David Mann

I just stumbled upon this artist, David Mann. He illustrated Easyriders Magazine in the '70s. The magazine celebrated motorcycles and biker culture. Mann's illustrations, for the 70s, are ahead of their time with rich detail and creative perspectives. His illustrations offer a really cool glimpse at what it was like in the freewheelin' times that he worked in.

Mad River Valley, VT

This video evokes so much feeling. I'm not from Vermont, although I do love it, but this is what a marketing/promotional video should do — show, don't tell, and let the personalities tell you all you need to know. Each person watching will connect to it in their own way and it becomes a very organic experience just by simply watching the video. So great.

Trip to Vermont, anyone?

Below The Boat

Every once and a while you see something so cool, you have to share.

Check out Below The Boat for more wood-cut maps. 

HAIM

Recently discovered Haim, and think it's safe to call them the Heart of our generation. So rad. Lovin it. 

In Search Of New Music?

Some good sources for new music to stream:

1. NPR First Listen: Long-running pre-release feature on NPR.org.

2. New York Times Press Play: New stream it first feature from NYT.

3. Spotify New Releases: New and exclusive pre-releases available to stream for free.

Still Evolving …

In the first post I wrote for Casual Evolution, way back in 2009, I explained why I started this blog. To sum it up, I had followed the advice of the owner of a web and graphic design firm in Saratoga Springs. In an informal sit down at the agency, he told me that if I wanted to reach my goal of becoming a professional designer, I needed to network and build my portfolio by doing pro bono work. A blog, he explained, could be my ever-evolving portfolio.

It was sound advice, for sure; and while I haven't been posting new work much of late, Cas:Ev was always there if I had something new to share: whether it was a concert review, a logo I whipped up, a new band I was excited about, or to call in an expert (Thanks Shanna!).

The truth is, with a degree in journalism and a minor in graphic design, I thought landing a job as a designer was a stretch. So I leaned on my writing experience after college, working as a newspaper reporter for three years, and, more recently, as a marketing coordinator at a paper manufacturer. I found creative outlets at both jobs, volunteering to do page layout at the newspaper and designing marketing flyers for Finch Paper. But the desire to become a full-time designer never waned. There were times I feared that I'd lose my creative side and end up doing something mundane and unfulfilling.

But fear not, friends. I'm excited to share that I accepted a job as Junior Designer at Trampoline, a creative and marketing agency in my hometown of Glens Falls (check out their website). I've known  the team (the tramps) through work with Finch, and got to know them on a personal level as well. But I was still  surprised when they reached out for an interview. They understood I hadn't been doing a lot of creative work, but thanks to this blog and through our collaborative work at Finch, they knew what I could bring to the team.

The new digs.

So, thus begins a new chapter in my life -- an exciting one at that. I'll keep Casual Evolution alive, and will post occasionally with updates on the new gig.

Thanks for checking in, and until next time,

Cheers.

- J

Weekend Couch Music

Arcade Fire kicked off their highly anticipated U.S. tour in support of Reflektor last night in Louisville, KY. Here's a review of the show. It sounds like it was a done in grand style, as you'd expect, including multiple stages, the bobble heads that we've grown to love, a man in a reflektive (sic) suit, and a cover of Rolling Stones' "The Last Time". Pretty sweet. Well, you can get a taste of it yourself on Saturday night from the comfort of your couch. It will be broadcast on The Current live.


Also, if you're a fan of Widespread Panic like I am -- even more so of their Wood Tour acoustic shows -- you can listen to free live streaming audio of their current Wood Tour here.


Looking forward to spring releases from Ray LaMontage (May 6), The Hold Steady (March 25), and moe. (May 27). Got any I don't know about?