Published March 27, 2011 by

Finders Keepers March 2011

Finders Keepers was dandy. I went with my friend Sam on the Saturday and after braving the masses of Collingwood fans we made it down to Shed 4 whereby I had an epic coughing fit and probably disturbed more than just the people infront of me in the lunch line.

The food area was much better set out this year with the coffee split off to the side and more sitting and eating space. The paper installation above the stage was pretty fantastic. Thumbs up to the cupcake stand at the front – we did a lap, had a cupcake and did a second lap, I truly appreciated the Ewok, it was quite excellent.

In terms of stalls this time around – there was a fair chunk of overlap from last time (both good and bad), one of the stalls I really loved last time wasn’t there (who sold super cute rabbity things) and there seemed to be a bit of an excess of silver jewelery. I also found that the prices seemed less accessible – I think there were more stalls in general and more that were charging more. I consequently bought less and was a bit less excited about the whole thing. It’s all very well but I’m not going to buy more than one or two things if the prices are jacked up however pretty and lovely they are. It’s fine to value ones craft, but make it affordable – it’s a market. There also seemed a few stalls that didn’t quite fit the mold of what I expected/wanted. There were a few selling rather non-descript scarves and one quite quilt’ish/old ladyish stalls that I would expect to find at your local market not a craft/design market that is held twice a year.

I came away with an excellent print by PrintSpace, and a very cute coin purse (at the ONE stall who had outstanding prices and were consequently extremely busy the whole time we wandered) Only Midge. But that’s it.

Other favourites (but alas either didn’t have the spare coinage or have too many brooches already…) Angus & Celeste and also Brkich there were also some extremely cute toys around that had great personality.

It was a good day out but perhaps a fraction disappointing compared to last time. Or maybe I’m just a cheapskate.

Culture Design Sustainable

Published February 13, 2011 by

Design is measured like a rubber band

There is a fantastic article over on Get Finch, Dear Designer, You Aren’t That Special.

I confess I don’t spend as much time as I ought thinking about my profession, I often just do.

I think that the senior designer that I have the privilege of working with is a great example of humility in design. She has a patient understanding that incorporates meaning and creativity without obsessing and getting caught up in her own idea of what is good while still producing solid and atheistically beautiful work that communicates exactly as intended.

After having worked as a designer in a studio for 9 short months I feel as if my design has grown mostly in its depth of understanding of purpose. Certainly I’ve learnt some handy shortcuts along the way – but honestly these are things you can learn by watching youtube. Being in the studio environment brings a new experience of possibility and idea and approach. I think my design in my time so far at Blick has tightened up and lost some of the extraneous waffle.

I don’t consider myself the type of (stereotypical) creative, where raw talent is aesthetic and artistic (I wish!). It definitely more about creating order. I struggle a little with the reality that I’d rather write a list than draw a picture – it doesn’t seem right. But I can still do this job and I think do this job quite well.

I love the fact that design is about communication and in many ways about order (or controlled chaos). The aesthetic stuff is a glorious bonus. The fact that you can design a business card with 5-odd different finishes (eg. embossing, foiling) and not have it come out frumpy aunty amazes me.

In the studio this week we have up a quote about Creativity being about making connections with things that are seemingly unconnectable. This in itself connects deeply to my view of the Kingdom of God and I guess leaves some avenues open for me to consider where some of this stuff – these skills – these things I am trained in, fit in to connecting the seemingly unconnectable throughout my life and world.

“Design is not a chaotic expression, it’s a measured approach to creation.”

Something I didn’t understand when I left uni about working in design is about how much time factors into the work-life of being a designer. Creativity on command is the black x against reason but the reality is that jobs have timelines and budgets. As you learn to measure time and work to a schedule you learn to measure your own design. How much is too much? When do you pair back? Where do you start? Throwing an idea on paper (or screen) is useless unless there is intention and thought behind why something is where it is. This kind of design in many ways suits me, despite at times being frustrating and restrictive.

Yet. Working in an environment where there is people to throw ideas at, to get realistic and honest feedback means that this design, this order gets manipulated enough for the space to grow creativity (as it is typically understood). I caught myself the other day where I had let go of my typical ways of approaching designing for a particular format, I tried something braver than my usual habitual ways – the design was freer and better for it.

There are two things that are wonderful for design. Constraint and the recognition that design is as much about the people and space around you. We need to be aware in order to work out these obscure connections and make them seamless.

Another great article: 4 Types of Creatives

Design Life

Published October 28, 2010 by

What I haven’t said.

“You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.”
— F. Scott Fitzgerald

I’ve been wondering a little about why I haven’t blogged lately, nor even felt the true compulsion to get at it. I’ve lost my rhythm and my routine was royally screwed this past year so it’s no great surprise. Mr Fitzgerald has said it quite nicely. The bulk of the starkness (and patronisingly easy image/music posts) is that I don’t feel like I have very much to say. This of course is probably wrong when I really assess things…

What I haven’t said is…

Lots about work. It’s tricky you know, because I do work on some quite interesting stuff but I can’t really talk about specifics online. Work needs to get seen by the client first. Fortunately the folio, long overdue for a refresh is in the works of a facelift which shall include more work and possibly some of what I’ve done. In general terms some of the exciting/sometimes intimidating stuff I’ve done includes:

  • Full building signage, we’re talking large format, stuff I haven’t really done before and it came up pretty well (not a sign, like a whole building wrap and frosted glass areas etc)!
  • An exhibition stand. More large format, and a tricky client topic. It amuses me no end this client, it really does.
  • Web. Doing more of web has further encouraged the little burn of happiness that comes when the code just works and your <divs> can magically make a structure as fast as you can type. I have also learnt much about Adobe Business Catalyst, which is a CMS/eCommerce solution > not always the solution but is pretty darn nifty. Lets just hope they keep developing it further.

I have loved being part of a small workplace where I can have interesting conversations, am treated (although I am technically a junior designer) as an equal where my input is valued and where I genuinely enjoy the company of the people I work with. We also play Triple J, Indie/Folk, The Smiths (a lot) and have MegaMix Fridays. There is the additional bonus of being within throwing distance of a superb cafe, props to Pat and Toby throughout the week and the Monday guy/girl team (I’ll get around to asking names).

I have said something about how the first two and a half months of full time work left me wrecked and incapable of normal function most evenings. Good news is that I’m getting used to it.

I haven’t said much about Missio Dei, and the community of new friends, the openness, the great food, girls group and the inspiring people who encourage me to live a better life… and join with me in making that happen.

and I haven’t said much about theology and God lately. This is not due to the fact (upon initial suspicion – my own) that I am thinking less about that stuff or am ‘less into that stuff’ etc. – however you might put it. But more that I have come to the conclusion (or rather the inkling) that God is teaching me in a different way at the moment and it’s more to do with my living than with my head. This is indeed a good thing although a monster to deal with at times. How to communicate that just yet, I’m not quite sure. Perhaps I will have to have a little think…

On the same lines as Missio etc and even theology/God/life stuff we have talked a fair bit (we had a camp you see) about the Enneagram, as many of may know I’m a bit mad keen on anything personality and so I jumped at it (and I am going to talk about it because I find it interesting)… Interestingly the Enneagram has actually genuinely helped me recognise certain responses in myself that are very ‘oneish’ and not always positive, and consequently I can change my response or attitude. Steve asked (I think… I could have this totally wrong) way back if I – as a one, clenched my jaw a lot – I said no at the time, but it’s currently freaking me out how much I am catching myself doing it, as a natural physical response I never really noticed to indicate something such as stress or the glorious ‘internal critic’. There’s something for you to chew on if you’re interested in blackboards, about as interesting as chalk – still, very helpful. I don’t think I really fully ‘get it’ yet in regards to helping me connect better with God – but I reckon we’re getting there slowly.

Love books, still do, always have. Bookclub is going great guns, we’re up to our 13th book – I think and have a regular tribe reading the Popular Penguins. We’ve had two engagements (Ana to Blake, Amanda to Tim) and there’s a baby on the way for lovely Cat. Currently we are lacking in the boy department and are working hard (if you’re reading this Norman) to get Norman back and suss out any prospectives. Harsh but true, most of the guys we all know don’t seem to be so inclined to read a book (even in the likes of Dracula or In Cold Blood) and discuss it with great food and wine. Society lacks. Society lacks.

And friends. It has been interesting looking at the past year and what our move North has done to friendships. Proximity is a grand thing. Thankfully many of our friends are above and beyond proximity or we would be dastardly lonely (apart from the new friends… but yeh, we’re still getting there). I went to a friend’s engagement party the other night and caught up with my lovely housemate (where proximity is a geniune issue and not just because we’re lazy about it)… but it reminded me of all the truly wonderful people I know and the richness of those I know who are encouraging and so distinctly themselves. It is so ridiculously good, seeing so many of my friends truly happy at the moment.

Geoff. He’s the best. Marriage is grand.

and now, I have said something. Throw some curlys my way and I might just say more.

Church Coffee Design Life Relationships Web Design Work

Published October 10, 2010 by

Finders Keepers Melbourne

Yesterday proved the discovery of something alarmingly enjoyable. Twitter announced ‘Finders Keepers‘ and their first Melbourne market and the day was unusually empty of other activity, so I roped in a friend and went along. Having being a little disappointed with the ‘State of Design’ festival… I was hoping for something at very least better (and with the Frankie mag endorsement I figured it might be pretty safe) It was quite frankly(sic), amazing. If you like are addicted to Etsy it was basically etsy in a physical venue. (Etsy perhaps you should hook up with this crew?!) Indie art and design at it’s best.

I took my friend Sam and after walking in (‘oh golly, I’m about to combust this looks so fantastic’) we decided to do ‘the loop’ before making any purchases. We did in the end do several loops and make several purchases. It was incredibly interesting and inspiring and also useful to be able to actually pick up the stuff, lots of which I’ve looked at similar pieces online and done the hmm hmm’ing. If I hadn’t just been to New Zealand I would’ve almost certainly spent more than I did. As it was, I got several Christmas presents and a really beautiful bird print from a whole lotta love.

Finders Keepers was very accessible in terms of price and variety with quality art/design pieces, a few ridiculously priced items were lurking but on the whole it was very reasonable. People were friendly, store displays were creative and the place was buzzing. I will indeed be doing my utmost to make it to any future Finders Keepers and I will be bringing with me a hoarde, rather than just one.

sorry no photos I was sans camera… NZ photos to come.

Culture Design

Published September 11, 2010 by

Wedding Resources

James Burke Photography

Geoff and I have been married about 2 and half years now and marriage is truly excellent… but I can’t say I’ve really gotten over looking at wedding things. I actually enjoyed planning our wedding, despite all the odds (not being very girly etc). It must the whole thing where there is an opportunity to play with colour, creativity and lovely things. Who knows what I’d do if I had to have another go at it (with Geoff naturally).

Anyway since my little sister has just gotten married and I have a few friends with weddings in the pipeline (one of which I will be second photographer, one of which I will be in and doing invites for…) I have decided that I have a wealth of most excellent wedding blogs up my sleeve and wish I’d known about them when I was looking around for vintage/indie/diy/creative/different/non-traditional ideas.

In no particular order:

Wedding Bee

Perfect Palette

Once Wed (Just waiting for the pro-photos to submit my sister’s wedding here fingers crossed)

Green Wedding Shoes

The Knot – Real Weddings

Style Me Pretty

And some beautifully different photographers (where I still think is one of the best places to look for wedding inspiration) – something I wouldn’t mind getting into a bit one day.

For You Love Me

Shannon Leith (this link goes to my friend Claire’s wedding…)

I do (sic*) hope these are useful for someone out there.

*sic also could equal sick (which consequently makes me a dag for saying such – yes American friends, look up that word or let me help you… definition here)

Create Design Wedding