Jason Black Logo and Graphic Design in Coral Springs Florida

I was fortunate enough to spend this past weekend watching the taping of American Ninja Warrior in Miami. It was the most fun I’ve had of the three I’ve been to (and no, no spoilers so don’t ask 😉 ). If you’ve never seen the show, I suggest watching it!

Onto the logo stuff…

Along the lines of American Ninja Warrior, it was really nice getting to see the logos I designed for Drew Drechsel and David “Flip” Rodriguez being worn by fans.

Drew Drechel’s logo

David “Flip” Rodriguez’s logo

I even wore my “Real Life Ninja” Drew Drechsel shirt (my wife and son as well) to support a my friend!

I CANNOT WAIT until we get to do it all again next year!!

Yep, I kept some of my older (better) Facebook status updates… I actually thought about making them into some kind of book… Then I realized that no one really cares what I have to say! 😉

So here they are…

Facebook Status Updates

“The very essence of instinct is that it’s followed independently of reason.” -Charles Darwin

Tell me I can’t do it and I’ll try harder to prove you wrong. Tell me it’s impossible and I’ll make it my life’s work to stick it up your ass.

Never assume that we are in the same book let alone on the same page

“Don’t be so humble, you aren’t that great.” -Golda Meir

I could be all cute and just say “Bulging and painful” but let’s just get to the point… Arthritis SUCKS!

If I said someone was completely clueless and useless, would that be considered an insult or an observation?

I am me, take me or leave me as I am. I change for no one. I am the way I was and always will be. – Me

Innuendo is just one of those words…

I was much more tolerant of ignorant people when I smoked… Maybe I should light them on fire??

If we run in cycles, shouldn’t we get new pedals?

After their first kiss, Prince William leans down and whispers “they should see what I did to you last night…”

I know it’s unorthodox but I look at things with open eyes and an open mind.

Stupid people are too stupid to understand how stupid they are.

Irregardless, I could care less… It is what it is!

I’d like to go back to the day that I didn’t look better dressed.

The secret to Facebook popularity… Post about beer, wine or coffee.

You can’t because you won’t and you won’t because you can’t.

Anticipating the inevitable…

Swallowing your pride sure leaves a big lump in your throat.

Positive thinking… It’s easy to look up when you’re down.

“If I had just one wish

Only one demandI hope he’s not like meI hope he understands

That he can take this life

And hold it by the hand

And he can greet the world

With arms wide open… ” -Creed

I got no time.

Tilting like a three legged pinball machine.

It doesn’t match, it goes…

Card dead and cheap chip tilted.

look at me now, all up in the inter-web

Positivity Emotes Nice Ideas to Showcase (think about it)

Always the underdog yet never the loser

Aren’t I supposed to be the one doing the poking?

I may not be perfect but I am me.

I wonder what would happen if I didn’t censor myself?!?

♫ “funny the way it is…” -Dave Matthews

Who thinks of this stuff??

Perfection is for people with very low standards.

Who gives the pep talks to the people that give the pep talks?

I’m such an influence… Good or bad is up to you.

I love it when a plan comes together.

It must be in the air…

Kid: Dad, what’s your favorite thing to do?

Me: Um (thinking of something G rated)… Eating.

Kid: Uh, ok. I meant something active.

Me: Ummm…

Tea time.

“Long way to go and a short time to get there.”

Cereal, it’s whats for lunch.

If I have nothing witty to say, am I at my wits end?

Tall, light and sweet… I need me some!!

Ugh!!! I’m hot!!!!!

Wondering where to start? Try the beginning.

If you’re gonna do it, do it right

Why can’t every day be hump day???

A whole bunch of nothin…

I may not be perfect but I am me…

Lovin me some mama noodle…

I should get paid for this…

Why does the phone always seem to stop ringing when you get to it?

Wet and sloppy is NOT a good look for FL!

Coffee, tea or…??

I’ve been told I have a way with words… I wonder what else I can have my way with?!?

Staring down the barrel of a large DnD coffee.

I’m here but not…

“Pass the shugah…”

Awake and clean… What’s next?

Yes… I have an answer to everything.

I have a big fear… Of being eaten.

It’s so funny when a friend of a friend of a friend is friends with a friend…

Why do we play??

Looking for a witty retort.

If you can’t seem to get ahead, at least enjoy getting behind.

Yep, it’s Monday morning… Oh… Wait… (it was Tuesday)

Should I be sweet and sappy??

Very simple… Bend or break.

I’m NOT all that. But I am a little of this.

Why is that is seems like a better idea to look in the mirror in the dark??

I love getting mail that I file under, “yeah, hold your breath!”

Don’t you hate it when you post a status update and then think of of another one?

I’m status driven.

FYI – iPhones bounce… Twice.

Stupid is… Well… Stupid.

I don’t like waking up in the dark.

Have you ever poked a complete stranger?

I think amoebas have the right idea.

Enough is never enough until it’s too much.

Just call me cranky pants

Ever feel like no one is listening?

I just don’t have it in me

If I was half as good as I think I am, I’d be dangerous.

That’s Mr. BAD NEWS to you!

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

“Have you ever felt like you were running on a treadmill?”

Have you never heard the phrases “leave well enough alone” or “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”??

The power of positivity purposely proposes patience.

Tall, handsome, creative and witty… Two outa four ain’t bad!

I’m proud of everything I say and do, including when I’m wrong.

I say what I mean, mean what I say and do so whenever I feel the need.

There is a fine line between social networking and being a complete whore

So I’m finally an official published logo designer!

I mentioned a few posts back that I finally submitted to two books. One being Jeff Fisher’s upcoming book (which was invite only) and LogoLicious (formally The Mini Book of Great Logos). I still don’t know if I made it into Jeff’s book but I’m guessing no news is NOT good news, LOL.

However, I did hear from Crescent Hill Books about Peleg Top’s new book that one of my five submissions (including my jb logo) was accepted!

Since I’ve never submitted before, this is really kinda cool for me! Especially since my FB logo is located on the first page of the Icons & Symbols section which is at the beginning of the book, right after the judges pages, and BIG!

So let me just take this time/space to say… Woohoo!

🙂

I was going through some of my old facebook notes and noticed something I did a while back. It was something I was “tagged” to do, a “25 things about me”.  I thought it was kinda fun when I did it and reading back was even more fun. I thought I’d share it here just for haha’s…

1. Growing up I never really wanted kids. Now that I have my son I couldn’t imagine or want life without him.
2. I wrote a song about my son called “My Everything” but never really finished recording it.
3. I’ve been playing the drums since I was 10 (that would be 1980).
4. I am a VERY quiet person until you put a keyboard in front of me. Then you can’t shut me up.
5. I’m VERY shy.
6. When I am stressed, I like to sit at my computer and design something… Anything.
7. I met my wife at a Wags (like Denny’s) January 1991 at 1am. Who’d a thought I’d still be with her!?!?
8. I am BRUTALLY honest. I always tell people, “If you don’t want the answer, don’t ask the question”.
9. I can’t stand people that lie.
10. I have no secrets.
11. I am a great read of people. I’ve never been wrong whenever I’ve had a “feeling” about someone.
12. I don’t gamble because I choose not to give my money away.
13. I do play poker with my friends a couple times a month. As long as I’m having fun and spending time with my friends, I don’t consider it gambling (oxymoron????).
14. I like to bike and hike but don’t do either as much as I’d like (yes, I’m a poet too I guess 😉 ).
15. I like to fish but refuse to kill anything (if we happened to keep anything it’s up to someone else to deal with it).
16. I love all types of art especially abstract paintings.
17. Whenever I dress nice, I look horrible 20 minutes later.
18. I have Crohn’s Disease.
19. My favorite color is blue (though I have a weakness for black for obvious reasons).
20. I collect poker chips… There is just something about good design on something so small.
21. I can sit and stare at my son for hours… Yes it creeps him out.
22. I love going to Vegas, mostly to people watch.
23. I’ve been going out to lunch an average of once a week for the last 12 years with my friend Dan.
24. I don’t really care what people think of me but care too much about what I think of myself.
25. I’m glad I’m done with this!

Fun huh? 🙂

For a while now, I write a new blog on my iPhone in the notes then email the note in hopes that I remember to log in and post that new blog.
Well, I have like four blogs that I never did because I don’t remember to do it! Until now…
I found the wordpress app (that has been out for a while) so I can now update my blog right from my iPhone!! How cool is that?!?
Right now I am at a birthday party with my son. Since the last thing on his mind is old dad while he is hanging out with his 9 year old friends, I get to sit here and try out the new app.
So here it is… Spelling, grammer mistakes and all!!

I get quote requests every week and try best to answer every one as as personally as I can (though I copy paste a little).  Unfortunately some of them seem to get no response from potential clients. I can understand that I (as well as most other designers) will not pick up every client that submits a quote but I would love to hear back from all of these potential clients with comments so that I can better service future potential clients. I wouldn’t even mind a “thanks for taking the time to respond but since you have no photos of yourself on your website, I can only assume that you are ugly and I can’t work with ugly people” or “you seem to be beyond my budget, thanks but no thanks”.
That would at least give me the opportunity to respond like, “I’m not THAT ugly but a little overweight if that helps (and there is a link to a photo of me if you look hard enough 😉 )” or “during these bad economic times I understand that budgets are lower and I am more than willing to work with clients to help meet their needs”.

If you are shopping designers, and I DO think that it is a good idea to shop designers before jumping into a contract with the first designer you find, do yourself and them a favor and respond to them. Who knows, maybe your response to them will tell you if that person is the one that you REALLY want to work with. Even if they are beyond your budget, tell them your budget… I would bet that they would be willing to negotiate their rates.

Working with a designer that “gets you” is MUCH better than finding someone to draw you a pretty picture for $50 on their pirated copy of Photoshop. As with all things, you get what you pay for!

Other stuff

Over the next few days/weeks, I am going to be working on my website to include a postcard design page, a business card design page and brochure design page with examples of my work. I know I’ve made it obvious that my specialty is logo design but (as an FYI) I design pretty much everything that can/will be printed.

Also, I have submitted logo designs to two books which are both in the judging process. Since these are the only two books that I’ve ever submitted to, my fingers and toes are crossed!

Until next time (which I’m already working on my next blog post)…

Just as I was wishing this day would come to a close, I recieved and email from Master Alvas, the owner of my son’s karate school. Normally, the emails are just updates that I will open and glance at making sure I remember everything I need to remember.

This time was different. I opened the email, saw their logo NICE AND BIG (I like that part because I designed it 😉 ) and then noticed the title, “Weekly Tune Up”. I don’t remember ever seeing anything like that so I continued to read. It was just what I needed on a day like today. Inspiration needed? Please read…

Weekly Tune Up

What Are You Asking For?

By Master David Alvas, Director, USK Karate Academy

What you look for in life is what you get.  I have known or met a lot of successful people in my life, and the single quality that seems to thread the successful people together is intention towards positive action.  Yes, even the most successful struggle from time to time, but it is their intention to never back down that keeps them moving forward.  More importantly, successful people embrace the idea that whatever challenge is happening to them is happening because it needs to happen.  Actually, some of the most successful people that I have met have told me that they ask for hardship!  They need the opportunity to grow.  They embrace the challenge and all of the potential growth that it has to offer.

It is in the struggle that we find our way.  We find out who we really are and what we are really made of.  Without a challenge, we have no opportunity to overcome, and overcoming a challenge is where all the joy is.  The more joy in your life, the more you will be ready to handle the next challenge.  It’s a beautiful cycle.

So this week I ask, what are you asking for?  If things are not going so well, find the opportunity.  I promise you, there is something there to make you better, to move you forward.  You just have to want to find it.  Don’t focus on the problem, focus on the solution.  If things are going great, then great!  Ask for some challenge to keep you moving forward so you don’t stagnate.

It’s all about growth and movement forward.  Don’t be afraid of the challenge, you have everything you need to face it and win.

All the best,

David Alvas
USK Karate Academy

I just thought I’d share. Thank you Master Alvas!

After 10 years, I’m going back to my home town of Philadelphia!

The last time I went to Philadelphia was for my grandmother’s funeral. Though it wasn’t a great reason to be there, we all tried to make the best of it and see the city (if we hadn’t, my grandmother would’ve haunted us for the rest of our lives), but I didn’t get to see the town where I was raised.

I was born in North East Philadelphia and lived there until I was 7. From there, we moved to a little town called Richboro in Bucks County, PA. I lived in Richboro until I was 19 and I loved it (I always say; I was born in Philadelphia, raised in Richboro and grew up in Florida). When we moved there, there was only one traffic light! It was great small town living (although being Jewish in a small town like that was tough at times).

I haven’t actually seen Richboro (or my friends) since I moved in 1990.  Since reconnecting with a lot of old friends and making new friends from my home town on Facebook, I’ve been craving to get back there for a visit. I decided that it’s something I have to do and booked a trip to PA. I’ll only be there for a weekend (July 24th to the 26th) but it looks to be a PACKED weekend! A friend of mine was even nice enough to throw a party for me and even set up an event page on Facebook!!! How nice was that?!?!?!?

To say that I can’t wait to get there is the understatement of the year.

I know this is pretty much all over the place and not as coherant as my normal blogs (are they???), but I’ve been sick with Influenza A. Between the flu and the flu meds, I just haven’t been thinking clearly. But… At least I posted a new blog!!!!

🙂

I’ve been proud of my website design since I designed it (and Lori implemented it) around three years ago. The problem is, it just isn’t me anymore. I’m not this dark. I think I need something fun or at least alive!

Ok, so now that I have decided to redesign my website, I now have to design myself a website. I’m a designer, that’s easy right??? I HATE DESIGNING FOR MYSELF!! My logo took about 4 years. I wouldn’t have a business card but I had a meeting a few years ago and needed one so I threw one together within 5 minutes (that was the deadline for my printer to have it done in time) and left out my email address. I have yet to replace it!

The one idea that I have is to use a photo that my wife took to base my design from. She is an amateur photographer and she has some pretty good work. Then, since her name starts with a “J” also, I can give her a part of my site to display some of her work.

Hmmm.

When I was little, I would always look forward to the holidays and going over to my grandmother’s house. Not just for the obvious reasons, but because she used to make her own pickles (and I LOVE pickles!), pickled tomatoes and pickled watermelon! That’s right, pickled watermelon! Now I know that it is fairly common to pickle watermelon rind, but this is the “meat” along with the rind. Sounds gross I know, but if you like pickles, especially half sour pickles, it is just GREAT!

Before my grandmother died around ten years ago, she made sure she gave all of her recipes to my mother, aunt and wife. The problem was, she didn’t have ALL of her recipes written down and pickled watermelon was one of those recipes. 🙁

In my house, my wife and I share cooking duties because, if I may say so myself, we are both pretty darn good cooks. I handle most of the daily cooking and ALL grilling while she takes care of baking, soups and stews (which I am REALLY bad at all of them, LOL). I am GREAT with throwing things together and having them taste good. I also make my own marinades and salad dressings so how hard can pickled watermelon be, right?!?

I’ve been searching the internet for pickled watermelon recipes for years now and recently came across two. With a little help from my mom, we were able to piece together what we THINK my grandmother did to make her pickle brine, especially the brine for the pickled watermelon. Well… I tried it yesterday!

It has to ferment for just about a week but if it turns out tasting right, I’ll post how I made it so that others can try it. If not, it is back to the drawing board and won’t give up until I get it right!

I’ll let you know how it goes. 🙂

P.S. – I wanted to thank an old high school friend Tara Frey for giving me a shout out in her blog. If you are into crafts, (interior) design, photography or just a good read, please check out her blog. Also, she has a book coming out soon so I’ll give a plug for that too!