Job Loss Can Mean New Beginning

I was recently interviewed for an article in the Appleton Post-Crescent, in connection with a massive paper company lay-off. It is my hope that many of those affected would consider self-employment and other entrepreneurial options. Taking control of the "job search" by networking and capitalizing on a career's-worth of experience is the best way to turn this thing around. When updating your resume and getting the word out, be sure to emphasize not only where you have been (i.e, the "Previous Experience" list), but what you have accomplished — and where you want to go. This will help you to put your best foot forward and energize your efforts.

The brief article is online thanks to the efforts of Journalist Maureen Wallenfang and several regional P-C affiliates:

The Post-Crescent

The Oshkosh Northwestern

The Fond du Lac Reporter

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Old Man

Decided to scan this self-portrait done while a student. A long, long time ago in an art school far far away, the Illustration students were assigned a self-portrait looking 10 years into the future (said future now being itself 10 years in the past!). Well, ok, I had to lower my sights a bit, especially on the hair. Less is more, right? I do still drink milk, and I do still have that picture frame. And who really wants wallpaper like that anyway?

Thoughts on Logos and Branding

Just completed! With simplified one-color version for smaller, black-and-white or limited-color items. Soon to be displayed at AssemblyVision.com. Best of luck to Owner/Genius Tim Stevenson!

"I don't know much about art, but I know what I like!" Your future customers will be making the same aesthetic judgment about your brand. Will you be able to make a positive and memorable impression at first glance? Will you be noticed AND taken seriously?

Your business launch is the culmination of a lifetime of expertise, planning and passion. This is not the time to "pay your dues" as the newcomer. Rather, you want to step out with a mature, professional image that says you mean business. We'll work with you to create a unique brand image that immediately communicates what you're all about. Let Alberts Illustration & Design help you develop a clear, consistently-designed brand image to use in your advertising, on your business signs, website, and packaging — every visible part of your business.

For your convenience, your logo and graphics files are archived in one place, ready to use in advertising, websites, video, or print. Let us deal with the "techies" directly. providing your images to each media outlet at the exact technical specifications needed — Instantly!

Frozen Tundra Indeed

More than you wanted to know

This is in reply (retaliation?) to Shari Voigt's blog entry implicating me in a silly game of Blog Tag. Here's my Seven. Not that it's anyone's business!:

1.) I'm watching Ned the Dead right now, and I have always believed that you should Support Your Local Horror Movie Host. From my childhood (and beyond) in Ohio, I have a collection of autographed photos and memorabilia from Hoolihan & Big Chuck, The Ghoul, Ghoulardi, SuperHost, Sir Graves Ghastley, Fritz the Night Owl,....

2.) I am pretty much an expert on Funk, Jazz, and Acid Jazz music, and I have a corresponding aversion to Country Music, a.k.a. the AntiJazz.

3.) I spent two years attending Ohio State University taking a "Pre-Dentistry" curriculum, with the intention of making enough money to finance own Band.

4.) I seem to be hyper-flexible but only backward, regularly stretching with back-bridges and easily touching my nose and even chin to the mat.

5.) I have never learned to type, even though I have been working on the Mac since the mid-80s. This is all two-finger-typed, and takes me so long that Shari should be ashamed for making me do it.

6.) I have developed an addiction to spicy food, regularly polishing off a variety of hot sauces and powders that occupy a shelf of the refrigerator door. When I acquire enough money and/or programming skill, my website will have a Hot Sauce Links category. Yeah, I live on the edge.

7.) Someday I hope to get up the nerve to strike up a conversation with that guy (I assume it's a guy) who lives in the Men's Room stall at Wal-Mart. He's there when you get there and there when you leave, and some say he's dead and some say he never will be. The stuff of legends.

Well, there it is.

Want to Improve Your Image?

These not-necessarily-real logotypes show how easy it can be to give your brand a boost. Let's work together in 2008!