I never usually post about my job, let alone talk about it when the clock hits 3:30, but today, I sat back and realized (even more so) that art does have a function–contrary to popular belief.

Today I am officially, well, discombobulated (like people at Milwaukee airport after security). Designing for one of the largest marine research organizations in the world in the daytime, and working freelance for musicians, photographers and all around art lovers in my free time is natural to me. I can separate the two–leaving work at work, and freelance at home. But, today, oh today, I felt like I was a Biology major again (which I was, for a short stint).

Site mock-ups and revisions in their very early stages. Long, long process.

I’ve been designing a website for salmon monitoring (then eating salmon when i get home… does that correlate?), creating 75+ illustrations for a climate change textbook, designing a flow diagram for a really complex system, and designing a logo that involves, yes, more fish. It’s all great fun, but what’s more, knowing that art has a function (as most complainers argue that it does not beyond selfish ones), makes me leave the studio at the end of the day happy that some people can realize the value in good visual communication. It’s not about money and how much one’s time costs–it’s all about what you need to say, and how you’re going to say it successfully.

Just something to think about.

Today’s quote: “It starts with an air pump connected to a condensing coil, that connects to a water removal unit, two drying columns, a particle filter, releasing CO2 free air which enters Air MFC’s through three backflow prevention valves. Then, here is the MFC DAQ that connects to a computer that connects to 5 Solenoid Valves, a flow meter and a CO2 Analyzer.”

Sure. I’ll draw that.