Category: Concept

#instameaning Day 8: No, I did it.

A week ago I set out to write one blog post a day explaining why I choose to upload certain photos to Instagram. I wanted to give a quick glimpse into my thought process. More importantly for me, I wanted to practice writing on a daily basis. 

Honestly, I didn’t think I’d do it. I was nervous about bad grammar, sounding trite, and just being criticized.
I was scared of what YOU thought of ME. 

Then I stopped caring and in some small way these posts became art for me. A basic digital snap (very different than photography), with a filter, some self expression an a whole lot of “Why the f#@k not?” 

Do I have crappy grammar? Sometimes. Can I improve if I stay with it? You bet. 

Am I now convinced I will keep this up for 30 consecutive days?

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Van

#instameaning Day 2: Eye Refresh

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The designing of graphics relies on manipulating colors and shape, sometimes with a computer or just in my head, thinking through the possibilities. But as the day ends my eyes and mind need a rest. That’s where the subway, particularly a corner much like this one, provides the perfect neutral resting spot for my brain and eyes.

 

The designer Apryl Miller has a homedecorated in thousands of expressively vibrant and eclectic fabric swatches. It’s a breathtaking kaleidoscope of color and shape.

 

Her New York home studio, when I was there, was a small room in the family’s apartment, it was filled with an enormous amount color and materials floor to ceiling, DENSE is the only way to describe it. It couldn’t be visually grasped in one quick glance, the room actually made me feel off-balance and dizzy.

 

Most everyone on the tour gasped because of the color onslaught, at which point Apryl came to our aid and pointed out a 1’x1′ grey square on the wall. She gave a wry smile and said “This is where I come to reset my brain.”

 

Exactly.

 

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Van

 

Creative Energy Overdose

I’ve been honeymooning for two weeks now and I’ve had enough.

In a good way 🙂

 

I’m saturated with beauty, rest and love. Problem is: I have only limited use of any creative outlet!

I’ve only brought a sketch book with pen and ink and my iPhone. I feel I’m bursting with ideas, vortex energy and sunlight-kind of like I need to paint with oils for 6 months to work this off.

 

Is this how people end up leaving their hometown to live in Sedona? Nah, I’m still stuck on New York.

 

Be back soon my steel/concrete mistress!
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Van

A Young Mind

Hanging with my nephews today reminded me of how important it is to stay inventive, to stay unattached to grown up assumptions and ideas.I think it was the moment in this photo. I took a couple of snaps on my phone and they were hamming it up. For one shot the older nephew Charlie said: “I’ll pretend I’m asleep.” Max, his younger brother by 4 years said: “Ok, and I’ll lay on you.” He did, then stuck out his tongue spontaneously.At almost five years old he was able to invent a moment just by trying to be different and a bit silly. I can really identify with that.

Thanks, I love you guys.

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Van

 

Posted via email from Van’s Posterous

 

Design @dayboatcafe shows how to “flip” a concept

There is a basic rule I follow that was forced into my head by a snarling professor Goslin (R.I.P) at Pratt Institute:

 

“If you’ve seen it done before, don’t do it again.”

 

As a designer, director of design, or even someone who likes to draw- that’s a challenge. Being original requires lots of “un-learning” and moxy.

 

I try to “flip concepts”. Like a seafood place hanging oars from the ceiling.
One might say:
“Wait-What!? They’re suppose to be in the water-right!? Why are they up there!?”

 

For me: I see this tactic as a way deliver the message that this place has fresh seafood. (and they really do!) When you look at the high ceiling, the designer clearly wanted to keep me thinking about a boat, about hands-on fishing. Not the kind of commercial boat that probably got the fish really-the designer wanted me thinking of the kind of boat that people have to row, the authentic freshness that comes from catching my own fish.

 

Again, for me: An established idea is challenged – a concept is flipped. Also, I especially like this because I have never seen it done before.

 

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Van

Posted via email from Van’s Posterous