fuck your trumpets, no offense

We've been hearing several complaints that our local indie-8-piece-bands are having trouble being booked outside of the Mile-End now. Is it possible that the allure is (finally) fading? So soon after SPIN magazine's "nouveau-Seattle" mention? (smirks) You've pigeonholed yourselves. You wouldn't let anyone else in (especially not the frenchies), so why should the rest of the city give a damn? It's ok though, you can all go become DJs now; that market's healthy.

just a bit of reckoning

consider it my way of helping you google me better / enjoy your stay, partisan.

h/e: december 2005

h/e: august 2006

h/e: june 2007

I can't fault the 3/4 of you.

Spent most of the last four years figuring out where to go instead of appreciating where I was. Time is/was of the essence and I ain't there yet either. There were happy and nostalgic lapses where I did savor the moment, and some not so pleasant occasions where I was forced to. Bad luck notwithstanding, the fault is my own. We talk a lot about luck, my family and I, not taking for granted the fundamental things we've always been lucky enough to share, but rather that extra push of luck that seems to shine on so many of you out there. A few months ago in Cali, it seemed as though the streets were littered with "Rich Dad Seminar" posters -- business profiteering from a solid ground income not unlike the extra push I refer to. I would like those who solicit this advice to admit they've been fortunate enough to experience a kickstart (given that it is the case) if only so that I can appear to be more leveled in comparison. It has happened to me before; well-meant advice can come with a condescending twist -- if you omit to mention, for instance, that your grandfather's passing gave you something with which to pay off a mortgage (or the establishment of a certain business chain that will remain unnamed). That just isn't fair (see also; me being honestly envious). It is common, it is excessively common but it isn't commonly stated -- as if it would undermine one's personal struggle were it to be known. If the push is implied along with the aforementioned advice (and gratifyingly so), then it is much easier for the less fortunate to identify with. In other words; hell yes I would've done the same. Good luck!

you might want to RSS instead of just checking in for updates

You are not an Art Director

You might think that you are an art director but it is most likely not the case. Granted, the title carries weight and offers an appealing level of service superior to that of a simple graphic designer but it is not a profession to which you automatically graduate to after an amount of time spent working in the field. The misconception comes from a mistaken sense of authority/autonomy generally found among freelance artists (it has been my path for the last decade) and the general misuse of the title impedes the profession itself (i.e.: mine, on occasion).

Sending specific instructions to a printer does not make you an art director. Establishing a set of colors and ethical rules to a client's visual identity does not make you an art director. Any coordination and/or marketing strategies that are provided as opinions or experienced advice does not make you an art director. Making executive decisions on behalf of your client does not make you an art director.

These are implicit tasks that are not only required but expected by your client/contract and unless you control the financial aspects of the situations above, teams to execute them and the rights to the sanctioned work -- you are not an art director. It might not be mentioned in the job description, but it is expected that a bus driver, for instance, should be able to gas up his transport and perhaps even find alternate routes to his trajectory if any of these situations are to occur -- but these do not make the bus driver a traffic manager.

This isn't meant to be in detriment to designers but a certain clarification is necessary especially in Montreal where the title is confounded by several linguistic definitions (Art Director, Directeur Artistique, Directeur Graphique, Design Director, Directeur de Création, Chargé de projet, Gratifika etc.) but I'll leave that part up to you.

If you ARE an art director, then by all means, carry on and good luck with your gray hairs and advanced aging. Good times,