I SAY YOU SAY COLORS BY TAD CARPENTER HOW TO
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That approach seems very Midwestern-very Kansas City. That blue-collar, get your nails dirty, take care of business mentality has always been part of how I try and approach my work. These type of jobs were no nonsense, roll-up your sleeves and get shit done type of jobs. One of my grandfathers was a highway patrol officer and the other worked in the concrete industry. I was lucky enough to witness the incredibly hard work ethic of my father and both my grandfathers who grew up in a small town in Kansas. In our blood Midwesterners tend to have an incredible work ethic. To me, being from the Midwest means we act kind to others, we ain’t showy and we know that talent is not enough. That hospitality has helped shape the way I work with clients and collaborators. Kansas Citians really are some of the most kind, caring people you will ever meet. THERE IS SOMETHING about growing up in Kansas City and living in the Midwest that affects the way you work and think. HOW HAS KANSAS CITY IMPACTED YOU AND THE WAY YOU WORK? For me personally-with the majority of our clients all over the country-it’s pretty ideal to be within a 3-hour flight of either coast. I think everyone talks about the convenience of Kansas City and that is definitely true.

Kansas City is just such an easy city to fall in love with. Most had little impression of KC prior to getting here, but then they arrive and quickly fall in love with Kansas City and it’s creative community. For decades, people have moved to Kansas City from all over the world to work at Hallmark. Hallmark was founded in Kansas City in 1910. I think Kansas City’s creative strength is due in large part to housing the world headquarters to Hallmark Cards. If you were to fail, the fall is not that far and you can pick yourself up and take another swing. Having a much lower cost of living in Kansas City, allows us to take big risks. We are not a largely populated city like New York or Los Angeles but our creative community is so involved, so engaged and so strong. The creative community in Kansas City has always impressed me. WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW? Play was a big part of Gordon’s overall philosophy.

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He wrote the book, “ Orbiting the Giant Hairball” in which he discusses how to survive as a creative in the corporate world. Gordon was one of my Dad’s best friends at Hallmark.

I learned this philosophy from the late, great Gordon Mackenzie. We all really do our best work when we are enjoying ourselves and engaging in play. I try to keep it light, encourage everyone to experiment, try something totally new and play.

Not that we just sit around goofing off all day, but I have recognized that I do my best work when I am fully engaged in the project and frankly, having fun. Our studio is collaborative, hard working and we try to put a strong emphasis on play. I’m also married to the very talented art director/designer, Jessica who’s always involved in some capacity. Our studio currently is comprised of myself and two part-time designers. It really changes all the time based on the clients needs. Other times, we might be creating a packaging campaign or an illustration collection.

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Often a client needs a full brand identity. Our studio specializes in brand identities and creating memorable brand experiences. WE ARE BASED IN WEST PLAZA, in a newly built live/work space that my wife, Jessica and I recently built with our Architects and friends at Kem Studio.

I say you say colors by tad carpenter