1.30.2014
WHEN YOU START
An instructor of mine, Steve Quinn, shared this great video on Facebook. It really does apply to any discipline, and is one of the truest things that I have heard. It is imagery set to the frank introspection shared by Chicago Public Radio Personality Ira Glass.
BE A SHOKUNIN
I've recently seen the movie JIRO DREAMS WITH SUSHI. For those with attention deficits, it may not always be the "easiest" or "action packed" movie to watch to the end, but hang in there and stick with it. The payoff will be if the lightbulb goes off for you.
The documentary is about a man who runs the world's greatest sushi restaurant. If you aren't a fan of sushi, please understand that the reason I'd like you to watch it has little to do with sushi… in fact sushi is the backdrop for the true story. The real story is about being a Shokunin.
Other bloggers have written far more eloquently about this movie (btw I enjoy this one). Perhaps it is the circumspect that comes from getting old. But I find the pursuit of excellence to be the root of vocation. I don't know if 95% of us ever achieve it… but the pursuit is a part of the whole process.
This quote from Orate (also featured on the Wilson Hoo site)
"… a literal description does not fully express the deeper meaning{of SHOKUNIN}. The Japanese apprentice is taught that shokunin means not only having technical skills, but also implies an attitude and social consciousness. … The shokunin has a social obligation to work his/her best for the general welfare of the people. This obligation is both spiritual and material, in that no matter what it is, the shokunin’s responsibility is to fulfill the requirement.”
– Tasio Orate
I have a standing "extra credit" offer to any students who stumble upon this entry: Watch the movie in it's entirety (don't lie about watching it, don't watch parts of it or give it partial attention while you work on a computer or type, and don't look up a synopsis or google someone else's ideas). Really watch it. I watched this over the course of three late nights (because I fell asleep before the end). I watched it, then continued until I saw the entire movie and processed its message. Then I watched it again.
Watch the movie--really watch it, and do a writeup of what you think. What are your impressions? Are you pursuing the path of the shokunin? Why not?
The documentary is about a man who runs the world's greatest sushi restaurant. If you aren't a fan of sushi, please understand that the reason I'd like you to watch it has little to do with sushi… in fact sushi is the backdrop for the true story. The real story is about being a Shokunin.
Other bloggers have written far more eloquently about this movie (btw I enjoy this one). Perhaps it is the circumspect that comes from getting old. But I find the pursuit of excellence to be the root of vocation. I don't know if 95% of us ever achieve it… but the pursuit is a part of the whole process.
This quote from Orate (also featured on the Wilson Hoo site)
"… a literal description does not fully express the deeper meaning{of SHOKUNIN}. The Japanese apprentice is taught that shokunin means not only having technical skills, but also implies an attitude and social consciousness. … The shokunin has a social obligation to work his/her best for the general welfare of the people. This obligation is both spiritual and material, in that no matter what it is, the shokunin’s responsibility is to fulfill the requirement.”
– Tasio Orate
I have a standing "extra credit" offer to any students who stumble upon this entry: Watch the movie in it's entirety (don't lie about watching it, don't watch parts of it or give it partial attention while you work on a computer or type, and don't look up a synopsis or google someone else's ideas). Really watch it. I watched this over the course of three late nights (because I fell asleep before the end). I watched it, then continued until I saw the entire movie and processed its message. Then I watched it again.
Watch the movie--really watch it, and do a writeup of what you think. What are your impressions? Are you pursuing the path of the shokunin? Why not?
1.26.2014
RULE of THIRDS WEB "BOOKMARKLET"
If your in a digital photography section, you likely know about the "RULE OF THIRDS." Here's a slick little "web-thingy" that will allow you to see the rule-if-thirds in web images. For Photographers, this may be a neat way to check out those images online that you really dig. For web developers, this may give you ideas (and perhaps a bit of starting code) to do something wild.
TRENDS in WEB DESIGN
I am slightly weary whenever I hear (or see) the word "trend." TRENDS may (or may not) be capricious, whimsical, and even sarcastic—at any rate they may or may not be based upon successful design ideas.
However, trends are not to be ignored necessarily either. Trends may be as simple as the foothold into a new methodology, or the bellwhether for reactions to upcoming changes in paradigms.
I came across this (relatively old by web standards) article on WEB TRENDS. While web trends seem to have a relatively short "shelf life," I have noticed this continuing past the articles 'freshness date.' (anyone else notice the trend towards corporate and commerce websites looking a bit like TUMBLR of late? Heavy on the squared grids).
What do you think?
However, trends are not to be ignored necessarily either. Trends may be as simple as the foothold into a new methodology, or the bellwhether for reactions to upcoming changes in paradigms.
I came across this (relatively old by web standards) article on WEB TRENDS. While web trends seem to have a relatively short "shelf life," I have noticed this continuing past the articles 'freshness date.' (anyone else notice the trend towards corporate and commerce websites looking a bit like TUMBLR of late? Heavy on the squared grids).
What do you think?
HABITAT
Those who know me are well aware of my fascination with good design–regardless what the design discipline (or sub-discipline) is.
I have been particularly intrigued by the "tiny house" phenomenon. Its very counterintuitive to the accepted "american paradigm" of palacious homes ( in all honestly, I love those too); so a lot of these sorts of projects tend to be more centered in Europe and Asia. Land has been more of a premium, and the emphasis on social interaction is much stronger. The idea is that you are out and about more, and interacting with others, while still having your own living space. The smaller homes actually introduce a stronger community and more active lifestyle.
I found this idea of interest as well. The 10-square "student" unit. In Madison (as with many college communities), the dorms were quite small, and encouraged communal activity. The nature of university housing was to push the student to engage with the campus. You would study at a library, attend classes during the day, go to events with friends, and the room was more a stop off point throughout the day, a place to sleep at night, and the occasional respite from community (save the roommate). The result is that most people were more engaged during those "dorm years."
If that concept were applied to living communities, would the result be the same?
[click image to link to the original site on student habitat]
I have been particularly intrigued by the "tiny house" phenomenon. Its very counterintuitive to the accepted "american paradigm" of palacious homes ( in all honestly, I love those too); so a lot of these sorts of projects tend to be more centered in Europe and Asia. Land has been more of a premium, and the emphasis on social interaction is much stronger. The idea is that you are out and about more, and interacting with others, while still having your own living space. The smaller homes actually introduce a stronger community and more active lifestyle.
I found this idea of interest as well. The 10-square "student" unit. In Madison (as with many college communities), the dorms were quite small, and encouraged communal activity. The nature of university housing was to push the student to engage with the campus. You would study at a library, attend classes during the day, go to events with friends, and the room was more a stop off point throughout the day, a place to sleep at night, and the occasional respite from community (save the roommate). The result is that most people were more engaged during those "dorm years."
If that concept were applied to living communities, would the result be the same?
[click image to link to the original site on student habitat]
1.25.2014
ALL ABOUT LENSES
Photography is one of those passions that has grown to epic proportions. Nowadays everyone seems to have a passion for photography–which is great… just be sure you have the knowledge and expertise as well.
I got my first SLR at 13, and shot film in college a little bit. I've had digital cameras since the 90's, but I am pretty clear to represent that I am a Graphic Designer who does photography (and not a photographer). "Real Photographers" often go to photo school, and assist or apprentice other pros for years before hanging their shingle out.
One thing that can help you on your way (whether it be hobby/sideline, or aspiring vocation) is the plethora of internet educational sites and resources. Its still no swap for true experience, but these resources can help you on your journey through photography. There are so many great resources to assist you: The Strobist, F-stoppers, Peta-Pixel, Creative Live, and Lynda.com are just some of my faves.
One of the issues I personally grapple with is lenses and lens quality, looking with an eye towards video as well. One of the basic "101" resources is this great video (see YOUTUBE video below). I think the production is superb, and it does a great job of communicating an overview of what you'll need.
Check it out.
I got my first SLR at 13, and shot film in college a little bit. I've had digital cameras since the 90's, but I am pretty clear to represent that I am a Graphic Designer who does photography (and not a photographer). "Real Photographers" often go to photo school, and assist or apprentice other pros for years before hanging their shingle out.
One thing that can help you on your way (whether it be hobby/sideline, or aspiring vocation) is the plethora of internet educational sites and resources. Its still no swap for true experience, but these resources can help you on your journey through photography. There are so many great resources to assist you: The Strobist, F-stoppers, Peta-Pixel, Creative Live, and Lynda.com are just some of my faves.
One of the issues I personally grapple with is lenses and lens quality, looking with an eye towards video as well. One of the basic "101" resources is this great video (see YOUTUBE video below). I think the production is superb, and it does a great job of communicating an overview of what you'll need.
Check it out.
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