BILL BITES: Cowbells

Issue #12, by Bill Russell

I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!

The title above comes from the very funny Saturday Night Live skit where Christopher Walken as record producer Bruce Dickinson insists on more cowbell beat on Blue Oyster cult's recording of "Don't Fear the Reaper". Here's the transcript. As a band member says, "If Bruce Dickinson wants more cowbell, we should probably give him more cowbell. Never question Bruce Dickinson!"

How many times have we graphic artists been advised or rather ill advised by an editor, agent, creative director or client to add or change something to our work that we know doesn't need additions or changes. It doesn't need more cowbell.

Recently I had the experience of working with an "A-list" designer who was brought in as a consultant to a project for the company I was freelancing for. As much as he low keyed his fame, he expected us to conceptualize and implement his design ideas. That's why he gets the big bucks, the managers would say. There was no convincing him of my ideas.

What we do is art, not science. We attempt to make design beautiful and effective despite an oft times rigid workplace environment. Sometimes we come into a dominant hierarchical structure or setting that fails because it is rigid and keeps the workforce de-skilled and de-valued. We may go along with it out of insecurity, fear or shame. Must we presume that "the man" deserves the right to tell us how to do something? I agree that for design to be effective, it must have an overarching vision, but to disregard the input of other talents is a mistake. We must make the workplace more democratic. Managers: urge for creative participation from the bottom up. Workers: be empowered and fight for your choice. Find your inner cowbell.

I'll leave you with a mix of "More Cowbell" by a musician who took it and ran with it.

Comments, etc. to Bill@Billustration.com

BILL RUSSELL

A Guild member for 18 years, Bill has been a freelance illustrator for over 25 years in Toronto, New York and the Bay Area. He taught illustration at California College of the Arts (formerly CCAC) for eight years and been a staff artist at the San Francisco Chronicle for five years. His contributions to various Guild efforts include volunteering on the North Bay Luncheon Committee, a successful North Bay Sales Tax event, the Image and Outreach Committee, and the Repeal of the California Sales Tax on artwork. Bill also writes press releases for the Guild and is one of the original All-Rights Refusniks.
To view his work and other musings, visit www.Billustration.com.