Southern Illinois University
Design program, 1973

From 1968 to 1973, I went through the Design program at SIU. The program was under the aegis of Bucky Fuller, who lectured once or twice a year. It was a very unconventional, project-oriented program. You were not only supposed to think outside the box, you were supposed to design the box and the space it existed in...

Greater Egypt
Regional Planning &
Development Commission
1973

My first real job, while I was still in school. Doing graphic design, making bluelines, the odd project here and there. Got me interested in land use and water issues.

International Paper Co.,
Folding Carton & Label Division
1973-75

Sketch Aritist... Designing labels for cans of food. Working here developed my interest in calligraphy, which the older artists mocked us young guys for not knowing.

Dodge City Community College
1977-79

A great job involving corporate identity, coordinating printing for the college, media support and special projects. My favorite special projects were for the Ag Department, who had me build a life size calf of chicken wire armature and foam covered with thick vinyl for them to practice giving shots to and a cow-shaped shelving unit for holding latex models of cuts of beef.

Multiprint Company
Franklin & Stewart Printing
Kwik Kopy
1979-89

After moving to Austin, I spent ten years working for various printing companies. The most interesting was Franklin & Stewart, where I worked for Junior Franklin, a one-time member of The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and gospel promoter. Among the perks of this job were meeting all the gospel stars who came to town on the tours Junior set up.