Criti–Size Me.

Panelists
Originally uploaded by jtpuck.

Thursday night I completed mt 6th quarter with a critique of my final work. Only had 3 panelists this time around as the 4th got moved into another group. From left, Scott McBride, Linda Doherty, and Gary Weiss provided me with one of the best crits I've had during the program. Not that my work was the best its ever been, but the discussion was the best. It wasn't so much of a critique as it was a conversation; which is strange because that's something I refer to on my website. They loved my presentation, could sense the pathos in my process and brand understanding; but some of the work fell flat. The hype didn't equal what I showed.

What you see here are the panelists wearing 3-D glasses I provided them to use for my Atlanta Symphony Orchestra poster. Check it out at my website. On the table you'll also find some of Kraft Food's pieces, ASO book (by Gary) and postcards with a slight hint of my Mondavi wine bottles. The magenta mini-books are a promotional piece I worked with Nick Skyles (Boats and Stars blog) on. From a 2-day workshop, in which Nick and I completed the piece in 2 days, 5 weeks later, we created a Be A!ert campaign on how young girls can protect themselves on the web. Came with a button to add to their fashion accessories.

Now we get a 2 week break before the next quarter and it is welcomed. It's going to be an exciting and strange quarter starting in April. With Ian on the way, tough classes on the roster, and some close friends out of town on internships, I'll be spending a lot of time at home.

Ready, Set, Launch.

Welcome to Puckett Design

Enjoy.

Observation of D.

Everone has their own unique way of listening to music. Thanks to iTunes, you can also have a unique way of organizing the music that you listen to. From 5-star rated playlists, to everything by R.E.M., to specific lists you make with Sinatra followed by Soundgarden. Most of the time I put it on shuffle and let the gods do the playing. My friend Joseph, has all his tracks rated and occasionally checks out his 0-star list for songs he hasn't ever listened to. Mike on the other hand has a strict "no-shuffle" policy and must listen to an entire album chronologically before going on to something else.

To shake things up a little, I've been picking a letter. Last week I started with 'M', and listened to all my tracks that start with the letter M. When I get to the end, I choose a new letter. It could be at home, at school, my laptop, or directly from my iPod. The other day I went to 'D'. The first track was "D'yer Mak'er" by Led Zeppelin. Then came U2, Depeche Mode, U2 again, Led Zeppelin again, not too bad. 2 hours later, I noticed I was singing a particular word quite often. That word was "Don't". Out of the 70 tracks starting with the letter 'D', 10 of them started with the word "Don't." I haven't been through the entire alphabet yet, but that seems like quite a large percentage.

Don't Cry
Don't Do It
Don't Fade on Me
Don't Follow
Don't Go Away
Don't Know Why
Don't Look Back in Anger (twice, studio and live unplugged version)
Don't Speak
Don't Stop Till You Get Enough

2 of those are songs by OASIS. They obviously feel very strongly about certain things that should not be done. If I come across any other letter anomolies, I'll let you know.

Online Portfolio Addendum.

So I previously mentioned that I'm finally working on an online portfolio, something I've been thinking about for a while and apprehensive about taking on. It's actually going pretty well. I've got my concept and the layout figured out, just need to photograph some of my work to get on there. Hopefully in about 3 weeks, I'll launch the website and all of you can finally take a closer look at the work I've been doing over the past year and half.

Recently, a friend of mine named Dave Werner graduated from PC. Dave is truly a web masta (as well as a lyrical gangsta). In lieu of a printed portfolio, Dave opted for a full blown, interactive, online portfolio; a digital job application + interview that is a virtual representation of who this guy is. Absolutely amazing. I mean, he's practically documented every project he worked on during his time at PC and has included video clips of his process, research, sketches, and concepts to accompany the actual printed work. I urge you to take a look at the future of design portfolios: OkayDave

Mine won't be nearly as fun, but I'm still learning.

Things Are Heating Up.

It's week 8 and the quarter is on the downhill slope. This means it's time to get picky with my projects, get color prints tested, order paper, and finalize design schemes. In other words, STOP BEING LAZY. The Olympics are almost over, the Oscars are coming up, only a couple more childbirth and parenting classes left, but lots of work to do. Add to that today's seminar from Microsoft, which ought to be interesting, and a 2-day workshop I was invited to take part in. By 2-Day, I mean, we actually meet on 2 days, but we have the rest of the quarter to finish the project for critique; i.e., an extra project that wasn't originally on my schedule; i.e, almost too much to handle.

So, let's review:
Professional Practices: Robert Mondavi Wines, a 3-bottle series, picnic set with small bottle, 2 wine glasses and wine key, and a 3-Ad campaign.
Type & Image: 48-page Atlanta Symphony Book, 8 postcards, and a promotional poster.
Advanced Packaging: Kraft rebranding, 5-package series, plus point-of-purchase display (hand rendering), and still possibly a 3 page Brand Positioning Statement (which we haven't really talked about)
Internet Design: Fully functional personal website for use as an online portfolio (I'm about halfway done)
PLUS the Workshop: Graphic Agitation piece, which I'm working with Nick on (see Boats and Stars in the blog list), will be a complicated piece that we haven't quite figured out yet.

Whew, are you tired yet?

Do What You Feel.

Wow, sometimes I feel I have no idea what I'm doing or why I'm doing the things that I feel.

Today in Professional Practices, I may have done something right. All it took was some assurance from my classmates.

Thank you, we'll see how it goes.

Blogging is Connecting.

It's amazing how blogging has impacted our lives today. Every person, every industry, every idea is discussed, analyzed, and commented on everyday. And if you're like some of my dear old friends, you'll type in people's names checking up on them. I wonder if so-and-so has a blog? What are they doing now? WHAM! There they are.

On my previous post talking about my packaging projects, a lady known as the "Packaging Diva" posted a comment on some ideas to consider with my designs. Turns out she's from Atlanta. I mentioned her to one of my instructors, she called her, and now she'll be visiting our class in a couple weeks. Blogging is connecting.

So for those of you that have found this, thanks for thinking of me. Don't forget to bookmark it for updates. If we haven't spoken in a long time and you have some extra time to kill, check the archives to really follow my life each and every day [almost].

Packaging Decisions.

So I'll be doing some packaging for 2 classes. For Professional Practices I've chosen to rebrand Robert Mondavi wines. This was to be our 4th project in my Design History class last quarter, but we didn't get to it...and I was pretty bummed. So I'm using that for this class. Should be interesting. Mondavi is into a natural process of winemaking and environmental safety, so I think I may go for a little Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) inspiration and perhaps a completely hand-done look. Big props to Doobz for his suggestion, he was reading my mind.

Secondly, for Advanced Packaging, we were to choose a nationally known brand to rework in a mass-merchandising format; i.e., products of the same brand found in different areas of a store. I'm gonna take a stab at KRAFT foods. First off, the logo is fairly dull. Secondly, they've been around for over a hundred years, generation after generation of families have passed down the name in their homes. How about a nostalgic approach? Kraft is about comfort; about family. Perhaps the packaging could be a celebration of its heritage? We'll see. The hard part for me is actually doing it.

QUICK: Rebranding Ideas!

I've got till Tuesday morning to choose a brand, research and analyze for a packaging project. And I have till Wednesday night to choose another brand to research, analyze, and begin sketching ideas on new packaging for an Advanced Packaging class and I can't think of anything. I'd like to do a wine label, or something for women, or a food that might be better in a bottle. Do you have any ideas! I'll give you 24-36 hours to post.

It's A Boy!

Ian Matthew Puckett
Originally uploaded by jtpuck.

Today was the big day, and boy was it. Let me just mention two things: 1. Lyndsey noticed it before the nurse did. 2. Ian was not shy at all. Oh, and if you can't figure out the perspective, this is actually looking up from beneath him.

Anticipation Exasperation.

I am so happy to have come across a repeat of INSIDE THE ACTOR'S STUDIO with special Guest Mike Myers. I first saw it in May 2004 and wrote about it on this blog, check the archives. Just great great stuff. Watching Mike and James Lipton riff off each other in and out of his beloved characters is sheer genius.

I also find myself typing up some notes and homework for my classes tomorrow. My 9am is ready, my 7:30pm is not, at least it's not quite organized yet. Both classes, Professional Practices (the business of design) and Type + Image are very serious projects with extremely organized, respected instructors. If I can get these classes right, I can get my projects right. First I have to stop my hands from shaking and get these concepts straight.

The Paradox of Choice.

Well, school has started up once more. Picked up my schedule on Monday and I don't really have too many complaints. Would have liked to added Systems Design, but apparently it's already full and those of us that didn't get it THIS time will get it NEXT time. I'm skeptical, as this is not the first time I've heard this, but next quarter will be my last chance to take everything I want to or have missed. Next quarter, I'd like to have an internship. Next quarter I'll also become a Dad. Choices, choices, choices.

Speaking of choices, I picked up a book before the year ended, "The Paradox of Choice." Been great so far, just tapping into the meat of the book. A sociological look into how the increase of options in our consumer world doesn't make things easier on us. Why more is less. Just thinking about it is overwhelming.

This quarter boils down to this: 4 Classes. Professional Practices, Type & Image (a whopper), Advanced Packaging (Do or DIE), and Internet Design. Hopefully in ID, I can create a site for myself and my work instead of choosing a pre-packaged design as you see here.

Saying Goodbye.

As the night goes dark, a new day arrives, thus marking 2005, the last year I will live without being a father.

Yep. These 26 years have been quite an adventure. Scarred chins and bike flips. Sports teams and acne creams. Prom King, college ring, marriage zing! This last hour of the year I find myself playing Domino's with my in-laws while eating chocolate chip cookies with ice-cold milk. In about 6 hours we'll be on the road back to Atlanta ready to start the next quarter on Monday.

At least I got to be an Uncle before the year ended. I'm not sure I could have handled TWO major events in one year...wait a minute...I'm having a baby in May AND I'm graduating in October, holy cow!

R.I.P. Patrick Crenshaw

Patrick Crenshaw
Originally uploaded by jtpuck.

Most recently known for his role as "Blue" in OLD SCHOOL, Mr. Crenshaw, 86, died Wednesday at his Fort Worth home. Lyndsey was looking through the Ft. Worth Star Telegram when I noticed the obit. It seems like this guy was in everything, or at least he stood out in everything he did. Back in the old days he had guest appearances in ALICE, DIFF'RENT STROKES, and MORK & MINDY. There aren't too many 'seniors' that can steal a moment from Will Ferrell the way Mr. Crenshaw could. Rest in peace.

Parenthood.

The Baby
Originally uploaded by jtpuck.

I think you've seen my brother, Chris, once before, well now you get to meet Danielle, his wife. Last night; actually, this morning they witnessed the birth of their first child. In the nursery, Chris mimes through the window that Spencer is 6 lbs. 13oz. After his first bath, the baby gets to visit mom for the first time since delivery. Un-friggin'-believable.

I Am Spencer.

Spencer Thomas Puckett
Originally uploaded by jtpuck.

And you can call me Uncle Jason. Meet Spencer Thomas Puckett, my first nephew. The first grandchild for my folks. They've told the story 3 or 4 times already and have nailed the wording and inflections. Mom, dad, and baby are all doing well. Lyndsey and I are excited to be aunts & uncles and have a new perspective on our forthcoming birth in May. Just being in the waiting room, and checking out the other newborns, listening to them cry and watching them stretch and yawn was surreal. Congrats Chris and Danielle.

Waiting.

WaitingRoomPan
Originally uploaded by jtpuck.

That's why it's called the waiting room. There's nothing else you can do. I guess you could read a book, access the web via wireless connections, or sleep. We got the call at 2:45am, Danielle's water broke and she was 6cm dialated. Did you know that my brother and his wife were expecting?...today? We got to the waiting room around 3:30am, the baby was born at 4:26. This panoramic is also a test in the digital capabilities of our new camera, a mighty good Christmas present. 3 shots, 'stitched' together.

Movie Ketchup.

Before the holidays began I had been a little behind in my movie watching; I still am actually. But this time off has allowed for a little more movie time. The strange thing is that now I'm on the verge of fatherhood and my perspective is starting to skew.

Take 1: DVD's. I rented "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" last week; both pretty good. VIRGIN was hilarious, with defintely some classic moments. It was the Unrated virgin, uh, version so I'm not sure what was new to the DVD, but it was more raucous and vulgar than I had imagined. 3 years ago I might not have said the same thing. SMITH was smart and had some well-crafted action sequences; but I couldn't help but wonder, "Could Lyndsey be a hired assassin?" She always comes home tired after work and has a propensity for lists of detailed wonder. Hmm?

Take 2: In Theaters. Had a 2-for-1 day with "The Chronicls of Narnia" and "Syriana" last week. NARNIA I really had no interest in seeing. Hadn't read the books, and the previews didn't tell me what anything was about. It had done so well, and the timing was perfect for my 2-for-1 day that I had to check it out. Great. Great. Great. I was sucked in immediately through the conflict and misunderstanding of the 4 children. No one believes Lucy and her adventure in the wardrobe, Edwards constant bickering with Peter, and his introduction to the White Witch just killed me. The idea of the Witch luring Edward into her carriage with candy made me think of all those horror stories of child abductions. "Come here little girl, I'll give you a ride home." OH MY GOD! My Parental Guidance level shot through the roof. Needless to say I got way too involved in that film but it was a great ride. SYRIANA was a completely different type of film. A great film, yes, some extremely intense moments and excellent writing. In one scene, and I'm not really giving anything away, a child dies in a swimming pool with a loose electrical circuit. A Child. A Swimming Pool. Scared me to pieces! Lesson: Do not go into a swimming pool at night that does not have a light on inside of it. A complicated picture about Oil and Foreign nations, and this is the scene that struck me.

Take 3: King Kong. Though their aren't necessarily any kids in this movie, one could easily argue that KONG is just a big kid in this picture. That moment on the cliffside when Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) does her vaudeville routine for KONG was sheer pleasure. His giddiness, his laughter, his playful side is done so well, I couldn't help but picture myself cooing and giggling and making faces for our little baby and watching the joy in their eyes. I mean, I do that when I play with our dog, Ranger. It's fantastic! Their are truly some precious moments in this delicate and adventurous film. 3 years ago I might have said the most pleasurable moment was the Kong v. T.Rex fight...that was actually the 3rd best moment.

Critique Mystique.

So I'm down to one last project to finish before critique tomorrow night. It's my chair. It's a chair. One I've designed about a largely controversial topic amongst the shy. Interaction. Discovery. The fear of the next step. I've been in an out of this phobia all my life. Generally after a major step, I hide, until I build the strength to do it once more...which is 2 minutes, 2 weeks, or 2 years.

I've kept this final part of the quarter to the end hoping my Architectural skills will spring into place and knock out these final drawings. There are some sketches on the table, a phase One model, and a mind soaked in anticipation. Time to take that next step.

Family Matters.

As I post tonight after a long hiatus from blogging, a pumpkin pie bakes in the oven, 3 dogs sleep in the basement, my wife's parents and my dad sit at the table watching the nightly news while Lyndsey and my mom have crashed for the evening. It must be Thanksgiving! Actually, this is the first of its kind. Since Lyndsey and I have moved into our new place, much bigger than before, we decided to host Thanksgiving lunch this time around. The news of our latest creation caused no sign for argument; in fact, Lyndsey's 3 grandparents chose to join us as well. This means not only quality home cooking, but the added pleasure of grandchild-in-law spoilage. I guess my school projects will have to wait till...sometime.