Initially when I started at the paper I wanted to jump in and redesign the whole thing. I’d still like to, but in the time I’ve been there with the new editor (who started as the same time as I did) we have just been working on the back end…Capacity building, getting the schedule to a more reasonable place, trying to figure out how to be autonomous money wise…

Of all the collateral documents that were floating around, the one that should be the most useful and informative is the shipping list, and the one that we were using was neither. It was adopted from another publication at some point. Put together in Excel it was small and hard to read. The first month I was there the issue got rearranged and it took us 2 weeks to realize we were short two pages.

I wanted to put something together that was more accessible, but would still retain all of the relevant information. I ended up making a more visual document, that illustrated spreads, basic layout, word count as well as communicating the names of the writers and artists for each article, and the due dates and acceptance of submissions.

You can see the grey blocks inside of each page which represents the space allocated for each article, and a slightly newer version also includes the word count for each space. Everybody working on the paper gets an updated copy weekly, and everyone has their own way of using the document. I need to keep track of the progress of layouts, and as I get things finished I get to cross spreads out with a sharpie so I have a very obvious read of what is done, and what needs attention. The editor uses it as a way to manage versions and locations throughout the editing process.

It hasn’t been as glamorous as redesigning the paper, but considering we are all dealing with this document all day everyday I wanted to make sure it was as pleasant and useful as possible.

Denver, Colo. 2008 

If any theme is universal, it is Crockett’s.

Headed up north for some cold grey dog walks, squash playing and maybe my wedding.

Los Angeles, Calif. 2006

Denver, Colo. 2007

If you are and American considering a trip “up north” do not forget the following items.

No less than two (2) American branded condoms. Canadian condoms smell like savory chicken dinner—unsexy. Canadians in general associate the smell of lemon pepper chicken with any sort of intercourse, which explains their small population.

Your passport. Don’t forget to ask for a stamp so you can show off to all your friends that you ambitiously traveled to one of the two countries bordering the US.

A notebook, a small camera and a pen. You will want to discreetly and thoroughly document your experience with these kind, simple people.

Proper clothing. The Canadian flag must fly proudly on at least two parts of your body. A wristband is a discreet—but functional—choice. Socks are a perfect addition to the wristband. If the cheap, legal and disease free hookers miss the wrist, they will surely catch the cycling socks.

My favorite photoblogging internet friend from Boston, Shane Lavalette is co-editing a new photobject titled Remain in Light. They are currently accepting submissions through March 1st.