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?

Darren Booth

Hand-lettering and illustration exploded in popularity in 2013 and it appears the trend will continue in 2014. Darren Booth is an artist on the forefront of the movement. You can see why he's sought after by magazines and top clothing brands. He employs organic colors, shapes and patterns to create a hand-crafted feel. Great stuff.

Check out Darren Booth's website here.

New Arcade Fire Songs Debuted Saturday Night

Liking what I've heard so far from Arcade Fire's new album, Reflektor, due out Oct. 29. This concert special aired after Saturday Night Live this weekend, and features a few new songs and cameo's from Bono and celeb/comedians. Here Comes the Night is awesome!

Lay Flat

A logo I just completed for Finch Paper. It will go on packaging and sell sheets.

Sage Cattabriga-Alosa: Skier, Artist, All-Around Gnarly Dude

If there's any way to spark your desire to create some art, this would be it. One of the world's sickest free-ride skiers, Alta, Wyoming, native Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, is also a graphic designer who designs the graphics for his line of Atomic skis. I've always liked his work, along with fellow free-ride skier Eric Pollard, who designs the graphics for his series of Line skis.

Sage lays down some of the gnarliest woods lines and can drop a headwall like no other. His designs might be just as stylish as his riding. I love his integration of nature into his work. Check out this video of an art show he put in Seattle featuring his print work, light sculptures, and projections. Oh right, check out some of his skiing too.

What a life. A boy can dream ...

Hence The Trumpet Keep It Real On Debut, "Unique Boutique"

What do you get when you mix a small town, childhood friends, an electric guitar, drums, and a 30-pack of beer? Hence the Trumpet.

 

Hence the Trumpet's raw sound was refined in the dimly lit bars of Fort Edward, NY, a mill town in upstate New York where singer/guitarist Bud Traver and drummer/vocals Cory Burton grew up. The high school buddies amassed a loyal following playing the local bar circuit as The Dust Patriots, and many of the songs on their debut album Unique Boutique were crowd-tested and approved long before the two ventured into the studio. 

 

Traver's unapologetic lyrics and powerful vocals often draw comparisons to Eddie Vedder, while the band's in-your face style is reminiscent of punk/rock troubadours Green Day. The band pulls their inspirations from the aforementioned bands as well as folk/rock acts like Deer Tick and My Morning Jacket, some of which can be heard in their live performances. But, above all else, HTT has a sound all their own. 

Opening track, "Up Here,"  pays homage to struggling mill towns like their hometown, while the catchy tune, "I Got Interest," tells the all-too-familiar story of big dreams hampered by small-town fate and seemingly insurmountable odds. Born as acoustic songs, Traver gives them new life with reverb-soaked electric guitar, while the band's driving rhythm section brings them to soaring peaks. 

While there is room for growth, Unique Boutique’s strong songwriting and impassioned playing in their debut efforet leaves me anxiously awaiting a follow-up. 

Hence the Trumpet is a small-town band with big-time ability, and one watch for sure.

Unique Boutique can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/HenceTheTrumpet