JD Eaton, Art Director

Of course, everyone who sees the end result of what we do tells us that our jobs are so fun and glamorous. We get to write stuff and draw pretty pictures and go on press runs and play with zippy computers. Communications, however, is a tough business. No one knows of the midnight oil that gets burned, or hears the clock ticking close to deadline, or stares into the abyss of the blank page, or the “empty canvas” like those who work in communications. And it takes tough people to do tough jobs. That tenacity is what we found in John David Eaton.

He applies his craft like a tradesman—planning, scrutinizing, organizing and executing. His tool belt consists of all that is required to compose and orchestrate multiple communications programs and multi-tiered campaigns. “Measure twice and cut once,” is what we hear him say, which is far more profound than those six syllables immediately imply. JD is a System 10 guy who uses every ounce of Macintosh horsepower that he can squeeze out of that rather robust operating system. Perhaps it was JD that took that first bite out of the Mac apple that turned it into the immediately recognized logo. His knowledge of software and what it can do helps him to compose every aspect of marketing communications. He is not a slave to his tools, but rather a master of them and he wastes no time, or energy in deploying the right one for the right job.

Unlike most designers (who are oftentimes decorators) JD was born with the ability to understand the power of language and the compelling nature of great visual organization. These attributes and his commitment to working with and leading a team help JD to swing a pretty big hammer when it comes to driving home the point that needs to be made. If JD says something is going to get done, you can set your clock to it.

JD creates solutions to communications challenges by being a master of his tools.