Tributes

Tribute to Todd Baldwin - 1971-2005

Today, I learned of a great loss, both to myself and to the world. In losing Todd Baldwin, the world has lost a truly great creative talent. As a Project Manager, Web Developer, and Designer myself, I've been working with creative people since at least 1994. I've known MANY creative people outside of work. And, I have to say, Todd Baldwin was the most talented, creative, gifted, and brilliant designer I have ever known. I always felt privileged and lucky that I knew him and that I managed to connect with him. He was and will always be one of the biggest influences on me creatively and personally.

I first met Todd when I was working as a Web Developer for Discovery Channel Online in 1998. He was a Senior Designer. Though I sat right across the aisle from him, I didn't really get to know him until we were put on some web projects together. Somehow, we clicked really well and worked very well together.

I often think about the times when we would have project launch meetings with Editors and other staff members. Todd would usually not pay too much attention to what people were saying, seem kind of aloof, and just doodle on his notepad. However, at the end of every one of those meetings, he would turn to me, show me his notepad, and say something like "What do you think?" And almost every time there would be a rough sketch of how he was going to design the website that represented what I considered to be a perfect design direction. He may have seemed like he wasn't interested or listening. But, in fact, he was listening very intently, and he was formulating a brilliant solution very rapidly. I always admired that ability he had. And, it was such a beautiful thing to witness. That initial spark he had would always be carried through into a phenomenal design that awed everyone that looked at it.

I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with him on several projects, and to have had the opportunity to witness his unique creative ability and process firsthand. I remember seeing him shape a design into perfection. I was always amazed at how he would often agonize over each pixel in a design. But, that is part of what made him such a fantastic artist - his intense attention to detail.

Over time, just talking with him in passing, I learned about some of his other creative endeavors, particularly with Buzz. Occasionally, he'd bring in a stack of fliers straight from the printer. The funny part was that he would almost always point out some flaw in the printing. Where I saw a stunningly gorgeous and unique piece of art, he focused on the flaws - again, the consummate perfectionist.

As I got to know him better, I often bugged him to bring me some of his fliers. One day, my wish was granted and he brought me a stack of dozens of fliers, a number of which I have proudly displayed in my various homes since then.

In addition to working with him at Discovery, I also worked with him on building the website for his design firm, Airline Industries. It was then that I met his cohorts, Paul and Akira, two more creative masters in their own right.

Over the years, after he left Discovery, Todd and I discussed working together again. But, it never happened, much to my disappointment. Still, I often bounced my designs off him for feedback, and he always obliged.

Having witnessed his work at Discovery and some of the awesome things he had done outside of Discovery, like the interior design of the Dragonfly, I became strongly influenced to develop and pursue a design career of my own. It was in no small part Todd's inspiration that led me to setup my own record store and do all of the design for it - interior and promotional. Because of what I saw Todd accomplish, I worked for years - and am still working - to develop my design portfolio. Going to his place and seeing all of the photos he had taken stacked up everywhere, and how he used them in his designs, encouraged me to showcase and use my photography more as well.

The last few times I saw Todd were just before he left for California. He seemed very positive, upbeat, and excited. I was disappointed to see him go, but I felt like he was doing the right thing, and that he could potentially really blossom out there.

After he left, I heard nothing more from him. I eagerly awaited his response to emails I sent him announcing such things as the launch of my photography and design portfolio websites - projects that he had significantly inspired. But, there was nothing. And, now he's gone. Though I am devastated, I am also thankful for the time we did have together.

I never knew Todd very well. But, I knew him. I managed to share a few personal experiences with him, and I developed an excellent working relationship with him from which I benefited tremendously. I now feel like I was fortunate enough to know him best at what was arguably his creative peak. I got to see the best of him, personally and professionally. From my perspective, he was a great, sweet, and complicated guy - just the way any true artist should be!

When I was around Todd, I often thought that I was in the presence of a creative genius. I felt like I knew, and was interacting with, someone who was operating on the same creative level as some of my idols like Shepard Fairey, Jack White, Trent Reznor, Ian Mackaye, Mike Patton, and Les Claypool. And, like I've already said, that makes me feel very thankful, grateful, fortunate, privileged, and happy!

I will always miss you, Todd. Your influence and inspiration will ALWAYS be with me.

Kai Bates
7/26/05
www.nodesignstudio.com