Bad@$$ Reader

I read. I really do. I like to read graphic novels, comics, and articles from websites I follow (via my RSS reader or email subscriptions) though I may just skim most of them. Traditional books however, I don’t read many of those, and the ones I do read are usually art books or history books about Apple, Marvel, or Star Wars.

The other night my wife and I were aimlessly driving around killing time and I had a brilliant idea. I took her to our local library branch and gave her a mission (if she wanted to accept it) to pick out a book for me to read. She seemed to enjoy that and found Badasstronaut by New York Times bestselling author, Grady Hendrix.

Stopping in Richmond, VA

We drove 8 hours to Washington, DC this past Monday to move our daughter into an apartment as she begins her post-college career in federal government. On the way back home, sans daughter, my wife and I stopped in Richmond, Virginia for some fun. We visited Hollywood Cemetery, Rest in Pieces, Velocity Comics, and our lunch date at Hot For Pizza. I highly recommend all these places.

Hans Zimmer Live

Currently listening to Hans Zimmer Live on Apple Music. Two of my favorite soundtracks are by Hans Zimmer: Man of Steel and Interstellar.

One of my favorite aspects of Man of Steel are the unique instruments Chas Smith, sculptural percussionist, created for this film. Unfortunately, Chas passed away in 2024, but his music will live on.

Supergirl Trailer.

I had my doubts about the new Supergirl movie but the new trailer that dropped today looks... well... SUPER!

Websites, Blogs, and Social Media… Oh My!

As an old a seasoned, professional working web designer who's lived through the advent of blogs, podcasting, social media, I'm struggling with organizing my strategy to promote myself. Substack or an email newsletter service? One site for everything, or multiple sites for clarity. What website publishing platform do I use: Squarespace, Ghost, or Micro.blog? Which social media platforms: Instagram, Bluesky, Mastodon, and YouTube?

Waking Up Early

After having the flu, for what seemed like with the worst symptoms possible, getting back into waking up early has been hard. Cardio (rowing and biking) at the gym has been harder than I expected too.

Surviving Creative Loss

I don't know what's happened but the last couple of years I've been in a slump of sorts. My desire to do creative things is there, but not the will to act upon them. It's terrible. I don't know if it's because I'm in a transitional state at 49-years-old, I've lost interest in the things I think I like to do, or if I'm just tired of always being "on the go" with life. I'm finding I'm more interested in picking up a 20-year-old interest in NBA basketball, watching several games a week, than pursuing my creative interests. This is where I'm at right now—confused.

Blackwing Pencils

My first four Blackwing Pencils.

I got my first sample set of Blackwing pencils. I was skeptical at first, wondering why anyone would want to spend that much money on pencils, but I'm a believer and advocate now. Are these pencils necessarily that much better than cheaper alternatives? Probably not, but quality is in the details. If you can afford these pencils, then I think you owe it to yourself to get some if you've been thinking about trying them.

A New Project

I have an idea for a new project. It’s not like I need another project, but this one makes sense for me. It combines all my skillsets. More soon.

Getting Older and Working Out

I’m in my last month of 48 years old. Working out is fun, but dang it if it’s hard to build muscle.

Chilling at the Market

Saturday mornings are reserved for my wife’s business, Bee Bottom Art. We set up at a local market and sell her tiny art. It’s a highlight of my week watching her grow her business interacting with customers.

25 Beautiful Years

Today marks the 25th year I've been married to my best friend. It's humbling to be with someone that knows me better than I know myself. I couldn't imagine life without her. She's my heart and soul.

Grass

It's unfortunate to realize that your green thumb isn't so green. I killed the majority of our grass on our property due to improper fertalizing. How do I fix it? Hire someone to help make it right. Easy-peasy.

Different Eyes

While working on my portfolio updates last night I had an experience that I didn't like the majority of my work. While the day before I felt good about everything. Today, I'm feeling better about my work, but I removed a few projects I didn't feel comfortable with. Seems like each day I look at my portfolio with different eyes.

On a Roll…

I love it when I get into a groove with a project and lose track of time. I worked over 3 hours past my usual late night bedtime. When my wife walks into our studio saying I need to go to bed it is a sign I've been up too late. It felt great, but trying to fall asleep was hard. My brain was still working on the project in the dark while laying in bed.

I Hate Dreaming

I had a terrible dream last night. I had cancer in my cheek and cut it off. My family and I were also being chased by some sort of military-like group. Waking up from something like that is a huge relief but also deeply disturbing. I'm so fortunate it was only a dream.

Self-Promotion

I'm a confident and competent visual designer. I'm proud of the work I do and how I help create successful products for anyone from individual creators to teams at large corporations. However, there's nothing worse about my career than having to promote myself. It's something I'm working on everyday.

Fasting is Hard

Day 3 of fasting from from dinner the previous night to lunch the next day. I'm a snacker, and not snacking at night before going to bed has proven to be the hardest things I've done all week.

Portfolio Updates

I've been working on my portfolio site this month, kris.black. I'm converting it to a single page site so it's easy to scroll and see my work. I figure the least amount of effort for my users is best.

Caitlin Clark’s Logo with Nike

Caitlin Clark’s logo

This logo speaks loudly about Caitlin Clark. It represents a person of considerable stature beyond the basketball court. It’s elegant, clever, and has a world of potential across several industries. It’s a logo to grow with Caitlin as her career continues to explode in the WNBA and beyond as an icon.

I love it!