11/9/09
ALL MY FRIENDS | LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
That this video is shot in one take foregrounds the notion of actually having an idea and making it happen. There is a reliance on old school film tricks that develops, in this great informal gesture. Feels half art-installation and half backyard shoot with the neighbor kids and a borrowed video camera.
11/4/09
MGMT | THE YOUTH
This from director Eric Wareheim (Tim and Eric Awesome Show), who does a lot of funny and bizarre music video work. Definitely an artist with a unique vision and style.
PON DE FLOOR | MAJOR LAZER
This hurts me. In a good way. I think my friend JB summed it up best when she said, "dude, that director is obsessed with big asses and dry humping, he is now my idol..."
10/22/09
SJORS VERVOORT
youtube.com/watch?v=18usd0iV3eI&feature=player_embedded#
Ok, so I'm just really riding the coattails of other Blogs right now. But hot damn, this shit is so very ambitious and funny and simply made. Hats off Sjors. Check out his website: sjorsvervoort.nl
Ok, so I'm just really riding the coattails of other Blogs right now. But hot damn, this shit is so very ambitious and funny and simply made. Hats off Sjors. Check out his website: sjorsvervoort.nl
10/15/09
FONT CAPTURE
fontcapture.com
My wife inherited a small cardboard box of cartridge pens belonging to her grandparents. After spending some time chasing down store clerks with the arcane knowledge of their workings, I set about cleaning and refilling. Having this instrument has made me consider my handwriting.
I think this whole process started about a year ago when a friend mailed a wedding present. On opening the envelope, there spilled out a single Polaroid and several sheets of paper with a handwritten note. Seeing his script made me reconsider who this person is.
So in finding FONT CAPTURE, I have some mixed feelings. I'm tempted to say interesting compromise, but it is apples to oranges. No typeface has the sort of spontaneous interaction that unfolds with the hand writing process. Arguably. Regardless, download the form from their website, draw your letters in the boxes, scan, upload the file and voilá ! Oh and then be patient for something cool in your Inbox.
My wife inherited a small cardboard box of cartridge pens belonging to her grandparents. After spending some time chasing down store clerks with the arcane knowledge of their workings, I set about cleaning and refilling. Having this instrument has made me consider my handwriting.
I think this whole process started about a year ago when a friend mailed a wedding present. On opening the envelope, there spilled out a single Polaroid and several sheets of paper with a handwritten note. Seeing his script made me reconsider who this person is.
So in finding FONT CAPTURE, I have some mixed feelings. I'm tempted to say interesting compromise, but it is apples to oranges. No typeface has the sort of spontaneous interaction that unfolds with the hand writing process. Arguably. Regardless, download the form from their website, draw your letters in the boxes, scan, upload the file and voilá ! Oh and then be patient for something cool in your Inbox.
KIRSTEN LAPORE
vimeo.com/2544580
A strange little project from the artist KIRSTEN LAPORE, titled Story From North America. She really nails the vintage feel of an Americana story, with a moral lesson to boot. Kristen creates a nice variety of projects, from cell style animation to claymation. Mad skills. And inspired. Bunch of stuff on Vimeo (YouTube too, but the quality is way lower). Also see her website, here.
A strange little project from the artist KIRSTEN LAPORE, titled Story From North America. She really nails the vintage feel of an Americana story, with a moral lesson to boot. Kristen creates a nice variety of projects, from cell style animation to claymation. Mad skills. And inspired. Bunch of stuff on Vimeo (YouTube too, but the quality is way lower). Also see her website, here.
MAX HEADROOM
youtube.com/watch?v=la4VxWjUAGI&feature=related
OK forgot about this. But it's pretty damn genius. The editing and attitude is so spot on. There is a bunch of stuff on YouTube including a mini-doc on it's creators. Also check out the link where someone hacks into the airwaves wearing a Max Headroom mask, here.
OK forgot about this. But it's pretty damn genius. The editing and attitude is so spot on. There is a bunch of stuff on YouTube including a mini-doc on it's creators. Also check out the link where someone hacks into the airwaves wearing a Max Headroom mask, here.
9/24/09
SCOTT THOMAS
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aO_OakK1yk&feature=channel
So this is the guy who designed the Obama campaign. Meet Scott Thomas. Killed it.
So this is the guy who designed the Obama campaign. Meet Scott Thomas. Killed it.
FLAVOR PAPER
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_g376LMeWs&feature=player_embedded#t=137
Another video brought to us by Cool Hunting, this time about a wallpaper shop that screen prints wall paper by hand. Takes you through the steps. Wow these guys have it together in a major way. Check out their set-up, and do some drooling. Kicking ass and taking names. Oh, and don't miss their brief mention of their scratch and sniff papers.
Another video brought to us by Cool Hunting, this time about a wallpaper shop that screen prints wall paper by hand. Takes you through the steps. Wow these guys have it together in a major way. Check out their set-up, and do some drooling. Kicking ass and taking names. Oh, and don't miss their brief mention of their scratch and sniff papers.
GRAFICA FIDALGA
www.coolhunting.com/archives/2009/04
This is a great short video about a working group of printers in San Paulo, Brazil. There is an email contact for getting work done by their shop (esaretta@gmail.com). Really beautiful and easy to romanticize. But whatever downsides might exist for these guys, you can tell by the look in their eyes that they f*cking L-O-V-E their jobs. Take note.
This is a great short video about a working group of printers in San Paulo, Brazil. There is an email contact for getting work done by their shop (esaretta@gmail.com). Really beautiful and easy to romanticize. But whatever downsides might exist for these guys, you can tell by the look in their eyes that they f*cking L-O-V-E their jobs. Take note.
9/23/09
MICHAEL GILLETTE
www.heartagency.com/html/gillette_frameset.html
A great set of book designs drawing on classic James Bond imagery. Love the hand made work, as talked about by Michael Gillette below:
"Most of the type is hand drawn, then scanned and placed in Photoshop. The less scripted ones are based on old font books which were again scanned and manipulated. Sometimes I'd then print them out, create a stencil and make a monotype with an ink roller to get some texture (Moon Raker & Dr No especially). The Ian Fleming type was also hand drawn, I designed it to be flexible and easily adaptable with the varying other faces, it was important to me that the covers felt completely hand made, and was conscious not to make them look over-polished. Really, all the techniques involved are pretty much as they would have been in the 60's & 70's."
A great set of book designs drawing on classic James Bond imagery. Love the hand made work, as talked about by Michael Gillette below:
"Most of the type is hand drawn, then scanned and placed in Photoshop. The less scripted ones are based on old font books which were again scanned and manipulated. Sometimes I'd then print them out, create a stencil and make a monotype with an ink roller to get some texture (Moon Raker & Dr No especially). The Ian Fleming type was also hand drawn, I designed it to be flexible and easily adaptable with the varying other faces, it was important to me that the covers felt completely hand made, and was conscious not to make them look over-polished. Really, all the techniques involved are pretty much as they would have been in the 60's & 70's."
JENNY GRIGG
www.jennygrigg.com
A delicate line is cut in this inspired series of book designs that show a singular vision. Jenny Grigg finds a deep groove in these elegant covers for the author Peter Carey. Looking through her portfolio site, we see concepts that are translucent and whimsical yet razor sharp and specific. Jenny shows restraint, and then flourishes. As a designer with years of experience and an impressive CV, we are seeing a master at work.
A delicate line is cut in this inspired series of book designs that show a singular vision. Jenny Grigg finds a deep groove in these elegant covers for the author Peter Carey. Looking through her portfolio site, we see concepts that are translucent and whimsical yet razor sharp and specific. Jenny shows restraint, and then flourishes. As a designer with years of experience and an impressive CV, we are seeing a master at work.
8/25/09
KID KUDI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tln5gGCs1cU
As much as I love the narrative, beats, and style of KID KUDI's Day N Nite, this posting is about the Director of his video - SO ME. Love this guy's style as well as his ability to convey thoughts/ideas visually. Yes, 1 + 1 does equal 3.
As much as I love the narrative, beats, and style of KID KUDI's Day N Nite, this posting is about the Director of his video - SO ME. Love this guy's style as well as his ability to convey thoughts/ideas visually. Yes, 1 + 1 does equal 3.
PHILIP LOW
www.maryamnassirzadeh.com/Philip_Low/low.html
Lumps of plastic. OK Lucite. Confounding, in that I stumble to classify them as objects, or art, or consumable, or paper weight, or interstellar travel device aka Phillip K. Dick.
Lumps of plastic. OK Lucite. Confounding, in that I stumble to classify them as objects, or art, or consumable, or paper weight, or interstellar travel device aka Phillip K. Dick.
8/17/09
SIR SHAMBLING'S DEEP SOUL HEAVEN
www.sirshambling.com
Here is a guy who pushes the boundaries of digital music rights in to a realm that approaches the encyclopedic. Or maybe Wikipediac. Think of this expansive music archive as your entrance pass to the pearly gates of all that is soul. As way of introduction, from the website:
Set aside a large block of your day, turn off the phone, and enjoy.
Here is a guy who pushes the boundaries of digital music rights in to a realm that approaches the encyclopedic. Or maybe Wikipediac. Think of this expansive music archive as your entrance pass to the pearly gates of all that is soul. As way of introduction, from the website:
Due to Sir Shambling’s age, weight and general physical condition the emphasis here is on the slower side of things – not just by way of personal preference for those gritty ballads but also to act as a counter-weight to all the Northern soul and dance sites that exist. And while the great names of Southern soul will all feature here, so will a lot of lesser known artists. Again not just for the thrill of the obscure, but because so many rarer performances deserve to be valued and appreciated properly.
Set aside a large block of your day, turn off the phone, and enjoy.
7/20/09
STREET MUSIC
www.vimeo.com/5685995
This Gentleman plays some days on the corner of 16th Street and South Van Ness in San Francisco. He had no reply when I asked him his name. His instrument is the mandolin, played lap guitar style with a steel slide. The result is a psychedelic country western, with a preference for Hank Williams. It is good that the song titles are announced beforehand - it would be tough to recognize his covers otherwise.
My friend visiting from LA recorded a little bit on his iPHONE. Check the Vimeo link above, or better yet go and to listen a little while. I'll be damned if you don't feel somehow transported as you walk away.
This Gentleman plays some days on the corner of 16th Street and South Van Ness in San Francisco. He had no reply when I asked him his name. His instrument is the mandolin, played lap guitar style with a steel slide. The result is a psychedelic country western, with a preference for Hank Williams. It is good that the song titles are announced beforehand - it would be tough to recognize his covers otherwise.
My friend visiting from LA recorded a little bit on his iPHONE. Check the Vimeo link above, or better yet go and to listen a little while. I'll be damned if you don't feel somehow transported as you walk away.
7/14/09
ROLAND
www.adbusters.org/magazine/84/terrorwithin
For most people having lived, or now living, of even having visited a city, you will definitely have encountered such a character as ROLAND. The interaction leaves you with such a strange mix of fear, sadness, violation, introspection, and often curiosity. The question comes fairly naturally: how did this person get to where he/she is today? This short story helps fill in the blanks for at least one such human.
For most people having lived, or now living, of even having visited a city, you will definitely have encountered such a character as ROLAND. The interaction leaves you with such a strange mix of fear, sadness, violation, introspection, and often curiosity. The question comes fairly naturally: how did this person get to where he/she is today? This short story helps fill in the blanks for at least one such human.
7/6/09
VIVA RADIO
www.viva-radio.com
I have been on the FLAVORPILL blast for a few months now. They do a good job with their daily email updates - alerting me to things that actually are worth checking out. It seems the type of endeavor that is difficult to remain consistently inspired with. Kudos.
One note tho- with creating the content for "eleven email magazines.. in six cities" (according to their press material) I hope they don't become the Clear Channel of the internet. Right now the vibe is independent and tuned in. Keep going!
Tune in to the streaming radio program and let it do it's thing. Enjoy.
I have been on the FLAVORPILL blast for a few months now. They do a good job with their daily email updates - alerting me to things that actually are worth checking out. It seems the type of endeavor that is difficult to remain consistently inspired with. Kudos.
One note tho- with creating the content for "eleven email magazines.. in six cities" (according to their press material) I hope they don't become the Clear Channel of the internet. Right now the vibe is independent and tuned in. Keep going!
Tune in to the streaming radio program and let it do it's thing. Enjoy.
6/25/09
6/23/09
HAPPINOMICS
www.adbusters.org/magazine/84/happinomics.html
I have a friend who creates film projects in Los Angeles. One of his earliest ideas for a PSA (Public Service Announcement) was on the subject of riding the LA subway. He had this narrative about a young guy and girl seeing each other and making a flirty connection while riding the subway. The point of the story having to do with the possibilities inherent of public traveling (verses of course, being that it is LA, car traveling). He began riding the LA subway - or well, at least one ride. But apparently he found the experience so dismal, and his target audience so obviously absent, that he scraped the whole project. The PSA was replaced by a funny story about the dangers of smoking marijuana. Hmm.
I think sometimes you need to have the vision to create something that maybe others cannot see. In fact, it is your vision shared with people that expands what is deemed possible. I think historically we see this sort of beyond the box leadership, especial in such endeavors as civic infrastructure projects and scientific research. Maybe we should apply those rules to our media making as well.
This article touches on public transportation and talking with strangers. I place it here as I love public transportation but hate what it has become. Cell phone abuse anyone? I really would love to do a public awareness campaign, in collaboration with a transportation provider, about the joys and pitfalls of riding with our fellow citizens. Something funny, but also speaking some real truth. Anyone?
I have a friend who creates film projects in Los Angeles. One of his earliest ideas for a PSA (Public Service Announcement) was on the subject of riding the LA subway. He had this narrative about a young guy and girl seeing each other and making a flirty connection while riding the subway. The point of the story having to do with the possibilities inherent of public traveling (verses of course, being that it is LA, car traveling). He began riding the LA subway - or well, at least one ride. But apparently he found the experience so dismal, and his target audience so obviously absent, that he scraped the whole project. The PSA was replaced by a funny story about the dangers of smoking marijuana. Hmm.
I think sometimes you need to have the vision to create something that maybe others cannot see. In fact, it is your vision shared with people that expands what is deemed possible. I think historically we see this sort of beyond the box leadership, especial in such endeavors as civic infrastructure projects and scientific research. Maybe we should apply those rules to our media making as well.
This article touches on public transportation and talking with strangers. I place it here as I love public transportation but hate what it has become. Cell phone abuse anyone? I really would love to do a public awareness campaign, in collaboration with a transportation provider, about the joys and pitfalls of riding with our fellow citizens. Something funny, but also speaking some real truth. Anyone?
6/9/09
BECK - CELLPHONE'S DEAD
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL-lKik2cD0
Beck's narratives, poetic and disjointed, are a great match for the film making of Michel Gondry. Also there is a visually lo-tech/high-tec thing happening here. Partly nostalgic, mixed with what today's aesthetic is for the moment. Sweet.
Beck's narratives, poetic and disjointed, are a great match for the film making of Michel Gondry. Also there is a visually lo-tech/high-tec thing happening here. Partly nostalgic, mixed with what today's aesthetic is for the moment. Sweet.
6/2/09
INTERVIEW PROJECT
www.interviewproject.davidlynch.com
Having shot and edited several interview projects, I have a real fondness for the spaces that open up when you give someone the chance to tell their story. Almost everyone, even the most boring looking stranger, has a fascinating story to tell. David Lynch's INTERVIEW PROJECT uses the framework of an extensive US road trip. During that time they meet and interview people, after which the edited interviews are posted to the website. So more the vibe of Lynch's Straight Story than say Lost Highway. At least on the surface.
Having shot and edited several interview projects, I have a real fondness for the spaces that open up when you give someone the chance to tell their story. Almost everyone, even the most boring looking stranger, has a fascinating story to tell. David Lynch's INTERVIEW PROJECT uses the framework of an extensive US road trip. During that time they meet and interview people, after which the edited interviews are posted to the website. So more the vibe of Lynch's Straight Story than say Lost Highway. At least on the surface.
5/26/09
BRION NUDA ROSCH
www.somethinghomesomething.blogspot.com
BRION NUDA ROSCH's Something ^ HOME ^ Something project is a visual sketchbook that jumps the boundaries of curator, artist, other artist projects and his own projects. It exists in a time line of its own making - without the constraints of a physical space's schedules and egos, rent checks, marketing materials, and artist production schedules. Instead we tap into the flow of a culture maker, and witness the visual evolution as it unfolds. This segues nicely in to the experience of going to see one of Brion's shows. Walk in the front door and you will feel as if you were on the inside all along.
For those in San Francisco, you can check out one of his projects at PARK LIFE, along with the artists Chris Corales, Andrea Myers, Matthew Rich, and Liz Walsh.
BRION NUDA ROSCH's Something ^ HOME ^ Something project is a visual sketchbook that jumps the boundaries of curator, artist, other artist projects and his own projects. It exists in a time line of its own making - without the constraints of a physical space's schedules and egos, rent checks, marketing materials, and artist production schedules. Instead we tap into the flow of a culture maker, and witness the visual evolution as it unfolds. This segues nicely in to the experience of going to see one of Brion's shows. Walk in the front door and you will feel as if you were on the inside all along.
For those in San Francisco, you can check out one of his projects at PARK LIFE, along with the artists Chris Corales, Andrea Myers, Matthew Rich, and Liz Walsh.
STRAY CATS
When I showed this video to my wife she was disturbed. It made me laugh, but well I don't like cats. I have to admit never seeing the original Cats, so maybe I watch this with naive eyes. Or not. Anyhow, great project.
ccMIXTER
www.ccmixter.org
ccMIXTER is an online site for song based samples. Free to use and abuse, remix and post. Their is a community aspect to this site, where you can check out other Mixers' mixes, including some contributions by commercial artists. I like the a capella section, with a lot of samples by upstarts from Sac-town and beyond. The underground goes digital.
ccMIXTER is an online site for song based samples. Free to use and abuse, remix and post. Their is a community aspect to this site, where you can check out other Mixers' mixes, including some contributions by commercial artists. I like the a capella section, with a lot of samples by upstarts from Sac-town and beyond. The underground goes digital.
FREESOUND PROJECT
www.freesound.org
The FREESOUND PROJECT contains Foley samples for audio mixing. Posted by users and housed within the Creative Commons umbrella, feel free to use these sounds in your projects.
The FREESOUND PROJECT contains Foley samples for audio mixing. Posted by users and housed within the Creative Commons umbrella, feel free to use these sounds in your projects.
5/21/09
SOCIAL DESIGNER
www.socialdesigner.com
SOCIAL DESIGNER issues open design competitions for products that try to raise awareness about a number of issues. Think product design 2.0. So products whose function is both green and progressive, not just sexy and consumable. Or should I say, as well as sexy and consumable? The designs are voted on, produced and sold on their website. The winning designer is paid a flat fee. Capitalism and idealism, hand in hand. Their latest competition is for a tote that promotes regional/local eating. Hope to make the deadline for my own design.
SOCIAL DESIGNER issues open design competitions for products that try to raise awareness about a number of issues. Think product design 2.0. So products whose function is both green and progressive, not just sexy and consumable. Or should I say, as well as sexy and consumable? The designs are voted on, produced and sold on their website. The winning designer is paid a flat fee. Capitalism and idealism, hand in hand. Their latest competition is for a tote that promotes regional/local eating. Hope to make the deadline for my own design.
5/14/09
DREW STRUZAN
http://www.drewstruzan.com/illustrated/
In doing research for movie poster design I discovered a rich history. One thing that is noticeably missing from (most) contemporary movie poster designs are hand created illustrations. I guess it has fallen out of favor to some extent. I would argue that nothing yells out, "this is special!" quite like the illustrative style of someone such as DREW STRUZAN. This guy is one bad-ass MF. Check out the skillz! Go Drew!
In doing research for movie poster design I discovered a rich history. One thing that is noticeably missing from (most) contemporary movie poster designs are hand created illustrations. I guess it has fallen out of favor to some extent. I would argue that nothing yells out, "this is special!" quite like the illustrative style of someone such as DREW STRUZAN. This guy is one bad-ass MF. Check out the skillz! Go Drew!
INTRALINK GRAPHICS
www.intralinkfilm.com
There is a real magic to those back-lit transparency ads for films. The color really pop, the blacks rich and deep. The quality of the photos and graphics draw me, as I walk the long row of framed ads at my local theater house. These cats at INTRALINK do a lot of the big name films.
There is a real magic to those back-lit transparency ads for films. The color really pop, the blacks rich and deep. The quality of the photos and graphics draw me, as I walk the long row of framed ads at my local theater house. These cats at INTRALINK do a lot of the big name films.
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