Hornbloggled

Brushes with Greatness

Chris Swymeler — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:42:09 +0000

I love “Brushes with Greatness” moments. I love that child-like reverence that comes from shuffling up and outstretching my hand in hopes that the person of my affection will do likewise. I love the awkward strain to remember what it is that I was going to say in the first place. That amazing moment where I can look eye to eye, and see for myself. Not through TV or movies, but live and 2 feet away. I love the feeling in my stomach of anticipation and reflection as my number is called to shake hands and say something, anything that hopefully conveys my loyalty. Why? Because, every time it drives me to be better.

I hope you’ve had one. I just had one this weekend. Mark Kistler is one of the most direct reasons I do creative work. His inspiration to “Draw. Draw. Draw.” pushed me through those awkward early teen years. I still use his concepts of perspective and shading, daily. He taught me through his daily PBS show that being silly and being excited about what you do is GOOD. In our brief encounter, I simply told Mr. Kistler that he was a HUGE reason I am in the creative field. I am sure he has heard that a thousand times from incredible folks at Dream Works to local art teachers…but he took the time to be interested in me. He asked about my artistic journey and what I now do for a living. It meant a lot.

Since Saturday, I have been dreaming and scheming ways to do something similar for others. Or, perhaps find a way to continue to share his mission and vision with the next generation. And, I guess that’s what “Brushes with Greatness” do. They inspire us to be more than we are. To dream bigger than today.

Here’s to your heroes. Here’s to your next brush. Draw. Draw. Draw.

Habitat For Humanity Banquet Video featuring Third Day!

Chris Swymeler — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:21:20 +0000

Check out Crash 31′s new video for Habitat for Humanity. It features footage shot over the past 6 months of builds and our trip to El Salvador. We were blessed enough to even pick up some footage of Mac Powell and the gang from Third Day at one of the home dedications this year. Enjoy.

El Salvador Trip with Habitat for Humanity

Chris Swymeler — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:34:20 +0000

Many thanks to our friends at Habitat for Humanity for including us on their most recent Global Village missions trip to El Salvador. Crash 31 was selected to go with 20 other Fort Wayne locals to work on 2 build sites. After a few days of sweating it out under the hot Central American sun, we joined an international cast of Habitat directors to see the bigger housing need of El Salvador. What we saw during the week was an amazing testament to family, hard work and harsh natural circumstances. The El Salvadorian people have been punished over recent years by civil unrest, hurricanes, mud slides, earthquakes and believe it or not…volcanoes. Yet they are the most loving and generous folks we’ve likely met. Habitat for Humanity continues to be on a mission to help build safe, affordable homes in this disaster-prone area of Central America. These homes are well-built using re-bar and deep footed foundations. The roofs, doors and windows are welded in place for security. Local masons are used as building experts, and are paid well to lead these builds, driving stronger local economies.

For more information about how you or your business can partner with Habitat on a local or global build, contact their Fort Wayne Headquarters at 260.422.4828

New Office!

Ross Stratton — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:17:05 +0000

This is a tour of the new office of Crash 31!

Travel’n Man

Chris Swymeler — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:03:40 +0000

In the video world, travel is just part of the gig. Whether hopping a plane for a day or packing the undies for a week, sometimes you just got to go where the action is. For Scotty K, our hard-working video wunderkind, it seems traveling has been happening a lot. Just like everything else in his life, Scotty is taking it in stride. Here’s to you Scotty. May your bag checks go smooth and may your seat always be in an exit row.

28mm VS 14mm

Scotty Kunkel — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:27:15 +0000

We received a Canon 14mm 2.8 L today to use for our next shoot in Boston! Here’s just a quick picture comparison between our typical 28mm-75mm vs the 14mm prime. Notice how much more is in view! Not to mention video on this baby rocks! It would be a great lens to have in any arsenal but it costs a pretty penny!

Scotty’s New Guitar!

Ross Stratton — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:47:03 +0000

Scotty came in today with a brand new Martin acoustic guitar so we decided to capture him playing it for all to see!

Our Oscars get their Christmas Gifts. Ho. Ho. Chomp!

Chris Swymeler — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:01:55 +0000

What do you get the Crash 31 Mascot that has everything…how about some carnage? We debated this for nearly 31 seconds before indulging our two fishy buddies, Oscar and Roscoe, with their favorite holiday morsels. And, we captured it on our iPhones… just for you. Enjoy!

Yule Log Release.

Chris Swymeler — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:53:48 +0000

Gather the kids, stoke the fire, spray the tree with synthetic pine scent and get ready for a treat like no other. Just in time for the holidays, Crash 31 announces the release of our first Christmas Album…Yule Log. This timeless treasure of unforgettable classics will have you singing and humming the entire Holiday Season. All for only 99¢. Click the link below to hear just a sampling of what you will get in this stocking-filled Rum Ballooza of a CD.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Chris Swymeler — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:45:42 +0000

Just a few days left and we wanted to wish all of our friends and family the very best this Holiday Season!