The year is 1981. It’s winter, just before my fourth birthday. With a scrap piece of wood in hand, I crawl onto a metal folding chair. Before my short, skinny fingers is the tearing blade of my father’s rusty bandsaw in his make-shift wood shop. I have been creating since before I could fully form complex sentence structure with independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions. And I have continued creating every day thereafter. With almost a decade of experience in design and photography, I have the rare opportunity to actually employ my life-long hobby—creation.

I was given full autonomy over the scrap box in my father's workshop. Filled with spoils, that cardboard box contained an endless trove of opportunity. Just waiting for the next idea. I had a set of resources/materials, tools readily available, and nothing more than the desire to create. Now almost three decades later, my philosophy on design has remained the same.

In short, I stalk challenge. I strive to solve problems. The same three basic elements of my father's workshop hold true– resources, tools and thought. One must assess the materials or resources available, know well the tools necessary to craft, and have the diligence and desire to create. As a designer, my aim is to partner with a client, serve them well and develop solutions that align to and support the business' overall strategy for success. This aim requires digging deep to understand a client's business, competitive landscape and parallel industries, as well as the business' successes, failures, and obstacles. Here, the fun is just beginning.

Barnum Design believes in advancing the entrepreneurial spirit and challenging the status quo. Entrepreneurs take on challenges others shy away from, craft new solutions to old obstacles, and have the courage to say “why not” when others say “why bother.” Could we have a set schedule, work fewer hours, and take longer vacations if we stuck with what’s safe? Maybe. But it wouldn’t be nearly as fun or fulfilling.

Barnum Design specializes in helping small to medium-size businesses define their personality in the marketplace through distinctive imagery and succinct communication. We understand that success in today’s market depends upon facilitating conversations, building mutually beneficial relationships, and going beyond traditional one-way messaging. Speaking AT your prospects in an increasingly interconnected and media saturated world simply doesn’t cut it anymore. To rise above a sea of competition, the value of your product or service must be more than the sum of its parts

Barnum digs deep to get to know your business. An important part of our approach is a willingness to ask the hard questions and speak honestly to our clients. We take nothing at face value. Because we work with a wide variety of businesses, we are able to offer fresh perspectives and alternative methodologies that can transform your communications efforts from tactical to strategic.

In New York City, many have become accustomed to a lifestyle of anonymity. We pass thousands of neighbors everyday, rub shoulders with them on the subway, stand silently next to them in an elevator, and yet we often allow ourselves to live our lives disconnected from meaningful relationships.

It is our vision to restore and foster relationships within our communities. With a passion for artistic expression and sincere dialogue, the Salt Space exists to serve the people of New York City by providing opportunities to build community through an accessible space.

In New York City, everyone has something to share. But in a city that's this jam packed, it's hard to find a place to do so. We developed the Salt Space to be a transformable venue designed to provide a neutral platform for dialogue and community engagement.

Monthly Design Review is a meeting for designers. Our ongoing discussions on design theories and practices go beyond industry needs and trends. We raise questions about the value, power and purpose of design.

Directing the group from passive conversation to actionable execution of project work, Monthly Design Review is now identifying and engaging non-profits so that, as a group, we can serve the needs of organizations passionately pursuing effectual change. With a core group in New York City of 40+ members, Monthly Design Review can execute highly creative and impactful projects. We're excited to see what the future holds.