04/28/09: Only in New York
I like advertising that doesn’t use deception.
04/16/09: If Designers Were Civil Servants…
“We do not process paperwork after 3:30.” This statement was angrily shouted at me through a window on the 9th floor of the Brooklyn Courthouse at 3:40. This window, inexplicably, is open until 5:00. This is a window where, to my knowledge, the entire purpose is to process paperwork.
Why am I visiting this window for the fourth time? I’m applying to change my last name to my husband’s and it involves a mountain of bureaucracy that not only includes 5 viists to this wonderful window, but also publishing my name in a local paper. (I should add that this return visit was after a former visit involved missing paperwork that previously i was informed I did not need.) Oh, and all of this occurs before I even hit the social security office.
Anyhow, the whole thing got me thinking about the way i conduct business and the way I interface with clients. What if I told clients “sorry, I don’t design after 3:30,” or “I don’t answer calls after 3:30,” or “I don’t respond to emails after 3:30”? I’m pretty sure that the client would have no hesitation in dumping me and selecting a new designer willing to work busness hours. Yet, when it comes to government and bureaucracy, we are locked in to the estoeric rules and forced to be submissive to rude people who seem to hate us. I can’t help but wonder if government as a whole would run more efficiently if it just had to operate under the same rules as the self employed: being courteous and accomodating but still establishing boundaries.
I’m still a good little democrat, but I do wonder if business could at least teach a few lessons to civil service in niceness and efficiency. Or just close the damn window at 3:30.
03/26/09: Mixed Messages
Walking to the subway, I encountered this study in contradictions. Fortunately, I’m a fully capable adult who can judge whether cars are coming, but the sign got me thinking. Sometimes an image just seems to capture a whole day or experience. I think everyone has received this sign from a client or coworker. A sign indeed.
02/26/09: Time to Turn Off the TV
Most jobs are just not that interesting to watch other people do. Why do you think there are so many television shows about doctors and lawyers but none about accountants or consultants or um, graphic designers? Have you ever visited a design studio or the graphic department of an ad agency. it’s a bunch of people staring at macs listening to headphones (ok, often within striking distance of a wacky, irreverant tchotchke).
Well, if that sounds exciting to you, get ready for the new reality show CMYK-America’s Top Graphic Designer. Seriously. According to the press release, “Our goal is to present graphic designers in a quality, professional manner concentrating on the art of design. The show will incorporate twists and turns that entertain and educate, spotlighting the designers’ skills working as individuals and as teams.” As a graphic designer, I frankly cannot imagine a more boring concept for a television show. Watch the designers go to meetings! Watch them move the mouse on their Mac! Watch them wear their ironic t-shirts and chunky glasses (Ok, guilty, i have chunky glasses.) I predict this show is headed straight for the trashcan. Have you ever seen Bravo Top Design? Oh, right no. Now take that concept and add computers. Whee!