A Disciple's Journey

This is my second of two features for the BYU Summer Magazine. It is the first religious/spiritual article I have done, and I had the go to commission some art for it. I was able to use Alex Nabaum and we developed some fantastic imagery of the fight between light and dark, good and evil.

I kind of took it a different direction and feel of much of my work, mixing some new space age and grunge feel. I guess you could say it is like dipping a twinkie in your Sprite (Wow!). I love the final piece and colors that Alex chose. If you have a chance to pick up the next BYU Magazine, this article from Elder Bruce Hafen is a MUST read. Very insightful and inspiring. I hope I did his message justice with mine.

The Guru of Green

This issue of BYU Magazine, I had the charge and opportunity to design two features of different feels, and this one I had too much fun, as you can see. This feature was supposed to come out last issue, but was pushed back for an editorial reason. I started the design several months ago, and during that time, I had some slow time at work (really! slow time, that is impossible! and unbelievable! [right now I am slammed and have been for weeks]) and I got a little carried away, drawing this flower with type. It took me several hours, but in the end, I am muey pleased. Brad did a great job on typography. Shhh. This is posted before the magazine comes out. Likey?

10, 9, 8, 7 . . . .

I had the opportunity to take three fantastic models to the salt flats this past weekend to try some of my crazy concepts. We luckily made it out there on the last semi-cool day (80 degrees at 7 p.m., the next day it hit 95F) and got some killer skies and captures. My favorite is the "Launch Your Business" concept. I had to call several places to locate smoke bombs, which are not sold until late June. The light was fantastic. I can't wait to make it out there again. Click here to see the rest of the location photos.

Florida

I have never really been to the beach before, once in California when I was young, and last year in Corpus Christi, Texas, but both of those didn't compare to Clearwater Beach, Florida. We just got back from a family vacation where I was able to get some photography in. Absolutely beautiful lighting. Here are some shots from the super-wide angle lens.

Skateboard Portraits

I had a shoot yesterday with a new model to test out a new super-wide angle lens, and reintroduce myself with an old love (the Lens Baby). Great model and great location under the freeway in Lehi. We had to dodge pigeon poop and feathers galore. I am dabbling my hand in more fashionistic kind of photos. Love the Lens Baby.

Fenway No No

This past Monday, one of my dreams of attending Fenway Park in Boston was realized as we hit a game after the HOW Conference let out for the day. I dragged my two reluctant fellow designers from BYU along. They wanted the Royals to win. They complained about the tinyness of the seats and other things. I enjoyed being at the park and witnessing the nostalgia. After the sixth inning, I noticed that Lester had a no-hitter going. Holy Fetch, cool, but too early to get excited, could easily be broken up. And I didn't want to jinx it. Lester then retired the Royals in the seventh, and the crowd started to buzz. I decided to text everyone that would be interested that Lester had a no-no through 7.

By now, the crowd was standing and chanting "Let's Go Lester!" It was amazing. He proceeded to make history and completed the no-hitter and the crowd erupted. I was so excited and couldn't believe that I made it to this history, as only 232 no-hitters have been thrown in the history of pro baseball. Amazing. A good thing to happen to this pitcher, Jon Lester. Oh, and my bum friends thanked me for dragging them along.

May Goal

I have decided to go bonkers this summer with photoshoots, to build my portfolio and increase my downloads on iStock. I currently stand a little over 70,000 downloads, and I hope to hit 100,000 by end of November. I am going crazy with ideas, and I need to get them done! I hope the wife supports me on this goal. As everyone knows me, when I get something in my brain, I am usually fixed on it like peanut butter on a twix bar. Yum.

Sometimes We Flew!

Here is one of my latest Magazine spreads for McKay Today Alumni Magazine. I commissioned the famous Chris Buzelli, and we developed this flying fish with kids on its back. The arts helped these kids in a less privileged elementary soar in academics. I wanted color and fun!

One on One

From our recent shoot at the Great Salt Lake, I designed this feature article. The photography turned out great (thanks Brad) and I wanted to focus on the color of the shots. Look for it in the Spring 08 issue of BYU Magazine.

Capturing a Moment

Every now and then, you witness something special. I had an article to design and art direct for the upcoming BYU magazine about mentoring others, and one of the essays takes place in the northwest arm of the GSL (the saltiest part of the lake). Anyway, we shot the article (of students taking microbe samples in the lake), and this was the sunset we happened to witness. Now I have witnessed some great nature in my life, but this was special. We were literally in the middle of nowhere, and heard maybe one bird the whole time (it was so quiet!). This color and experience spoke loudly to our souls. How can people question the actuality of a greater being? I was able to take this picture. One of the most barren places in the world can be the most beautiful.

Finally! A hew home?!?

We signed on with Richmond American to build us a new home on Feb. 2, 2007. It has almost been one year and we might get our house completed by then! Honestly, we have had the worst homebuying experience imaginable, as they have missed every promise, dropped every ball, and disappointed in every way. If they don't have a perfect home for us on the 2nd of Feb. (which is, ironically, Ground Hog day) then will we file a lawsuit. I don't recommend this home builder.

Business Superhero

New series up on iStock. Logan was kind enough to humor me in the cold wind, and modeled for this series, which can be seen in this lightbox. I plan on doing more, as soon as weather permits.

Questions and Answer Session

I was interviewed by a fellow inspector at iStock, and here is the interview. (click on the title of this entry. Or, if you are lazy click here.)

I Rank #81

This past year has been amazing for me on iStockphoto. Just recently, I passed into the top 100 photographers on iStock, and I am now at 81. Not bad for a part-time gig. There are over 40,000 contributors from around the globe, so this is a nice number.

Here is the list if you would like to see. I am RichVintage. Click on his blog tab, then "more" and you can scroll down the list to see me.

Happy Holidays

I hope my viewer has a happy holiday. I have just finished my Christmas themed photos for iStockphoto, and hopefully they will bring others joy, happiness, and lots of presents. So, Merry Christmas!

Richian Proverbs and Insight

Okay, I was just thinking of adding some of my philosophies of design, thoughts if you will, to others in the blogosphere. I like making up my own words (lived in Texas for a bit).

Talent and Hard Work

The real issue is not talent as an independent element, but talent in relationship to will, desire, and persistence. Talent without these elements goes dormant. Even modest talent with hard work and these characteristics will grow.

Richian Proverb #1

Computers are to design as microwaves are to cooking.

Recent Work

Here at BYU, I have the great opportunity (and budget) to work with some of the best illustrators in the world. This is a spread for the magazine I art direct, BYU McKay Today, and it is about Karl Maeser, one of the primary founders of BYU. In this historical article, I tried to create a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. I commission Mark Summers to do this exquisite scratchboard art for Maeser. I purchased several old style typefaces to create this feature spread. I am pleased with it.

Back Into Editorial Design

I am the new Assistant Art Director for BYU Magazine, and I am very happy about that. This is the first feature I have designed titled "How to Build a Solid Financial Future" and I commissioned Joseph Daniel Fiedler to illustrate. I wanted to use building block type and worker guys. This will be coming out in the Fall of 2007.

LensBaby Action

Last month I was able to attend my first iStockalypse in Austin, Texas, and I had a fantastic time. We witnessed a Harley Davidson biker rally, and that was a spectacle for a Mormon kid from the desert. I visited my first tatoo parlor (don't worry, I didn't get one), and ate some immaculate BBQ at Ironworks.

The opportunity to learn some techniques in photography were abound, and I took it on myself to experiment with my new lensbaby lens. It adds a vintage and nostalgic feel to photos, and I ate it up. We went to the Enchanted Springs Ranch where I took several images. The one above titled "Chief Long Horn" was the best one, and I was lucky enough to be honored with Best of Show at the end of the event. Now I just need to save up my money to go to the next iStockalypse in Europe, 2008.

New Website Coming Soon

I have cranked away and am pleased to announce my website is going to be built soon. I will be offering my Vintage Photography in the area. I just decided to get one up and see where it takes me. Stay tuned.

The Curse of the Fleshy Tomatoes

It seems I have a curse. I love tomatoes on my sandwiches and burgers. However, as of lately it seems whenever I go to Wendy's or a sandwich place, I get the green, fleshy butt end of the tomato. It ruins the whole meal in my opinion. That is just like when people (my Mother) add nuts to everything. I hate nuts. And what is up with celery in potato salad? If I would have known there was more celery in the potato salad, I would have named it "Celery Salad." Morons.

Flexing Muscles

It has been a couple of weeks at the new job here at BYU, and I like. The quality of work here and the purpose is fantastic. I am working on a great feature article for BYU magazine, and it is nice to be doing publications again.

The iStock thing is going well as well, I am in training to be an inspector, and should be free of training soon. I just purchased a lensbaby today for my camera, and I am excited to get it before I go to Austin for the iStockalypse there at the end of the month. I need to fly away now

Seventh time is a Charm.

Well, some of you (Shane, my only viewer) know my history with BYU. Thrice denied into their Graphic Design program. After graduating with a BA instead of a BFA, I have applied for positions at BYU's Award winning University Design Dept. four times. Finally, I am thrilled to say, I was offered a position with them as a Designer. For all you kids out there, never give up, never surrender (from one of my favorite movies, Galaxy Quest.)

Inspector Rich

I just landed a part-time gig as an inspector for iStockphoto. There are only about 60 inspectors world wide, so it is an honor. Now I have to go through a vigorous training, learning about every digital camera on the planet, and sort the bad stuff from the good. In a year, I hope to possibly quit my day job. Well, maybe not, I enjoy graphic design so much.

I was awarded with Two ADDYs

This past Saturday, we went to the ADDY awards banquet in Salt Lake (Utah Advertising Federation) and I was awarded two silver ADDYs for two spreads I did for LDS Living. I was able to take my picture with two spaghetti strapped models. The wife didn't like that part. When I get the pic, I will post.

My Minute of Fame

It will only last a week (through Jan 27th), but I am happy to say I have received "Image of the Week" from iStockphoto. I actually took this series in late September of 2006, and the above photo was just granted the award. Who would have thought (not me) that I would come to this point in my photography? There are over 25,000 photographers that submit to iStock, and I am honored to have this recognition. Now I just need that dang snow to melt, and for it to come above freezing for the first time in three weeks.

New Years Goals

I see it has been a while since I last posted something on this wonderful blog of mine, so I thought I would give an update. I am hoping to have my new photography website up and active within the next three months, so I may start my side business. I will specialize in children's photography that is themed and conceptual. So I will be even busier come the springtime. (I have to bring in the funds for my new Toyota Matrix.) I would like to thank the Academy for all the support and help it has given me. Now back to watching the Discovery Channel.

Found a Job

I am the new Creative Lead for Focus Design in Provo. We mainly do websites, but I am going to beef up the print realm. I am also going to begin teaching Intermediate Typography and Layout at UVSC this next semester. I will post more when more happens. Goodbye.

Graphic Designer Looking for Job

Yep, that'd be me. After two and a half creative and concept-boggling years at Stephen Hales Creative, I was a casualty in a downsize. Me and Fernando. Well, kind of a surprise, but I think I knew it was coming in an ethereal way. It was kind of funny, when the two owners told me, I told them that it couldn't have happened at a better time for me because I am at the top of my game. Kind of hotdogish, but I really feel that way. I think I get the visual conceptualizing thing. Well, wish me luck as I search for a job in this area. I can also be contracted for photography.

Latest Spread

For a feature article for LDS Living. Out of all of the Christmas season holidays, I chose New Year's Day to highlight on the front spread of this article. Mainly, because I like to blow things up. When I was a kid in St. George, we used to go over to a friend's house (I won't name names, for your sake, Eric) and alter flowers (a type of lame, legal firework in Utah) into explosives. We would rug waterproof fuses to them, light, and sink into the golf course pond. A low submerged "boom" would occur, and we would go for more. Also, when I was on Church service in Denmark, the place was rockin' with flying explosives during New Year's 1996. One large rocket landed in our backyard and almost blew out the window I was trying to sleep next to. BLAM! Ahhh. The good ol' days. Anyway, that inspired this spread.

My First Advertisement for My Side/Wannabe/Job

Wow, that was confusing. I used to be schizophrenic, but we're ok with it now. This is my first ad. We are publishing a new Magazine for Utah County, titled "Utah Valley Seasons." We have tried to sell all of the ad space, but businesses are a little hesitant to buy ad space in something they haven't seen before. We even tried to give out FREE ads, and some advertisers balked. I offered to take up some free ad space, and this is the half pager I got. Am I ready for 25,000 hits? This may be my doom. If it is good enough, I will be flooded with business, if not, my pseudo-ego will clobber me in my sleep. Wish me luck.

More Editorial Work

My latest brain child feature spread for Tahiti Tradewinds. I teamed up with Illustrator Jon Krause out of Philly for this concept. I think it is a fun concept solution with the type. Yum! Noni fruit.

"The Yum"

As I have posted in previous entries, Jackson and the kids like to draw with sidewalk chalk, and many times we see tic tac toe games and abstract life forms. Well, yesterday Christene and the kids picked me up from work and we ran some errands and drove home. Upon pulling up I noticed our garbage can (which sits right beside the garage door) had some kids writing on it. In great big letters on the front panel it read: "The Yum." Jackson had labeled the can. Christene and I got quite the laugh. Why in the world would he call it the "Yum?" Either he is more clever than I think, or I am as smart as he is. Either way, I found it humorous.

No Soup For You!

[In honor of Seinfeld] I like juxtaposing two things that do not normally go together, and in this case that is kids and soccer referee. I think it would be cool to just walk down the street in this attire, and blow the whistle while flashing a red card at random people. The yell, "Yer outta here!" Sounds fun. Maybe I will send this idea to Letterman.

Sorry for mentioning "Poop"

I would like to apologize to all my fans, all three of you, for mentioning the action of me using the bathroom (#2) in one of my previous posts. Maybe if we all forget about it, it will go away. But first, I must run to the bathroom......

Secret Agent Smith

Fury toward the Aliens! Down with the enemy! Take that aqua scum! (No animals or living creatures were harmed in the making of this Imagination Series.) Jackson took my direction to a whole new level. Look out Keanu. (Just a BB gun folks.)

Poop=Toy!?

I was shooting some photos yesterday when I got a call on the cell from E.J. (our 3 year old), and he was screaming that he had just gone poop in the potty for the first time! We are all so excited. Christene (the wife) bought him a toy, and he is so proud of it. I am proud of him 'cause he now will save some diaper $$. Today, he went AGAIN (#2) in the potty, and wanted another toy! I got a quick idea, ran up the stairs and went poop meself. I came downstairs, and asked Christene for my toy. I didn't get one. All I got was a stern look.

The Inspector

Here is a latest photo of mine. I would like to thank Craig for posing for me in business attire. It is so much easier to take pictures of a subject that doesn't move or run around. It is nice to have some adult models back. I love the kids, but it takes twice as long to get a good shot from them.

The Journey

New concept series. I think I got the lighting at its best during sunset. This photo got an initial rating of 5 from iStock inspectors. I only have 5 of those out of 342 files. I could see doing this photography thing professionally, but I like graphic design too. I was inspired by Disney's Brer Rabbit. Next up: Kids with whistles and red cards.

Taming Debt

Feature magazine articles are my most favorite area of design. The copy is supplied, and I paint the visual picture. With this LDS Living article, I morphed it into "Taming Debt." I wanted debt to be portrayed as a wild and rabid animal—one that can kill you if you let it. The article gave steps on how to take control of your debt. Alex Nabaum illustrated this for me, and I created the title to make it look as if debt was caged. Muey fun article, and it was received well, and won a Regional Silver ADDY in Albuquerque. It ran July/August 2005. These Illustrations also won a Gold Art Director's award from the Society of Illustrators Los Angeles. You can check out Alex Nabaums at www.alexnabaum.com