Yes, as is the case in most references to this famous line from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, I have butchered the quote, but the sentiment is there (you can see the original quote here, and the Blazing Saddles rendition here). In fact, watching the famous scene on YouTube has prompted me to fill our lonely Netflix queue with some classics.

But seriously, I’m slowly getting over the novelty of earning badges. I mean, I did feel some satisfaction becoming the mayor of my son’s daycare, and overseeing the cleaners around the corner ensures that I always get my shirts back with no starch, but I’m ready for something tangible. Reward me for being a frequent customer and even more so, reward me for encouraging my friends to visit your shop more often.

Well, from the sound of this article on Mashable yesterday, brands are finally seeing the value in the location-based social networks. And the fact that they have created the “level up” concept so that you are rewarded for your extreme loyalty (St. Elmos, are you listening?) is outstanding. My only concern is that Brightkite, while an early leader in the geolocation services, has fallen way behind Foursquare and Gowalla in brand recognition. So, without the user clout, will the brands stay engaged? Or, will Foursquare follow Brightkite’s lead and encourage their brand partners to provide more value to their users?

As with all things, time will tell and I’ll be watching closely, hoping that perhaps I can score a free coffee or two, or if I’m lucky, perhaps a discount on daycare. Ok, now that’s just crazy.

But we are not looking for the run of the mill typical sort.  In fact those type of folks generally don’t last too long here.  We have a very unique culture.  We have people who have been here 10, 15 and over 20 years. We look for that special spark. We look for people who have that “je ne sais quois” (that’s french for something you can’t put you finger on but you know they are something special.)  If you are meek, timid or shy - you won’t last a minute.  If you don’t know what the hell you are doing - it won’t work. If you can’t take a joke, fuggettaboutit!!  This is not the place for the faint of heart. We are perfectionists, we are weird, we are cool (some of us) we are diverse, we are liberal, we are conservative, we are just about everything. We strive to be the best.  We honor the work and we respect each other. If you would like to work in that kind of environment - give us a call, cause we want to hear from you.  Right now we have immediate openings for an account executive, an interactive designer, a marketing assistant and an administrative assistant. We have just won TONS of new business. We are all pumped around here - it’s a good time to join the family. Get in touch with Teddi and then I will get you to the right person depending on what you are applying for. teddi@grafik.com

So it’s been 6 weeks since I last blogged about how I was going to survive without a smartphone and I return to you a few days after I received my iPhone 4 with disappointing news: I failed my little experiment. Listen, I’m not one that admits failure easily or even openly, but I failed this puppy miserably.

If you remember when I last checked in, after going a whole weekend without any kind of phone, my brother took pity on me and loaned me his first generation iPhone. Keep in mind that I really had no other alternative. My plan to get a cheap, basic phone from AT&T didn’t work out, and I needed something to make phone calls with. Besides, I had the best of intentions in the beginning, telling myself I would only use the phone for calls and texting, no apps. But, the temptation was too great. As painful as using the first generation iPhone is, when compared to the speed and GPS ability of the 3G and 3GS, it is far better than not having a smartphone at all.

So yes, I caved completely. It started with making my daily picks using ESPN’s Streak for the Cash app, then I began peeking at the forecast, then (aw heck), why not check my personal email too? But, I DID draw a line in the sand, albeit a faint, barely visible line at that; I refused to add my work email or calender to my phone - though I admit that is more of a lifestyle choice than one made out of scientific experimentation or deprivation.

Even with the limited use of the first gen iPhone, it’s been a tough two months, and it has certainly been an interesting experience. I think that despite our best intentions, many of us become addicted (though “reliant” sounds softer) on our smartphones. Smartphone users must admit that when we see someone pull out a flip phone or some small, plastic, inexpensive phone, we shudder and mutter to ourselves, “poor thing.” We consider that person less savvy than we are and behind the times. We don’t think or say these things because we are mean-spirited people, we just can’t help ourselves – we need our smartphones.

So, I apologize for giving in. I would like to have sat here a few months later a changed man, but alas, I have already gone for a run with my new phone, using my favorite app Runkeeper (who just launched their new website by the way), I am taking advantage of the one inbox and have set up all my email accounts (including work), I have shot a few photos and videos of my son, tweeted, posted to Facebook, and have sorted my apps into neat little folders. I am “reliant” on my iPhone and don’t mind admitting it. Now let’s just hope I don’t drop this one.

Today I realized that Grafik was not brand compliant.

Actually, to be honest with you, it was pointed out to me by a committee that was very gingerly approaching the CEO of Grafik (me), to discuss how our front lobby really did not fit in with Grafik’s brand. And if we were preaching how critical brand is for every touch point, how could we explain the entry to our offices… And they were right.

Our lobby has always been a melange of things I have personally loved- old typefaces spelling out GRAFIK, a toy bull-dozer given to me by my first employee, who succumbed to cancer, an old steam powered model tractor (which was left to me by a designer who went off to design for Nike, a bubble gum machine that was always full and was in my room as a way to get younger designers to enter. A variety of letters picked up in flea markets in Belize, Spain, and Morocco, many of them rusted with character to spare. A giant letter A that lived in my son’s bedroom until it “disappeared” one night only to surface in our office. A huge neon sculpture made out of found objects by an artist who worked with me 15 years ago.   In short, a lobby fulled with 32 years of memories, friendships, and in my mind embodying the personality of the firm I have built and guided for the better part of 32 years.

The only problem is that it really does not reflect where Grafik is right now- it is part of our history, part of what got us to where we are today, but in truth, it is no longer relevant to the company we are and where we are going. So I have picked up my momentoes and placed them around my office- where they live as a collection of personal memories- just as it should be.

But don’t for a second think that there was not a bit of sting, a reluctance to part with the old and go forward. I would lie if I said that carrying  my metal airplane made out of discarded cans and the toy car I purchased years ago in Wyoming  back to my room did not hurt. But it was necessary, and it served another purpose that I did not expect.

For the first time, I was able to walk a mile in my clients’ shoes when as a member of the Grafik team, I sit in a founder’s boardroom, and with a sound strategic basis,  inform him or her that it is time that the old look go- to be replaced with a refreshed brand that will take them forward instead of holding them back. For the first time I could really empathize with the CEO who was reluctant to give up a logo that has carried him far for the last 30 years. Now, I get it- I really do.

But at the end of the day, the wisdom that founders (and I include myself in this group) have brought to the table in guiding their firms for  decades has to win out over nostalgia. At the end of the day, it is our duty to look forward to what our companies can be- not just look at where they have been. And if logos have to change- so be it. If lobbies, or signs, or tag lines, or attitudes have to change- then bring it on.

But from now on I will bring it on more gently- understanding that in every poorly executed dated logo- there lies a story and a history that should not be trifled with, should not be dismissed. With every mark, whether it was designed by a mother, a distant cousin, or by another engineer that really believes he can design, there is a bit of legacy that should be put to rest honorably. From now on, I will better understand how to guide my clients onward with a new appreciation of just how hard it may be to go forward.

Grafik has a long history of donating time and talent to causes that have universal impact. One such effort is the work of the International Justice Mission (IJM). Grafik got on board to help raise awareness by creating an identity and website for Stop Injustice: 5 Weeks for Freedom, a major awareness and advocacy campaign to support IJM’s work and give a voice to victims of modern-day slavery and other forms of injustice.

A team of ordinary people is giving up five weeks to cycle 1800 miles of the Underground Railroad from June 28 to July 31, 2010. Grafik designed an interactive website to follow the tour that offers live streaming of the entire event, opportunities to meet the riders and to blog about the tour, “Real World-esque” videos uploaded each night about daily tour adventures, and the chance for spectators to be engaged in the campaign as it is happening throughout the entire tour.

“The team at Grafik is so pleased to be part of this effort.” says Gregg Glaviano, Partner and Creative Director at Grafik. “Personally, I have participated in several long distance rides for causes and I know how much impact they can have on bringing awareness to important campaigns. We knew that designing a website like this to accompany a ride of such importance can do so much to raise consciousness and funds. It also has a huge impact on our company, energizing and inspiring our team to do great work.”

Not only did Grafik design the website, but the riders’ jerseys, supporters’ t-shirts, posters, banners, and wraps for the vans that accompany the riders along the way.  To get involved, to track the ride, or to make a donation, please visit 5weeksforfreedom.org.

Doing great creative work during a recession is sometimes very hard. Yeah, I know I probably should not say this- but after going through (and surviving) several downturns I know what I am talking about. When there is too much time, not enough work, and everyone is worried about saving their jobs and paying their bills, creative suffers. Ironically some times the longer one has to work on a piece, the worse the design ends up being. Dragging out a project to fill time, or fussing too much sometimes breathes the life out of a project.

That is why, in my opinion, the creative awards we have won for the VOA 2008 Annual Report are so special. This annual just picked up the 2010 Communicator Award of Distinction. This is the fifth award the annual has won, and it was selected out of a pool of more than 7,000 entries.

All that of course is wonderful news. But what makes it special to me is the energy and life the creative team breathed into it, with a very low budget and recession pressures abounding.

Award competitions during a recession are funny things. In Grafik’s case- with lots of awards under our belts, for good or for bad, we tend to cut back dramatically on the number of pieces we enter- conserving the money for more important things. This results in our being very very selective, and cuts down on the number of submissions and awards. That’s a hard thing to do since we want to showcase the talents of our creative teams, and let’s face it, it makes everyone feel good. But sometimes the bottomline demands it.

For Grafik the recession is ending. We have been busier with more work, more proposals, more new business pitches than I dare say we have seen in a good 18 months. Our moods are elevated, projects are flying through the office, and our staff is less preoccupied with keeping their work, and more occupied with turning out their work. All good stuff. But it is still the resilience of those who can create when all the chips are down, who refuse to throw in the towel that I believe commands attention. So to the entire VOA team- on the Grafik side and on the client side- Kudos not only for the award, but for keeping the faith.

Grafik was the prime sponsor of the American Marketing Association’s (AMADC) Spring Mix Networking Event held at the Liaison Hotel last week week which sold out to the advertising and marketing community’s movers and shakers on both the agency and client sides. Lance Wain addressed a packed audience on the shifts and success stories in the D.C marketing world and then introduced the event’s keynote speaker, legendary advertising icon Chuck Porter, founder and co-chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky—the agency responsible for creating the advertising for global brands such as Burger King, Best Buy, Coke Zero, BMW Mini, and VW.

Grafik’s interactive staff flanking Chuck Porter on the Liaison Hotel Roof.

“Grafik has been a quiet leader in the D.C. market, steadfast and holding strong for 30 years. We have decided to take a very active role in leading the marketing community for our next 30 years and our commitment to the American Marketing Association and programming like this demonstrates the kind of brand evolution our company is undergoing,” says Wain. “We have a very exciting roster of events coming up that we are planning with the AMADC for the coming year. It is important that our clients and the community know that Grafik is at the forefront of marketing trends, research, and hot creative.”

In attendance at the event were some of Grafik’s key clients including Software AG, Convergent Wealth Advisors, and Travelex Global Business Payments. The next Grafik-sponsored AMADC event will be held in Fall 2010.

Not only is Grafik on center stage with relevant content, but the boutique, Alexandria firm collected its fair share of industry awards in the last year. From a spot in the prestigious 2010 Graphis Annual Reports Annual, to three distinctions in the AIGA 50, plus two ADDY’s, and three accolades from the Art Director’s Club of Metropolitan Washington—Grafik continues to be recognized for creative excellence.

Grafik is looking for people with mobile phones using the Android operating system (Motorola Droid, HTC Incredible, Samsung Moment, etc) to help test an application we are working on. If you are interested in being an alpha tester for this cool, new app, please send me a message for more details on how to get involved.

Thanks to an army of late-comer home builders, all vying to jump on the latest trend bandwagon, the term “Green Home” has been so overused and ill, defined thereby rendering it confusing and ultimately meaningless to new home shoppers. Let’s face it, to really live in a “Green Home” today you’d have to harvest your own rainwater and store it in a cistern on the roof of your bamboo hut.

LEED for Homes on the other hand, has been virtually invisible to the average consumer. Although the term does have equity with some savvy home buyers, the same ones who are down with all the latest trends in New Urbanism and Sustainable Developments. But, by and large, it’s likely the average new home buyer still doesn’t have a clue as to what it really means. Yet some new home builders continue to tout the fact that their neighborhoods are LEED for Homes certified. That would be fine if the USGBC (US Green Building Council) promoted their LEED for Homes program to the public in a major way. But they don’t right now and it’s still not common knowledge.

Welcome to Old Town Commons, located in Old Town Alexandria, this is EYA’s newest residential neighborhood. And it’s one of the largest LEED for Homes certified neighborhoods in the entire country. So, since we’re a big believer in speaking plain English, we proposed a new way for EYA to talk about the features of current construction best-practices and energy efficiency design to prospective home buyers. “Smart City Living,” is the term we’ve coined to highlight the advantages of buying a new EYA home; and it’s prominently displayed in the sales office as well as a soon-to-launch interactive counterpart for EYA.com. The objective is to translate technical features into tangible homeowner benefits so prospective buyers get a clearer picture of EYA’s holistic approach to “green” building, as well as a better understanding of the advantages that a new EYA home offers.

Smart City Living Display in Sales Office

Two weeks ago, I began what I called the great iPhone Experiment. You can read the details of this experiment here, but the general gist was that I decided to return my iPhone 3GS to wait for the iPhone 4 due out this summer after seeing the leaked details from Gizmodo. And of course, since that video was leaked, there have been all kinds of legal issues stemming from the “find” and “sale” of the prototype phone. A quick Google search will uncover countless articles bashing the dude who found the phone, but while people are pointing fingers at who did what and who was ultimately wrong, I was about to embark on throwing all smartphones out the window.

The first weekend began without a phone all together, which presented quite the challenge when I had friends in town that I was trying to sync up with. Let me tell you, relying on home email alone to coordinate meetings and activities is a pain in the rear. It turned out that all my numbers for my friends were in my phone which meant that I had no way to call them, and when I went into the city to pick them up from their hotel, I actually had to print a map before I left the house since I couldn’t look it up on my phone using my GPS position.

You see, I had forgotten to ensure that I had a phone to plug my SIM card into after I returned my phone… Fortunately, my brother came to my rescue. And here is where it gets tricky… the phone he had for me to use was the original iPhone. I seriously contemplated telling him no, that I had promised everyone I was going without a smartphone for 2 months, but when you have a 12 month old child, it’s irresponsible to not have a phone, right? I know this is so, my mom made sure to email me and tell me that now was a good time to finally get a landline for our house. Nope, not going to happen…

Anyway, I had to accept the phone from my brother, BUT… I have done so with a few restrictions in place to try and pursue my original intent:

1. I am strictly using the phone to make calls and text message
2. I am not using any of the applications on the phone
3. I have not activated email

I am sure some of you are sitting there asking me what’s the point then? Well, as unnerving as it was to not have a phone for an entire weekend, it was extremely liberating. Likewise, first few days I had the iPhone without any applications or mail was just refreshing, so I wanted to keep that up as long as I could, especially with a family vacation to the Outer Banks about to start 36 hours from now.

And you may think that this is no longer really an experiment, but I will tell you that in the past two weeks, I’ve learned a few things:

1. You don’t really need email on the go. Certainly, I reached for my pocket a few times at first while I’d wait for the elevator or be stopped at a traffic light, but you know what, there are actually people in the elevator to say hello to, and by God, the alone time you get in your car should be cherished given how crazy so many of our lives are these days.
2. It’s a little challenging to get dressed in the morning without knowing exactly what the weather is going to be like. I’ve had to walk downstairs to the computer and actually look up the forecast before leaving the house. The exercise has been welcomed.
3. Speaking of exercise, I DO miss the Runkeeper app as I figured I would. I’ve had to restrict my routes to streets that I can trace on the manual input application for Runkeeper on their website. By the way, have I told you how much I like that application?? Easily one of the best apps for people who like to exercise. Since using it, I’ve run more in the past 3 months than I have in previous years combined.
4. There is more of a responsibility to remember when your meetings and appointments are… I used to rely on checking the calender on my iPhone or receiving a notification to remind me when I had an upcoming meeting. Not so anymore. I actually have to pull up my calendar in the morning and go through the schedule for the day so that I can plan accordingly.
5. Finally, what I have missed the most is the ability to take pictures and videos. If we didn’t have a boy that was about to take his first steps, it might not be as challenging, but for those of you who have kids, you know how remarkable this time of a child’s life is, and how there is so much to capture. Fortunately, my wife still has her phone, and we do have the FlipCam always handy to capture these moments.

Have I missed my Twitter apps? Or Facebook? No, not really. I’m not really one to obsess over what my friends are doing, so Facebook has never been a draw for me in that way. Posting content or checking on things while I’m on my computer is enough. And as far as Twitter goes, I’ve still used the text feature when something strikes me as interesting… like seeing someone rear end another car yesterday afternoon on my run directly in front of the Association for Professional Insurance Agents in Old Town. Now that would have been something to take a picture of and post with my Tweet.

So far so good. If you all still feel that using the iPhone as just a text/call device is within the original intent of my experiment, I will continue to post how this has impacted my smartphone-enabled life. Personally, while the phone may be fancier than others, using it for text/phone only seems to fit the definition of a smartphone, though even Wikipedia lists varying definitions of a smartphone. Either way, I’m going to continue this email-free, more surroundings-aware approach over the next few weeks… oh, and probably have an even better time on the beach because of it. Now, did I put the sun block?