Stuff That Matters

2009 Dec 10
Comments 57
Published In Business, Design, New York, Personal, Site, Web
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It’s official: I’ve started a design studio called Mighty. I’ve been working under the name since earlier this year, and today I’m launching a small site for the endeavor.

The prospect with Mighty is simple: I want to work on stuff that matters. I want the things I make to benefit people, and whenever possible, the design work I do to have a lasting impact.

Here’s to new beginnings! Head over and say hello to Mighty. Many thanks to my talented friends: Jessica Hische for the logo design, and Liz Danzico for her help with the site’s content/manifesto.

Typekit

Another big career announcement today, I’ll be splitting my days between running Mighty and serving as Creative Director for Typekit. As any regulars here will know, I have a deep love for typefaces and typography, and Typekit couldn’t be more tailored to that love. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work alongside some of the smartest people I’ve ever met, and continue to grow something I believe will help shape our industry for the future.

Portfolio Updates

I’ve also updated my portfolio with a bunch of projects that have launched in the last few months. A few from my time at Happy Cog: W. W. Norton, our oldest independent publisher, and The Amanda Project, a website and community counterpart to a book series for teens and tweens.

Earlier this year I worked on two Chicago-related sites: Chicago Now, a hyper local blogging network (working alongside Byrne Reese), and a one-day design sprint reworking the Chicago Tribune homepage. The Tribune team asked me to take a pass at a rough design they had already mocked up, basically saying “do as much as you can in a day”. This was a really fun experiment that I’d definitely like to try again. The design was later adapted by internal teams at other Tribune sites like the LA Times and Baltimore Sun.

A few months ago I was asked to do quick blog and store redesign for one of my favorite bands, They Might Be Giants (working alongside, Brian Warren), a lovely new site for my always insightful friend, Liz Danzico, and lastly, my two type-related loves, Typedia and Typekit.

I’ve been very busy lately and have lots of stuff coming down the pike. Stay tuned.

57 Comments

Permalink for this comment Webstandard-Team says: December 10, 2009

Congratulations Jason! First of all to the decision starting your own design studio, secondly to the name “mighty” ;o) and thirdly to the page!
Permalink for this comment Tuomas Tolppi says: December 10, 2009

Interesting news, Jason. Best of luck to Mighty!
Permalink for this comment Seth Nickerson says: December 10, 2009

To new beginnings. Congrats Jason! The name and logo are very nice.
Permalink for this comment Sander says: December 10, 2009

Sounds like a great move, good luck with your future endeavours in creating designs that lasts. Was it hard to make the final decision in leaving other things behind?
Permalink for this comment Adam Wintle says: December 10, 2009

oooh I really love the Mighty logo!

Will you be doing some behind the scenes like you did with the Typedia logo?
Permalink for this comment Christopher Meeks says: December 10, 2009

Super cool. Good luck on the transition, though it seems the real transition is just making the public aware.

Looking forward to seeing more inspiring work in the future.
Permalink for this comment Steve Kirkendall says: December 10, 2009

All the best with your new studio, sir. And you have GOT to make a tee with the Mighty logo on it!
Permalink for this comment Larissa says: December 10, 2009

Very nice! I got here via a del.icio.us link (to Mighty), and looks like you’re just launching it (officially). So I’m pleased to be here to help you celebrate the newness. :)

Good luck to ya!
Permalink for this comment Stefan Nitzsche says: December 10, 2009

Congratulations – And … what a cool brand! All the best …
Permalink for this comment Jake Przespo says: December 10, 2009

Congrats Jason! Looking forward to see what’s in store.
Permalink for this comment Paulo Canabarro says: December 10, 2009

Congrats on this new beginning, I can’t wait to see some fresh work from Mighty.

The new pieces on the portfolio look awesome, love the “They Might be Giants” site.

Good Luck!
Permalink for this comment Reid Peifer says: December 10, 2009

What a fantastic mission!

“At Mighty, we show up because we want to make stuff that matters. Simple things. Honest things. Beautiful things.”

We should all approach our work with the same mindset. Kudos and congrats.
Permalink for this comment Philip Renich says: December 10, 2009

Wow, congratulations Jason! That is great news! I’m excited for you as you ~~start~~ continue these new endeavors. The design world will be a better place with a JSM studio, and the world will be too with a mission behind it like that.

I was wondering yesterday what your involvement with Typekit was. There we go, answered. When do we get to see a typeface from you? ;-)
Permalink for this comment Joey Pfeifer says: December 10, 2009

Congrats, Jason! Love the name and really love the logo. Jessica’s one of the best. Best of luck to you, man!
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: December 10, 2009

Thanks everyone for the kind words!

@ Sander :

Was it hard to make the final decision in leaving other things behind?

Well, I didn’t really leave anything behind, I’ve been working on my own for a while now. This is just me trying to make it into something that’s bigger than me.

@ Philip Renich :

When do we get to see a typeface from you? ;-)

Man, I wish I was half decent at designing type.
Permalink for this comment Tim Brown says: December 10, 2009

Congratulations, Jason! Mighty exciting.
Permalink for this comment Stephanie Hobson says: December 10, 2009

Big decision to split your personal and professional brands.

Who is this “we”, are you hiring?

Congrats!
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: December 10, 2009

@ Stephanie Hobson :

Who is this “we”, are you hiring?

Well, I may hire at some point. For now, I almost always work with a team that I assemble on each project.
Permalink for this comment Dean Ashworth says: December 10, 2009

Jason, it’s very inspiring to see how you’ve progressed and branched out to lead your own studio. I’m proud to be apart of a community/profession with you and many other talented souls who have cultivated a passion to create a beautiful web and a yearning to share your craft, wit & ideas.

I too love your mission and wish you all the best.
Permalink for this comment Design Informer says: December 10, 2009

That is some great news Jason. I really like the name, “Mighty.”

I almost always work with a team that I assemble on each project.

That’s interesting. So you always get totally different people, or do you pretty much stick to a group, like a developer, a front-end coder, an illustrator, etc?

Keep up the great work!
Permalink for this comment Lea says: December 10, 2009

(insert slow clapping) Congratulations, Jason. :)

Though, I’m curious about the “we.” Who else is part of Mighty?
Permalink for this comment Danny Garcia says: December 10, 2009

Hey Jason!
I’ve been a fan of your work for several years and I’d just like to congratulate you on your success and new endeavor. Your work and attempts to create a better place for everyone on and offline have been a great inspiration to me.

By the way, love the style & branding of Mighty, powerful.

Keep up the good work!
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: December 10, 2009

@ Lea :

Though, I’m curious about the “we.” Who else is part of Mighty?

I rarely work on a project by myself, I usually assemble a team of regulars. Also, I interested in laying the groundwork for making something bigger than me, so part of the idea behind Mighty (and the copy there) is aspirational.
Permalink for this comment Mike Metcalf says: December 10, 2009

Congratulations on the new endeavors Jason!

Jessica Hische did an amazing job on your logo, although it surprised me a little that you didn’t just do it yourself. What was your logic in finding talent outside of your own? Just curious.
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: December 10, 2009

@ Mike Metcalf :

Jessica Hische did an amazing job on your logo, although it surprised me a little that you didn’t just do it yourself. What was your logic in finding talent outside of your own? Just curious.

I tried to do a few on my own and wasn’t coming up with anything I liked. I do design work for other designers all the time, so it seemed like a good idea to let someone else help me. She’s a much better logo designer than me anyway.
Permalink for this comment Keith says: December 10, 2009

The simple site looks great! Love the boldness of it all.

Best of luck Jason!
Permalink for this comment Cameron Moll says: December 10, 2009

Working on stuff that matters… You couldn’t have chosen a better mantra.

Best wishes.
Permalink for this comment Brad Weaver says: December 10, 2009

Cheers Jason! Working toward that which matters will make you better every day. Yes even Jason Santa Maria can get better at his craft. Hard to believe. Anticipating the great work that lies ahead.

Brad Weaver
Suckerpunch Studios
Permalink for this comment Lance says: December 10, 2009

Good luck Jason! :D All eyes on you.
Permalink for this comment Dave Simon says: December 10, 2009

Another “me too” for wishing you success with your new venture.

And for Mighty logo t-shirts. They’d be hot sellers!
Permalink for this comment Jason Campbell says: December 10, 2009

Mazaltov!

I myself would have gone with the tagline “I is mighty!” though. ; )
I’ll watch the folio grow with great interest.
Permalink for this comment Karl says: December 10, 2009

Congratulations and the best of luck to you mate! :)
Permalink for this comment Joshua Brewer says: December 10, 2009

Awesome news! I love the positive and bold message and that you have the chops to back it! Best of luck.
Permalink for this comment Evan Mullins says: December 10, 2009

Congrats Jason! I really enjoy all that you do, keep it up! Love the mighty domain as well.
Permalink for this comment Tony Krol says: December 10, 2009

Yeah man, huge congrats on mighty! You’re constantly dispelling information into the world that is meaningful and makes a difference – and this trend seems to be increasing in concentration. I guess that’s the aspiration for a lot of us, but it seems you’ve got yourself into a bit of a groove… Nice work.
Permalink for this comment bearskinrug says: December 10, 2009

Hooray for Mighty! I’ve been waiting a long time for an agency that can rework my brand AND back me up in a streetfight. Do you have any more of those promotional brass knuckles?
Permalink for this comment Sophie Melville says: December 10, 2009

good stuff Jason, the mighty logo is great. huge respect to you for getting a helping hand. i really rate your concept of creating simple, honest and beautiful things.

i’m really excited about the future of typekit and am trying to spread the word!
Permalink for this comment Mark Guadalupe says: December 11, 2009

Congratulations! It is Mighty! What else could you ask for more? ☺
Permalink for this comment Khoi says: December 11, 2009

Congratulations, Jason! Looking forward to the IPO.
Permalink for this comment Chris Pacheco says: December 11, 2009

Congrats, Good luck and can’t wait to see what Mighty produces :D
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: December 11, 2009

Gah! I stupidly left Liz Danzico out of my thank you notes above. I’ve corrected the error. Liz helped with the Mighty site content and manifesto. Thanks, Liz!
Permalink for this comment Daus says: December 11, 2009

I think that’s a successful one page design. Nice color and typography!

And congratz for your new venture!
Permalink for this comment Josh says: December 11, 2009

Heartiest congratulations. Mighty looks awesome. Love the colour concept
Permalink for this comment Web Designer Poland says: December 14, 2009

I like name and manifesto. Liz Danzico did good job. Almost convinced me to use your services! :-P
Permalink for this comment muhdfarhan says: December 15, 2009

nice : ] ..i want to do like this..heh
Permalink for this comment willem says: December 19, 2009

mighy familiar logo
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: December 19, 2009

@ willem :

mighy familiar logo

Because of the interlinked characters? Welcome to the world of identity design, many logos look similar :)
Permalink for this comment ruben says: December 20, 2009

Cool website, i love all the post designs. And congrats on your proyect.
Permalink for this comment Byrne says: December 22, 2009

Congrats buddy! It was an honor and privilege working with you on ChicagoNow! I can’t wait for the opportunity to work with you again!
Permalink for this comment Jack says: December 23, 2009

I really dig the Mighty logo. There is a Mighty Interactive already, a web design firm out of Arizona. Wonder if you were aware before choosing the name? I realize it’s virtually impossible to have a completely unique name…but I just had such a terrible experience with “the other Mighty” that I don’t want to sour the name when I reference you to my colleagues under the same moniker. =)
Permalink for this comment Carlos Varela says: December 23, 2009

Great job Jason, and good luck with your projects and your new business
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: December 23, 2009

@ Jack :

There is a Mighty Interactive already, a web design firm out of Arizona. Wonder if you were aware before choosing the name?

Yep, and I know there are around 3-4 other Mightys out there too. There is plenty of room for everyone.
Permalink for this comment Zimok says: December 29, 2009

It seems you taken insipiration from the “Lambretta” logoes, it isn’t? It’s look like 50’s logo-design.
Permalink for this comment MattCoops says: January 04, 2010

Good luck with all that.
Permalink for this comment Deanna says: January 05, 2010

Wow! Very cool. Congratulations & Good luck!!
Permalink for this comment Michael Locke says: January 06, 2010

Nice brand name. very tight.
Permalink for this comment Nicolas Chevallier says: January 06, 2010

Happy New Year and a lot of success with your new project!
It should be just a formality since you already have clients.