Issue 1: Design & Life & Stuff &

In this first issue of the Mega Dispatch I convince you to get a library card, talk about a really big book, and remind you of that old Mythbusters show we used to love. Oh, I also talk about design.

Feb 19, 2024

Well, hey, welcome to Issue 1 of The Mega Dispatch.

The idea for this publication has been bouncing around in my head for a long while now. (So has the idea to build a community called “Mega League,” but more on that another time.)

My current intention is for this to be “thoughts and points of fact concerning design, creativity, faith, craft, and geekery.”

For now, you can expect me to write about these interests and areas of expertise monthly. I also aim to foster community and engagement so we can all share things we enjoy with others who enjoy them. I plan to eventually include content from other writers and members of the previously mentioned but not yet explained Mega League, too. (For a bit more, visit the About page.)

Ok, that’s enough intro. You probably get the idea. Let’s go.

A Thought For You

You’re a designer and didn’t even know it.

I spent a lot of time training and aspiring to be, then working as, a “graphic designer.” Getting my first few jobs as “Jared Tohlen, Graphic Designer” was a matter of pride and accomplishment that formed a sense of identity.

But, at some point, design became more than just about “graphics.” I realized I’d been designing in my life in all kinds of ways: designing my own woodworking projects, designing community experiences for small groups and events, designing better systems to cope with a growing family, and so much more.

These realizations opened up a new perspective on the idea of design for me, no longer limited to only visuals. Design could be a way of thinking, of life. Shortly after, I dropped “graphic” from my title where I could: “Jared Tohlen, Designer.”

Maybe this seems pretentious or heady, but I hope not. Stick with me.

Merriam-Webster defines “design” as “to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan.” This is a good definition. The two main parts being the creating and the plan. A lot of the additional definitions use terms like “intentional” or “deliberate.”

To design is to engage in intentional, purposeful arranging. In this sense, we all design in some way or another as we go about our lives. You might design your outfit for the day, or a meet up with your friends, or your system for making sure you don’t forget to file that important thing the government told you to do.

There are all kinds of deliberately arranged aspects of our lives already—you’re designing and didn’t realize it! (or maybe you do this for a living, so it’s, like… old news.)

And the more intentional you are in these things, the more potential they hold for you. I daresay being a smidge more intentional about a particular aspect or thing in your life could either add to your enjoyment of it—to the value it brings to you—or it could ease some negative effects or experiences with it.

This intentional creation according to a plan is a big factor in things we enjoy. When you enjoy something, it’s likely because a purposefully designed experience is connected to it, whether by your doing or someone else’s. The inverse is true, too—don’t enjoy something, or it frustrates you? I’d venture a guess that it’s poorly designed.

Ok, Here’s my point… (You stuck with me—thanks!)

Be intentional with how you go about your life. Ask yourself what “particular purpose” am I wanting to accomplish here? Then make design a way you think and live.

Maybe in the next Issue we can go more into what that may look like…

Out of Context Stuff

You’re probably definitely sleeping on your library.

Libraries are great. My wife, who’s a librarian, did not force me to tell you this. They really are awesome.

Vast collections, inter-library loans, audiobooks, and ebooks, engaging programming, free resources, and complementary services—libraries are an amazing source for information, resources, and entertainment.

Not to mention librarians are the sort of folks who really do enjoy helping you find what you’re looking for and genuinely get excited when you ask. Libraries are also excellent third places where you can work, relax, and even (calmly) socialize. (I’m writing this blurb from a cozy library at 8:00pm, even.)

Look up your local library. I hope you have a good one near you! A lot of governments are coming around on the utility and importance of libraries in recent years and reinvesting to make them valuable places.

The Tome of Improved Typography Knowledge

Speaking of libraries, I recently stumbled on an amazing book while browsing the shelves. At my local library, books too big to fit in Dewey’s order on the main shelves are laid on the bottom shelf. This particular book caught my attention due to its massive form dominating that bottom overflow shelf.

The book is “The Visual History of Type” by Paul McNeil, and it’s a 10”x12”x2” 672-page catalog of typography history goodness. It explores, in chronological order, over 320 typefaces created from the invention of the printing press to today.

Using it a bit like a type specimen book, I’ve found this tome to be an amazingly valuable source of inspiration and reference for design and typographic work over the last couple of weeks (pretty sure it’s giving me +3 to all typography knowledge). Not only that, but the history and context provided with each font and its respective time period is fascinating and illuminating.

Knowing I can’t keep checking it out in perpetuity, I plan to buy this book in the near future.

Remember Mythbusters?

Did you know Spotify has audiobooks now? Seeing this recently, I decided to give it a try (#premiumforlyfe or… just until this 3-month promo code runs out). Browsing the recommendations, I noticed the title “Every Tool’s a Hammer.” Intrigued, I saw the author was none other than Adam Savage—one of the goofy duo who starred on the show Mythbusters.

I’m so glad I gave this book a chance, too. I did not foresee it speaking so deeply to the act of creating, nor did I anticipate it resonating so much with my geekiness.

Adam continually references and shares his appreciation for things like 2001: Space Odyssey, Star Wars, comic books, and so much more. But he also goes in-depth on why and how he creates, and after a long life of being a “maker,” as he calls himself, he’s got a ton of great things to say.

This Is The Closing

Ok, well… it seems that’s all for this Issue. Thanks for reading and supporting me. If you have any thoughts or feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Otherwise, catch ya next month!