The inventors of playbutton are banking on the fact that you young music lovers not only enjoy discovering new music and listening to it on the move, but that you also enjoy sharing it with others.

Remember that guy from CBGB’s with the black leather jacket (just the one) covered in silver studs and lapel pins from every show he fought through the drudges of the infamous shit hole to see? What if each of those pins could not only be worn as badges of “I saw it first way back when” but could share the experience with…. sound?

Fusing the technology of digitally mobile tunes with this rock n’ roll fashion staple, the innovators of playbutton bring the album and its art back into focus.

Ready for production as of this past November keep your eyes open for both the techno-savvy bands that impliment this tool into their marketing strategy and the fashion-forward fans who are begging you to ask them just what it is that they’re wearing/listening to.

Task: create an illustration to use in all printed and online media in promotion of the Rams Head Group’s Xmas Xtravaramsa.

Solution: Ram in a Cosby sweater – (dusts shoulders off) – that was easy.

Illustration for Xmas Xtravaramsa at Rams Head Tavern

I work with a phenominal group of individuals, each unique in their thought process, creativity and approach.

Sure, I’d noticed their work ethic and abilities before, but it wasn’t until they were trusted to carry on and march forward in the absence of our department director (congratulations to the new mother and baby) that I realized just how much they were capable of. Not to mention how well we as a team of at times severely opinionated and proud individuals could work together toward a common goal.

Left to run the business of the marketing department efficiently (at the very least) in her absence, each of us worked harder to prove that we were thankful and deserving of that trust. Of course there were moments of conflict and steaming frustration but notably, never doubt. And that confidence that blossomed in each of us and that united us as a squad grew from the positive assurance that our director bestowed onto us. Thank you, boss lady.

I work with an amazing group of individuals and am a better team member, graphic designer, creative director and professional for having worked alongside them.

Good job, kids.

As the graphic designer for a concert venue, I’ve seen my share of ugly admats… I’m talking to you Snoop Dogg… and you Moby. But when it’s a show that I’m personally excited STOKED about, welp… I have to take the matter into my own hands. Julian Casablancas’ solo release Phrazes for the Young has officially rocked my socks (played on repeat for nearly a week solid) and deserves advertising materials that are as sleak and hip as the Strokes’ vocalist/lead song writer.

Problem:

Solution:

Join Julian and I in the 11th Dimension at Baltimore’s Rams Head Live on March 30.

With bluesy power vocals, classic throwback rock guitar, drums that bang and clang and call-to-action anthems like ‘Gravity’ and ‘Beast’, L.A.’s Nico Vega is on the road to the big time. The band discovered on Myspace winds down their year of touring and traveling with an on-the-road Almost Famous-style blog and a new album teased from stage. Thursday night’s set at D.C.’s Black Cat included tracks both known and new and as the crowd multiplied for headliners Soundtrack of Our Lives, one couldn’t help but notice Nico Vega’s fanbase swell along with it.

I bought a t-shirt, chatted up the band, downloaded the app, and chugged from the goblet of rock kool-aid.

Mark my words, er word: ‘yuge’…

Perfect! A gift we can both enjoy: a boudoir photoshoot as conceptualized by the stunningly talented Molly Humphreys-Aguilar. With an eye for composition and a flare for the romantic, her Petite Pin-Up shoot captured just how beautiful my mister makes me feel.

What to Bring:
Your favorite lacey bits, his favorite racey bits, black pumps, lip gloss, and your best friend (for giggles and support).

What You’ll Find:
Sparkling chandaliers, stairwells lined in oil paintings, intricate early American woodwork, a stuffed zebra head (yep), tattered garders, silk hose, antique satin-lined furs and most importantly… the perfect Saturday chalked full of laughs and a sexy boost of self-confidence.

For the bold and inspired as well as the shy and curious I encourage you to visit Posh Pin-Ups online portfolio, and get swept away in the fantasy of Molly’s flirtatious and sensual creativity.

So, (shifty awkward eye contact) it’s been a while, huh?

I’ve been struggling to coin the perfect excuse. One that would make readers feel immediate sympathy while entertaining and inspiring them to return to what are sure to be regular weekly posts. In the end I’ve chosen to trade cunning “B.S” for honesty: I’ve been busy!

Exactly one year ago, I stood confidently before my Rams Head peers and colleagues at a team building retreat in Bear Creek, Pennsylvania promising an entire company rebrand. Well, as confident as a sole in-house designer who’s been asked to create four unique menus and a “20th Anniversary” brand can be. With the impending doom of the then hazy economic forecast I understood that this rebrand could not only save the company money, but could create the marketing juggernaut needed to bulldoze through what we now refer to as ‘the great recession.’ All the while securing my position within the company. So when Vice President, Erin McNaboe addressed the group with, “and Krista will be continuing to sculpt the brand as she takes on the redesign of each location’s menu” (nodding the up-and-down aint-that-right nod) what else could I say but, “yep!”

The Rams Head team in Bear Creek, 2010. Photo Credit: Erin McNaboe Photography

And I’m proud to inform you that not only did I accomplish that daunting task, but I was able to stand before my Rams Head peers and collegues at this year’s retreat and tell them that I kicked that missions ass! With the support and patience of my directors I was able to create a menu set and brand that artistically and honestly interpreted the 20 year old Maryland landmark. And those same directors were kind enough to compare my work to that of national group chains.

Rams Head Shore House Anniversary Menu

I knew I was onto something when Doug, the Annapolis Tavern’s head chef – who normally shoots me the stink-eye for special ordering wraps with no Ranch, sub Vinaigrette, no fries, sub fruit – gave me the thumbs up. With that fresh boost of confidence, I conceptualized individual but consistent menus for the remaining locations as well as a last minute breakfast menu in what seemed like no time. Well, truth be told, about 6 months.

Verna's Breakfast on The Shore, Rams Head Shore House

The brand continues to expand and contract, but for the most part breathes on its own now. A company-wide consistency pulses throughout all promotional restaurant materials including a successful and growing Rams Head Blog.

So, (twittling thumbs) when you read this post, the first in months, give me the benefit of the doubt. Amidst recurring daily design routines as the lone designer and a company-wide rebrand… (smirk) I’ve been a little busy.

Baltimore/D.C., you’ve posed your challenge. And as a seasoned concert veteran, I accept.

Manchester: You think bunk drugs, sweaty hippies and putrid commodes is a challenge? – Pfft. 4 days of live entertainment on 100 acres? – Pfft. Fighting a sea of thousands just to get within 50 yards of the stage? Bonnarroo, I bite my thumb at you, Sir.

Try nine shows over the course of two weeks, all within the Baltimore/D.C. metro area. I pick the shows, spend the same amount of money (or less), and I sleep in my own bed at the end of the night. Some vitamin B, a tall glass of cold water and my soft, cozy Downy fabric-softner-scented sheets… mmmmm, air conditioning.

Although I have recruited an army of enthusiastic show soldiers, I fear I may witness a handful of my men fall at the mercy of the Gauntlet. We ride confidently into battle, merch allowance and beer money in hand, this Sunday at dusk. We’ve studied our opponents and are prepared for an onslaught of electronica, art rock, surf guitar, and Ukranian-gypsy-punk; Jazz fusion, 90’s rock Gods, southern sirens, and soulful Citizens.

For those only able to fight as the pocket, work schedule and/or spouse will allow it, I invite you to join us on the battlefront as you are able. Consider yourselves our reserves. Below is a detailed plan of our charted course:

Sunday, May 31
Santigold
Rams Head Live, Baltimore

Monday, June 01
Grizzly Bear
930 Club, D.C.

Thursday, June 04
Gogol Bordello
Rams Head Live, Baltimore

Friday, June 05
Medeski, Martin & Wood
Rams Head Live, Baltimore

Sunday, June 07
Citizen Cope
Rams Head Live, Baltimore

Monday, June 08
TV on the Radio
930 Club, D.C.

*Tuesday, June 09
NINJA (Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction)
Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia

Tuesday, June 09
Beastie Boys
Rams Head Live, Baltimore

Thursday, June 11
Jenny Lewis
930 Club, D.C.

Friday, June 12
Band of Horses
Rams Head Live, Baltimore

Alas, the sun is high in the sky – I must head back to camp, prepare my armour and rally the troops… meaning get home, put together a totally cute outfit, scarf down some cold pizza and pack the car full of homies.

We ride!

*course subject to change due to ginormous show at Rams Head Live that I am not at liberty to discuss.

Yes, my dog’s name is ‘Basquiat.’ As in Jean-Michel Basquiat: 1980’s-era graffiti artist turned Neo-Expressionist painter. As in pre-cone-bra and way-pre-Kabala Madonna dater. As in Factory member, collaborator and pal/pawn of one Mr. Andy Warhol. Yes, my dog’s name is ‘Basquiat’ (pronounced Boz-kee-aught). ‘Basqui’ for short. ‘Boz’ for anyone who has difficulty pronouncing the first two options. ‘Boz’ when most passers-by ask, in an effort to avoid the left eyebrow lift or confused and furrowed brow.

'Boy and Dog In A Johnny Pump', 1982 by Jean-Michel Basquiat

No, it’s not a weird name. It’s perfect.

90 percent of the population could just stand to spend more time at MoMA and less time texting their votes for the next American Idol. I’m sure there are plenty of pooches out there named ‘Kelly’ (after Clarkson), ‘Simon’ (after Fuller) and God forbid ‘Ryan’ (after Seacrest). Now that’s weird.

I know! I’ll start where I ask every one of my lovely, wide-eyed, freelance clients to start: Direction.

Freelancing outside of the world of “Food, Fun and Beer” keeps my styles fresh and my mind challenged. Sparks fly and neurons fire as I jump from menu redesigns to wedding inviations, from Pier Six Pavilion venue marketing to Carolinas Luxury Realty branding. However, without proper direction, those flickering creative thought bulbs can move from  a methodical Jefferson to an eccentric Tesla. I need my clients to help me steer these creative kinetic juices in the appropriate direction so that we all enjoy not only the product, but the process; building a positive and rewarding relationship along the way.

I find that most of my clients have the “Aw, shucks you’ll figure it out and do something great” attitude, which while incredibly flattering is unfortunately the first mistake, which only spurs countless proofs and redesigns.

Below is a link to an Art Direction worksheet I currently use to keep my clients involved in the creative process. No spreadsheets or Excel files here folks – I know how exciting billing reports can be, but try to tear yourself away for just 30 minutes and I promise you that we’ll have those creative juices flowing, rising, swelling and gushing onto your keyboards, mouse pads and dusty desk tchotchkies.

Then we can really get started.