A couple weeks ago, I posted this video highlighting a lot of what I published this year. Most of it is client work, but there were a few personal projects thrown in there as well.

It was easily the quietest year I’ve had at The Hideout. I’m still teaching full time and nearly all the “work” time I set aside was devoted to grad school. Next semester I’ll take my final course as a student and prepare for my thesis project. As busy as that sounds, I think by wrapping up the bulk of my course load I’ll have a lot more time for The Hideout moving forward (and still graduate by May 2026 🎉 ).

With such a busy year, it feels it feels easiest to reflect on everything if they’re broken into categories…

Personal Life

• The kiddos are 7, 4 and 1 now. Fisher, Link and Cope have all grown in major ways. We’re still in a season of life where everything feels ahead of us, but with a seven year old we’re starting to see signs of independence.

• Emily and I celebrated our 14 year wedding anniversary in June. We’re planning a big trip to California next year to make up for all the milestones we’ve ignored.

• I started a large back tattoo this summer. I’ve got 2-3 sessions left.

• In September, I hiked into the Uintas mountains with some buddies from high school and fly fished for a week. I’d been preparing for months; just before the trip I caught COVID and didn’t think it was gonna happen. I surprised myself and went anyway. This was one of the most challenging events of my life.

• I recently started a new medication to help with some mental challenges (my wife and) I identified. I’ve written a lot about my anxiety in the past, but never really got into depression which has also plagued my adult life. I plan to share more on this eventually; I need more time to process results, although I’m feeling optimistic about my brain’s initial response.

Academically

• I took two American Sign Language courses this summer. I haven’t retained very much of what I’ve learned, but I enjoyed the class and want to continue my studies in the future.
• I completed all but one of my required courses in KU’s IXD grad program. So far, it’s all A’s, which was far from possible during undergrad (nearly two decades ago).
• I’ve enjoyed working as the Program Director for KU’s new IXD undergrad program. It’s been a one-person show so far, but we’re about to bring in some more help which I’m very excited about.

The Hideout

• The year began with a friend of The Hideout, Josh (of Garbage Mouth), reaching out about a new clothing company he was starting. The logo involved a cow (this will become relevant in a moment).
• During the summer, I worked on a feature for my old team at ESPN. It explained betting terms for beginners and worked within the new ESPNBet styleguide.
• I designed the logo (coin?) for Wanderers. Still not sure what this means, but it was a fast/fun video game-adjacent project.
• From last year until about September of 2024, I served as a kind of ad hoc Art Director for all Small Wins. We put out a lot of new packaging, including a special edition “Championship” bag exclusive to TD Garden. I decided to take a break from this once school ramped up.
• A logo project from 2021 revived and turned into a packaging project. It launched on Kickstarter in October and, even though it wasn’t funded, its creator (Ryan) sent me a prototyped set that turned out really awesome.
• I was contacted by Yardsale to design some shirts and posters. Founders Cristina and Kelly were dream clients. Shortly after we wrapped our contract, they were on Shark Tank!