citizen reel branding 2010

(download)

oss 240: dune contract

(download)

seating design by: dune contract

DNA: oss 240 

dune contract: http://dune-ny.com/site/dunemain2.html

a house divided.

A_house_divided

Someone really needs to make this into a license plate.

keys to staying inspired

I have read countless articles about getting out of the "creative funk" (if you can call it that). I have read even MORE articles on ways to "stay" creative, as if genuine, authentic creativity is something that just randomly comes and goes. I am one to believe that creativity, in the truly creative, is something that is as constant as breathing. AND I am not sure about you, but there are very few times during any one day or month that I need to be resuscitated. INSPIRED? Now that's a different story. Inspiration is indeed random. Some days may leave you feeling more inspired than others, however your ability to be creative is a constant. In-fact I can bet that in any given day you are creative HUNDREDS of times (100 or more), in various ways. You may carry on a conversation where you are creative with words, you may give an alternate idea or solution to an existing problem... Something, will spill out of a creative person at least 100 times a day... HECK!! Maybe a thousand (okay I am stretching it...)


SO what are the key's to staying I N S P I R E D ... That should be what we, as creatives, designers, should be looking at. Do NOT!!! OR should I say... BE CAREFUL about dwarfing your creativity... You are creative, you will always be creative, period. INSPIRED? Ummmmmm... Questionable.


Five easy ways to be (or get) inspired ...


1. Be quiet. Stop rallying for ideas. It's when you are quite and really THINKING that you get inspired (most of the time)

2. Be still. Stop running around looking for ideas. Ideas (really good ones, authentic ones) are not the products of you running around looking for them. This often causes you to replicate or build upon the things that you have come across ...

3. Observe. Start looking around more. Find the real problems, and start thinking about real solutions. Rather it be a visual challenge, social challenge OR organizational challenge, YOUR ability to observe and formulate creative solutions (there's that word again... "creative") is paramount!

4. Listen. Observation with your ears. Listen to what people are talking about ... WHAT are the issues? What's really going on? GET INSPIRED by the R E A L problems ad get even MORE inspired about finding a solution... Creating one.

5. Experiment. Do something OR say something totally insane. Often, inspiration can come from opposing forces... Speak up in a conversation that you have a distinctly different perspective about, you will be amazed at the responses (observe... listen..) and THIS type of inspiration can be HUGE. DO something, experiment with a poster, a movement, a cause and see what types of reactions emerge... Reactions = Inspiration.

design + function: iPhone protection

Barely_there_front

(above) Casemate - Barely There case (front)

Everyone in my immediate circle understands my addiction for iPhone cases. I am absolutely obsessed with finding the right combination that ill not only protect what I feel is one of the most effective designs of the last 7 years, but also the combination that preserves the design.

As a Carrier of the first generation iPhone, NOW the iPhone 3GS I have used at least 25 - 30 different cases, all in the pursuit of finding that perfect balance of design and function. With my iPhone first gen, I discovered an Atlanta based company called Casemate. I settled on a leather fixture from this company that bought what I felt was a perfect balance. So in my quest for the perfect combination for my iPhone 3GS I returned to common ground, Casemate.


Casemate Stealth screen protector and the Barley There matte black case. Perfection.


After trying a few different combinations I discovered that the Barely There case gave me exactly what I was looking for. The Barely There gives just the right amount of body coverage, while the Stealth screen protector not only provide premium coverage for the face of the iPhone (screen), BUT it also offers a unique privacy feature that keeps "peering eyes" out of your text conversations and browsing endeavors ...

Barely_there_back

(above) Casemate - Barely There case (back)

I really enjoy the idea of the logo cut-out provided by the back of the Barely There case - for the "brand fan" this is a HUGE plus, because the case allows you to protect your device, while maintaining the brand integrity - HUGE plus for me...

Stealth_screen_cover

(above) Casemate - Stealth screen protector

The Casemate Stealth "system" includes not only this incredible privacy screen protector BUT it also includes an adhesive back that adds ZERO mass to the body of your device, giving "naked device carriers" a huge alternative to just going absolutely naked (leaving the device prone to scratches and scuffs). I elected NOT to use the adhesive back, because I am pretty much spoiled by the Barely There case.

Conclusion ...


In all of my experimentation - this combination seems to be the ideal one for the individual who loves the design of their device, does not like bulk, and want to protect from the daily wear and tear of life.

Casemate

http://case-mate.com