To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly .

-William Henry Channing

Emotional Intelligence

Something I’ve been following for quite some time now is the topic of emotional intelligence and how that is fast becoming a treasured and valued skill in many work environments- very much so in the design industry. Daniel Pink is a fantastic example of someone who is consciously aware of what is emotionally intelligent design, and what isn’t. His book “A Whole New Mind” talks about this urgent new way of thinking which is desperately required in the future that is already taking place now.

Here is a series of pictures from a german ad campaign for a job site that is simply bloody brilliant and a good example of emotionally intelligent design. The copy reads “Life’s too short for the wrong job.”

Beautiful Trash

Designers make the world’s most beautiful trash -Scott Ewen, Emigre Magazine

Picture taken from here, Art Installation by Vincenzo Latronico

As the next round of degree shows start to pop out of street corners, I started to ponder over an issue that was probably the bane of my life back at Central Saint Martins- Beautiful Trash. Mediocre work is everywhere, good work is aplenty. Potentially wonderful work do float around, but powerful work is rare. While tutors push us to explore concepts, ideas, type, layouts and solutions, I struggled as I did not want to produce banal work. Designs whether taking the form of a book, an idea, a poster, an environment- shouldn’t just be a piece of eye candy. It has to provoke and invoke emotions from the audience- be it anger, realisation, curiosity and bewilderment.

Of course there are many levels of an emotional contribution to whatever work we produce, but  I longed to produce intelligent, beautiful work that made someone’s life take a potential angle of disparity from the path they would have taken. As a result, once the academic pressure was over I found that I didn’t just want to pick up a brush and paint, or start sewing a new book. I needed purpose and reason to embark on creating things. I didn’t want to add more rubbish to the world- there is enough out there. The problem about this approach is that most ideas/conversations get stuck in my head and never make it out to paper.

Writing about this, is probably a good start…

Back with a vengence!

Did the graphics for the flipcharts with Pentagram! Such fun!

Snowmen stretching

I woke up thinking about how snowmen would look like stretching…and then you know you can’t ignore the voice in your head to draw how they would look like :)

These handprinted Cards are £2.50 each! Contact me if you’re interested or pop down to the Women’s Library this Saturday where I will be selling them at the Stitch and Tell event!

Backyard Market

Book Du Jour + Special  Guest Anya got together to exhibit/sell work at Backyard Market on Brick Lane…

I sold some book cufflinks (man cuffs I call ‘em!), book disguising covers, book necklaces and limited edition food zines.

Muy Bien! Exhibition with Designboom in Valencia

I went off to participate in Design Week Valencia by exhibiting with Designboom at Mercado Colon, a beautiful olden market place bustling with modern cafes and shops.

I put on a variety of projects which included the sleep book, grains of information, disguise, and the T book. I made some wonderful friends, ate lots of amazing spanish food, and had a great time showcasing and selling work to my spanish audience!

Then I found some lovely spanish reviews of my work..which I don’t really comprehend but I’m sure its friendly :) If anyone knows some spanish.. :)

Review from Cova Rios

A nice mention from this post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valencia baby!

Having a blast at the Designboom Mart 2010 Valencia! Its been wonderful showing work to people, selling, and making new friends. Plus the weather is heavenly….

Hola! aló! jaló! bueno! al! diga!

Downright exciting news! I have been selected to exhibit/sell work at Designboom Valencia 2010, part of Valencia Design Week. *lindy-hops around the room in sheer joy*

I will be showcasing works from my final year project Bibliophilia, with book art and objects for sale. You can see some of my work on my website.

See you in Spain!!

Things on sale!

I’m very happy to have my zines and things on sale at Lik + Neon is situated off Brick Lane. Its a fantastic little shop with possibly the most cats per square meter  in London, so do check it out.

Also I will be having some handmade delights available to buy at Drink Shop Do, a new Design Shop Cafe near King’s Cross. I might even be seen serving a cup of tea or a nice cocktail to you there sometime!

For more things on sale visit my website

As my residency approaches I look forward to getting my hands dirty again with all the delightful inks and substances.

Enjoy the last of summer people!