Happy New Year!
Well hello there, friends! Look who launched a redesign on January 1st!
Yesterday afternoon I found myself with a little extra time so I decided to work on a new design for the site since that was one of my 2009 goals. It’s not 100% done, but it was close enough that I figured I’d go ahead and soft launch it and add a few details as time goes on.
Hope you enjoy it, and I hope that 2009 brings you everything that you hope. Just in case you were bored with the Waterford crystal ball, here’s a list of other things that drop on New Year’s Eve.
Professional Drunks?
Saw this tweet from my friend @americopywriter earlier this evening:
Ringing in 09 at home w Amy. Apps w the kids. Steaks and a splurge wine after they are down. No amateur drunks. N o Seacrest. Perfect.
The term “amateur drunks” caught my interest and I thought about it all evening. What’s the difference between an amateur and a professional drunk?
I think the main point of difference between a top-grade drunk and some farm team drunk is knowing what you’re getting into and making allowances for tearing it up right. The wise drunk takes a cab.
Here’s hoping that if you’re out there celebrating tonight you’re drinking like a pro, you magnificent bastard.
Just when you think no one notices…
I was doing some work this afternoon when I received an instant message from a contact I hadn’t heard from in years. He was a member of mograph.net when I was really active in that community and he was hitting me up with a question about After Effects expressions that had been driving him insane all day.
Unfortunately it’s been about 4 years since I’ve been so deep into After Effects that I’ve even needed to write any sort of expression and my lack of practice left me being not much help.
Before we signed off he said something that really made my day and made me think about my personal branding goal that I discussed a couple of posts ago. He said:
You know, I’ve really looked up to you for inspiration and knowledge throughout the years and some of the ass kickings you gave me on mograph really helped me learn and grow. So, thanks for that.
It would have never dawned on me that my involvement on that motion graphics bulletin board would have that much impact on someone’s career — let alone the possibility of multiple people’s careers. But there it was. I made a difference in someone’s life in a way that I never thought was noticed by others.
I almost said “in a way that I never thought mattered” but stopped and chose my words again. I never thought that. Everything matters. This is a perfect illustration as to why.
I’m going to use this compliment to help shape my personal branding efforts. As I strive to be seen as an expert in my field and an expert collaborator, I need to remember the effect that collaboration has. You never know when it’s going to come back around years later and become part of your brand perception.
