Deadline Week

Deadlines are an inherent part of my job. From week to week there are milestones that have to be met in order to keep things moving forward. Every two months I run up against THE DEADLINE, when the combined efforts of the team are compiled, put together by me and sent off to the printer.

There is quite a bit of stress involved with this process. Even if everything goes swimmingly with obtaining and compiling the content (which it never does), there are a number of potential catastrophes lying in wait to render the whole process worthless (in my mind) once the magazine is assembled.

Problems getting files to the printer, pre-press errors that need to be addressed, missed photo or art credits, colors too dark or too light, spelling errors in high profile places, ads placed too close to competitors ads, bleeds misjudged or misaligned and countless others are all things that have happened and they've each felt like an indictment against me, proving what a horrible designer I am.

I did this study in the midst of my last deadline.

Also, it must be said that I work for a bicycle enthusiast publication that is super cool and laid back. I can wear what I like, set my own hours (within reason) and have the opportunity to test out cool products. I'm not out working the high steel, or being shot at, or trying to save someone's life. All of my stresses are internal fabrications and should be mocked and ridiculed by anyone with a real job.

A

First letter of my weekly drop cap challenge is none other than the letter "A". Built in Adobe Illustrator. I'll be dropping (ouch) more in the coming weeks. 25 more to be exact. 

Slacker

Sheesh. A few weeks in and I'm already slacking on the goals I had set for myself...

Unfortunately I haven't really created anything in that time that's worth a damn either. So, I'm going to regurgitate some older stuff in the hopes that all three of you that read this thing ( hi Mom) will be appeased.

Here is a great recipe for potato and leek soup.

I have this idea to do an illustrated version of recipes. Sort of pict-o-gram cooking for those of us who are challenged with critical reading.

Look for a "How to fold a burrito properly" picto-gram in an upcoming post.