Don’t pull the plug!

For the past two going on 3 days I’ve felt something was missing and that’s because something is, I‘ve been without my trusty iPhone for the past 48 hours and it’s not a fun feeling. What I’ve learned from this is how plugged in we are and how powerful mobile is, at the moment my social interactions are limited. If I’m on the go I cannot interact with anyone between points A & B. No phone calls, emails, tweets and I can forget about using any location-based GPS apps like Foursquare! I’ll probably lose mayorship’s because of this mishap?!

I thought in the spirit of research for all you designers I would like to ask that others experiment with the idea of not being “plugged in”. Put your mobile phone away and try to resist using it for the rest of the week. I guarantee you that you will feel a sense of disconnect and will experience uneasiness. You really do not realize how addicting mobile can be until something like this happens.

I’m quite confident that I will reunite with my iPhone and feel a sense of wholeness once again, but until that happens I must say that it sucks plain and simple! I probably used it so much that my phone needed a well-deserved vacation and decided to get up and go. So iPhone until we meet again I bid you a fond farewell!

The Friendship Effect

The Age of Social

It recently occurred to me today during my morning commute that we all posses the most powerful social media platform, it’s not an app located on our mobile phones or tablets that needs to download. This powerful platform I speak of is friendship real friendships that live outside of the digital landscape.

As I look back on the past year (2011) at how many new friendships I’ve gained through social media it’s pretty awesome to say the least. Social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & Foursquare among others tend to initiate or strengthen these relationships which continue to foster outside of the space. But I think it’s important to note that as good as we can be navigating the new pretty interface of the next app, gaining followers & sharing content, we have to continue to practice our skills of communication when we are unplugged. Don’t be mistaken being social offline is just as much a skill as it is to be in the digital space maybe more so.

Carry on the conversation

You might be surprised to find out what you’ll learn in a f2f meet and greet. All of the little subtleties that articulate when carrying on a conversation, funny, charming, serious etc… These things you cannot experience when tweeting or leaving a wall post. I was fortunate I gained my social skills from playing in a band, touring around the world and going to clubs and that carried over into the social media world.

I’ve met some smart cool people that I’ve learned from because of social media. Social Media was the first initial connection, but when you really break it down it’s intended to be a tool to stay connected. In addition it’s better not to limit social interactions solely to the online space. So while it might be cool to have tons of friends online be sure to strengthen those relationships offline as well because these skills will not only carry over when talking about friendships but also career wise as well when interviewing for that next awesome gig.

Six Degrees of Separation is Obsolete

I’ll tweet you later

Almost everyone I talk to these days are on Twitter, I don’t think it’s necessary to explain what Twitter is as it’s well known. If you are unfamiliar with the social platform chances are you’re not so social when it comes to online. In any event I started to contemplate that old saying of everyone is separated by six degrees. Not anymore! I think one of the best features of Twitter that attracted me to the platform is the flexibility of being able to follow anyone and have a mutual exchange of tweets with that person. And the best part is you don’t have to follow someone in order to conversate, if a tweet catches your eye and generates you to respond you can do so and move on; or you can choose to follow if you like the content they share.

Unlike the Facebook platform in which you need to friend someone. Twitter has really opened the door for all of us, whether you’re looking for the next gig (first in my case) or other interest like following your favorite movie star.

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

The origins of the above quote aren’t really known I believe FDR included it in one of his speeches? But I really like Stan Lee’s quote better (being a comic book fan/artist myself) used in Spiderman from Uncle Ben.

Now more than ever we need to heed those words as the digital landscape becomes more transparent and all content is retrievable. So don’t be annoying or stalk your interest or recruiters because that’s not cool and you will quickly burn bridges or any chances you might have had. But by all means feel free to be social though and contribute content that is meaningful or helpful to those who share a common interest. I enjoy speaking with friends via Twitter sharing content and seeing how their day unfolds. So in conclusion “Six Degrees of Separation” should be put to rest, long live One Degree of Twitteration!

The road traveled

Navigating for inspiration

Visiting sites for ideas is one of my favorite things to do early in the morning, I’ll grab a cup of coffee get in front of my laptop and look at various design trends, fonts and dive into code. As someone that likes to develop and design it’s necessary to stay relevant and current with the new hotness as far as web apps go. Here are a few cools sites I’ve been recently checking out:

• SiteInspire
• design/array
• CSS-Tricks
• The Verge
• .NetMagazine

The last two above are really more for staying on top of what’s going on in with tech at the moment.

Man what a Year

As this year quickly comes to a close I have to look back and marvel of how far I’ve come and how much further ahead I must travel. As someone looking to become a full time developer it’s been one hell of a ride. I’ve hunkered down and coded my heart away, racked my brain with multiple design concepts in Photoshop and Fireworks. Made it my priority to create for the user and their experience in mind. Fiddled around with fonts and getting a feel for using the right font for the right content and design (design with content in mind). Interface overhauls and everything in-between soaking up as much knowledge as my mind would allow, and then did it some more in preparation of rolling out my site soon. It’s way over due!

Which way to go?

There are some who are unsure of the role they want to play and that’s fine, it’s perfectly OK to feel your way around as to what you would like to do ultimately and that’s the process of finding your niche. My foundation will always be grounded in design but I’ve made the decision to be a front-end developer. If you think for a moment devs (a good one) need to know design regardless being they work in Photoshop in order to prepare assets used when building out applications. So that’s a no brainer there! So I’ve jumped in with both feet getting more into complex code and applying it to my work. It’s been be a bit nerve wrecking but exciting to say the least.

Strip courtesy of I Am Paddy

The show must go on!

Anyone knows that what you would love to do for a living/career is not easy, nothing comes easy that’s worth doing. So with that thought in mind I continue making connections and becoming friends with others who share my passion and continue to push forward in my studies. I’m looking forward to becoming apart of a great team someday and sharing what I’ve learned as well as learning from them.

For now peace out two fingers. : )

Living on the Edge

Recently I attended Adobe’s “The Expressive Web” here in NYC. The event was held at The Hudson Theatre and it was jammed packed with designers and developers waiting for the big unveiling of Adobe’s Edge.

Let me back up for a moment, previously the night before the event was to take place Adobe released a downloadable Edge preview. I have to say that if you’re familiar with their products, Edge reminds me of After Effects even though some people say it resembles Flash? I just don’t see that tbh.

Getting back Adobe asked that we show up with laptops in hand, which lead me to believe this was going to be a hackaton to my dismay it was not to be. Tons of industry professionals were on hand to talk about HTML5 and where it will lead us as far as the web is concerned.

The first guest speakers talked about The State of the Web w/Dion Almaer & Ben Galbraith from Ajaxian. They gave good insight as to the direction HTML5, CSS3 will take us in creating beautiful content for the web. Afterwards was a tutorial lesson on Adobe’s Dreamweaver CS5.5 and HTML5 & jQuery Mobile w/Greg Rewis, showing a step by step approach to creating web & mobile sites.

Next we get into the juicy stuff the grand unveiling. Adobe’s Edge Demo and Open Discussion with – Mark Anders and Doug Winnie. This was the moment us designers and developers were sitting on the “Edge” of our seat waiting for (pun intended). First I have to admit that the crowd had mixed feeling as to how useful Edge would be, Edge is made to be very flexible while giving the capabilities of creating motion graphics without writing any HTML code. Kind of funny when you think of it, here we are sitting at a conference to talk about how HTML5 will change the way we work, yet we are here to talk about a tool that empowers a user to do away with writing code.

As a designer the moment I glanced at the Edge interface I was already familiar with it being that I have experience with After Effects & Flash. There is some differences as there always is for instance easing is not accessed through a menu bar, in-fact you must select the objects timeline in order to get the easing property. I also noticed and I asked this question to Adobe’s Mark Anders, Edge doesn’t have a Z property therefore no 3D capabilities. This doesn’t mean that you cannot still tweak the x &amp y property to mimic 3D, it just won’t be true 3D. Mark Anders displayed some of the current capabilities Edge has to offer easing, drop shadows and more.


As I played with Edge I also noticed that Edge cannot (@ least from what I can see) alter a path like in After Effects or Flash. I assume as HTML5 develops further that will be possible. Also another draw back to Edge would be the importing of assets, when importing multiple assets you can only do one at a time which can become a bit tedious depending on how many assest you need to work with. All imported assets are automatically wrapped in a div tag which is pretty cool. As of now Edge does not support any coding capabilities but Adobe is working on that, in the menu bar under window you’ll see an editor which cannot be accessed at this time. This editor once complete will probably convince more hardcore hand coders to try Edge and not feel as though it’s a tool for completely cheating when it comes to developing HTML/CSS.

Adobe did make it a point to mention that even though HTML5 will continue to grow in popularity when it comes to creating web content, but they also wanted to make a point for all not to misunderstand them in regards to thinking HTML will kill off Flash. Adobe said even though HTML5 CSS3 is expected to make big waves in the future as it continues to develop and improve, Flash is still very powerful and useful in creating interactivity. So it seems that Flash is not going anywhere any time soon. Adobe is smart in acknowledging the possibilities of HTML5 and placed themselves in a sweet position. They continue to back up Flash’s reliability even though not supported on mobile iOS devices such as iPad or iPhone etc… But they also have a tool that will work across all platforms ensuring that as a business will keep them in the forefront of tech.

While most people were there to see what Adobe had cooked up with Edge, I have to be completely honest I was waiting for the next presentation the most. One of my favorite digital agencies was about to speak and I was like a kid that was just told we are going to Disneyland. Big Spaceship’s head developer Stephen Koch was up next and I was all ears! Big Spaceship was approached to develop a site showcasing HTML5 CSS3’s current capabilities as it relates to the web. Stephen presented The Expressive Web Beta It’s a brilliant site that displays how different aspects of HTML5 works, some features include HTML5 canvas, video, form, audio, storage, CSS3 web fonts, transitions, transforms, shadows, queries, gradients & animations.

He also spoke about Big Spaceships creative process and structure or lack thereof. Big Spaceship doesn’t believe in working in silos which for me is very refreshing to hear and I’m a firm believer in this process. Big Spaceship consists of multiple teams each team has it’s own identity for-instance one of the teams name is blood turkey, each member of that particular team created a hand print on paper resembling blood hence the name. Stephen goes on to tell us that each team consist of 3 designers & 2 developers, they all sit side by side or back to back at any given moment of an engagement’s process they can turn to each other to solve any problems that arise, or contribute any new insights or ideas working in true collaboration. This ensures a nice natural flow in the creative process, if a designer runs into a development wall they can ask a developer to assist or vice versa, if a developer has a design problem the designer can take over the reigns for a bit.

Stephen also pointed out another important piece of information, he said that designers need to learn code! I wrote an earlier blog post touching on this subject. He stated that any designers that work closely with developers should take the time out to sit with a developer and have them teach you some code. It also goes without saying that developers would be smart to learn as much as they can about design as well. So any teams out there start learning from each other, you will only benefit in the long term, I know that’s what I plan to do as a designer learn as much code as I can.

If you would like to reach out to some of these individuals feel free to contact them. Stephen Koch @skoch (twitter) or via his Posterous blog komielan. Dion Almaer @dalmaer Dion Almaer’s Blog Ben Galbraith @bgalbs Ben Galbraith’s Blog Adobe website download Adobe Edge preview here @ adobe labs

Looking through the eyes of a Googler

So recently I’ve visited the Google offices here in NYC for their hackaton and I must say it was awesome! First I was shocked to learn of the location of the office nestled in a building that I’ve been to a million times and never once had a clue or indication that Google was located there. It’s so exclusive I might have as well have been visiting the CIA. Upon getting by security and climbing a deceivingly dingy rusty staircase that looks like it leads to a garbage dump I ascended into heaven or the garden of Eden you could say. Upon reaching the top of the staircase you’re greeted by a glass wall with an electronic lock on the door, no surprise there its Google remember. I entered the reception area which has an awesome masonic piece of the Google logo (see pic), also included is a waiting area with comfy couches and flat screens loaded with what else but Google TV.

The office is huge and occupies an entire warehouse floor, it’s laid out like the map of Manhattan. When you enter the doors the location starts in Brooklyn and moves uptown going through each neighborhood until reaching the top (Washington Heights). They have anything you could possibly want delicious food, awesome toys (ping pong, Lego room) and you can ride scooters everywhere.

If even given the chance to visit the office or better yet work there, I highly recommend it!! It quite awesome being surrounded by people from other agencies who are smart creative and enjoy innovating new useful applications for the web. I know when the new one rolls around I will be ready to head over again and work to my heart’s content!

Companies who block Social Media are hurting potential business.

I have to wonder why some companies/agencies would ever consider shutting it’s social media doors by blocking it’s empolyees from socializing with the outside world?

Any good agency knows that in order to grow it’s business or brand it needs to stay connected to others on the outside, it brings us back to that social media bubble I spoke of in past entries (see google+ circles=bubbles?) by not allowing new ideas or interactions you’re just killing your brand slowly. Our society thrives on being social with sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and now Google+ why wouldn’t you want your employees to market your company’s brand? This reminds me of My good friend and co-founder of RobRobCreative Robert F. Peterson (@robertfpeterson) blogged this very subject in his blog It’s a (M)ad World. Robert writes in Employees, the best marketers he states “For a long time I have preached that your employees are the best marketers and marketing strategy you could invest in. When you love your job, which seems to be rare in most cases today, you love to brag about the company you work for and how great they treat you.”

Ah ha! therein lies the problem, most cool agencies or places you would love to work at don’t wouldn’t have a problem with their employees being connected to the outside world. A happy employee will boast about how cool or fun it is to work at X company just as long as they are appreciated and taken care of, that kind of employee is loyal and will work hard for you. So after mentioning that it makes you wonder what exactly is a company saying when they block employees from such sites? What does a agency like that have to hide? This kind of action speaks volumes about a place without any words. It can be perceived that management has a old way of thinking and is not innovative or up to speed on social, doesn’t trust it’s employees to speak about their experience at the company probably because they realize they don’t treat employees well and might be spoken of in a negative light. A negative culture is not a healthy place anyone would want to be. Employees should look forward to going to work and look forward to a new day of exciting possibilities.

As the other co-founder of RobRobCreative along with Robert we strongly feel that anyone who comes on board our team is given the right to enjoy themselves and have fun, in-fact we prefer that they do. Of course we work hard at concepting new ideas and innovations, it’s only fair and right for team members to enjoy themselves as well. Work hard play hard. Taking part in fun activities can sometimes lead to new ideas, you can never know where a brand new idea might emerge from or an innovation on an existing one.

FYI any new team members must learn this in it’s entirety prior to joining the team. This will give us the analytical insight we need to make an informed decision.
https://www.youtube.com/v/pQpTf2wuuno?version=3

Additionally social media is an extremely powerful tool that companies/brands should take advantage of. It can be used to connect with future customers or possible partnerships this can only help a company generate more business. But for this to happen the company must remain constantly social, customers are smart and can spot rubbish from far away. As a company looking to speak with consumers you must carefully inject yourself into their conversation, speak to them as a friend not someone looking to sell a product, be sincere. Consumers are more responsive to brands that get it.

Think!

Hello Comrad!

You commie bastard

I’ve learned quite a few important lessons these past few days. I’ve learned in order to have an awesome creative team at the root of it must be trust. Trust is vital to success, some of the best creative shops encourage a culture in which everyone gets along and can fully trust each other. These are people who you spend more time with than your own families! How can one create never before seen creative if you can’t trust someone on your team?

I can sense a strong camaraderie when I check out other agencies and see how they interact with each other. And that’s the kind of shop I would like to be at, people that I know will have my back till the end-who will walk into the fires of hell with you with a smile on there face.

When choosing members of a team, everyone must gel together like a well oiled machine, like a transformer (I’m fond of the deceptions). The camaraderie should be strong. I mean you will already be faced with tons of challenges from the outside (client pitches, new business), why introduce them within the team and self sabotage?

There’s no way a creative team can function to full capacity when there’s a weak link. Just as the saying goes “your only as strong as your weakest link”. I look to surround myself with positive people that I can trust, not someone that when I turn my back I’m going to have a Rambo knife stuck in it.

To all the cool agencies out there who have members that cherish each other, you’re all cool with me! Continue to nourish this because it’s special. Keep rocking!

What’s going down in DUMBO

The weather is getting warm (when there’s not a storm that springs up from nowhere), and the brews are a brewing which can only mean one thing. Digital DUMBO is here! Digital DUMBO is an event based in Brooklyn, NY. DUMBO which stands for down under the Brooklyn Manhattan overpass is a flourishing hot bed for digital agencies, some start ups and others who moved there or have been at this location from the very beginning. Some say that DUMBO is today what Soho (Manhattan) used to be a few years back, a place where creative types could congregated and form a strong community. Digital DUMBO is different in that it’s known for digital agencies as opposed to its predecessor the traditional agency. This is the hot spot for the current trends of innovative immerging technology(s), it’s also a place that facilitates idea exchange and a platform for education in the community.

Digital DUMBO is currently organized by Andrew Zarick (formally of The JAR Group & now founder of 100 Best Rap Songs) & Kaitlin Villanova (Carrot Creative), who regularly hold special events sponsored by contributing agencies. Their events are always full of fun, laughter and plenty of silliness, they tend to have a theme like the last event held Ready.Set.Sumo sponsored by RFI Studios (Ruder Finn).  These events are perfect for letting loose after all the days of buckling down to meet client needs, it’s also a perfect opportunity for upcoming creative talent to network and make some new friends which is priceless, not only the experience but the entry as well.

My experiences here have thus far been pleasant, from the great music provided, the awesome loft space to die for (wouldn’t mind living in this space) and not to mention great food coupled with beer and wine. I’ve made cool new friends whether they be developers, designers and even a lawyer who still owes me a sumo match. I plan on continuing to frequent Digital DUMBO for the fact that I like being surrounded by like minded individuals who you will be in great company with.

On another note, if you’re ever in the area be sure to visit the local bar Superfine for good food drinks and pool.

Notable mention of DUMBO agencies are:

Big Spaceship

Carrot Creative

Huge

Brooklyn Digital Foundry

Domani Studios

Freedom+Partners

HUSH

Purple,Rock,Scissors

Space150

LBi

The JAR Group

Etsy

Snatching Mini’s

This post will be an ongoing themed post involving BMW’s Mini Cooper. I just loved this car so immensely that I had to blog about all of the different designs I’ve come across. The way I see it the Mini Cooper is today’s newest version of the other guys small vehicle.

I thought this was an interesting, displaying a mini inbetween two “normal” sized vehicles.

I caught this shot while walking down 5th avenue.

Signed sealed and delivered! A gifted wrapped mini on Wall St.

Here is a shot of the same mini dealership on Wall St. with a reflected image of myself.

I found this mini in front of Macy’s on 34th Street. This one has been the most creative display of a mini so far that i’ve come across. You can really feel as if you could shake it.

I passed this mini on my way to Washington Square Park, it was sitting right outside of the building that Kate Hudson came out of in the movie How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days.

This was in Grammercy Park, I liked how the bicycle was sitting right next to it as if there was a story to tell.

Here’s another shot of that same Mini.

Spotted a red one on the opposite side of the street while walking to WSQ.