everyone has a story — here’s mine

verbal+visual

i write. i design. people look.

My interest in communications started in the late '60’s. I was a University of Florida journalism student majoring in Public Relations who discovered a passion for photography and design along the way.

Classic 60’s appeal — flows from clean composition, a cool head, and crisp, smart copy in this great ad by an unknown agency for BSA Motorcycles – Western. (clik on image to enlarge.)

It’s still inspiring me to provide clean, clear marketing concepts to clients.

Before desktop publishing replaced tradition and craft, print’s Golden Age meant memorable layouts that led with provocative headlines and arresting copy from legends like David Ogilivy and Leo Burnett.

I wanted to be just like them.

When I saw this ad for a BSA Thunderbolt in Cycle World, juxtaposing a sleek, pre-silicon model in the role of a crowbar-wielding setup mechanic, it fired my interest in the magic of advertising and marketing.

Swapping event coverage at nearby race tracks like Daytona, Sebring, and Gainesville Raceway for a press pass and a few inches of bylined copy in the student paper got me close to the action and provided an opportunity to practice my craft in multiple dimensions.

In the years since, digital media has dethroned print, but not inspiration. I’m hanging on to that yellowing page as a reminder that no matter how clever the technology, without creative there is no message.