blog :: kim spencer DESIGNER

Serenity Now

2011-10-07T03:29:56Z

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.

]]> Upon return, I decided I was going to set up my own shop. I landed my first client, a nice lady trying to make plans for her retirement by starting an online business. Red flag? She didn't want to spend the money to get internet at home so she checked her email at the library. After coming home and finding her waiting on my porch several times, I made the decision not to continue that relationship.

I quickly accepted that I was inexperienced, awkward and lacked confidence. It just wasn't going to work. So I took my time and found a job. A better job.

I had an awesome boss. He was patient, encouraging and supportive. After about five years of mentor ship, he walked into our office and told us he was leaving. I was a bit apprehensive at first but I quickly became excited at the prospect of change and continued growth. That was short lived.

Colleagues began vying for his position. I found myself in a nest of deceit.

Oh, would you look at the time?! Let's get pregnant!

For nine months I counted down the calendar days for my three months of "vacation." While I was away, people were hired and fired but the Dark Triad remained. I dreaded my return to work. I was lavished with insincere praise. I watched as co-workers were fired and pushed out. Thinly veiled methods revealed themselves to anyone who was paying attention.

What did I learn? There are those who will do anything to maintain their link in the chain. How do they do this? Manipulating perceptions, weeding out anyone who's experienced, knowledgeable or well liked. Why? Because they may eventually become a threat. Who are they? People that didn't keep up. They chose to stay home instead of attending conferences. They didn't feel the need to learn the latest technology.

If you hire eager, green bodies they are easier to manipulate and control. In this economy, they will be happy to have a job and do whatever they are told. Period. Easy. Safe.

You may not intend to make your current job a long term commitment. You need to look out for the ones that do. Either way you might inadvertently make them look bad and thus threaten their long term goals.

First International Skull Appreciation Day Invitational Exhibition

2011-05-29T21:25:36Z

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.

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This is a frontal view. It was inspired by a series of drawings Tim Burton created that I found in my research online.

Each artist received a paper mache head in which to begin their work. The only criteria was that the head had to be used. The size and medium applied was completely up to each individual artist.

This is the first true piece of pure art that I have made in some time. I was entertained by the "designer rules" that kept creeping into my head about proportion and communication. "It's ART" I kept telling myself. I became increasing anxius over the materials I was using. "Is this too crafty? Is it not sophisticated enough, refined enough? Will it seem cheesy?"

"IT'S ART!"

Needless to say I am very happy with the results. I dropped it off at Gallery 5 yesterday. The skulls are being sold to raise money for the Richmond Peace Education Center. I have to admit, I rather miss it. I hope it finds a good home.

Here's a back/internal view. It provides an unexpected sight. Butterflies, unicorns and flowers... and lots of glitter. This is so not me but I had fun making it. And I have to say that it's not me with a grain of salt. Not me, now. When I was 10, YES.

I'm curious to see what the other artists did with their skulls. The opening is on June 3rd as part of the First Fridays Art Walk here in Richmond.

Most Recent Project

2011-01-28T02:11:31Z

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.

Avoiding the PDF

2010-12-17T02:08:04Z

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)

Voice

2010-12-11T19:51:32Z

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?

]]> That’s the question that now begs a response. As the smell of baking cookies rise from our downstairs neighbor's kitchen, I am curious as to what give me purpose, drive and inspiration? What do they have in common? How are they each unique? Surely countless others have found themselves in a similar predicament. New parents attempting to reclaim their identity amidst new responsibilities and expectations. Those recently completing advanced degrees and trying to figure out the next steps.

I find myself in a precarious position. My creative mind continues to sprout concepts and ideas but finding the time for exploration and execution is for the most part, fleeting. How have others struggled with this? My need to find and clarify my purpose, my voice, has quickly become a source of motivation and focus.

So, what now? I make a point to set aside time to read, research, communicate and create with one common goal: to find my definitive artistic voice.

6 Tenets of Managing an In-House Design Team

2010-08-26T02:36:56Z

So, you finally made that big leap? Leaving your comfortable world among designers to manage them instead. Designers aren't the most extroverted bunch, so taking on a leadership role can be a challenge. Even more challenging is being a newbie manager, unfamiliar with the ins and outs of your new team.

]]> This is where you need to take a deep breath and embrace your new role and the workload that's about to unleash itself. First be confident in your new position - after all, you got the job. You can do this. Second, remember that each new team has a learning curve on both sides. Making your intentions and expectations clear will instill confidence in your team about you as their new leader.

Managing in general poses unique challenges. Shielding your team from external politics can be a full time job in and of itself; building in a sense of transparency with your staff can also be a challenge; and maintaining their focus and morale is imperative. In a world where clients are colleagues and deadlines and project scopes are always on the move, a creative manager has to take a holistic approach.

1) Sincerity

Be sincere in everything you do because people can spot insincerity a mile away. It can proliferate an air of distrust that is toxic to a team environment, especially in the beginning and repairing distrust is difficult.

2) Empathy

It's not about you, it's about your team, your client, your user or your audience. You have to be able to get into their minds and understand the world from their perspective. If you can master this, you are gold.

It's not about treating people differently, it's about understanding them. What drives, inspires and scares them? How do you use that to help them grow as creatives, as people, or team members? Understanding these factors can help you motivate and inspire, an indication of a good, talented manager. Everyone works differently. Getting to know their nuances, strengths, and weaknesses will guide you in how best to help them grow and get the best they have to offer.

3) Self Reflection

You can't live in a vacuum. Self reflection helps you grow as a manager and as a person. We all have to step outside of ourselves from time to time and look at things from an outside perspective. For example, how could you have handled [insert scenario] better? If the roles were reversed, how would you have like to be treated?

No one is perfect. If you make a mistake, own up to it and if need be, make amends.

4) Selflessness

This can be a tough one for some. You have to let go of your own glory. Devote yourself to your team. When they succeed, give them the credit. When something goes wrong, step up and accept responsibility. Yes, it may be a tough pill to swallow. But they need to know that you have their back. We all have our egos, but a group of egos isn't a team only the illusion of one. You're all working towards a common purpose and it's your job, as the manager, to make sure everyone knows that.

If you can let go of your own desire for glory and focus that energy on your team, it will come back to you greater than you imagined. The best thing you can do for yourself, is to do for your team. Lead by example.

5) Open-Door Policy

Maintaining an open-door establishes a level of comfort and respect. Transparency makes you one of them. You want to be looked upon as a member, not the suit in the office down the hall.

6.) Above all, honor their expertise. Provide a regular stream of sincere feedback and don't micromanage. If you have a talented, knowledgeable, group, let them do what they do best - you are their guide and facilitator. Remember to let them be what they are: designers. The empowerment, inspiration and loyalty grows from that when you do it well. Create opportunities for them to shine as individuals and as a group. If a team member feels empowered they will work harder and are more likely to succeed and in turn, making you look good.

What makes great design?

2010-07-11T03:30:44Z

Design educators have a pivitol role in the creation and nurturing of great design. As I prepare to teach advanced web design at Virginia State University on the fall, I have to take some much valued cues from a great master.

]]> I first met Professor Phil Meggs in February of 1999.

At approximately 2 a.m. on February 23 I awoke to a great epiphany. I had to go back to school for graphic design. There was no other option. The next day I made a few calls... was I actively using email at the time? An appointment was made to meet with a professor at VCU to look at my portfolio.

I nervously made it to the 5th floor of the Pollack building. I hadn't been inside since I graduated with my crafts degree in 1996. The urine smell was gone and the graffiti murals had been painted over along with the elevators.

The door was open and a middle aged gentleman sat at a desk ruffling through papers. His dark hair was graying and he looked up and smiled.

We sat for a time leafing through my oversized drawings. He made a note of my labeling of each section and the t-shirt he pulled from one folder. He delighted in the photographs of the furniture I had created for my previous degree. That relaxed me a bit which I think he sensed. Closing the large case, he asked, "well, what do you want to do?"

On my first day I was almost late. The university had managed to deposit my financial aid reimbursement into the wrong account. I spent the morning feverishly running between banks and credit unions and financial aid offices trying to track it down. This wasn't how I imaged my return to college.

I walked into the classroom, tables arranged in a rectangle. Unfamiliar faces looked up. I took my seat to the left and began fidgeting, The Professor Meggs entered, looked about the room, smiled and said, "Well, hello. How is everyone doing today?" You could hear the smile in his voice. A genuine sincerity wrapped up in southern charm. It was the kind that if you were paying attention, it warmed your stomach like a bowl of good soup on a winter afternoon.

He sat down and began to call role. He pasted my name and came to the last,"Grey Wolf?" He flashed a big smile and chuckled with mischievous delight."Uh, yeah, it's Greg," said the long-haired pony tale guy sitting next to me. There were 15 of us in the class and Professor Meggs began the discussion on the evolution of type.

Later that afternoon I headed to my next class. It was in a huge auditorium. My voyeuristic side insisted I take my seat towards the back. Stepping out onto the stage was Professor Meggs. After running through the usual details on the first day of class, he pulled up a slide. "Look at that 'e.' Isn't is beautiful? Notice how it hugs the letter next to it. The gentle curve, the eye..." I sat there, listening to this guy and all I could think was, "what a weirdo. He seemed so unassuming and normal before." Little did I know. The semester brought a new world to my eyes. An enthusiasm that was infections and consuming. Phil was the kind of instructor that made you want to go the extra mile, do extra work.

We had an assignment where he gave us print outs of grids and we had to place square cuts out of various lines of type onto the grid. We had to do three of them. One with two cut outs, one with five and one with seven. They had to be filled with the type and be visually balanced and interesting. I did one through ten. He walked around the room inspecting everyone's progress. He stopped and looked down at my array of grids. "Hum. You should be a designer." I looked up and smiled. "Thank you."

I will never forget that moment.

What makes great design? An amazing and inspiring professor who continues to inspire even years after his death.

Professor Meggs, thank you.

The Teen Angst

1992-04-27T04:34:44Z

(Daily Press: April 27, 1992: Published correction ran Tuesday, April 28, 1992. The Teen Angst column in Monday's LifeStyles section was incorrectly labeled an In Your Face column.)

Today's society as a whole has draped a cloth over our heads, in order to keep us from seeing things for what they truly are. Society hopes we will see as everyone else wants us to see.

We are taught that everyone is supposed to look and act a certain way, that we are all supposed to believe in the same things. If someone deviates from the norm, then they are considered "outcasts" or "misfits" and are not accepted by society.

]]> I think it's a tragedy and a great loss to bring up a child to think less of others because of their appearance, beliefs or sexual preference.

Everyone is taught to judge a book by its cover, why is that?

Some parents seem to think they have the right to control the lives and thoughts of their children. Telling us to conform to societal standards tells us that our future will be just as bleak as our present and our past.

I'm tired of hearing people talk about how I feel or dress is wrong, that who I am is wrong simply because some narrow-minded hypocritical parent decided to dictate to his children how people should be and how they should think.

Society's minds have grown numb thanks to the babble of politicians, the churches and televangelists. It makes me sick and sad to see the people of today so easily led by false hopes and promises.

"...the child is conditioned. Everything that the child will see on the television or will learn in school or will hear on the radio or read in the magazines, or anything that he is exposed to, is set out to form this child into a specific kind of person, one who doesn't have opinions of his own, no spirit of his own." ~Sinead O'Connor

I used to have some hope for the future. I used to believe in the freedom of religion, thought and speech. I believed I had the freedom to have an opinion, but how can that hold true when people are burning our books, telling us what we can and can't read or listen to, or see, and telling us what to do with our bodies.

I used to have some hope for the future. I used to see teachers who stressed freedom of thought and expression of the individual.

Hopefully we were all taught to stand up for ourselves and what we believe in.

What has happened to the self within us all?

People are being condemned for simply being themselves, for who they are and because of this we exist in an ignorant shallow existence that signifies nothing but our own stupidity.

"Oh, mother, father, your blindness to our most blessed gift, NATURE, leaves us with the overwhelming task of correcting your utter mess. It also proves that you are no judge of art, nor of beauty. We learn from you how to become ideal adults? Or do they question authority? Do you take the time to explain things to them, or do you blame the rest of the world for their mistakes.

"Try to restrict our freedoms and we will fight even harder to preserve them." ~Perry Ferrell, Jane's Addiction.

The hand of ignorance is gripping us all.

_________________________________

Spencer, 18, is a senior at Tabb High School.

Teen Angst is a guest column for teens to discuss issues that interest them.

The column alternates weekly with In Your Face, a forum for teen's thoughts on a variety of subjects.

If you are interested in participating, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to In Your Face, Kris Worrell, Daily Press MP 1203, 7505 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23607.