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Archives
A Mind Forever Voyaging I.
Feb 4, ’12
8:56 PM
One of the challenges I’m facing now is assessing where to focus my creative and intellectual energy, both in the short and long-term.
While this statement makes it appear I am absent of direction, this is incorrect. My journey over the past four years, documented within Territories and Incubator, has ultimately established a new operating foundation for my personal and professional lives. On the flip side, this increased awareness has also introduced some level of uncertainty with respect to the next course of action.
Over the course of my career, I’ve tended to use the phrase “foundation” as a way for me to maintain a high sense of humility and to continuously reset a logical “starting point” so that I can advance with greater depth and efficacy.
Looking at this phrase from an alternative perspective, while a foundation is essential for continuous growth, remaining at this foundation can be potentially limiting.
I use the word “limiting” to describe several things.
The first is that one’s future is largely based upon one’s belief system. If you choose to believe that you are always operating at a “foundation” level, it’s unlikely that you’ll also see that you have moved well beyond this foundation and are capable of much more.
The second is that building a foundation that spans beyond the norm (i.e. a foundation exhibiting greater breadth vs. depth within any particular topic) allows one to operate in many areas, but can ultimately limit one’s potential along any one particular path.
I’ve reached a point in my career where I’ve labeled myself a “solutions builder” first and foremost, followed immediately by “designer” and “technologist;” the latter two ranked in no particular order. I am comfortable with this self-imposed labeling right now, but question its long-term validity.
The challenge that I am facing now is determining where I fit within a fabricated specialization/generalization spectrum, and whether that placement is the best fit for long-term success.
What do I truly wish to become and how do I get there?
Visuals: “The Pursuit” (DRAFT)
Aug 9, ’11
10:56 PM
(And I still don’t have a clear sense where all of this is going …)
Dyson II.
Jul 30, ’11
12:15 AM
“If you think of doing the opposite of what should be done, you can often stimulate innovation and do something creative and interesting.”
The Fuse.
Jul 6, ’11
9:52 AM
“[…] trying to make creative people fit some mold established as conventional wisdom or best practice may not always yield the best results. Lay the groundwork, but put the onus on the creative person to do what they do best—problem solve. Light the fuse and get away.”
– Greg Hoy
Web Concepts: “Disciplined Creativity”
Jul 5, ’11
4:45 PM
These are a few concepts for a possible redesign of my main web site. I stumbled upon the phrase “disciplined creativity” when browsing the BMW DesignWorks site; I think a great self-descriptor.
The first image is what visitors will see when they first visit the page. The second image shows what’s “underneath” each tile. When visitors hover over an individual tile, the “original” typeface will appear.
The phrases “Gr” and “Ind” will be linked to PDF versions of my graphic and industrial design portfolios.
Plus ca change Plus c’est la meme chose
Feb 20, ’11
8:14 PM
My mom recently shared a few documents from when I was in nursery school and kindergarten many years ago. These documents essentially provide a glimpse of my behavior and personality at that time.
As I was reading through the narratives, I was intrigued (actually – amazed) on the behavioral similarities between then and now. In some strange way, these narratives confirm what this multi-year journey has shown me:
Who I believed I was is indeed who I really am.
Nursery School
- Even tempered, tolerant and friendly, Adrian is well accepted by the group and usually involved with social play most of the morning. He is willing to try everything and especially enjoys blocks, dramatic play, books and woodworking activities.[2011 Commentary: My professional career and personal interests have spanned numerous and diverse areas, and will likely continue to do so for the remainder of my life.]
- He has marvelous ideas, but is easily distracted and remains only semi-involved much of the time. [2011 Commentary: Exclusive focus in one particular area is still, and will always be, a challenge.]
- When approached by adults, Adrian is friendly, spontaneous; responds well to suggestions and directions. On the whole, he appears to be independent and self-reliant. [2011 Commentary: Perhaps too much so.]
- Adrian takes pride in whatever he makes in school, e.g. when he does a painting or art activity, he often informs us he is finished and proudly shows us his finished product. He likes to make constructive things out of the materials e.g. airplanes (out of the nuts and bolts; odd pieces of wood), buildings or boats out of hollow blocks. He likes to work in a group, rather than on an individual basis.[2011 Commentary: The showcasing of work will always expand, although I do most of my best work when working independently.]
- Adrian has most of contact with Benjamin and Billy because they also spend a great deal of time in the hollow block corner. [2011 Commentary: Exclusivity in friendship and relationships is still the norm.]
- If he feels uncomfortable after a disagreement, he usually moves onto a different activity. [2011 Commentary: I don’t like conflict and I tend to focus my energies on something creative or positive when I am able to. Incubator started with this core personality trait.]
- He is very capable of expressing his thoughts and feelings through language. He enjoys talking to others about experiences he has or something he has just made. [2011 Commentary: My written ability to share these thoughts is perhaps stronger than my verbal ability although I hope one day this will change.]
- New situations don’t upset Adrian. He is flexible and adapts to whatever is taking place in the room.
Kindergarten
- He is particularly fond of block building and art. Adrian is also quite creative with materials. [2011 Commentary: Scary! :-)]
If you have similar materials from your childhood, perhaps one day you will go back and take a closer look. The expression “the more things change, the more they stay the same” may hold true for you as well as it has for me.
Nike Design: The KDIII and the Kobe VI
Jan 20, ’11
7:02 PM
In a desire to break out of my typical exercise routine, I joined a basketball tournament at the gym where I am a member (Note: It’s always helpful if you know how to play before you join a tournament :-).
Ironically enough, my new sneakers led me to further explore Nike’s web site, where I was surprised to find videos of the industrial designers who work at Nike. The videos are really interesting because they go into the background behind the shoe, calling attention to the unique design elements that make these shoes truly unique.
Nike Zoom KD III: Leo Chang Discusses the Nike Zoom KD III
Nike Zoom Kobe VI: Eric Avar Discusses the Nike Zoom Kobe VI (The Black Mamba)
