design An effective design may begin with clean lines and appealing type – but that's only the beginning. True design success comes from telling a story – going from start to finish in conveying an important message to an audience. Organization of the information creates engagement – and then leads to understanding. Along the way, ideally, we also push the boundaries of creativity. Style, design, classic typography: these are the tools I enjoy using each day to make sure that the page looks right and works the way it should.

gil I was inspired to embark on a career in design by the totally cool embossed cover of a Bachman-Turner Overdrive album. Following – and, perhaps, despite – these auspicious beginnings, I received a BFA in graphic design from Wichita State University, putting it to use in long tenures at small design firms before creating GUD in 2002. I am a veteran and astute early adapter in the evolution of graphic design, and can even remember back when the word "Macintosh" referred only to a shiny red piece of fruit.