SlyBrand

Down here near north Mississippi we’re used to hearing the ongoing debate surrounding the University of Mississippi’s long-time controversial Mascot “Colonel Reb”.

Evidently the administration’s tried to “retire” and replace him several times to no avail. Personally, I think the elderly gentleman with the Colonel Sanders tie standing aloofly, leaning on his cane, needs to go. But chunking him altogether may not be the right approach.

So, I drew this concept art of what I call “Mad Reb”.

My attempt is to change the pomp to action, static to motion. Established to CRAZY. Sometimes a little self-deprecating humor (and good art) can save the day. And sometimes, the debate goes on and on and on… driving us all mad.

So, I’ve been slowly working over my main website over the last 3 months (preview above). It’s been largely an after-hours project that’s felt more like the enjoyment that comes from cleaning house, than work.

Some great things have come out of the discipline of methodically working through this project. First, and possibly most important, I have a new “elevator pitch“. This retooled mission statement has been a filter that’s guided me along the path of production. Exactly what a mission statement should do.

Secondly, by taking it slow, I’ve been able to pay better attention to how the user will approach and use the site. I’ve learned from my user experience friends that this is an art in itself.

I’ve also continued to wrestle with the Fox Design Co. brand. I’ve decided to return to the logo I created back in 2001, with a few minor tweaks. I hope to post an evolution of that mark soon.

A new favicon and secondary graphic have also come out of the process. They’ll be around soon too.

As for the site being finished, I’m hoping in the next two weeks or so you’ll see the fruits of my tortoise-like labor.

It’s that time of year again. Memphis Ultimate Summer League kicks off at Overton Park the first week of June… no matter how soft I’m feeling.

Here’s a sneak peek of what I’m working out for the jersey design.

I told a friend of mine that I’d help him come up with a name for his really nice trailer-mounted port-o-potty. He wants to target (no pun intended) outdoor weddings, upscale receptions and other such parties. In keeping with my tradition of airing out (no pun intended) the bad ideas so the good ones can flow (pun intended), I thought I’d post my first ideas here. Please add yours in the comments. (more…)

Here are some explorations done for a friend of mine who’s starting her own local commercial recycling business. On the drawing board. Literally.

I was recently given the opportunity to create cover art for the spring edition of Second Look. Here’s a pre-mail sneak peek. It was definitely challenging and fun to try my hand at vector portraiture. A special thanks to The Darjeeling Limted for Indian color and texture inspiration.

Every now and then, I like to sharpen the ol’ cutting tools, dust off a block and flat carve some wood.

Here’s this week’s.

Sorry I’m a little late. Here’s last week’s illustration… this week’s to come soon.

Just wanted to show what’s on the drawing board these days. One of my favorite subjects…