Creative Keeps

Leather Bound?
New things breathe new life and it's invigorating. One of those involves a part of the community I have more recently been introduced to over the course of the last 15 months. That's if you don't count the last couple years of going to IML in Chicago. Don't know IML, Google it.

The opportunity is working with the Leather Alliance of San Francisco for a design of their logo. Finally a creative outlet to dive into and I couldn't be more excited. It's about time to get some creative energy flowing outside of what I do in the office Monday through Friday.

That said, I couldn't be more stoked to get started. Once things come along further, I'll make sure to keep posted updates. Until then I can't wait to hear reactions when Googling IML.
Chris Swanson
Touch It... You Know You Want To

I love Skittles.... well, more appropriately I love their advertising. Their most recent release is a bit more interactive, and I couldn't be more overjoyed and unsettled all in one fell swoop. Take a look at their newest spot on YouTube HERE. Can't tell me your not just a BIT disturbed... and if you're not, then you're a creeper. End of story.

The point of this post is to show the innovative (albeit creepy) advertising in a world that can be cluttered with the mundane and expected. Reminds me with I love visual communication. and I thought everyone should experience it... at least once.


Chris Swanson
The BIG Move
It's official. I've moved locations in San Francisco and couldn't be happier. From the ever-so-charming-and-colorful Tenderloin District (is my sarcasm clear enough?) to the ever-loved Mission Dolores area of the city. Just steps away from the park, where outdoor practice is held for the SF Spikes, and blocks from friends and the flaming Castro District. It's nice to not be crammed into a studio where you step over the homeless urinating on the stoop, and it's time to continue the climb set out forth in front of me.

That's all for now. Look out when the summer comes, the park becomes our backyard, and the frequent BBQ's are announced!
Chris Swanson
Community Driven
I have, more so now than ever, an extreme appreciation for my community. Those in it, what they stand for and what we all do to improve it. That's why over a year ago I enrolled in an HIV vaccine study with the San Francisco Department of Public Health. As the HIV disease has become more present in my life and those around me, I have found that it is very important and near to my heart to get involved. People ask about the study - they wonder what it's about, some have preconceived notions, many want to know more - the reactions go on in all directions. One thing remains the same. No matter their orientation or viewpoint - I have the opportunity to educate.

If it mattered what was going to be thought about me, I wouldn't offer to put my face and my story out to the world for all to see. This is about doing what I can to connect with others to educate the community. I have never been so close to this disease before in my life. I am HIV negative and have many close friends who are HIV positive. I do this for them. I do this for those who don't know much about HIV. I do this because I want to make a change. The ad campaign with the Study is only the beginning and can't wait for what I have in the works for down the road.


If you're interested, check out the profile on me HERE. The ad is below. Sorry for the scan quality, but that's what I got, damnit! And next time you are loading up your Clipper card in the Church or Castro muni stations, you just might see my face.


Chris Swanson
A "Dream" Weekend & A Promise For 2011?
































He had a dream, and I have many, most of which I can't share, and as we enter into another fantastic year (yeah, it will be, because I'm going to make it), we're celebrating this holiday weekend by bringing another fundraiser event for the San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club. Of course I'm going to promote my team (also because of the flyer design), and of course it's going to be the first thing in 2011 that I've posted (because I am that behind on updating this blog).


Admittedly being very behind in these posts, I thought it was about time to start updating and making this blog what it was originally intended - about my life, and my creative influence. Thus, more regular postings to come... PROMISE.

Until then, enjoy a flyer with info on an always entertaining event. If you can make it, be there. It's going to get crazy... and a lot of you have Monday off, so you can fully partake in the festivities! You know you want to!
Chris Swanson
A Story for the Youth?
As I was visiting my grandma last weekend, my mother was telling me a story I had never heard about my my little brother and how children deal with death (I can't tell you the story, it ruins my plans for it). It's been a 12 year brewing idea my mom has had to write a book based on this story.

Why does this mean anything at the moment? Well she has a wonderful story, it's my mom, and the whole idea she has for the book is fantastic.

With a feeling lately that I am craving something, I came to realize what it is... creativity. I need it and am going on a hunt. I need a constant feeling of being creatively satisfied. I want to help her craft this book, and I will. Just need to get her going on writing it all down...

Keep an eye out... I might very well be a published collaborator of a children's book in the future.

Chris Swanson
Jock Sunday - Round #2
This weekend will mark the second time that the San Francisco Spikes will be hosting the Jock Sunday event at the Lookout here in SF. Many of you who know me as of late, have seen me (or not, now that I think about it) with the amount I have taken on at work with my new job, and trying to manage the administrative and volunteering duties (as I have before) for VICE, but to benefit the SF SPikes Club as a whole.

Well, it wouldn't be the same if it wasn't another fundraiser, and then one immediately to follow... so start off by swinging through this Sunday, the 19th of Sept. at the Lookout. Hang out with a great group of hot guys, have some drinks, and relax on a Sunday afternoon. Plus you'll be helping support our club, and the work we get to do in the community.

Then... end of September (the 26th), we expect to see you all at our Folsom Street Fair booth!

Chris Swanson
Closing One Chapter, Only to Begin Another
And so it is true. After months on of interviews and up and down emotions, I am into my second week working for McCann Worldgroup (McCann - SF)! The advertising giant that has been around for as long as the business itself it seems. I fully believe that things happen for a reason and for those NOT familiar with the process... I started interviewing at AgencyTwoFifteen, which is under the McCann Worldgroup family tree, specializing in the young adult market. After 12 interviews stretched across a number ofweeks, and multiple back and forth games to touch base, gain feedback, and keep the hope alive... it was decided. I was told I got the job... but they couldn't make an offer because the client was looking over their budget, and it might not be in their cards to afford the position. After a couple more weeks, it was decided; there were no funds. Thus, it was a no go, even though I got the position. However, in the belief that what is meant to happen will happen... about a week later, I got a call back from McCann. This time there was a better position at the McCann - SF offices open.I jumped at the opportunity, and after 6 more interviews with the team, I was formally given an offer, which I graciously accepted. And so it was. I finally got my first agency job, and with one of the biggest name in the business, none the less! It was so refreshing to feel that all the hard work, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears had paid off.

At the same time I accepted the offer to move into the insane world of Advertising, it was time to place notice to the hotel where I had worked for almost 4 years. I have so many fond memories, and insane stories to tell of the ongoings within those walls; not only with guests, but the crazy cast of coworkers that I shared time there with. It helped me get to where I am at and I will always look fondly on my time with the Kimpton family. Alas, it is time to move on, and while the learning curve is steep, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here goes everything...

Chris Swanson