Geez 15 section dividers

For the start of each new section in Geez 15, I created some custom lettering by scanning a plastic lettering template (visible in the middle picture).

Geez 15, the slippery issue

The cover of Geez 15 was guest-designed by The Goggles, a duo who have done many projects, including I Live Here, a book project with Mia Kirshner and J.B. Mackinnon. Check out a preview of Geez 15 here.


The Goggles also contributed this image, Facebook #14, to Geez 14.

George Fox cards

This is a cool pack of cards I designed for George Fox University; the cards are diecut and bound by a printed silicone band that can also be a bracelet. It's given out to high school students at college fairs and other events, and introduces them to the university. Writing credits go to Mike Richeson, with brainstorming assistance from the whole marketing communications department at George Fox.

Tigard Community Friends

This is a logo I recently designed for Tigard Community Friends Church. The woven tree represents several things (their theme of "belonging, believing, becoming," the Trinity, etc.). Trees have been used in lots of church logos, so I was excited to come up with an interesting twist on that tired theme. The original sketch looked a bit too much like a tribal tatoo, so I redrew it to be more angular and I think it works better.

Geez 14 art contributors

The photographer JR does these amazing installations celebrating women in marginalized, conflict-ridden parts of the world. He reinvests earnings from his art back into the slums.


The artwork of Mark Bryan has been featured many times in Geez. This piece is titled Pie in the sky. From his artist statement: "Given this beautiful planet, our intelligence, talent and opposable thumbs, one would think that things for us would be a lot better than they are. I suppose I've carried a general disappointment in human nature for quite a while that makes itself apparent in most of my work."

This photo by Steve Lambert is featured on the back cover. He does some really interesting work, such as designing and building a video game called Simmer Down Sprinter that measures the player's biofeedback (the more you relax, the faster you go), and a browser plug-in that replaces all the ads on a website with Art. Also check out his anti-advertising agency.

My head is a book and it is on fire.

A t-shirt I designed for Barclay Press commemorating their 50th anniversary.

Urban grit Newberg style part III

The third and final installment of gritty old typography found in Newberg, Oregon.


This sign near the skatepark makes me happy each time I see it.


Wash me. I think these letters are styrofoam.


Many years ago Darby's was a cool old diner on the main street. It's long gone, but this sign in the alley behind it lingers on.


This hand-painted sign is on one of those old quonset huts.


I wish I could tell what was painted on the front of this abandoned bus. Bi-La-Vonne?

I was on the Tonight Show

Okay, not really, but this shirt I originally designed back in 2004 was; Conan O'Brien makes fun of it here at the 7:45 mark.



It's nice to see they are still using the design. Thanks to Eric, who originally came up with the "go for the Au" idea, for spotting this.

Urban grit Newberg style part III

Urban grit Newberg style part II

More grungy old typography found in here in Newberg.

I like how this sign blended in perfectly with the blue sky.


Nowadays no one would get a hand painted wood sign like this, they'd get some vinyl lettering or digital output. This ages better...


Although this plastic sign is pretty cool.


One of my favorites; I used it as a backdrop for this Geez photo.



Yes, we have a functioning drive-in theater in town. I like the "of" and "the" ligatures. (And yes, I'm a design nerd.)

Urban grit Newberg style part I

Inspired by my friend Eric's post of found typography, I rode my bike around Newberg looking for urban grit type. Pretty slim pickings compared to when I drove around Indianapolis with Eric, looking for cool old signs.

I found glory.


Sometimes stuff gets more interesting the less legible it becomes.


What little graffiti there is in Newberg is mostly sloppy tags; this is one of the few stencils I've seen.


Yes, we're open; be back soon!

Most signage in Newberg is boring and plastic. Plastic and vinyl doesn't age as beautifully as wood and paint and metal. This peeling vinyl letter is interesting, though.

Happy 4th of July

This warm-hearted message brought to you by a guy in my neighborhood, who feels this sentiment is important enough to share with anyone driving behind his trailer. I believe this is an excerpt from the text on the statue of liberty, but I could be mistaken.

Design ethics

I gave a talk to George Fox University art and design students on how my path has been shaped by ethical considerations. I handed out these cards with a link to my blog and how to find a couple of essays online that were meaningful milestones for me regarding design ethics.


I also talk about projects at my previous job that I found troubling ethically. This logo was one such project: an identity design for a company that created interactive tv, a way for people to connect with brands in ways that "will create a true relationship between viewer and product and may even encourage them to internalize brands as an element of personal culture and self-expression." In other words, encourage people to watch more tv, buy stuff through their tvs, and ultimately define themselves through the brands they consume. Needless to say, I was thankful to switch jobs shortly thereafter.

Geez wins Utne award

Geez magazine won Utne Reader magazine's 2009 award for Best Spiritual Coverage magazine in their annual independent press awards. You can read their comments here (half way down).

George Fox University viewbook

This is the new George Fox University viewbook for potential undergrad students; I designed it in conjunction with the new undergrad admission website (below). We tried to capture life at George Fox with lots of photos, captions and testimonials. Click to enlarge.

Geez 14: the awkward issue

Geez magazine issue 14, the awkward issue, featuring the winners of the "daringly awkward sermon contest." Check out one of the winning sermons here. The cover photo is from the Square America snapshot archive; it's one of my favorite Geez covers. The magazine is divided into different sections with photos of leaps of faith.