IMPROMPTU | Brian Thomas Wright Creative Group

Cut & Paste

2009-03-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

Cut & Paste PDX was March 8 in the Grand Ballroom at the Portland Art Museum. A grand setting for an interesting battle of graphic and motion arts. Despite a few technical difficulties it was interesting to see 2D and 3D artists battle it out for the title to compete in New York City. As a 2D designer I was slightly disappointed in the lack of creativity involved in execution, design and color palette. Out of all 8 designers competing, only 3 ventured away from Illustrator. To give them credit though, they did only have 20 minutes to finish their design and get their concept across.

First signs of spring

2009-03-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

This years weather has been unpredictable. Today it is a mix of rain, snow, and hail but the sun is managing to peak out from behind the clouds just to reassure us of its presence. In the middle of the unpredictable weather, there are signs of spring: buds littering the ends of tree branches and crocuses breaking out of their winter slumber. These optimistic sightings inspire creativity. The summer is on its way.

Stain Glass at the Roseway Theater

2009-02-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Paramount Studios logo

MGM Studios logo

Before we sat down to watch the film "He's Just Not That Into You" I snapped these photos of the wonderful stain glass windows at the Roseway Theater. Check them out.

View from our office – from dusk til dawn

2009-02-05T16:40:00.001-08:00

We have been enjoying the beautiful Portland weather the last few weeks.

1000 Journals Project

2009-01-29T22:53:00.000-08:00

Brian Singer introduces us to his 1000 Journals Project at an AIGA event in Portland yesterday.

Brian explains how he uses scraps from telephone poles to create the art you see below.

It was inspiring to hear Brian Singer discuss the genesis of his project and the long journey he has taken to make it successful. Check out the project at 1000journals.com to learn a whole lot more about the project.

Parking Lot Snow Art

2009-01-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

When I drove into work this morning, I noticed an interesting array of lines in the parking lot. I took this shot from our office window.

Remodeled Roseway Theater Looks GREAT!

2009-01-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to see "Slumdog Millionaire" at the Roseway Theater on NE 72nd and the interior looks great. The theater was packed and the movie was excellent. This is one of few single picture theaters in Portland with both digital picture and digital sound. Heck, the seats were new and comfortable.

Oh, be sure to check out the concave widescreen. Very cool.

HAPPY 150th BIRTHDAY OREGON.

2009-01-13T14:53:00.001-08:00

Oregon is celebrating its 150th birthday this year! YEAH!

While we were at an American Marketing Association luncheon, there was a Seski sighting (Oregon's new mascot). Find and follow him on twitter.

Check out www.oregon150.org for more detail about all the exciting "happenings" during our states 150th birthday year.

Inspiration

2009-01-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

The creative mind of Michel Gondry

The Color Purple - New Year's Eve

2009-01-02T09:54:00.003-08:00

The musical "The Color Purple" is in Portland for its national tour (Dec. 30 - Jan. 4) and we really enjoyed the amazing performances. If you can see it before the tour ends in February, we would highly recommend it.

The Nines – downtown Portland

2008-12-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

One of the many lounge/bar areas.

View of Pioneer Square from the 10th floor.

The restaurant/bar Urban Farmer.

Luckily, when the weather starts to make you feel like a shut-in, we have amazing places to escape. We were lucky enough to get to stay a the Nines, in downtown Portland. The beautifully decorated and managed hotel spoke to our designer minds and inspired creativity. I definitely recommend at least having a glass of wine in the bar or shooting pool in the library inspired pool room complete with an antler chandelier.

First Holiday Swag of the Season

2008-12-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

Our client, Logo Products, brought us some holiday cheer. We got their newly released collectible airplane featuring our favorite team - the Ducks.

What makes this plane so special? Each wing is signed by UO Football coach Mike Bellotti and UO Basketball coach Erine Kent. Sweet!

Kiva

2008-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

As we are challenged by a struggling economy, we feel it is important to support individuals through organizations like Kiva. Kiva is a non-profit organization connecting people around the globe in an effort to eradicate poverty. Alejandrina lives in a small town near Lake Titicaca in Peru. In order to support her family, she has been traveling to areas without phone service and charging a small amount for people to use her cell phone. With the loan, she is hoping to buy a second cell phone to increase her business and the communications in the area. Having traveled extensively through the remote areas of Peru, including where Alejandrina lives, I know how important it is to have this essential tool. The people I met in these areas work extremely hard in very difficult conditions. It is exciting for us to be able to help Alejandrina achieve her goals.

Yoga for kids

2008-12-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Our colleague and friend, Allyson Copacino, believes yoga can benefit anyone, especially kids. She has been implementing a yoga curriculum into Portland schools. Here she is teaching kids at South West Charter School. To learn more about Allyson and Move Yoga Studio, go to www.moveyogastudio.com.

Let it snow!

2008-12-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

As we watch the snow fall all around our office, we can't help but be giddy with excitement. Sure, our cars have been parked for over a week. Somehow we still made it to work. Here's to alternative transportation and a sustainable future. Thanks snow!