Tommy the Designer

Jeffrey Blackman Testimonial

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:20:54 -0700

When Thomas Freeland Contacted Me regarding an update of my web site I was skeptical about the necessity of such a project and the vast improvement that was touted.

Yet, Knowing that the computer age is here to stay, I decided to go with Thomas because of his youth, enthusiasm and sincerity.

It was a wise decision.

I am not the easiest guy to get along with. Thomas rolled with my personality and difficult schedule to accommodate me.

He went beyond the call to accommodate me and to give me the finished product that I was looking for once I fully understand the breath and depth of what he would accomplish for me.

Thomas did an excellent job for me.

I recommend him whole heartedly.

He is a good man, a good husband and a good father.

Most sincerely,

Jeffrey Blackman

4/28/2012

"Anybody who thinks talk is cheap should get some legal advice."

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:21:05 -0700

““Anybody who thinks talk is cheap should get some legal advice.””

- -Franklin P. Jones

If your only advertising on the internet, your alienating a lot of clients.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:29:53 -0700

If your marketing plan for the year consists of just having a web site, then your alienating a lot of your client base. In order to market a service to a client base, you need to be there for them in their time of need. In order to do this, you need to keep on top of their minds. That means you need to keep them up to date with you. This is done buy: consistent e-mails, the occasional piece of snail mail, a billboard or paper ad (if you have the budget). A phone call is always nice, and of course, a web site. Every bit of information should have your branding on it and should represent you in the best light possible.

If your embarrassed to send your clients to your web site, then maybe it’s time for a free consultation to find out how to make your web site a destination.

Branding, Advertising, & Design

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:06:45 -0700

I’ve been thinking of a simple way to explain three very complicated words: Branding, Advertising & Design. Below are three simple definitions that describe these words used in the marketing / design industry to their core.

Branding = is how people recognize your company.

Advertising = is how people find out you exist.

Design = is the process to bring clarity to your company and why they should buy from you.

Simple right?

The Power of a Routine

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:11:53 -0700

This blog post was inspired by a conversation I had the other day with my Intern. He told me he was in a creative rut because he was out of his routine.

So, I started thinking about the power of routines and how they can help with the creative process and help you achieve your goals, or just complete a project. I for example have a set routine for when I want to work and a routine for planning my day, even a routine when I want to be creative. But with all of these routines I find there are three things that make a routine successful.

Uniqueness
Emotional intensity
Repetition

Now these three items were not of my conceiving but I did steal them from another blog post on another web-site. You should read it at the 99% (link at the bottom of the post).

The important thing about being creative is playing with it. It is starting with a problem and trying to fix it. Then breaking the solution and trying to fix it again, until you can no longer find anything wrong with it. The only way to do this productively is to set a routine for creative problem solving.

Here is an example of my creative routine.

I go to work by bicycle (the air opens up my thinking). Also the ride gives me time to clear out all the stuff on my mind.

Once I arrive at work. I make a cup of coffee and start to jot down idea’s that peculated on the ride over.

Then I start to go thru my break-fix process that I explained earlier. After that I find that a few hours have passed, and things have gotten interesting.

The thing about this routine is it fits all three of Mark McGinness Criteria in his article. I do something different that I normally do. I feel very strong about what I’m working on. I repeat this process everyday when I feel stuck or need a change in my creative process. You should check out McGinness’s article How Mundane Routines Produce Creative Magic at the 99% http://the99percent.com/tips/7007/How-Mundane-Routines-Produce-Creative-Magic

Graphic Design works a lot like this.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:41:57 -0700

Graphic Design works a lot like this.

Does Time Management Really Matter?

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:13:46 -0700

Does Time Management Really Matter?

"I think sometimes the best inspiration is to sit down and look at photos to see what makes them..."

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:09:04 -0700

“I think sometimes the best inspiration is to sit down and look at photos to see what makes them work.”

This is a flyer I also created for Dorn homes that ties into a...

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:40:12 -0700

This is a flyer I also created for Dorn homes that ties into a mini web-site to showcase the virtual tours that they have put together #tucson Notice the QR code.

The link to the site is http://www.dornbuildingscience.com

Dorn_flyer on Flickr.

It’s been a while since I’ve added some work to my...

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:37:45 -0700

It’s been a while since I’ve added some work to my blog. I thought everyone out there in cyber land might like to see what I’ve been doing. This is a flyer #tucson for the Chamber of Commerce Mixer hosted by Dorn Homes & Brasher Real Estate for next week in Tubac.

chamber_mixer on Flickr.

Again I think this is the coolest camera I’ve ever seen....

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:44:38 -0700

Again I think this is the coolest camera I’ve ever seen. Nothing like a little old tec to make you happy.

http://usa.shop.lomography.com/cameras/lomokino/lomokino

Does Living in a City Make YOU Happy? #tucson

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:36:10 -0700

Does Living in a City Make YOU Happy? #tucson

You Gotta Love this song!! patriciahandschiegel: This was on...

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:21:50 -0700

You Gotta Love this song!!

patriciahandschiegel:

This was on at Trader Joe’s today while I was shopping, dressed as a cat (for a Halloween party)

Time for meeting new people

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:17:24 -0700

Do you know what happens when you don’t follow-up, or put yourself out there in business? I’ll tell you.

-NOTHING!!

I have first hand experience in this. There are times when life is just too busy. Business is going good, and you really want to reach out to your clients, but who has time. Well, you better make time. (do I sound like a business book yet?)

I’ve found that the more you connect, put yourself out in the public eye, and meet people. The more you will find new opportunities in business. That’s right the last one meet people requires getting out there and talking to the general public. I find the best way to do this if you know no-one is to go to a mixer or chamber meeting.

Just some thoughts for the next time your stuck in the office with nothing to do. Take a walk, get out there and see some people. This advise is free, but no-one said it was easy.

Watch this what a great way to start the morning.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:22:10 -0700

Watch this what a great way to start the morning.

Great Wine article and I love the web layout as well.

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:21:31 -0700

Great Wine article and I love the web layout as well.

Can a Logo just be black and white?

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:43:46 -0700

I was thinking about this over the weekend. Can a logo just be black and white? I think in todays age of computers and the internet the need to have a strictly black and white logo is not necessary.

What is necessary however is that when you have a logo designed for your business, personal blog, or beer decathlon you should have your graphic designer give you a black and white copy. The benefit to a black and white logo is you can see the contrast in the logo, what stands out in the logo what recedes.

It used to be important to have a B/W logo for black and white print, but we all know no one advertises in print anymore. Advertising is done in color on the internet. However, I do miss those black and white band flyers from the 80’s.

I do think is good to have a B/W logo so when a designer is trying to include your brand in a site they can alter it so you’re branding matches what the web designer is trying to produce. I’m sure you heard the expression “sticks out like a sore thumb.” Well, I can tell you from experience no one likes a sore thumb.

I loved this space video. The design language is great. See if...

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:31:03 -0700

I loved this space video. The design language is great. See if you can find the Star Trek references.

All you need is a little Tourquise, and a ford Gallaxey. There...

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:43:29 -0700

All you need is a little Tourquise, and a ford Gallaxey. There you have it folks magic. Photo #5

Thanks again.

I can see this guy as the inspiration for a Chinese takeout...

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:39:34 -0700

I can see this guy as the inspiration for a Chinese takeout web-site. Photo#4