If you enjoy music, you may have felt it. You’ve practiced well and the piece is under your fingers. . . you take a deep breath, let loose and give it all you’ve got. The process moves from being an analytical production to a creative expression. You just play and it feels good, sounds good, is good. You release your inner Rocker.

I think we all have this ability–some of us express it in music, some in gardening, some in sports, or graphic design, or teaching, or parenting. The skills are learned and the heart is there–you just quit worrying about it and play.

So here’s a challenge for all of us. Relax, give it a try–don’t worry about the neighbors or the competitors or the economy. You’ve practiced well, the melody and rhythm are right there, ready to be tapped. Relax, create, enjoy.

You rock!

In her article, Ochman advises businesses to take social media marketing seriously by allocating sufficient financial, technological, and staffing resources to managing it. The article is worth reading if only for the surprising list she offers of what it takes to support social media marketing.

Whether it’s possible or even advisable to manipulate social media communities to fulfill corporate marketing goals is certainly a discussion worth having, but I choose to leave social media alone. That’s right. I don’t support figuring out innovative ways Twitter can enhance a company’s brand, or using Facebook to fine-tune the sights on a marketing campaign. Let them be what they are, a 21st century evolution of human networking. Let’s study it, cultivate it, and most of all let’s not tamper with it. I’m in favor of allowing the whole social media phenomenon to blossom commercial free. That doesn’t mean a business shouldn’t have a Facebook page, but they should have a good reason to be there, one that has a higher purpose than corporate profits, a reason that justifies breeching what has become both a highly personal and a very public online space.

It may not be too late to save our current online communities from eroding from within. The collective cyber spirit is alive and well as noted in Facebook’s recent failed attempt to change its use policy. Millions of users protested. They were listened to, and Facebook made adjustments to its policies.

Often, a company gets lots of online buzz just because it’s a good company and not because it’s seeded the blogging clouds on its own behalf. My friend Jim is a goldsmith. He created a one-of-a-kind diamond piece for a client. The client was so thrilled she posted her praise on a blog dedicated to jewelry enthusiasts. Within a very short time, Jim was receiving new orders from blog readers. He did a good job, someone noticed, and now the word is out.  I think that’s how it should work. Clean, and simple.

Once social media goes commercial, it sells out its members and loses its purpose. It becomes the ultimate marketing tool.

My message to marketers everywhere is, “Stay outta my Facebook.”

Do you remember the Enjoli perfume TV commercial from the 70s? “You bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan, and never-ever-let-him-for-get-he’s-a-man. . . .”?

Well, I tell you, ladies and gentlemen, some days we just need to pull out the bacon bits. We just can’t do it all. Health-conscious citizens of the new millennium know, however, that one cannot live on bacon alone. In this spirit of timesaving good nutrition, I humbly offer my list of favorite frozen foods:

• Birdseye Steam Fresh vegetables (you don’t even have to use a pan)
• Stouffer’s Garlic Chicken Skillet Meal (my sister-in-law does cook, and even she likes this one)
• Lean Cuisine Panini (any selections without olives)
• Boston Market Frozen Entrees (for the hearty appetite)
• Tyson Frozen Chicken Filets (with these, you can act like you’re cooking)
• Tyson Chicken Fajitas or Chicken Fried Rice (if you hide the bag, you can act like you’re cooking)
• Stouffer’s Lasagna (when you’re entertaining a crowd)
• Jimmy Dean’s Breakfast Skillet (sausage is best)
• Dove Miniatures (in case you want dessert)

That should get you started! Have any favorites to add? Let me know. I’m always looking for ways to expand my repertoire.

Hillhouse Graphic Design Celebrates 25. Sweet!

Digital technology has taken over our studio during the past 25 years—the waxer and markers we used to depend on have been mostly shelved. The last time we dusted off a T-square was for our recent Rolling Stone photo op.

Although the technology we use has changed, our strategy and philosophy remain the same. We still listen carefully. We continue to search to find the solution that is unique and fitting for each problem-solving opportunity. We still treat our client’s budgets with as much respect as we do our own.

Each step in the technology growth has been a wonder and a thrill—from our first “big mac” (13 inch screen!) with its 80 megabyte hard drive–to the wonders of OSX, time machine, double 22 inch monitors and Creative Suite 4.

These days, we’re like kids in a candy store, marveling at all we can learn about social media, e-commerce, online courses, and amazing new ways to achieve one to one marketing. It is exciting to know that though our tools will evolve and will continue to inspire us to grow—our goals for doing our best work in each situation and for working in true partnership with our clients will always give us the roots we need for strength.

Prokote Waxer, circa 1984

Thanks to all the wonderful people we’ve worked with in the past 25 years—we appreciate the opportunities you’ve entrusted to us. We’re looking forward to continuing those relationships, developing new ones, and moving forward in a fun and fast-paced world of design and communication.

Every day brings new things to challenge and enjoy—this is a very sweet place to be.

Bristol Public Library Campaign

We’re happy to welcome you to Words from the Hill. Here, we’ll talk about things that are going on in our studio, point out interesting programs and events our clients are offering, and perhaps share some personal miscellany, as well. Enjoy!