Graphically Speaking: A Visual Lexicon for Achieving Better Designer

This book was one of the text books I was supposed to have purchased as a student at the Art Institute of Atlanta. However, knowing the track record of most classes (mostly the book was never ever cracked opened) I declined purchasing the text. However, later on in my college journey I was in class creating my senior project and attempting to decide upon a style. It was then that my teacher told me that I should use this book.


This book has become one of my many design bibles. If I cannot figure out what kind of design style I want to use in a current project, I can just crack this baby open and choose one. Each style is seperated by type, and provides colors, and fonts that are often used in this style. I have to admit is beats searching all over the web for example of the style I want to use. However, my particular copy is in a box in my storage container...lot of good it is doing me there

Oh for the love of clients

For those of you hidden under a rock in the Dead sea, the United States of America is in a recession. People are losing homes, jobs, and their own personal identities which are wrapped up in their personal belongings. It is a sad state everywhere. What a wonderful time to be a fresh faced graduate emerging into the job market.

However, as I read one day traveling on the bus, talent (like cooking) is recession proof. Upon reading this I -being a fresh faced graduate- was elated, for I have talent. I assumed in my post college mindset that I would be able to support myself with offering my talents to the world. Alas I was soon struck with the reality that finding people who wanted my talents- and were actually willing to pay- were hard to find. However, I have had some takers, this one particular case I received from a friend who works at an embroidery cart in Underground Atlanta.

A friend of a friend has contacted me to do some work for them. I find myself excited. Ready and willing to take the task, and show them all my work. I eventually meet up with said future client, only to learn he is a street poet whom I had met a month ago. Upon meeting him a month ago I learned this particular man has no home, and regularly eats from the trash for nourishment. Curious as to how far down the rabbit hole this situation would take me, I let the conversation ensue. I further learn that his need for my talents include artistry of graphite portraits for him to place poetry on top of, when I inquired about future payment I learned that I would not be getting payment from him, but from the owner of a local art gallery where he would be posting his works.

Soon after I politely declined his offer and suggested the name of a very good traditional artist.