I like this video. Short but sweet.
A Thousand Words from Ted Chung on Vimeo.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Monday, 26 January 2009
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Europe 2008
April 2 - April 9: BERLIN
April 9 - April 16: PARIS
April 16 - April 23: BARCELONA
April 23 - April 28: EDINBURGH
April 29: CHICAGO
"Fun Brother Eric" will be joining me for Berlin, Paris, and Barcelona. Michael Pina will also be joining us for Paris. Edinburgh will be solo.
SO excited.
x
April 9 - April 16: PARIS
April 16 - April 23: BARCELONA
April 23 - April 28: EDINBURGH
April 29: CHICAGO
"Fun Brother Eric" will be joining me for Berlin, Paris, and Barcelona. Michael Pina will also be joining us for Paris. Edinburgh will be solo.
SO excited.
x
Friday, 22 February 2008
Design vs. Style vs. Illustration
It was only a matter of time before I spilt my mind on this subject. It's been on my mind quite a bit ever since I've first started applying for jobs here in London. First, have a look at the newly styled wall in my kitchen. Due to the fact that several of us flatmates are temporary, there is not much decoration around the flat. Enter Paperchase. I received a FREE (yes, still my favorite price) calendar from my place of employment with the theme of coffee. So I styled my kitchen wall with the photos from the calendar.
Next order of business, it would be useful to read this article: F*** Style
I honestly don't know if I can say it better than the author of that article does. Having gone through a design program at a liberal arts university, I feel that I have been instilled with a sense of design as a problem-solver. So often we now see artists and illustrators, and their clients, calling themselves designers, and it's just wrong (don't misread tone, these people are amazing at what they do, e.g. Chuck Anderson of www.nopattern.com, but they are not so much problem-solvers as they are stylists).
I think the problem here is that the skills of a designer who practices "hardcore design" become cheapened by clients who seek illustrators with flashy styles to design magazine adverts and CD packaging. Obviously there is a place for illustration, but there is also a very important place for hardcore design. Many hardcore designers are talented stylists and illustrators. But most importantly, true designers solve problems. And that fact should never be overlooked.
Next order of business, it would be useful to read this article: F*** Style
I honestly don't know if I can say it better than the author of that article does. Having gone through a design program at a liberal arts university, I feel that I have been instilled with a sense of design as a problem-solver. So often we now see artists and illustrators, and their clients, calling themselves designers, and it's just wrong (don't misread tone, these people are amazing at what they do, e.g. Chuck Anderson of www.nopattern.com, but they are not so much problem-solvers as they are stylists).
I think the problem here is that the skills of a designer who practices "hardcore design" become cheapened by clients who seek illustrators with flashy styles to design magazine adverts and CD packaging. Obviously there is a place for illustration, but there is also a very important place for hardcore design. Many hardcore designers are talented stylists and illustrators. But most importantly, true designers solve problems. And that fact should never be overlooked.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Here's Johnny
I just saw a documentary and I am inspired to write my reflections. So here goes...
The documentary was called Here's Johnny, and it was about a graphic artist named John Hicklenton. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 6 years ago. Basically, MS affects the nervous system, and results in loss of feeling, and eventually loss of the use of, limbs. Really not nice. The documentary features him talking about his "war", as he calls it, against this disease. The entire time he is incredibly upbeat and humorous (he was actually hilarious). You could tell the guy has massive amounts of courage.
John, as well as the documentary producers were at this screening, as this was the first time it was being shown. There was a Q&A afterwards as well. John said that he draws for about 10 hours a day, because that's really all he has to get him through this. He said as long as he can use his mind and his hands, he is fine. As he was talking, you could tell that it really is a struggle for him. His words were upbeat, but you could see his pain in his eyes (and my Dad always said "the eyes are the window to the soul"). Also, almost every question that was asked resulted in him rambling on and eventually coming back to him talking about how all he can do is fight, and that once he was no longer able to use his hands and/or mind properly, he would make the decision to end his life via euthanasia.
It really got me thinking. Since graduating, I have been fairly focused, but I have also done a lot of slacking off. Which is OK (esp after being battered by ND for 4 years), and in fact it is good and healthy to relax. But then there have been times where I've thought about a small project to do, or a job to apply for, or something like that, and I've said "Oh, I'll just do that tomorrow." Well, John won't always have a tomorrow. And I think that is an important thing to remember. Not everyone in the world has a tomorrow, and one day neither will we. I know that I am basically just re-wording the "carpe diem" philosophy, but in this context, as he is an artist, and has a passion to create, and utilizes all available time doing just that, I suppose it speaks to me on another level.
Here is the info on the screening.
You can see some of his work in this
interview.
You can see a clip of the documentary on Animal Monday's (the producers) website. Apparently it will be shown at SXSW, so if anyone is going there, look out for it. It's worth it.
Thanks for reading.
Much love.
X
The documentary was called Here's Johnny, and it was about a graphic artist named John Hicklenton. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 6 years ago. Basically, MS affects the nervous system, and results in loss of feeling, and eventually loss of the use of, limbs. Really not nice. The documentary features him talking about his "war", as he calls it, against this disease. The entire time he is incredibly upbeat and humorous (he was actually hilarious). You could tell the guy has massive amounts of courage.
John, as well as the documentary producers were at this screening, as this was the first time it was being shown. There was a Q&A afterwards as well. John said that he draws for about 10 hours a day, because that's really all he has to get him through this. He said as long as he can use his mind and his hands, he is fine. As he was talking, you could tell that it really is a struggle for him. His words were upbeat, but you could see his pain in his eyes (and my Dad always said "the eyes are the window to the soul"). Also, almost every question that was asked resulted in him rambling on and eventually coming back to him talking about how all he can do is fight, and that once he was no longer able to use his hands and/or mind properly, he would make the decision to end his life via euthanasia.
It really got me thinking. Since graduating, I have been fairly focused, but I have also done a lot of slacking off. Which is OK (esp after being battered by ND for 4 years), and in fact it is good and healthy to relax. But then there have been times where I've thought about a small project to do, or a job to apply for, or something like that, and I've said "Oh, I'll just do that tomorrow." Well, John won't always have a tomorrow. And I think that is an important thing to remember. Not everyone in the world has a tomorrow, and one day neither will we. I know that I am basically just re-wording the "carpe diem" philosophy, but in this context, as he is an artist, and has a passion to create, and utilizes all available time doing just that, I suppose it speaks to me on another level.
Here is the info on the screening.
You can see some of his work in this
interview.
You can see a clip of the documentary on Animal Monday's (the producers) website. Apparently it will be shown at SXSW, so if anyone is going there, look out for it. It's worth it.
Thanks for reading.
Much love.
X
Thursday, 3 January 2008
2007
So wow, looking back, 2007 has been pretty mental.
Last semester of university I took a bollocking. BUT it was GREAT! I probably had the best time I've ever had in my life, and I think my friends in Riley could attest to that. Yeah, I probably pulled about 2 all-nighters a week, but I had a damn good time doing it with some of the best people I'll probably ever meet! It is hopefully the closest I'll come to consistent deliriousness. I also had a great time with the two jobs I had at The Observer and Legends. Not only did I get to do some fun non-academic work, I also made some money (which was massively handy when purchasing a laptop and a plane ticket to London). And then I graduated. I am still a bit awed by the fact that I am a college graduate. I feel so lucky, really. So many people take it for granted. But not everyone gets to do it.
Summer in Chicago was a blasty. I had a design job! Deerfields Bakery was an experience. Good design experience with Paula, the Typography Queen, and an amazingly fun time with Vanessa. I honestly would not have made it without Vanessa. And I was really happy that we got to hang out outside of Deerfields as well. Drinking for free at Duffy's was probably a bad decision every time haha!
I also got to live with Eric (my brother) which was fun. Booze Foos will never die. We probably drank about 5 nights a week on average (although, one of which was along with wings, and the other of which was along with bowling).
Then September came, and it was time to leave. My going away party in Chicago was great. Classy versus Trashy, what a great theme! And then there was South Bend. Which was a blast again! My birthday party there (graciously hosted by Shannon, Carolina, and Sara) was SO MUCH FUN! It was cool to have several different groups of my ND friends come together and have a good time. It was really nice seeing my friends at ND again as well. They always show me a good time. And then there was NYC. Road tripping with Eric is ridiculously fun. We get on so well, and I think that because we both have such an interest in learning and exploring life, that traveling together always goes really well. Hopefully we will get to do it more in the future. It was also amazing getting to stay with ND alums that I graduated with. Besides being excited to hang out with them, it also made me proud to see them sorting their lives out. And what better place to do it than NYC. Oh, I know, LONDON! haha!
Which brings me to my next section. I've already written a bit about London in a previous post. It's really been amazing, and I realize now, after being here for 3 months, that if I hadn't done this, I would be kicking myself. I've been learning so much. About London, England, America, Europe, myself, humans, religion, mental states, etc. Being somewhere I am not used to just makes me feel alive and stimulated. I have made a great new friend as well, Kelly. It is so important that we have had each other during this experience, and we've become great friends. She has really enhanced my time here. I am exicted for the second half of my stay. As of now, the plan for when my visa expires is a trip to continental Europe for a bit, then back to England to visit the Lake District (look it up, it's gorgeous), and then back to the states.
I am so excited about 2008. It seems like 2007 was still a bit scripted as far as I'm concerned. What with school, knowing I would be in Chicago for the summer, and then once I knew I was going to London, that was sorted as well. Right now, all I have sorted is through the end of March. Everything from there forward is a blurry fog. And I love that. I think what makes it OK is that I have so many options. And that are all equally great. I don't want to talk about them too much yet, so as not to set anything in stone. But life is moving along spectacularly.
And so in the current moment, as I sit here writing this blog, I don't think I could be happier. I really have everything I could want. Sure, I could have one more pair of pointy toe shoes or another pair of skinny jeans. But really, I have amazing friends, family, and the experiences that I have gained and am gaining are just simply incredible.
I hope that everyone can realize that it is important to always pursue whatever you want for your life, and not what anyone else wants. When it comes to what is most important to you, and to the advancement of your life, a bit of selfishness is necessary. Though cliche, you do only live once, and these years while you are young and still have a limited amount of responsibility are such a great time to let go of your inhibitions and do what you feel you should do instead of what you think you should do. Follow heart not mind, and just live like you are destined to take over the world. Most importantly, have fun. Every day. Every hour. Every minute. And if you aren't having fun in what you're doing, do something else that is fun.
UGH, enough sappy talk!
Thanks for reading.
Cheers to 2008!
Last semester of university I took a bollocking. BUT it was GREAT! I probably had the best time I've ever had in my life, and I think my friends in Riley could attest to that. Yeah, I probably pulled about 2 all-nighters a week, but I had a damn good time doing it with some of the best people I'll probably ever meet! It is hopefully the closest I'll come to consistent deliriousness. I also had a great time with the two jobs I had at The Observer and Legends. Not only did I get to do some fun non-academic work, I also made some money (which was massively handy when purchasing a laptop and a plane ticket to London). And then I graduated. I am still a bit awed by the fact that I am a college graduate. I feel so lucky, really. So many people take it for granted. But not everyone gets to do it.
Summer in Chicago was a blasty. I had a design job! Deerfields Bakery was an experience. Good design experience with Paula, the Typography Queen, and an amazingly fun time with Vanessa. I honestly would not have made it without Vanessa. And I was really happy that we got to hang out outside of Deerfields as well. Drinking for free at Duffy's was probably a bad decision every time haha!
I also got to live with Eric (my brother) which was fun. Booze Foos will never die. We probably drank about 5 nights a week on average (although, one of which was along with wings, and the other of which was along with bowling).
Then September came, and it was time to leave. My going away party in Chicago was great. Classy versus Trashy, what a great theme! And then there was South Bend. Which was a blast again! My birthday party there (graciously hosted by Shannon, Carolina, and Sara) was SO MUCH FUN! It was cool to have several different groups of my ND friends come together and have a good time. It was really nice seeing my friends at ND again as well. They always show me a good time. And then there was NYC. Road tripping with Eric is ridiculously fun. We get on so well, and I think that because we both have such an interest in learning and exploring life, that traveling together always goes really well. Hopefully we will get to do it more in the future. It was also amazing getting to stay with ND alums that I graduated with. Besides being excited to hang out with them, it also made me proud to see them sorting their lives out. And what better place to do it than NYC. Oh, I know, LONDON! haha!
Which brings me to my next section. I've already written a bit about London in a previous post. It's really been amazing, and I realize now, after being here for 3 months, that if I hadn't done this, I would be kicking myself. I've been learning so much. About London, England, America, Europe, myself, humans, religion, mental states, etc. Being somewhere I am not used to just makes me feel alive and stimulated. I have made a great new friend as well, Kelly. It is so important that we have had each other during this experience, and we've become great friends. She has really enhanced my time here. I am exicted for the second half of my stay. As of now, the plan for when my visa expires is a trip to continental Europe for a bit, then back to England to visit the Lake District (look it up, it's gorgeous), and then back to the states.
I am so excited about 2008. It seems like 2007 was still a bit scripted as far as I'm concerned. What with school, knowing I would be in Chicago for the summer, and then once I knew I was going to London, that was sorted as well. Right now, all I have sorted is through the end of March. Everything from there forward is a blurry fog. And I love that. I think what makes it OK is that I have so many options. And that are all equally great. I don't want to talk about them too much yet, so as not to set anything in stone. But life is moving along spectacularly.
And so in the current moment, as I sit here writing this blog, I don't think I could be happier. I really have everything I could want. Sure, I could have one more pair of pointy toe shoes or another pair of skinny jeans. But really, I have amazing friends, family, and the experiences that I have gained and am gaining are just simply incredible.
I hope that everyone can realize that it is important to always pursue whatever you want for your life, and not what anyone else wants. When it comes to what is most important to you, and to the advancement of your life, a bit of selfishness is necessary. Though cliche, you do only live once, and these years while you are young and still have a limited amount of responsibility are such a great time to let go of your inhibitions and do what you feel you should do instead of what you think you should do. Follow heart not mind, and just live like you are destined to take over the world. Most importantly, have fun. Every day. Every hour. Every minute. And if you aren't having fun in what you're doing, do something else that is fun.
UGH, enough sappy talk!
Thanks for reading.
Cheers to 2008!
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