2009 was a rocky year. A lot happened, some of it very good and some of it very bad. I saw a lot of growth in 2010 in many regards: professionally, creatively, mentally and emotionally. I have a feeling that 2011 will be a watershed year, where things really start to take in exciting new directions. Here are my highlights of 2010, recapped in a somewhat chronological order. Here we go!
My first trip to New York City
Nobody forgets their first time in New York City. The city pulses with a distinctive energy that buries itself in your spirit and never leaves. It’s everything you imagined and more. Early in 2010 I visited New York on a work trip, for an adidas project. I got to see my work up in Times Square, and in Soho. Watching Darth Vader march through the city with Snoop Dogg and a squadron of Storm Troopers was quite surreal and thrilling. Definitely a good first introduction to the Big Apple.
Amazing dining on Portland
Beaker & Flask, Clyde Common, Le Pigeon, Biwa, Piazza Italia, Olympic Provisions, Nostrana and the list goes on; Maryanna and I have a knack for spoiling ourselves. It’s easy when Portland provides such an amazing, ever-expanding array of dining options that are actually quite affordable. It doesn’t hurt to have a partner that enjoys the experience as much as I do. What’s on the list for 2011? Gruner, Laurelhurst Kitchen and Beast for starters.
Las Vegas with good friends
Vegas is a complete mess, but that’s the beauty of it. Go there with some good friends and you’ll come back with stories for ages.
Meeting Milton Glaser
I discovered the work of Milton Glaser in school and I quickly latched on to his stylistic melding of design and illustration. Thanks to the fabulous Margaret Richardson, we were able to visit with the legendary designer, whom I consider one of the most influential figures on my own creative practice. What do you ask your hero? I wondered about his opinion on the difference between art and design. The answer I received was suitably enigmatic and utilitarian, I’m still mulling it over to this day.
Jason & Jake’s Epic Birthday Bash
The birthdays of Jason Resch and myself fall close together in the month of May. This year we combined forces for a celebration of epic proportions, with the gracious support of New Deal Distillery. My brother DJ’ed and Guantanamo Baywatch closed out the night with a raging performance. It was quite the memorable birthday.
Eagle & Wolf Collaborations
I found in Maryanna Hoggatt not only a companion and life partner, but also a great collaborator. Our styles and approaches differ quite a bit, but when we combine the two the result is always interesting. For the majority of the pieces I did digital post-production work on ink and charcoal drawings that she produced. I know 2011 will see us mixing it up even more. Check out the Eagle & Wolf portfolio HERE.
Adopting Theodore
While Theo, like any feline, has his quirks and neuroses. He’s one of the most personable cats I’ve ever met and the perfect housemate / studio buddy. We couldn’t ask for a better companion.
Ford Photoshoot in Seattle with Tim Soter
Tim Soter is a creative soul, who’s passion for his craft is apparent not only in each photo he takes, but also in his rapport with his subjects. He has a way of putting people at ease, as if you’ve known him for years, rather than just having met this photographer taking your picture. It was a blast driving around my birthplace of Seattle with Tim, finding iconic spots around the city. He’s amazingly fun to work with and I hope I’ll get another chance to do so in the near future. Check out his phenomenal PORTFOLIO.
Photo by Tim Soter
Photo by Tim Soter
Getting Tattooed by Clae Welch
Long before I ever had any ink embedded in my skin, my dad showed me the portfolio of a guy he had taught at PNCA. When I saw it I knew I wanted a piece from Clae Welch. The detail, care and craftsmanship he puts into his work is second to none. Finally, on my 25th birthday I visited his studio with an idea in my head, knowing he would execute it perfectly. Three months later I was the proud owner of my first (and certainly not last) Clae Welch tattoo. I can’t wait for the next piece! Behold the work of Clae Welch.
Rebranding myself
I left my last agency job with a thirst for something new. I needed a new personal brand to reflect this. It took several weeks and dozens upon dozens of logo variations, but I finally ended up with a mark that I can be proud of.
Hawaii trip with Maryanna
Our trip to Hawaii was a vacation, pure and simple. The island of Kauai’i is the kind of place where the pressures to be productive melt away into the ocean. We absorbed enough sun and relaxation to [hopefully] last us through the long, wet, Portland winter.
2010 was a great year. I’m so thankful for the friends and family that made these opportunities possible. Let’s all make 2011 an even more amazing year!
