my history in business cards
This is my e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y clever way of illustrating my "career" through most of the business cards I've used since way-back-when. Actually, it's a way to justify holding onto old business cards that take up precious space in my 8' x 8' home office: The Shedio.
Creator - Designer - Consultant
My latest business start, a "startup for startups" that's synchronous with:
(a) my penchant for helping other get their business up and running, and
(b) the best use yet of my wide range of skills and experience. Oh, and
(c) helping myself whilst helping others!
Designed the card, the name, this website, the content... now honing the business model, reaching out for feedback and taking on an initial round of clients!
(a) my penchant for helping other get their business up and running, and
(b) the best use yet of my wide range of skills and experience. Oh, and
(c) helping myself whilst helping others!
Designed the card, the name, this website, the content... now honing the business model, reaching out for feedback and taking on an initial round of clients!
Owner - Designer
In 2011 created an evolving site for my "design in plastics" practice, which will also feature "Bay Area Designers in Plastics."
Designed the name, the graphics, the website and designed, improved or helped design all products represented on the site.
Plasticreative shows a strong side of my industrial design work, but that's only part of my portfolio.
Designed the name, the graphics, the website and designed, improved or helped design all products represented on the site.
Plasticreative shows a strong side of my industrial design work, but that's only part of my portfolio.
Co-creator - Consultant
IN2SV.com was a Silicon Valley startup accelerator of a new type, that worked with startups coming to the Valley from Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Singapore.
The company worked on, and created, some very innovative approaches to the Silicon Valley "experience."
The company worked on, and created, some very innovative approaches to the Silicon Valley "experience."
Designer
Designed the card.
I was the graphics and interface designer, worked on some app concepts.
Shy Bear has worked on numerous apps, chiefly the New York and 12 other city series for Peter Pauper Press in NYC... available for iPhone in the App Store.
I was the graphics and interface designer, worked on some app concepts.
Shy Bear has worked on numerous apps, chiefly the New York and 12 other city series for Peter Pauper Press in NYC... available for iPhone in the App Store.
Creator - Project Manager
Designed the card and the entire concept comprising Project ME4. It's a program under my nonprofit, Designfluence, that employs the mobile solar power generator (shown) as a moving education and outreach platform to work on replacing diesel generators with a cleaner, quieter, healthier alternative.
More at the Project ME4 website.
It could end up powering my mobile office!
More at the Project ME4 website.
It could end up powering my mobile office!
Manager
Renewables West is a division of Mr. Plastics that was formed around the purchase of the mobile solar generator in the photo above (ME4) in 2009.
I named the division and designed the logo and ID for the company, and work part time as the Consulting General Manager.
We put two names on the card to save money. Not the best idea in practice.
I named the division and designed the logo and ID for the company, and work part time as the Consulting General Manager.
We put two names on the card to save money. Not the best idea in practice.
Consultant
SV Green Tech Corp, becoming SVGT Energy, is a startup solar company focusing on solar PV power plants in India.
I've done graphics, the website and consult on strategies for the company.
I've done graphics, the website and consult on strategies for the company.
Designer
Worked briefly for STi In-Store as a Senior Designer: graphic, display and industrial design.
Standout project was an in-store product launch by Old Navy for OnBody products. I designed the main backlit signage, lighting layout and construction, installation plan... then was part of the two-man installation crew in their San Francisco and Manhatten flagship stores.
Standout project was an in-store product launch by Old Navy for OnBody products. I designed the main backlit signage, lighting layout and construction, installation plan... then was part of the two-man installation crew in their San Francisco and Manhatten flagship stores.
Consultant
Malcolm Berman, founder of the successful Green Clean service in New York City, is the creative force here. EnviroNaturals™ is his latest entrepreneurial effort in the cleaning products space.
I've been mostly consultant and sounding board for his companies.
I've been mostly consultant and sounding board for his companies.
Creator - Designer
Design Earth is "a design consultancy for sustainable products, systems and economies." Surprisingly, no serious clients have been engaged, but we are listed in the National Green Pages of the Green America organization. Designed the logo, card and website... really like that photo of Earth.
Originally I named this Viridisplay ("viridis" = green)... not one of my better names. Too clever?
The target market was "green" design for display fixtures & trade shows. Changed to above name. Did get a few clients for display work using sustainable materials.
Originally I named this Viridisplay ("viridis" = green)... not one of my better names. Too clever?
The target market was "green" design for display fixtures & trade shows. Changed to above name. Did get a few clients for display work using sustainable materials.
Designer - Consultant
An independent contractor for Mr. Plastics since 2004, doing anything and everything "design"... and more (see Renewables West above).
I've now worked in plastics design for over 11 years and have designed or helped design thousands of products for hundreds of clients in many different industries.
I also designed the current and (coming soon) website and do all design-related work for the company, including consultations with other designers, engineers, inventors and manufacturers.
I've now worked in plastics design for over 11 years and have designed or helped design thousands of products for hundreds of clients in many different industries.
I also designed the current and (coming soon) website and do all design-related work for the company, including consultations with other designers, engineers, inventors and manufacturers.
Co-creator - Educator
This was a promising startup in education with Gerry Glassmeyer, a brilliant PhD in e-learning with strong and pragmatic ideas. We couldn't get financials done for the business plan, and couldn't put in the necessary time to move forward. Gerry educated me on e-learning and has some brilliant insights in education. I still have an alternative education idea originally developed for Designfluence.
I created and still own the domain name.
I created and still own the domain name.
Designer - Driver - Trainer
Needed extra work and landed this job in 5 minutes because of "previous career experience." This was a different role, however, and I was actively involved in growing the company from a collection of Rolls Royces in a boutique business to the fastest-growing limousine company in the west. One bonus was a wedding gift of a day's use of their dark-blue 1950 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith that used to belong to the Queen Mum!
Designed the award-winning logo and marketing collateral for the company, and helped rebrand it to Mosaic Global Transportation, still using my logo design.
Designed the award-winning logo and marketing collateral for the company, and helped rebrand it to Mosaic Global Transportation, still using my logo design.
Creator - Executive Director
I created the name "Designfluence" for my Yahoo email account while at Academy of Art U. In 2004 I applied it to my new nonprofit as a platform for ideas in alternative education -- focusing on industrial design -- and to create some tools and resources for designers.
In 2007 I started to publish these ideas on the Designfluence website, and two talks at a Stanford series refocused my interest in design for the "Other 90%"... those who live on a few dollars per day. Part of all proceeds go to supporting this effort.
In 2007 I started to publish these ideas on the Designfluence website, and two talks at a Stanford series refocused my interest in design for the "Other 90%"... those who live on a few dollars per day. Part of all proceeds go to supporting this effort.
Designer
My first regular [part-time] job in Northern California.
Cleaned up the logo and graphics for the company and started designing all kinds of stuff made from plastic... mainly acrylic, which is more recyclable than glass! Plastic bags are the biggest problem.
This company was later acquired by Mr. Plastics and created that company's design and fabrication capabilities.
Cleaned up the logo and graphics for the company and started designing all kinds of stuff made from plastic... mainly acrylic, which is more recyclable than glass! Plastic bags are the biggest problem.
This company was later acquired by Mr. Plastics and created that company's design and fabrication capabilities.
Designer - Marcom
In 2001 I moved to San Rafael from Southern California, and spent a very full semester at Academy of Art University in their Industrial Design program.
Transmagnetics hired me as an independent contractor as Marketing Communications Director and then decided just as fast that they didn't need me after all. They still build great brushless DC electric motors and controllers (and they could still use my help on their website).
Transmagnetics hired me as an independent contractor as Marketing Communications Director and then decided just as fast that they didn't need me after all. They still build great brushless DC electric motors and controllers (and they could still use my help on their website).
Designer - Marcom
One of the principals of CorpCap (below) started up Environmental Products and Technologies Corporation, which I helped shorten to "EPTC"! Wore many hats, chiefly that of marketing communications, but was involved in product design and engineering, designed and built the website and all marketing collateral, trade show management and demos...
EPTC worked in two areas: an insecticide based on diatomaceous earth, and a closed-loop waste management system -- or waste-to-energy system -- which worked at scale on a large dairy farm.
EPTC worked in two areas: an insecticide based on diatomaceous earth, and a closed-loop waste management system -- or waste-to-energy system -- which worked at scale on a large dairy farm.
Consultant - Manager
Started at CorpCap part time to publish a monthly newsletter. Also redesigned their business cards and marketing collateral. Helped create some novel publications in the venture capital/investment banking space.
Worked with the author of a book on SCOR financing and learned how to write offerings.
Worked with the author of a book on SCOR financing and learned how to write offerings.
Creator - Designer
One of many iterations in the web services space... specializing in web-based startups.
Landed our biggest contract of my checkered career at that time for $20,000. Heady times.
Landed our biggest contract of my checkered career at that time for $20,000. Heady times.
Designer - Writer
Hired by SG Hauser to create their "Product Support Services" group -- a group of one -- but the only such entity we knew of in-house for an industrial design firm.
I wrote articles and press releases, and designed logos and marketing collateral for a number of the firm's product design clients.
Learned a lot about industrial design by osmosis.
I wrote articles and press releases, and designed logos and marketing collateral for a number of the firm's product design clients.
Learned a lot about industrial design by osmosis.
Co-creator - President/CEO
Helped the aforementioned Taylor Kramer name and create the nonprofit FACET, which was the first organization to connect schools via the Internet for distance learning and collaborative studies.
When Taylor disappeared, I became the President & CEO until is was dissolved after two years of struggling to stay relevant in the fast-changing world of the Internet. That said, it was a pioneering organization.
When Taylor disappeared, I became the President & CEO until is was dissolved after two years of struggling to stay relevant in the fast-changing world of the Internet. That said, it was a pioneering organization.
Designer - Educator - Consultant
Worked at TMM for a short while on the publications side, and then in an education project with architect Alain Devy... who I'd like to locate again... Alain, are you out there?
This company was co-founded by Taylor Kramer, who was famous for being part of Iron Butterfly, then famous for breakthrough work in fractal compression technologies, then famous for disappearing for over four years under the most bizarre circumstances.
This company was co-founded by Taylor Kramer, who was famous for being part of Iron Butterfly, then famous for breakthrough work in fractal compression technologies, then famous for disappearing for over four years under the most bizarre circumstances.
Designer - Editor-in-Chief
Hired [but never paid] to be the designer and Editor-in-Chief of Auto Center Guide. Actually it was a good idea and an interesting business model, focusing on dealers... and a lot of fun!
Freelance Designer/Writer
OMG, that paper again!
Back to freelancing again, but with an ever-expanding portfolio of capabilities.
Back to freelancing again, but with an ever-expanding portfolio of capabilities.
Co-creator - Designer - Manager
Named this business Easy Street Publishing, started with my friend Brian Thomas (BT). We actually found an office on Easy Street! This foray into software development biz fell as flat as that 'P', but we went on to success wiring a number of customers for Ethernet networks and later started an early Internet ISP service in a green incubator in Westlake Village.
Hmmm, same paper.
Hmmm, same paper.
Designer - Consultant
First big push to do freelance website design.
I can't believe I used this same pre-printed biz card paper for the third time... I must have bought a big box of it! There were matching paper and envelopes too.
I can't believe I used this same pre-printed biz card paper for the third time... I must have bought a big box of it! There were matching paper and envelopes too.
Creator - Chauffeur
Hired for a while by a former client from Westlake Livery. Was his exclusive driver for many interesting months, but not full time. I named it "Private Drives" and tried to get a few more clients, but this was not r-e-a-l-l-y what I wanted to be doing. End of career?
In the meantime I freelanced in various design disciplines with some work coming from past driving clients.
In the meantime I freelanced in various design disciplines with some work coming from past driving clients.
Chauffeur - Entrepreneur
Moved to Classic after the owner of Westlake Livery passed away.
Tried to talk the owner into buying some hotrods and doing a boutique side business as Hot Rod Limo... didn't pencil out. Would have been fun though!
Tried to talk the owner into buying some hotrods and doing a boutique side business as Hot Rod Limo... didn't pencil out. Would have been fun though!
Chauffeur
Slow times in freelance prompted a friend of mine to suggest driving a taxi... nope. But limos?... maybe! Landed a job on the first 15-minute interview. The beginning of three years of part-time professional driving.
I confess I always wanted to be a professional stunt driver... limos are as close as I got. Sigh.
I confess I always wanted to be a professional stunt driver... limos are as close as I got. Sigh.
Designer - Consultant
Tried a different tack to look important.
Don't remember it working all that well.
Don't remember it working all that well.
Co-creator - Designer - Writer
I had purchased "mindsite.com", but was mainly using for email while developing a concept around web marketing, and working with the mad genius Jerry (?). Sadly, not being used. One of my best domain names.
I note that "centnet.com" is now owned by Johnson & Johnson. Wonder how that came about!?
Later I would sell mindsite.com for $8,500, which got me through many months of underemployment.
I note that "centnet.com" is now owned by Johnson & Johnson. Wonder how that came about!?
Later I would sell mindsite.com for $8,500, which got me through many months of underemployment.
Designer - Consultant
I carried on the idea/product/business development with a new twist:
One of the first domain names I purchased. At one point I could have also purchased "business.com" and "chocolate.com", but, nah... too expensive to maintain a bunch of names for $35/year each. Kick.
Learned HTML coding from scratch... the only coding I've ever learned... and started naming, creating and designing websites the moment Mosaic came out.
One of the first domain names I purchased. At one point I could have also purchased "business.com" and "chocolate.com", but, nah... too expensive to maintain a bunch of names for $35/year each. Kick.
Learned HTML coding from scratch... the only coding I've ever learned... and started naming, creating and designing websites the moment Mosaic came out.
Co-creator - Designer - Product Development
Joined the effort to build Info/Masters Libraries, Inc., mostly a research-centered service for idea, product and business development. My co-founder re-focused on another company with a more significant IP base, and Info/Masters fell by the wayside.
Note: this was my first use of "support services" on a business card!
Note: this was my first use of "support services" on a business card!
Founder - Designer - Publisher - Chief Editor
Mindsight was restructured and kept as the corporation name, but my focus was on Invent! I redesigned the logo and all graphics and collateral.
Invent! Magazine had a good run, bootstrapped to 20,000 circulation, and became the premier magazine in the space. Invent was shipped internationally, at one point attracting an investment of $1 million, contingent on the second million. Then the '89 stock market crash happened, and we folded in 1992. We also created the world's first international inventors trade show, InvenTech™ (named).
Invent! Magazine had a good run, bootstrapped to 20,000 circulation, and became the premier magazine in the space. Invent was shipped internationally, at one point attracting an investment of $1 million, contingent on the second million. Then the '89 stock market crash happened, and we folded in 1992. We also created the world's first international inventors trade show, InvenTech™ (named).
Founder - Publisher - Editor - Consultant
The decision was made to create a new company around a suite of services: licensing, technology transfer, design services, marketing and publishing. My focus was on significantly expanding the Lightbulb newsletter into Invent! Magazine. My calligraphy skill came in handy for the original logo!
We named the corporation Mindsight and I designed the new logotype. Mindsight started with four divisions and nine (9) directors... and quickly imploded when four of them left for various reasons.
We named the corporation Mindsight and I designed the new logotype. Mindsight started with four divisions and nine (9) directors... and quickly imploded when four of them left for various reasons.
Consultant
Started working with the IWIEF affiliate "ILMA" -- Inventors Licensing & Marketing Agency. The new logo was done by Marsha ? and I designed the business card.
Designer - Consultant - Manager
I was asked if I wanted to take on the redesign and upgrade of IWIEF's "Lightbulb" newsletter, then a four-page black-and-white newsprint rag. I did the next several Lightbulb newsletters... took it to 12 pages and added a color cover.
Yes, I designed this card, but it was a vast improvement from the old one!
Started doing more consulting work with independent inventors.
Yes, I designed this card, but it was a vast improvement from the old one!
Started doing more consulting work with independent inventors.
Consultant - Marcom - Designer
I met Alan Tratner at some point and did some volunteering at Inventors Workshop International Education Foundation.
Redesigned and cleaned up all marketing collateral. Took them from a "mom-and-pop" look to the look and feel of a more professional organization. This is one of my specialties.
Redesigned and cleaned up all marketing collateral. Took them from a "mom-and-pop" look to the look and feel of a more professional organization. This is one of my specialties.
Designer - Manager
I moved to manage SDA Imaging, a digital graphic arts film service bureau, which operated one of the first Linotype Linotronic 100s in Southern California, then upgraded to the Lino 300 high-resolution laser imagesetter.
Co-creator - Designer
Helped Steve DuPuis launch one of the first Mac-based, pure digital graphic arts studios in the country. Steve designed for most clients; I did some design and a lot of production work.
Learned a lot about packaging design here.
Learned a lot about packaging design here.
Manager - Creative Director
I saw a TV special about IMI and almost immediately created a job for myself. Timing is everything!
IMI built the first mini-supercomputer to perform real-time 3D motion vector graphics... in color.
Researched available systems (with a Mac bias) resulting in the purchase of two MegaMacs and an Apple LaserWriter II for $13,500 (and change), but far cheaper than HP's solution or doing it in-house.
Created three manuals in three months from scratch. Was also trade show manager and system trainer -- created the training manual; was also part of the business-planning and strategy team.
IMI built the first mini-supercomputer to perform real-time 3D motion vector graphics... in color.
Researched available systems (with a Mac bias) resulting in the purchase of two MegaMacs and an Apple LaserWriter II for $13,500 (and change), but far cheaper than HP's solution or doing it in-house.
Created three manuals in three months from scratch. Was also trade show manager and system trainer -- created the training manual; was also part of the business-planning and strategy team.
Sales
I think American Lazertype was among the first to recharge/resell laser printer cartridges.
They needed hardcore sales.
I suck at hardcore sales. End of job.
They needed hardcore sales.
I suck at hardcore sales. End of job.
Consultant - Trainer - Designer
A quick-and-dirty card with too much information... but appealed to geeks somehow.
Main result was work in Mac training for beginners in Word and Excel.
I'm very patient.
Main result was work in Mac training for beginners in Word and Excel.
I'm very patient.
Consultant - Designer
Apple was a new company, and MicroGraphic Images was the first Apple hardware VAR. Janek Kaliczak was the genius who created the "MegaMac" 1MB mother board for the new Macintosh. I worked there long enough to acquire one of the monster MegaMacs and a m-a-s-s-i-v-e 20MB external hard drive!
I've been an Apple Fanboy ever since.
I've been an Apple Fanboy ever since.
Technical Illustrator - Technical Writer - Security Officer
My first job out of the Air Force... (Didn't have any business cards during 8 years of Service.)
The title on this card was "Security Officer" because of my top secret clearance in the Force, but my main jobs were Lead Technical Illustrator and Technical Writer using "old school" techniques. I also did research and space planning and created a library system for the company's technical drawings.
The title on this card was "Security Officer" because of my top secret clearance in the Force, but my main jobs were Lead Technical Illustrator and Technical Writer using "old school" techniques. I also did research and space planning and created a library system for the company's technical drawings.
Calligrapher - Typographer - Designer
Possibly my best calligraphed design... ever. This one word got a lot of freelance work for me, and I'm quite proud of it.
My biggest calligraphy job was writing in the names of volunteers in certificates for the 1984 Summer Olympics -- 2,500 of them! My hand aches when I think about it!
I still keep my hand in it... pun intended.
My biggest calligraphy job was writing in the names of volunteers in certificates for the 1984 Summer Olympics -- 2,500 of them! My hand aches when I think about it!
I still keep my hand in it... pun intended.
Calligrapher - Designer
This is the earliest business card I still have... and the earliest I remember creating.
I self-taught in calligraphy while in the Air Force in Germany, inspired by a book my Dad sent me and the amazing illuminated works in the Gutenberg Museum.
I self-taught in calligraphy while in the Air Force in Germany, inspired by a book my Dad sent me and the amazing illuminated works in the Gutenberg Museum.
Freelance Designer
I'm giving you a very big clue, but you still get major points if you know what this device is! * It represents my first real paying job out of high school since I was a paper boy. The company was called Autologic, a pioneer in digital phototypesetting. We called each other "bean counters," but we were adding and subtracting dots in a matrix that represented one letterform in a font.
I don't remember having a business card at this job, nor at my next job as a pressman at an IBM division while I was still at Moorpark College.
I freelanced before, during and after my 8 years of service in the US Air Force (Electronic Intelligence and Airlift Operations).
I don't remember having a business card at this job, nor at my next job as a pressman at an IBM division while I was still at Moorpark College.
I freelanced before, during and after my 8 years of service in the US Air Force (Electronic Intelligence and Airlift Operations).
* This is a counting pen I still own, possibly now a modern antique worth thousands! Each push of the "pen" on a dot counts "1"... up to "999."