I dig these insights into project management by Rachael Hunt from Hi-Res. Via Surfstation.

Posters from The Heads of State

Speaking of America… those outstanding designers at The Heads of State have released this wonderful series of travel posters highlighting some of America’s greatest cities. Only thing its missing is a Nebraskan representative. I nominate Weston.

Via.

Wieden + Kennedy has a new episode of their D.I.Y. America series online. This one is about skateboarding and selling out.

I’ve been a fan of Kelsey Brookes for awhile now and this video is a great peek into his story. He’s an inspiring artist, not only in his work, but also in his attitude.

…because making is part of things.

Years ago, when Justin and I started putting together the first version of The Match Factory, we had this phrase that we used as an answer to why we are doing this. “…because making is part of things.” This awkward phrase really stuck with me. It captures the spirit of open-ended discovery without heavy-handed goals or judgments.  Why do we make stuff? Because making is part of things.

We both recognized early on that a workaday lifestyle could leave you feeling too focused on measurable goals and results. For the most part, design is about solving a specific problem. Art, on the other hand, can be more about personal expression. In an effort to walk the line between the two, I try to make time in my schedule for random acts of making. The images in this post are examples of time spent messing about. I think of them as design debris, lingering residue from thoughts and projects. Doodles and leftovers or something like that. Nothing really “good,” but then again, making something good isn’t really the point.

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I love these maps by Raven Maps & Images. I’ve always had a deep respect for mapmakers. The level of detail and exactitude that goes into a map is a staggering task in my mind. Also, having seen enough shitty tourism maps, I’ve come to respect a well-made map. The Raven maps are designed by Allan Cartography and I love the warm colors and exquisite detail. Via.

Here’s a great video of Thomas Campbell preparing for his October 2009 exhibit Copenhagen, Denmark entitled “Ummmm.” I’ve always loved Thomas’ work but I think what I like almost as much as the finished product is his lighthearted approach to making. He’s a maker, a doodler, a sewer, a surfer… its just an inspiring way of life and this video does a great job of capturing it on film.

“Hearts of Darkness” is a 1991 documentary (available on Netflix) about the filming of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 film, “Apocalypse Now.” I think I saw this documentary when I was in college. Perhaps when I was living with Kruiser. At the time I remember thinking that it was pretty awesome how insane everyone went while making “Apocalypse Now.” I recently re-watched this documentary and my reaction was pretty different this time around. What really stuck out this time was Coppola’s crushing self-doubt, something I find easy to relate to, and his resolve and persistence. The message that I took from it was that you have to finish. When working on a creative project (and I don’t just mean “creative” in that typical sense, I mean creative in that you are trying to solve a problem) you have to push on and finish. Even if it feels like your work is utter shit and the whole world is going to laugh at you. You have to finish.

I think that one of the things that get in the way of this is our inherent uneasiness with the unknown. As soon as we become fearful about what may or may not happen, the doubt creeps in and diverts us from our goals. Sometimes I guess you just have to  take a closer look at that fear and find peace with being unsure. Or maybe you just need to get wasted in a hotel room, punch a mirror and howl at the moon? (The scene above is of Martin Sheen filming a pivotal scene that sets up his character at the outset of the film).

Anyway, “Hearts of Darkness” is a great documentary and definitely worth checking out, regardless of how much you like or dislike “Apocalypse Now.”

Photo © New York Times, by Damon Winter

NY Times: Photographer’s Journal – Double Exposures.

A friend of mine sent me this a few weeks ago. It was put together back in September of 2008 and I really like Damon Winter’s work and commentary. I always love hearing “behind the scenes” stories and learning about the processes that artists use in their work. Sit back and enjoy.

Charting The Beatles

Who doesn’t love a good infographic? That’s right, nobody doesn’t love a good infographic! Michael Deal is making a great series of infographics dissecting different aspects of The Beatles’ career. Not only are the graphics themselves quite beautiful, the information is fascinating as well.