Fast forward to 2011, smart phones and hand held computing devices have definitely matured. One of the apps I’m most impresses with is bump. This technology takes the “beam my contact info” to a whole new level. Its now possible to beam or bump as I will now refer to it all types of different content between devices.

Within bump I was struggling with how to setup two different contacts for myself, I wanted one for business info and one for personnel info. I checked the bump web site, tuned to google and still couldn’t find the answer so I emailed bump. When I download a free app I don’t have an expectation of getting good customer service, matter of fact I don’t expect the free app comes with any customer service. To my (pleasant) surprise bump replied to my email in less than 12 hours. After providing bump with the platform I was using they quickly emailed me back the instructions to accomplish what I was looking to do. Here are the steps that Sadie from Bump Technologies, Inc. sent me:

How to create multiple profiles in bump (iOS)

1. Start by filling out your contact card to include all of your information. Work and personal alike. Select save profile as something like “all info” or something you’ll recognize later.
2. Once you have finished that open up the ‘Contacts’ tab. You should see all of your information laid out. Then all you need to do is tap on all of your work information so that there is a check mark next to each line, and your personal information will be dimmed.
3. Scroll down and hit “save as a profile..” and type in a name to indicate that profile will be used strictly for professional networking.
4. Then do the same but for your personal information, make sure each line has a check next to it and each of your professional info is dimmed. Hit “save as a profile..” and name it.

These directions were easy to follow and accomplished what I was looking to do. Bump also offered to walk me through the process over the phone if I was still having issues.

Bump is an innovative and useful product with excellent customer service!

No related posts.

The theme is minimalist but with a lot of attention to each movie plot (ie: C3-PO’s eyes are the 2 moons on Tatooine), and I really dig the three monochromatic color palettes. So after doing a bit of research I found that they were designed by Olly Moss who does a lot of licensed work, and the pieces were going to be released in limited numbers at $500 a piece! I wasn’t so excited anymore. But, as I am now, still very much appreciative of the artist’s take, style and overall execution. This is a great find and to all those lucky individuals that have $1500 to purchase them, I am very jealous that you own this very limited set and have that kind of money to throw around for posters… May the fiscal force be with you.

Here are some higher res versions so you can see the details for yourself.

So as any great piece of artwork that I come across and can’t physically own, I will file this little seed away into the vault of inspiration so one day it may grow into a new idea for a future project. As an artist it’s important to explore and analyze the things we find, you never know when or what you will use it for… The idea may just become a shade in a design, but it’s how we get somewhere that makes the journey all the more meaningful. It can be quite the process.

No related posts.

Then, with a spark of creative holiday spirit (and the change of a single letter), he changed it to the more festive display:

Well done, Robb.  And “Happy Elfing Holidays” to you too.

Related posts:

1. Happy Holidays, from Bullseye
2. Top 10 Bullseye Blog Posts of 2009
3. Pumpkin Carving

Overall we’ve been proud of the work we did for the Emerald City Comicon, it’s creative, within an industry we’re passionate about and the work helped make the 2010 show be the highest attended in the history of the event. Seeing the poster in the background of a Weeds episode is just icing on the cake.

Below are some additional samples of work Bullseye Creative designed and produced for the Emerald City Comicon:

Emerald City Comicon Logo

Emerald City Comicon Pass

Inall the work Bullseye Creative executed for this event included brand development, campaign creative, poster design, event program design, signage, Internet banner ads, print ads, bus ads, as well as TV and radio creative. Currently Bullseye is getting busy on the 2011 Emerald City Comicon design work, we’ve got a few new ideas up our selves…stay tuned.

Related posts:

1. For the Love of Drawing, Part 2
2. For the Love of Drawing
3. We Rock

No related posts.

Sometimes designers get lost with all the information they need to display and never achieve an intuitive design that is visually compelling. This philosophy is true for much in the world, making designs user friendly and not just maps. But I’m trying to make a point, so here goes.

I recently traveled to London and used their underground transit system, at first like anything new, it took a few minutes for me to understand all the routes and how the system functioned. But once I got the hang of it, the map was ingenious in its simplicity. In actuality the routes are not as simple as shown, but are laid out in equal increments of one another, at straight or 45 degree angles and have bright primary colors for visibility. The new B.A.R.T. map is very similar to the Underground map but is simpler by nature with less information to display. London is a crazy network of streets and tunnels similar to New York. They too updated their map recently, the map from 1972 seems to be the best so far (Apparently this design style was common in the past) and they abandoned the simpler look only a few years later. I’m sure the locals were not happy with the change…I wouldn’t have been.

The designers of the world create the visual tone of a city (or a country) much like a skyline can define it, so can its signage. I appreciate it when they make a point to welcome a newcomer, not confuse the shhh out of them! I’ve had a few instances driving around the greater Seattle area, getting use to some of the freeway exits and where they were in relation to the signs. Other than that its been a smooth transition and I really enjoy my new home, Los Angeles was crazy city in comparison, as I’m sure you’ll all agree… even if you’ve never been.

While writing this blog I stumbled across this map of all the major freeways and cities in united states. The artist uses the London Underground diagram as his inspiration. Jimmy Jam also mentioned that all odd numbered freeways (like I-5) run North/South and all even freeways (like I-90) run West/East , I knew this subconsciously I swear.

So to sum up, I love change… for the better. I love good designs and great ideas. Especially when they come together as one. I used a Mini-Disc player for years. Until a portable hard drive you could listen to became an option, but thats another story.

No related posts.

#10. Frank Miller and Jim Lee: Batman and Robin

Frank Miller has always been a writer that I have enjoyed reading (and his artwork is just as dark and dramatic). The work he has been turning out with Jim Lee on the Batman and Robin title is some of his best.  Miller has visited this character many times in the past, and each time he has brought something special to the book. However, with the help of Lee, this title is some of the gruffest, roughest work I’ve seen featuring the Dark Knight.  The duo often lets many months lapse between titles (I suppose that’s the byproduct of Miller’s new career in film), but it’s always worth the wait.

#9: Damon Lindelof and Leinil Francis Yu: Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk

Speaking of “worth the wait,” the Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk book took years to deliver just a few short issues. But I (for one) didn’t mind.  The teaming of Lindelof (writer and co-creator of ABC’s Lost) and Yu (who seems to be just about everywhere right now) was simply perfect. Their take on the Hulk was funny, pointed and memorable.  And Wolvie has never been such a bad-ass.  The visual of The Hulk ripping Wolverine in two, then throwing half of him miles into the mountain was only topped by The Hulk eventually eating his adamantium-laced opponent.  Tasty!

#8: The Web Heads: The Amazing Spider-Man

The #8 Top Team-Up is comprised of the large group of  Web Heads at Marvel (Gale, Guggenheim, Kelly, Slott, Van Lente, Waid, and Wells).  Ever since Marvel drastically altered the direction of Spider-Man (with the One More Day / Brand New Day arc) they have been releasing the Amazing title three times a month (which is awesome for the fans, although a little challenging for the pocketbook). The rotating teams of artists and writers (each work on one to four issues at a time) have all been stellar. Paul Azaceta’s stylized artwork is great (almost like Sean Phillips), and he even made Electro scary/cool again.  Joe Kelly’s writing is extremely funny.  Mark Waid has crafted a creepy Vulture character that actually gave me nightmares.  And Mike McKone’s Black Cat reminded me what it was like to be a teenage boy. Thankfully, all of the writer/artist teams have been carefully overseen by the ever-watchful eyes of the Web Heads committee.  I also enjoy the witty, no-holds barred Letters Column from editor, Stephen Wacker (and occasionally, Assistant Editor, Tom Brennan).

#7: Mark Millar and Steve McNiven: Wolverine, Old Man Logan

Having previously teamed up for Marvel’s Civil War, and later on the Nemesis title, Millar and McNiven make one Hell of a creative team.  Mark Millar is a great writer, although many of his stories seem similar to me.  Steve McNiven is one of my favorite current artists (and a really nice guy too — I met him at the Emerald City ComiCon a couple of years ago), however sometimes his art can miss the mark.  However, with the Old Man Logan storyline, these two superstars nailed it from the very first page to the last.  Wolverine will never be the same (case in point: after this run, I canceled Wolverine from my pull-list).

#6: Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev: Spider-Woman

Bendis and Maleev have been teaming up for some time.  And, while my favorite work from this paid has to be the long run they turned in for Daredevil, I love the books they are currently delivering for Spider-Woman.  BMB’s writing is easy to read (he write  thought-bubble-dialog as well as Stan Lee did), and Maleev’s artwork is mesmerizing.  His photo reference for Jessica Drew (Jolyn Carpenter) must be a strong, sexy woman since his illustrations of the character are dependably depicted in that way.  This is one of those few books where I find myself reading it twice — once to enjoy the story, and a second time to savor the artwork.

#5: Brian K. Vaughn and Tony Harris: Ex Machina

I’ve been following this book from the beginning and I am constantly impressed with Vaughn’s writing and Harris’ illustration work.  The story is entertaining & engaging (at times violent & shocking) while fresh & exciting.  At last year’s EmeraldCityComiCon, I inadvertently told Tony Harris that he had been fired from the title when I informed him how disappointed I was he wasn’t working with Vaughn anymore (I thought that they were making a change in artist when he took a break and a guest artist stepped in).  I think I scared the Hell out of him for a moment, until I realized my mistake and corrected myself.  I guess I was just returning the favor by giving him a jolt, just like he and Vaughn give me each month.  (As a side note: Vaughn and Harris are almost ALWAYS on time with their title, I don’t think they’ve ever missed a month).

#4: Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting: The Marvels Project

Ed Brubaker is one of my favorite writers right now (see #1 below).  He is so much fun to read, and I love the work he and Steve Epting are doing together on The Marvels Project book.  They are re-telling the early stories of  key Avengers characters, and placing them deep in the pulp-inspired history that created comic books in the first place.  By weaving real-world historical figures and events into the story, they are making the supernatural seem real.  And the covers from my friend, Steve McNiven don’t hurt either.

#3: Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.: Kick-Ass

Mark Millar appears for a second time on the list, this time by teaming up with the unparalleled John Romita Jr.  They have combined their talents to bring us one of the coolest, craziest books on the shelves today.  Every month or so, I stop by The Comic Stop in Lynnwood to pick up the contents of my subscription box.  Without fail, the Kick-Ass title is always the first book I read.  Now that the story has been turned into a major Hollywood movie (as most great books do), I hope more people will discover the original material.  Kick-Ass is … well, pretty kick ass!

#2: Justin Grey and Jimmy Palmiotti: Jonah Hex

This team of co-writers made the list (toward the top, no less) because of their consistent ability to entertain in 22 short pages.  Grey and Palmiotti have such a natural style with their character dialog, and they can create a creative and compelling story that wraps up between covers (very few times have they carried a story for more than one issue — often times, they tell more than one tale in a single issue … and it’s always engrossing).  The stable of artists they work with are wildly different from each other, and a perfect fit for each story (I especially love the realism of Billy Tucci’s recent work).

#1: Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips: Criminal, The Sinners

Sitting high  on the top of my Top Ten Team-Ups list are Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.  Having teamed up many times in the past, the duo gets better with each title they take on.  From Criminal, to Sleeper, to Incognito, and back to Criminal again, the creative crew is the best comic book team since Lee & Kirby (in my humble opinion — but that’s what this post is all about). Phillips’ artwork superbly frames up the noir tales that Brubaker creates.  His art is rough, and dark — just like the characters.  I am jealous of Sean’s ability to convey so much emotion with his mastery of negative space (and his painted works are always cool too).  A special mention must be made for the compelling colors of Val Staples.  Brubaker also shares his love for the medium by providing reviews of classic movies, books, or pulps (often through a guest essayist).   Brubaker and Phillips are so good, they really make you care about the bad guys in their winning work.

Related posts:

1. For the Love of Drawing

Bullseye Creative designed a new web site for MRJ Constructors that featured full screen background images of large commercial construction projects. Without reading a word of the text, the web site imagery defines the capabilities. The content management system needed to be developed with special features such as photo resizing and cropping to effectively handle the portfolio photo galleries. Organization of projects and project types was also an important feature of the content management system and future web site growth. In over a year now, MRJ Constructors has been able to make all the required web site updates through the content management system.

MRJ Constructors' Homepage

MRJ Constructors' Project Portfolio

MRJ Constructors' Photo Gallery

No related posts.

Since there was considerable interest in last week’s pre-Comicon sketchbook post, I figured y’all might get a charge out of seeing a sample of the latest additions to our collections. Peter gained a couple of nice Dr. Doom Sketches and I added a few to my Hellboy book! Hope you like..

Doom, Drawn by Ron Chan, 2010 (note how Chan literally TORE UP the page with his key -- Friggin' awesome.)

Hellboy, Drawn by Dean Trippe, 2010

Hellboy, Drawn by Tone Rodriguez, 2010

Hellboy, Drawn by Ron Chan, 2010 (I love the cigar and Ron's light brown color wash to complete the drawing!)

Related posts:

1. For the Love of Drawing
2. Bullseye Creative and Showtime’s Weeds

Our favorite party to date, and one that our clients talk about most, is our “Bullseye Turns It Up To 11″ party.  Planning began many months before the big night. We held many brainstorming sessions with the creative crew discussing exactly how we’d like to wow our clients, friends, family and ourselves this time around. We chose our party’s theme for three important reasons. First, because our Bullseye family was 11 years old. Secondly, Bullseye is Seattle’s loudest Rock n Roll firm – so we needed to represent that in the creative. Lastly, we are lovers of pop culture.  For the uninitiated, the phrase “turning it up to 11″ or “this one goes to 11″ is a popular line from famous mockumentary, “This is Spinal Tap”.  Wikipedia describes “Up to eleven” or “these go to eleven” as phrases from pop culture which have come to mean anything being exploited to its utmost abilities (which is what we do).  Similarly, the expression “turning it up to eleven” may refer to the act of taking something to an extreme. (Like marketing, and great creative!) This made a Spinal Tap themed party the obvious choice.

Watch this video snippet and you’ll see what we mean.

In true rock fashion, we sent out signed and numbered screen-printed concert posters as invitations, with a follow up online RSVP. We prepped our office, turning it into a rock club and painted rockstar quotes and a 13-foot winged and flaming Bullseye logo on our walls.  We hired The Great Nabob as bartenders and brainstormed specialty rock drinks as well as contracted Gallucci’s Catering to design, cook and serve our rock menu.  One of our favorite rock-star quotes, “For Those About to Rock, We Salute You” (AC/DC) stands as a testament to how we see our clients – as those about to rock. Our clients had a great time that night – they got an opportunity to see a different creative side of Bullseye, and we got to show them how much we appreciate them. Bottom line is, we rocked it.

We created an online post-party site. Check it out. Stay tuned for news of the next over-the-top event!

Seattle's Loudest Rock-N-Roll Creative Agency

No related posts.