I Am Designer: A Manifesto for Change.

A project that takes a lighthearted look at some of the failings of the design industry, many of which are more relevant than ever moving into the digital future...

Below is the text of the Manifesto, or Creed, I am not really sure how to define it

Unfortunately, unlike 'designer' labels or furniture, designers themselves are often not treated as a valuable commodity. There exists an unfortunate cultural history of exploitation in Visual Communication, and indeed the arts in general. Designers, especially young designers, are expected to work for little or no money, either to prove themselves, gain exposure, or provide spec work. Participating in such practices cheapens both the designer's work, and the Visual Communications industry in general, and demonstrates a lack of respect for the value of effective design. It is an unprofessional approach that is not tolerated in many other industries (You would not get you kitchen renovated, then decide when it is finnished that it is not quite what you had in mind, so you wont pay) Design has the possibility to push and enrich human experience; it explores, documents, evokes, situates, contextualizes, punctuates, subverts, contradicts, and communicates. Its value is long proven, but little understood.

......The world of visual communication is undergoing an incredible change. No longer are we bound by geography, free to share, inspire, learn, educate and collaborate with anyone in the world. In an industry defined by an intangible and unquantifiable commodity known as creativity, the internet has sparked a revolution.

We trade in ideas, and instantaneous communication has revolutionized the way we do business.

Moving into the digital future, where anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can be a designer, it is important that we address some of the issues stated above so that everyone is on the same page.

It's a revolution people. See and read more about it here. Designer Ben Crick breaks it down for us. He makes valid points....but remember. Every designers/creative mind is different. Blanket staments should be taken for what they are. Blankets.

Wheel of Concept.

Beng a creative is tough. Tje demand for completely new ideas in little to no time is sometimes...overwhleming. But before you let out a tear for us, Tribal DDB may have solved all of our problems with thewheelofconcept. Go ahead....type in a brand. Spin the wheel. And you get a ready made pdf to present to the client (dont show it to account).

Funny idea, seeing as how this is exactly what the digital space does--sometimes. Ok...most of the time.

"thinking is one less think you have to think about."

VIA adfreak

The Jamaican Printer.

Ohhhhhhhh. Office funny.

VIA certifiedbulltechnician

The Truest Clock Ever.

VIA likecool

What Motivates Us (You and I).

Are you a purpose maximizer or a profit maximizer? I feel like I just sat through a really good school lecture. Work culture needs to be like this video said....

VIA thedenveregoist

Office Emails.

Someone sent this little tidbit through my work email anonymously. I found it nestled in between warnings to do my time sheets. And you know how you get those advisory emails from the IT people? That's what I thought this was until I got into the body of it.

The Center for Disease Control has issued a medical alert about a highly contagious, potentially dangerous virus that is transmitted orally, by hand, and even electronically. This virus is called Weekly Overload Recreational Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from your boss, any of your colleagues or anyone else via any means whatsoever - DO NOT TOUCH IT!!! This virus will wipe out your private life entirely. If you should come into contact with WORK you should immediately leave the premises. Take two good friends to the nearest liquor store and purchase one or both of the antidotes - Work Isolating Neutralizer Extract (WINE) and Bothersome Employer Elimination Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system. You should immediately forward this medical alert to five friends. If you do not have five friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling our lives {The Boss}.

It's cute. And it enforces alchoholism. So I posted it.

I Want It: The Workaholic Pillow Book.

I not only want it...but I deserve it.

VIA geekologie

If Conan Says it...It must be True.

VIA thewhoa

Stupid Stamp: Logo Development

Client: "So, we love this new logo you made for us."

Agency: "Great, that is our job. To make work that represents you and your company."

Client: "And you did just that. I (we) have one more question...."

Agency:  "Just as a side note, we have started rebranding all of your company  material. Letter Head. Company spin offs. Website. So...what's on your mind?"

Client: "Can you make our logo look more like yours?"

Agency: "We Sure Can."

I just witnessed this go down today. And besides being the one to develop the logo in the first place....let me tell you why there is a list called Smart Things to Do, and why this move is not on it.

A) Your telling your creative (aka Your bread and Butter) that innovative and new ideas are not only unappreciated, but in all likely hood...will never see the light of day

B)You are telling your client that you don't have the balls to back your own work and that in the long run you will do whatever they say

C)You are also letting the client know-informally- that your logo and branding is not unique nor is it special enough to fight for it's autonomy within any known marketplace

D) The last and probably the most important...you are telling the world that you can only produce one type of design solution

The Stupid Stamp doesn't even begin to cover how wrong this situation is. It's the very definition of anti-successful business running. I'm pissed. This is NOT how you keep employees.

Monday.

VIA makemymood

Almost over that Hump

Your resident DJ is back.
Wednesday is here and we all cant wait to get on to our 3-day weekend.

This playlist is about working through the week to have fun on the weekend. I arranged the songs is particular order. The first three song are about the stresses of working. The next two are about cutting loose from that 9to5 and enjoying the time off. The last six are to get you in the mood to take advantage of this city (if you live in it, or your city), get you excited for the summer.

5/20 humpday


thats all.

life lesson:. blog pause.

Ok kids...in an effort to stay honest and increase my ability to help myself...I have decided to share. New York has a 10% unemployment. And I was just recently added to it through no fault of my own. Yes...this blogging fool has fallin victim to today's economy. I'm out on my ass. Living in NY....ridiculous rent....and hours of "free" time.

So...I'm putting this blogging thing on a hold. I'm gonna try to get my life together. If I see something truly inspiring, I'll post it. And more on "being let go" later. Promise.

Oh....and as a side note....when Bush was president....I always had a job. 

Ha! How many of you just lost respect for me? lol

Seeya soon.

This is nothing like how it happens on Madmen.

Sex in your office theoretically seems like a good idea. I mean...it can be pretty kinky and spontaneous and all that. It always seems to go smoothly in pornos. But in real life....not so much. People actually end up catching you. Video taping you. People get fired. And mayhem ensues...even at a liberal work offices around the world called ad agencys.

"It was my cell phone, so my co-worker was snapping pictures with his iPhone and I was taping with my cell phone and there was a third guy who was just watching. It was like the Little Rascals just peeping over the wall giggling and running away and then coming back. It lasted about a good 20 minutes."

-an interview with the actual videographer (a creative with an iphone) of Deep Desk Dickin' 3.

So whats the lesson here?

• If you are going to have sex at work, make sure you have your own office.
  
• The best viral videos involve good content (office sex).
  
• Iphones get you in trouble.
• Switching positions every now and then is a good thing.
  
• Creatives are always the first to get fired.
  

and there are so many more....whatcha got?

Here is the actual video.

Reason why you are not in the video, here.

I really wish I knew what agency this was. I have my book ready...