I recently completed this project for the Neo-Futurists, a non-profit theater group in Chicago. Using their existing logo and brand, I developed new business cards and a thank you note.

“The Neo-Futurists don’t really do ‘normal’ plays. Their shows – original works that are more theme-based than plot-based – are brainy and whimsical and so uniquely constructed, you might often find yourself wondering why you ever gave a fart about so-called normal plays.”

– Nina Metz, New City

The Neo’s signature show, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, (currently in its 21st year) is featured on the back of the card.

The thank you note is 3.5″ x 9″ (fits in a standard #10 envelope) and uses a piece of torn notebook paper as imagery to reinforce the DIY nature of the Neo’s brand.

Check out more of my work here!

Firebelly Design Pop-Up Shop, Friday Dec. 4, 5-10 pm

“Firebelly is a super-talented team of patient listeners, genius problem solvers and forward thinking designers.” www.firebellydesign.com

Twice a year, the geniuses at Firebelly Design open their doors to the rest of the design community for a sneak peak at what it’s like to work for one of Chicago’s hottest design studios. I was fortunate enough to land a last-minute spot for Firebelly Design’s studio tour on Nov. 20.

Your next chance to meet the team on their turf is this Friday at the Holiday Pop-Up Shop on December 4, 2009, 5-10 PM at the Firebelly Design Studio. The studio is located at 2701 W Thomas St, 2nd Fl, Chicago, Il 60622.

Find some fabulous, unique holiday gifts and support a great cause – 50% of all proceeds benefit Reason to Give, Firebelly’s not-for-profit program that directly serves the residents of the Humboldt Park neighborhood in Chicago.

Reason to Give makes it simple and fast to donate directly to the immediate needs of the neighborhood’s residents. On the Reason to Give website, you can watch a video to learn about the family you are donating to and target your donation to a specific item, like a bed. All donors receive a certificate of thanks, but extra-generous donors receive cool swag. Donating $20+ earns you a t-shirt and donating $100+ earns you a t-shirt and a tote bag.

At the Pop-Up Shop, 50% of the sales benefit Reason to Give — so, purchase some unique, affordable holiday gifts, support the arts AND donate to a great charity. It doesn’t get much better. See you there! (and, don’t forget to check out the 50 under $50 art wall)

I was introduced to Accidental Creative’s Manifesto at the 2009 Creative Freelancer Conference in San Diego this past August. Months later,  I still find myself returning to it in moments of frustration and creative anguish.

1. We create. Everyday. Not because we have to, but because we can’t help it. We empty ourselves because that’s what artists do.

2. We are brilliant at what we do, but what we do does not define us.

3. We understand that our vocation is bigger than our occupation. We’re on this earth to do more than earn a paycheck.

4. We are committed to growth. We do not tolerate stagnancy, because it’s the first sign of death.

5. We are committed to healthy creating. We recognize that to be prolific for a long time involves intentionality, choice and discipline.

6. We know the value of what we make, and we refuse to prostitute ourselves to organizations. We make career decisions based upon who we are not what everyone else would do in our situation.

7. We are always looking for ideas. We are focused, curious and passionate about life, because life is art.

8. We refuse to play the victim. We are proactive and responsible for our own creative health.

9. We are generous because we are free. We know that the goal is to act on the best idea, whether or not it’s our own. We build other people up, even when they don’t reciprocate.

10. We are committed to relationships. We recognize that healthy creating will come out of vibrant relationships.

I absolutely love these principles. I am currently focused on (#4) growth and (#10) creating healthy relationships. As I started slipping into creative stagnancy, it seemed like all areas of my life felt like they were off-kilter. Since then, I’ve taken on a few new projects that are pushing me out of my comfortable skill set and I’m taking classes on lynda.com. It feels like my brain is finally flexing its muscles after spending a long time loafing on the couch.

In conclusion, the AC Manifesto says:

We are committed to bringing ourselves fully to our life, work and art. And as we do this, the world will change around us.

I don’t know about you, but I’d love to impact positive world change. Design is definitely about more than a paycheck (see #3).

What are your thoughts? Is the AC Manifesto a little too extremist, or right on? Which point is the most inspiring/thought provoking to you?