Apparently there are so many Starbucks in NYC that they are now taking it to the streets and have an army of coffee trucks. You can literally find a Starbucks on every other block in Manhattan. Jenny and I were down in Tribeca doing a photoshoot at dusk when this bright blue truck rolled by. I just couldn’t resist.

As a designer, many times I am both. Not by choice!

I emphatically believe that design is not art. But defining the difference between design and art is a lengthy debate not to be had via this venue.

I am passionate beyond belief for my work … Trust me, just ask some of my clients. My level of specificity borders on the insane. Some may say well beyond that border! Regardless, there is a fine line to tread between these two “personas.” And even though clearly drawn in the sand, the struggle still exists as to which side I must tender.

Here’s the thing … “Love” in this world is cheap! While I do generally agree with this, I have a hard time believing that “love” can’t necessarily pay the bills. Herein lies my struggle.

A good friend was in town. With wife and toddler son. A great, great time !! Jonathan Rich was up for a photoshoot, and being the rock star that he is with a second album that just came out, he needed some rock star photos. So, we headed out in the city for some roof top shots first, then down to Tribeca to catch the sun as it was setting on the western side of Manhattan.

Well, that’s not entirely true. Yes, I am a graphic designer by education and thousands of hours of work experience. However, I am not a Graphic Designer … I will not allow myself to be so narrowly defined. While graphic design is a part of who I am and what I do, it is not my sole responsibility.

Strategic planning, operations orientation, photography, brand mission development, content direction & creation, social media tactics, outlining marketing strategy … The list could go on and on. And I’m also tasked with becoming an expert in dietary supplements, carbon fiber manufacturing & crew boat racing, latex foam pillows & mattresses, the boutique cult wine world, luxury bath fixtures … The list could go on and on.

And yet, I’m just a “graphic designer.” From the lists above, does it sound like I play with crayons all day? This is the overall perception of “graphic design.” And the cherry on top is that no client has any interest, or holds any value on typographic rudiments, color theory, composition … The list could go on and on.

My tone may sound frustrated, but let me clarify, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We ran a quick errand over the weekend which took us to midtown, to drop off my new/antique watch at jewelers for a little speed up. Regardless, I had the camera with me for a change. So, here are a few shots from what became a productive errand, in more ways than one.