03-29-10

Upcoming Projects

It’s been a while hasn’t it? Just wanted to shout out to those that are still reading and give a list of updates on a few projects in the works. Some exciting interactive and motion design work is underway that will turn heads. (hopefully)

The last few months have been fairly detrimental for myself and Royal T in general. Wayyy back I realized that this traditional route of print design just wasn’t going to cut it anymore. I’ve always been interested in motion graphics and the nature of interactive work for longer than I can remember. I’ve spent the last year sharpening my skills and preparing some exciting stuff that will be sure to be a refreshment of sorts. To put it simply, I can see my portfolio drastically changing over the next year including several new motion, interactive, web, and even a demo reel.

That being said, a few projects in the works. I can’t divulge too much information but I wanted to share a few words of anticipation. The next few months will be comprised of title sequences, kinetic typography, interactive web, motion design, and more. Be sure to check back as I’ll release updates along the way.

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03-02-10

Always be Learning

It’s funny to take a step back from everything and just realize the amount of information at your fingertips. I recently saw Wired’s Editor in Chief speak about this information database. (commonly known as the internet and beyond) If anything, it reinforced and propelled my drive to “always be learning” into full throttle. If I see something creative or innovative, I want to see how it’s done, and I want to know how I can do it better.

That being said, I’m learning more than ever before. Trial and error, failure at it’s best. Create, fail, step backwards, learn from your mistakes, and propel forward. That’s what it’s all about.

Looking forward to the future struggles, successes, individuals, and friends that make these possibilities a reality.

02-12-10

Hand Crafted Goods

I’ve always had a huge fascination with hand-crafted objects.

Phenomenal work from Benny Gold.

I remember seeing Benny talk at SCAD last fall to a small group of students about his creative journey. He showed a brief glimpse of this recent work and I haven’t been able to find it until recently on his website.

A quote from Benny’s website…
“Last year Gravis hired me to work on their Expedition Series. I created graphics inspired by vintage camp patches, but with a skateboard, surf and snow twist to fit their brand. The patches were designed for their bags shoes and apparel collections. Stay tuned because these products will be in store mid February.”

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On another note, check out this recent video from Complex Mag inside the Redwing Shoes Factory.

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I remember growing up not far from Red Wing, MN. We’d travel there ever so often to play the occasional hockey game or tournament. If you would’ve asked me when I was 12-13 years old if Red Wing Shoes would be a hit among hipsters, fashionistas, and general pop-culture, I would think you’re crazy. I wouldn’t even be able to comprehend the idea of “fashion trends” back then. The people in the work force have been wearing these boots for decades and I think it’s generally funny how you could spot a young person on the Sartorialist wearing these now. The workers of Southern Minnesota wear these because they’re one of the toughest, meanest, most badass boots around. They provide comfort and security, not to mention longevity. I wonder what the people from Red Wing think of this, or even if they know anything of it? They’ve been making these boots for decades because it’s in their heritage, a true red-white-and-blue American tradition for them. The rarities left in the world that improve as they are passed from generation to generation. People just don’t really make things like they used to.

02-11-10

Works in Progress

Lots of “stuff” in the works.

Partnerships. Illustration series. Large canvas works. That’s just the beginning.

02-07-10

Super Bowl XLIV

Everyone enjoy the lazy Sunday and catch up on some Super Bowl goodness.



photo credit: Attik and Brand New.

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Make sure you show some love to the (hopefully) beautiful and creative advertisements this year. Being involved with creative studios over the past few years has opened my eyes to the amount of development, design, individuals, brainstorming, revisions, revisions, revisions, and sheer amount of work involved with creating each detail.

01-08-10

Top 5 Moments of 2009!

2009 was a big year. Billy Mays died, H1N1 had everyone screaming, and the show Jersey Shore surfaced despite several efforts to keep it locked away.

It’s nice to look back at a year and think of the goals set at that exact time the previous year. The so-called “previous” New Year’s Resolution. That being said, there isn’t much that we didn’t “check off the list,” and if there was… we were pretty damn close to doing so. Sure, we failed in areas. Nevertheless, there were some valuable lessons learned along the way. We are also proud to say that we succeeded in several areas and hope we have something to show as a result!

Royal T is proud of the many valuable friendships made in the form of colleagues, clientelle, and relationships. I had the chance to somewhat travel the world here and there and see some beautiful places while experiencing it with close friends and family. It’s not often that the “high bar” of expectations is often surpassed by a “holy shit!”

Here are some of the greater moments that we can remember in 2009.

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01. A.Z. Pumps

Adam Porter and Michael Palm.

You run into these guys on a Saturday night and you might find them doing a keg stand wearing nothing but a pair of jeans. On the other hand, you put a camera in their hands and they do magical things. College life aside, I can’t say enough good things about these two guys. It’s great to be surrounded by people that enlighten you in creative competition. People like this push me daily to improve and put effort into each and every piece of work.

A. Z. Pumps – “Don’t Know Me, Fool” from Adam Zachary Porter on Vimeo.

Keep an eye out for both of these young directors’ as they will have more amazing stuff on the way soon!

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02. Spring Break

Ever since you were little you always looked forward to “spring break.” This may not be the case for the regular hardworking American, but we like to have a little fun every once in a while. It’s a good way to refresh the brain, take a step back from the creative world, and just see life how it’s meant to be. Outside. Plus, you can always result indirectly from a nice break with an unbelievable return.

Here are some photos from the journey.

Some great time with some great friends. Road trippin’ down to Destin, Florida. Where the old folk are abundant and hide inside for that week of madness.

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03. The United Kingdom

I had the pleasure of living in south London for 2 months this summer. Not only was this a great experience but it gave me a broader interpretation for culture and operations. I came to find out that water doesn’t exist in England, it’s merely replaced with pints of Fosters. Traveling up to Scotland and Edinburgh made the trip complete. Check out some photos below.

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04. Savannah Film Festival

The Savannah Film Festival was probably the most entertaining week I’ve ever endured. It brought an entire new meaning to the term “independent film” and “open bar.”

Thanks to a little modeling stint I was able to attend this massive and prestigious event. All-access passes and great cinema.

After experiencing the Savannah Film Festival, I now have a greater appreciation for films as a whole. No longer am I walking into a movie such as “Transformers 2,” and being blown away (not that I was anyhow.) I’m talking about the art of film making, and while there is an extreme amount of talent in the aforementioned, I would rather see the ability to tell stories in a believable manner. Movies to see: Up in the Air, Precious, The Messenger.
Sundance is next on the list.

First photo credit: Jen Yamato

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05. Travel

Made possible by the generosity of several great friends.

London, Minneapolis, Savannah, Minneapolis, San Diego, Valencia, Hollywood, Los Angeles, back to San Diego, back to Los Angeles, back to Minneapolis, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Savannah.

Did an internship at Space150 like mentioned before. Big thanks to Greg Hubacek, Ned Wright, and others!

Photos here:

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12-25-09

Happy Holidaze!

Traveling over the last few months has made me extremely thankful for the friends I have scattered across the world.

I headed home to Minneapolis for a brief period and was offered the great opportunity to do an internship at Space150. Space is the place to be if you’re serious about all things design. The people there are genuine, the space is great, and the entire experience is fulfilling. Check out Space150 here.

Next I trekked it out west to California for the last 8 days to spend some quality time with some of the best people around. San Diego, Valencia, Hollywood, Los Angeles, San Diego, back to Los Angeles, finally back to San Diego… all on the open road within a limited timeframe. I was able to gain invaluable memories and see some beautiful places at the same time. Check out some photos below.

Checked out this antique shop on Newport Ave in San Diego. Saw some amazing old design memorabilia and inspiration. Picked up a LIFE magazine from 1945, completely intact and full of vintage lifestyle content.

Happy Holidays to everyone, keep your food and drinks close, and your family closer.