DEB ADAMS

Deb Adams is a pace setter. In 1995 she founded JustCause Marketing Inc., which evolved from her personal vision to create a company where work was fun, flexible, and philanthropic. The result was a new model for a marketing agency that harnessed the then fledgling internet and had a "green" mission long before the concept of environmental consciousness and socially responsible business practices became en vogue. Today Adams is CEO and Creative Director of domo domo international marketing group, inc., a Cincinnati and Connecticut based branding and design agency. domo domo builds upon the core values of JustCause, and renews the company's focus on generating big ideas that add new value and life to brands via an interweaving of high-level strategic and creative talent at every step of the process. In addition, Adams has founded LegaSeaS International, a non-profit marine conservation organization, and serves on the boards of international groups involved in ocean conservation and the preservation of whales and dolphins. The beauty of the ocean and vitality of life drives her passion and creativity. Adams is known for her entrepreneurial spirit and risk-taking. "I never want to go back and say 'should've, would've, could've,'" she says.

Where were you born, where do you live, did this effect your design style or sensibilities? I was born in Cincinnati and grew up near the Ohio River surrounded by nature and an interesting historical context of abolitionists, the underground railroad and Native American history. The abolitionist commitment to values beyond personal welfare coupled with Native American influence of reverence of land and connectedness of things impacted me deeply. A connection to nature and water influences my design esthetic in that I consider the relationship and flow of all elements set in their context.

What is your design process, do you sketch first, go to the computer, take days off to get inspired? My design process seeks to deliver the big idea. I take time to digest all assignment elements, identify the complex issues, and distill to their core essence to establish substance/meaning. I like a simple, clean design direction that has powerful impact within the assignment context. I then lead our teams to guide the development of creative that satisfies the strategic and aesthetic elements of each assignment.

What is one thing you have done to help weather the economic downturn? We're moving forward into our new company identity and model of domo domo img. We have applied a "dive in" — taking calculated risks that keep our clients ahead of the curve — and "do more" — instilling growth and making investment dollars work harder — business model.

What is your greatest strength and weakness as a designer? Strengths: Capture the core essence and create the big idea; push the envelope and stay ahead of the curve.
Weakness: Too many ideas and not enough time.

YOUR DESIGN HERO?
Frank Gehry

WORST HABIT?
Procrastination

FAVORITE COLOR?
Aqua

FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
Myriad

FAVORITE TV SHOWS?
Californication and Entourage

FAVORITE BOOKS?
"The River Why" by David James Duncan; Michael Pollin "Omnivores Dilemma"; Jane Goodall "Reason for Hope"

FAVORITE MOVIES?
Shawshank Redemption, Something's Gotta Give, Intolerable Cruelty, Tropic Thunder

FAVORITE MUSIC?
Coldplay; Buddha bar collection; and a wide range from blues to techno, and everything in between

FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Jan Vermeer

FAVORITE GADGET?
iPod

BOOKMARKED WEBSITES?
Bluevoice.org, itunes.com, Spinning.com, naturalla.com

BEST GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
My life

ONE THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?
My glasses!

ONE THING YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Music

TALENT YOU WISH YOU POSSESSED?
Fine artist/oil painter