For years, I have long wanted to write about one of the major redesign efforts that take place within CBS interactive (previously CNET Networks). However, I am never able to really discuss the particulars of these types of projects while they are in the works, (and certainly can not share any of the design comps or product plans) Inevitably my small team moves on to another large project so quickly, that by the time I am able to do so, I have lost interest in taking that time needed to walk through what is a HUGE effort by multiple disciplines of teams within the larger Business unit.

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Recently I have been spending my down time working on a  project that I have dreamed about since I was a young boy – To build up and semi restore a classic Jeep CJ7. Over the summer, I started this project and have been getting a lot of enjoyment both tinkering with it in my garage as well as driving it at every chance I get.

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Ah yes… the search begins! What am I looking for you may ask? Well just a Design Rock Star to come and work his or her magic in the San Francisco office of CBS Interactive for the next 4 to 6 months. This is a full time contract position – someone who will assist in the creation of design solutions for assigned web projects including: new page layouts, visual interface design systems and functional | interactive elements, e-newsletters, promotions, and other graphical needs.

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A major factor that has long influenced my style as a digital artist is my background in traditional illustration. I have been a doodler, drawer and painter for as long as I can remember. For me, this has been about creating the illusion of dimensional space/objects by paying attention to how light effects the contents of “things” within their “environment”.

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I am one who will be affected by the pending strike planned by the Train Operators. I have made a East Bay / SF commute for the last 20 years – A void in service will be a pain to say the least – However, I will drive out of principle – and may start to drive periodically to show my distaste for how this has been handled. I have ridden Chicago’s L train, New York’s Subway and Paris’s Metro – All of which cost me about 1/2 – 2/3 what I pay to ride BART for a comparable distance ride.

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Recently I was asked by a young designer, what could she do to get an edge. My response was simple, – consume, consume and consume some more. Really pay attention to what others are doing, dissect how they do it, and emulate often to develop an eye that understands the small details that make a given direction successful. With time, and lots of practice, your own unique style emerges and can be readily seen weather it is an original design or the result of work that has been inspired by others.

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On time, as planned, and with minimal bugs – SmartPlanet was launched today. This was quite an accomplishment, as it was deployed on the same day that MoneyWatch.com lost it’s beta status and in record time even were it not for the efforts that had been divided between the 2 milestones.

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Today we published a splash landing page for our new site SmartPlanet.com set to launch early this summer. I am excited about this site on many levels. First, because I believe in the idea – It is a site “dedicated to people who realize the need to make our world a better place to live, for all of us, and for generations to come”.

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For those who want to use twitter, it can be a fun and interesting way to both keep track & share what is going on with the many people in your expanded network – using 140 characters or less. Individuals and companies use it in a variety of way’s for both business and social reasons. I have read many an article by folks either evangelizing the application itself or in how to use it more effectively to maximize their social media presence. This is not one of those articles.

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Another early 2009 site debut was for Kevin M Klein – aka the Marketing Mixologist. Kevin has worked with various media brands for the past 15 years – leading marketing, product and sales teams for print and online publishers.

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