As I gear up for more dramatic life changes in the near future, I wanted to freshen-up JustinSchuck.com and launch version 6.4. I know I've neglected the site at different intervals through the years, so I've given it a much-needed face-lift. The feel I was going for was upscale men's lounge utilizing elements from some of my recent magazine and print designs. And since you know that I listened to a single song on repeat for hours while I worked on this little project, I want to share that with you now: "In The Shadows" by The Rasmus.  



I launched the new design this morning so I could take advantage of the uniqueness of today's date: 01.10.2010. (Maybe I'll launch ver 7.0 on 10.10.2010).


The changes to version 6.3 (launched 10.10.2009) include:

• New "logo" treatment using a combination of my signature and lightweight Helvetica for the name
• Redesign of the navigation making the text easier to read in all states
• Creation of a new dark wood-panel "floor" background
• Simplification of the layout and back-end coding
• Elimination of complicated box shadowing
• New header graphics for each section
• Updated selection of albums listed on my play list
• Copy editing and refinement
• Contact information listed in the footer of every page and blog entry
• Modification of Blogger blog template

While these changes might appear to be significant, the modifications were relatively easy to implement. It's a new year and there are some big things in store for the future. Now I feel closer than ever to having a site that truly reflects my design perspective. So please, take some time and check out the newly-updated website and let me know what you think of the new look.

Labels: design, Justin Schuck, JustinSchuck.com

Today I am proud to announce that the latest iteration of JustinSchuck.com (ver 6.3) is now online and ready for your happy consumption. With this latest version you will notice the most stark change to the website since Version 1.0: the absence of the Justin Schuck Photography logo. There are now sections for my bio, photography, design, social media and marketing, charity work, and contact information. The JSP logo is also gone from the various social networking websites to reflect a change in the business.



As many of my close friends and a few of my favorite clients know, I have been winding down my business over the last 9 months to allow me to concentrate on my design and marketing projects. The last 18 months have been challenging for the business, and will continue to be so in the near term, but I feel a great sense of pride with the work I have produced. I am working hard to get "caught up" loading content into my Flickr account, as well as tying up as many loose ends as possible.


Since 1997 I have had the honor and privilege of working with amazing families, companies and individuals. My work has taken me to New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Athens, Mykonos, Scotland and Dubai. I have been so fortunate that so many people have shared in the experience with me and I look forward to growing in more creative ways going forward.


I've taken some time to ask (and answer) some question you may have about the future:


What will you do now that you won't be a photographer?
I will always be a photographer, just as I will always be a designer. I'm actually really excited that I will have loads more time to focus on my many pet projects that have taken a back seat to my production work. This includes especially my Guerrilla Photo Shoots project.


What if I want you and only you to take my photo?
Well, I'm not ruling out taking the occasional photo, even for an old client, but in terms of a business, there will be no more Justin Schuck Photography. Anyone wishing to hire me may contact me directly by email. Each inquiry will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.


Will you shoot my wedding?
Absolutely not. No way. No how. Tough toenails. Sorry. Long before I made the decision to shut down Justin Schuck Photography I made a pledge to accept no new wedding clients. I photographed my last wedding on October 3rd 2009 in Boston.


So does this mean you're going freelance?
No. I have new endeavors and projects in the pipeline that will be my primary focus.


What does this mean for Justin Schuck Photography clients?
JSP will exist until all outstanding client obligations have been met. This may require additional time to complete certain elements of pre-paid packages. I am working very hard with the limited resources available to accomplish these in a reasonably timely manner under the current circumstances.


I have sent emails or letters to my clients recommending photographers whom they can turn to for outstanding imaging services. The four individuals I most recommend are Noah Deveraux (weddings and editorial work; New York-based), Henry Villarama (weddings, commercial, public relations events and individual portraits; Washington DC-based.), Tony Veloz (fashion photography and individual portraits; Washington DC-based) and my friend Michael Dumlao (all of the above except weddings; Washington DC-based).


Wait, why are you doing this again?
I'm doing this because I love photography so much that I choose to not make work of it. I want to get back to the excitement I used to feel every time I picked up a camera. Some of that has been lost in the last couple of years, not that there haven't been many great moments because there have been great ones.


Why is your Facebook fan page still called "Justin Schuck Photography?"
Unfortunately Facebook will not let me change the name. The only way to do that would be to make a new fan page and that would take a lot of work. I hope that will be clear. If it turns out that people do not understand the purpose of the page—that is to showcase the photography of Justin Schuck—then I will address that issue if it comes up.


What's the status of Justin Schuck and Company, LLC?
I will maintain the LLC for the foreseeable future to afford the protection that it provides in all my endeavors. Since I will still be operating JSDS and L/A Events, there is still a place for the company. Soon Justin Schuck Photography will not be a part of the mix.


What happens next?
We all walk forward. That's all we can do.

Labels: Big News, design, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, Justin Schuck Photography, JustinSchuck.com, News, Newsworthy, Website, Wedding

I just wanted to share with you a site I'm working on for custom jewelry designer, and friend, Tim Briscoe. His work under the label "Baubles by Briscoe" is both whimsical and elegant. Check out the site at BaublesByBriscoe.com, become a fan on Facebook, check BBB out at TheAlexandriaLife.com/baubles-by-briscoe-alexandria, and follow him on Twitter.com/TimBriscoe.






Where you can find Tim Briscoe and Baubles by Briscoe online:
http://www.baublesbybriscoe.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baubles-by-Briscoe/76234629859
http://www.yelp.com/biz/baubles-by-briscoe-arlington
http://www.thebethesdalife.com/baubles-by-briscoe-bethesda
http://twitter.com/timbriscoe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27tl_tYzcP0
http://vimeo.com/4587503

Labels: Baubles by Briscoe, BBB, design, Facebook, JSDS, Justin Schuck, Tim Briscoe

Even though I am just getting over Swine Flu (just kidding—it's really just a horrible cold), I thought I would get on my web cam to vlog and tell you a bit more about my business and why you need to hire Justin Schuck Photography for your next portrait, special event, hotel, product catalog, real property or editorial assignment. The video features music by Yogstar.

On Vimeo:

Justin Schuck Photography - Asking for your business from Justin Schuck on Vimeo.

On YouTube:

Labels: Advertising, Blog, business, design, JSDS, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, Justin Schuck Photography, New York, Twitter, Video, Vlog

Yet again, I've uploaded the new JustinSchuck.com to the site, Version 6.3. What's appearing there now is just a holding page. I'm still working on the sub-pages and additional features, but I thought it made sense to get this out there. What had been up there since January contained no photos above the fold which is just silly and goes against my own advice. Also, once the new site is online, the blog you are reading now will be 100% integrated into the design of the main site.

I think you'll like the new design direction. I want the site to be clean, colorful, and easy to navigate. I really want to thank all my friends for the valuable free market research they've provided the last couple of weeks.

Labels: Blog, design, Identity, JSDS, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company

You'll have to follow me on Twitter to catch a sneak peek of the new design direction for JustinSchuck.com, the refreshed logo, and and other elements. (Hint: you'll have to look a little deeper than just my profile page.)

Follow me at http://twitter.com/JustinSchuck

And if you get the chance, vote for me at Twibs (you don't even have to sign up. Just one click.): http://www.twibs.com/business?business=JustinSchuck

I hope everyone's on Daylight Savings Time. It is winter after all. ;-P

-Justin

Labels: design, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, photography, Social Media, Twitter

Here's the new ad I'm running for Headshots. Here's what the ad says:

Headshots for the people. Do you need headshots to help you jump-start your acting career? Are you looking for portraits that show your style with spontaneity? We are offering a $75 Headshot Special: 30 minute location portrait session, 3 high-res images on disk with retouching, and PDF for 8x10 headshot with your name. Call 301 300 1350 or email info@justinschuck.com today. Check out our images at Flickr.com/photos/JustinSchuck or follow us on your favorite social network.

Check out the ad here: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/crs/1054235264.html

Labels: Advertising, design, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, New York, photography, washington dc

Here's the new NYC Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Event Special ad. We're offering from now through February 22nd event photography coverage for just $150 for up to 3 Hours. In addition to photo coverage, we're including high resolution images on disk, and we can even FTP them to a server within hours of your event for press and web release. For an additional $50 we can place the images online through Collages.net for your guests to view and order prints. It’s time you see the high-quality images our clients have come to expect. Call or email us today to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

See the ad: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/evs/1034726542.html

Labels: Advertising, design, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, photography

Check out our new ad on Craigslist in Washington DC!

Labels: Advertising, design, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, photography

Here's a sneak peek at the new ad to be gracing Craigslist in Washington DC and New York. Let me know what you think. (Thanks Chris for you input!)

Labels: Advertising, design, Justin Schuck + Company, photography, Sale

I had a stroke of genius in the shower today, oddly one of the best places to find inspiration. I've only told one person, but it's big, really big. Right now I'm code-naming the project "Process Collaborative" or "Process Co-Lab" for short. ("Project Really-Good-Idea-To-Make-Lots-Of-Money" was the number two option.)

Stay tuned. I'm not kidding. Process Collaborative is going to be huge.

Follow the new blog: http://processcolab.blogspot.com

Labels: Big News, design, Justin Schuck, Newsworthy, Process Collaborative, Secret

I'm really proud to announce the release of a little video from the election. I've been wanting to get this out here. Working with that org this spring/summer—the one that screwed me—I didn't have time for much else.

In 2000 I was the volunteer coordinator with McCain Youth 2000. It was a great experience and he ran an honorable campaign. But something was different this time around. Here's a little ditty I put together that *should have* aired before the election. (But then there was a death in the family just before the election, and then I got sidetracked with a work backlog.)

So, to the tune of Kate Nash's "Foundations" here's "Political Foundations." I purchased the instrumental tracks without the voices, but I felt that unless you knew the song you wouldn't get the flow without context.

If there are any female vocalists with a similar range out there, please call or email me!



Please visit my page at: YouTube.com/JASchuck and leave a comment and a rating. Thank you so much.

(If I had more time I could have done a more well-produced sample but my Final Cut Pro HD crapped out on me!)

Labels: Advertising, America, Art, Barack Obama, Big News, Blog, business, Democrat, design, John McCain, JSDS, Justin Schuck, Obama-Biden, President-elect, Video

Originally Scheduled: November 3, 2008
Updated: December 19, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HUNTSVILLE, AL – Justin Schuck and Company, an innovative provider of photography, design, consulting and event planning services, announced in an online webcast today that it has completed the sale and merger of its various operations in an effort to raise capital and streamline operations.

Earlier this year company president Justin A. Schuck announced plans to sell domain assets, and merge the less successful divisions of the company in an effort to reduce overhead. Schuck also previously announced plans to move the company from Washington D.C. to Dallas, TX. While plans to formally move the company are in the works, the company is not likely to relocate until all restructuring efforts have been completed..

The merger of Innovative Brand Concepts and That’s Sick Viral Marketing into JSDS has been finalized forming the newly rebranded JSDS design + consulting. JSDS is now better capitalized to continue a projected path of growth through 2009, and Schuck also hinted at a new pricing structure for JSDS to better serve companies in the changing market. Acknowledging the company had seen an unexpectedly large number of account defaults in Q2 and Q3 2008 (totaling more than $50,000 in lost revenue), Schuck expects the division to regain full profitability within the next four quarters.

As part of the company’s drive to generate revenue, the Schuck Interactive Group (SiG) was sold to its strategic partner Enterprise Applications PH of the Philippines. JS+Co. will maintain ownership of the SiG domain (www.ischuck.com) and the rights to the SiG name.

“While our domain fire sale wasn’t as productive as I would have preferred, we are in negotiations to sell a bundles of domains, including those not previously listed. These negotiations are ongoing, but we hope to have the completed in the next few months.” Schuck said in his webcast. He continued saying that any unsold domains posted for sale would be sold through an online service.

Schuck said that while this has been a “tumultuous” year for the company, he expects the company to be in a stronger position going forward.

In August, Schuck announced the formation of a new partnership with L/A Events, the world’s new premiere event planning firm. “We’ve started the soft launch of L/A Event’s new website:
anlaevent.com. It’s very exciting.” Schuck continued that “although we are entering a deep recession, Andrea and I feel that L/A Events is in a better position than other event planning firms. Because of our unique partnership with preferred vendors, and the cost savings from our innovative website, we can offer our services at a fraction of the cost.”

PR-Nov3_Update.pdf

Labels: Blog, business, Dallas, design, DFW, Domains, Events, JSDS, Justin Schuck, Justin Schuck + Company, L/A Events, News, Press Release, Sale, Schuck Interactive Group, Texas, washington dc

In addition to publishing press releases, I thought it might be a good idea to showcase some projects I've been working on. The first design you see is from December 2006 when Justin Schuck Photography opened it's interactive photo/media studio in one of the Dubai Media City free zone with our GCC communications partner Sabi Communications.



The following two designs are current works-in-progress. They need help and I've been focused on other things at the moment, but I wanted to post these just to get a feel for what both of my readers (joke) think. I keep going back and forth as to whether I want them to be more of a poster or a magazine spread.

Labels: business, Case Study, design, Dubai, JSDS, Justin Schuck, Marketing, photography, studio

In 2005 I hosted a series of forums for energy providers discussing ways they could use energy conservation as part of a broader marketing campaign. The benefits of this new "greenvertising" strategy seemed obvious to me on several fronts. Energy providers, especially those in competitive energy markets, would be able to reduce consumption using a myriad of innovative power management devices like the EleSaver. Not only would they reduce the strain on the current electrical grid, but they would slow the need for increased capacity and the capital costs associated with infrastructure creation. In addition to these obvious benefits, line operator labor shrinkage would be offset by the creation of new jobs focused on installing power management devices at sub stations, industrial complexes and at an infinite number of other installations.

In my meetings with energy executives I stressed the need to appear ahead of the curve on energy policy. The market has always awarded the innovative thinkers and those who leap forward. As you might imagine, my predictions of a looming energy crisis were viewed with marked skepticism and brushed off as the rants of a young liberal. How prescient I now seem. These same executives are now frantically working to transform the image of the energy industry as one that is forward thinking and invested in responsible ways to reduce consumption.

And how are they achieving this? One word: Greenvertising. I started using this term when I was the Director of Marketing and Operations for SaveTech Ltd./Electric Energy Savings Systems. In 2005 gas prices hovered near $2.15 per gallon until hurricanes Katrina and Rita led to a surge in energy prices across the country. Oil was near $50 per barrel. Now we have seen a 200% increase in fuel costs. The bad news about our current energy crisis is that it's accelerating inflation and weakening the U.S. dollar. However, a side benefit of the changing market is that companies from every industry see value in reducing overall energy consumption and implementing green advertising campaigns.

I've just finished some ad designs for The Inn at Andrews-Green. Take a peek:




Greenvertising isn't an entirely new concept, but it is another effective way for companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors in any market. The smart thing about Andrews-Green is that their capital investments in energy infrastructure will save them thousands and potentially millions of dollars during the life of the inn. Now that's some green everyone can appreciate.

Labels: Advertising, business, Case Study, design, Gulf Coast, Hurricane Katrina, Identity, JSDS, Marketing, Maryland, washington dc

Perhaps you noticed the somewhat sudden design change. Yeppers, gone is the tired previous design. There are still a few kinks to be worked out, but I'm glad this new, clean version is online and here to stay.

I definitely took my own advice about self-editing (see "Four steps forward"). I removed so many unnecessary elements and it looks so much better. I decided that the thick black border had to go and it totally fixed what was wrong with the design. You'll notice a few changes in the near future, including a better system of organizing posts and blog labels, but I don't want too much change just yet.

So, gone is:

And happy am I.

Labels: Blog, design, JSDS, Justin Schuck

Often in design there's a tendency to go overboard, to over design, and I am guilty of this on every single design project I have ever worked from the original Foster Industries logo¹ that I designed when I was 16 to the current Justin Schuck Photography logo². The problem often lies in the drive for perfection clouded by wanting a project to be "everything," when design merely needs to be "something."

I know how easy it is to be carried away with a project. You've put together 3-4 different design directions, and once you've narrowed things down to your final choice you find yourself drunk with ideas and concentrate too heavily on unimportant details. You go over every individual pixel, but it is in this focus that you lose sight of the greater balance of a project.

When I think I have completed a design, I take a step back and ask myself what can I delete? What can I remove from the design? This is usually my saving grace and it is always my advice to other designers. The ability to self-edit in design, in production, in sculpture, in politics is the ability to understand your audience. Nothing was every made better by being made more complicated³.

Too often I see over-thought, over-wrought designs and logos. I see printed annual reports designed in PowerPoint using the same clip-art that Microsoft has included in its programs when Windows 3.1 was king. This disgusts me. Good designers know to remove elements that distract and emphasize elements that enhance the overall objective. If you're designing a report that covers dry subject matter, adding cheesy graphical elements isn't going to make the material any more interesting. In this case, smart font choices balanced with appropriate white space can create a document that is both a pleasure to read, but serves its function well.

I have seen great website designs using complex static and motion graphical elements, but the sites that get it right are the ones where the design is not overboard. (The only exception to the rule of self editing is if your product or client is over-the-top. Paris Hilton as a brand comes to mind, but I still urge caution.)

Another thing that works for me when creating brand identities is to visualize the logo on everything from a kitchen knife to a race car. When I've narrowed down my design to the final direction, I place the logo on hundreds of things I find around my house. Ovens, fans, phones, irons, printers, cars, bags, envelopes, paper, trash cans, buttons, ties, stickers, soda cans, detergent bottles... I could go on forever. This is important for one main reason: you never know what industry a company or organization may go next, or on what product they might want their logo for company-branded gifts. You'll know right away whether the design you chose will accurately represent the company. Even if you're not including more complex items appearing on the website, you'll know if the brand is reinforced.

Applying a logo across a broad range of relevant and irrelevant products also serves another purpose. By experiencing your design this way, you will be better able to argue the merits of the design in any meeting with a client because you have already thought your way down every path the company might grow in the future. And you might be surprised that the client is encouraged to think in a new way about corporate gifts. (It's the design equivalent to adding on to a sale.)

When I reach the end of a given project, I love putting design elements into a digital compost pile to be reincarnated in a future project. I'll keep elements in a complex Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign file for safe keeping. I save everything, even ideas. I recently (about 6 months ago) returned to keeping a "Musebook." I use this to chart thoughts and ideas on designs, political marketing strategies, notes on meetings, you name it. For me and my oft-scattered mind, it's important to have not only all of my ideas in one place, but to have them on good old fashioned paper. It's surge-proof.

Bottom line: remove elements to simplify your design; use clean, easy-to-read fonts with balanced whitespace; lose the gimmicks and focus on how the brand can be represented across a multitude of platforms. Follow these rules and you'll find yourself doing better work.

---

¹ The original Foster Industries logo does not exist in digital form, nor does the original font (Traffic) for the "FI" so the representation appearing above is not 100% accurate, but you get the idea. Yes, I know it's bad. I was sixteen!


² I think I'm happy with the current iteration. It conforms to my desire for symmetry in design and architecture. The current logo came out of a design study to determine what would fit best on our branded products like proof boxes, bags, polos, etc.

³ Stay tuned for a future blog on the logo of "TSG Holdings." I put the name in quotes because I'm not convinced it's a real company. Have you seen their visually offensive logo on M Street NW mocking designers everywhere? It's the worst company logo I have ever seen. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if it weren't new!

Labels: Advertising, business, design, Identity, JSDS, Justin Schuck, Marketing

Finally! An updated design with just a hint of samples!


(Yes Andy, I know it's just a big JPEG, but I'm focusing on photo client projects, not the JSDS site. At least there's something up there!)

Labels: design, JSDS

Here is an update to the PoliticsAside.net site template. We recently removed all the formatting for the old site and chose a simple, text-only version while we test the new designs. It's less complicated that way. I want to go in a more monochromatic direction. This has two benefits: it creates the illusion of being more "anti" while drawing greater attention to the donate button. There are still hints of the previous red, white and blue theme, but subtlety is cousin of revolution. (Or something like that...)



I've also taken advantage of the same original template created for PoliticsAside.net and used it for the new website for the Law Offices of Matthew Bennett. This takes us in a completely different direction from the current site at BennettShoemaker.com. With the separation of the two partners, it was essential to revamp the brand. It's still a work-in-progress and will likely change some before the final design is complete.

Labels: design, JSDS, Justin Schuck

I'm working on a few projects right now, including some case studies.



One thing I've been focusing on is a new ad campaign for Duron Paints & Wallcoverings (a division of The Sherwin-Williams Company). I've also tried revamping the logo and I'm working on a few slogans. "Paint in color" seems to be my favorite at the moment. Having "Paints & Wallcoverings" as part of the logo might not be necessary as they have an established brand identity with commercial clients. The idea with the "little boxes" design study is to test the idea of using "drab" paint swatches contrasted with bright vibrant colors while trying to create motion within the space. It's a work in progress, but the Flash potential is great. One thought is to create a paint game or tool using Shockwave to take people from "drab to fab" in no time flat. (This same tool could be applied across a broad range of brands and using in various other applications, including in-store kiosks.)

The hope/focus is to build on the brand and make Duron a designer's must-have. Designers appreciate good design, clean logos and a cohesive brand strategy. Duron does not have that. As a part of Sherwin-Williams, it might be a better option to market the Duron brand as the "green" division in order to capitalize on the current wave of eco-centric consumer interest.

As I've stated for many years now, if you look at economic downturns or slowdowns in market growth, you'll notice a trend after the initial shock of the lowered sales revenues and market adjustments: advertising and design budgets generally increase. Most companies understand that the best time to invest in smart, focused and brand-developing advertising is when the market is souring. There is never a more important time than an economic slowdown to prove to customers your company's value and to create or enhance a need. Aside from having a solid product or service, advertising and design is the most fundamentally important thing any company can invest in order to whether the storm while increasing brand loyalty and exposure.


We're also working on developing the branding for a new campaign strategy and design firm. The idea is to capitalize on the growing emphasis of campaigning through the web. The idea behind the above design directions is to no only think about potential slogans and their marketing potential, but also convey a non-partisan approach to campaign website design, administration and strategy. We're playing with color, but I'm a big fan of Pantone 412-406. Especially when it's paired with minty 351 or cool blue 3105. I'm liking 1767 pink this week too.

Labels: Advertising, Case Study, design, Duron, JSDS, Justin Schuck, Marketing

I just want to let you in on a well-known secret. I have, along with others, gone over and over on the various design directions for my main photography website, JustinSchuck.com — where this blog is hosted. I'm a consummate perfectionist with a revisionist streak. Here now are some screen shots (in chronological order) of my design evolutions.

The design below was originally designed as a placeholder. Theoretically there was going to be a flash version of the site where the boxes moved around on mouseover and the images would change up and have lots of funky transitions. After about 6 months or more of the placeholder, I started making updates and expansions which leads us to the next design.



So this was the last real evolution of the design still visible on the vintage (legacy) site still hosted on the main server. I eventually reached the point of frustration and admitted that the site wasn't going to change much and I made some adjustments to typeface and the structure of the site.



Before I settled on the semi-permanent design direction above I started working on several new design directions at once. The next four designs were worked on simultaneously. You can clearly tell which design directions received the most attention. You may also note the temporary name change. At the time we were starting this project we were also taking on financial partners to build what could have been "The Justin Schuck Gallery & Studio." There were several designs in this direction, including full identity and letterhead designs.



Again, playing with typeface and trying to think how I wanted my brand represented, I worked towards the following design, but I was really unhappy with it. The "logo" appearing below was also used for marketing materials and display items, some of which I still use today, although not often. We were still going back and forth as to what the new company should be called, ultimately Justin Schuck Photography was the most appropriate.



I was going back and forth on a daily basis as to whether or not I should use my "tag" signature, which I still really like to this day and hope to find some way to use it. But who knows, it's the alt-rocker in me. The following design is a better example of logical navigation occurring "above the fold" as it were. This design was also the first time all four cities appeared in a design. The four cities were later incorporated into the "vintage" design and still appear there today.



This is a progression of the above design. The navigation would animate and "light up" the tab color. This also recalls design elements of my acclaimed original JustinSchuck.com which functioned solely as a personal website. That design is buried somewhere on a CD in storage. Anyhow, back to the design below... I really liked this design, but there was something holding me back from implementing the design. I think the biggest barrier to it's implementation was navigation partially obscured below the fold on a 640x480 template. I honestly can't remember.



What was most likely the death knell for the site above is the design below. It's one of those epiphany designs that occur between the hours of first darkness and first light. I remember working on the design for at least three days straight before making additional changes as evidenced in the following design.



I love the picture of the kids below and seeing this again reminds me that I need to put together a serious gallery of all my work for the last 12 years. There's some really good stuff in there if I do say so myself. Back to designs...

I changed the background to gray, put telephone numbers and email at the top which would allow for navigation going down the side. This is also when our company tag line became "Photography for the way you live.™" which is still pending. We also developed a working click-through for the Online Previews service. It was great to see the design come so far. This really was my favorite, but after some server-side testing, some focus groups and a changing design team, this too was abandoned.



This little piece was for our other-branded sites as part of a broader internet ranking strategy for our Dubai sites. It was an extremely effective campaign – perhaps too effective – but was eventually taken down due to the closing of our full-time Dubai operations earlier this year.



After no real progress had been made, and with the current design at the time reaching five years of age, I finally threw the following design up on the site. The "vintage" site is such a mess, especially with so many revisions and so many hands touching it. The code is all kinds of fouled up, and I consider myself as one of the most organized and obsessive-compulsive HTML coders on the planet. The only reason the vintage site is still live is so I don't have to create another temporary site that would likely become semi-permanent.




I really like where the most current site design is going, and it serves as the inspiration of the next site. Hopefully some time soon we will have the new site design templates posted. Because seriously, I've had way too much JustinSchuck.com. (That's why I've transfered "the power" over the new design direction over to my lovely Andrea.)

Labels: Advertising, Art, Case Study, design, Dubai, Identity, Justin Schuck, Photo, photography

I'm in a self-congratulatory mood today. I'm almost done with the non-stop paint-a-thon at my mom's house. (Pictures to follow soon). But I wanted to thank my designer Andrea for appreciating some of my work. It feels good to get rave approval from a fellow designer. It was certainly unexpected.

Thank you! I'm humbled.

Labels: Art, Blog, business, design, Justin Schuck

Here's a sneak peek at some things I've been working on.

Labels: Charity, design, politics

Design is on the horizon at JS+Co. We're in the process of major overhauls of all the branded sites, including some of our newest ventures. JustinSchuck.com, the site for Justin Schuck Photography, has been in a state of constant redevelopment for over two years. We are pleased to announce that we've assigned our newest (and hopefully final) designer, Andrea K, to the task.



This means of course that we'll have to scale back our timetable for deployment, however, we know it will be worth the wait. Soon you will notice a new placeholder graphic (see above). We will be eliminating the "vintage" portion of the site to create and allow for server-side testing of the new site. During this time we will not have online galleries, but we will have a downloadable PDF packet containing a number of our images in album form. Clients will also be directed to call or email the studio to learn more.



As mentioned above, we have retooled JustinSchuckCo.com, the main site of the company to reflect the new address and the new members of the JSCo family. Soon there will be even more consolidation.

Justin Schuck Design Studio is now JSDS print/web/publication. The functions of Schuck Interactive Group and its partners will be folded into JSDS. Innovative Brand Concepts will soon be merged into the newest marketing arm That's Sick Viral Marketing. That's Sick is currently engaged with the largest cable channel to provide innovative marketing campaigns through social media using viral web techniques. We are also working with one of the hippest record companies in America to spread the word about their newest talent. More to come on that. (L'Agence and HelveticaSaves.org were merged earlier this year into the Innovative Brand Concepts division.)



There are exciting changes ahead with a focus on our clients. This is going to be an exciting year. Just you wait.

Labels: design, JSDS

As you may know, I have been actively pursuing my dream of opening what will be the premiere photography and design studio in the Washington DC area. Justin Schuck & Company LLC will be bringing together the various operations under one roof, including facilities to manufacture our small line of clothing products.

The innovative Justin Schuck Studios of Washington will have an oversized studio space; a small cafe and gallery; private client meeting areas; back office space for my staff; and a "gray room" for proper color balance adjustments for photography, videography and print design among other things. Together with our architects, we are putting together an extremely efficient design for the layout of the space.

The hard side of the business is raising the capital needed to not only lease space in an extremely expensive market, but also to support the construction and operational functions of the studio. I have invested a great deal of time and money to put us closer to the realization of my dream.

I have been very fortunate to have a group of investors who share my vision. Without their belief in me and what Justin Schuck & Company LLC can do, I wouldn't be here writing this blog.

Labels: bethesda, business, design, photography, retail, studio, venture capital, washington dc

I am pleased to announce the formation of the new Justin Schuck & Company, LLC. I would like to thank my attorney, Jason W. Shoemaker, of the Law Offices of Bennett & Shoemaker, for helping me put everything together and to organize my various companies under one name. (Fitting title don't you think?)

This is a very exciting move and it is going to make it easier for the various divisions to work together and streamline operations.

The companies coming under the umbrella of Justin Schuck & Company, LLC are:
Justin Schuck Photography
Schuck Interactive Group (owns JSDS)
Justin Schuck Design Studio
Innovative Brand Concepts
L'Agence de Schuck (Formerly JS&Co. Media)
The Church of Helveticology/HelveticaSaves.org
Politics Aside (a consulting firm)

We're really entering into an exciting time, and just in time for the holidays and the new year.

Labels: bethesda, business, design, Identity, photography, washington dc