Design, Products, Technology
July 15, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
“Hey there. Can you do us a favor? Next time you’re in Japan can you pick up a few things for us? K, thanks!
Holy moly, have we stumbled upon quite the treat for anyone with connections in Japan. The product design firm iida, as they explain on their site, “is a brand that proposes products that feel right intuitively, not because they make sense or because you’ve been convinced. It’s a brand that makes your life fresh and more creative, everyday.” So while they’re not innovating how stuff works, they are improving on the way the stuff that already works looks.
Last year Gregory posted about iida’s leafy power cords and since then the company has expanded it’s collection to include not only fun adapters, but cute solutions for keeping your cables and wires in check. All the items below can be found at iida Shopping.
• AC Adapter AO: coming soon for $12 or ¥1050
• Biscuitta: $11 or ¥990
• Cord Router: coming soon for $22 or ¥1980
• Wormy: $12 or ¥640
• AC Adapter Chargy: $20 or ¥1780
• AC Adapter Rangers: $21 or ¥1880
By Sonia Zjawinski”
This story appears in partnership with Unplggd, a site for people who embrace technology and design in their home.
Balance, Design
July 15, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
“I’ve been a skateboard rider for almost 20 years. I still have the urge to ride once in a while, but the only problem for me is getting to a good place to skate. Having a ramp in my living room would make for some great stress relieving sessions I’m sure. And with lots of natural light, I don’t think I’d ever need to leave my house.”
Rod Hunting is a designer/ illustrator and member of the Post Family.
Balance, Design, Technology
July 14, 2010
By Amy Feezor
LA-based artist Treasure Frey draws with pen and ink and paints with gouache and cut paper in little pieces. Her thoughtful, simple (but detailed) work can be seen here—and the music that influences it can be seen right here.
Do you listen to music while you work? I listen to Simon & Garfunkel, Sigur Rós, Explosions In The Sky, The Flaming Lips, Devendra Banhart, Cat Power, Andrew Bird, and Beirut.
How do you listen? From my computer.
Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? I went through a Pandora phase, but now I can’t seem to log on anymore—but when I did. it turned me on to old Hawaiian folk music
Does music influence your work? I think music helps me from not over-thinking my work—it helps me relax. I used to listen to more melancholy music that put me in a more somber mood—I had to change my soundtrack because I found the music was influencing was my work.
Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? My dad was my first to influence my musical taste—he had all the great 60′s music lying around. Now my fiancé is a big influence—he seems to know so many different types of music.
If your work was a song or a musician, what or who would it be? This is a hard question because I have many different styles of art making. I would not want to limit myself to one song or one musician. Sometimes I feel more like Simon & Garfunkel, and other times I feel more like The Flaming Lips.
TREASURE’S PLAYLIST
Waitin’ for Superman, The Flaming Lips
Gong, Sigur Rós
Hoppipolla, Sigur Rós
The Sounds of Silence, Simon & Garfunkel
Remember Me As A Time Of Day, Explosions In The Sky
Santa Maria de Feira, Devendra Banhart
Catch the Wind, Donovan
Ave Maria (after J.S. Bach), Amy Butler & Mary Jane Newman
Sovay, Andrew Bird
He Was A Friend Of Mine, Cat Power
The White Whale, Beirut
A Sunday Smile, Beirut
Images: Treasure Frey
Balance, Design, Products
July 13, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
“My ideal space changes from day to day. New sensory inputs, outside perspectives and friction with my surroundings causes me to focus on things that I wouldn’t normally focus on, or necessarily want to focus on. When such a friction or tension is created between me and my environment, that is when I do my best work, or have the most eureka moments–the very moments that keep me working from one day to the next.
I have my clearest thoughts when I’m thinking as an escape of sorts or a reverie from where I am, or the task I am doing. If I see something or think of something that relates to a far off thought in my head, the unexpected connection fuels my next move. This is all driven by the friction, and going to the same place to sit in the same space everyday, is not much help. At the same time, if I have the motivation, focus and know exactly what needs to be done then isolation from any friction is best.
For my space to be effective, surroundings and situations need to change, but at the same time there must be consistency to make it usable. Otherwise, the same problem will appear each day, and just like going to the same place everyday, that problem will eventually be solved and that solution will become a repeptive task. So how can one’s surroundings challenge yet remain static enough to support your needs. There lies the challenge, and somewhere between a cradle and a war zone; or nil and infinity, lies the solution.
With all of that in mind, projects by Scup(IT) [Architects Pieter Peerlings & Silvia Mertens make up Sculp(IT), they live and work in this space pictured above and below. It is 2.4 meters wide, 5.5 meters depth and 12 meters height. Via Coolboom] and LOT-EK appeal to me. Shipping containers positioned and interconnected in different ways to create an inhabitable space.
I like the simplcity of contruction and the ability to easily replicate the design in multiple locations. The thought of throwing my home/office on a flat bed and taking it with me is appleaing but not very practical, nor as convenient as having one waiting for you wherever you might end up. The main places I find myself working are the cafe, park, bar, studio, in isolation and when I travel, or go somewhere new.
These places can somewhat be replicated in one of each section of the live/work space, and like the project by Sculp(IT) could include: wide open windows and interaction with the street on the first floor, food/drink on the second, sleep/bath on the third, isolation on four, and on top a garden. I would lay it on its side for a mountain or a lake setting.”
Davey Sommers is the Post Family’s resident blogger.
Photos by Luc Roymans via Coolboom.
Balance, Design, Products, Technology
July 13, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
“We’ve been on the go for what seems like ages and haven’t been using our traditional home office. Although we miss our usual double desk set up with all the bells and whistles, we’ve done just fine without it — here‘s a few items that have helped out along the way.
1. Backup Laptop Battery: Even though most places have a spot to plug in or someone with an extension cord willing to lend a hand, we’re more of a lone wolf and would prefer to be 100% independent of everything else. To date, it’s been one of the best eBay purchases we’ve ever made.
2. Privacy Screen Shield: When you have to work on the go, it means the to-do list has to get done right then and there. There’s no waiting to transfer funds in your bank account until you get home and not wanting to share information with strangers next to us (even if we’re just reading other blogs) led us in this direction. It’s simple to apply and keeps spying eyes in all directions off your screen. You can also apply it to your cell phone if you are wanting to cover all bases. We found this one online for just under $50 (on sale), though we’ve seen them in stores for less.
3. Wireless Mouse: Even though some have no desire to own a wireless mouse, we found ours to be particularly awesome when it came to doing more work than just typing out a few emails. When Photoshop or other larger programs are involved, it can save you time and multiple headaches for sure.
4. Proper Cell Phone Applications: It might seem silly to include cell phone applications in this list, but knowing we can do anything on our Blackberry that we can do on our laptop provides sincere peace of mind. If you have a phone with such abilities, make sure to research applications that help control email, internet, passwords and credit card numbers.
5. Converter Plug: For those who might be headed overseas, taking a universal adapter or plug for your electronics is always a good thing. If you’re unsure of which one to purchase, you can wait until you arrive (check the airport gift shop before you leave) or read through reviews on Amazon, but a backup battery doesn’t do you any good if you can’t charge it when everything is drained of it’s power.
6. Concealed Carriers: Though laptop bags are universal these days and many folks are toting their equipment back and forth to work, that doesn’t mean there aren’t those who aren’t looking for an easy score. Before purchasing a laptop bag (or even camera bag) make sure the outside doesn’t look like what is going inside. We use a laptop sleeve inside a typical Jansport backpack that doesn’t look triple padded or even that it’s carrying more than our lunch. Although carrying cases are becoming more sophisticated and able to carry more with extra pockets and zippers, sometimes it’s best to find something more traditional that’s a bit more flexible rather than something made specifically for the task (when it comes to safety).
7. Paper File: It doesn’t have to be much more than an envelope with a strong clasp, but a secure place to put papers is key to keeping track of bills that might not be paid online or important check stubs or receipts that need to be used later on down the line when it comes to taxes. If you’re away from home it’s easy to start putting things in random pockets to keep them safe, but never putting anything in the same spot to be able to find them easily later on.
8. Silicone Pot Holders: This one seems a bit out of left field, but what is a girl to do when her lap board gets packed along with her other belongings and she needs to cool down her laptop while still holding it… well… on her lap. She uses a pot holder, that’s what! We now keep two in our backpack at all times. They help wick away heat and keep things in place when we’re on the go without the bulk of added products.
9. A Dropbox Account: So what if you don’t have a home computer, or it’s in transit with other items (if you’re say moving?). When utilizing computers from your local library, it can be handy to have an account with Dropbox.com to stash all your files in without the hassle of a flash drive or other plug in storage device. It can hold everything from music to photos to files or important documents you might have scanned in.
Are you constantly on the go? What helps you out the most when working away from home? Share a link to your favorite product in the comments below!
(Images: Flickr member MikeCogh licensed for use by Creative Commons)
By Sarah Rae Trover”
This story appears in partnership with Unplggd, a site for people who embrace technology and design in their home.
Balance, Design
July 12, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
“Having worked from my bedroom in isolation for a few years, I have learned two very important things. 1. Physically separating work and home allows your mind to decompress and refocus. Always being ‘ON’ is mentally taxing. 2. Social interaction is infinitely important to healthy growth. Especially when you are in your mid 20′s. So here is how I would handle a live/work concept:
My ideal live/work situation is based on community, shared spaces and a distinct separation between home and work. In this campus, one building is devoted to homes and one building is devoted to businesses both retail and office. Both buildings have shared roof decks and backyards to encourage gatherings. The idea is to rent both apartments and work spaces to people as a package. And ideally these are independent businesses that foster local communities.
By Alex Fuller.”
Alex is a graphic designer and one of the seven members of the Post Family.
Balance
July 12, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
Seven men. That’s who began this design collective. They are based in Chicago and are all artists of one kind or another. I was really impressed with the Post Family story (check out Family Values). There’s something compelling about a group of creative people figuring out a way to work together. It was their design blog that caught my eye and drove me to contact them to see how we could fold the Post Family into Lifework. The idea is simple, really. I asked them to imagine your ideal home workspace and express it in some kind of visual way. A nice broad brief that has thrown up some truly inspiring work. Over the next week I will post work from Alex Fuller, Davey Sommers, David Sieren, Rod Hunting and Sam Rosen. Look out for Alex’s piece later today.
Balance, Design, Technology
July 12, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
Nicola Scott was drawing Wonder Woman when she was 7 years old. And she’s still drawing her. Except now she’s doing it for DC Comics. How do I know? I grew up around the corner from her. We went to the same school and our parents were close friends. I caught up with Nicola on a recent trip to Sydney and couldn’t resist asking for an interview. Instead of posting pics of her office Nicola’s drawn it for us – “complete with fantasy bookcase, my imaginary friend and an enhanced view out the window.”
How long have you worked from home? And where is home? I’ve been working from home, full time, for about seven years now but “home” has changed during that time. I work in the comic book industry for one of the big superhero companies, DC Comics, as a penciller. Essentially, I draw the pictures and right now I’m doing so on the “Wonder Woman” title. Most comic contractors and freelancers work from home, communicating primarily through e-mail, and occasionally phone, with each other and the head office in New York. When I started getting work in the business I was living in New York, where I’d taken myself to specifically try to break in. I spent a year and a half drawing in a lightless basement in the middle of the night, the only time and place could find peace and quiet. When the ball started rolling and I returned to Australia I also moved back home with my parents. Luckily we all got along as I was drawing from the desk in the middle of the living room. Good light though! Four years ago, I moved into my current home, an apartment in Potts Point, Sydney, with my new husband, Craig. I work from the sunroom.
Describe your style? How would you define your aesthetic? Honestly, my style hasn’t really made a strong impact on my work area. We rent, and in Australia there’s a limit to what can be done to a rental. I strive for tidy (not so easy when working with mountains of reference material, paper, rulers, french curves and never ending eraser debris). My personal style, that’s reflected in most of our home, is eclectic. Lots of art, mainly my mother’s and my grandmother’s, and great bits of furniture I’ve found over the years, much of which I’ve refinished in some way.
The comic book industry’s main market are “collectors” so an enormous amount of “collector” merchandise is produced. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be too hard to find for sale, right now, around two hundred different Batman action figures. This is what tends to populate most creator’s work spaces, possibly even their whole homes, but neither I nor my husband, a comic writer, really have a collector gene. He has some Batman things, I have some Wonder Woman things (our favourite characters) but not much and mostly it’s given to us by others. It all lives together on the top shelf of a book case in my work area.
As an artist with deadlines to meet how do you keep your office organized? I’m thinking here of the physical space but also your computer. Are there any particular programs you find really useful? I’m just starting to feel like I’m losing the battle of organization. Definitely needing to come up with some new options. There are two large bookcases in the sun room that house as much of our comics and graphic novels as possible and at any given time up to a dozen of those will be in a pile by my desk for reference. Apart from the art boards I work on, so much of my space gets overwhelmed by paper, for roughs and reference, so I try to be very diligent with getting rid of that. My paper recycling bin gets full very quickly.
Apart from communication and art transfer, I don’t really use my computer for work. I use FileZilla for opening up the ftp site but that’s it. Google Images brings me reference for pretty much anything I need and itunes keeps me entertained while I work.
When you were putting your workspace together what did you keep in mind? Light. I need plenty of light. But not direct light. Our “sunroom” faces South so it doesn’t get any direct sun at all (we’re in the southern hemisphere), but it gets loads of reflective light. Perfect! I also like to be facing the room so I sit with my back to the wall looking out over the room and the outlook from the large windows. It’s a small space and I don’t want to feel cramped or cut off from the world.
Is there any piece of office furniture you covet? One day I want and really big desk. I don’t really need one but I want one so I can sprawl. Obviously I’ll need the space for it, something I don’t currently have.
What is a desk accessory you can’t do without? My light box. It’s a 18’5″ x 16″ desk top Porta-Trace that sits on a cushion on my lap. Can’t live without it!
What would you change about your own workspace? I’d really love to have a whole wall of built in shelves behind me. The amount of immediate reference material needed keeps my favourite art books far from reach. I also feel it would be the best way to store all my materials, files and references rather than in draws.
What do you most love about your space? The lead light windows that separate the sunroom from the living room, letting me feel connected to the rest of the apartment, and the large windows that look out over the street and the trees. It all helps the small space feel bright and open.
What inspires you? What doesn’t inspire me?! As a comic book artist I’m always mentally cataloguing pretty much everything I see, the drape of different fabrics, architectural details, the subtleties of expressions, real things and imagined things. Every time I see something new, even a play of the light, my brain starts to analyze how I might turn that into 2D line art. There’s very little that doesn’t get the creative juices flowing. Nothing more so that the human form. Regardless of it’s shape or size, the human body is endlessly fascinating. And as cheesy as it sounds, superheroes really inspire me too. Their dynamic physiques, heroic body language and bold costumes are so visually stimulating, it’s the very reason I decided to draw comics in the first place.
Balance, Design, Products
July 9, 2010
By Cerentha Harris
Check out this office makeover. Erin Doland from Unclutterer took on the job to reorganize Levy’s home office in the Berkshires. And it’s a great success – as is the way Wired has presented the story. They are graphic design geniuses over at that magazine! We interviewed Erin back in February and you can see her office here.
