Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Faust Spring Update...updated
I wanted to let you know about two things going on:
Toy Tokyo and my friend Dizmo culled 80 works of art to auction off online with 100% of the proceeds going to Japan relief. It is a great opportunity to snatch up works by Stash, Shepard Fairey, Henry Chalfant, Crash, and myself for way under market value while supporting a good cause. The drawing I made for this occasion reads Keizoku Wa Chikara Nari which is a Japanese proverb that translates to "Perseverance is Strength".
Toy Tokyo and my friend Dizmo culled 80 works of art to auction off online with 100% of the proceeds going to Japan relief. It is a great opportunity to snatch up works by Stash, Shepard Fairey, Henry Chalfant, Crash, and myself for way under market value while supporting a good cause. The drawing I made for this occasion reads Keizoku Wa Chikara Nari which is a Japanese proverb that translates to "Perseverance is Strength".
-Faust
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Faust Spring Update Newsletter
Tomorrow evening Marianne Boesky Gallery is hosting the annual Buy What You Love benefit for the Rema Hort Mann Foundation. For the occasion I created the attached drawing based on a quote by Honore de Balzac, "Love is the poetry of the senses." For more information about the event check out the website www.remahortmannfoundation.org/bwyl/.
I also recently painted a gate on 14th St (attached) in support of another great organization Culture Stops! which is trying to bring people across the country together to protest budget cuts to the arts.
Hueless, the group show I'm a part of in Chelsea at the new Mallick Williams & Co gallery is up through April 13th at 150 11th Ave between 21st and 22nd St. Mark Batty, the publisher of Martha Cooper's two most recent books (Going Postal and Name Tagging) posted a flattering review of the show on their blog http://markbattypublisher.com/blog/hueless-a-monochromatic-exhibit/.
Speaking of Martha Cooper, I'm proud to also be a part of a group show called Martha Cooper: Remix opening April 9th at the Carmichael Gallery in LA. For the exhibition Martha Cooper invited 50 artists to each create a visual response to one of her iconic photographs.
Last but certainly not least, I was surprised and honored to be featured on LetterCult's Top 10 of 2010 list which "highlights artists and designers doing remarkable work with custom letters." Every year LetterCult publishes a Best Of list with hundreds of examples of beautiful and inspiring typography, illustration, signage and fine art. From this list a panel of industry experts from the design community select the Top 10. As an outsider to the design community it is a great compliment to see my work recognized and featured alongside luminaries of the design world like Marian Bantjes who transformed the way people think about letterform.
Thanks for all of your support,
-Faust
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Letter From Faust
Letter from a friend...
"At the end of each year I like to create a greeting card to send to all my friends and family. However, this month has been particularly challenging with the passing of my best friend and partner-in-crime Sure. In addition to being one of the most prolific graffiti writers in New York, Sure was an Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. This year he was based in Afghanistan and on December 5th was killed at the age of 24.
One of Sure's closest friends came up with the idea to create custom Christmas ornaments to give to his closest friends and family so that they can celebrate the holidays with him every year. So in place of my usual card, I hope you enjoy this tribute.
Best wishes for the New Year,
-Faust
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Patrick Cournot IS the Elephant Savant
Creator archetype...Patrick Cournot IS the Elephant Savant!
http://www.ElephantSavant.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/ElephantSavant
http://www.ElephantSavant.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/ElephantSavant
New Client: Branding the “Creator” Archetype
Archetype: Creator
“When the creator archetype is active in individuals, they often are compelled to create or innovate – anything else and they feel stifled.” (228)
“…A Deeper motivation is the need to exert aesthetic or artistic control – to be, in a way, like God, to create something that has never been there before. Ultimately, what the Creator desires is to form a work so special that it will endure. And, in this way, the Creator achieves a kind of immortality.” (228)
“…More recently, the field of jazz improvisation has spoken to managers and organizational development professionals, offering a model for staying so attuned to the music that leadership can be rotated as needed, with people so connected to one another that they know when to take the lead and when to follow.” (240)
“Overall, the experience of working for the company and the quality of the product need to satisfy the aesthetic sensibilities of the key players.” (240)
“If it can be imagined, it can be created.”“Goal: give form to a vision…Strategy: develop artistic control and skill…Task: create culture, express own vision…Gift: creativity and imagination…” (228)
“When the creator archetype is active in individuals, they often are compelled to create or innovate – anything else and they feel stifled.” (228)
“…A Deeper motivation is the need to exert aesthetic or artistic control – to be, in a way, like God, to create something that has never been there before. Ultimately, what the Creator desires is to form a work so special that it will endure. And, in this way, the Creator achieves a kind of immortality.” (228)
“…More recently, the field of jazz improvisation has spoken to managers and organizational development professionals, offering a model for staying so attuned to the music that leadership can be rotated as needed, with people so connected to one another that they know when to take the lead and when to follow.” (240)
“Overall, the experience of working for the company and the quality of the product need to satisfy the aesthetic sensibilities of the key players.” (240)
Mark, Margaret, and Carol, Pearson, eds. The Hero and The Outlaw: Building Extraordinary Brands Through the Power of Archetypes. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.First consultation inspiration…
“That’s how I have operated Commander’s Palace, as if throwing an ongoing dinner party for my friends, providing the same kind of hospitality for our patrons that I would provide in my own home, making sure the guests are welcomed properly, that they are comfortable, that the service is PERFECT – never obtrusive or interrupting, because to me, the conversation over dinner is what the party is about, along with the food, of course. The food should not be overly complicated, however, just fresh and good, the kind of food that makes you happy.”…coming soon…turning the above information into a brand…I must work my voodoo…then I will update the blog!
-Ella Brennan
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Summer of Faust
If you’re in New York this week, check out the ARTEFACTS group show
opening Thursday night, July 15th 7-11pm at Toy Tokyo’s new underground
gallery space. Faust will have a couple brand new works on display
alongside street luminaries Swoon, Shepard Fairey, Cope 2, Mr Cartoon,
and Clayton Patterson to name a few. Should be a great show.
Also, at the end of this month, Faust will be among a group of artists installing work on the facade of a vacant factory in Beacon, NY as part of the ELECTRIC WINDOWS exhibition. It is a short walk from Dia: Beacon and a great escape from the city. For more information check out www.electricwindowsbeacon.com
And lastly, Faust’s and his partner-in-crime, Sure, were interviewed by Martha Cooper for her latest book NAME TAGGING which comes out this month. In it she documents how graffiti writers co-opt name badges as a platform to get their name around and also interviews Zephyr, Cost, and Twist on the topic. Check it out!
Check out http://www.faustnewyork.com. The site will be updated periodically!
Also, at the end of this month, Faust will be among a group of artists installing work on the facade of a vacant factory in Beacon, NY as part of the ELECTRIC WINDOWS exhibition. It is a short walk from Dia: Beacon and a great escape from the city. For more information check out www.electricwindowsbeacon.com
And lastly, Faust’s and his partner-in-crime, Sure, were interviewed by Martha Cooper for her latest book NAME TAGGING which comes out this month. In it she documents how graffiti writers co-opt name badges as a platform to get their name around and also interviews Zephyr, Cost, and Twist on the topic. Check it out!
Check out http://www.faustnewyork.com. The site will be updated periodically!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
New Faust Installation in Brooklyn - Congratulations to an old friend…and inspiration
It was
sometime in 2007. I just moved to NYC from New Orleans. I was still in
a post-Katrina, PTSD haze…chain smoking on my stoop in the LES on
Clinton Street, watching the characters walk by. Suddenly, from a block
away, I spotted him.
Faust:
"It's part of the second installment of Willoughby Windows organized by Ad Hoc Art Gallery and the Metro Tech Business Improvement District. A developer evicted all of the residents and business owners on the block with plans for new construction, which got halted when the recession hit, and has been sitting vacant ever since. Twelve artists were invited to create installations in these vacant commercial spaces."
He fashioned a fedora (something I had NEVER seen in New Orleans) and
a confident stride. From the opposite side of the street emerged an
inflated siren donning her newest two editions for the entire
neighborhood to see. To my surprise, the fedora and pair of balloons
crossed paths directly in front of my flip-flop clad feet. The “cool”
man made a huge head turn towards the comical cleavage of the woman.
To my biggest surprise, I laughed…no…I cackled…for the FIRST TIME
SINCE THE STORM! It had been almost three years since the “City
Formerly Known as New Orleans,” had been shit on by the Bush
Administration and the Country as a whole.
Luckily, the “local” man caught my gaze and heard my laughter. We
laughed, exchanged names…and spent the next 18 + hours sharing our life
stories.
My first friend. My first laugh. My first experience with FAUST!
NYC…I AM HOME.
Faust:
"It's part of the second installment of Willoughby Windows organized by Ad Hoc Art Gallery and the Metro Tech Business Improvement District. A developer evicted all of the residents and business owners on the block with plans for new construction, which got halted when the recession hit, and has been sitting vacant ever since. Twelve artists were invited to create installations in these vacant commercial spaces."
"On the storefront windows I wrote "It seemed like a good idea at the time" a statement I felt was subtle enough yet still poignant."
"Inside, I painted a massive Faust tag stretching from floor to ceiling."
"I was inspired by the checkered floor in the space and interested in challenging the way people see and think about graffiti by playing with scale and placement and embellishing formal qualities that are often overlooked."
"I also included a flik of a gate I recently painted in the LES."
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
religious icon does backflip off of wall street tower...and sticks it
Join us at the Stags Head British Gastropub for the launch of the critically acclaimed memoir, "mADD man", by Brian J. Robinson. Come for a night of fun with drink specials and mADDness from 8pm till the cows come home. Toast the book and support the arts.
Date: Friday, April 23, 2010
Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: The Stags Head
Street: 252 East 51st Street
Saturday, April 17, 2010
"mADD Man" Book Release Party
| Date: | Friday, April 23, 2010 |
| Time: | 8:00pm - 11:00pm |
| Location: | The Stags Head |
| Street: | 252 East 51st Street |
New York, NY |
Join us at the Stags Head British Gastropub for the launch of the critically acclaimed memoir, "mADD man", by Brian J. Robinson. Come for a night of fun with drink specials and mADDness from 8pm till the cows come home. Toast the book and support the arts.
This memoir is a shocking and honest view of life in the author's harsh and accurate eyes. A true page turner, the story not only sheds light and intelligence on a subject plaguing our society today. "mADD man" is both informative and salacious.
Book buzz so far...
"Finally! A blunt but objective book that debunks LD/ADHD labels and exposes the unfortunate and limiting ways in which societal norms inhibit brilliance. Mr. Robinson's journey of interrupted genius is a first and important step toward a much-needed societal shift in which learning disabilities are celebrated...not diagnosed."
-Dr. Peter J. McDonald, PhD
"I really enjoyed the glimpse into the fascinating mind of such a powerful and gifted young writer." T. Krohn, Random House
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Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
You Must Read This Book… “Mr. New Orleans: The Life of a Big Easy Underworld Legend,” Matthew Randazzo V
Last week, on a late-night facebook binge, I felt sentimental and homesick for my beloved New Orleans. I began looking at my “friend” list to see what certain people were doing…eight years after graduation, four years after Hurricane Katrina.
I was pleasantly surprised (not really surprised) to find that a classmate of mine from childhood through high school had become an author and a new book was to be released the next day. Matthew Randazzo, a fellow history lover of mine (we took all of the AP’S together with our favorite teacher, Coach Hunter) authored a new release…
“Mr. New Orleans: The Life of a Big Easy Underworld Legend”
I immediately ordered the book on Amazon.com and requested next day shipping. The book came, and I did not put it down until the next morning.
Now…I am a busy woman…and after my long work hours and daily yoga ritual, I am not left with much free time.
This story, this history, this magnificent piece sheds a true light on what New Orleans “felt like.” Yes, New Orleans had a deep feeling and soul. Because of characters like Frency Brouillette, the gangster highlighted in the book, Matthew Randazzo V, the classmate who dressed as Fidel Castro for Halloween, and crazy New Orleanian’s like myself and Marie Laveau, New Orleans was the most interesting place on earth.
To rebuild the city does not restore it’s soul. The soul belongs to the people. I deeply thank Matthew for preserving the soul of New Orleans in this tale. READ IT, BUY IT, DON’T PUT IT DOWN!
I was pleasantly surprised (not really surprised) to find that a classmate of mine from childhood through high school had become an author and a new book was to be released the next day. Matthew Randazzo, a fellow history lover of mine (we took all of the AP’S together with our favorite teacher, Coach Hunter) authored a new release…
“Mr. New Orleans: The Life of a Big Easy Underworld Legend”
I immediately ordered the book on Amazon.com and requested next day shipping. The book came, and I did not put it down until the next morning.
Now…I am a busy woman…and after my long work hours and daily yoga ritual, I am not left with much free time.
This story, this history, this magnificent piece sheds a true light on what New Orleans “felt like.” Yes, New Orleans had a deep feeling and soul. Because of characters like Frency Brouillette, the gangster highlighted in the book, Matthew Randazzo V, the classmate who dressed as Fidel Castro for Halloween, and crazy New Orleanian’s like myself and Marie Laveau, New Orleans was the most interesting place on earth.
To rebuild the city does not restore it’s soul. The soul belongs to the people. I deeply thank Matthew for preserving the soul of New Orleans in this tale. READ IT, BUY IT, DON’T PUT IT DOWN!
LD Creative Renovations: The Rest of the Story
LD Creative Renovations: The Rest of the Story
02/19/2010 by Dani As each day goes by and with each new client, I am asked to perform tasks that I would not expect. LD Creative Renovations owner, Doris Lozada, asked me to write her web content after we finished the design. After performing the archetype test and designating her a Magician, designing her logo, designing her site, and creating a tag line and 3 key phrases to be repeated throughout…Doris asked me to write her mission, company bio, and personal bio. I approached the process the same way I did with the initial tag line and phrases…“Harmony of Environment and Soul”…
(1)Transcendent Design
(2)Soulful Space
(3)Enlightened Environment.
I came up with a long list of very specific questions for Doris about her life, work, inspiration, process, and company. I asked her over 30 questions and recorded her as she spoke. I then pulled out of the recording the true essence of Doris Lozada to create content that actually came from her mouth with some editorial and directional help.
Together, the two of us created a beautiful story with tight phrases. This is my talent. I BRAND YOU.
“Doris’ journey began as a child in Peru. Her surroundings, from an early age, shaped Doris’ energy, personality, design sense, and respect for the planet. Doris lived next to giant mountain, Cordillera Huayhuash, the powerful river, Maranon, and the towering trees of the thick forest in the Andes. Her relationship with nature began as a child. On the way to school, little Doris ate berries from the trees on the way to school to arrive a deep shade of red. Later in life, she fed her son from these same trees, capulli (wild cherries). She sat under the tree with her relatives to feed her child, bond with her family, rest, and drink water from the trees. Most importantly, the trees inspired Doris. Every tree has a unique energy.
Doris’ interest in fashion led her to create her own platform shoes to match the current styles, from heavy maple wood. Later, Doris surrounded herself with her own trees that bore wild berries, apples, pears, oranges, and olives. The trees spoke to Doris, just as they did to the ancient Incas, powered by the sacred mother earth, Patchamama.
As an adult, Doris uses strong trees to heal. Honoring the traditions of her family and ancestors, Doris deeply understands the special ritual of worshipping the trees because these same trees gave her so much life. Like every person is unique, trees are also unique and have different energy and personality. The next step in her journey is to make sure that every element that you use in your house is connected with nature and soul."
“Because i deepely understand that each person is unique, with a unique soul, beauty and strength, and I have understanding respect and knowledge that each tree has its different personality. I have a deeper understanding of nature."
“House that nurtures your soul.”
Mission:
My mission in life is to heal. My intention is to harmonize space and life. My intention is to bring good energy to people and the world.
Every time I take from mother earth, I give back to mother earth, Pachamama.
Elevator Speech:
"Is your house a home?
What is your home’s core or spirit?
I give soul to every space.
I come from a generation of healers. This bond enables my deep connection with my Peruvian ancestors to use ethereal, tangible, and organic materials to heal the world, to heal the people, and to give back to mother earth, Pachamama. The end result is a beautiful, healing, and environmentally responsible space. These spaces empower those who dwell in them to heal, have good energy, and be connected with nature.
When people put their home in my hands, I treat it preciously. I create a synergy of clients’ energy and vision with my entire life’s experiences. I give life to my client’s vision and use my energy to create a soulful space.
I am the pioneer of using organic materials and life experiences to illuminate soulful spaces in NYC for over 20 years. My livelihood as a contractor in New York and in the international markets depends on the realization of craft that integrates sustainable materials with designs to help protect the world’s ecosystem for future generations."
"Doris Lozada founded LD Creative Renovations in 1992 in NYC. Since the company’s birth, LD Creative Renovations embraced each project with a deep commitment to each client’s concept. We custom craft woodwork from our Forest Hills workshop and pride ourselves on completing projects on time, on budget, and with full customer satisfaction."
Thank you Doris for giving me the opportunity to work with such a talent. NAMASTE!
New Client: Who Is Tony Vaughn?
We met at the whim of the gods. We joined as a team and joined the Gods. WORLD..WATCH OUT…HERE WE COME. Tony Vaughn is a force to be reckoned with. He is a known personality, game changer, and trend setter in New York and New Jersey since he descended from Zeus. My voodoo magic combined with his divine creativity, wisdom, and humor will bring change to this world. It has been commanded. It will be realized.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
LD Creative Renovations: The story behind the brand (resources and outcome)
Archetype: magician
“Most basic to the Magician is the desire to search out the fundamental laws of how things work and how to apply these principles to getting things done.” (140)
“Goal: make dreams come true…Strategy: develop vision and live it…Gift: finding win-win outcomes.” (142)
“When the Magician archetype is active in individuals, they are catalysts for change” (145)
Mark, Margaret, and Carol, Pearson, eds. The Hero and The Outlaw:
Building Extraordinary Brands Through the Power of Archetypes.
New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Story behind Doris: Peruvian childhood from generations of shaman women. Doris posses a strong sense of energy transforms spaces to create positive energy and healing environments. She uses special wood, organic materials, eco-friendly everything, and the healing power of crystals and light to empower her clients to a better life.
Motto: “A harmony of environment and SOUL”
transcendent design
soulful space
enlightened environment
“Most basic to the Magician is the desire to search out the fundamental laws of how things work and how to apply these principles to getting things done.” (140)
“Goal: make dreams come true…Strategy: develop vision and live it…Gift: finding win-win outcomes.” (142)
“When the Magician archetype is active in individuals, they are catalysts for change” (145)
Mark, Margaret, and Carol, Pearson, eds. The Hero and The Outlaw:
Building Extraordinary Brands Through the Power of Archetypes.
New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Story behind Doris: Peruvian childhood from generations of shaman women. Doris posses a strong sense of energy transforms spaces to create positive energy and healing environments. She uses special wood, organic materials, eco-friendly everything, and the healing power of crystals and light to empower her clients to a better life.
Motto: “A harmony of environment and SOUL”
transcendent design
soulful space
enlightened environment
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The logo is here…and i’m excited to reveal!
After yesterday’s deadline, I am exhausted and excited. I am so happy with the final logo design for my current project for Doris Lozada’s Creative Renovations that i had to immediately post it!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
When everybody rests, sometimes the best opportunities fall in you lap
This is the first of a series of posts addressing my current project (soon to be phase 1 complete). Two weeks ago I, along with the rest of the country, expected a nice vacation from work. I was approached by a client referred to me from a friend. The client is a female contractor from Peru who has been in business for many years in New York City and decided it was time for a website and print materials to bring in much needed business in this terrible economy. I jumped to accept the project at first not only to pay the rent, but to actually distract me from my usual holiday anxiety.
The project includes a wide variety of deliverables, designs, writings, and client tutorials. Something like this can be very overwhelming. I immediately felt the pressure because the client requested a large amount of work to be completed in a very short period of time. Luckily, upon my first meeting with the client, the pressure became excitement. This, I give complete credit to the client! Working with someone without any other distractions, immersion into the entire process is inevitable and wonderful. She has forever blessed me with a wake-up call. Enthusiasm and excitement from the client and a chance to create an intense bond with the client made everything different…AKA doable.
This wonderful turn of events changed not only the way I approach clients, projects, and design, but in addition, it changed my entire life. To put it frankly, I am intoxicated with joy and a rush of creativity that I have been waiting to release since I started any attempt at not only graphic design, but the entire branding process.
Over the next few weeks I will be discuss the project in detail and more importantly, my process. I hope my writing will help others who are stuck in a rut or who want to approach projects from an entirely different angle. Most importantly, because of this wonderful blessing of a new network of friends and colleagues I am forever changed. And for this, i will forever be grateful. Thanks and enjoy!
The project includes a wide variety of deliverables, designs, writings, and client tutorials. Something like this can be very overwhelming. I immediately felt the pressure because the client requested a large amount of work to be completed in a very short period of time. Luckily, upon my first meeting with the client, the pressure became excitement. This, I give complete credit to the client! Working with someone without any other distractions, immersion into the entire process is inevitable and wonderful. She has forever blessed me with a wake-up call. Enthusiasm and excitement from the client and a chance to create an intense bond with the client made everything different…AKA doable.
This wonderful turn of events changed not only the way I approach clients, projects, and design, but in addition, it changed my entire life. To put it frankly, I am intoxicated with joy and a rush of creativity that I have been waiting to release since I started any attempt at not only graphic design, but the entire branding process.
Over the next few weeks I will be discuss the project in detail and more importantly, my process. I hope my writing will help others who are stuck in a rut or who want to approach projects from an entirely different angle. Most importantly, because of this wonderful blessing of a new network of friends and colleagues I am forever changed. And for this, i will forever be grateful. Thanks and enjoy!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Holiday Gifts
A few weeks ago I did my usual Etsy.com search to find holiday gifts and some things for myself. I was shocked and elated to find the store BeauAndStella.com on Etsy (www.BeauAndStella.etsy.com.) One of my best friends from college at Tulane University and former roommate, Marcie went from being an architecture major (and very talented to say the least) to becoming a jewelry designer. Her designs are amazing and affordable! It was so great to find a beautiful necklace and catch up with my talented buddy. Her store is a must-stop-shop for beautiful designs that are just out of this world! Check Marcie and her designs out! www.BeauAndStella.etsy.com
Thursday, November 12, 2009
My day with the MYD
I created this flyer for a friend yesterday on the fly...i'm psyched about vectors!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Beginnning
On December 31, 2005, I drove from Dallas to New Orleans. This was no run of the mill road trip. I was on my way back home. Hurricane Katrina damaged my house; the Federal Government destroyed my home. During the eight-hour road trip, anxiety and anger overcame me. To be honest, this rancid, emotional state had been pulsing through my veins for every second of every day since I found myself alone, stuck on this identical interstate in gridlock-traffic, evacuating from both the city that I live/loved/grew-up in and my family that stayed behind.
Mind racing….
…What happened to my generation? What happened to this country? WHY ISN’T ANYBODY DOING ANYTHING? WHY DOESN’T ANYBODY CARE? WHERE ARE ALL OF THE PROTESTS? WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?
As if in a manic state, these questions repeated in my brain and the aggravation swelled to my limbs until I shook with anger. My hands clung to the steering wheel. My knuckles turned a severe shade of white. I suddenly realized I was shouting out loud. STOP! I know what you are thinking… ‘this girl must be crazy..she is talking to herself…she definitely has lost IT.’
I am not really crazy, or at least completely. (In New Orleans, multiple-personality disorder is not a disorder…it is a high art.) There was actually another in the car. A ghost. A spirit. A legend.
Her name is Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. The spirit of Marie Laveau has followed me since I was a child. She was the most infamous voodoo practitioners in the beginning of the movement from slavery practices in New Orleans to the high-era of the “free people of color.” People visited Marie Laveau looking for spells to make someone fall in love, make a fortune, or even to kill a neighbor. This Voodoo Queen paraded through Congo Square, dancing to the Vodun rhythms and chanting spells.
Marie Laveau became a household name. Stories of her life are still told today. What made this Voodoo Queen different from the many other Voodoo Queens is that she used her innate womanly power and charisma to influence an entire movement towards freedom and the empowerment of women in New Orleans. To me, she is an inspiration and a gift. She taught me the invaluable lesson of how to influence others to bring about change. Her medium was word of mouth. Her message was the strength of the media.
If old Marie Laveau could bring about such extreme changes in society, spark the popularization and development of jazz as a genre, and still have the ability to keep children behaved hundreds of years after her death by the threat of her spirit doing evil, I could at least do SOMETHING to influence at least one person to bring a change in New Orleans.
I knew that if I was going to be in New Orleans, I would have to raise money for New Orleans by selling something that had the personality of New Orleanians and that would not be just another rubber-wristband with a fleur de lis. I had to come up with something funny and even a little inappropriate because at the end of the day, New Orleanians will always make laughter through tears at inappropriate times because laughter is the best life raft.
“IF THIS FEMA TRAILER IS’ A ROCKING…DON’T COME’ A KNOCKING!”
In two weeks, I sold $13,xxx worth of buttons with this phrase. I contacted a man named James Taylor who was in charge of actually purchasing materials to “repair” the levee systems. What did this buy? A pipe. Not so great. But was much more valuable and what needed to be repaired far more than the levees (they aren’t even repaired anyway now!) was the laughter of New Orleanians. For two years following the storm, I gave a button to anyone with tears in their eyes and of course…at no charge. These people were not hard to find. With each button came a crack of laughter.
Marie Laveau’s legacy was the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. My legacy is “The Button Lady.” I have arrived!
Mind racing….
…What happened to my generation? What happened to this country? WHY ISN’T ANYBODY DOING ANYTHING? WHY DOESN’T ANYBODY CARE? WHERE ARE ALL OF THE PROTESTS? WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?
As if in a manic state, these questions repeated in my brain and the aggravation swelled to my limbs until I shook with anger. My hands clung to the steering wheel. My knuckles turned a severe shade of white. I suddenly realized I was shouting out loud. STOP! I know what you are thinking… ‘this girl must be crazy..she is talking to herself…she definitely has lost IT.’
I am not really crazy, or at least completely. (In New Orleans, multiple-personality disorder is not a disorder…it is a high art.) There was actually another in the car. A ghost. A spirit. A legend.
Her name is Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. The spirit of Marie Laveau has followed me since I was a child. She was the most infamous voodoo practitioners in the beginning of the movement from slavery practices in New Orleans to the high-era of the “free people of color.” People visited Marie Laveau looking for spells to make someone fall in love, make a fortune, or even to kill a neighbor. This Voodoo Queen paraded through Congo Square, dancing to the Vodun rhythms and chanting spells.
Marie Laveau became a household name. Stories of her life are still told today. What made this Voodoo Queen different from the many other Voodoo Queens is that she used her innate womanly power and charisma to influence an entire movement towards freedom and the empowerment of women in New Orleans. To me, she is an inspiration and a gift. She taught me the invaluable lesson of how to influence others to bring about change. Her medium was word of mouth. Her message was the strength of the media.
If old Marie Laveau could bring about such extreme changes in society, spark the popularization and development of jazz as a genre, and still have the ability to keep children behaved hundreds of years after her death by the threat of her spirit doing evil, I could at least do SOMETHING to influence at least one person to bring a change in New Orleans.
I knew that if I was going to be in New Orleans, I would have to raise money for New Orleans by selling something that had the personality of New Orleanians and that would not be just another rubber-wristband with a fleur de lis. I had to come up with something funny and even a little inappropriate because at the end of the day, New Orleanians will always make laughter through tears at inappropriate times because laughter is the best life raft.
“IF THIS FEMA TRAILER IS’ A ROCKING…DON’T COME’ A KNOCKING!”
In two weeks, I sold $13,xxx worth of buttons with this phrase. I contacted a man named James Taylor who was in charge of actually purchasing materials to “repair” the levee systems. What did this buy? A pipe. Not so great. But was much more valuable and what needed to be repaired far more than the levees (they aren’t even repaired anyway now!) was the laughter of New Orleanians. For two years following the storm, I gave a button to anyone with tears in their eyes and of course…at no charge. These people were not hard to find. With each button came a crack of laughter.
Marie Laveau’s legacy was the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. My legacy is “The Button Lady.” I have arrived!
WELCOME
I wanted to name my company lagniappe, but due to translation problems from bizarre New Orleans slang-French-Cajun word to New Yorker is a bit of a problem. I will use this platform to tell you what lagniappe is.
“Lagniappe: a little something extra given with a purchase. A premium. This tradition is still observed in New Orleans culture and dates back to Normandy, France and Acadia, Canada. When driven out by the British the Acadians brought to New Orleans this generous practice. In selling grain to customers it was placed in a woolen cloth, known as nappe. To compensate the buyer for grain caught in the nappe the seller would through in a couple handfuls from his supply without charge saying, “c’est pour la nappe,” meaning that which was caught in the cloth.
By giving this extra service to the purchaser a satisfied and repeat customer was often assured. Lagniappe is a word that is heard frequently in New Orleans. A number of business people still give it to their customers.”
(Stall, Gasper J., “Proud Peculiar New Orleans: The Inside Story,” Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1984.)
To me, lagniappe means everything else or everything but the kitchen sink. I can create, evaluate, or fix your website, design graphics for the web and for print (logo design, business cards, brochures, any correspondence or promotional materials, etc.), speed up your computers, create massive social networking campaigns, setup and teach you how to blog, and get attention via thinking OUTside of the box (viral campaigns), etc. In addition, if you ever need someone to help you design your workplace, teach you how to use your technology, cook a great meal for a party, or reupholster a couch, I AM your woman.
You will never receive a design that is not original and that is only for you. In addition, I price projects so that they can be actualized. There is a solution for every problem and there is a way around costs. What I require is some flexibility and your trust to take a breath and a leap.
I work along a philosophy based on 3 elements:
(1) simplicity
(2) throwing my ego away
(3) empowering you!
I keep things simple. This does not mean boring. It comes down to my view that if something is not necessary, it should not be there. For example, if you have a computer at your business with applications (the internet) that employees can access at anytime, most likely, your computers are running slowly, productivity is low, and employees are not doing all that they can do. Why? When given a chance to log on to whatever social networking site, search engine, or even, yes, pornographic site, employees will do so. This = low productivity, computer full of worms, lack of focus, and I could go on forever.
Your site should be readable. No fling sparklers with obnoxious music. Why? It is impossible to read and has the chance of crashing. The more streamlined the site, the more effective it is.
You are my client. I will do everything I can to translate your vision into something tangible. I do not force my “art” down your throat. I am not an artist. I am like a translator or a psychiatrist. I take your ideas and vision and use my knowledge to create whatever you need. You will get what you want in your design. You are #1. You choose what you like. I, of course, listen and pick up on cue to present the right ideas that match you.
If you do not like something I am working on, give me your feedback. The best work is done when a synergy exists between a client and myself. My favorite designs have come from making changes with my clients to designs. I want to hear your feedback and make changes.
I do not take it personally when something need tweaking. For me, this is an opportunity to learn, connect, and work as a team to be positive that the end result is what YOU want and need.
Last, the most valuable thing to give someone is the power to help themselves. I will always be elated to teach you how to use your technology. I create tutorials with screen-shots and complete instructions to be positive that when I walk away, you know what to do.
“Lagniappe: a little something extra given with a purchase. A premium. This tradition is still observed in New Orleans culture and dates back to Normandy, France and Acadia, Canada. When driven out by the British the Acadians brought to New Orleans this generous practice. In selling grain to customers it was placed in a woolen cloth, known as nappe. To compensate the buyer for grain caught in the nappe the seller would through in a couple handfuls from his supply without charge saying, “c’est pour la nappe,” meaning that which was caught in the cloth.
By giving this extra service to the purchaser a satisfied and repeat customer was often assured. Lagniappe is a word that is heard frequently in New Orleans. A number of business people still give it to their customers.”
(Stall, Gasper J., “Proud Peculiar New Orleans: The Inside Story,” Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1984.)
To me, lagniappe means everything else or everything but the kitchen sink. I can create, evaluate, or fix your website, design graphics for the web and for print (logo design, business cards, brochures, any correspondence or promotional materials, etc.), speed up your computers, create massive social networking campaigns, setup and teach you how to blog, and get attention via thinking OUTside of the box (viral campaigns), etc. In addition, if you ever need someone to help you design your workplace, teach you how to use your technology, cook a great meal for a party, or reupholster a couch, I AM your woman.
You will never receive a design that is not original and that is only for you. In addition, I price projects so that they can be actualized. There is a solution for every problem and there is a way around costs. What I require is some flexibility and your trust to take a breath and a leap.
I work along a philosophy based on 3 elements:
(1) simplicity
(2) throwing my ego away
(3) empowering you!
I keep things simple. This does not mean boring. It comes down to my view that if something is not necessary, it should not be there. For example, if you have a computer at your business with applications (the internet) that employees can access at anytime, most likely, your computers are running slowly, productivity is low, and employees are not doing all that they can do. Why? When given a chance to log on to whatever social networking site, search engine, or even, yes, pornographic site, employees will do so. This = low productivity, computer full of worms, lack of focus, and I could go on forever.
Your site should be readable. No fling sparklers with obnoxious music. Why? It is impossible to read and has the chance of crashing. The more streamlined the site, the more effective it is.
You are my client. I will do everything I can to translate your vision into something tangible. I do not force my “art” down your throat. I am not an artist. I am like a translator or a psychiatrist. I take your ideas and vision and use my knowledge to create whatever you need. You will get what you want in your design. You are #1. You choose what you like. I, of course, listen and pick up on cue to present the right ideas that match you.
If you do not like something I am working on, give me your feedback. The best work is done when a synergy exists between a client and myself. My favorite designs have come from making changes with my clients to designs. I want to hear your feedback and make changes.
I do not take it personally when something need tweaking. For me, this is an opportunity to learn, connect, and work as a team to be positive that the end result is what YOU want and need.
Last, the most valuable thing to give someone is the power to help themselves. I will always be elated to teach you how to use your technology. I create tutorials with screen-shots and complete instructions to be positive that when I walk away, you know what to do.