Inspiration, Galore!

Behind every great design is inspiration brought on by a world of nature, architecture, fine art, music, design and typography. I just purchased the latest in Collins Design Typography series, Typography 28, and - to put it bluntly - I am ridiculously inspired even after my initial flip-through.

For a world full of design geeks to whom words like "kerning" and "leading" are as important as "color" and "composition," Typography 28 is a must. This publication, along with industry-standard annuals such as Print's European Design and Communication Arts Advertising, shall indeed keep me running on a full tank of inspiration for 2008.

Printing With A Conscience

At the office, there's nothing more annoying to me than excessive use of the printer and throwing away recyclable paper in the trash (especially when it wasn't recycled paper in the first place). As print designers, creators of paper-bound designs, we hold a responsibility to better manage the resources not only of our businesses - but those of the world's as well. There are many things we can do in order to manage a more effective and sustainable work place including, but not limited to, letterhead, self-promotion pieces, mailing materials, etc.

Thankfully there's a slew of great online options for us to choose from, namely Greener Printer. At Greener Printer, you can get your business cards, stationary, sell sheets, postcards, posters, brochures, folders & more all printed on recycled papers with soy-based inks - all at extremely competitive prices. You'll even be able to see your "Eco-Audit" which shows you how many trees, water, solid waste, greenhouse gases, etc. that you've saved with your order! With several papers to select from, options to print in minimal quantities and the knowledge that you're making a responsible decision - it's a no-brainer for the modern, intelligent designer

In the future, look into Greener Printer OR one of the other responsible printers and give it a shot - you won't regret it.

RICKY NELSON CD

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RICKY NELSON
Greatest Love Songs
As soon as this title appeared on the EMI release schedule, I was all over it! Not only is it a wonderful musical project to work on BUT I'm also very good friends with Sam Nelson, Rick's son. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work on this project with Sam's involvement and the fact that he was thrilled with the results is the icing on the cake!

Release date: 01/15/08

My Business, In Logo Form!

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Designing for yourself has to be both one of the most rewarding and frustrating tasks a designer can attempt. With that said, I created this logo and button graphic for MAN ALIVE design and I'm excited about its use on business cards & letterhead, against different color backgrounds, and more. It's crisp and clean with a few modern twists to give it a little extra kick... I hope you enjoy it too.

WELCOME!

After nearly 15 years, I have finally moved back to my hometown of Lancaster, PA. Why, you ask? It's simple: To be near family, to be my own boss and to live a simpler lifestyle.

Over the past 15 years I've lived in NYC for 4 years, LA for 7 (including 2 stints; one for 4 years and another for 3) and 4 years in Birmingham, AL. Since leaving Lancaster in 1993, I have struck a balance of full-time work between being a Production Designer & Art Director in the design field and Project Manager, A&R & Senior Management in the music industry.

Over the past 1 1/2 years I have been working full-time for EMI/Capitol Records' Catalog division in Hollywood, CA as an in-house Production Designer creating package designs for Ricky Nelson, Al Green, The Highwaymen, Kenny Rogers, Louis Prima, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

To drop me a line or receive a full resumé and/or digital portfolio (PDF) featuring recent design works, contact me at manalivedesign@yahoo.com.

For a more detailed, hands-on overview of my work, drop me a note and let's meet in person to discuss what it is you're looking for.