Get a Grip

The race to provide targeted and relevant content gains momentum. A brilliant idea over at REVVER moves past Googles delayed and antiquated pay-per-click-per-view model, which they've just launched. It seems REVVER has figured out that they can sell grips on user generated content. Simply play the ad before or after the user-gen content and, viola!, streaming media replaces broadcast in a single click, bringing us closer to the inevitable succession of monitor over television set. Highly targeted ads tied to user generated content that is relevant and engaging. While the creators themselves, receive monetary compensation for their 'content.'

I wonder how the brands of the world feel about users creating the content and the ads.

Side note: There is a bill that's made it to the house of reps, if passed, "will prevent artists and consumers from invoking famous trademarks to explain or illustrate their discussion of public issues." Preemptive thinking?

READ ABOUT IT HERE

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Face to interface design

When will we have a web browser that takes shape based on the programing of the website it shows?
A skin that takes shape of the website, therefore eliminating the dual interface experience.
This would certainly provide a rich media experience and extend a company's visual and
experiential brand.
The internet demands interaction, this is to say, you engage it, it does not engage you.
Knowing this, why not create a malleable browser?
Let web designers utilize the skin and interface.

---

Some new work

Advanceded Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

CW:Clay Shivers
AD: Marc Rapp


Disney's SwanDolphin

CW: Clay Shivers
AD: Marc Rapp

---

Save the internet

Get a cup of mud, a bottle of chilled water, a glass of wine or if your like me, there's a 5th in your drawer. Sip slowly. Don't drown, it's only Monday.

I'm young by most standards. That's a given. Anyone who might psycho-analyze my posts would inevitably come to the same conclusion. I've been told I'm abrasive, creative, smart, harsh, brash, idealistic, stupid, arrogant, talented, unwilling, egotistical, insightful, thoughtful, cerebral, loyal. I'm glad I can be something to someone, at anytime. I'm becoming organic and fluid in a world that will undoubtedly perceive me as it wishes.Uniquely relative to the moment. Yours or mine. I'm flattered, I'm gowing-thank you. As with any of life's realities, your life and mine are defined by our relationships with others. The knowledge we share and trade. I'm responsible for each of these relationships. And like a good friend or family member, your patient with me as I am with you.

My point; the world has changed and will continue to change at a rate that far exceeds a pace measurable through current conventions. In fact, the world is changing for the first time, organically. It's growing in relation to it's environment. All of the wonderful things that give it life are contributing to it's development.

All though many would argue this is not the case or, that I am correct. With an end result of self-destruction on some grand scale, which is silly. I have to say that your blind if you don't see the positives and are not embracing the changes taking place. The alarmists are insecurists, mainly because they themselves have tainted the growth. Why would someone embrace a systematic growth based on interoperation, especially when it's becoming independent? There is no longer portioning of life's daily bread and water. Knowledge and experience.

Every major social institution which includes; science, religion and politics, are at the mercy of this organic growth. These institutions are running scared. Knowledge is no longer limited to geo-ecomonical classes. This organic change, like most, will take time to mature. It will need to be nurtured and cultivated through it's pubescent stages. Most likely taking one generation. Maybe two if society decides it want's to smother it's new-born like an over protective mother and father, unwilling to except their own coming of age. Their child being smarter then they are. Unwilling to acknowledge and communicate with it.

The commercial market has become the first victim of this change. Corporate America is running as well. Scholastic and academia are soon to follow. With the last being, the faith-based institution. One needs to have a faith of a sort. I would imagine one's personal propensity would satisfy this need but if the academic system gives way first then it stands to reason, one's faith will be replaced by one's own knowledge set-sagacity. One will believe in one's self and their acquired knowledge, applying it intelligently.

The initial problem with this growth lies in the availability of knowledge. The system's of the past, guiding a select few to the rosette-stone of life. Economic defining who knows what Today, for the cost of an ISP, one has access to anything at their own lesiure. Oh-sacry indeed.

Today access to the accumulated knowledge of our past is being presented untainted, unedited. Nothing inferred by an over zealous teacher, politician or religious figure. Knowledge remains absolute, only if one knows it exists. Many have access to information and many have made contributions to this organic growth. We all have access to the same information. With the advent of the internet, communication is free. Knowledge is free. Education, becomes organic. A scary thought for those who wish to put their children in private schools. Afraid they will not be able to cope with the world and it's unsettling truths. Possibly because the parents themselves have tainted the knowledge and never knew how to embrace our cousins. The world is growing too. Let's embrace it.

Thank you
Save the internet.
Save the Internet | Save the Internet | Save the Internet | Save the Internet

---

"The Internet is a magnificent new way to distribute culture,
and why should I be stopped because of my limited means?"
Ridouan said. "The Internet serves my generation the same role
as the library did for previous generations."
-Aziz Ridouan

---

Is long copy dead?

I'm not sure any effective design/communciation piece could survive without well written copy. Ads, long copy or not, require just as much attention to aesthetics as object/photographic-based concepts. I think a well trained typographer can make 10 words look simple, and 200 hundred a typographic master piece. People read, when they're interested. Text can be an amazing visual in itself. Copy my be well written, but initially, it's how it's presented that draws interest. Typography will enhance any piece. "Will copywriters end up as bandaged mummies in museums?", maybe.
If so, they'll undoubtedly be right next to the type masters.

---

The best place to start your career.

( In response to the same question on another blog )
The best mentors have been those who 'threw me to the wolves.' You are an observer by nature. Stop asking questions and watch quietly. You might learn more quickly. I wouldn't be to concerned with learning processes either. There is a general time of acclimation allocated for processes with any company. Depending on the level you enter a company at, you'll be given an appropriate amount of time. Most are generally the same. I would stay focused on what's being said and demonstrated. This is advertising, learn how to act first. A small shop will give you practical experience in a tactile environment. I larger shop will teach you politics and processes. Inevitably you will figure out the business as you want to perceive it. You will continually improve your skill set both creatively and professionally along the way. As with most educational experiences, take the lesson and apply it somewhere else. Don't expect to much from anyone at this stage. People are more likely to offer advice–then deal with general inquiries that aren't relevant to the moment. As for you initial question, do both. One will pay you for having experience with the other.

( The poster then responds with an inquiry about award shows )
We are, like most, a self perpetuating industry. Awards are a clear demonstration of more than just good creative. It's much more than a BIG idea. Find an environment where you feel your going to learn something-valuable and viable, potentially contributing and re-writing the rules your so eager to throw in those nay-sayers faces. I'll be the first to admit, it's motivating to be told 'you cant' and won't,' only to exceed and succeed those narrowed perceptions. But that attitude will self-destruct and ultimately affect your work. No ego's in this business. Trade it in for that initial passion that brought you to this industry. You might be surprised at how many doors open up in multiple directions. These 'hot shops,' –there are relationships that supersede the initial 'creative process.' People understand the brands, the clients objectives and ultimately the clients themselves. This relationship was 'created' long before a creatives' pencil hit the paper for that award-winning concept. You might have a great idea, but the clients have to get it first. Which determines if it makes it to the award show. If your that talented, you should be able to take any turd and make it diamond. Big shop or small. Don't tell everyone how good, passionate or talented you are. Show people, where ever you go, big or small. You are your own advertisement. Where would you place yourself if you were a product to help overall production? How quickly would you become obsolete or be improved upon. At what pace can you adapt and work.
Of course, this is my humbled opinion. 8)
Good luck to all.

---

How important is experience in our business?

( This is in response to the same questions on another blog )
I've forced myself to contradict myself and unlearn it all repeatedly. The market is more diverse than ever. We are sponges. Fill us up and wring us out again. Following that analogy, eventually a sponge ends up in murky, dirty-dish water, growing mold and finally, tossed because it doesn't absorb soap and water and isn't rough enough to polish those dishes ( ideas ). I think the most difficult part is remaining receptive (soap) and objective (water). Sagacity kicks in sooner or later. Experience is relevant to the agency hiring you and their client roster. Unless our name is on the door, it might be best to assume we're all still sponges. We don't know a thing. We'll make old pots look brand new with whatever soap is necessary. Hopefully our creative fiber doesn't break down to quickly. I think talent remains consistent if one has it initially, the perfection of skill comes when you've become a sponge, no longer a paper towel, but not a brillo pad either. I almost believe the only relevant experience for an Ad person is in their ability to mentor and cultivate, as is with any human being. I say, I'm ignorant and foolish, I have to be in order to remain active. Give me the theories associated with your market. I'll in-turn, go explore it myself for some practical experience. I would love to do nothing more than remain in my ivory white tower at times, but I know (1) I haven't earned it, and (2) I wouldn't be much use to an agency if I wasn't experiencing the market first hand. Which also means mentoring, hopefully remaining contemporary.

---

Is advertising art?

My answer;
No. Advertising is an end-result. It is the function that precedes
the form. Therefore it is an art-form. Art is free to interpretation
and analysis. It is whatever the surveyor interprets it as.
Advertising has immediate objectives that must appeal to the largest
mass of narrow-minded perceptions in a concise amount of time.
Art simply exists. An individual will decide it's relevant
meaning and message.

And furthermore, art requires no explanation.

---

Movie Script

TITLE: No one ever got promoted for saying 'no.'
Written with a friend through emails
AD AGENCY LIFE

OPENING SCENE
Ambient office noise; Phones ringing, small talk overheard in the background.
Slowly the camera pans the agency, our character answers a phone call after receiving an email from one of their (male or female, director to decide) clients. Obviously confused after reading the email, noticeably concerned when the caller ID reveals it's the same client calling, seconds after the email was sent.

(phone rings)
YesPerson:Hello, this is YesPerson.

Client:Hi, get a chance to read my email?
YesPerson:Yes, allthough–
Client:Good, here's what we need–
YesPerson:Well, I'm not sure we can–
Client:What–I sent you an email about this–
YesPerson:yes, one minu-
Client:( rapid-fire dialouge )Nevermind– we just got a deal on this space in "SellShit," full-page, inside back cover–and get this, we're not even paying for it! I managed to get 23 Partners involved, the cost is padded and we still have space for our message.

Camera cuts to YesPerson- obviously confused, YesPerson manages a glance at the existing media plan as well as the traffic report for that day.
(brief pause with the camera, hand-held effect, a little jitter)
Shot of piss trickling down YesPerson's legs, close-up of a single drip)

SCENE
As pee is tricking down the leg of YesPerson, YesBoss appears in doorway, hands in the air, eyes moving wildly. You can tell by the looseness of the tie, he means business.

YesBoss:I don't know what is going on or what we got in the pipe but I just got off the phone with F-ingClient and he is telling me about this huge opportunity and we need to get our ducks in a row or we are going to miss it! And I am not about to tell a client we missed something.
YesPerson: ...but this opportunity may not be the best-
YesBoss:-Listen, the exclamation point on his email was red....R-E-D! And Client and I have an understanding that only a red exclamation point will be used if it is a can't miss opportunity.
YesPerson:Okay, but I am not sure what the publication is?
YesBoss:Ask MediaLacky to do a POV on it for G-d's sake...they have time.
YesPerson:But space closes in 5 minutes
YesBoss:(Walking away) I don't want excuses...just get into that space and get me that POV...I want you to send it to Client by EOD.
YesPerson:(YesBoss, turns and walks away. YesPerson, puts his head in his hands, and begins spitting into the trash can and cursing the names on the door.)
TrafficPal:YesPerson, I just found out about this new ad we are doing in SellShit magazine and we don't even have a job opened for it. WE NEED CREATIVE AND WE NEED IT NOW!!!!Why didn't you open this job earlier, we are totally backed up right now and I don't know if we can get this out the door?
YesPerson:(pulls up his face, looks at TrafficPal with eyes wide as if he is going to aorta slash someone). Don't worry, I'll go get CreativeBaby to do it.

SCENE
YesPerson jumps out of his seat, looks at the clock and notices it is 3pm. End of day is 2 hours and there is no input in sight for this ad. He walks to the door, makes a right and heads to CreativeCall's office. It's his first stop because afterwards he needs to go to MediaLacky and get a POV for an publication we have already committed space in

SHOT
YesPerson continues down hallway.
This scene will establish this agency's environment as chaotic, hectic and generally disorganized. YesPerson walks down the hallway, making their way to what appears to the fourth-fifth office in corridor. As they walk, we see a job-bag fly out of one office into another, the sound of a door being slammed follows. SFX, Glass shatters in the background. Soft crying is overheard by YesPerson, YesPerson acknowledges it but continues walking forward. YesPerson approaches the door to HeadCreativeBaby. A soft and subtle rap on HeadCreativeBaby's Door

YesPerson:( Knocks on door )Hey man.
HeadCreativeBaby:Dude/Dudette(?),What's up?
YesPerson:Hey, man
HeadCreativeBaby:I gotta get outta here, need a drink, meeting up with that one (person of any gender, attractive, and relatively know as
a flirt and easy ), can't talk right now.–Wanna go?
YesPerson:Oh, hell ya–er, no, can't. ( Dramitca pause, eyes meet eyes )
HeadCreativeBaby:that's cool–
SHOT: HeadCreativeCall finally notices the job bag in YesPerson's hand.

HeadCreativeBaby:–wtf is that?
YesPerson:(immediately strikes a stern and straight pose, obviously he was prepared for the surprise and aggression)Dude, it's a job! It's gotta be done today.

HeadCreativeBaby:Jesus christ, don't you ever have any idea what is going on??? It's 3:30 and (girl/guy who flirts and is easy) wants me to give them a ride home...plus, I don't work on that account. I am totally double billing this job.
YesPerson:Dude, I got screwed over by YesBoss and ClientY and now its a big cluster to see who can blame who if this fails....and you will never guess who is in the running for that award!
HeadCreativeBaby: Whatever, what the hell is the project...is it some shitty resize, cuz if it is, you better go hit up Production.
YesPerson:It's simple, just some minor tweaks. All you gotta do is take the full page ad we have and......

SFX
(Sounds of their conversation trail off into the background, a couple yells and the smash of a coffee mug...we pick up with MediaLacky walking by catching the tail end of their conversation...something about winning the Silver Addy in '97 for a great creative duratran. MediaLacky turns to EzReceptionist, with a big smile and begins convesation)

MediaLacky:What the hell do those kids do all day. I mean, it's not like its hard. YesPerson walks around all day making sure everyone else is doing their job... and HeadCreativeBaby sits there staring at the interns, screaming about some award he won in'97. Christ, the client tells them what to do...what's so hard about that.

SCENE
YesPerson is seen from MediaLacky's POV in CreativeCalls office. YesPerson ducks abruptly. A job bag flies out the door, followed by another loud sound. Cursing is faintly heard. MediaLacky continues conversation with EzReceptionist.

MediaLacky:Ya know? I mean the stinkin' software does all the work for them anyhow? And YesPerson might as well be an ass-wiper who keeps pooping his finger through the paper. What's the big deal? The last campaign they ran would have never gotten the response it did, had I not placed a Tir-Vision inside the ladies room on each stall door in the stadium with the monogramed toilet paper that spoke the headline when you pulled a piece of TP off!

EzReceptionist:That's not true.
MediaLacky:Bullshit–
EzReceptionist:It was the intern's campaign anyhow.
MediaLacky:oh, yeah, your right–wh!ch only demonstrates my point further.
EzReceptionist:( endearingly use MediaLacky's name )_____, we all know how hard
you work.(taps hand)

SCENE
(HeadCreativeBaby enters scene--He walks past MediaLacky and EzReceptionist's desk.)

HeadCreativeBaby:WTF are you looking at! ( continues walking quickly )
EzReceptionist:(whispers to MediaLacky )that's–so hot.
MediaLacky:What a deuschbag.

SCENE
(SeniorDeadweight enters scene-)

SeniorDeadweight:Hey you two, how are you?
EzReceptionist:Great!
(SeniorDeadweight has all ready begun walking away from both people )
MediaLacky:Good, lost my pancreas today.
SeniorDeadweight:That's all right, you'll find another one, we always do.
MediaLacky:(gives finger indiscreetly by rubbing nose)

SCENE
(Receptionist's phone rings, it's YesPerson)

EzReceptionist:Hello, this is EzReceptionist!
YesPerson:How is my favorite person doing today, you, Seriously, ever since I got promoted we don't talk as much, but hey, were talking now aren't we?
(YesPerson begins to laugh lightly then realizes there is dead silence on the other end. A little startled he gets to his point)
YesPerson:...so, anyway, I haven't seen that waste of $26k a year MediaLacky around anywhere...I swear to G-d I think she was a effing freelancer if I didn't know any better. But then again, it's Media, working till 9-5 they might as well be freelancers. Anyway, have you see her?
EzReceptionist:Not in the last 7 and a half minutes, which is oddly the last time I saw you walking down the same hall.
YesPerson:Oh that's right. Anyway, I gave her a hot project which is probably why she isn't anwering her phone. Sent a couple emails too but she must be really at it.
EzReceptionish:(Condecending)Yea, that's gotta be it.
YesPerson:Anyway, can you page her for me.
EzReceptionist:Hold on...it's the other line
YesPerson:But this is...(EzReceptionist clicks over)
MediaLacky:Smoke break 5 minutes.
EzReceptionist:Jesus Christ I think YesPerson might be slightly retarded....not even joking but really retarded.
MediaLacky:That bad?
Ezreceptionist:Eff all, meet you out back in 5 seconds.
(Clicks back on the other line)
Ezreceptionist:Yeah, I'll give her a page in a second.
YesPerson:You are the...

SCENE
(Phone goes dead. Phones are ringing off the hook. EzReceptionist gets up and walks away from the desk, around the back hallway and exits out the door leaving the doorway to FEDUP Agency empty. Ezreceptionist and MeidaLacky meet up in the designated smoking area)

MediaLacky:So get this, the space closed all ready for SellShit. YesPerson is going to be hear late explaining this one. I heard the client sent him an email earlier today and they dropped the ball. apparently YesBoss has been on there ass all day.
EzReceptionist:Haha, YesPrick will love that. He was just looking for you. Let me be the one to tell CreativeCallBaby, we were supposed to be leaving at 3:30. Our Plans are back on for happy hour!
MediaLacky:Is that right?
EzReceptionist:Yeah. CreativeCallBaby has been here almost five months, it's about time.
MediaLacky:You know CreativeCall spent last night with Jr. Naive and there roomates?
EzReceptionist:( takes a long pull from the cig and exhales)
MediaLacky:Came in an hour late today.
EzReceptionist:Where does Jr. Naive sit again
MediaLacky:Right behind DrinkingWordsmith
EzReceptionist:I'm going to invite them out again tonight.
MediaLacky:I love it. I've gotta go email YesPerson. Call me later.

SCENE
(EzReceptionist puts the cigarette out. They both head back into FEDUP agency.HeadCreativeBaby enters the scene. Heading out the door with a cell phone visible in hand. DisenchantedCD follows slowly behind)

HeadCreativeBaby:(Rushing out the door, he walks in front of a BMW that was speeding out of the parking lot. Brakes screech. CreativeCallBaby looks at the car...shrugs, then walks in front of it. Begins talking in the cell phone)Leaving now, getting drunk don't give a fcuk what else is going on.
(We here a voice on the cell phone, in the background there is screaming)
DrinkingWordsmith:Can't believe 3:30 on a Friday and I got some G-d damn project where they hand me 2 paragraphs of copy and tell me they can only fit 1. Novel idea, ya ready....buy a larger fcuking ad.
HeadCreativeBaby:By the time you realize the call to action can be one sentence and the whole copy about the rooms being 'fit for a king' can be cut I'll be eyeing up a 35 year old twice divorced Real Estate agent on her 3rd Amaretto Sour, looking for someone who understands her...
DrinkingWordsmith:Asshole. If it wasn't Jr. Naive chicks ad I would be smacking the ass of her three times divorced Customer Service Manager friend.(Laughter erupts out of the office and just then, Jr Naive walks by.)Dude, gotta go.(DrinkingWordsmith hangs up the phone and throws a half assed smile at Jr Naive as she is walking in his office)
JrNaive:Hey cutie.(She blinks twice and tilts her head with a 'innocent smile'.) You totally rock by the way. After this I am so buying the first drink at happy hour:)
DrinkingWordsmith:You kidding me, this is nothing. When I use to work in NY at WASHED UP Agency we wouldn't even charge for projects like this.
JrNaive:That's funny. Just talked to YesBoss and apparently we are not charging for this project either....something about a missed email!
DrinkingWordsmith:(Looks down for two seconds, vein bulges out of his forehead. Looks up and smiles)Well look at that....all done. Trust me, the client will love it!
JrNaive:I so owe you! You are the best.
(JrNaieve walks away and DrinkingWordsmith reaches for the phone, dials quickly and then breaks into yell)
DrinkingWordsmith:Eff that bitch. I cut the whole second paragraph and just sent it to her--Just tell me what bar you are at and have a drink waiting for me within 5 minutes!

---

I love you "if"

I love you "If" by Rudyard Kipling:
(i've added my personal insights to each, hope you don't mind)

If you can trust yourself when all people doubt you,
but make allowance for their doubting too;
(a humble genius, the challenge is perpetual)

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
(a zen master, there is no truth, only relativity's)

Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
(a buddha, everything about nothing is your responsibility)

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
(an innovator, think and execute, application is defined after)

If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
(a creative person, give way to spontaneity)

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
and treat those two impostors just the same;
(a jedi master, focus and perspective determine your reality)

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
(a politician, know your platform, know your audience)

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
and [ you ] stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
(an architect, everything around you is your house,
maintain it, build on it, remove what you don't need)

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
and risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
and lose, and start again at your beginnings
and never breathe a word about your loss;
(a race car driver, the turns change, the track changes,
some cars pass you while you pass others but, there is
a finish line and you will make it)

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
to serve your turn long after they are gone,
and so hold on when there is nothing in you
except the will which says to them: "Hold on!"
(a soul, you need no faith but, that which pertains to your ability)

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch,
(a charismatic leader, you belong to everyone you encounter)

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
(a psychologist - philosopher, emotional meanings are defined by you,
this is to say, you give everything meaning)

If all people count with you, but none too much;
(an independent, your greatest contribution is, you)

If you can fill the unforgiving minute
with sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
(enjoy every minute)

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
and—which is more—you'll be an adult, my children!
(you are now, you)

---

Lifes rules: Overly understated

Acceptance
Address a person's innate need for belonging, fitting in, acceptance of themselves and others.

Adventure
The focus here is on new experiences, the drama of life and anticipating the future. And most importantly, having a dream but being patient enough to fulfill it. Most lack this personal propensity.

Community
Address socialization and maintaining relationships.Create harmony with people. It's tough and emotionally draining, but vital. What good are our life experiences, without people to share them with?

Creative Expression
Messages and visuals focus on communication, art, dress and, um.... self expression! Create a self identity, perpetuate it, evolve it. And anticipate changing it with each new canvas. Otherwise you'll find that your level of self appreciation has become mediocre, emulating all the other art around you. No longer expressive in any form.

Freedom
Independence and personal control over choices. You can't control anyone but yourself. Having said this, you only control how you react to others. Let people have their choices and trust them with information,and you will intern have yours.

Growth
The emphasis here is on discovery. Discovering new options and building/expanding boundaries. Interestingly enough, we use the term 'expanding boundaries.' An oxymoron and life paradox? A driving force to have our own freedoms while controlling the rate at which we experience these freedoms? It's no wonder we walk around in circles some days.

Interchange
Messaging and visuals focusing on trading or sharing knowledge and being 'in the know,' before others. This blog being a demonstration of that. Access and information. The original Hacker ethos. Society and the media have since bastardized this concept. Yet we all follow it without knowing it. What should I know? What do you know? Why didn't someone tell me? How do a find out?...What's even more confusing then this initial inquiry is; Once you know, what will you do with it.

Responsibility
The emphasis here is on seeking out leadership positions, looking at accomplishments, maintaining or gaining control and responding to authority. Wether you weild it, or someone else does. Your responsible for your personal interaction within this world.

Security
Here, the emphasis falls on feeling safe and assured, as well as fully understanding plans and information (people interacting in any environment).Nothing is secure. I however, am. So where does that leave 'security'. Does it exist, or is it still an informal function of rules listed above. I, apparently am the only one who can secure anything for myself and others.

---

Missing Link

I've been asked an many occasions to provide some
links to the places I often lurk when my brain shuts
down and I begin to drool from mundane complacency.
I mean when I'm bored. So here ya go; Useless links
to fun, design, technology, the advertising
industry and general nothingness.

taschen.com
Very popular and well established already. Great selection of books and pop culture in general.
centerforbookarts.org
Traditional bookmaking and prepress processes.
fcukstar.com
Best flash sites around. Large listing, updated all the time.
thefwa.com
Ditto.
seedmagazine.com
Science and technolgy, but fun and well written.
coolhunting.com
It's in the name.
timeout.com
Your guide to a good time in places around the globe.
onlineintercourse.com
An original interface for presenting links.
Fun stuff, when you have time to cycle through.
gommamag.com
Great zine and portal.
spacebar.com
You might want to learn more about the know-how of messaging
and networking before the internet was pictures and colors.
The instructions are simple. Usually fun to lurk about for a time.
ammocity.com
Urban propaganda.
economist.com
You should have already known about this one.
banterist.com/
Fun useless info and articles.
standard-deviance.com
"Mocking the world since 2003"
wallpaper.com/
Designer interiors and lifestyles, you should know this one already.
brandrepublic.com
You figure it out.
curbed.com/
I'm always entertained by the articles, and I learn things too!
dmoz.org
Who said, and probably when and where.

---

THE BIG PICTURE

( it's up to you to paint )
So, I'm a creative person.
Not an art director or designer or writer, painter, sculptor,
muscian–a creative person. Although, I enjoy each respectively
for how they transcend each other and compliment themselves.

I spend my time observing human nature, exploring our tendencies
and inevitably, creating a way to either communicate these observations
in a new way visually and experientially.

I'm a sponge. You fill me up, then ring me out, only to fill me up again.
The only constant, keeping my mind open until it falls out onto everyone.
Hopefully motivating, educating and inspiring through this process.
It's my nature.
Art A derivative of nature. Initially meaning; free and spontaneous.
Do not misunderstand the freedom of it. Art only works–when it's
successful, when it's understood. When it communicates.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Don't ever put your paint brushes down.
The canvas is to large to stop now.

---

Practice safe design, use a concept

i cdnuolt blveiee taht yuo cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht yuor rdanieg
The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, it dseno't mtaetr in waht
oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit
and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.

The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm.
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef,
but the wrod as a wlohe.

{ PUTs ANGRY TYPOGRAPHERs HAT ON}
The human eye is trained to read words in fragments ( a serious of letters ),
then a cluster ( a sentence ). These clusters are based on a familiarity with
the overall parameter the respective word makes when looked at with/through
the peripheral eye. We recognize the fragment and cluster before the individual
letters, following the metaphor "the forest before the trees." We see through
a broader visual language. Letters are graphic forms first while the second
function is a visual representation of phonetics, sounds forming speech creating
human syntax. The most effective use of design ever created?
Street signage ( aside from propaganda ). It's been specifically designed to be
intrusive within the natural environment ( nature or man made ). The shape
of signage is not elegant or pretty. The colors do not blend seamlessly into
it's environment. There is no visual or experiential harmony with signage.
It's been designed to get your attention. Having said this, when was the last
time you actually acknowledged the sign? You probably didn't, at least not
while staring directly at it. It was peripheral. However, it was acknowledged.
Consistency will always be the driving force behind visual communication.
Even bad design can survive through consistent use ( street signage ).
However, why promote poor design? Simple design does not mean simplistic design.

{ PUTs ANGRY CREATIVEs HAT ON }
For the love of all that is intelligent communication, give the viewer credit.
They will figure it out. And if they don't, perhaps you don't need them...

{ PUTs ANGRY ACCOUNT SERVICEs HAT ON }
Next time client x asks for larger type or for their logo slightly bigger, remind them how great their logo looks on radio.

{ PUTs STOIC PHILOSOPHERs HAT ON }
Communication without intelligence is just noise.

{ PUTs ZEN MASTERs HAT ON }
The head of a dead cat.

8)

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80s man

I've worked in the advertising industry for 11 years.
With each job my objectives have always remained the same.
Generate ideas and concepts geared towards motivating
and inspiring people while surrounding myself around people who
compliment and contribute to my creative process with the intent
of creating more effective communications.
And having an f-ing blast doing it.

Some may say this is idealistic. Ultimately though, advertising
( communications more appropriately in some circles ) is an idea
or concept that should motivate someone. There's nothing idealistic
about it. The form in which this communication is presented/posed
to it's prospect is irrelevant. I will however, suggest it should be done
with a certain degree of respect and ethical irreverence.
The vehicle for this communication is interchangeable.
There are no exact ( only immediate ) rules for communication.
The only true rule is: Make sure it's seen, heard or experienced.
Audio-Visual-Tactile. Simple, at least to myself.

And now, my point.
Why are the 80s hacks that did nothing to contribute to the whole,
and for the most part, not astute or objective enough in todays agency/market
model, to generate anything worth being a part of, [ breathing... ]
still running the show?

Is this a direct effective of clients themselves, not being objective
regarding themselves and the market they work in, creating a group
that has been raised/trained on regurgitated advertising; thereby
creating opportunity ( and a viable market for 80s-man ) to continue
to perpetuate poor work? A vicious circle?

Considering that a truly talented creative ( or any rock-star ad person )
should be the objective eye visually and experientially.
Am I to assume this means
80s-man is simply pushing personal preference and agenda.
Only serving to dilute and regurgitate more bad communication.
Causing a salient trickle effect in the industry as a whole?
And training bad clients indirectly. "If they do it, it must be right."

I'm considered a young creative in my market. In other markets
I would be perceived as experienced. As narrowed as these perspectives are,
they're still accurate. The upside is, I'm aware of them. The solution,
continue to demonstrate a concise and accurate demonstration of
effective communications, no matter where I go, no matter what the
objective. The end result will always be the same; "this creative gets it."

Having said all this, I'm humble enough to know I have not stumbled
upon a great epiphany. Objective thinking is something I do by nature.
A lot of people do it, regardless of their professions. So again,
is 80s-man pushing a personal agenda?

Or, do some of these guys just suck by nature. More-or-less,
a face-man, a hustler, a suit. I could be fired at any minute
without cause from my current employer.
Oh well, I cut grass well.

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