Chris Guillebeau demonstrates the ability to wrap story into a product launch, complete with a cross-country train trip. Worth the quick read.

We are working on a presentation for Nielsen, in which we transform a boring presentation of facts and charts into first person narrative from a fictional character. Let’s hope it’s enough to entertain the policy wonks for 5-10 minutes.

Also of interest, one of Stephanie’s comics appears in an international publication.

Oh and we have a new intern. Welcome Kayleigh! She’s not on twitter yet so how can we brag about her? For sou can check out her vintage clothing store, Chateau Vintage.

There’s other stuff happening Thursday, May 27:

• From 9:00am-12:30pm Jax AMA is hosting “Marketing Jaguar Pride” at the Main Library downtown. A can’t miss event.
• From 6:30-8:00 is the Power Happy Hour at the University Club. Open to the public. Come get your atomic cocktail and hobnob with Jacksonville’s most fun people.

That’s all for now.

So much has happened since then. We’ve landed a major project with a healthcare system, almost officially launched our ArtShare program and my website photography, invite and announcement biz, www.ilyweddings.com.

ArtShare is probably my most exciting venture. We’ve partnered with Art With a Heart to help completely rebrand their organization. Our brand strategy phase is completed and it’s time to start developing collateral materials. Local Jacksonville designers have already stepped up to the plate to help with print materials and posters.

In January, the Cultural Council and Downtown Vision approached ArtShare with a unique project. They are launching Off the Grid, a program that fills vacant downtown spaces with budding art studios. We connected Kelly Young and David Lee to develop the corporate identity and invite materials. Look forward to official unveiling on March 18.

I’m planning a bridal fashion shoot in March at Walker’s Wine Bar. Very exciting.

Tata for now!

Some photographers are pro-branding, agnostic or anti-branding.

This is what I find startling though. Photographers are story-tellers. A picture is worth a thousand words right? Our clients are looking to us to create images enhance our businesses, our lives. Whether the photos end up in a magazine, photo album or art gallery they become part of the visual language that represents the event, moment in time or organization. In essence, photographers create images that help define brands.

So do photographers need to develop a brand? Well, the only answer is yes, because “you can’t not communicate.” thx @sethgodin. There are no fence sitters.

Either you take an active role in shaping your brand, or the market will do it for you.

Came across this article, via @billyates. http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/12/02/photographer-branding/

Some friends of mine are offering a grant to one lucky/worthy non-profit organization.

Details and application here.

Mac vs. PC, Democrats vs. Republicans, Quark vs. Indesign and of course the timeless battle, Arial vs. Helvetica. Can you tell the difference? I scored 19 out of 20. Duped by Mattel.Take the quiz at Ironic Sans.

“You should come out to Steamworks,” he said, “Every last Tuesday the Beardsmith Society gets together and—talks about having beards.”

Naïve little newcomer to the beach life me, I decided this was probably the coolest club/society/organization I’ve heard of in a long time. I attended my first meeting and found the crowd great and the beard competition (complete with beard and moustache naming) even better. Founder Sean Collins and I crossed paths again when we both gave Pecha Kucha speeches at MOCA Jax—me presenting my off-kilter comics and he promoting the lesser-known but passionately observed hobby of the beard.

Most recently I had the honor of participating in the Beards and Brushes Art Show here in Jacksonville. Facial hair artworks of every shape and form graced the walls of the Bogda Gallery, just as varied as the beards, just as vibrant as their creators.

We’re looking for a solid, responsible designer who is interested in real-world projects and portfolio development. Sure, you’ll cut some boards and straighten up the office, but our interns are in the thick of it, so having good computer skills and keen design eye are a must.

You’ll be involved in a mix of strategy, concept development, design and execution.

Send us something impressive to the following address:

Harrington Design Company
1301 Riverplace Blvd. Ste C10.
Jacksonville, Fl 32207

p.s. We will not respond to emailed resumes, samples or promos.