Michael Jackson was an artist

I can’t believe it, but I did watch the Michael Jackson Memorial on TV. I can’t believe it because I usually don’t watch stuff like that. But, I started watching it, and started to evaluate everything that was going on as far as Graphic Design was concerned. Here again, this has nothing to do with Philadelphia Graphic Design per say, but I gotta tell ya, this guy was big. He touched an awful lot of artists in the Philadelphia Area. It seems like lately, every time I turn around I hear another story of how he touched someone’s life here in Philadelphia.
Ok, so I’m watching on CNN. CNN has this logo in motion box going on throughout the entire ceremony. I’m wondering what was used to create this video. The first thing I noticed was it was a video of using still photographs. I’m thinking Premier PRO, or something equivalent. It was very simple, and did not take much time to make I’m sure.
Next, I’m checking out the advertising outside the Staples Center. How many companies had the sense at the last minute to purchase those banners hanging from the light poles? Talk about exposure! Do I even have to mention how much exposure Staples got from this entire thing? During the entire ceremony, I’m looking out the one single red Staples sign over the exit arch.
So the program begins. How about the huge videos and photos being shown throughout the entire ceremony. WOW! I’m telling you, someone had to make this stuff up. Of particular interest was the montage of him dancing. Unbelievable. Top notch stuff as far as I’m concerned.
What I kept hearing from everyone was the dedication this man had to his industry. He live slept and ate to entertain. It was his life. This is what an artist really does. He sacrifices his life and does what he loves to do. Now, we can get into the Philadelphia Graphic Design portion of this article. How many people have you met in your lifetime that have dedicated their life, no, gave up their life for the love of Graphic Arts. I have met a lot of Graphic Artists, but most are doing it as a career. I don’t think I can put myself in this category. I find more and more I am evaluating everything I look at. I’ll be at a baseball game and be evaluating the best placed ads and things like that. I don’t think I produce enough product, or results, to be considered the best in my field. I do admit I live it though. Like I said, I am constantly evaluating designs. I have had the pleasure of meeting one person that might fit the best in the area category. But, even at that, they are the best in a couple of areas, not all areas. Has anyone worked with anyone in the Philadelphia Area that they would consider to be a true artist? Someone who has truly given up his life for Graphic Design.