Purebloom

Flow-rite Controls

2009-09-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Flow-rite Controls wanted to not just update their website, but create an online shopping cart that provided different dealer levels and pricing. Sam Oltz was the developer on this project and made all the awesome functionality happen. Everything is editable by the client, from the homepage picture, to adding tabs automatically when navigation is updated and all the other wonderful things that happen when integrating a website into a content management system.

Check it out: http://www.flow-rite.com

Comstock '09

2009-08-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to be working on this project. Comstock is an event that has been developed by us, here at Spearia. We got the idea to have a big event for our big move into Comstock in September. We have teamed up with some great sponsors in order to bring an exciting day of peace, love, music, and freestyle motocross... as well as some kid's activities in the park.

Anyway, I had the pleasure of developing the site that Marie-Claire and Pat Perry designed... buy some tickets online and come on out and enjoy the day. Saturday, September 26th from 1pm-10pm.

http://www.comstock09.com

Summer & Starlight

2009-06-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

I recently finished up a cd design for Summer & Starlight, a local Grand Rapids band. Summer & Starlight was a project started by Justin Vanhaven, and was a solo act for quite some time. Recently he has started playing and recording with a couple other musicians and this CD is their first release as a band.

You can check out his music at http://www.summerandstarlight.com or http://www.myspace.com/summerandstarlight as well as on itunes, and numerous other places online.

Freedom Fire

2009-05-19T06:12:00.001-07:00

My most recent project to launch with Spearia. Freedom Fire was looking for a site that provided the same content, but had an updated look. They also wanted something that was easy to update, so we integrated the site into Wordpress allowing them to access to easily edit information and add pictures.

http://www.freedomfirewi.com

Spearia Demolition!

2009-04-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Yo, we went down to the new building (which is actually an older building that is being renovated) and did some demolition. The new place is going to be a huge upgrade for us, and we are all looking forward to it.

Anyway, take a look at me smashing a wall. Your life won't be the same after watching it.

Spring has sprung!

2009-03-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's almost April. It seems like the past couple months have just been flying by. I'm fast approaching 90 days with Spearia (http://www.spearia.com) which has been a riot. I imagine I'm sounding a bit redundant now, but not a day goes by that I'm not grateful to be a part of that team. The guys are all extremely talented and I've already learned such a ridiculous amount. I'm loving it.

I ordered an MSI Wind U120 which is scheduled to come tomorrow. I got it for my wife, and for just a fun family computer to tote around. I'm also extremely excited to get my Macbook Pro in April. Everything is coming together.

I'm really excited to play a role in the "new" Spearia. We're moving sometime mid to late summer to a building in Comstock Park and we're going to all be involved in the layout and look of the office, as well as launching a new site and possibly rebranding.

The kids are growing, and thriving, and too smart for their own good. That's the other great thing about the new job, it offers flexibility. I'm able to have the option to work from home on occasion - as well as set my own hours.

New jobby, and new year.

2009-02-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well, things are going quite well at the new place of employment. I'm certainly being challenged and having fun. I've learned more CSS in the past three weeks than I have in the past several years. It's ridiculous. Even so, I still have a ton to learn.... and want to learn it "right".

The designing comes more easily for me... not to say it's easy, but it's more natural. The developing is what I've really got to work at and I'm trying to learn as much as possible and still get it done correctly during the learning process.

Anyway, I still feel very excited and blessed to have this opportunity and thoroughly enjoy the people I work with and the work I'm able to take part in. It's going places!

Mid Michigan Eats! 2.0

2009-01-09T05:35:00.001-08:00

Back in September we basically launched the first incarnation of Mid Michigan Eats!. Since that time a lot has been happening in both my professional and personal life that has sidetracked progress on the site.

In the beginning of December, Kristy was our first winner for the $25 gift card giveaway. Out of the restaurants she could choose, she ended up selecting Marie Catrib's. We plan to follow up and have a winner review from her.

Anyway, during this past week or so we finalized our Food Bytes and will have information on food products from restaurants, grocery stores, personal recipes, etc. Basically, it's our section for any food related bit of information we'd like to share. We want the site to be more than just a restaurant locater, with reviews, menu's, and pictures. We want it to be a resource for product information and events as well.

Right now, in order to take the next step and ensure that the site continues to grow and reaches some level of success (to us successful purely means that it is actually a tapped resource) we need input/feedback from users or potential users (this means you!).

What things would you like to see or don't want to see? Would you actually use the site? Would you use the site if different features were added? Just hit us up with comments/suggestions/feedback. We love to hear from you and take your input seriously.

Thanks, and check out http://www.midmichiganeats.com - want to add a restaurant that isn't on there, contact us and we'll get it added as soon as possible.

Transition

2009-01-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm going to be making a pretty big transition here shortly. This is my last full week at EVS, and then just two more days next week. I'm really excited and eager to jump right into things, I'm not exactly certain what to expect - but I do think it will be much more rewarding and challenging.

Being excited about work, and a career is so foreign to me... simply because the last four and half years have really lacked any advancement whatsoever. I mean, sure, it will look good on my resume... but that's about it. It's not that I'm not grateful for the opportunity, I am, I'm just disheartened that in that amount of time the changes (or lack thereof) that took place.

I guess being excited isn't completely foreign. Doing freelance work the past five years, and working at Rapids Computer Solutions were definitely two big stepping stones. David Marker provided me an awesome opportunity and a helpful start with working with a team and the experience of one-on-one communication with clients. Looking back I learned there is a lot more to the job than just the designing.

I'm hoping for a smooth transition and some exciting times ahead! Fingers crossed!

Resolution Met

2008-12-31T09:12:00.001-08:00

I'm extremely elated to report that as of yesterday new employment has been confirmed. I'll be working with the guys and gal(s) over at Spearia after my two weeks here at EVS come to a close (officially gave my notice an hour or so ago).

Benefits:
• Doing what I love (designing graphics and websites as a "professional")
• Benefits after 90 days (including health insurance)
• Regular job performance reviews (I've never had one in the 4.5 years here)
• Closer to home (20 minutes, not 50 minutes)
• Umm.... have I not yet mentioned much better pay? Yes!!!
• And to top it off, they are a cool, exciting, young, fresh company with similar values and style (and they have a dog).

New Year's Resolution

2008-12-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

My new year's resolution is leaving this place (job). I may have a resolution to that sooner than I think, I definitely hope so anyway. We'll see... until next time.

Digtune.org

2008-12-15T15:51:00.001-08:00

So, recently (as in today) I decided to get started on putting together a music review blog/website. I have a lot of ideas for this, but primarily my goal is to provide quality reviews on some of today's music.

I want to involve other people on this project to offer up a variety of reviews, and musical tastes. I especially want to put some focus on the unsigned/independent/underground/undiscovered talent that is out there.

I think starting off with no rules, per se, is a good idea... and just letting it become whatever it will. I have a couple friends and acquaintances that will be involved. I believe pulling on that talent will help make it especially interesting by having different perspectives.

We'll see. Take a look at http://www.digtune.org

Job Search

2008-12-11T13:34:00.001-08:00

So, as I mentioned I've been actively seeking new employment. I have a couple interviews lined up for next week and have a couple more that are not yet scheduled. They are all in the field I'm after and I'm excited about all of them, but one does stick out.

My biggest concern is lack of formal education, being mostly self-taught in the field as well as possibly having "unconventional" habits. I just hope they can see past that.

My biggest hope is that one of these places takes a "chance" and realizes my passion for this field and desire to continue to learn and become a better designer.

I've got a lot of freelance work coming in, so that's definitely good. As the portfolio grows the work continues to get better and better as I learn new things along the way.

We'll see!

Theologians - Wilco (Cover by Isabella)

2008-12-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know that I'm a big Wilco fan. Well, Isabella is a big Wilco fan too - it's one of her favorite bands, actually Cake is probably her favorite (She loves "No phone, no phone, I just want to be alone today.... no phone").

However, Theologians is another favorite... it's the first song she learned (well, partially).

Without further ado.

Roads

2008-12-04T05:31:00.000-08:00

I hate icy roads. M-57 has had some very slippery parts this week. Ugh.

Fingers Crossed

2008-11-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

A possible job prospect is in the works. I'm really praying about this one. It's with a media/design company and I'll hopefully be meeting with them next week. I don't really have much else to say at this point as I've only communicated briefly via email and phone.

Several months ago I sent in my resume and a short email explaining that I was looking for an entry-level web/graphics position. I just heard back a couple days ago with a follow-up and then spoke briefly on the phone to schedule something for next week.

As I said, I'm really hoping on this one. If you know me at all then you know that this freelance web and graphic design work I do is obviously my passion. I know I'm certainly not the best designer, nor am I the best developer/coder, but I do know that my passion is unrivaled. I haven't always been the most conventional and nor have I always followed the exact compliance standards, so if nothing it has sort of served as a wake up call. Proper markup is something I'll do in the future regardless of whether I land this position or not. I know this company would make me a better designer/developer and I know I would certainly be an asset them too.

But anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Trying to stay grounded though and not get too excited about it.

We'll see. Whatever happens, I'll certainly still be involved in one way or another.

Business Cards

2008-11-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

The business cards came, and I think they look good. I got the cheapest option, and must say that I thought the quality may reflect that, but that certainly isn't the case. They are just basic cards, but as a "starving artist" the cheapest option was the best for me, for now.

I would love to get some fancy ones with glossy finish, and some embossing as well, just to give it that professional designer edge. Also, I'd love to have the backside printed with a cool radial gradient background with just the logo and url. Regardless, above is a picture and they'll suffice.

Cafepress Store Closed

2008-11-21T08:41:00.001-08:00

I've decided to close the Cafepress store that I had up because I was less than satisfied with the print quality. It was most definitely my own fault for not researching it further. I'm currently looking into local screen printers to keep the cost down by reducing shipping, and focusing on selling to local businesses who may be interested in carrying some of my stuff. It's obviously just a hobby/idea right now, so it's on the back burner at this time.

Joe's Produce

2008-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have never actually been, but this place looks awesome. My wife's grandparents bought me some peanut butter from Joe's Produce for my birthday. Their website, http://www.joesproduce.com/ was listed on the container so I checked it out. They look to have an awesome selection of produce, and organic/natural as well. If the rest of their stuff is anything like their peanut butter than I'll be making a special trip there at some point. Check them out if you're in that area.

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Business Cards

2008-11-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

I just finished the design, and am having them printed. I'm ready to attack this full force. We'll see how quickly I go through them, but the faster the better. While I'm at it, if you know someone who needs any work done - send them my way! The majority of my work has been for businesses and organizations, but lately I've been doing more and more work for individuals. Mostly photo manipulation, like the picture of my son below. I can take your pre-existing pictures and give them that extra bit of professionalism. Or if you want some post cards of the family for the upcoming Holiday season, I got that covered as well.

Basically, RCS was the springboard for this. Working there renewed my passion and desire to do this, and got things rolling. Hopefully I can run with that momentum and either have this company blossom (It's destined to, right? I mean with the name Purebloom how could it not "blossom"?). Either that, or at the very least it may help build up my portfolio and show potential employers the kind of work I am capable of.

Although it isn't always easy, and the hours involved on top of the regular day job can be a drag, I am still having fun and still getting work coming in - that is the most important thing.

New Digital Camera - Nikon Coolpix L18

2008-11-17T07:06:00.001-08:00

Well, my wife and I were unexpectedly surprised this weekend by her parents with a new digital camera. They purchased a Nikon Coolpix L18 8MP Digital Camera for us after they discovered our camera was broken. I posted how it broke earlier, and so we are very thankful and excited to be able to take pictures again. You don't realize how many pictures you take until you can't take them, and with two little kids you take a lot of pictures.

I've checked out all the settings, and looked at some reviews online, and it certainly is a step up from our Finepix. I think it's a great point-and-shoot camera. So, my 'no digital camera' problem has been remedied. It was extremely nice of them to do that for us, very cool.

Purebloom Apparel

2008-11-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

I've decided that for my apparel/merchandise work that the name will stay the same, but that area of work should have its own look. I've got a logo made up, and some stuff online that's available for purchase if you're interested in supporting the Purebloom work. It's kind of like elegance neets grunge. If you'd like it in other colors let me know and I can make that happen.

Mid Michigan Eats! Online Restaurant Guide

2008-11-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

The site is growing, everyday we're getting more and more restaurants plugged in and with menus, and google maps as well. We still really believe in making this a truly helpful resource and not just some project to try and "get rich". Although, we are preparing to get setup with some local businesses that will be doing some relevant advertising on the site.

While putting together a site like this it's amazing how many places there are to eat, both good and bad. The quantity of places to dine in Grand Rapids alone is pretty crazy. I've realized there are so many places that I haven't been, and there are so many places I want to try. Hopefully this will become a resource that not only others can use, but myself included.

In addition, I really believe this will become a helpful for the small 'mom and pop shops'. With the help of users like you, leaving honest reviews, it could really help some of these small places get more exposure, and get more business.

And finally... this site is run by two REAL people. If you send an email through the contact form one of us will get back to you. If you have a restaurant to suggest that isn't on our list, we'll add it. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback - we'll listen.

We love supporting local business, and we love food, so each month we have an ongoing gift card/certificate giveaway. You just need to enter an approved review to have an entry in the drawing. You can submit multiple reviews for multiple entries and at the end of the month we will randomly select a review and that person wins the gift card. Even if you don't win, you're supporting and helping grow a resource that will be useful for others.

Now go see if your favorite restaurant (or the one you despise) is on http://www.midmichiganeats.com/. If so, leave a review! If not, shoot as an email and we'll get it added as soon as we can.

Thanks,
Dave

Eco-Facts

2008-11-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

Eco-Facts is a new design that is simple, but packed full of information. A lengthy list in very small text that outlines multiple facts on how you can reduce your carbon footprint, text is in the shape of the recycling symbol. It is fittingly available in the organic tee.

All Natural!

2008-11-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

As you'll see I've got a new design available at the Purebloom Store. Targeted toward parents who practice healthy eating and living habits for their children. Currently, the design is available on a onesie and a bib.

Michigan Love

2008-11-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

I had the idea the other day that when things are slow at Purebloom.com that I would work on some custom t-shirt designs. I've put together a temporary storefront where you can check out the designs and purchase them if you'd like.

However, even more importantly than selling them (which by the way I'm not looking to make a living, just a couple extra bucks) is getting some inspiration and clever ideas. So, I thought what better way is there than asking friends, and potential consumers.

Submit your idea to me in an email, by responding to this post, or through one of the many social networking sites I'm on. I'd love to hear any ideas, and in addition if you're looking for custom work - let me know and I can make that happen.

Hopefully I'll be continually adding (and subtracting) to this, and it may take awhile before I get it right. Please, feel free to leave any feedback.

Broken Digital Camera

2008-11-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

Recently our Fujifilm Finepix A700 7.3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoomcamera got messed up. It has been an awesome camera for us, and we've taken thousands of pictures with it, but a small plastic piece on the battery cover broke off and got jammed into the memory slot. My father-in-law attempted to extract the piece with jewler's tweezers, and eventually got it, but upon inserting our card we were unable to access it (the card is definitely not damaged). It looks like the "threads" on the inside are damaged - that likely happened during attempted extractions, or it could've happened when the piece was lodged in there. Either way, this is definitely not under warranty.

So, now we have the option of sending it in to get it repaired, which after shipping costs will be likely the same as buying it new. OR we can purchase a new camera and upgrade a bit (or a lot). It doesn't seem within my price range right now, but I've really been wanting a DSLR camera. It would not only be used for family pictures, but also it would prove very useful for my media work.

The one that has garnered the most attention from me after lots of research is the Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black). It's an entry-level, budget-friendly, digital single-lens reflex that has received a ton of good reviews. For a photography enthusiast this is a great step into both the digital and slr world. Likely I'll end up setting for another point-and-shoot, but should I scrap together enough money you can be certain this is the camera I'd go for!

Facebook Advertising

2008-11-11T21:21:00.001-08:00

I'm currently running an advertising campaign with Facebook's ad manager. It's similar to Google's Adwords, but there are a couple things I like better about it. It's much more targeted, for instance you can define location, age group, interests, relationship status and more. This is obviously helpful because you can immediately weed-out people you know (or think) won't be interested in your ads.

In addition, you get a ton of impressions. I'm not sure if this has to do with it being "newer" than Adwords and less advertising taking place - but the impressions are very high. I've seen my own ad multiple times now.

Finally, Facebook's CPC is very reasonable. You can set this up and modify it throughout the campaign. I'm interested to see how it continues, and hopefully it proves to drum up some business.

Grand Rapids Natural Parenting

2008-11-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I designed the logo for Grand Rapids Natural Parenting, a group of primarly mother's (there are a couple dad's) who all share similar parenting styles and beliefs. This is a non-profit organization and my time was donated into helping develop an image for this great group of parents.

The New Purebloom.com

2008-11-10T10:54:00.000-08:00

After seven great months as the Creative Director for Rapids Computer Solutions we've amicably decided to part ways. I am still staying busy as an independent contractor for Rapids, which is wonderful because we are still able to work together, but it also has allowed me to devote more time into the development of my own company, Purebloom. In addition, it allows me to focus purely on the design work and not as project manager for the team. However, I would love to for Purebloom to grow and the possibility of that happening will greatly depend on the next six months, or so. I'm really pushing to turn this freelance work into a full-time career and expand.

If you need any work done, check us out at http://www.purebloom.com/

Thanks!

The Law Office of Jeffrey D. Mapes, PLC

2008-10-27T11:37:00.001-07:00

After visiting my portfolio, Jeffrey Mapes emailed me about having me take care of his company branding. From his logo design, to his website development. After several mockups of the logo we came to a simplistic but professional logo that included Jeff's initials. He had seen this look before and wanted his logo to be similar. Jeff also had a clear idea on how he wanted his website, something simple, something easy to read, but something that had that professional touch.

Visit his site at: http://www.mapes-law.com/

Mid Michigan Eats!

2008-09-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is a project that was created by myself, and a co-worker. After discussing our lunch time options we realized that it would be great if there was a comprehensive website that not only listed address and contact information, but ratings and reviews, pictures, and especially menus. Not just for the big chains, but for the mom and pop shops too.

Have a look at http://www.midmichiganeats.com/!

Grand Rapids Natural Parenting

2008-09-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

This is a Cafepress storefront created by one of the members of The Grand Rapids Natural Parenting group. The logo was something I designed for them.

Sparta Area Schools

2008-08-29T12:04:00.001-07:00

We launched the Sparta Area Schools website this past Wednesday. The new site is still undergoing a bit more tweaking.

In addition to looking better, it now is easier to navigate and find information.

Fritz Wahlfield Construction Company

2008-08-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just finished up the design for Fritz Wahlfield Construction Company. By the time you're reading this the newly update site should be "live". It is the second design I've done for Fritz Wahlfield Construction Company and a great improvement on the old design. It's been a great experience working with Fritz and I'm hoping the new site can help aid in the success of their business.

The Village of Sparta

2008-07-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that we launched the Village of Sparta's website last night. The new site reflects their new marketing campaign and organizationally it is much better laid out. It's my first big project working for Rapids Computer Solutions and I'm hoping it will result in some more projects. I've attached a screen shot of the site, but take a look for yourself @ spartami.org. Also, check out an article in the Advance about the new site.