Roby Fitzhenry

It works … really.

This post will be short and sweet. Get a sketchbook. If you are a designer of any sort, it’s a must. I’ve recently been addicted to Behance’s Dot Grid Book as well as their Action Runner. My background is fine arts so it must be ingrained in my process.

Above are the tools I use (scanner, Macbook Pro, monitor, etc. not shown!)

Regardless, there’s no better way to sort out (technical and visual) problems then by mapping them out by hand. In today’s digital age, many only experience things using a mouse and a keyboard and lose the feeling of hands on productivity. This seems especially true in the Web world. Don’t start planning a site in Photoshop. Close it. Keep it closed. Open your sketchpad, grab your favorite beverage, collect all the data you need and start planning. START SKETCHING. But do not erase. Although you may consider an entire sketch a waste and need to start anew, there may be hidden ideas or solutions waiting to show their face upon your review. The Dot Grid Book makes it even easier to sketch things that need to follow a grid system of some sort (which all design should anyway). So don’t be afraid to realize your artist within and know that you’ll continue to get better with practice.

Holllllller!

Ok ok ok .. I’ll be straight up and say I’m a newbie to “sneaker culture”. I don’t own a pair of early 90’s Jordans or some pair of imports straight out of Asia. However, I’m beginning to understand the culture and it’s influences on design, fashion and plenty of other art forms. The same goes for t-shirt culture. One of my favorite new sites, emptees, has me inspired to step it up and try to make some solid designs. Not to mention Desired Hearts is gearing up to start which is making the scene even more interesting and exciting. From here on out I plan to buy the “hottest kicks” and the “dopest tees” to ensure I look “legit”. I’m learning the lingo already! Please let me know if I look like a fool ….

I was recently interviewed with Cody Marx Bailey of Downtown Cartel on Biased Transmission, a weekly radio show on KEOS. We talked about the Creative Space, branding, marketing, RefreshBCS , BarCampTexas and a few other things. Although I rambled off a few too many times, the overall experience was fantastic. We had a small technical issue so the stream was cut in to two different videos. You can see those videos here:

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Here are a few logos I’ve recently designed.

Most of these were submitted to LogoLounge.com in attempt to be published in their upcoming Logo Lounge Vol. 5 book. Just thought I’d share!

I just got back in town from Omaha, Nebraska and had a wonderful time. Although time is of the essence, I wanted to take a moment and thank all those that I met. Omaha has was it takes to be a magnificient city and they are on the right path for global takeover! I’ll post a more comprehensive story when time permits!

Creativity is a monster. It’s time you take control.

I’m proud to call myself a creative. For almost 8 years I have been pushing my creative limits in design, branding, illustration, fine arts and even just concept development. Creativity is such an odd creature though. It is both a gift and a curse. As a Creative, you can make a living coming up with unique ideas or approaches to a problem and actually be paid handsomely for it. However, it can also lead to insomnia, high stress levels and a head that is all to often in the “clouds”. I’ve decide to take a moment and share ways that one can use to take control of this monster and actually generate more when needed. Here’s goes nothing …

1. Realize you are a creative person.
Think about … do you always seem to bring good ideas to the table? Is it the problem solving that drives you or would you prefer to just make things look pretty? In order to take control of creativity you must first know yourself. Most especially, know your inspirations and frustrations, what makes you think, what brings out the best in you and ultimately … what makes you a better person. Knowing these things will prepare you to make smarter decisions and stay out of those God awful creative ruts or feelings of “burnout”.

2. Always carry a sketchbook.
Sometimes it just takes 30 seconds to sketch out a random idea you’ve had and store it for later. Often enough, randomness is your best friend. You may have had some awesome idea lingering in your subconscious then suddenly “Eureka!” .. it’s ready to show itself. Having a sketchbook handy lets you get the idea out quickly and move on with your life. The idea will just be sitting there waiting for your love.

3. Have a defined workspace.
A few years back, I used to freelance out of my bedroom which is a HORRIBLE idea. At any given time, you might want to jump out of bed and get to work. Why not? You have ALL you need to unleash that creative monster within the same room you sleep. Again .. this is a really bad idea. Sleep where you sleep, eat where you eat and work where you work. Don’t confuse and torture your brain by combining these. Plus, you should enjoy some time off. Tell your brain it’s time to relax and that you’ll pick back up when you’re at the office. It makes your job as a Creative less stressful and keeps yourself out of ruts. If you work too much .. your creativity will suffer. Teach it some lessons and let it know who’s boss!

4. Get out of your bubble and travel.
There is nothing better than leaving your comfort zone and seeing the world around you. Take weekend trips, plan real vacations and realize that there is so much more out there. We are creatures of comfort and repetition. Break these cycles to stay refreshed, excited and all around inspired. Trust me.

5. Develop a creative support group.
It is crucial that you have friends, family and colleagues you can share ideas with. Although they may not be the most creative people in the world, people who know you and will be completely honest can open your ideas to problems or solutions you never thought of. It is also important to always stay in touch with your creative community. I have a network of about 10 designers, developers and all around creative people. If I don’t feel confident about a concept or rough comp I’ve developed, they are all an email, Facebook message or “tweet” away from giving me honest feedback. Every now and then, you may need a pat on the back or a slap in the face to wake you up. I’m lucky because my girlfriend is my number one fan and number one critic. Although she isn’t a designer, she has the ability to call things out or say something looks stupid and it actually makes sense. I suggest you try it!

These ideas may not be the best or most original in the world but I hope they can help a little bit. Just remember what it is to be a Creative. We are the luckiest people in the world. We can get paid to do what we love for the rest of our lives. Keep that in mind and you should always have the monster in control.

If you have any suggestions, please shoot me an email at roby(at)robyfitzhenry.com .. I’d love to make this list more useful! Thanks folks.

Hello again everyone. It has been WAY too long since my last post. Things are getting ridiculous around with office with lots of new clients and continuous work from our current ones. It’s so busy that we’ve had Jimmy Tran join our team! Stay tuned for further details.

We’re currently designing about 5 different websites, 3 new brand identities, 2 major print projects and the usual side projects. That’s a ton of work for our “Small but Mighty” team. However, I guarantee this will be the best work out of our shop yet. For now, I’m going to continue working.

Speak clearly, please.

I’ve been in the “industry” now for about 7 years. Let’s be honest though .. I sucked pretty badly the first two years or so. However, one thing has continued to ring true. That is: DESIGN IS NOTHING WITHOUT GOOD MESSAGING. Good copywriting can push through the clutter no matter the project, the client or the target audience. This is one reason that I always tell clients a good name and slogan/brand message are extremely crucial. Want a good example of top-notch copywriting? Check this out.

Some people get it and others don’t. Those who don’t are the ones who cover an entire ad with everything they have to offer, making sure not to leave out a single service. What does a potential client think of that? Nothing at all. That is because they don’t even look at it. If you do everything, you do nothing. Instead of throwing the kitchen sink at hopefuls, cut through the crap and do one thing extremely well. That is how companies begin to gain reputations and stand out in this overcrowded marketplace. Yes, there are lots of BIG companies that can do a lot and do it well. However, I guarantee that these companies utilize great copy writing to separate their services. Certain audiences want certain things and you must cater to those requirements.

Here are a few examples of slogans we’ve developed at Always Creative:

• Markup Ninjas: Damn Good Markup ™
  They wanted to stand out in an aggressive way and demonstrate that their markup in top-notch. This slogan also contrasts the playfulness of their new name.
• Spider Spray: Happy Customers. Unhappy Pests. ™
  Spider Spray is a pest control company out of Utah with prime focus on customer service. So, we put the customers before even the bugs. (Project will be completed soon.)
• Frugal Media: We give books a second chance ™
  They are an Austin-based used book reseller and recyclers. This message was developed to demonstrate their approach to not just tossing used books but actually giving them a new life.
• All Web Leads: Leading Your Business Forward ™
  They are an Austin-based insurance company out to better service insurance professionals. Their new logo consists of integrated right arrow which ties in the new slogan. (Project will be completed soon.)
• Clay Kolby Homebuilding: Homes for living. Homes for life.™
  We worked with the Kolbys to develop a message that demonstrated their focus on creating beautiful homes that are high in quality and great to live in.

We are currently working on redeveloping all of the messaging for Always Creative in order to better explain our approach, our expertise and why we are just right for the job.

For more details on message clarification, check out “Selling the Invisible” by Harry Beckwith and “Brand Simple” by Allen P. Adamson.

All I see is sunshine.

I don’t know where all this energy has come from but everyone around me is on fire. BarCamp Texas was a ridiculous success, The Creative Space is getting all kinds of press, Always Creative is landing the real deal work, and my design abilities are the best they’ve ever been. Where is it coming from? Really? Is it the people around me? Is it the feeling of success after many feelings of failure? Or is it just darn good conversations with people who know and respect what’s going on? I’ll go with all of those.

BarCamp Texas deserves a lot of this credit though. There is nothing more rewarding than letting something go and watching it succeed. It’s much like a parent raising a child and seeing them grow up to a successful adult. That’s what BarCamp Texas felt like. Finally, we had our chance to show everyone what was up our sleeve and it couldn’t have been better. What I liked most though was the experiences I had with a few people.

ERIC DOWNS
This guy rules. He’s a very talented designer that I think will earn national recognition in the future. Eric is pretty much Always Creative’s go-to guy for anything we are just too busy to handle. He’s passionate, he’s talented and more than anything else … he’s just a really freaking cool guy. Beyond that, I trust him and his work. I could send him a project with a budget and a deadline and know that he would exceed my expectations. Mark my words: this guy will be on our team in the near future. If he had a website, I’d link you. So instead, Twitter him!

THE MARKUP NINJAS
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet the entire Markup Ninjas team. However, Ken and Keith Hanson (twins!) and Ken’s girlfriend Nikki all stayed at my house for BarCamp Texas. I had the privilege to talk with Ken and Keith until 6 am about Markup Ninjas, Always Creative, my design philosophies, and how these guys are about to turn the industry on it’s ear. And they will! As a whole, the Markup Ninjas team is just unstoppable. They are unbelievably talented, extremely innovative, and too cool for their own shoes. Even Nikki ruled and had some great conversations with my girlfriend Ashley. I’m proud to say that Always Creative will continue to work with these really really great guys.

AARON BAXTER
Finally, a type enthusiast who isn’t a graphic designer! I definitely like this dude. First of all, he’s one of the best dressed people you’ll ever meet. You almost want to ignore him simply because he looks nicer than you! Ha. However, Aaron is a really great person to get to know who has an impressive skill set. This guy knows print design, web design, illustration, usability, and even apparently has some business ideas brewing. I look forward to getting to know him better and I’m sure to see him in lots of other future events. Let’s do coffee soon buddy! PSST … check out his blog.

ORGSYNC
This group has an unbelievable application that they showed everyone at BarCamp Texas. I’m not a technology person so I may not be the best to explain the software. So, check it out for yourself! It’s definitely some impressive stuff.

Why is that when you plan to go home and do tons of creative work you end up just staring at the computer? Yet, when you have an evening full of awesome things to do all you can think about is design. You get constantly bombarded with creative ideas and “eureka!” moments. Just wanted to complain about that. I just had a nice cup of coffee at 11:30 pm yet I’m staring at my monitor and my huge list of to-dos. All these complaints and I own a company called Always Creative ….