I don't have anything powerful or moving to state about design solutions to improve your bottom line, blah, blah, blah. I'd like to think that I'm a darn good designer who makes some pretty cool stuff. Stuff that clients have used to market their business and make lots of money. (Results may vary)
This is an online portfolio of graphic designer, me, Alan Pranke. I have worked in the creative field for more than 15 years. I used to say I was an award-winning designer. I am award-winning, however, to be honest, I've won just one design award. But then again, it was the first and only design competition I've entered, so, you could say I'm batting a 100 on that. And lets face it, those design award thingies are scams to get your money. Everyone wins as long as you pay up. When it comes down to it, design isn't about recognition it's delivering a service that the client can use and build their business.
But you might be saying, "Alan, awards are a great marketing tool, so the price you pay is an investment in marketing your skills and services."
And I say, "well..."
You jump right back in, "Let say you're buying a truck, don't you want the GMC Sierra that recieved Motor Trends Truck of the Year, or a lousy Honda Ridgeline."
I'd be like, " I see what your saying, but I kinda like the Ridgeline."
You'd slap me and say, " Don't you get man! Perspective clients want to know that the designer they choose is worth a damn."
I'd say, " That's true too, but there was this one time I lost a bid on a job, to a designer in India, who offered to do a logo project for $7 an hour."
You come back and say, "Are you whining?"
"Nooooo."
"You shouldn't be competing with designers in India, you're better than that. Distinguish yourself and the clients will come. Design awards are just one way of doing that."
"You're right!"
I am an award-winning designer.
OK, back to other stuff that you may or may not care about...
I work full-time at an accounting firm. No, I'm not an accountant, and it's hard to imagine any creative in the accounting field. I work in the marketing department and love my job, despite the accounting thing.
I do some moonlighting and that is why this site is here. I still like to do side jobs here and there for some variety (and to make a little extra dough). About 90% of my side jobs are book cover designs. Which is wierd for me, since I don't read a lot. I can read, but what I read is more like Where the Wild Things Are and It's Elmo's Birthday. (I have three little ones).
My favorite color is orange and sometimes lime green.
I'm an Aries.
If I wasn't a designer I'd be a pro tennis player. (Yeah right).
Married to a wonderful woman that is stronger than me in so many ways. We live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area burbs with our three kids.
We have 2 fish named Rose and Carboy.
My son, 4 years old, won't name things normal names. He has a series of stuffed animals he's named, ChoclaGala, Crilly, Wurcup, and my favorite, a triceratops named, Chicken-Narnar.
So what's up with the name, AMP 13.
AMP are my initials and 13 is my favorite number. This has been my favorite number ever since the 1st grade when I won the most delicious carrot cake by landing on that number in the Cedar Park Elementary Spring-Fling cake walk.
