – that she NEVER pays for a product which she is not completely satisfied with – and refuse to communicate specific items within the content that she desires to change.

5. Tell ghost writer that she will call and not call. This really pisses me off. I’m an easy enough person to work with – don’t tell me you’ll call and don’t call. Client X actually emailed me on two separate occasions that she’d call me “tomorrow” when she had a “wondow”(sic) of time in her busy life. Meanwhile, I’m acutely aware that I cannot complete the project to client’s satisfaction without specific feedback and the entire debacle is intended to deprive me of my time, talent and rightful income. Nobody works for free.

Now, I pride myself in taking ghost writing literally. I have never publicly outed any person that has asked me for content. They put their name on it and becomes their intellectual property. I’m appropriately compensated and happy to fade off into the next project, or my own project allowing them the opportunity for residual income from my work. This is how it should be. However, I am at the point where I am going to publicly air this dispute – in the Court of Public Opinion so to speak. I will email client X the link to this post and update you whether I’ve resolved this matter sufficiently or my next post will contain all of the exhibits to support my claims.

There have been some cool changes at the Floating Patio – the wifi which I’m using now and Scott’s added a Verizon amplifier so cell phones now work on the lake. Scott’s also added some really nice new patio chairs and outdoor heaters. The Floating Patio looks great.

A boat just launched, an avocado and lime green retro fishing boat called the “Fish Assassin.” Other than that, I still don’t have much to say unless you want to hear me bitch and I’m sure you don’t so I’ll just shut the hell up.

Review

“The book’s 115 entries cohere into a buzzing collection and will likely raise waves of nostalgia for their exuberance when future designers crack the spine.” I.D. Magazine, New York”

This compendium showcases the extraordinary cutting-edge work of 100 of the world’s most progressive graphic designers, from the hard-hitting political messages of Jonathan Barnbrook to the lyrical digital compositions of Peter Saville to the iconoclastic imagery of Stefan Sagmeister. Alongside the array of visually stunning and thought-provoking advertisements, CD covers, posters, packaging, websites, and corporate identities are texts by each designer expressing his or her individual approach to graphic design pr (more…)

The graphic design equivalent to Strunk & White’s The Elements of StyleThis book is simply the most compact and lucid handbook available outlining the basic principles of layout, typography, color usage, and space.Being a creative designer is often about coming up with unique design solutions. Unfortunately, when the basic rules of design are ignored in an effort to be distinctive, design becomes useless. In language, a departure from the rules is only appreciated as great literature if recognition of the rules underlies the text. Graphic design is a “visual language,” and brilliance is recognized in designers whose work seems to break all the rules, yet communicates its messages clearly.This book is a fun and accessible ha (more…)

Review

“Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips introduces key concepts of visual language in graphic design.” –Publishers Weekly, January 21, 2008

Review

“A tome on the basics of form. (Graphic Design:The New Basics) illuminates the gray areas between software and visual thinking, and as the introduction states, shows ‘how to build richness and complexity around simple relationships.’”

See all Editorial Reviews
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Inter mountain range - public domain image

I’m beginning my long trip from Idaho to LA to pick up a truck and trailer and drive to New Jersey. Luckily, I had a whole row of seats in the plane to Phoenix. I fired off over 100 shots from the plane. This one was taken somewhere over S. Idaho or Northern Nevada. I’m placing this image in the public domain so you can use it for whatever you would like. If you use it online, please consider giving me credit for the photo by a link. Enjoy!

Review

A significant attempt at a comprehensive history of graphic design…it will be an eye-opener not only for general readers, but for designers who have been unaware of their legacy. — The New York TimesWith this book, Meggs made it easier for designers to envision their work in terms of history. The final pages of each edition attempt to put young designers into historical context, perhaps before their influence can be accurately assessed. Although some may argue that it’s an effort to control history rather than report it, this book makes for a lively debate. A History of Graphic Design, now in its third edition, stands as a monumental contribution to the field. — Critique Magazine, Pamela Williams, Spring 1997
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MasterPhotoshop CS4 with this visual, hands-on guide to using layers, under the expert guidance of digital imaging specialist Richard Lynch. Layers, Photoshop’s most powerful feature, is the core of a nondestructive image-editing workflow.Step-by-step instructions and practical examples illustrate how to. * Polish: correct and enhance color, fix composition problems, and repair damage or flaws * Manipulate: isolate image areas for changes, adjustments and experimental concepts* Understand: use all forms of layer blending, including transparency, clipping masks, opacity/fill, layer masks, layer modes, channel targeting, Blend If, and Effects/StylesThe accompanying DVD comes complete with a generous library of practical actio (more…)

Make magic happen in your digital photography and graphic design.  This book is an indispensable tool for digital photographers and graphic designers.

WWII Vintage Poster - Public Domain

It’s interesting to look at graphic design in the WWII era.  Here we have a US Army poster which is obviously showing the tastes for the female form at the time.  Lady liberty is pretty hot.  I enjoy comparing graphic design through the ages and this is a public domain image courtesy of Northwest University.  They offer high resolution files of these government posters at about ten bucks an image if you’re not in a hurry.  Of course, since they’re government issued they’re in the public domain.  Enjoy!

Original photo here.