blog :: kim spencer DESIGNER

We all have those horror stories, the crazy boss that doesn't take their medication, the co-worker that would stab you in the back at any opportunity, and the guy that can't keep his fingers out of his nose. Then there's the politics, the egos and the know-it-all's.

I went from one dysfunctional environment to the next. Right out of college I worked for a small direct mail company, or what I refer to as the "bottom feeders." The ones that only care about quantity and not quality. There were only four of us in one big room, including the owner/boss, a real paranoid, controlling type. There was no going out to lunch or even leaving the building unless he was in tow. He referred to us as his "big pack of losers." I finally couldn't take it anymore and started looking for another job. But like most paranoid, controlling bosses, he liked to read my email. So, when a colleague asked how my job hunt was going, I received a memo on my honeymoon that I didn't have a job to come back to. Needless to say, we extended our trip to celebrate.

A few months ago I was asked to participate in the First International Skull Appreciation Day Invitational Exhibition. I was flattered to be asked and very excited. After an extended period of careful thought and research, I finally settled on a concept, the duality of man. Yes, it is a line from Stanley Kubrick's, A Full Metal Jacket. But aside from that, it is a facet that has been reflected in my graduate work in the communication of film. As the concept of the Gothic emerged in the Romantic Period, duality became a primary theme. This was carried through into the Victorian era and is still relevant today. This piece entitled, Duality, reflects my thoughts on the subject in a  whimsical manner while embracing the style of one of my favorite artists, Tim Burton.

I've been developing a new logo which has been an interesting project. I'm not sure if I'm there yet. But here's a peek and if you have any constructive criticism, please post a comment.

*Disclaimer: Type is FPO. I realize it hasn't been kerned. It's not the final typeface.

I have to extend a by thanks to David McIntosh, AIGA Richmond and all of the designers who came out this morning to listen to my ramblings. As it turns out, my crock pot roast wasn't ready until 9pm. However, it was very good.

For those of you who attended, here is my revised version. And for those who couldn't make it, I hope this helps! Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions.

Avoiding the PDF (pdf)

Over the course of the years, opinions change and evolve, interests and inspiration ebbs and flows. As focuses shift and life takes on it’s many twists and turns, I find myself in an awkward place. In my younger days, my creative outlets had purpose. They came from a clearly identified source. After three college degrees and many successful professional endeavors, I now find that my creative purpose eludes me. The myriad array of ideas and concepts swimming about my brain seem scattered and unrelated. So what do I do to resolve this? How do I go about reclaiming my artist voice?