obsessions & anything inbetween
Mine is not impressive at all. Maybe I’m just being anti social on the net.
On the spring graph version, Delvin appears to be of a really particular kind:
The Nexus Friend Grapher. It highlights commonalities among friends you have on your Facebook list. Anyone has a cooler graph?
About Malaysia Design Industry and the first thing that comes to the topic is about money.
I consider things I learn in life as important. Especially concerning things that are closely related to me (work, family, etc.) but seem distant when it comes to preferences. Problem is I prefer to do things out of my routine. I have a very short attention span in things at times. But that doesn’t mean I reject the idea that spending time and effort on a certain issue/project whole-heartedly bears good fruits. It’s just the state of mind when I’m in that makes me want to distract myself into doing other things.
Being a designer handling a few jobs simultaneously is not an easy thing to do. I did have a certain amount of confidence when in school, handling 5 subjects together and did fairly well. Now, I feel that I don’t seem to do so well as I used to.
The list of reasons on the top of my head which I listed down are as below:
The list could go on. But I though that giving it an honest though might help. Perhaps it helps to look into another different realm where trying out different disciplines or approaches will help.
Be it using an obscure typeface. Daring grids. Stunning overprints. Unimaginable colour combinations.
Not to post something highly inspiring here folks really.
——-
Coincidently, when I was writing this post half way through I saw Matt Soar’s recent post on failure on Design Observer!
I think sketchbooks are one of coolest things a designer possesses. Bringing your collective junk/ideas into a meeting is an added advantage to it. But lets not get too corny with vector illustrations, impressive pencil strokes or eye popping colors across the page. Or something like a Marlboro man riding his horse into the evening sun with a warm color ‘feel’.
I’ve kept a sketchbook since my first year in my previous art college. Everything goes around in there: Ideas, doodles, really ugly doodles, thoughts, writings, sketches, useless ideas, dates, appointments, cash flow, movie release dates, extracts of articles sourced online (mostly either design, guitar, typography stuff…), David Carson want to be layout sketches, advise from various people, wish-lists, imaginary guitar effects pedal boards, etc.
Up to now, I think I have about 10 full sketchbooks, or maybe more. In 2006, I finally got probably the coolest sketchbook I could ever own, a Moleskin. Like it till today. But the pages ran out fast, even with purchase of the 365 day dairy for economical reasons.
Nothing much to show off here but here are some extracts (there are no revolutionary theories on these sketches):
There has been a change in the Malaysian air. Other than foreign policies, nationhood, nationalism, social building, national security, building economic ties, building international revenues, debating about taxes, oil prices, tolls, please, please do take into consideration entertainment.
Can we have more concerts please? The Rolling Stones, U2, Metallica, The Killers, Steve Vai, Radiohead, The Police, Van Halen, Queen, etc. For the locals, I’m not particular because I don’t listen much to their music. But a good revenue to expose talents like this will be amazing. I have a strong belief that Bolehland musicians are good, because I have seen them.
Don’t forget:
“One great rock concert can change the world.”
I started off at Figtree as an intern. Seems like most designers go through that in their early days. The first project I worked on was a logo for a magazine; which took me about 5 working days to complete. Moving on, I worked on the Kancil Awards website, some more identities and a magazine.
Since then, the company grew a little and now, we are in need of an extra designer to help. Boss’s expectations are highlighted here. But lets bring to light some issues from a possible colleagues point of view:
(Since Design studios have really innovative ways to promote/hire/head-hunt for a designer, let me give you the really boring FAQs but real stuff that happens around)
Where do we usually eat for lunch?
Around our office block, there are many restaurants. Indian, Chinese, Malay food. With about RM7 a day, it should be enough.
What time do you go to work?
Before the cleaning lady comes in, just in case she accidentally throws away any important notes.
Where do you park your car?
You can park at the parking lot in Block B, costs RM8 a day or at an open space car park outside for RM5 a day. Alternatively, park at the nearby housing area but beware of MPPJ folks.
What kind of projects that I might be handling?
That’s a tough one. I’ve worked on human size buntings that look really shocking with pockets on the chest area and wedding cards for clients overseas. Even did some DVD editing before and also entertaining Stefan Sagmeister while he climbed up Batu Caves. You’ll get even more fun as really interesting jobs are coming in as you read this post.
Seriously, what kind of designer will fit the job?
I’m not sure really. It will be good to have a designer with a strong sense of design writing of course. A designer who can provide a twist or a boast to a boring brief is indeed nice. A designer who dare take on magazine design the way it is not suppose to be will be sweet. A designer who keeps everything strictly grid is also freaking cool. But it will be awesome too if some junkie comes in and contributes to our 400+GB MP3 collection and has updated news about Why Not Associates too..
Are you serious people?
No.
What do you talk about during work, lunchtime, after work, etc?
Anything and everything possible. But boyfriends and girlfriends, marriage, boy and girl relationships, dating, etc. usually become the main topics.
Are you professional at your working ethics?
We try to do our best.
What to expect other then the mentioned?
Common folks, designers are humans. We are not scary people. Do send your CV if you’re looking for a job!
By the way, my new IMAC just arrived yesterday. Check out what actually came with it:
Meet the new face of Louis Vuitton, Keith Richards, guitarist of the legendary band that still ain’t get no satisfaction after all these years. Critiques state the oddness of the pairing of the rock icon and the fashion icon. Campaign is created by Ogilvy & Mather and this is Keith’s first ever ad campaign at the age of 64. Maybe he might get a really cool Louis Vuitton guitar case.
I remember stating somewhere that I am willing to go unpaid as a roadie for Keith. I still am.