Just being honest

I tried to think of someone and the only person I could think of is Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr.

He is real. He is honest. He helps keep the art of letterpress alive. 
I know I should come up with some one that is really rich or a common house hold name, but I am skeptical of people who are super well known. They have publicists and PR people to rep and vet them. They have a brand and they present that brand and I have no way of knowing if it is authentic; it probably was at some point. I don't know Amos either, but I know his work and one of my mentor's is his good friend, so I trust his brand a little more than some CEO that I will never meet. 
I admire Amos.

Company Culture

I started freelancing in 2008 because I was sick of company culture, even that phrase leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I worked for companies that talk about their company culture and how fun, creative, or innovative they were; to me, when someone says non traditional, fun, and a number of over hyped words, I think oh so you have a bright primary colored wall somewhere in the building and you place the "creative team" in close proximity to the red, blue, or yellow wall. If a company wants to feed me that is a perk that really means I will be working so hard I won't be home to make my own dinner and I won't have time to grocery shop and pack a lunch. I am actually scared of the term company culture.
It is interesting to think about what I want from a company and what I am willing to GIVE a company. I am okay with long hours in spurts and I am okay with bright walls as long as those walls aren't just a facade, but they are an actual nod to a business willing to encourage creativity from their employees, even the ones not on the creative team.
Next year I will be looking for a place to go and earn a living wage. I will approach this task with a seriousness and a little less naivety than I have in the past. I want a place where I can go and work and be encourage to do things differently, to investigate, discuss, and pursue innovation, this is a lofty goal. But, what I really want is a place where I am valued and encourage to improve. I want to work with people who can mentor me and help me grow. I don't want to be stuck with no chance of evolution or promotion. I don't know if I can find this place, but I am hoping I can create a strong personal brand that helps me communicate who I am and what I value. My personal brand will help me attract companies I share a common ground with, and let them know I am ready to contribute to their company culture.

::SIDENOTE::
I loved the Drive Video this week, I sent it to a bunch of my friends. It is fascinating and so well presented.

Top Three Reasons a Designer Should Care About Skrilla

1. If you are informed about the company's budget it enables you to address other people/departments' concerns and goals and incorporate them into the company's design.
2. The reading this week said, "Second, a budget plots your financial path to where you want to be." So, if you want to be apart of the future you need to understand where the budget is steering the company.
3. The image of the designer is evolving. You can get a place at the table where decisions are made, but to get invited you need to understand the budget and other people need to KNOW you understand it.