Chistian Helms: Hot Dog on the Horizon

transcript

Christian was a very picky eater.

Only rice… with butter,

noodles… with butter,

and naked hot dogs.

VIVIAN RODRIGUEZ

Deeper than honorable mentions, building a design shop and meat

shrine from the ground up, or any of his other ventures. Truly, it is

not the companies, or the steaks—er, stakes, he’s raised, but, rather,

the company he keeps that reveal his most notable triumph, and his

most estimable tool-- his spirit. Through the perspective of friends

and family one gets a clearer picture of the spirit Helms has been

pioneering since he was a child, the resulting camaraderie, and

the curiosity he champions and inspires.

Interviewing some of his closest and dearest felt more like meeting

friends out for a drink and bawdy banter than a journalistic process.

Some stories are told through beer-filled goggles, sometimes cups

overflowed with juicy insight, but, ultimately, so as not to mar the

sweet and salty jewels I dug up, what follows are the naked quotes

that tell the frank story, relished with some narrative.

It’s a fitting analogy: that of a common everyday Frank who,

through naked ambition, becomes a sophisticated top dog. Notably,

however, this Frank never loses touch with his Frank-ness—that

is, that inextricable meaty goodness of who he is. After his recent

Communication Arts feature, it’s easy to think of Christian Helms as

somewhat of a star on the rise, frank-ly though, Helms’ successes

run much deeper than the platitudinous

VIVIAN RODRIGUEZ

They realize that the search may raise more questions than answers, but they

push on, towards a larger design. Whether it is through Helms Workshop,

Standard Grit, the Timmy Bob boot, or home improvement, Helms’ constant thirst

for knowledge expands not only his horizons, but the horizons of those around

him. It’s this thirst that informs his influence on life and design, both of which are

interchangeable. Ultimately, family being the most important thing to Helms, his

son will certainly be his most inspiring legacy, but, as a designer, his eyes set on

horizons as if they were infinity pools.

His passion to create not only lends itself to a vast community of peers who

respect him, but a vast community of individuals who treasure his friendship. So,

while good design may boil down to technical skills, it seems to me that what

makes design such as Helms’ pervasive is one of those things that, while ethereal

in character, elicits something very real, physically. Something you can’t bottle—

or, simply, as Daniel Northcutt so eloquently put it, “Heart, Heart.”

Phillipe Starcks, in a TED conference, reminds us that the human story does not

end with the individual. The human legacy, Starcks points out, is vast. We set

ourselves up for mediocrity by allowing ourselves to be constricted by our sub-

jective empirical gaze. After all, one who perpetually walks with his eyes glued to

the floor can’t ever truly see what lies ahead. Thus, Starks claims, true visionaries

look to the horizon. And an exceptional designer does just that. Sees the larger

vision—seeks out challenges: looks for solutions.

Christian´s Feature

in Communcation Arts

I think it’s delightful.

I especially enjoyed that the story of him getting carded at the Drafthouse was the lead.

Also, Pappenhagen looks a bit like a serial killer in the group photo, which is nice.

Chris Bilheimer

I thought it was tacky for CA to edit out the whole part about

Christian's chronic bedwetting.

I'm sure it's pretty good—I haven't read it yet 'cuz I'm not a design

geek. I do not have a subscription and I haven't decided if I really

want to pay $5.95 for a 30 day trial for one dang article that I know

I'll thumb through the next time I think about it and happen to be at

one of my design geek friend's houses. I sat in on an interview with

Xian, Geoff Peveto and Mathew Porter (I just call him Matt)—pretty

sure that if Matt quoted me instead of Peveto on anything in the

article then it's probably a phenomenal piece of literature.

daniel northcutt

WELL DESERVED.Christian has worked hard and

is one of the smartest designers I

have ever known.

GEOFF PEVETO

Amanda Summers McCauley

I think it’s terrific and he deserves every bit of credit for all of his hard

work and talent.

I AM SO PROUD TO KNOW HIM!

I think it focused a little too much on how young he looks and gave me a bit of a complex since I’m the only one in our relationship who never gets carded.

But other than that, I think it was outstanding and I’m

looking forward to the next article! Especially since I’m

betting he’ll be on the cover for that one.

I think it is fantastic!

Christian's accomplishments never cease to amaze and inspire me.

Having seen his evolution as a designer over the eight or so

years that I have known him, it was an especially proud moment

to see Helms Workshop on the cover of Communication Arts.

I THINK HE DESERVES EVERY BIT OF IT.

He is so driven and focused on his craft and his

work ethic is admirable.

I loved the feature on Christian in CA and it is spot

on with the way he works. It's great to see so many

of his projects and accomplishments in one place.

It really does capture much of who Christian is

and what makes him work, which really is a key

to his success—work, and he does.

Brian + Cindy Hatley

The feature in CA was wonderful. Through the

years I have been aware of the things he has been

doing and the recognitions for the good works but

to see them all in capsule form was overwhelming

to say the least. I’ve always known the boy had

talent, even at an early age, and it’s nice that

he has been recognized for his efforts.

Hey, it's about my #1 son! What's not to like?…

He's an awesome son (as is his brother).

Seriously, the article showed the real Christian, someone

who doesn't boast or brag about what he does or is doing,

but will tell you if you ask. The article also gave some

insight into how he picks the clients he wants to work with.

He really cares about his clients and wants them to do well.

The Things people learn MOST

from Christian

Chris Bilheimer

What I would like to learn from him is how he is so socially adept and calm and charming in group

situations, even though he is a mass of anxiety and neurosis inside.

Oh, and always use Futura Bold.

How to be a leader

and a team player at

the same time.

He’s a great teacher that way. Through this method, Christian

has taught me how to look at a piece of paper, space, or wall

and know whether whatever typography or visual reference

the designer has chosen to place there properly represents

the brand or not. The content, sizing, the angles, curves,

color, placement, etc., it's all relevant to the brand. That's

what anything and everything pertaining to a brand is—

either an example, summary, or a definition of said brand.

Anyone can slap a name up but the identity is what makes

it a brand and identity makes the brand work (or not). A

brand might identify the product but the identity shapes

the brand. Mind you, this does not make me a designer

but does allow me the privilege of enjoying and

appreciating really good design.

daniel northcutt

Christian has taught me mostly by

ignoring the stupid shit I say and politely

encouraging me when I accidentally

voice something of relevance.

DON'T SETTLE FOR AVERAGE.

You can always make an idea better.

GEOFF PEVETO

Design

created by Christian

Chris Bilheimer

His design almost always encapsulates two of his greatest personality traits:

SINCERITY AND HUMOR.

Or at least the ability to feign sincerity.

Aesthetic is following a feeling first instead of

the rule—that's what Christian does. His work

speaks for itself because it is emotional first and

then falls into design protocol.

That’s Christian, all heart, and by the book.

Unless he decides to reinvent the rule.

(Fuck, is that a Yogi Berraism?)

daniel northcutt

IT'S ALWAYS SMART.

The concept is always well explored and then he also executes it. A rare combo.

GEOFF PEVETO

HIS DESIGN SENSE IS AN EXTENSION OF HIMSELF—

beautiful, playful, charming, retro and modern, too. His aesthetic always looks so easy, clean, and uncomplicated—A

true sign of talent and skill.

Every single thing he does has those elements to it—from

what he wears, to what he designs, to what he listens to.

His design can be appreciated from a superficial

standpoint because it’s always cool/pretty/interesting,

but VERY much like him if you pay a little more attention,

there’s so much more to it.

HE’S A THINKING MAN’S DESIGNER, BUT HE’S ALSO

FUCKING HILARIOUS.

CLASSIC AND SIMPLE.

Christian's love of yesteryear and the ideals and icons that represent

them shine through to me in so many ways, from his design to his

own personal style.

His design is smart, thought provoking,

and it delivers a certain message both directly and indirectly.

Christian's design aesthetic is keeping things simple—no unnecessary clutter. Meat and potatoes if you will...

and he knows what he likes.

He isn't ambivalent about how he believes things should be.

Chris has always liked looking at antiques

and collectables because we have drug him

through enough antique stores while growing

up. I see a lot of old script/type in his designs

and a leaning toward an old, simple, but eye

catching finished product.

Christian sees things differently.

His designs are intricate, clever, thought provoking, but

they are never boring.

VIVIAN RODRIGUEZ

A conversation with Chris Hill sums it up:

“I ended up respecting him and liking him as a person well before I knew

his work,” Chris Hill drawls on the other end of the line. A volunteer at the

2002 Creative Summit, Helms never mentioned to Hill that he had entered.

So when Hill won that day he not only garnered a great deal of respect from

Chris for his design, he garnered an even deeper respect for his humility and

sincerity. It quickly became evident through the interview with Hill, and the

ones that followed that, for as many professional successes as Helms has seen

to date, his personal relationships are by far his most cherished accolade.

They all spoke of his kindness, his ability to be a teacher,

as well as a friend, and the respect he’s garnered along the way—

but, mainly… well, mainly, they spoke of his ability to drink.

Yeah… especially his ability to drink.

Isn’t just an adjective that describes Helms’ work—it describes Christian.

THE MOST SURPRISING THING

about Christian

HIS FEROCITY. He's like a honey badger.

What Christian lacks in stature, he more than makes up for with flailing limbs and unhinged fury.

John Bielenberg

His humility, his sense of humor,

and his privately enjoyed cross-dressing.

HOW MUCH COLD BEER THAT DUDE CAN DRINK…

and then he'll disappear with out a trace.

daniel northcutt

Nothing surprises me about Chris anymore—

HE IS UNSTOPPABLE!

HOW MUCH THAT ‘LIL DUDE CAN DRINK.

GEOFF PEVETO

Relationships

with Christian

We have a secret passage between our offices.

Make of that what you will.

John Bielenberg

DEEP RESPECT AND FRIENDSHIP COMES FIRST,

then a mutual passion for bat-like canines.

Chris Bilheimer

He is phenomenally easy to stalk

and to be around.

BUSINESS PARTNERS,

BROTHERS.

daniel northcutt

I adore Christian.

Always have.

Always will.

KICKING ASS AND

TAKING NAMES.

I am so fortunate to have gained such a wonderful

family when I married Matt. I may technically be

a sister-in-law, but Christian, and Jenn, have

always made me feel loved like a sister. Not

having any brothers or sisters of my own, that is a

relationship I am so grateful for.

Christian and I have always been really close.

He is my best friend. We are very different in

certain aspects and it makes our relationship

special because we always have something

different to talk about.

He also is an honest, hardworking young

man who makes his own luck in this world by

working harder and doing more than the other guy.

He doesn't complain. He just does it.

There are many creative, talented people in the

world, but Christian seems to have the more rare

combination of creativity and great business sense.

He is always looking for interesting new ventures

and figuring out ways to benefit both parties.

He comes from great stock, and was raised well.

Christian is our son-in-law.

He is a good provider, a loving husband to our

daughter, and an amazing father. He gets excited

about each new discovery or accomplishment

Hatley experiences, and he wants to be a hands-on

part of each and every one.

When growing up Chris and I were often like oil and water.

Two Type-A personalities, butting heads. There could be

only one leader—and I was it, when he was younger. As he

spread his wings and left the nest, we have become much

closer and are now good friends. We now discuss all sorts of

topics, and I very much respect his opinion and insights

without finding it necessary to be a guiding force.

A JOKE

that commemorates your relationship with Christian

John Bielenberg

He had beautiful hair!(He’ll know.)

Chris Bilheimer

Two guys walk into a bar.

One orders a coke with no ice.

Hell, any one liner—especially one directed at Peveto's expense...

i.e. first response, last line.

daniel northcutt

GEOFF PEVETO

HOW MANY OF

THOSE CAN YOU GET

UP IN THERE?

He would be telling ME the joke and I would be the one

laughing most likely.

US YOUR

TEATS!

SUPPLIES!!!

Something about Steve Urkel, he loves that guy. He also likes it when I tell people what they can

go down the street and do.

PIONEER PRIDE!

ONE MEMORY THAT STANDS OUT

with Christian

John Bielenberg

When I first saw him smoke meth. A habit he hides well.

Chris Bilheimer

It involves a cab ride and chemically induced paranoia.

daniel northcutt

I'll be good God damned if he didn't send me mock-ups the

next day of the flag that now proudly hangs above the Frank

Bar. Not sure I would have remembered that conversation if he

hadn't designed it and sent it over.

Now, I can't imagine Frank with out that flag—it's

a huge part of our identity.

Funny kid, that Christian.

Standing at the Continental Club watching Redd Volkhaert

and having a few cold beers. We discussed the Battle

of Gonzalez and the "COME AND TAKE IT" flag. We

thought that replacing the cannon with a sausage would

be funny because, well, sausage is funny. I assured him

that it would be legit because I was a Son of the Republic of

Texas so I had that authority (beer talking).

Standing in the rain at 2AM at Tuman's Alcohol Abuse

Center in Chicago realizing we had no idea how to

get to Jay Ryan's house. Then realizing Jay had written

directions on our arms three hours earlier knowing we

were too drunk to ever find our way home.

GEOFF PEVETO

The comical illustrations he would draw during

PC seminars.

FLY AWAY, ME!

(It never actually happened, but involved a bat suit with floppy feet and bat ears and is the best visual memory I will ever have of any human being ever

in the history of the world.)

Alley beers. ‘Nuff said.

I'VE NEVER SEEN HIM HAPPIER than when he proposed to his wife in Montreat by the creek.

This is hard, but a few years ago, Christian and Jennifer spent

Christmas in CA with us at my mother's home with aunts and

uncles and cousins and friends, most of whom he had never

met. I remember seeing him sitting quietly in a chair

at the edge of chaos, enjoying a beer and an old book,

with a quiet smile on his face. He was enjoying it all from

a short distance, and taking it all in, which can be a little

intimidating at times. He was gracious with it all.

One of the many moments that stands out in my mind

was when Christian quit his job in NY and sold all of his

belongings and arrived at our home in Gastonia. I was

wondering how he was going to attack this hurdle in his life

and was amazed at his tenacious approach.

Every morning he was up as I left for work and I got up

pretty early in those days. He would get on the computer

and telephone and begin contacting and conversing with

friends and associates in the design world. He was still

working tirelessly when I arrived home in the evenings only

taking a break to eat with the family and then back at the

task of finding his next position.

Within two to three weeks I helped him pack the car

for his trip to Austin, TX to find a job. Again within two

weeks Chris had a job and has never looked back.

Even as a young child (4-5 years) he always had a

crayon, (or pencil, as he got older) and paper with him.

That was all he needed to entertain himself. He would

draw pictures, write his name, color his pictures. As he

got older, he would write stories. Skits. Draw caricatures

of people he knew... He was always writing or drawing.

WHAt keeps your

relationship teathered

to Christian

AGAIN, SECRET PASSAGE.

John Bielenberg

Shared secrets from the Claremont Lounge.

Chris Bilheimer

Sausage... that and I tend to bug him a lot with dumb ass ideas.

Because we own a business together, he eventually has to answer my calls.

daniel northcutt

GEOFF PEVETO

We own a couple of business together for one and we have more

of a family relationship than a business relationship.

Our time spent together at PC.

PIZZA NIGHT!

Family is very important to Christian, so he is never more than a phone call

away. I am also fortunate enough to work with him through Standard Grit. Though we are miles apart it is always exciting to

come together on a project.

I can't go more than a few days without talking to him.

Family is very important to us both, as well as our friendship.

Jennifer and Hatley...BLOOD IS THICKER!

The Helms family has always been close. I'm not just talking

about Chris, Matt, Mimi, and myself. I'm talking about my

brothers, their wives, their children, etc. Chris is big on family

and spends as much time being with us, and, now, the Hatley's

(Jenn's parents) as he possibly can. He loves family and all the

benefits thereof. He has always been taught that when times

get tough he could count on his family being there for him.

THE MOST Important part

of your friendship with Christian

Drinking, mostly.

But seriously, I can't stress this secret passage thing enough.

Chris Bilheimer

SHEER SEXUAL TENSION.

Knowing that if we don't talk for a while, we'll always pick up right where we left off. That,

and the fact that we have each other’s back no matter what—that's family.

daniel northcutt

GEOFF PEVETO

That it exists.

Respect

I have never been and will never be as happy as I am when I’m with him.

Even when he’s being a butthead.

He is such an inspiration to me.

I feel so lucky to have him in my family.

Respect

It's honest, mutually respectful and we enjoy being around each other. We have learned so much from him about things

we had never considered and he is eager to learn what ever he can about

anything and everything.

WHAT WE LOVE MOST

about the man

OH, MAN…No comment.

Heart, Heart.

daniel northcutt

GEOFF PEVETO

He's super funny and practically a genius.

HIS DEPTH AS A MAN, AND

HIS BREADTH AS A DESIGNER.

He’s hilarious!

And thoughtful.

And a great dad to the most important child and

dog in the universe.

What's not to love?

He's a loyal friend and brother, a brilliant designer, and a loving

husband and father.

The way he sees the world and his value in truth, hard work,

and character.

Christian is so open to seeing someone else's point

of view. He doesn't always agree, but considers it.

He looks at the world with "fresh eyes," and interest.

He also gets and appreciates Jenn.

They have their own world of humor and

wonder, and understanding. It's a beautiful thing.

Love the man, the son, the designer:

Chris is unselfish, honest, and very talented.

He also has good taste in that he chose Jenn. And thank God she accepted.

He is always looking for various talents in others and

relishes the chance to help that person succeed.

What I love most about Christian, other than the

obvious: Christian is a good person, ethically

and morally. He treats people well, he's very

open-minded, and he's a good friend.

He's grown up to be a person I really like.

But as much as it pains me, I will probably

kill and devour him—likely within the

first couple of hours.

I suspect he will be gamey, tough and

overly salted by my tears.

Unless he kills me first, which he very well could.

Let's say we're stranded somewhere, he and I. Now, I'm

not going to want to break down and eat him. I'm going

to want to be strong. I'll put up the pretense of foraging,

trying to sustain myself off the land and whatnot.

ONE MEAL to share with Christian

Chris Bilheimer

I don't know, but it would probably end up being at Frank.

It would have to be good steak, good wine, and good company.

GEOFF PEVETO

We'd get burgers and beers and talk about music and art and nothing important.

JUST LAUGHS.

I know he loves hot dogs, and beer. Or pizza and beer.

Or just beer.

MATT + susan

Beer and BBQ.We wouldn't need anything else. It will be the same

as always—awesome.

I can't quite decide what the one meal with

Christian would be, especially the menu. The meal

itself would have to include pasta, bacon, and

pork. I'm thinking pasta Carbonara with some sort

of beer around the family table. On the porch.

Overlooking the creek in Montreat, NC.

Chef’s tasting at Uchi!

It would consist of him talking through every single nuance

of every single flavor and me giggling over his subtle jokes.

After the fourth round of drinks, I believe the

conversation volume would be substantially elevated.

Which I love.

As a child, Christian…would swallow veggies

whole so he didn't have to chew or taste them.

The meal I would want to share with

Christian now is sushi. We both love it—

especially at Uchi.

Christian As A CHILD

He had FANTASTIC hair.

He was skinny, artistic, and sneaky. You never knew exactly what he

was thinking. I still don't.

ISN'T HE STILL?

Chris was a well-behaved young man as a child.

He grew up playing outside with his brother and

our three goddaughters who lived up the street.

He enjoyed his hot wheels, bike, and Star Wars

toys but the one thing we could always count on

was giving him a pencil and paper and watching

him lay in the floor and draw, draw, draw.

Christian was a delightful child. He loved to talk,

ask questions, he was interested in lots of things. He

attended a pre-school program when he was 4 and

shortly after he started, he came home one day with a

note pinned to his shirt that said

"I TALK TOO MUCH."

He did learn to follow the rules, but it didn't

change his personality.

CHRISTIAN

as a hot dog or beer

He is a person, and I should show him enough respect to at least acknowledge that he's not a

hot dog when I eat him.

Chris Bilheimer

PROBABLY GROSS.

Is this a gay rag? If so, I'm cool with it—I'm a board member for the largest Gay and Lesbian

film fest in the southwest… a GLIFF.

daniel northcutt

GEOFF PEVETO

If you cut him open, he'd bleed IPAs. He would like to think he's complex and bitter like

the beer he drinks mostly, but he'll pound a shitty PBR any day, so he's not that deep.

The dog is easy: Carolina Pork It.

Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap. He has enough of it coursing

through his veins.

And I’m avoiding the hot dog conversation because I can already hear Thomas in my head. Pervert.

If Christian were a beer he'd taste like a Mexican

Martini and on that note the one inside joke to share

with him is, "Well son, what bar do we need to visit to

see if they make a better Mexican Martini than the

last 20 plus that we've visited over the last 7 years.”

Smooth, crisp, frothy rich, with a delightful buzz and plenty of snap.

(Beer, hot dog combo platter.)

HOW CHRISTIAN WILL CHANGE the world

and how he has changed yours

Chris changed my world the day he arrived and continues to change it

with each stride he makes.

THE PH BALANCE OF OUR YARD.

Chris influences everyone and everything he touches.

Like I said, he’s unstoppable.

By producing the most amazing grandchild, and by making our daughter’s world

a happier place to live.

MATT + susan

I think through design he will bring awareness to whatever he works on. He will set the bar for others in his field and

challenge them to be better.

He has challenged me to be better.

CHRIS HILL

Christian’s spirit is fresh and pure. His passion is

infectious. He inspires everyone around him.

I’m so glad that our paths crossed. It’s an honor and

privilege to have him as a friend.

Christian is a great designer

BUT AN EVEN BETTER PERSON.

Well, it looks better when he's done with it, so there's

that. In my world? I like going into the office a lot

more now than I did a couple of years ago.

Secret passage!

GEOFF PEVETO

Ideally, appreciation for thinking through visual expression.

He changed the way I approach design.

Whether folks know it or not, his design changes their thought process daily…

my thought process on design…

daniel northcutt

AND BEYOND