Negatives: What Amy Fleisher Madden Unknowingly Taught Me About Design

By the age of 12, I had already moved six times. Not because we were a military family but because my father was deeply involved in global logistics during a period when its demand soared. Eventually, at 12, I returned to Southern California, where I've been ever since. My family has moved on, spanning across the United States, but my wife and I have built a life here, and I'm uncertain if we'll ever leave.

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Music was always a significant presence in our household. Some of my most vivid memories include our family barbecues with The Eagles' "Hell Freezes Over" double VHS playing in the background. This love for music continues as a tradition in my own family. Each of my three children has a unique song chosen for their arrival from the hospital – a decision I took weeks to make. Music has framed both the highs and lows of my life, and I cherish its presence.

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During high school, I couldn’t play any instrument. Instead, I became the go-to person for designing band t-shirts and websites. All I ever wanted was to become a graphic designer, and I'm grateful to have turned that dream into a successful career, supporting my family and our employees. This journey has been possible because of many people, including Amy Fleisher Madden.

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I met Amy around 2002 or 2003. She established Fiddler Records in 1996, a label renowned for launching artists like Dashboard Confessional and New Found Glory. Over a decade, it became home to many iconic bands, such as The Bled, The Higher, and Juliette & The Licks. I still frequently listen to albums like Recover's "Ceci N'est Pas Recover" and The Bled's "Pass the Flask". Amy's introduction to my best friend's band, Name Taken, led to their debut album, which became my ticket to a full U.S. tour with them.

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One invaluable lesson I garnered from Amy is that with passion, any career dream is attainable. She also introduced me to the timeless beauty of the Futura typeface. Recently, Amy released her new book, "Negatives: A Photographic Archive of Emo (1996-2006)". This exquisite hardcover captures the essence of the emo music scene between 1996 to 2006. Though Amy and I have lost touch over the years, her influence remains a significant part of my story, just like many others from that impactful period of my life.

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Lastly, go buy it. Oh, and HI AMY!

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