Sketches inspired by Cairo images

A couple of weeks ago, I started research for a poster commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Haymarket incident in Chicago in which eight policemen were killed (mostly by friendly fire) and dozens of protesters were killed or injured. Though I'm a lifelong resident of the area, I was a little ashamed at how little I knew about this violent and pivotal event in the history of workers' rights. When the poster is completed, I'll post it along with some background on the events of that time.

In the meantime, the images coming out of Egypt capture the anger of the Egyptians in their struggle for freedom. Today, at what is called the "Day of Departure" rally, thousands of citizens are protesting peacefully while just blocks away, violent confrontations continue. Hopefully the situation will find a peaceful resolution soon.

Here are a few quick sketches inspired by some of the recent images out of Cairo:

Egypt09

Egypt06

Egypt02

Bears vs. Packers: a call for civility

With all of the nasty skirmishes and head-butting of late, maybe it's time we put aside our partisan squabbling and toned down the vicious rhetoric. It IS just a game after all.

What's that? No takers? All right then, fine.

MAUL 'EM BEARS!

2nd "Sweet by Design" book cover proposal

This is my second entry for author Steffan Postaer's contest to come up with a cover design for his latest novel "Sweet by Design" which can be read in its entirety here. There are about sixty entries, many of which are very clever. While I usually don't take part in "crowdsourcing" artwork, I thought the idea of rolling out a book by posting it online chapter by chapter was fun and different and I enjoyed the collaborative nature of the contest.

The book is a mostly light hearted "road trip" story, about a Chicago interior designer who, along with his faux fianceé,  makes a visit to GreenBay, WI for his father's 80th birthday party. It's a fun story with good characters.

Steffan himself has just announced on his blog that he's leaving his post as Chairman & Chief Creative Officer of Euro RSCG Chicago. Best of luck to him in his next venture.

Happy New Year to the incoming Congress

So far, they can't even agree on what to call it when they actually agree on something. Dems call it "compromise" and the GOP calls it "common ground". Either way, let's hope they can find enough of it to get something accomplished in the next two years.

Holiday Office Party decorum

Even with budget cutbacks, busy schedules, and a lingering recession, we still find time to get together with friends and coworkers to celebrate the holidays. For those still employed in the standard business model, here are a few decorum reminders for the annual holiday office gathering:

1. The punchbowl is NOT your friend.

2. Assume that everything you say or do will end up on Facebook for all to see.

3. You will have to go back to your routine and face those same coworkers at some point.

With these tips in mind, have a merry holiday season and a wonderful and prosperous New Year!