A Brush With Kindness...

is a great program neighborhood revitalization program that Habitat for Humanity runs. It was designed in order to teach home owners to not only see value in their homes, but in the entire neighborhoods and communities that they live in. When I was asked, I was more than happy to help out and design a shirt for the programs volunteers. It's obviously a variation of the well-known "I *heart* NY" design, but it is very fitting for what the organizations mission is.

Habitat for Humanity

I'll start by letting you know that I think Habitat for Humanity is one of the greatest organizations in the world (the South Palm Beach branch holds a particularly close place in my heart). I feel that everyone should participate in charitable works from time to time, if its possible. The reward that you receive is far beyond anything money can get you. Simply put, a day of your life can impact some else's forever. Powerful, right? Aside from working on homes with HFH, every now and then I helped them out with some of the design work that needed to be done. The picture is a shirt that I designed for their volunteer program created strictly for the few college kids looking to actually do some good during Spring Break, Collegiate Challenge. Its simple but effective. I created another shirt for the organization's A Brush With Kindness program that I will post later...

something old...

I was going through some of my old work folders today and I came across something that I created for a client long ago that didn't look horrible. I mean, it's no Monet, but it's a nice, clean example of brochure design. Decided that it couldn't hurt to put it on here and share it with you all...

you ever get the feeling?

I was walking down the street today, and I just became overwhelmed with inspiration. You ever get the feeling that you just...belong somewhere? Like you have an unexplainable, other-worldly connection from another life and time. I feel a little odd even saying this, but I'm pretty sure that's how I feel about being back in Chicago. Sure, we've had our fights in the past, but we've matured since then. We've grown. We've changed. Things will be different this time around. This time around, we're going to do things the right way. We'll take it slowly and appreciate what the other has to offer. We'll feel each other out and listen to what the other has to say. This time around I see her differently...she's somehow changed. Everything about the city is appealing to me now. I'm not worried about being cramped in small subway cars with a hundred other people. The traffic filled, pothole infested streets aren't really so bad once you get a feel for them. I find myself enjoying waking up to the sounds of the city now. I actually think that I'm even okay with the R.O.U.Ses that I encounter from time to time. I now can appreciate knowing that there are very few places in the world that possess the culture, the energy and the...food that this city has to offer. So I just wanted to take this opportunity to express my love to you, Chicago. Sorry I ever left... -ja

and another one...

I love the contrast in this picture...

pictures...

I wanted to post a couple pictures on here as photography is also a past time of mine. Admittedly, I haven't really had a lot of time to do much work outside of my work for clients, however, I promise that there will be more to come. Some of you might have seen a few of these from my old site but...oh well

in the beginning...

so this is it... new blog for a new website. i have to be honest in letting you know that a large reason i decided to set things up like this is because its way easier than revamping my website every time i want to post new projects or let you all know what i'm up to. i know, i know...but hey "smarter, not harder" is the rule that i try to live by. so be sure to check me out often for new updates. take care everyone. -ja