So yeah… it’s been awhile since my last update. Typically its a business’s own website that suffers most while producing work for others. The portfolio is updated and in some cases trimmed down a bit. I mean I didn’t have to show every DVD ever produced did I? I’ve also found some web banners buried inside job folders that I put up there as well.

To the left is the new 2008 Catalog for my client Paradise Herbs that I’ve produced for their upcoming trade show. Other items I’m producing for the show include their booth graphics, header cards for the product displays, product brochures and other odds and ends.

In other news, I am actively looking for new companies to produce work for. If you look at my portfolio, you know what I’m capable of. I’m particularly interested in working directly with companies involved in action sports, tobacco, beverages, pharmaceuticals, automotive, entertainment and other consumer oriented products. Okay, my work is finished here fellow earth dwellers. Enjoy your the rest of your weekend.

As usual the ebb and flow of business is a continuous roller coaster ride. This hasn’t been more apparent than this month of August. The first week was unusually slow, so naturally I continued to focus on updating my website and portfolio, while taking advantage of the lull. Then on the 7th I got pummeled with work. Hot, hot and more hot deadlines.

This week I just completed two websites for Geneon Entertainment. The websites are for two different titles - When They Cry and Samurai Horror Tales. I was able to produce two websites within three days. The powers that be were pleased at the speedy turnaround. So thank you to the main man who came to me for these projects!

Another iron in the fire was an ad re-design for my client Paradise Herbs. They were unhappy with their current direction so they asked me to turn it around, punch it up and give it some life. I got a call this morning and they loved it. So once I finish this entry I’ll jump back in and finesse the copy. In fact… I better go now.

Okay I’m back because I forgot to mention the fantastic printing job that America’s Printer did on my business cards. At will call I noticed it was the printed in high-gloss UV and not the matte AQ finish. Because I needed the cards for the car show over last weekend, they insisted on me taking several hundred cards with me while they correct the printing job. After printing them they shipped it next day free of charge. The cards are beautiful and the color, most importantly is dead on. That’s it, I’m done rambling.

It’s late and I’m having difficulty getting my portfolio posted. It’s all done (pretty much) and ready to roll. I probably need some sleep seeing it’s fast approaching midnight and I will turn into a rotten little pumpkin any minute. Anyway, I have to share this tidbit while I have the energy left because this has been on my mind. The tidbit is a review of one of my favorite samurai series ever. EVER!

So let me introduce to you… Lone Wolf and Cub!

Ogami Itto works for the Shogun and is the highly respected official executioner. After executing the infant Lord, the Yagyu Shadow-Clan murders Itto’s wife and servants, setting him up as a betrayer of the Shogun. Ogami Itto then vows to walk the earth as a demon, becoming an assassin for hire until he avenges his wife’s death and destroys the Yagyu Shadow-Clan. He then gives his infant son the choice between a colorful ball or a sword. Mesmerized, his son Diagoro crawls toward the sword, letting his bloodline choose for him, sparing him a death by his fathers sword.

It’s taken me a long time to review this series. There are a total of six DVD’s and each one brought to me the satisfaction and validation of being a Samurai film lover. There must be something magical about the fountains of blood ejecting from a decapitation. Or perhaps its the light-speed force of a sword that leaves a blood-spattered trail of butchered carcasses in it’s path. But there is something unusual about this Samurai series that is unlike any other - Ogami Itto brings with him his infant son, Diagoro, on these murderous rampages.

Don’t be intimidated by the fact it premiered in 1972. The storyline is solid steel and the fight scenes have been imitated in the more mainstream samurai films of today. Lone Wolf and Cub is bad ass even by today’s standards and will bring a smile to your face as the blood-spattered landscape unfolds before your eyes. Readily available on Netflix this is a must see for all fans of Samurai cinema.