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.

article "Your noise is still noise"

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/11/your-noise-is-still-noise.html

I was walking around Times Square the other day and was of course, hit with a montage of ad noise. But while others find it obnoxious, I actually love it. I go to Times Square to see what ads might have changed, what new billboards might have been put up, if there are any other insane digital ad ideas that they've come up with... There was actually this giant screen up on in the center of Times Square on the MTV building taking a live shot of all the people walking through, and we could see ourselves in miniature. Thousands of people stopped to wave to see if they could see their tiny hands waving emphatically on screen. I think this was an ad for the clothing store, FOREVER21, though I don't really see any sort of relation. But still, a fun idea! The question still remains though, if we are a part of if all, or even the ones creating it, is it noise? Or is it only noise if it belongs to someone else?

article "Guest speaker"

I enjoyed Liad's lecture, especially when he gave examples that he thought were successful marketing design pieces. Design in relation to identity is so integral, I'm glad that he was able to delve in deeper within that subject and discuss the importance of functional design.

I also appreciated his criticism of my own product and brand, and have reviewed his comments in my head repeatedly since then. Being that he was the first to respond in saying that he was having difficulty relating the product to my brand, I was wondering whether if my branding tactics has miscommunicated the message I was attempting to convey. Should I rethink the entire image of my brand? Rebrand my entire product? Or should I work on clarifying the mood I am attempting to show throughout my piece?

article "Product design vs. purchase power"

I was in need of peanut butter the other day and decided to stop into my local grocery store. Yes, it's one of those yuppie organic health food stores with whole wheat, 100% organic products. In choosing my product I took my time looking carefully over the labels, design of the jars, use of color, etc. I ended up with a cool jar with illustrations of monkeys on the label. I was romanced by good design so much so that I forgot about the actual product. I found out a little bit ago that my peanut butter is flavored with cinnamon and raisins. Interesting..

article "CONE-o-MATIC branding idea"

My thoughts on CONE - o - MATIC branding developed quickly. I think after developing the logo I was able to conceptualize the mood I hoped to create. Being that my product is for the efficient, face-paced, on-the-go consumer, I want my branding to exude youth, excitement, and perhaps trendiness. I would like the overall feeling to be fun, maybe even silly, but ultimately prove it's practicality being that it is a product that may serve a multitude of different uses for different situations.

article "Groping for a marketing solution: TSA and security theater"

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/11/groping-for-a-marketing-solution-tsa-and-security-theater.html

This is becoming an increasingly big deal. I first came across the TSA issue when taking a flight out of Vancouver. They had one of the first installments of the full body scanner and gave people a choice - either do the full body scan in the cylindrical contrapment or get a full body pat down. I opted for the pat down - just because the scanner looked a little freaky. This makes me think that a better marketing tactic might be the way to go if it comes to the point where full body scans be necessary for everyone. A smarter marketing idea will most likely lead way to a smoother transition and better acceptance for change.

CONE - O - MATIC Style Frame

On any given day, Richard finds himself in need of some alone time, at least for a minute or two.
In which case, CONE - o - MATIC is here to the rescue!


SCENE I: On the subway

 ...annoyed

 happy!

SCENE II: At the park

 ...annoyed

 happy!

SCENE III: Getting a phone call

...annoyed

 happy!

SCENE IV: Waiting for a friend

 ...annoyed

 happy!

Thank goodness for CONE - o - MATIC, the way to catch the perfect break on-the-go!

article "Klhip nail clippers: redesigning the mundane"

http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/klhip_nail_clippers_redesigning_the_mundane_17840.asp

These nail clippers are nothing like I've ever seen before. What impresses me most of all is that there has been an idea to redesign something that we take for granted, yet use all the time. I think we forget to appreciate the design of the everyday and "mundane". Why not make our everyday tools more efficient and useful while also improving its design? This paves the path for a world ruled by designers, a new phenom that I'm finding to be increasingly evident in my day to day life. 

article "Why we prefer live"

 http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/11/why-we-prefer-live.html

What is the appeal of live music? I agree that it probably has to do with the new atmosphere, possibilities of a whole new experience, and the newfound energy supplemented by those around you. Maybe if we attributed these sensations and ideas to our daily life, we might feel more fulfilled and as exhilarated as we might when seeing a live performance. But then most of us do try to avoid surprise and change in our work life for fear of failure or difficulty. In our work lives we want everything to flow as simply and successfully as possible. Does this hinder us from greater ideas, or keep us safe?

article "Crunchy"

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/11/crunchy.html

So many people today lead their lives according to their jobs. I can understand why this happens - what you do consumes most of your day to day life and thoughts, afterall. But are we becoming fooled into being "crunchy" about things that we might not have even given thought to before? Why are people being "crunchy" environmentally in the first place, anyway? Are they being vegans to save animals, to lose weight, or to go with the current health trend?

updated CONE - o - MATIC tutorial : stop motion

http://blip.tv/file/get/Skimpratt-RichardGoesToTheParkByCONEOMATIC801.mov

article "Motion Design"

It is an interesting to consider how design is viewed in motion. The 3D elements that come into play along with the interacting of moving items proves for a dynamic visual. I have always felt a bit apprehensive about motion graphics and animation simply because I do not have the ability to understand the inner workings in their entirety. There seem to be so many elements that are running together simultaneously it proves to be confusing and intimidating. But seeing how technology is progressing lends me to believe that all I can do for the moment is make the effort to catch up. Our current assignment, stop motion, is one that has garnered much interest for me, personality. It seems like a mix of motion and print, which I find to be a nice medium to start with.

article "Do more vs. do better"

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/11/do-more-vs-do-better.html

This is an interesting idea to me especially being that I had just had a conversation with a friend that people often confuse quantity with quality. We all understand in our subconscious that yet, more is not always better, but then again, we are so frequently led to think that it is. More time with one another seems better than quality time. More food seems better than quality food. We forget that the bigger picture and greater success comes inevitably with the quality of experiences and processes - an idea that I would like to remind myself to return to.

article "NY Art Book Fair"

http://www.ps1.org/exhibitions/view/324

 I went to the NY Art Book Fair on Friday and felt entranced by all the different ideas for books that designers were able to conjure up. There were books purely of photographs of a designer's travels, a book with paper made of thinly sliced fruits and vegetables, a book with pages that consisted of empty bags of soil portraying the support for Prop 19, and other insane creations. The ways that people choose to express themselves is amazing, and I was left feeling a burst of inspiration and creativity. I think that these fairs and conventions work as a great way to meet people, as well as gather ideas and insight - another way to network.