1. Christian was a very picky eater.
Only rice… with butter,
noodles… with butter,
and naked hot dogs.
mimi

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Christian´s Feature
in Communcation Arts

5. 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.

6. Chris Bilheimer
I thought it was tacky for CA to
edit out the whole part about
Christian's chronic bedwetting.

7. 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

8. WELL DESERVED.
Christian has worked hard and
is one of the smartest designers I
have ever known.
GEOFF PEVETO

9. 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!

10. 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.
Jenn

11. SUSAN
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.

12. MATT
I THINK HE DESERVES
EVERY BIT OF IT.
He is so driven and
focused on his craft and his
work ethic is admirable.

13. 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

14. Tim
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.

15. 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.
mimi
He really cares about his clients and wants them to do well.

16. The Things people learn MOST
from Christian

17. 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.

18. Amanda Summers McCauley
How to be a leader
and a team player at
the same time.

19. 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.

20. DON'T SETTLE FOR AVERAGE.
You can always make an idea better.
GEOFF PEVETO

21. Design
created by Christian

22. Chris Bilheimer
His design almost always encapsulates
two of his greatest personality traits:
SINCERITY AND HUMOR.
Or at least the ability to feign sincerity.

23. 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

24. IT'S ALWAYS SMART.
The concept is always well
explored and then he also
executes it. A rare combo.
GEOFF PEVETO

25. Amanda Summers McCauley
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.

26. JENN
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.

27. SUSAN
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.

28. MATT
His design is
smart, thought provoking,
and it delivers a certain message both
directly and indirectly.

29. 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.
Brian + Cindy Hatley

30. Tim
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.

31. Christian sees things differently.
His designs are intricate,
clever, thought provoking, but
they are never boring.
mimi

32. 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.
Heart
Isn’t just an adjective that describes Helms’ work—it describes Christian.

33. THE MOST SURPRISING THING
about Christian

34. 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.

35. John Bielenberg
His humility,
his sense of humor,
and his privately enjoyed
cross-dressing.

36. HOW MUCH COLD BEER
THAT DUDE CAN DRINK…
and then he'll disappear
with out a trace.
daniel northcutt

37. Amanda Summers McCauley
Nothing surprises me about Chris anymore—
HE IS UNSTOPPABLE!

38. HOW MUCH THAT ‘LIL
DUDE CAN DRINK.
GEOFF PEVETO

39. Relationships
with Christian

40. We have a secret passage
between our offices.
Make of that what you will.

41. John Bielenberg
DEEP RESPECT AND
FRIENDSHIP COMES FIRST,
then a mutual passion
for bat-like canines.

42. Chris Bilheimer
He is phenomenally easy to stalk
and to be around.

43. BUSINESS PARTNERS,
PALS,
BROTHERS.
daniel northcutt

44. Amanda Summers McCauley
I adore Christian.
Always have.
Always will.

45. KICKING ASS AND
TAKING NAMES.
Jenn

46. SUSAN
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.

47. MATT
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.

48. Brian + Cindy Hatley
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.

49. Tim
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.

50. A JOKE
that commemorates your relationship with Christian

51. John Bielenberg
He had beautiful hair!
(He’ll know.)

52. Chris Bilheimer
Two guys walk into a bar.
One orders a coke with no ice.

53. Hell, any one liner—especially one
directed at Peveto's expense...
i.e. first response, last line.
daniel northcutt

54. GEOFF PEVETO
HOW MANY OF
THOSE CAN YOU GET
UP IN THERE?

55. Amanda Summers McCauley
He would be telling ME the
joke and I would be the one
laughing most likely.

56. SHOW
US YOUR
TEATS!
Jenn

57. SUSAN
SUPPLIES!!!

58. MATT
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.

59. PIONEER PRIDE!
Brian + Cindy Hatley

60. ONE MEMORY THAT STANDS OUT
with Christian

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

62. Chris Bilheimer
It involves a cab ride and
chemically induced paranoia.

63. 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).

64. 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

65. Amanda Summers McCauley
The comical illustrations
he would draw during
PC seminars.

66. 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.)
Jenn

67. SUSAN
Alley beers. ‘Nuff said.

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

69. 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.
Brian + Cindy Hatley

70. Tim
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.

71. 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.
mimi

72. WHAt keeps your
relationship teathered
to Christian

73. AGAIN,
SECRET PASSAGE.

74. John Bielenberg
Shared secrets from the
Claremont Lounge.

75. Chris Bilheimer
iChat

76. 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

77. GEOFF PEVETO
We own a couple of business
together for one and we have more
of a family relationship than a
business relationship.

78. Amanda Summers McCauley
Our time spent together at PC.

79. PIZZA NIGHT!
Jenn

80. SUSAN
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.

81. MATT
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.

82. Jennifer and Hatley...
BLOOD IS THICKER!
Brian + Cindy Hatley

83. Tim
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.
Tim

84. THE MOST Important part
of your friendship with Christian

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

86. Chris Bilheimer
SHEER SEXUAL TENSION.

87. 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

88. GEOFF PEVETO
That it exists.

89. Amanda Summers McCauley
Respect

90. 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.
Jenn

91. SUSAN
He is such an inspiration to me.
I feel so lucky to have him in my family.

92. MATT
Respect

93. 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.
Brian + Cindy Hatley

94. WHAT WE LOVE MOST
about the man

95. OH, MAN…
No comment.

96. Heart, Heart.
daniel northcutt

97. GEOFF PEVETO
He's super funny and
practically a genius.

98. Amanda Summers McCauley
HIS DEPTH AS A MAN, AND
HIS BREADTH AS A DESIGNER.

99. He’s hilarious!
And thoughtful.
And a great dad to the
most important child and
dog in the universe.
Jenn

100. What's not to love?
He's a loyal friend and brother,
a brilliant designer, and a loving
husband and father.

101. SUSAN
The way he sees the world and
his value in truth, hard work,
and character.

102. 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.
Brian + Cindy Hatley

103. Tim
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.

104. 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.
mimi

105. 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.

106. ONE MEAL
to share with Christian

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

108. It would have to be good steak,
good wine, and good company.
Brian + Cindy Hatley

109. GEOFF PEVETO
We'd get burgers and beers and talk about
music and art and nothing important.
JUST LAUGHS.

110. Amanda Summers McCauley
I know he loves hot dogs, and beer.
Or pizza and beer.
Or just beer.

111. MATT + susan
Beer and BBQ.We wouldn't need
anything else. It will be the same
as always—awesome.

112. Tim
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.

113. 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.
Jenn

114. 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.
mimi

115. Christian As A CHILD

116. He had FANTASTIC hair.
Jenn

117. MATT
He was skinny, artistic, and sneaky.
You never knew exactly what he
was thinking. I still don't.

118. ISN'T HE STILL?
Brian + Cindy Hatley

119. Tim
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.

120. 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.
Mimi

121. CHRISTIAN
as a hot dog or beer

122. 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.

123. Chris Bilheimer
PROBABLY GROSS.

124. 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

125. 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.

126. 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.
Jenn

127. Tim
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.”

128. Amanda Summers McCauley
Smooth, crisp, frothy rich, with a delightful buzz
and plenty of snap.
(Beer, hot dog combo platter.)

129. HOW CHRISTIAN WILL CHANGE
the world
and how he has changed yours

130. Tim
Chris changed my world the day he
arrived and continues to change it
with each stride he makes.

131. THE PH BALANCE
OF OUR YARD.
Jenn

132. Amanda Summers McCauley
Chris influences everyone and
everything he touches.
Like I said, he’s unstoppable.

133. By producing the most
amazing grandchild, and by
making our daughter’s world
a happier place to live.
Brian + Cindy Hatley

134. 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.

135. 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.

136. 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!

137. GEOFF PEVETO
Ideally, appreciation for thinking
through visual expression.
He changed the way I
approach design.

138. Whether folks know it or not, his design
changes their thought process daily…
my thought process on design…
daniel northcutt

139. AND BEYOND