As a designer, I’ve always got this question: Am I charging the right amount for this project? What should my salary be (in corporate America, anyway)?
I just read a really interesting article on the Graphic Designer Blog about a graphic designer’s worth and what sort of elements go into the salary for such a position.
Interested in reading it too? Check it out: GraphicDesignBlog.org
Life is way too short. I mean, seriously, it’s WAY TOO SHORT.
This afternoon I was talking with my neighbor and she was telling me about this very sad story about a friend of hers from high school. Mother of 5 young children, loving wife, great community spirit and just an all around good person. She died unexpectedly at the age of 40 last week. It’s so sad to think about that poor family and what they must be dealing with. I can’t even imagine. It’s just heartbreaking to think that this woman had so much to live for and all of a sudden, she’s gone. Just didn’t wake up one morning.
So hug your families, kiss your kids, don’t go to bed angry and don’t sweat the small things. It’s not worth it.
…for your first Apple product!
Yesterday I strolled into our local Apple store for a look around. It was pretty busy in there actually, but since it’s school vacation week, I can understand why. 
As I walked around, pushing my 3 month old and almost 2 year old daughters in their double stroller, I was approached by a few of the store clerks. They had each individually spotted the Apple logo stickers that my husband put on the side of the baby’s car seat. Each employee chuckled as they saw the stickers (that come with pretty much any purchase… and we all know that this household has every Apple product x2 known to man!) They thought it was funny that two little babies had already been exposed to Apple products at such an early age.
The best part though? When my almost 2 year old took out her iPhone to start playing games while I browsed the shelves. Yes, I know… she’s not even 2 yet and she’s got an iPhone. The funniest thing is that the kid knows exactly how to use the apps that we’ve put on it for her. She uses her finger to move the screen items around in her toddler games with precision. The Apple store employees were howling laughing watching her navigate around her iPhone screen.
I suppose you’re never too young to get involved and intrigued with computers… especially ones from Apple!
Today it was reported that Apple employee Gray Powell “accidentally” left behind what some folks say is the prototype of the new iPhone, due out this Summer. Was it simply an oversight that this guy forgot to take the device with him when leaving the Gourmet Haus Staudt or was it intentionally left to create buzz about the upcoming release? We’re not sure what to believe because it could definitely be meant as a marketing ploy to get the word out about what the new iPhone has in store for us.
Wanna see what Gizmodo has to say about the new iPhone? Check it out:
Last night we schlepped up to the local mall to check out the latest and greatest Apple offering: The iPad. My husband has been blowing a fuse about the release of this sassy little device since it was announced some time ago. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on one and has talked every day about how every member of our family needs one (including our 21 month old, who already has an iPhone, an iPod Touch and an iPod classic). Yes, you read that right… she has (and shockingly, knows how to use) all of these devices. Our house is brimming with geeks over here, so we were interested in seeing just what this new electronic dream might have in store.
When the iPad was released to the public this past Saturday, we were in Buffalo for the Easter holiday. Poor hubby was out of his mind that we couldn’t get t
o an Apple store to witness the grandeur of the unveiling so we had to patiently wait until we returned home (We didn’t want to pre-order something that we didn’t test drive first). Waiting patiently isn’t one of our strong points so we were both very, very, very anxious to get to our local Apple retailer and make our purchase.
Now, I’m the first to admit that I am the biggest Apple fan and really love everything they have. I am secretly in love with Steve Jobs and think it is just fabulous how he has transformed the entire company into a complete success by inventing and releasing all these snazzy new items that customers can’t live without. Seriously, I think every single person I know has some sort of Apple product these days.
As we strolled into the Apple store (with the duel stroller and our two little ones), we were greeted by the sales guy asking what brought us in. I could see my husband’s tunnel vision set in and he was off to one of the many tables with the iPads neatly placed on top. I decided to talk to the sales guy for a little bit to see how the iPad is being received by the masses. He began telling me how the line on Saturday was wrapped pretty much around the entire mall and they sold out of 750 in the first few hours. Wow! I couldn’t believe people stood in line for that long waiting to see and tinker around with the new iPad.
After talking with this kid for a bit, I tried out the device for myself. Yes, it is cool. Yes, it is sexy. Yes, it has some cool features and great apps.
But no. I can’t justify spending $500 on something just because it’s sassy. Seriously… what the heck am I going to do with it? Our house already has 3 iPhones, a MacBook, a pimped out iMac and 4 iPods. I’ll admit it… I’m slightly “underwhelmed” by it. I thought it would be a black and white issue and we’d walk out of the store with one as soon as we saw it. But I can’t justify it. I just can’t. I want to and I just can’t do it.
I’m so mad at myself too because it’s a great option for those who don’t have all these devices handy. Maybe if I were a business traveler stuck in hotel rooms and airports. Maybe if I was some sort of sales person who needed to be able to show customer presentations at a tradeshow. Maybe if I didn’t have 87 Apple devices within 5 feet of me at any given time. Then I’d be able to justify the purchase. But I can’t. Not now anyways. Even with a few cool things (like the email app), I’d be spending money on something that really doesn’t blow my socks off yet. Seriously, would I buy this little gadget just because it has Netflix? Ummm… Netflix sucks. No offense, but the movies they have available ‘on demand’ aren’t even worth watching (I learned from when I bought our Blu-ray player with “Streaming Netflix Movies”. Sounded awesome but when you see what’s available, you’ll see it’s a complete waste of time and money).
I had hoped that maybe the whole “online magazine” purchasing option might be something that I’d enjoy, but when I can pay $5 for a hard copy of Time and pay slightly less for an online version, it’s hardly worth it to me. And besides that, what kind of graphic designer would I be if I didn’t enjoy the smell of ink from the printed page?? (Yes, yes, most print designers have a thing for ink smells and paper).
So we’ve decided to wait for the next generation of iPads to be released to see if they have something more earth shattering that we can’t live without. And for those of you who know my husband, he even walked away from the iPad wondering what he would actually ‘do’ with it. And he’ll buy something just because it’s cool!)
But I’m still secretly in love with Steve Jobs… and I can’t wait to hear what the iPhone OS 4.0 upgrade has to offer today when they make that announcement.
On occasion, the Vario Creative team tags websites that are in desperate need of redesign. We use these sites and jumping off points and brainstorming sessions on what we would do to make them better… and yes, bring them into the current state of web browsing instead of looking like something from 1999.
As I was going through some local hair salon sites the other day, I came across one that was just an utter mess. Now, I don’t think it’s politically correct to flog these poor people on the internet so I’m not going to release their name or URL because I don’t want to offend them or anyone who may have worked on this site. But let me just tell you… it’s a complete DISASTER! I don’t even know where to start… but here goes:
For years now, I’ve been secretly in love with Donnie Deutsch. Well, not really… but I thought the guy was an absolute genius. I would tune in weekly to The Apprentice whenever he was on to watch him brilliantly critique the teams in their marketing and branding projects and would always whole-heartedly agree with every syllable that came out of his mouth. To me, this guy was the marketing guru. The big cheese. The mac genius. 
And then I started following him on Twitter (cue sound of screeching car tires.) What I figured was that I’d get some daily advice or great snippet of information from someone who I thought was about the best thing since getting a wireless mouse. Wrong!
Each tweet is utter ridiculousness:
“Dinner with my kid.”
“Blah blah blah about some morning talk show appearance.”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I like personal little snippets like the rest of the world because it gives us a window into whoever we are following. For instance, I look forward to the daily fabulousness from David Bromstad and his meanderings and guy crushes. But that’s what I follow him for…
But to follow someone who you really have some professional respect and value their expertise for your own creative genius… well, I’ll admit… I’m one disappointed fan. So I’ve “unfollowed” Mr. Donnie Deutsch and his tweets in hopes that I can pick up on someone else in the field with great knowledge and a little more to offer.
I’m disappointed that I’m even writing about him (in fact, I won’t even use his stupid name because it’s just a waste of keys) but figured that it’s a good lesson for all of us marketeers out there. The subject: You guessed it. The man who caused so much controversy about proving to everyone what an ass he really is at the MTV Awards last week. Sure, you remember: That idiot who shall remain nameless that took it upon himself to go up onstage during that sweet girl’s acceptance speech and act like the complete ass that we’ve all grown accustomed to. Yeah, that’s the one.
In one (well, actually pretty much every public appearance) fell swoop, he was able to tarnish his personal brand and make people despise him for the true jackass (Barrack’s word) that he really is.
What’s wrong with this guy? Well, the list just goes on and on and on. In fact, People.com were clever enough to put together the short list of this idiot’s rantings.
Gotta say, that is one class act, huh? I’m sure his mother must be spinning 360′s in her grave after his rantings and carrying on as of late. Remind me that if this dude ever needs a job and is looking to get into marketing or public relations, to burn his resume in a fire pit of despair.
I’m so psyched! I just loaded the Vario Creative blog to my iPhone using the FREE WordPress application. It’s fantastic that I can post stuff on the fly.
Trés cool.
Ever hear these words as your walking past one of those kiosks at your local mall? I’m sure you have. I hear them constantly from the sales people at our local mall trying to sell swimming pools or spas. Sure, these poor folks are just trying to earn a living, but isn’t there a better way? Seriously? I mean, how many people do you actually get as final customers by hounding them as they walk by your kiosk on what is supposed to be a relaxing Sunday afternoon?
I went up to the mall the other day with my family to pick up a few things. We pushed the little one’s buggy through a fairly uncrowded mall (we were there early!) and browsed the windows of the shops as we slowly passed by. As we made our way to our intended destination, I was accosted by this poor woman who was trying to sell swimming pools and spas.
She asked, “Have you ever thought about getting your own p
ool?”
To which I responded, “Sure, I already have one, but thanks for asking.”
I figured that was a better way to handle it than ignoring her or snapping a mean comment at her.
But no… didn’t quite work. She followed me asking if we also had a spa as well and would we consider one? Yikes. I felt like saying, “You know what lady, buzz off…” but I didn’t. I simply gave my same response that we had both and to have a nice day.
I swear, this crazy marketing tactic really gets on my nerves. If I was at all interested in a pool/spa, I more than likely wouldn’t go to a kiosk at the mall. There’s got to be showrooms and vendors and contractors that would happily talk with you to discuss your needs. Not some 19 year old chick who chews her gum and twists her hair as she tries to get your attention. The same goes for the massage kiosks that seem to be cropping up at every shopping mall in the area. I’ll tell you this: If I need a massage, I want someone certified to be touching me. And in an office environment. Not on some creepy, uncleaned leatherette sofa. Yuck!!!
I think the thing that really stirs me up is that when these vendors try and stop you to get your attention and your kids are in the full swing of a meltdown. I would assume these vendors have kids and would potentially empathize with the situation but it’s almost like they use you as the target so they can smart talk you as your kid turns into a pea soup spitting, head twisting freak.
Maybe it’s me…