I Don’t Have A Problem With Commitment

Last night, I celebrated my birthday with my wife, my son and daughter-in-law, and my three Oregon siblings (from Bend, Eugene and Portland). That’s a lot of loving Giobbis in one place on a weeknight. I’m a very lucky guy. But it had me reflecting on the wonderful relationships of my life today—both personal and business. While many of my peers are starting to retire, I’m still having a good time learning and working on creative projects that inspire me. I’m certainly not ready to retire, but I’m examining all the parts to see what each means to me.

Through the years, I’ve concentrated a lot on product catalogs and manuals, because I’ve always had a technical side that balances my artistic side, and those types of marketing tools need to combine technical art AND design. My brain’s left and right hemispheres are pretty equally balanced, so it’s worked for me. It also allows me to do year-long projects for some clients, as well as quick simple projects for others. Few projects or clients are too small or too large. When they are, I’m the first to say so.

Here are three examples that show the levels of involvement and commitment I have provided my clients:

FULL CREATIVE MANAGEMENT:  For ten years, Linea Forma designed and produced all marketing tools for what became the largest chiropractic supply company in the country, Scrip Chiropractic Supply. By the end of our tenure, we produced annual catalogs for chiropractic (400+ pages each), and massage (100+ pages), with over 1000 products represented; as well as all promotional items, mailers and print advertising. The sale of the company brought an end to that professional relationship, but not to the friendship with former owner Larry Frankel and former President Rob Cooper.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:  For 28 years, Linea Forma has designed and produced an annual catalog for Labcon, a California-based international laboratory plastics manufacturer. Our first one in 1988 was 32 pages and all the products shown were my original illustrations. This year, the technical catalog is 104 pages, and is filled with beautiful full color photography as well as my technical illustrations. To represent their “green” approach to plastics, in 1989 I created their Earth Friendly mascot, Eddie, who is still used throughout their marketing materials. I also produce four bi-annual catalogs for one of their international customers, created for US, English, French and German markets. I am indeed lucky to have such a great long-term relationship with them and a friendship with Director of Global Marketing and Sales, Tom Moulton.

PROJECT WORK:  Pick one. They’re always changing. Last year, I produced a 3D model and drawings for a showerhead accessory, drawings for a flatbed truck winch accessory; numerous product sheets with diagrams and illustrations; an instructions video for a display kiosk; some animated “around the world tour” video clips for a steel manufacturer’s new employee training movie…and much more. I love helping people launch new products and businesses as well as learn about new industries and concepts.

Each project is interesting and unique, as well as each person I work with. I am kept entertained and always look forward to the next one. Feel free to give me a call with any design challenges. I’’m happy to give you some of my time…it just might start a relationship.