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If it isn’t obvious from the rest of this website, I do a lot of stuff.     I guess some people find that confusing. One of the most gratifying compliments I’ve received in recent years came from a prospective client, Kevin Schumacher at Eat More Tees, who after viewing this site said, “Wow, you do a lot of stuff, but what impresses me is that you do all of it well.” I ended up building this Trade Show Booth for him. What was gratifying about his comment might not be what you think, however; I was pleased simply because he understood that I’m versatile. You’d be amazed at the number of people who look at this site and say, “So... what is it exactly that you do?”     I design things, and I tend to agree with Robert Heinlein: “Specialization is for insects.” Software, drafting, writing, engineering, carpentry... it’s all the same to me. Really though, my large skill set only reflects a love of learning new techniques. At the root, all design comes down to two basic talents: creativity and communication. If you don’t have a passion for both you ought to be doing something else.     Regardless of the end result, the design process is always essentially the same: gather information from the client; synthesize a coherent plan from it (this is where those wonderful little “AH-HAH!” moments come in); provide feedback to the client; listen; repeat the cycle. In that way, your team narrows down to a focused goal resulting in a tangible product that will perform as desired. Everything else is technique.     I do not, however, want to give the impression that a designer’s job is simple. There are some things he or she must keep in mind at all times. One of the most important is the KISS Principle: “Keep It Simple, Stupid!” If you don’t do that, you’re apt to produce a monstrosity: graphics that don’t communicate; exhibits that run over budget; mice built to government specifications (those would be elephants, for those not familiar with the old joke). Regardless of the goal, the designer has to know what’s feasible. Sometimes the client has to be educated. That requires diplomacy, which is a high-end skill in itself.     It isn’t an easy job, but it’s one that I happen to love. I’ve explained all this because I prefer that my clients or employers know what they’re getting when they hire me. I’m not just a technician. I can perform that function—and I have in the past—but frankly, using me that way is a waste of a valuable resource.     I would be doing us both a disservice if I didn’t say that.          This page was updated on July 24, 2010.

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