Old/New and an Open Letter to the People of Fuzzco

One of the best things anyone has ever said about me was, “This guy is always on the move…”

I haven’t made a big life decision in too long. Thus, I’ve decided to shake it up a bit. I trust that people who really know me won’t be that surprised. My new address is on Paulina Street. My new family is a beautiful girl called Kristin and her little boy, Jude. We’re trying out that abstract, new age family thing. Suffice it to say: we’re in love, and Jude is the coolest 3-year-old I’ve ever met. Yes, this is a big change. We are ready.

My Old Job

Working at Fuzzco has been a truly incredible experience. It’s the most creative and hard working team I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of, and I’ve gained an unimaginable amount of wisdom and knowledge from the people I worked with in Charleston.

Mason: My roommate and fellow designer, my complete opposite. You’ve taught me invaluable lessons about design and life. You’re the most inventive designer I know, and you’re more responsible for bettering my work in the last year than anything or anyone else in my life. I wish you and your Kristen the best. Stay free. Keep on your toes.

Helen: You are too kind. You and I are so similar, and we’ve always connected on a sub-vocal level. You’ve taught me to strive for that unattainable perfection that constantly forces my work and worldview to be better. You are a super human, and I swear you’re healthier than 99% of the rest of the world. On the coolness scale, you’re a 10. You are a peacekeeper, and I have always admired your attention to people’s needs and wants. You seem to unabashedly just get people. Stay fly. Keep your cool.

Josh: You are one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. You are the tough Jewish dad I never had. You’re incredibly level-headed and rational. You take things personal, and then make them better. Anyone who works under your leadership should learn to deal with your quirks and soak in your brilliance. You’ve taught me to have fun and that life isn’t all that serious. You are quite possibly the strangest person I’ve ever met. Continue to live exponentially and exceptionally.

Erik: I haven’t known you long enough, but what I do know is that you are incredibly full of life, and 2nd in health only to Helen. We’ve had our differences, but honestly, you’re one of the most incredibly organized and caring developers I’ve ever worked with, and I respect that inordinately. Your opinions are on point, you care deeply for the people around you, regardless of anything. Continue to let the niceness envelop you. Stay smart.

Melanie: I’ve known you just over a month, but you and I have connected so quickly in the time you’ve been here, that sometimes I feel like you’re the female version of me. You are an incredibly smart woman, and although you’re meek and self sacrificing in everything you do, you have strong and perceptive opinions. I have no doubt you’ll do incredibly well in your life and career. Keep showing people who you are. Keep doing stellar work.

To whomever takes my place at this wonderful place: you’ll never meet a group of people quite like these ones. They deserve every bit of your respect; give it to them. Look past petty shortcomings, and absorb the utter brilliance that seeps out of every inch of Fuzzco. You don’t deserve to be here. Always remain in a state of thankfulness for where you are and what you’re able to do. Don’t even think about doing anything sub par. This will be one of the best experiences of your life. And congratulations, these guys don’t just hire anyone.

My New Job

As you can tell, I’ve loved working here in Charleston, but the truth is, my heart is in the city, and well, it’s time for drastic change. I’m pleased to announce that I’ve accepted a position at Designkitchen in Chicago, land of no threads, many signals, and designer tennis. I’m thrilled to start this new chapter in my career and life and while I’m terrified of trying out agency life, I couldn’t be more excited about the people I’m going to be working with. The few I’ve met from the huge team at Designkitchen have been incredibly genuine, and I feel lucky to be part of their incredible team.

Chucktown, I won’t forget you. Chitown, holler at me.