parachute creative

Check out this feature in the Santa Cruz Weekly; all about the new wave of freelancing that seems to be in full force around the Bay Area. This quote from the lovely Teresa Thomae of the SBDC sums it up nicely: “In every economic downturn we see an increase in people looking to become freelancers,” says Thomae. “Instead of being an employee, they want to be their own boss. Not necessarily to hire a bunch of employees and grow a real business, but to create a job for themselves. Our parents taught us that if you get a good job, keep it even if you hate it, because it’s health care and a salary. But now, for the Gen Xers and Gen Yers, if they don’t like a job, they’re gone.” Even though some people might say that this would be the worst time to start a business, I disagree. It’s times like these that motivate and inspire new ideas and creative innovation, and we see this everyday when we walk into NextSpace. Especially like this morning, when Jeremy graced us with his presence and started something that we have to finish. Pictures to follow.

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to stumble upon these new shoes from TOMS, the company that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you buy. I couldn’t find the shoes online anywhere but I found this crappy little emo toed shot on google images. I particularly like the design because they are like a cross between Vans Authentics (my favorites) and South American canvas slippers (the style of shoes that TOMS normally produces). Cool shoes & very comfortable, score.

Kleen Kanteen design we did to sponsor Freelance Camp Santa Cruz; great event, great sponsors, and a cool and innovative approach to inspiring collaboration in the local freelance/entrepreneur community. Thanks again to Shane + Peter for hosting, Iris for running the show, and everyone else for participating in this community driven event.

Parachute Creative / promo concepts. Retro/low-tech/illustrated. Let us know what you think.

12seconds’ latest launch, 12cast [the easiest way to send video to Twitter], was featured in the iTunes store as a “Staff Favorite.” If you use Twitter and have an iPhone 3GS, this is just standard.

Finally some color to the office.

Brand ReDesign for SOMA™, Website to follow shortly.

Another day, another deck.

The new logo we did for 12seconds’ new Video Messenger app was featured in the top spot on TechCrunch’s website, which is the largest tech website in the Silicon Valley. We are stoked. We’re having lunch with Steve Jobs and Jonathan Ive (head of design) next week. It’s all happening so fast…

A Nick Bane Show / Wednesday July 8th / 9:30PM / $6

50 Mile Radius, a local start-up focusing on promoting sustainability as a lifestyle and asking the question: “What Are You Doing to Make a Difference?” Parachute designed this logo with that in mind, and can’t wait to see this business blow up on a national and international scale: great idea + great brand = sky’s the limit. Hopefully we’ll be working with them again soon, check back here for updates as they come.

Tether Horse at The Red on June 7th, check out these posters we designed for it: which one is your favorite?