Outside The Margin

Same Product, Multiple Platforms

• Annual report 10-K wrap and mini-website for same.
• Corporate website HTML reworked for Wordpress.
• Traditional book layout to e-reader version for Kindle.

10 Ways to Add Punch to Your Pitches : Marketing @OPENForum

via openforum.com

Continuation of my earlier post about storyboarding your presentation. Valuable tips here:

Kicking My “Stage Fright” To The Curb

Some of you may be aware that I've been a 'docent-in-training' with the Chicago Architecture Foundation since January. The added workload and classroom time has forced me to come front & center to prepare a 2-hour presentation. Yes, two hours!  Twelve historic buildings and the Chicago Loop serve as my visuals and the script {for the most part} memorized; with notecards for occasional reference.

Despite the fact that I wanted to drop out because I thought I'd never be able to overcome my fear of public speaking and purposely working behind-the-scenes for decades on numerous presentations with you. I learned a few lessons, above all else, PRACTICE, PRACTICE and, yes, MORE PRACTICE.

Before practicing could commence, I invested hours storyboarding my presentation based on the established route/buildings of the tour. Sorting through a ton of information, facts and urban myths to weave my own presentation that I thought would be interesting to visitors and Chicagoan of all ages.

The audience for an architectural tour versus business presentation is quite different; but one aspect will remain constant: KEEP IT INTERESTING.

Utilizing the storyboard process early in the development of any presentation, we're able to see how the theme is introduced and carried through to the conclusion. Supported by well-written content and strong visuals to re-enforce your idea and sprinkled with “colorful” stories to connect with directly with your audience can yield a powerful presentation.

So, if you're in Chicago, I can use all the practice I can get for my “Rise of Historic Skyscraper” tour and soon I'll be storyboarding my “Modern Skyscraper” tour.

Image Credit: City of Chicago "Historic Michigan Boulevard District" (http://cityofchicago.org)

Cyber Monday Discounts Extended :: Calendars by @VintageImg

Deep Discount on 2012 Calendars, Today Only at Our Vintage Image Zazzle Store

Use Code: CYBERTUESDAY

Viva la Révolution! @CreativeProse #Design

via creativepro.com

Another timely curation and commentary regarding the marriage of graphic design and social movements. #OWS

For Everyone Who Needs A Pick-Me-Up: YOU MATTER

A [Short] Social Media Story: "Thanks & Giving" @AquaTally

I’ve rediscovered swimming laps after a VERY long hiatus. When we were planning our return to Chicago, I promised myself that I’d join the DePaul University Fitness and Recreation Center, under the alumni rate, because “the Ray” has a six lane indoor pool. 

Well, like the turtle, I’m making progress to strengthen and increase stamina, I swim laps for 20-30 minutes about 3 times per week. Walking or biking back and forth is a damn good workout. (Please note that I have hypothyroid-induced asthma so just swimming one length of the pool might be considered an achievement.)

Occasionally, I’ll drop a tweet about my swimming activities, a few weeks ago, someone noticed.

The inventor of @AquaTally sent me a reply — kinda sales-y, but I checked out his website.

Aqua Tally, invented by Cody Ramthum, is a swimming lap counting which works like an abacus. “Sticks to the side of pool and swim away.” I passed along a tweet because I thought the @AquaTally was a pretty cool device and serious swimmers might find it useful.

Like-minded people, helping each other.

This week, I received a tweet from @AquaTally informing me that I would receive one as a gift. Now, I’m not anywhere near the number of laps (yet) where I think I’ll lose count of my laps.

So I dropped Cody an email expressing my gratitude and asked that it be donated to a local youth swim club/school instead. (Having a device like this when I was on high school swim team sure would have been helpful when the coach said we didn’t do enough laps.)

Here’s the GIVING part of my story:

Cody told me that he’s donated 10 Aqua Tally’s to the Sumner County YMCA (Tennessee). Cody has also been awarded Volunteer of the Year at said “Y” for recognition of his time helping children in his community learn to swim and compete in meets. He invented the Aqua Tally while training for an Iron Man competition to keep track 2+ mile distance.

Did I mention 10% of each sale is donated to the YMCA.

Cody, you are an inspiration. Thank you.

If you’re a swimmer, check out the Aqua Tally (http://www.aquatally.com) for more information.

For The Trees #49 Wall Calendar

For The Trees #49 2012 Calendar by vintageimage
sell my posters online at Zazzle.

Probably one of my favorite images from @VintageImg "Can't See the Forest Through the Trees" collection in which I produced three poster-style 2012 calendars. Available via our Zazzle storefront:

"Why creative writing is better with a pen" | Books | guardian.co.uk

via guardian.co.uk

I feel the same about sketching; pick up paper, pencil and the kneaded eraser (of course).

"Made In Detroit" Edition: Classic Hood Ornaments

When I was curating images from Dominic's VAST image library for to create next year's calendars, I realized I could develop multiple series.

This 2012 calendar features classics from Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, plus a few domestic automakers that don't had a short life-span.

"Made In Detroit" Classic Hood Ornaments :: 2012 by vintageimage