eat, sleep, design

Hotrodding.. the ultimate in Upcycling??

2009-04-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing this term "upcycling" a lot lately. Bre Pettis, the Threadbangers, Mr Jalopy and all the folks at Make Magazine and Etsy have made a real business out of taking other peoples cast- offs and creating goods and works of art of greater value than the original.

it seems rather obvious now.. but isn't that what we hotrodders have been doing all along? Consider my truck, the '46 Chevy, Laverne.

Laverne started life right after the war. 62 years later I'm scrounging parts to get her back on the road. Out went the old straight axle and the big 6 cylinder lump of an engine. The new engine a 350 out of an old chevelle and the front end came out of (seriously) one of these:

The seat was from a minivan, the rear end a camaro. It's really a cllection of parts that may have ended up on a recycling ship to China, but it's all going together to make a rather nice old hotrod truck. After i'm done with this I'll get back to work on "Shirley" the early hemi powered 1929 Model A Ford.

It's all green.

A new year, A new look

2009-01-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

I just got done updating the website with J-2's colorful new look. You've seen it on our mailers and business cards, now it's gone global on our website. We've also linked our blog to the homepage and we promise we'll be updating more often. We look forward to a great new year full of exciting new projects!

www.j-2consulting.com/

Are you ready?

2008-10-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

It's coming to a store near you. Are you ready? Wal-Mart is changing the entire store experience. No longer will you be crashing carts like the demolition derby at the county fair - now the aisles will be open and easy to navigate. No longer will you leave with a head ache caused by information over load - the shelves are being cleaned up with consistant messaging. No longer will you see a hodge-podge of messages, signs, literature, and displays touting each individual product. It's about the shopper now. This is a big change for suppliers, who will need to re-evaluate how to communicate their brand. But, in the end, it is the consumer who spends the dollars, and they have spoken up. Sick of not being able to find what they want, can't understand where to look for it, and tired of comparing products, then coming home with the wrong one. All of this is changing. See for yourself. Here are pics from the prototype store that will define all others.

Electroluminescence

2008-02-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

This is cool. Finally a temporary display using lights in an effective way. This technology is great. The endcap piece had an image that lit up intermittantly, and really drew some attention. The pallet for Prilosec took it one step further and the lights chased slowly around the clock image in the background, giving the feel of a ticking clock or stopwatch. Stopped traffic in "action alley". Well done.

Typically in the past, lights were done with LED's, and was used sparingly as cost with this type of display is usually a major hinderance to anything other than printing and special diecuts. Apparently, the technology has become more affordable as seen by these recent displays in Wal-Mart. Can't wait to spec this myself.

http://www.sdrts.com/point-of-purchase.html

How to brand a hotel by Nickelodeon

2007-11-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

When we made our reservations at the Nickelodeon Hotel (by Holiday Inn) for our Disneyworld/Florida vacation I was a little nervous. I wasn't sure I really wanted to spend 3 days in a hotel that was all about Dora, Spongebob, Jimmy Neutron and all the other Nick yahoos.. but I have to say, I really enjoyed it, and it opened my eyes to what can be done when a company puts all their resources into the design of something really really big. Down to every last detail, this place is high style, but on a kids level. The wallpaper, the shower curtains, even the soap and the "No Smoking" signs wore the Nick brand. It was slimed from top to bottom, but somehow it was fun and not overwhelming. I think it was the way they used contemporary furniture and fixturing the elevated the design and made it something to enjoy rather than beating the guest over the head.

One interesting thing.. it was a Holiday Inn, but the Holiday Inn brand is nowhere to be seen. I think that just shows the level of commitment that Nickelodeon had, it was all or nothing.

art challenge!

2007-10-25T07:08:00.001-07:00

Every week over a the HAMB board the art dudes show their stuff on the Friday art show and it gave me this idea to have a little contest.. these guys know custom cars, so what if I presented them with a stock car and told them they could do whatever that wanted? This is what happened.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Miracle Mile????

2007-10-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, where do I start. On my recent trip to Chicago, I spent an afternoon walking Michigan Avenue to find inspiration in the "flagship" stores. Usually they are cutting edge, ground-breaking experements in retail design. I was so dissapointed that I HAVE to critique a few of the worst.

First, I toured the new Garmin store. Here in KC, it was touted in the newspaper as great achievement for this local company. What an utter and complete waste of money! It was plain, empty, cold, and worst of all - zero signage. I couldn't tell what it was about even by walking through the store. They may as well have been displaying produce or duct tape for all I could determine.

Table after table of small objects attached to tiny easels all in rows. Nothing stood out. No color, no graphics, no environment. The first floor reminded me of a jewelry store, and the upstairs was more like the birthing ward at the hospital. Even the hospital has way-finding and environmental signage!

OK, enough about Garmin. Now I visited Apple. I realized where Garmin got the design for their store, only they didn't execute it as well as Apple. Which, again, is not saying all that much. The Apple store had some interesting graphic elements on the walls, but they also failed at the product level. Just table after table of computers with tiny signs, and nothing to differentiate the product lines. I did really like the skylight and Apple window. They added light and a hi-tech feel without being cold. Over-all it was OK, but shopping product was a major challenge. At least I knew where I was, and what the general product lines are.

I don't know if it's an economic issue, or if I hit it at the wrong time, but I just did not see any "WOW" stores. I guess I need a trip to NY - assuming they still value great design in their flagship stores. What a waste of time Michigan Avenue was!

Sneak Peek

2007-08-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

The next big exhibit at the Museum is Forces of Nature.. here's a peek at what we're planning:

Inspiration Images

2007-08-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready to start a new and interesting new project that will hit the masses in the next couple months, I thought I'd post a few of the things that are inspiring me currently...

Illustration Styles

2007-07-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last had an entry - been busy! But, I was looking around the office and noticed a common theme in my clippings on the board. All of these have elements of hand drawing and sketching, but some have been digitally enhanced either in Photoshop or Illustrator. I love the free and easy linework that has been done by hand. Yet, they have been taken to the next level of presentation by adding color and/or details. I like the architectural style of dilineation, and the conceptual feel they produce. This is a wonderful marriage of the art and skill that is required to draw by hand, and current technology. In today's design world where so many clients want only the polished 3-D photo-realistic image, this is a refreshing style that conveys warmth, creativity, and feelings.

First Fridays

2007-05-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Kansas City has a rapidly growing art scene. For the last few years, the art district downtown called "The Crossroads" has had regular open house gallery events called "First Friday's". This has been one of the favorite date night activities for Janie and I.

Recently we went to First Friday and saw Ziggy Marley and Robert Randolph play an open air concert behind "Grinders" which is owned by Stretch, a well known local sculptor. What a great experience for KC. We lived in Chicago for 5 years and enjoyed the concerts in the park downtown. Now we finally have some exciting things happening in downtown KC. It's been a wasteland for so long.

Here's a shot of the concert and a few of my favorite works that we saw in the galleries.

Design Barn

2007-04-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

So Janie and I have often thought that a Barn would be an amazing design studio. Maybe it's growing up in Kansas, or the idea of quiet open spaces as an inspiration for creativity. Nate here is already on his way with the barn he built. Loft office, and hotrod garage below!

Here's a barn near us that I love to look at as I drive by. It's so peacefull and simple.

Next are some spaces I think are interesting and have that "design studio" feel. I like the idea of combining the textures and shapes that a barn has with the downtown warehouse loft look on the inside.

Hmmmmmm... what if?

I love it when a plan comes together

2007-03-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

There's something very satisfying about having an idea, working out all the details, creating the idea in a tangible way.. without too may compromises to the original idea... and then sharing it with the world.. or whoever will come and see it.. The sports exhibit opens today, my photos don't do it justice... You'll have to come and see it for yourself! :) It's been a big project, but I think it was all worth it.

Nate here!

2007-03-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I'm Nate. I've been a part of J-2 for almost two years now. I'm also an exhibit designer for the great state of Kansas

I thought I'd share a bit about my job for the historical society. There are 5 people in the exhibits department, 2 graphic designers and 3 exhibit designers. We do everything from the initial sketches to the fabrication and the final installation. A lot of designers like to say they design from both directions, taking every issue form the beginning to the end user into account.. I think we can safely say we do that because we have to build, distribute and maintain our exhibits. Here are a few examples of the work we do:

We are currently working on the Sports exhibit. The exhibit includes a stadium front, a fan's room, a hometown cafe, and a bowling alley! It opens on Friday, so if you're in the area come visit!

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Our last project was Shawnee Indian Mission. We got to practice our fine wood working skills

The great thing about working at the museum is that I constantly have to challenge myself and that helps me be a better designer for J-2 and in everything else I do.

Cartoons

2007-03-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

The last 2 years, I have been teaching drawing/cartooning classes for kids. I even did a cartoon camp last summer for a week, and I plan another this year. This all comes from the years I spent as a cartoonist (on the side). I never made much money, but I was published quite a bit. Maybe someday I'll go after the golden syndicate again. For now, it's just a fun thing to do, and I enjoy teaching the kids.

The Oil and Gas editorial cartoon was published in The Kansas City Star, and later included in a book compilation called "The Best Editorial Cartoons of 2001". That was pretty cool. Only got $20 for the work, though!

Painting

2007-03-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Last year, as a self-promo I did miniature studies of famous works of art. Most were post card size, done in acrylic. I did around 25 or more of them. That was really fun, because it forced me to paint and to study each work. I used to paint quite a bit, but my time is pulled in so many directions these days, it's hard to find time. Guess the other hobbies win-out for now. Maybe if i take a class or workshop it will be the kick in the pants I need to do this again. Here's a few pieces from around the house.

Remembering a great kid

2007-03-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

I met Zach Marion in the fall of 04, when he was at Children's Mercy undergoing treatment for Leukemia. I heard from his dad, while at church, that he liked to draw, so for the next several months, I would go on my lunch hour and draw with him. We did cartoons, cars and bikes. I gave him a sketch book, and he ended up completely filling it. He was so creative, and truly loved to draw.

Zach fought a hard battle and was so brave through all of the surgeries and invasive treatments. The week before Christmas, I went by to see him, and though he was in a lot of pain, seeing my drawings and talking about "The Incredibles" seemed to give him peace. Zach passed the next day. An entire church family and communitiy were devastated.

That was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but it gave me a new appreciation of my own children, and being a father. That's why we have helped with the poker run/ fundraiser the last 2 years. Zach's dad, Bill, made it his personal quest to raise money for children's cancer research. I did the art for the first shirt, and last year, Nate did the art. Hope we can continue to raise money and awareness so no kid has to endure this.

Rod and Custom

2007-03-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

I used to be all about motorcycles, especially choppers - that is until I got bit by the car bug. I guess I figured it was too expensive or I wasn't ready to work on a full car yet. But after building a chopper from the ground up, I grew in confidence and bought a hotrod project. 2 years later, she was on the road for her first car show. 1949 Chrysler Windsor mated with a 29 model A body. In-line 6. Still a lot of bugs to work out, but she's runnin.

Now I'm trying to get grandma's 64 Ford Falcon on the road as a daily driver. It's gonna look like this - I swear!

Inspiration

2007-03-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

Where do I find inspiration? Everywhere. Car shows, architecture, First Friday's gallery shows, furniture, everyday objects.

Old School Mask

2007-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

I love the old fiberglass goalie masks from the 70's, and as a goalie, I've always wondered what it's like to be behind one. So, I built a Parent/Lindberg style mask last summer. I made a paper mache copy from a mask I got off E-bay, then used fiberglass over that. Then I used that as the buck to create a new mask. It took about a week and a half - as I had time. I have tried it in practice and during warm-ups in the over-30 league. But I know whay they don't use these anymore! Hot and poor vision! I won't use it in a game for fear of losing track of the puck and getting hurt. But it's pretty fun to wear!

Crazy Characters

2007-03-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Just for fun, Nate and I participated in a "character design" workshop last weekend that was led by a toy designer who worked for Hasbro and Mattel. It was geared toward creating a marketable character, either as a vinyl toy, or as accessories or useful objects such as kitchen tools. A good example is "Hello Kitty".

We went on a shopping scavenger hunt, looking for cool materials, textures, and forms - without any pre-conceived notions behind them. Just visual shopping. Then we came back and organized the pics by a set of categories, like a face, or describing a member of the team.

Later, after playing free-association games, we took the images we collected and brain-stormed ideas for characters, toys, and accessories.

I felt invigorated and freed by the scavenger hunt and brainstorm session. It was fun to work with students and come up with ideas out of the blue. The sandwiches were pretty good too!

I ended up with 3 solid ideas for new products, and one of them I may pursue.

We plan on doing some more shopping trips in the future to get ideas, and hopefully there will be more workshops like this in the coming year.