ml haynes design

While friends and family might disagree, I have to say that all the “stuff” that I collect could be catalogued under the heading “Design Inspiration.” From the 1975 Sanrio Kitty Pencil Eraser to the torn out pages of the latest Surfer magazine, seeing something worth keeping, then keeping it within arm’s length is a work habit that I’ve polished to a professional sheen. My latest enabler is none other than Flickr, particularly the Webdesign Inspiration group.

I can’t imagine that I’ll stop collecting the tangibles that make their way across my desk and through my life, but the ability to grab and gather within this online space is such a relief. No more hunting for that old bookmark. No more searching through folders of JPGs and PNGs. No more clicking through only to find that the owner of that amazing site has either changed it completely or altogether disappeared. There’s simply no inspiration in a 404 error.

My plan is to be a good group member and post to this group. Then I think I’ll start scanning some of these bits and pieces — surf print tearouts and scraps first, as I’m on a surf kick these days — and start my own “cloud” catalog on Flickr. I can keep my “stuff,” clear my space and have access to it nearly anywhere I go. Now that’s inspiring!

Much has passed since Chicago’s failed bid for the 2016 Summer Games, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to pass along this invaluable resource and blow-by-blow description of what goes into such a weighty pitch. The author and advertising veteran, Jon Steel, caps 288 pages of how-to with an insider’s perspective on “the perfect pitch” — London’s winning bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Perfect Pitch: The Art of Selling Ideas and Winning New Business is a human and humorous examination of what feeds the advertising agency: new business. The pitch that can ignite new business and become a spark for a fruitful relationship doesn’t happen in a hasty planning meeting and certainly not if that meeting takes place mere hours before the presentation and in the car on the way to that presentation. Been there. Done that. To read Steel describe the strategic planning, tireless practice and enthusiastic performance — combined with respect for his audience and his team — is to re-engage with what can make the process so exciting and enjoyable.

In the course of his storytelling, and he has some great stories, he not-so-gently points out the pitfalls of Powerpoint, the importance of taking time out and time off, and the value of engaging and entrusting team members to do their best and shine. Steel’s scorn for the slideshow crutch that so many marketing folks lean on is keen and shared by those who sit and agonize over this unwelcome part of any presentation (much less new business pitch). He gives more than lip service to satisfying the need to return to our real lives and refuel with the precious energy that comes from time spent with family and friends. And his gracious reminder that we do best when when both stirred and supported by our peers is compelling in the truest sense of the word.

Having just re-wrapped my own online porfolio, I gave it one more go to make certain I’d left no template unturned. Today I discovered a few resources that would have come in handy last month (and the month preceding, if I’m truly honest). Thought I’d share.

Enjoy!

Creating A Successful Online Portfolio
The “less is more” message here cannot be stressed enough. I make it a point to stress this to the designers I work with and advise. Taking that medicine myself — not always easy.

48 Trendy and Fresh Web Interfaces from Deviantart
If it’s coming from deviantArt, you know it’s fresh. Always nice to have a choice sampling in one place.

deviantArt site
A great source for inspiration and amazing example of creating online community with purpose and passion.