It’s a sad, too often told tale of a boy driven to avenge his father’s brutal death. Unable at age 12 to support his crippled mother and seven younger sisters, his family is forced to live on the streets. For eight long years the family fights to survive, enduring every hardship. Until one day before his twentieth birthday, the boy, now a hardened junkyard dog of a young man, is able confront his traitorous Uncle, the man who murdered his father.

But alas, revenge is a dish best served cold, and his was a boiling cauldron. Upon finally defeating his adversary, the boy (who is now a man), realizes that the death of his Uncle cannot bring back his father. That only the hands of Father Time will heal his wounded psyche.

So the boy (who now has been a man for quite a while), goes to school to learn a trade. While there, he is befriended by a kindly old art director, who takes him under his wing and bestows upon him his love and knowledge of graphic design. Though blind, the old man can see that the boy (man), has tremendous talent, and reminds him that with great talent comes great responsibility...that he should always use his talent for good, not evil.

And so the boy (who by now has pretty much reached middle age), becomes a great art director, benefiting many companies, and helping to make the world a better place.

A truly inspirational story. However, it is not Mr. Helmstead’s story (except for that last part). His is a much simpler tale of over 16 years design and illustration experience, including award-winning work on high profile creative projects for clients like America West and Hawaiian Airlines; Hilton; Avis Rent-A-Car; and USA Tobacco Company.

Ed established Happy Boy Design in 2000, and specializes in finding unique and successful solutions to its clients’ advertising, marketing, identity, brand development and packaging needs.