"A picture is worth a thousand words but it takes 3,000 times the disk space."  ~Author Unknown

In my youth I was quite the sketch and pen & ink artist. I did a little painting, but never really cared much for it. My favorite mediums were those that were multi-dimensional: sculpting, mixed material arts, metals. woods and such. As the arthritis worsens and the back weakens, I have gravitated toward digital arts. The raw materials, as well as the results, are a lot easier to transport and store. I miss seeing and manipulating multiple planes with my hands, but it keeps my mind busy all the same.

I love creating logos and print materials. My local martial arts school keeps me very busy. Creating bright and fun materials for the kids is very rewarding. I create much of the artwork for the websites, posters, advertising, gift certificates, t-shirts and business cards.

It is important that factors other than "art" be incorporated into design, especially when used for business purposes. Color choice, contrast, visual balance, proportion and psychological factors have a huge impact on the subconscious and the conscious mind. The age of a target audience must be considered as well as the physical use of the design. Good design partners with science and considers needs and perceptions other than the personal preferences of the designer or the client. Remember that often your artwork speaks to your audience long before you do. Businesses and events have failed based purely on poor visual design.

Here are some recent projects:

Posters / Flyers /Palm Cards

Some of my favorite clients are martial arts schools and programs for children. Many of the projects are simple in-house documents, like monthly calendars for the kids, but they are fun to do and I enjoy "spicing up" simple documents that once were plain or lacking an artistic eye.
Click the images to open the galleries.

 

Business Cards

I think the secret to any design work is to choose a style that "feels" like the focus of the client; powerful and strong or calm and soothing. Sometimes you just have to go with what the client wants, but my favorites are those that allow me some artistic and psychological latitude.

Gift Certificates / Event Tickets

There is absolutely no reason that business materials have to be plain or boring. The quiality of a simple gift certificate says so uch about you before the recipient even walks in the door. A little well designed humor can also set you apart and creates a personal bond with your audience long before they get to know "you" personally.

 

Martial Arts Designs

Kids learn more when they have fun visual materials. Your school stands outmore when you look like you put effort into everything you do.