It never truly occurred to me, until recently, that I needed to dig deeper in understanding the value of design. In the course of a day we run across a thousand and one designs. Why is one better than the other? What makes an Apple better than a PC? Why is my iPhone so damn cool? Does Apple have an equation or formula for great design? Better yet, how did they arrive at being a great designer?

As a Designer of more than a decade I think I have a good grip on what makes things great and what totally blows as a product, logo, site experience, etc. But, does the way I measure it match up with the common population? Can I explain it? Is there a tell-tale metric that would convince nine out of ten people? 

This is what I’m talking about. Here’s an article from Business Week a year or so ago trying to do the same thing.  Harry Rich, deputy CEO of the London-based Design Council, had this to say, “It’s not good enough to expect clients to have faith in the power of design,” he said. Without a cohesive strategy, “every decision you make becomes a battle where you constantly have to justify yourself.” Since he’s from Britain, I say, “bloody hell!” You have to justify yourself. Is this not the hardest thing we do? Ouch.

I’ve always gone with gut instinct, hard-work and a sound design discipline to feel confident that what we’re showing is of high value. Yet, behold the business person—what an unusual species! What with their sales sheets, clean shoes and sharp look and quick questions.

So what to do with this shiny haired, well-mannered lot? Get metricated. I’m out to find value propositions for design, for ideas, for concepts and the quality with which they’re produced. Wish me luck. I’m sure I’ll run into a few business types along the way.

Just got the news that my “50 Ways to Ride” essay to get into the World’s largest offroad race — The Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. They hooked me one of 50 reserved spots in the chute. Hellz yeah! Seriously. I postmarked on the very last day. It was a long shot, but it worked. HUGE THANKS to Duffy and Sitch for pushing me over the top and absolutely loving this mini project. Here’s to riding, Chequamegons and to the Orb!!

The Cranky Pedaller sold out at ArtCrank 2008 so I went back to Studio On Fire for another run. They appeared in this years Art-A-Whirl and were on sale there, too. I’m asking $35 per poster. Let me know if you’re interested in one. 

Printed on French Paper Poptone Sweet Tooth 140 Cover.  

I’ve been invited back for the 2nd installment of the ArtCrank Poster Show at One on One Bikes in Minneapolis. The show opens to a raucous reception on Saturday, April 5th. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend this year’s reception, but stoked to be going on vacation. I can’t wait to hear how it goes.  The event ties two of my favorite things together in one of the coolest places in town—biking and art. Seriously.

Muchos propos to Charles Youel for masterminding this brilliant event. You can read all about the show here. There will be hor’ derves, beer, music and best of all you can purchase posters anywhere from $15-$25 per piece. That’s insane talk. I’m definately gonna send my bro’s in with a fat stack of ones to score some tasties. My piece is, at this point, is called, “The Cranky Pedaller” although I may change that to, “The Pedal Pusher”. Either way, I’m extremely stoked to have finished and have handed my file over for letter pressing at Studio On Fire. There, little print elves make magic on paper with, well, magic. It’s brilliant just like Ben, Stan, Jeremy, Andrew and Selina who keep it real there everyday.

Anyway, I hope you can make it and let me know what you thought of the show. Here’s a look at my piece with a white frame around it. If you’re looking to get a purchased poster framed you can look into Mitre Box just down the street and they’ll hook you up.

I’m asking $35 per poster. If you’re interested, drop me a note. jason@supraformusa.com.

Printed two color on French Duro-Tone Butcher Extra Blue 100# Cover paper.