Besides Illustration and Image Editing, I do Graphic Design and Art Direction. That was my main focus when I graduated from Art School. When I entered the job market, boy did I struggle. Combination of bad timing, the speed in how technology was changing, personal growth issues, but mainly, in hindsight, not setting myself up for success. Finally, in my mid to late 20’s (humble pie) I took on an internship position which turned into a full time gig. The company was “Bleecker and Sullivan Advertising”. No, there was no Bleecker or Sullivan, it was the cross street. I loved being there! The people and talent was immense, I learned so much and we had so much fun. Anyhow, one of the 1st big projects I worked on was for the ASPCA. It was a postcard and subway poster campaign for them which was a follow up from an award winning campaign that they did six months earlier (Credit goes to the copy writer named Eric who was ammmaaazziiinggg, but don’t tell him I said that. He has a a very big ego).

The follow up campaign was challenging. The client had specific imagery that they required, and boxed us in to a 2 color job. (Ssiiigghhh, the days of print.) So the design needed to be bold and simple and at the same time, maintain the integrity as the previous series. We collaborated on a Cat vs Dog theme in where in the headline, they insult each other while a call to action states “Adopt Me”. For Cats, it was “Dogs are boneheads”. For dogs it was “Cats are Pussies”. The client loved our ideas. Everyone was excited. However, several days before it was to go to print, they had concerns about “Cats are Pussies” for the obvious reasons. How I remember, the Creative Director, several writers and account reps, were on the phone with the client near two hours pitching them all sort of tag lines that no one was happy with. Thhheeeenn. I walked into the office, understanding what was happening I scream out “Cats Sleep Around”. With roaring laughter and applause the line was approved on the spot.