Have I told you about my dream client? He’s the husband of my wonderful friend-of-many-years, Lynne. Like Lynne, he’s a pediatrician, and he’s opening his own practice in the next couple of months. I received the most beautiful email from him describing what his practice was going to be like, how it would be different from other practices. How the staff would be courteous and helpful, the offices stylish and modern, with Eames furniture and Flor carpeting. How the practice would be ethical and humanistic, and how he would not resort to colorful stethoscope puppets and “kiddie” stuff to pander to kids.

Personal aside: I hated being talked down to as a kid. I found that kind of thing very transparent and insulting. When I think of my childhood doctor, I have nothing but warm fuzzy feelings, and I can’t think of anything “kiddie” about him. He was kind and calm and competent, and that was all he needed to be. No colorful puppets were required. Of course, my mom will probably tell me I hated going to the doctor, but I remember the routines of examination being kind of interesting yet comforting. The doctor’s office was full of intriguing devices that became like old friends; the little brown reflex-testing hammer and those bright lights for looking into ears. It was kind of like going to the museum and visiting all your favorite objects, things that were so unlike the objects of your home and daily routines.

Anyway, getting back to the story: my dream client — let’s call him “Bill” — asked me to create some artwork for his marketing materials. It was carte blanche. Make anything you want. Let your imagination be your guide. Like I said, a dream! Anyway, this is one of my sketches I’ve been working on. Its kind of a play on “an apple a day”. If you have kids and live near the east side of Providence, RI, talk to me and I’ll tell you about the best new pediatric practice in town. Trust me, its gonna be good.