DJB Design is turning 1! We’re going to forego the smash cake because that’s just a waste of really good cake. But if anyone is interested, I’ll never turn down a piece of Vanilla Celebration cake from Susie Cakes.

Opening my own business never was something I aspired to do, mostly because I was probably too scared to fail. I shared some of those feelings when I decided to leave the newspaper industry I’d known for more than 20 years and go out on my own. It was the absolute best decision I could have made. This past year has been full of such creative, inspiring, and educational opportunities. I never could have imagined just how fulfilling Year 1 could be.

The Historic New Orleans Collection has been a fabulous client. I was honored to design the title logo and wall graphics for New Orleans Medley: Sounds of the CIty as well as myriad other fun designs (watch for a big one next year).

A project I’m so honored to be a part of is the publication of the book Through the White Door, by my brilliant friend and colleague Smiley Pool. Years ago when Smiley and I shared a cubicle at the Houston Chronicle, he told me about a project (which already had a dozen-plus years in the tank) and that it would likely one day become a book. He asked if I’d be interested in designing it when that day came. Smiley has spent decades — yes, decades — photographing those confronting the HIV/AIDS crisis on multiple continents. When you talk about a labor of love, this is the absolute definition. You can pre-order your copy of the book here, and all profits go to HIV/AIDS-related charities. This is a book that should be on every coffee table.

While the bulk of my career has been spent designing and in data visualization, I’ve always enjoyed coaching and mentorship most. The reward of helping a business or editorial staff fully realize an idea is priceless. I love the consulting side of DJB Design LLC just as much for that reason. Whether it was helping establish some content-management workflows using Adobe or helping the energized, talented staff of Campbell Hall’s student newspaper, The Piper, this is some of the work I enjoy most.

On a personal note, particularly for those of you in positions of hiring: As we watch newspapers scale down, centralize operations, or cease publication altogether, journalists have had to find Plan B. Many land in positions they never would have imagined prior to their time in a newsroom. Yet they thrive. Hiring a journalist is one of the smartest moves a business can make. A journalist’s skill set is akin to a giant Craftsman tool box as opposed to a tool belt (sorry, Batman). Sure, they both have the essentials, but a journalist has tools you never knew you needed. The work is top-notch. They crush a deadline. They’re amazing in a crisis. Hire a journalist!

Now let’s go eat some cake!