unstrungstudio

QBN Sessions goes live on YouTube. There are currently three sessions online. The following session is with Joshua Davis. There are also sessions with Shepard Fairey and Michael Muller. They are short videos of varying quality but worth a look. Hearing Shepard Fairey talk about his motivation is interesting.

posted by J.  # 10:06 AM 0 Comments

Michael Bierut unveils his student portfolio in Design Observer.

posted by J.  # 9:35 AM 0 Comments

I have blogged about the work of Jonathan Harris in the past. We Feel Fine was a revolutionary look at human feelings as they are presented in blogs around the world. His new work, Universe, documents the mythology of the everyday. Jonathan's work is remarkable because it uses the fabric of information generation to paint a picture of human activity. Unlike We Feel Fine, Universe is a project rooted in modern mythology. I think that it is particularly relevant because it not only shows the genesis of modern mythology, it shows the emphasis that we place on events. Spend 10 minutes in Universe, and you'll wonder about the emphasis that we place on people and events that are barely relevant. Paris Hilton doesn't deserve a single second of attention, but she has become a part of our modern mythology. Why?

Jonathan is also a designer if you are interested in his commercial work.

posted by J.  # 9:36 AM 0 Comments

John Maeda muses about the need for simplicity. Well worth a watch.

posted by J.  # 9:11 PM 0 Comments

Casey posted a good comment the other day about William Kentridge, whose animation is similar to but more expansive than the Blu piece. This piece is titled Journey to the Moon. I saw the art of William Kentridge at the MOMA and was immediately moved by its emotional core. Check out this incredible untitled piece for confirmation.

posted by J.  # 8:56 AM 1 Comments

New animation from Blu, well worth a look.

posted by J.  # 10:09 AM 1 Comments

As my fourth quarter at the Portfolio Center comes to a close, I am compelled to think about what I have learned. So here are a few thoughts . . .

• Creativity is a little like strength; there is always someone who is stronger than you. Don't let that stop you from exploring your creative potential; let it stop you from assuming that your solution is the best or only solution.
• You can't win every time, and if you do, you have taken the path of least resistance. Taking big risks is more important than producing satisfactory work.
• Often, your weakest project is actually your strongest. It might seem weak because you took the biggest risk, and that's exactly why it is your strongest work.
• Talent is great; hard work is better.
• The world is full of detail. To have truly great work, you must select the details that matter and focus on them.
• Your work is never finished; it is just given some time to rest, as are you. Take full advantage of the breaks that you are given in life.
• There will always be pressure to compete. but in the end, competition is a means to an end. This is something that competitive people should keep in mind at all times. Don't burn the bridge; how will you get home after work.
• Know your limits and improve your work by calling on the creativity of others. Creative collaboration is the most important tool in your box. When you need illustrations, find an illustrator. When you need truly great copy, work with a writer. When your piece hinges on photography, get a great photographer. There is a difference between knowing how to do something and being good at it. Never underestimate the creative passion that an expert can bring to your project.
• Life is not a series of pass or fail tests that result in a grade, and since much of your life at the Portfolio Center is devoted to work, you should not approach your work as if it is a pass or fail situation.
• Stay positive, avoid toxic situations and people, share your ideas, get passionate and know that the reward is the journey. To the best of my knowledge, there are no return trips, make everything count.
• And, to quote my acupuncturist from San Francisco, "Don't take so seriously."

posted by J.  # 9:32 AM 0 Comments

We Are the Image Makers is worth a look, interesting graphics and interviews. Larry Luk of EC just posted his final portfolio. And, my fourth quarter work is up. Check it out.

posted by J.  # 6:12 PM 0 Comments

Alissa Walker has an article in Good Magazine on Project M.

posted by J.  # 8:20 AM 0 Comments

These are 3D images from a perfume bottle that I designed. The bottle is being fabricated by 3-Dimensional Services Group.The bottle's design was inspired by The Tempest, the William Shakespeare play. The fragrance's name is Verai. I am also designing the secondary packaging for the fragrance. Images will be available on the web site within a few weeks.

posted by J.  # 3:37 PM 0 Comments