Libraries

I remember the days that I used to beg my parents to take me to the library.  I never had a specific book in mind to check out.  I just wanted to sift through shelves of books, smell the pages, feel the texture of the covers, and read through random pages.  I guess you could say that I was almost worshipping the books in the library.  I came across a few articles about the decline of libraries and I was saddened.

I think that people are turning less and less to libraries because of so many factors.  Libraries are no longer needed for easy access to books.  The Internet has vast amounts of books and information on them.  You can even virtually look through the pages to get an idea of the content. Libraries are struggling to keep up with the times by trying to focus less on books and more on technology.  I think that this is not the solution.

The London Library, apparently, is thriving.  It is full of readers and books and has not shifted its focus to technology.  An article on Teen Ink said, “Since it’s founding it’s focus was to the provide the public with reading material. Today, I believe it’s focus has shifted instead to keeping up with everybody and everything else. If the libraries focused on the books things would improve. For example, cut down on the supply of books that have been overstocked, buy having regular circulation throughout libraries in local areas. Also, get new books into the libraries, with generous supply.” I agree with this.  There are people who still appreciate books and all that they offer.  Catering to these people will keep the library alive and well.  

Will libraries catch on to this or will they continue to try to turn their loyalty away from books?

An Interview with Tiffany Dean-Wright

I recently did an interview with Tiffany Dean-Wright about her design skills and business.  Though she is my cousin, I was interested to know specifics about her style of designing and how she gains inspiration for her work.  Here are the questions and answers from the interview:

1. Describe your company and everything that you offer.

Inspired Graphic Designs and Prints is a new boutique design firm. Our goal is to provide creative professional simplicity.

IGDP has 4 divisions:

1.) Magazine & Print Ads

2.) Traditional Corporate / Small Business Design Services (account specific and multiple account opportunities available)

3.) Infographic Designs

4.) PrintSimple Membership – a subscription service for organizations that need prints on a consistent basis (i.e. apartment monthly newsletter, church service programs)

 2. What motivated you to create your company?

IGDP has been a dream of mine for a long time. The motivation came from a desire to service my clients in a specific way. I have a customer service driven, business oriented mindset that most designers don’t understand and cannot relate to business owners/managers (clients)

3. Who or what inspires you as a designer?

 Clean, simple designs that are complex in weight and content but visually stunning with a simplistic approach.

4. What books and/or magazines have you designed covers for?

 

Books:

An Energy Drink for the Soul, the first sip, by Jennifer Dean

Parents Need Help Too! By Dr. Tyrone tanner,Ed.d.

Magazines:

Visionary Living Magazine, Houston, 2011

Houston Coaches Directory guide, 2010, 2011

Macossa Magazine, Houston, 2013

 5. Most often, where, when, and how do you design?

I design everywhere. I believe creative inspiration comes from everywhere but also from inside. It’s during a “magic mental time” I am the most successful. Or when my mind is at the point where my creativity flows openly.

6. How is technology changing print culture?

There are so many things that can be said here, we are in a social communication revolution – as in a new turning point in the human societal culture. Technology has allowed for communication to flow exponentially faster than ever before and travel faster than ever before. In addition, anyone can participate – with Internet, your voice can be heard – almost for free. This however doesn’t eliminate the need for solid print materials. It just means that we as designers / printers must adapt.

7. Do you have a signature style when you design?

Yes, absolutely. My Design style is about creating a unique clean professional design around SOLID copy. Good copy, words, advertisement info is the life of the design – not the design it self. When designers understand that – they immediately become better designers.

8. How is the current technological revolution changing your clientele?

My clientele isn’t really changing because of the revolution. Everyone is just trying to hold on and keep up. Clients included.

9. What do you think designing and printing will be like in 50 years?

I hope we don’t lose the integrity of great design and prints, but I’m not really sure

10. Do you have a definite and specific organization and structure in mind as you begin designing?  If so, how definite and specific is your outline?

The organization is split into 4 divisions. The structure is based upon that division split. At least 1 staff member in each department.

11. How would you describe your designing process?  

Understand the client

Understand the goal

Understand the target audience

Get your key design pieces together

Build around that

12. What was your first design and for whom did you create it?

My first design was for Deans Professional Services, in high school. I created their marketing materials, brochures, letterhead, Etc.