Andy Altmann lecture on the 28th

I had fun creating something fun inspired by Andy Altmann

I attended the second lecture in the RDA Spring Lecture Series: Transparency Exposing Graphic Design last night with guest speaker, Andy Altmann, founder of Why Not Associates, London. Lately, I have been wondering if I still want to be a graphic designer, and this series is just what I needed to refresh my perspective.

I loved 'Andy's Shite' box, a menagerie of matchbooks, prostitute calling cards, slides of random ebay sellers, found objects and anything that would fit into a small photo album. He pointed out that as designers we commonly love all kinds of design, most especially bad design.

There is nothing like getting an inside peak inside the mind and process of an accomplished an innovative designer. His work is incredible and illuminating. Plus he had a 'right randy sense of humor', which is the mark of any great communicator.

Maya is a hungry little shark

Maya is a hungry little puppy... Okay so she's not little nor a puppy, more like a shark. I went over to this placed name Tiny Boxwoods, where they serve lattes in giant cups and have sandwiches and such. I decided on a grilled cheese with pesto, but tiny's was busy and crowded, so I got my food to go. Anyway, the moment I got home and opened up the package to sit and eat, Maya zipped over, licked her chops and cried like she hadn't eaten in days. Eyes fixed in my sandwich with stellar concentration and not just her tail wagging, but her whole doggy toushie ready for a morsel. Next, she employed her famous work the table, launch the big tongue technique to get a bite, when that didn't provide any sustenance, she went back to the whimpering. 'Oh, forlorn we have no sandwich from our mean mommy...' But then, a stoke of luck, her mom, me, took a pause with the last bite still in hand! And with that momentary pause Maya snapped up that bite with the speed of a rocket and chewed as fast as a shark in a feeding frenzy.

Steven Heller in Houston

My Dad is an architect and because of the continuing education hours required of architects, I was lucky enough to find out about the Rice Design Alliance Spring Lecture Series, "Transparency Exposing Graphic Design". Last night I met my Dad at the first lecture featuring the speaker, Steven Heller. I have to admit as embarrassing as it is, I don't know much about the History of Graphic Design, nor, Steven himself. And admitting as he mentioned in his speech, it was pretty easy for me to pop on the net and find out who he was really quickly before the lecture. Woah! I can't believe my own ignorance.

A majority of his lecture focused on his students' work in the MFA Designer as Author program" and working Design Entrepreneurs. All of the work shared was exciting and inspiring and in some cases familiar to me, but knowing the origin created a richer depth for my own understanding of these projects.

For me personally, I found it refreshing to listen to a legendary and prolific professional; who has obvious humility, openness for sharing and time for educating the future and believes in the power of mentoring.

When I first moved back to Houston after completing my BFA many years back, I attended a few Professional Design Organization meetings and felt a little out of place. Most of my feelings of disconnect came from not having not been educated in the ultra competitive environment of most designers. I had not developed a thick skin, a bounding confidence in my own aesthetic and a protective shell of ownership over my work, ideas and opportunities. Truth be told, I still haven't. I distinctly remember hearing many a professional at these meetings utter the words... 'Those who can't do, teach', always getting a knot in my stomach. In fact, always makes me a bit angry.

Steven Heller is the perfect antithesis to this statement. He has found a rich and limitless career because he remains open and willing to share his ideas, sees value in contributing to and recording our design history, gets tickled by his students odd ideas and is willing to admit, he can't do math and isn't always right. Yes!

I will be attending the remaining three lectures with my Dad over the next couple of weeks. Next week is Andy Altman, founder of Why Not Associates, London.