The Benefits of being a “Triple Threat”

Every now and then we get into a discussion around the office about whether it’s still a good idea to be a “triple threat” design firm instead of picking 1 avenue and specializing. I’m always in favor of diversification, primarily because I think I have the designer’s version of ADD where I can’t sit still in one medium for too long, but I have to admit there are some challenges with managing and marketing 3 seemingly disparate disciplines, (more on that in another post).

But recently, I stumbled on to 2 pieces of confirmation that we’re doing the right thing.

The 1st comes from Karim Rashid’s manifesto (his Karimanifesto if you will, not my word) that I recently read in Daniel Pink’s book, “A Whole New Mind”.  #1 on the list… Do Not Specialize. Granted that’s easy for Karim to say, being a world reknowned product / furniture / interior / whatever designer, but if the principle’s good enough for Karim it’s good enough for me.

The second piece of confirmation came in the form of our latest project, branding an indie movie called “The Action Hero’s Guide to Saving Lives.” The project started with a phone call from a friend of mine, Opie Cooper, needing help with some key art for the movie he just helped direct. (Key art  – see, title treatment and a poster or 2). Having worked with Opie before I knew this was going to be a fun project and so jumped in feet first. Plus it had Patrick Warburton in it and who wouldn’t want to work with the Tick?

Here’s a look at the poster we ended up with…

But then the list of requirements started to blossom, like they do, into more print products (postcards, DVD packaging, more posters) plus a website design, desktop wallpapers, and finally, the ending credits of the movie. Needless to say I was on cloud nine; I always love getting to exercise all three of our “threats” on 1 project. Last week I took a quick trip to LA fro the film’s premiere (Pics below).

Here are the other posters in the series (soon to be released Desktop wallpapers are based on these). (Click to view the posters a lil’ bigger)

A preview of the Homepage we did for the movie.

A taste of the ending credits we did using stills from the movie

On the 1st night I got to meet Dan Angel (the man responsible for the GooseBumps series and the recent Ben Carson movie) and his lovely wife. Opie and his girlfriend were there too.

Previewing the posters before the big night.

The screening was in Paramount Studio’s movie theater.

The event was called Big Shorts 4… as you can see.

There was quite a showing that night.

Of course, it being the Paramount Theater, Star Trek was in the air. There were some Enterprise models on display, this was my favorite.

Inside the MASSIVE theater. I tell you what, if you haven’t seen your work blown up on a 50ft screen… you haven’t REALLY seen your work.

Always be kind to your photographer. This guy gave me good raw materials to work with. (and no, that look on my face isn’t the Whiskey sour kicking in)

Inside the lobby of the theater.