Pineapple on Pizza?

Picture this:

You're going to order pizza for your friends, coworkers, or family. And someone makes the controversial suggestion… you know it’s coming. And as soon as it is uttered, you know you’ll hear…

"Pineapple on pizza is an abomination! It’s not pizza! The horror!"

As a fan of this controversial topping, you resist the urge to clutch your heart. How could anyone deny the sweet and savory bliss that is pineapple and ham? You think, "It's the perfect contrast of flavors.”

But alas, not everyone is ready to join the pineapple revolution.

This scenario is a perfect metaphor for understanding perspectives. We all have our unique tastes, whether in pizza or in life. Just because someone finds pineapple on pizza as appealing as a pineapple on a cactus, doesn't mean they're wrong. It’s simply a different flavor of opinion. So, how can we express our views while appreciating others without starting a pizza war?

Tasting Variety: Embracing Different Perspectives

"I Get Why You Think That, But…"

Imagine someone passionately declares, “Country music is unbearable!” Now, you might love it. Instead of arguing, try this: “I get why some people find it twangy or not to their taste. But for me, the storytelling in country music is amazing. It’s like listening to a slice of life with every song. It reminds me of a simple life.”

Starting with understanding shows you’re not dismissing their opinion.

"For Me, It’s Like…"

Suppose someone can’t stand your favorite movie genre. They find it boring, while you see it as captivating. Instead of a standoff, say: “For me, sci-fi movies are fascinating because they explore big ideas and futuristic worlds. I understand why some might find it a bit much, but I love the imagination, the drama, the color, the stories.”

This shares your viewpoint without stepping on theirs, much like adding toppings to your own pizza without forcing them on anyone else’s slice.

"Different Strokes for Different Folks"

We all know a person who thinks their taste in fashion, food, or hobbies is superior. Rather than engage in a never-ending debate, you can say, “Hey, different strokes for different folks! I’m into vintage fashion because I love the history behind the styles, but I get why someone else might prefer modern trends. It’s all about what feels right to you.”

This acknowledges diversity in preferences and celebrates it. It’s like saying, “You enjoy plain cheese, I love all the toppings—let’s just agree that pizza is awesome in all its forms.” Now, if you don’t dig pizza at all… you do you!

Understanding and acknowledging different perspectives isn’t just about trying to be polite; it’s the key to meaningful conversations and relationships. It’s like enjoying a pizza with various toppings. If everyone liked the same toppings, we’d miss out on discovering new combinations.

Understanding that we see the world from our point of view doesn’t mean it is the only view.

Now, who’s up for getting a pizza with me?

Lebanon, Ohio - Brand Design for My Community

Helping small businesses grow by using the gifts I have been given is truly an honor and an amazing experience. Whether it is a local business needing a refreshed brandmark, an at-home baker looking to make their mark by selling amazing cupcakes, or a small ministry developing a logo to help with their mission - these endeavors are why I do what I do.

Lately, I have been asked by several folks in my town of Lebanon, Ohio to assist with their marketing materials. I look forward to helping my community grow, even in the small way I can.

Recent work for small businesses like Cram Your Cakehole Bakery, Big Bear Capital, Ability Woodworks, and the Lebanon Athletic Boosters have helped the businesses in my town, and I am grateful for every opportunity.

Olberding Brand Family

In March of 2019, I started a new chapter in my career as Chief Creative Officer for the Olberding Brand Family, a company with 100 years of commitment to excellence in their craft, serving their customers, and caring for their people.

More posts to follow as we prepare to do some amazing things. I am thankful for this opportunity, and excited to create. Thank you to all of my clients, vendors, friends and family for always supporting my path.

TN

Exciting Times

When I look back at my career, I can't be anything but thankful. From the first freelance project when I was 18, to my first full time design job in Champaign, Illinois at 21 I learned that I knew pretty much nothing about design - just that I wanted to be really good. And get paid. More the paid part probably.

After 3 years in Illinois I was given the opportunity to work for an agency north of Milwaukee. Specifically, in the bustling town of Sheboygan. Home of beer, cheese, polka, and snow. And from time to time, pretty good creative work. It was a fun year that pushed me greatly. But ultimately, not the place I was looking for. I made some great friends, worked on really cool assignments, and slept about 4 hours a day. But the cheese - delightful!

So then came Cincinnati, and in a future project I'll be putting together the full story. But the nutshell version takes me from design director, to business owner, to teacher, to creative director, and now to leading creative development & process at a non-profit. I believe the journey is leading me to my true purpose one day.

I joined United Way of Greater Cincinnati in an effort to apply what I have learned, and any abilities I have toward the greater good. I have long wanted to make sure that my time creating for a living was meaningful, and helped others in some way. Perhaps to fill that need for purpose - to make sure that I can do something of true value. I have always looked at creating daily as an incredible blessing - to make a living making stuff every day. I love it.

And now I hope that my search for doing my most meaningful work has lead me to a place where that will be the case. I look forward to pushing the creativity to be meaningful, inspiring, and honest.

In addition, I look forward to building on my freelance and brand design consulting. To publishing the books and work that my wife and I are creating together. To helping my kids with their creative endeavors - drawing, making animations and sculptures, and anything else we create together. 

I am excited for the year ahead, enjoying life, and creating every day.

Significance

It has been quite a year, 2016. I've been a part of some big initiatives and some really small ones. It never seems to fail that the little stuff somehow ends up being the most rewarding. The work I created for the Ken Stabler Hall of Fame campaign had a tremendous impact. For the family, the designs were a tribute to their father, grandfather, partner and hero. For Raiders fans, the designs were a reminder of a beloved icon. And for me, it connected me to something bigger. And for that, I am grateful.

Moving through the rest of the year and forward, I am excited to begin the next journey. My wife, an amazing writer, and I are working together on some creative projects in clouding children's books and character development. It is something I've always wanted to do, and it feels like the right time. I have no doubt it will be a tremendous amount of effort to make this happen. But something tells me it is far more significant than we imagine. 

Now enough writing, time to write and draw...

Till next time.

TN

Thankful

It has been an interesting year in the designers life, to say the least. I finished my time at SAA on such a high note, seeing amazing students graduate and head out to begin their careers. I left some of the best people I have worked with at the college - instructors, staff, and students alike. It was such a rewarding time, and I will never forget it. SAA will always have a special place in my heart. I am thankful for that time.

I took on the role of Creative Director at a small shop in Dayton. I am thankful for the experience, even though it was not a good experience. But life is about learning and growing - and I can say I learned a great deal. And even though it was not the right fit for me, I met some great people and gained an appreciation for Dayton, and the people working hard to make it a great city. I am thankful for that experience.

In August I started at Interbrand as an Associate Creative Director, and I can honestly say I am working with some of the smartest, most creative and driven people I have met in my career. I am part of an incredible team, dedicated to their craft. They are driven to be the best. And they make me want to get better every day. I am thankful for this opportunity.

At TND, I have had the opportunity to help some non-profits reach their goals through my logo and apparel designs. I have worked with the Stabler Foundation for the Ken Stabler Legacy collection. The "snake" passed away this year, and I have been fortunate enough to work with his amazing family on his Hall of Fame campaign, and a collection of merchandise to honor his legacy. You can see some of the work at stablerlegacy.com.

In addition, I've created several logos for churches and schools, helped some start up brands grow, and had a great time doing it. That's what it's all about. I am thankful for this.

So to 2015, thank you and everyone who has made it great.

Best,

Tony

Humbled

I am so honored to have been selected as Educator of the Year by AAF-Dayton. Thank you so much to the amazing leadership and staff at SAA for the support. Thank you to the best students in the land, who are by far, the most rewarding part of my career so far. Thank you to my family for the support at home and in my heart. Thank you to God, who gets all the glory.

Let's keep making cool stuff. Good luck, students!

Next Phase

After two incredible years of teaching some of the best design students in the country, I am excited to announce the next phase of my career starting on June 1st. I have been hired by The C-3 Group as their Creative Director to lead their brand development, design and overall creative.

I look forward to continuing a strong relationship with SAA and their students, a relationship that means so much to me. I genuinely love the students I have been able to work with. I can only hope I gave them at least a little knowledge or wisdom for their careers, or life. They are a special part of my life, and certainly the most rewarding part of my career so far.

Hopefully I will be able to adjunct teach in the fall, and for many years to come. But this new opportunity is a great one for my family and I. I am excited to work with this great new team at C-3.

Some great work is being done in our region and I look forward to pushing that even further. The C-3 Group is going to do some big things. Let’s get to work.

Win!

It is always fun to win, right? Tony Neary Design (that's me) won a Gold Addy Award for the Boom Crate Racing logo. And to top it off, a Silver in the District 5 Addy Awards. The other 12 districts all reluctantly sent tributes as well, and sadly they are no longer with us. Wait.. I think I am confused on how that goes.

At any rate, thank you to Kelly and Brian at Boom Crate for letting me goof around in my sketchbook and ultimately create such a ridiculous, yet award winning logo.

Design Inspiration

Being a design instructor is an amazing opportunity every day. The classroom is full of eager minds, anxiously waiting for wisdom and encouragement, knowledge and inspiration. And after they comb through Dribbble and CA, that's my chance!

Jokes aside, I cherish the opportunity to pass on anything I can by way of experience. Helping the next generation of designers navigate software challenges, creative ruts, client nuances, InDesign crashes (I still love you, Adobe) or anything in between - it really is a rewarding way to spend the day.

But as I continue with my craft, I have found that I may be getting the better end of the inspiration deal. Said another way, it is really their enthusiasm and passion for creating that inspires me. They have a different way of communicating, different interests in culture, music, and world view. Looking through their eyes is just as valuable to my growth, as I hope my experience is to theirs. Although I still refuse to call anyone "bae."

TN

New Work, Good Start

Tony Neary Design is off and rolling for 2015 with some exciting new projects. So far, the launch of J.R. Revelry's brand, new packaging and branding for an Indian snack foods company, a new food manufacturer is getting a complete brand redesign, an incredible tech company brand extension coming, more illustration and design for Tide… and January isn't over yet.

The most exciting thing is developing work for such diverse clients, and not being locked in to one trend or one style. One of my long time friends and a creative director in Chicago paid a great compliment, saying:

"Killer work, really diverse looks. I would love to see how to work together this year soon."

One of the things I love the most is not only doing one thing. Although, I love big bold lines and fun, simple marks - I get just as much enjoyment creating beautiful packaging, clean typographic logos, or even sketchbook style illustration.

As my friend put it, I too look forward to working together soon.

Best,

TN

2015

As we close out 2014, I am excited and hopeful for the new year. To call this past year a learning experience would be a massive understatement. Here's what I mean:

- I sold my business to focus more on design and teaching

- I watched that business then fold less than 1 year after selling it

- Some old business relationships faded, others reignited at the end of this year

- New clients and friends have already been made and I could not be more grateful

- I have helped 3 new businesses launch by leading their branding

- I have launched a new business (this one)

- my family is healthy, happy and loved

Whatever is in store for 2015, I gladly welcome it. If it is tough, I now know what tough is. But I believe it will be amazing and prosperous. I believe with my faith, my family, and the amazing people that trust me to work with them, it is bound to be incredible.

Here's to a new year, and new beginning.

TN

Stain Brain

The Tide® Stain Brain has launched. A big thank you to the Tide team at P&G for letting me work on such a fun project. Make sure to follow Tide on Twitter to see the Stain Brain and other tips and tricks. 

Welcome to Tony Neary Design.

Hello there. Welcome to Tony Neary Design.

I have had the great privilege to work with some of the best brands, and more important, best people in the world. Working with Coca-Cola, P&G, GoPro, NASCAR and many others is always exciting and a true joy. I have faith, family, and the support of great clients and friends. Thank you all for your support. 

Ok, time to go draw. See ya!

Tony