article "Living with doubt"

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/12/living-with-doubt.html

This is more about the idea that you can make more money by taking a risk than staying in the safe zone, which I guess is true in a lot of cases. The fear of failing is what often draws people back from going for a risk. I think with this, there is always a balance that has to be worked out. For one, what about taking a risk with the lottery or start up company? But then again, if your gut tells you to go for it, should you do it? Do the possibilities of opportunity outweigh the possibility of failure? Now that our first semester has come to a drawing close, these are questions that have begun to form, and I think for designers, our profession in itself is a bit of a risk. And when taking a risk, it's probably better to take it to the end rather than only take it halfway, right?

article "Chanel = a female power symbol?"

I've been writing a research paper on the Chanel logo, and I've come up with some interesting ideas. For one, the circle shapes in the logo can represent women, yin and yang, crescent moons, and a mandorla (or vulva/almond). All meanings combined together form some sort of idea that the symbol is indicative of the emperor goddess taking over the world, which is what Coco Chanel kind of did - revolutionize women for her time. I wonder if women feel this way when they wear Chanel - females with power or females that fallen under the influence of current trends.

article "Seasons of fashion"

Everyone's a little a runway crazy when it's fashion week. What surprises me is how quickly and powerfully fashion pushes seasonal change. For one, it's plainly freezing outside but all the stores have just been stocked with resort wear - bikinis, sandals, and the like - making me want to invest in some needless swimwear. Fashion is such an interesting expression of design, and designs move on so fast from one trend to the next, it seems impossible to keep up. But that's the fun of it, right?

article "Bicycle Design"

http://www.core77.com/gallery/bespoke-the-handbuilt-bicycle-2010/

Bikes are a good example of functional design. I've been shopping around for a bicycle for the last two years, and I'm still looking - mostly because there is so much to choose from, I can't really settle on one particular design. Collapsible bikes, folding bikes, bikes with baskets, bikes with holsters - where can I go from here?

article "Scott Pilgrim"

http://www.slashfilm.com/66-high-resolution-photos-from-scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world/

I recently saw Scott Pilgrim vs. The World because my friend was raving about it constantly, sparking my curiosity. At first I was not expecting much, but I was surprised by the use of graphic elements throughout the movie. I'm not a huge fan of digital design, but this actually made me want to learn more about the possibilities digitally enhanced design. The use of typographical effects combined with a graphic-novel feel bolstered by digital components was amazing - something I'd like to work on.

article "NYC Sneakers Pimps tour"

http://www.sneakerpimps.net/details.php?photoID=32&photoGallery=nyc07

This is a little insane. Sneaker design coming into its own life form! It's always interesting to see people cultivating similar interests, and a sneaker-obsessed crowd did not disappoint. I like seeing how design encompasses so many different levels and how it affects people in different ways. Definitely admirable.

article "Reasons to work"

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/11/reasons-to-work.html

How important is it to be successful? Or it is enough to just get by, doing what you like? If I just moved to Switzerland, decided to live on a farm, and spent my days keeping busy with nature does that mean I've given up or that I'm enlightened to the realities of what actually matters in the world? These questions have been really getting to me nowadays. I've always felt driven to do my very best at "what I do", and now I'm just confused that I've created this idea and this "career thing" may just be something we've made from thin air, but stress so much importance on - if that makes any sense at all. My friend implies that we are driven by societal pressure and we've all become robots and clones of our own selves. At first I ignored the point, chalking it up to negativity but now I'm beginning to wonder if he's on to something.