March 21, 2011
In
art, communication, creativity, design
A Plethora of P's / #13: "Polka Dots"
Polka Dots … because they’re happy.
February 25, 2011
In
books & stuff, communication, words and language, writing
Author Margaret Atwood's Keynote: "The Publisher's Pie"
Admittedly, I’ve only read one of MARGARET Atwood’s novels ~ but that one book (The Handmaid’s Tale) earned my lasting respect and admiration.
So when I learned that she’d given a keynote talk at New York City’s TOC conference (Tools of Change for Publishing), I was all ears.
Invigorated with her hand-drawings and delightful wit, it’s a rather insightful listen for all writers, authors and publishers (or those contemplating the same) during these curious, unsettled times in the world of books.
PS: And now I’ll be adding more of her books to my future reading list!
February 21, 2011
In
art, communication, design, words and language
A Plethora of P's / #9: "Punctuation"
Punctuation is a really good thing. Without the unsung little darlings of writing and grammar ~ those wonderful marks that emphasize, clarify and organize our words ~ thoughts would run on in an emotionless void, something like this:
Guess what Jimmy won an Olympic medal today were so excited we were all jumping up and down please have Aunt Jane call Jimmy he will like that today he is tired tomorrow will be better okay we hope youre well
Not to mention; using. them (incorrectly) leads? to not ~ ! making sense” :…
So, embrace those practical characters! Discover their charm. Use them with finesse and diligence. Because proper punctuation makes life a less chaotic, more positive, place.
February 14, 2011
In
art, communication, design, illustration, imagination, inspiration
A Plethora Of P's / #8: "Passion"
Passion is an uncontainable spark; it’s the fire in your chest, in your belly, or rising from the soles of your feet … that expands up, around and through, spilling out over the edges of reason. It’s unbridled enthusiasm. It’s love. It’s hate. It’s wonder. It’s joy. It’s feeling alive.
Passion is a gift from the Gods that makes your spirit laugh out loud. It writes symphonies, bakes cakes, throws plates. It discovers civilizations, turns ideas electric, moves us to tears, heals hearts, builds dreams.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! ~ let your passions shine.
February 10, 2011
In
communication, imagination, inspiration, presentation, words and language
JK Rowling: The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination
A dynamic, inspiring speech. Watch the whole thing; it’s truly worthwhile.
<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/1711302″>J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/harvard”>Harvard Magazine</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>
February 10, 2011
In
animation, art, communication, creativity, drawing, illustration, inspiration, presentation
Daniel Pink's Ideas on Motivation, (literally) Illustrated
A Whole New Mind author Dan Pink has another fascinating book out called Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. If it’s as compelling a read as A Whole New Mind, we’re in for a treat.
Based on Pink’s research on science and motivation, originally presented in a TED talk (always worth watching), the illustrated video below is a pretty inspiring treat itself.
I’ll reserve judgment on the content (it sounds good, and some of it makes huge sense…), except to say that it’s thought-provoking and fantastically presented.
February 4, 2011
In
communication, design, imagination, words and language
A Season of Pinks
It’s the month for pink, the color of love, which got me thinking about color.
Which also got me thinking ~ I wish someone would give me the job of naming the new colors that come out each year. You know, all the new lipsticks shades, crayons and interior paint chips. Really, who gets to do that?
Does the fashion-company-president’s daughter sit around a kitchen table with friends and a couple glasses of wine and decide what trendy words will be uttered when asking for the latest pink nail gloss? Or do they hire a design team to consult with psychologists to scientifically determine what will spark the consumer’s emotionally-driven buying fancy this year?
And who decides ~ excuse me, “forecasts” ~ which colors will be “in” for a coming season. Of course all those colors need new names too. Really, I’d be willing to do that. You could twist my arm, and pay me instead of an entire design team/psychologist duo. But, what if it’s the company president’s daughter and her friends… forgot about that possibility. Can’t argue that one, unless of course, they lack imagination.
Maybe I could ask around at Sherwin Williams, or ask someone like my friend Marty who worked in the cosmetics industry for umpteen years. But I’d rather wonder…
Who comes up with Mermaid’s Tail Green, or Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole Green, Old Pickup Blue, or Blizzard Blue, Kinky Pink, Ballet-Slipper Pink, Curious Yellow (although I kinda like that one… as well as Unmellow Yellow)? Then there’s Really Red Red (particularly clever), Violet Groove, or I’m Not Really a Waitress (yes, an apparently fab-u-lously shimmery nail polish).
Seriously, I could do this.
And from Paris we now have spring’s 2011 fashion color-combo trends: Archaic Garden, Underwater Variation, Tropical Dramaturgy (huh?), Enchanted Picnic, Shadowy Shores.
Be still my heart. What would I wear if not for these tips?
I shouldn’t be sarcastic I guess, it just seems so … presumptuous? pedantic? pedestrian? provincial? (just seeing if you’re still reading, and catching the P words…) In all honesty, while “unnecessary”, some of the names are plain fun, and surely we could all use a bit more of that these days.
Plus, you see, we graphic designers get Pantone inks– Pantone 133, Pantone 345, Warm Gray 9. Glorious colors, but with useful, practical, “un-fun” names. (Which is for good reason, don’t get me wrong. Keeps things orderly.)
So, all in all, I think it’d be great if I got a chance to name a season of pinks. You probably would too. Just sayin’.
February 1, 2011
In
art, communication, design
Blame it on Cupid
Yesterday I talked about “presence”… today, “presents”!
But this isn’t one of my “Plethora of P’s” posts (even though presents can be positive too!). This one’s all because of Cupid and his quivering arrow. Or maybe it’s St. Valentine’s doing. Or St. Hallmark’s.
Ah, well, whoever’s responsible, love is always worth celebrating. And since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I put together some gifts over at my CafePress shop for gift-givers interested in something a little different.
Of course you can’t go wrong with flowers. But here’s an idea … you could fill the “52 Weeks of Peace” heart mug with chocolate truffles or yummy bath oils… write a clever, poetic line or two in the love journal … or maybe sweeten up someone’s iPhone. They’ve all got heart … and love … and peace!
And, right ~ flowers would go well with all three. ♥
January 25, 2011
In
business, communication
101 Women Bloggers to Watch
Who knew? I certainly didn’t. But I’m honored to be part of this terrific list of women bloggers culled by WE magazine for women.
I don’t know anyone at WE magazine. I didn’t get an engraved invitation. (And I didn’t have to buy a directory!) I was, in fact, unaware that such a list existed. But looking through the other blogs selected, I’m very pleased to be among them. Go ahead and check them out for yourself.
It’s kind of interesting, really. You’re out there in cyberspace, sharing what feels right to share. Hoping someone may read it. Hoping it might make a difference. Not knowing, really, really for sure knowing. And then one day there’s some validation, and you think, wow, okay, this is nice. You noticed!
WE magazine’s mission is to showcase women, their talents, treasures and expertise. …. Thank you, WE magazine.
January 23, 2011
In
art, communication, inspiration
"52 Weeks of Peace" Notebooks
More ways to inspire peace . . . by popular request, “52 Weeks of Peace” journals are available for the writers, artists and doodlers in your life.
Journals are 5X8″ with 160 pages for composing, scribbling and sketching to your heart’s content. You even get a choice of papers (blank, lines, dot grid or task/organizing)………….. Grab a pen and let the muse flow! (Or toss it in your “52 Weeks of Peace” Totebag if you’re on the go… good idea, right?)