Stuck with Chuck

Movin On Up.

2010-08-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

So I recently was given the task of creating a social strategy for our branding agency La Visual. There are a couple things I am feeling in regards to this given task.

1. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to step it up and grow in my knowledge of social media, and design. I love being involved in the social community, and interacting with people through my day to day routine. I am thankful that I am not going into this thinking it will be a piece of cake. I know and understand that just because I am a user on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc., does not mean that I know anything about being a Social Media Director, Strategist, or Guru. I am using this as an opportunity to do extensive research, talk to a lot of people, and really immerse myself in social media from a business stand point.

2. I am a littler nervous, because of the lack of my social media knowledge. Like I said earlier, I am not, by any means, a social media professional, but I am willing to learn as much as I can during this time. I hope to gain experience, so that I can become an asset to our agency.

If anyone has any recomended reads, people to talk to, or anything that they think would help, then leave a comment, @ me, or email me.

Thanks,

Charles

Im back!

2010-04-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ok so first off, I apologize for not having ANY posts for the past couple of months. It has been crazy around these parts. Let me fill you in on some really awesome stuff that has been going on.

1. I got engaged! Melanie Stephens and I are getting married July 17th, and I am super excited. The venue that we picked out is awesome, the colors that we have selected are perfect, and we made sure that there was one thing that was going to be at the wedding....DANCING. Got to have it. Anyways, she is an awesome woman, and I can't wait to be one with her. I am excited for all the cool marriage things we get to do; like play Wii together, watch movies, be in ministry, and a lot of other rad things. Anyways, going to be a good time indeed. A lot of growth is and will be happening, for the both of us. We start premarital counseling next week, so I am really excited about that. It will be a really good time to learn a lot about each other.

2. I left Apple (NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I know, it's ok though) and got a job at La Visual. It's a Branding Boutique located in Westlake Village. My good friend Scott told me to come down, because they were having interviews. I said "alright, sure" not thinking anything was going to happen. I came down to the studio, interviewed (which was about the scariest thing of my life), and I got a call saying they wanted a second interview. I could not believe it! I was so excited. Anyways, I came in for the 2nd interview, and they said they wanted to offer me a position. I was shocked, but so grateful. Now you are looking at the new Graphic Design Intern at La Visual. It's also full time, and PAID. Booyah!

So, as you can see God is doing some awesome stuff in my life right now. He has given me an awesome fiancé (soon to be wife), and an amazing job that I love. Things are going pretty smoothly for me right now.

I will be posting more often now that there is a better flow. Hope everyone is doing well.

Thanks,

Chuck

Learning Life Things.

2010-01-12T08:54:00.001-08:00

Today has already been a rough day. I ended up not being able to pick up my girl for work this morning, because of a stupid mistake I made. I think about things like this and ask "Are you serious? You forgot the time? Did you just forget to look at the clock?" I know that God is going to teach me something through all of this, but it just sucks to hurt someone, especially her.

I know that she will forgive me, and for that I am thankful. It's just the fact that I fail, thats the part that sucks. I don't like failing, i'm a man, i'm prideful, i'm supposed to take care of my woman. Events like this can be good though, because it allows me to examine my heart, and to humble myself. God is always glorified through the situation.

Today will be a good day of self examination.

Charles

2009-11-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

Some more cassette tape implementation. Really creative stuff.

Also Check out this site. http://www.tapedeck.org/ Very interesting indeed.

Chuck

Blog Project. Phase 1.

2009-11-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I thought of the first item for my blog project that I initiated.

Cassette tapes is the name of the game. Here are some of the things I found on them.

Look out for any, and all designs/explorations containing the ever famous cassette tape this week. Let me know what you think of the designs, and posts.

Thanks!

Chuck

NEW BLOG PROJECT.

2009-11-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I have decided that i'm going to try out something new with my blog. Every week I am going to try to post about a certain object, and how it can be found in the world of design. For example; one week the object could be a cassette tape, one week could be a t.v., and another, a coffee table. Anything and everything goes, and if I find designs that contain those objects them such as; posters, digital, stationary, blankets, ads, and logos, then I will add them into the post.

I hope that you are excited as I am for this, and hope you find it interesting. Also, be sure to get involved! If you have any suggestions for an object, or just want to comment then feel free. My email will be provided at the end of this post as well.

Thanks for stoppin by, and I hope that your morning/afternoon/evening goes great.

see you guys soon,

Chuck

Designer Highlight - Simon Page

2009-11-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a brilliant designer by the name of Simon Page. He is a UK based designer with no schooling as far as design goes (he graduated in Applied Mathematics!) His work is truly inspiring, and just plain amazing. Here is a link to his portfolio. I have also posted a series of posters he created called "International Year of Astronomy." They are really well executed, and I am also a sucker for small type. The colours used really communicate a vintage feel.

My hats off to Simon Page, well done. Check out his portfolio through the link, and send him some nice comments. He deserves them.

Chuck

Some cool cases

2009-10-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

Found a couple of really cool felt cases on Etsy.com via swiss-miss.com. Check em out.

Gonna try to get my blog on a bit more.

Hope everyone is well,

Chuck

So busy lately.

2009-10-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

I just feel like I am in this constant grind lately, which is good.
I'm just getting used to the change is all. I am thankful for being
busy now. It makes me feel productive. I also think that I have become
more aware of how much passion I lack for Christ and the furthering of
his kingdom. It has been a good growing time. Definitely got to get
working. If I really love people, why am I not sharing THE Gospel?
Good convictions lately. Design career is going as well. Excited.

Chuck

Sent from my iPhone

Duffy and Partners packaging

2009-09-17T00:17:00.000-07:00

Check out this beautiful package design job done by the guys over at Duffy and Partners (via TheDieLine.com.) Its called New French Bakery. A very bright, and energetic brand, accompanied by some very fluid packaging. The subtle blues allow for a very approachable feel. I absolutely LOVE the rounded typeface they used for the word "French." I wonder if they did so to shy away from the stereotypical French attitude. Hey! Makes me want to buy their products!

Check out Duffy and Partners over at Duffy.com. They rock the design world!

Chuck

Designer Spotlight - Gabriel Morales

2009-09-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

I just want to take the time right now to really recognize an amazing designer. Gabriel Morales. I found some of his work showcased on www.TheDieLine.com, and I thought it was really great, so I went to his website to check out the rest of his work. It is truly fantastic. His concepts are beautifully executed. His use of color, shapes, and type is wonderful. I really enjoyed checking out all of his projects. Check him out HERE.

Here is a bit of his work to check out, just in case you don't have time to get to the site.

Thanks for stoppin by!

Chuck

Brooklyn Fare. New, hip grocery store.

2009-08-31T13:17:00.001-07:00

Check out this grocery stores package design. Excellent job done by
the guys over at Mucca. Totally catches your attention. Great copy.

Awesome little design website.

2009-08-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this website HERE. Its called QuotesOnDesign. They just put up really cool quotes about design. That simple. Check it out.

Chuck

The coolest little items.

2009-08-17T00:56:00.000-07:00

These are some of the coolest little things that I have seen. Super creative, and fun. They make me want to go out into the world, and just start creating "stuff." What does "stuff" entail? I haven't the slightest clue, but it makes me want to do it nonetheless.

Courtesy of Spoon & Tamago HERE.

Chuck

Roadtrips equal Awesome

2009-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Road trips. Not to much to say about them except that they are
fantastic.

Caleb and I are heading up to big bear for a staff retreat this
weekend. It's really fun being able to drive with a friend, and just
talk about whatever is on your mind.

Caleb and I are at ihop right now, as you can see in the picture of
him and the menu.

Anyways, having fun. Stay tuned.

Chuck

Sent from my iPhone

Agencynil, heard of them?

2009-08-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so there is an incredible Agency that (for me) just sprang up out of no where with one of the coolest business plans ever.

This agency is unlike any other agency. Their motto? "will work for all its worth." Essentially, they will work for a client, and at the end of the project, the client will decide what their work was worth. This may seem to you, like a very unconventional, asinine idea. Well your right about one thing, it is indeed unconventional, but far from asinine. Agencynil is simply moving with the times. With the ever changing design world around them, they have quickly adapted their philosophy to what they know to be true about that change.

They are an agency worthy of prestige, and seem like a great company to work for. I actually am working on "auditioning" for their design department, and am really excited, and look forward to the challenge that awaits me.

I look forward to Agencynil, and what they will accomplish in the future as one of my favorite design companies.

Check them out HERE.

Amazing vitamin packaging concept

2009-08-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Viktoriya Gadomska has come up with a great concept for some vitamin packaging. Everything about this packaging concept is perfect; from the way that the modern, boxy lettering communicates stability, to the color selection that screams energy, this packaging concept was really thought through. Great job Viktoriya!

Chuck

Fascinated with recent Bottle Packaging.

2009-08-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

I was just looking through some of the designs at TheDieLine.com, and I came across a bunch of these beautiful bottle designs. I really think they encompass what it means to be simple, yet beautiful. Check em out.

Chuck

Really nice Burberry trench coat.

2009-07-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Found this trench coat on Burberry.com. Double breasted, a belt with a leather covered buckle, and peak lapels. Beautiful. Great for any rainy day!

Chuck

Lebesque Ribbon Identity.

2009-07-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

This really has to be one of the simplest, geometric, and most elegant brands that I have seen. Developed by Edhv, this brand was created for a ribbon company in the Netherlands, and was designed perfectly. The transparent look along with the subtle color really make for a solid look.

Check out the agency here, they're great!

Student Highlight, Stephanie Hiser

2009-07-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here is some work by Stephanie that is really great. I especially like the Digirent packaging.

All presented via TheDieLine.com.

Chuck

Jonathan Davies Calendar.

2009-07-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know that I posted that highlight of Jonathan Davies, but I needed to post one of his projects in particular, that I LOVED! He created a calendar that he sent out with his information on the back, and it is BEAUTIFUL. The best part about the calendar, obviously, is the color. He does a fantastic job with using a gradient of color across the entire calendar. The best part about the color is that they represent the the weather during certain months. Check it out, it's super!

Chuck

Designer Highlight. Jonathan Davies!

2009-07-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Davies is the designer that I would like to highlight today. He is a UK based designer that works mostly through freelance. He has done a fantastic job in communicating his ideas through his design. He is very versatile through all his work with consistent quality.

Here are a few snippets of some of his work. Excellent.

You can find his website HERE.

Chuck

Captivating Food Packaging.

2009-06-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Ever go into the grocery store, and check out the meats or vegetable section? Ever see those disgusting yellow cardboard/foam like boxes with plastic wrap over the top, squishing the meats? See those boring plastic bags to stick your vegetables in?

Well here is a little bit of a change from the norm. UK based agency, Design Friendship, has created some really great packaging. They have taken the way that food is displayed, and made it presentable.

Chuck

Some more great packaging.

2009-06-28T01:54:00.000-07:00

Here is some more great packaging ideas that come from www.thedieline.com. Very innovative, and I love the colors as well.

The Animal Cracker packaging is really cute, and totally pops out at you. Literally.

Also, the simplicity of the chocolate bars are majestic. Especially with the simple sans serif typeface, and the bold colors, it all works really well together.

Chuck

Beeline Packaging. Hungry Anyone?

2009-06-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ever seen honey packaging like this? Fantastic. Makes me want to go and eat a Peanut Butter, Honey, and Banana Sandwich. MMMMMMMM.

The packaging was designed by Kym Abrams. You can find her site here. This honey line was created for the purpose of furthering training and jobs for ex offenders. Pretty cool.

For more incredible packaging check out www.TheDieLine.com Incredible concepts, and designs!

Chuck

Sellin the Macbook.

2009-06-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

Time to sell my Macbook.

I have an excellent opportunity to purchase a Macbook Pro for a great price, so I thought I might sell my Macbook. Here is the link for it on craigslist. If anyone is interested, then just let me know. Hope everyone is doing well. I will have another post today, containing something a lot more interesting than me selling my computer.

Chuck

Late Night Ad Find!

2009-06-25T02:11:00.000-07:00

So, I was just taking a peep at some of the design/Ad blogs that I follow, and I came across this really cool Ad for Aids. Its incredible. The concept they use for creating the type is really...Genius. Take a look for yourself here.

Here is a pic of one of the campaign posters.

Chuck

CampBellhay design studio does some great packaging!

2009-06-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.campbellhay.com/

If you get a chance, check these guys out. They really take design to a new level. All there materials are very professionally executed, and laid out.

Also, if you get a chance, check out the PRADO project that they worked on. It is beautiful, especially the interactive website that they created for them.

Here is a snippet of one of their Branding/Packaging projects. I have never wanted to purchase a box a cupcakes more in my life.

Chuck

Leaving Palm Springs.

2009-06-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

Today, Caleb and I leave Palm Springs. I know, I know, it is a sad day indeed. This weekend has been so incredible, and I am so thankful to God for it. My head has just been filled with so much knowledge, from so many fantastic minds. I hope that I am able to attend next year. I cannot belief how beneficial this conference was, because not only did we get to hear some of the coolest guys speak, but we also got some free books out of the deal! There is one in particular that I really want to read, written by McCarthur. I am not sure the name right now, because I do not have it in front of me, but it is very topical, and has a lot of really cool insight about a lot of ideas, through a biblical view.

So, my time has come to an end here in Palm Springs, but technically it is not over yet, because I will be here next year for Resolved. Booyeah. I should start packing now. Good bye, oh beautiful Palm Springs.

See see you all later!

Chuck

Palm Springs!

2009-06-15T04:01:00.000-07:00

I finally got my custom domain to work! Its awesome! Its just StuckwithChuck.com

Anyways, I am in Palm Springs right now for the Resolved Conference. It is obviously a astonishing 4 'clock in the morning, and I am beat. The fellowship on this trip has been fantastic. I love the feeling that you get from hanging out until early in the morning with friends, eating tons of junk food, and praising God all at the same time ha ha. It is truly bliss.

I will tell you something though. Tonight we heard John Piper speak and it was I N C R E D I B L E! He talked about how God works, and the purpose for the fall of Satan, and the fall of Adam. If you want to hear more about it, then you can absolutely ask me!

So overall I am having a great weekend. I really did not realize how much I like Palm Springs. Everything is really nice here, including the condo that we are staying in. I don't know what it is about staying in other places, but I enjoy it thoroughly. Also, on the drive up here, I saw those wind generator thingy's, and I found out now that I LOVE those! They are just so cool, and so artistic. Just to know that they are strategically placed in specific places, and also usually going from smallest to biggest in size. I don't know, Just a cool thing for me.

Well I should get to bed. Hope everyones night is going well, and they are getting good sleep.

Night,

Chuck

First Post!

2009-06-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog! YAY. I am excited to get it going. I am not sure if I have enough information to put on here, but hopefully my life will give me enough adventure. See you all soon!

Chuck