Dan was here.

2011-03-21T21:33:00.001-04:00

I caved in. Made the move to Tumblr.

2011-03-21T20:57:00.002-04:00

Seriously reevaluating how I manage my faults. An eye-opening experience, for sure. Here's to making life a better place for everyone!

2011-03-19T10:49:00.002-04:00

Steve Duncan goes through the subway, travels the Lincoln tunnel, and climbs the Williamsburg bridge.

Every day on my commute back home I think about what it'd be like jumping the platform and going through the subway tunnels. I should probably just let this guy do it.

2011-03-14T12:36:00.004-04:00

Could it be fun? It could be fun. Should we go? We should go.

2011-02-20T15:44:00.000-05:00

2011-02-11T12:51:00.001-05:00

The Honey Badger doesn't give a shit.

2011-01-22T17:07:00.004-05:00

EYES+EARS series by Reynard Li. Major crushing on these films right now. When's the third one coming, Reynard?

2011-01-22T16:49:00.001-05:00

Feeling major pride for Boston right now.

2011-01-12T12:13:00.001-05:00

I've pretty much decided that my girlfriend is the best ever.

2011-01-09T14:07:00.001-05:00

2011-01-07T23:27:00.002-05:00

My inspiration for the weekend. I see ya.

. . .

Note to self:
Don't let the great things other people have done distract you from the great things you could be doing.

2011-01-03T22:28:00.002-05:00

This song makes me want to get drunk and jump around on my furniture.

2010-12-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

Seriously, OK Go is the Pixar of clever music video ideas.

2010-12-09T22:21:00.000-05:00

Hip hop. Kim bob. CHAMPION.

2010-12-05T16:25:00.000-05:00

2010-11-27T13:56:00.003-05:00

The one thing I can always, always count on is my family.

That and gangster rap music.

2010-11-25T13:07:00.002-05:00

What every creative feels at times.

2010-11-20T10:08:00.002-05:00

Hello, Scotland. Danny Macaskill rides from Edinburgh to Skye.

2010-10-28T10:51:00.003-04:00

From Andy Chen's article on Design Observer. The piece speaks mainly about how certain AIDS campaigns approach the issue of LGBT rights as something that needs to consistently fight the heterosexual "norm" and whether any significant changes actually become of it. I pulled this excerpt out in particular because the advice given here is so relevant to a lot of other non-profits organizations out there who need to play to the general public.

"In part, this has to do with the disease-prevention premise of slogans like “SILENCE = DEATH” or “Don’t Die of Ignorance.” While powerful at the time they were produced, designs aimed at using fear and shame to compel at-risk audiences to be tested for HIV/AIDS now only redouble stigma. Many LGBT people are already afraid of playing into society’s beliefs about the “unnaturalness” of their sexual orientation and would sooner silence themselves than admit to participation in risk behaviors.

To successfully address these issues, we should not merely aim to prevent disease; we should strive to promote health — that is, the right to a fulfilling, satisfying life free of stigma and shame. The visual language we use to confront HIV/AIDS should empower people to choose lives that are consistent with their own ideals and not merely lecture them to use condoms. On a broader level, this approach invites people to participate in defining what health is on their own terms, as opposed to forcing them to restrict that understanding to the terror and dread of disease.

This is not to say, however, that we should fail to register the sense of loss that accompanies the onset of HIV. Sunny, optimistic campaigns like LIVESTRONG might succeed in raising money for cancer research, but they often fail to provoke real awareness for the struggles that survivors, their families and the bereaved face on a daily basis. The branding approach has a tendency to reduce the complexities of disease to a colorful fashion accessory, emotionally detaching audiences from the stakes of inaction. Particularly with a disease so complexly intertwined with issues of sexual orientation, a wristband or ribbon doesn’t cut it.

Instead, we need to recognize the specific challenges the LGBT population faces, while couching those challenges in a broader, empathic narrative about the universal desire for health. As an example, our designs could tell the stories of young LGBT people who are living with HIV — living on their own terms and not dying on somebody else’s. Instead of emphasizing the link between silence and death, we should draw a connection between openness and life. Being tested for HIV and asking about HIV status before sex should be regarded as an essential part of this openness.

In addition, we need to provide a basis from which non-LGBT people can relate to these stories by making the case that every person living with HIV/AIDS — gay or not — is somebody’s son or daughter and deserves an equal measure of respect and dignity. Broadly speaking, we need to portray LGBT people as part of the collective human tapestry rather than external to it. We need to put a stop to the “us against them” mentality that has typified the thinking behind the previous generation’s design solutions: instead of trying to reclaim words like “queer” in attempts at resistance, we need to get mainstream society to see LGBT people as “human.” Instead of staging kiss-ins intended to elicit feelings of disgust among the heteronormative mainstream, we should strive to create a condition where two men kissing in public is just as acceptable as a man and woman kissing. Social dissent is not more powerful simply because it aims to antagonize."

So, what do you think?

2010-10-27T22:41:00.001-04:00

2010-10-27T10:52:00.007-04:00

Paintings (yes, paintings) by Gregory Thielker. I'm such a sucker for hyperrealism.

2010-10-11T15:43:00.004-04:00

"Mercedes-Benz asks calligraffiti artist Niels Meulman to customize a white Mercedes B-Class with hundreds of women's names to symbolize all the women the Pink Ribbon foundation serves."

Reminds me of that huge mural of red graffiti tags in the Lower East Side.

2010-10-09T20:00:00.004-04:00

Got mad chills watching this. Must be the lack of sleep/food?

Listen to "The Robot Remains: The Remix Collection" by The Bangerz on Grooveshark right now. You will not be disappointed, and that's the honest truth.

2010-10-07T23:27:00.001-04:00

2010-09-28T23:59:00.003-04:00

How can you not fall a little in love after hearing this voice? Priscilla Ahn's The Boobs Song, video produced by The Mighty Fifty.

2010-09-25T05:03:00.001-04:00

Stayed up until five in the morning reading a book, and it feels fucking grand. Where are the other people awake right now who I can discuss this book with? Anyone?

No? Okay, tired now anyway. Goodnight, world. See you tomorrow.

2010-09-25T00:55:00.003-04:00

Friday night video vomit!

I was a little iffy about the last video, until I heard the dirty gangsta beat at the end of the song. Holla at your boy.

2010-09-15T15:54:00.003-04:00

This Typestache poster by Tor Weeks is the bee's knees.

2010-09-01T15:46:00.004-04:00

"When someone says to me, "Only weak people believe in God," I respond with with, "Why? God does not give you only candy. Faith is not always easy. Sometimes living in the name of God means to sacrifice everything, and that takes great strength." My mother

My mom is a strong woman.

2010-08-27T13:20:00.004-04:00

Kawashima Kotori takes pictures of her daughter, "and they are totes presh!"

Seriously though, you have to see these photos. There's none on her site currently, but you can see a bunch at 01 Blog.

And to counter the cuteness, a page from Andrew Laumann's Black Book. Doesn't apply to me, but still it made me laugh. HAHA! My Catholic upbringing, I suppose.

2010-08-24T11:14:00.003-04:00

My favorite piece of the Banana Boats series by Jacob Dahlstrup Jenson. I can only imagine what it felt like to have this bingo moment.

2010-08-20T00:51:00.002-04:00

I'm glad I still get excited about working for ASH, even with all these other responsibilities to take care of. I hope it's not too long before I can commit more time again to the cause. Interested in helping out? Let me know.

. . .

And I made it to two months! Go me.

2010-08-18T09:53:00.001-04:00

The trailer for that Joaquin Phoenix doc is out. And it looks good?

2010-08-17T09:13:00.004-04:00

Um, AWESOME. Work by Everynone.

Words by Will Hoffman and Daniel Mercadante.

Moments by Will Hoffman.

And a couple entries from their General Observations of People project.

2010-08-17T08:39:00.003-04:00

고추 (GOCHU)

This is some seriously heavy stuff. It's heart wrenching.

2010-08-09T21:55:00.004-04:00

Every day, I get to know myself a little bit more.

. . .

For some reason, I feel very special today. It's not because of anything specific, really. Just a feeling. I feel lucky to be here where I am, with what's been given to me, sharing it with the few lovely people I have in my life. It feels nice. And even though there's always something to work on, to wish for, or to regret, at this moment I am content. And ain't that something to celebrate?

To life: Onward!

2010-08-06T02:28:00.003-04:00

Up late, trying to prioritize my life, and my stomach is upset at me.

Settle down there, tummy!

2010-08-01T19:48:00.009-04:00

Via Dadu's twitter. Can you say, "Hell fucking yeah"? Hell fucking yeah.

New work from Olly Moss for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Levi's 2010 Rolling Roadshow Tour, where they "screen famous movies in famous places" for free! These four are my favorites, the other five are viewable using the link.

Damn, I really need to learn Photoshop and how to apply textures...

And if you haven't seen it already, check out his project "Films in Black and Red" on his website; those posters have been all around the internet for a while now, and for good reason. (Reason: they're awesome.)

. . .

Today: Been listening to the Dan Black station on Pandora, so good.

Anyone have any other Pandora stations to check out? Do share.

2010-07-31T17:41:00.004-04:00

Alex Bogusky interviews his dad, Bill Bogusky, about design, logos, crowdsourcing, old school processes, and their times together.

Loved this episode of FearLessQA. An hour spent well, for serious.

. . .

Speaking of dads, this just in: while watching the video my dad texts me, "Broke 90, I hit 88." So congrats to him!

Also, I'm almost finished designing my first product for my current side project, I just have to set it, determine the financing, and how to push it. Wish me luck.

2010-07-24T00:31:00.006-04:00

Grace from gone major. She's sad because I was listening to the Nero Remix of Let You Go by Chase & Status the entire time I was drawing. Oh well, I think it turned out okay.

Starting to spend more time on the project, seeing where it takes me. This was a sketch/concept I tried to flesh out today, what do you think? Still to come: her partner in crime!

2010-07-23T19:18:00.003-04:00

The new videos made for Burn are FIRE. Pun intended? I love this kind of stuff. The subject matter, the film coloring and cuts, the direction of shots, the music, this is my thing! Watch. Now.

Julius Wright. I actually saw this guy on YouTube way back, crazy he's being showcased like this now, so props to him.

Steve Berra and friends in Mexico City. Skaters on fire. Enough said.

Jess Kimura. Half-Japanese, half-Canadian snowboarding chick. If you know me, you'd know that I'm a sucker for girls who board, especially those take it seriously. With that said, only six more months still winter season...

2010-07-22T12:45:00.004-04:00

Kyle Bean came out with some new work, take a look.

"Kyle has been commissioned by Selfridges to create a series of sculptural installations to fill the western "wonder room" windows of their flagship London store.

"Each of the five installations presents alternate incarnations of the same materials, suspended in a state of perfect equilibrium on an oversized set of hanging scales."

2010-07-22T12:19:00.004-04:00

Wow, video games aren't really my thing, but serious props to this one for doing things their own way! Available on XBOX Live Arcade starting today.

2010-07-20T01:05:00.003-04:00

Scathing. What am I getting into?

Truth In Advertising directed by Tim Hamilton.

"Speakers say what they think and not what they should say."

. . .

Haha, this also made me laugh. Fearfully.

2010-07-19T00:20:00.004-04:00

Dope design piece by Hye-Yeon Park.

"On first glance the Mr. Clock has the illusion of having its own personality, it seems to playfully flip between nonsensical configurations of each seven-segment digit. Our expectation is for the digital display to show us the time but this clock rebelliously refuses. If clocks had personalities we must ask “what does a clock do when we are not looking at it?”. But this clock still retains its relationship to its owners, as you walk up close it remembers itself and resumes its time keeping function. It is only when we pay attention to this clock that it responds by telling us the time. In the way it behaves the Mr. Clock makes us aware of our relationship to the objects we use to measure time."

. . .

Tomorrow marks one successful month sans vice! And it wasn't as tough as the first time. Tomorrow also marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. No restaurant job, no more art gallery internship, and pretty soon no more Boston. Basically, it's all open road from here.

Last bit of news. Pushing a personal project of mine, hopefully going live at the end of September. Cross your fingers!

2010-07-08T09:49:00.001-04:00

2010-07-07T13:59:00.001-04:00

Ho. Ly. Shit. My mind just got blown.

Watch more of their videos here. You won't regret it.

2010-07-05T10:50:00.001-04:00

2010-07-01T00:54:00.000-04:00

Yeah. No words needed for this one.

2010-06-30T23:39:00.002-04:00

I'm feeling these shoes, they nice.

2010-06-30T14:45:00.003-04:00

Remember when I posted Pogo's Upular back in December? Well, here's something he did for Mother's Day, and it's just as sick, IF NOT BETTER.

2010-06-28T09:22:00.003-04:00

Sofia Coppola's newest film Somewhere comes out in December.

. . .

Decided on a whim to give up one of my vices again, shooting for at least two months this time. August 20th, here I come.

2010-06-14T11:56:00.002-04:00

Loving this body of work by Emil Kozak. Go check the rest of his stuff, IS NICE!

2010-05-26T23:41:00.005-04:00

Been trying to really push myself forward these past couple weeks. A lot of distractions out there right now, but I'm creating an agenda and sticking to it. It's important that I focus and refocus, and put in the time to do work. No relaxing and no excuses. This is some serious business, people!

2010-05-26T23:27:00.005-04:00

Don't like the campaign, but got to give some credit to the VFX. Look at the detail!

2010-05-25T14:44:00.002-04:00

Oh Wieden + Kennedy, you are so boss.

2010-05-07T11:06:00.004-04:00

Sick, sick videos directed by Saam Farahmand.

2010-05-05T14:47:00.003-04:00

It's stupid, I know, but I wanted to put something up here.

2010-04-18T14:13:00.002-04:00

2010-03-31T14:07:00.006-04:00

The Temper Trap's new video for Sweet Disposition. A little slow (it's the Director's cut) but some great images in here.

And the band's video for Love Lost. Don't know if it's the official one, but either way it's possibly my favorite video in a long time.

2010-03-29T18:28:00.004-04:00

Zodiac crayon sculptures by Diem Chau. For a closer look, or to see her other work, check out her blog. And she also sells other stuff!

2010-03-28T16:25:00.002-04:00

2010-03-26T14:56:00.006-04:00

There's something about discovering beautiful music on your own that makes the heart beat quick. I want to feel this way more often.

. . .

Trying to commit at least a part of every day to cultivating creativity within myself.

2010-03-26T13:02:00.006-04:00

Guess what? You can now watch the entire I'm Here short film by Spike Jonze and Absolut Vodka on their website. So if you have half an hour to spare, head over there and take a look. Whether the story speaks to you or not, it's okay, the music alone makes it worthwhile. But they do limit the number of views per day so go early!

And say what you will about corporate sponsorship, Absolut does a great job at dishing out money in the name of artistic vision and not solely for business profits. I'm Here is no exception to this. I think they understand that what is exceptional or valuable in today's culture involves more than just themselves, and they choose to embrace that fact by backing and even pushing artists to make work by their own rules. And that deserves some respect. I mean, Absolut even let this happen.

2010-03-24T14:24:00.003-04:00

A poster/zine by Kate Bingaman-Burt. Loved this. Want more?

2010-03-24T14:08:00.001-04:00

2010-03-24T03:01:00.001-04:00

2010-03-22T23:01:00.002-04:00

2010-03-22T14:41:00.007-04:00

2010-03-10T21:03:00.009-05:00

New Jay-Z video for On To The Next One directed by Sam Brown.

It's the use of moving wires that got me. And the back-of-the-head shots. And the post-it note background. And the overall lighting, and editing, and framing of the video. And I like the song. Yeah.

And read an interesting article about Sam Brown's experience making the video.

2010-03-10T12:54:00.010-05:00

New work by Mrzyk & Moriceau with Sebastien Tellier for Record Makers.

Sidenote In the many, many years I've been doing the online journal thing, I think Mrzyk & Moriceau are the only artists I've ever posted about more than once regarding different work. I wonder if that's a good or bad thing...

. . .

Have you noticed the subtle update to the layout? I thought I'd brighten this place up a bit. And look, there's even music now!

2010-03-09T11:43:00.006-05:00

Really, look what you've got.

"It's a celebration of everyday objects that we have fallen out of love with. It encourages you to reconsider what you already own and appreciate it in a new light."

You should really spend a little time going over to see the rest of the work. The project isn't necessarily a huge endeavor on their part, but it's clever and meaningful, and the Try before you buy questionnaire just might change your life.

2010-03-08T10:09:00.018-05:00

Ahh yes. Unhappy Hipsters brings together modern architecture photography and lighthearted one-liners and the results are brilliant. And it's updated every day! Here are some of my recent favorites...

"Hide and go seek was only fun when she could find people."

"They found it was the best way to greet the neighbors. Though their throats became raw from shouting “hello,” at least the conversations were brief."

"It wasn’t that he didn’t have the room for a proper table; his apartment was nearly 2,000 square feet. No, he just needed something in his life that fit perfectly together."

. . .

I've recently found it very meditative to leave something inspirational to me here in the mornings. Must do this more often.

2010-03-05T11:35:00.013-05:00

This concept of building neat shapes out of various mundane objects has been done by loads of others, but I always thought Michael Johansson did it best. I wonder where he gets his materials.

2010-03-04T13:00:00.005-05:00

The new Grindin' music video for Nobody Beats the Drum is bananas.

"This sequence of 4085 photos was patiently created by visual artist Rogier van der Zwaag." It was basically done with a bunch of painted blocks, a camera, and about six months of time. Can you believe it? He also happens to be the group's video jockey. You know, the guy who works the big monitors at those types of concerts. Here's a short and very serious documentary on how he did it.

2010-03-03T13:41:00.010-05:00

Oversized latex balloons? Hell yeah.

Hans Hemmert is doing some crazy fun stuff out there.

2010-02-10T09:56:00.008-05:00

My definition of a perfect idea.

Objets Trouves Polaroid Scarves by Philippe Roucou. Want one? Yeah, you do.

2010-02-01T10:13:00.003-05:00

This morning's inspiration!

2010-01-28T15:53:00.004-05:00

Possible logo for a non-profit.

Update:

Another possible logo for the same non-profit.

2010-01-25T16:32:00.001-05:00

2010-01-23T03:14:00.002-05:00

This is going on the wish list.

"BookBook is a one-of-a-kind, hardback leather case designed exclusively for MacBook and MacBook Pro. Available in Classic Black or Vibrant Red, BookBook brings three levels of security to your prized Mac. First, the hardback cover and spine provide solid protection from the rigors of the road. Second, the vintage book design disguises MacBook for superior security. And third, the stylish case protects you from being like everyone else because BookBook is totally original, just like you."

2010-01-22T13:57:00.003-05:00

Naoko Ito's Ubiquitous. I would die to see this in person.

2009-12-30T15:54:00.004-05:00

My mom rocking the blazer and dress as a kid. What a great, great photo.

2009-12-27T17:25:00.011-05:00

"I am a professional dreamer." Philippe Starck, designer.

2009-12-27T11:34:00.003-05:00

Video remix artist Pogo's Upular. Uses chords, bass notes and vocal samples from the movie. What a great way to wake up this morning :)

2009-12-14T23:45:00.002-05:00

"You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She's not perfect - you aren't either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break - her heart. So don't hurt her, don't change her, don't analyze and don't expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she's not there." Bob Marley

Yes.

2009-12-09T23:03:00.003-05:00

New Chromeo video for Night by Night. Dancing rules.

2009-12-09T20:28:00.002-05:00

Few things feel better than having a tidy room, fresh sheets, and warm laundry.

2009-12-02T14:02:00.003-05:00

I didn't know Tom Ford directed a movie. It looks so European. Even though it supposedly takes place in Los Angeles. And it's an adaptation? Ahh, don't know what to think about it.

2009-11-26T14:48:00.007-05:00

. . .

Today, (like all other days,) I'm thankful for...

My parents, who consistently show me the meaning of patience, compassion, and unconditional love. For being true role models that I can aspire to, and for being the steady foundation that I can always count on.

My siblings, who work so hard in realizing their goals, and make me so proud. For being able to put up with me when others probably wouldn't. For laughing at my dumb jokes.

The people who have made an impression on me. The things I find comfort in. The places I have yet to discover. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

. . .

Update: Bleh, I don't even want to LOOK at food...

2009-11-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

2009-11-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

I'm looking for jobs.

2009-10-29T21:33:00.003-04:00

Images by Kareem Iliya.

2009-10-29T21:03:00.006-04:00

Images by Martine Johanna.

. . .

Checking Facebook only once a day. Usually at night. Hopefully this translates into more productivity. (I thought of doing this with e-mail also, but c'mon, let's be realistic here. That's near impossible.)

2009-10-26T01:45:00.001-04:00

What I thought was a crossroads in my life has now become a rotary.

2009-10-23T11:36:00.007-04:00

Another possible logo for the Korean BBQ restaurant. Suggestions welcome!

Update:

After some more edits requested by the owners. What do you think?

2009-10-15T19:35:00.003-04:00

Logos for a new Korean BBQ restaurant. Note: "Bull" means "fire" in Korean.

2009-10-15T19:31:00.003-04:00

The front and back of a postcard flyer for Nile Lounge.

2009-10-15T13:07:00.005-04:00

The Starburst "Contradictions" ad series. Ha. Ha. Ha!

2009-10-14T19:01:00.004-04:00

The hokey music playing, the excessive amount of replays from different angles, the woman screaming "Woo!" each time, all make this clip hilarious to me.

The shot is pretty sick too.