Inspiration: Happy Birthday To Me

My good friend and Corporate Branding Specialist Dave Vanz (whom I've known for almost a decade now...WOW) was kind enough to send me a Birthday gift via the world wide web.

He calls me up after he sends me this video featuring two guys that you may have seen on TV, Cedric Maxwell formerly of the Boston Celtics (now radio host) and actor Anthony Anderson (Law & Order/Transformers) wishing me a Happy Birthday.

Ironically Anthony Anderson portrayed a character on Law & Order named Kevin Bernard, which happens to be my first and middle name.  Go figure.

Anyway, it was a good idea that I didnt take him seriously about the "getting drunk" thing.  I had way to much driving to do in the morning.

Thanks, Dave.  You're a great friend.  I owe you one, brother.

Project: HockeySled.com

My good friend Dave Utley was approached by a local entrepreneur by the name of Kirk Schlappi who was interested in promoting his innovative product, The Hockey Sled.

The Hockey Sled is an on-ice resistance training device, first used by Kirk himself (who happens to be a hockey player and coach) to help build the necessary muscles needed to get better performance results for his team during games.

 

The concept was the first of its kind and unlike any other resistance training device out there... but Kirk needed to get the word out.  He needed a website.  That's where my good buddy Dave Utley came in, and guess who he asked to be his wing-man... your's truly.

It was up to me to help refine the logo as well as come up with the look and feel of the site.  It involved assisting in the development of the story-boards for the opening animation as well as some of the cool roll-over effects that you will see for the main navigation buttons.

I also had the privilage of taking some "on ice" photos of the device in use... which was a very interesting experience being that I never been inside a hockey rink before.  Hey, I live in Hockeytown U.S.A., it was bound to happen sooner or later, right?

Here is a video of Kirk in his element:

Project: Chene Park/The Right Productions Internship

During my final term in college, I acquired an internship position at Chene Park Ampitheater in Downtown Detroit with the Right Productions as their Content Management Intern.  

Chene Park is one of the crown jewels of Metro Detroit and facilitates weekly events throughout the summer featuring local as well as national recording artists from several different genres of music.  

During that time I got my very first experience working with Content Management Systems (WordPress to be exact).  

It was my responsibility to update the home page with the coming events as well as the event schedule if and when things changed.  I also had the privilage of designing some invites and concession menus.

The main perk was all the wonderful artist that I had the opportunity to take pictures of:

I also had the privilage of working with one of the very best promotion/production staffs in the nation which included Mrs. Shahida Mausi, Nannette Wheatley, Sulaiman Mausi, Nina Payne, Rashid Mausi, Piper Carter (who is also a professional photographer), Malik Mausi, Dana Cleveland, Sundiata "OM" Mausi, Ken "Blanks" Harrell as well as so many others that contribute so much to the daily opperations of Chene Park.  It was truly a wonderful experience that I will cherish and hold dear for years to come. 

Special thanks goes out to Paula Anderanin, who was instrumental in my being there.  Your contribution to my success at Chene Park was not in vain; as well as Monica Morgan who I always love to watch in her element.  You inspire me to be a better photographer.

I also did some work on The Right Productions website which will be accessible shortly.  I will definitely be giving a "heads- up" as to when it is available to view online.

Project: NV Designs 2011 Spring/Summer Collection

Natasha Tipler is the very charismatic and energetic designer of NV Designs.  She has been making clothing for quite some time and approached me about helping her out with her portfolio along with Mario Walden, Brian "Bugsy B Fresh" Buggs and Nathaniel Lindsay; All of whom are/were students at the International Academy of Design and Technology.  

This was really an interesting project that required alot of energy in a very short amount of time (3 Days).  Fortunately for Natasha, our combined efforts produced wonderful results. Have a look for yourself.

!!!! PEEP MY NIFTY DANCE MOVES @ 2:50 !!!!

Project: The Brian Alexander Experience

Brian Alexander is a standard when it comes to live entertainment in the Metro Detroit Area.  His interactive style of performance mirrors that of what you would see in a show in Las Vegas!

My involvement with this project was more-so as a videographer as opposed to focusing primarily on photography and design.

 

Have a look at the results.
 

I was brought on to capture footage at various performances around the Metro Detroit area. My primary function in this project was working with the sound, video and special effects that would eventually end up in the production and authoring of several different versions of a promotional DVD.  The Video below is the final product for the main promo vid.

 

Brian Alexander Promo Video: