‘Kerning’ is really the only graphic-design term I know. And I don’t actually know what it
means.
I just use it all the time when I’m trying to offer suggestions to Rob Russo.
Now, Rob knows exactly what I mean when I say ‘kerning.’ He also knows how to smile,
nod and move on.
Rob has been ignoring me at four publications for nearly 30 years — and over two
centuries.
And the readers are better off for it.
***
Print was always part of the plan when BINJE launched a year ago. Still, the first edition
took people by surprise. It prompted the same two reactions from everyone:
- You’re still doing print?
And
- Who designed BINJE? It looks incredible.
The biggest reason for the first question is the answer to the second.
Rob Russo can still make pages come alive.
The right photos, the right fonts, the right amount of extra touches that make pages look
complete, not crowded.
His ability to carry a design theme through an issue — or through a year of publications
— is unmatched.
***
Rob and I started working together on the sports desk of The Star-Ledger back in the
1990s. Seven editions, multiple makeovers. It was the ultimate exercise in controlled
chaos.
We clicked from the start, but we went our separate ways during the Great Newspaper
Downturn of 2009.
So, you can imagine my surprise four years later, when I was interviewing at NJBIZ and
they brought the designer into the room to meet me.
We’ve been together ever since.
Rob is the reason ROI-NJ looked so great (at least in the early years) and why BINJE
looks so great now.
***
There was a time when the Rob Russos of the world were considered yesterday’s
news.
You have to learn how to code and build websites, they were told. It’s great advice. For
the next generation.
Rob continued on as an old-school page designer. Today, he’s in demand.
Now, we’re not against the internet, but — like vinyl records — we’re glad to see the
past can still be the present.
I’ve recommended Rob to many folks looking for an old-school designer. Rob’s the best,
I say. But please remember … kerning always is optional.
