I love books.

Love love love. Adore. Cherish. Worship. Covet & Lust after.

I also have a VERY strong aesthetic attraction to spiral staircases. [Aside: I once scared off a fellow theatre patron by waxing lyrical about the set design for Bell Shakespeare's Hamlet, and my "thing" for spiral staircases].

So to me, this image…

{ Casa Aquino by Augusto Fernandez Mas, on Freshome, via FFFFOUND! }

…is almost perfect.

Almost.

Why?

I just can’t abide the Eames Lounge Chair (670) and Ottoman(671). Look at it. ‘Tis a boring blot on an otherwise heavenly room.

This aversion, I think, is borne of 5 years working for an architecture & interior design magazine — where I chance upon an image of ‘The Eames’ at least three times a day, usually as prop-furniture in project promo photo shoots — in addition to a lifelong general disaffection for Stuff What Everyone’s Already Got.

Some people (okay, LOTS of people) adore 670 & 671. And I’mma let them finish… but I’m sorry, I think it ruins everything. See, That Chair can even turn this really sweet and interesting poster (full of good intent and fine advice):

{ Graphic-ExchanGE via FFFFOUND! }

…into “Oh. Another pretentious design poster”:

{ image credit: ditto }

Even the ineffable cuteness of Polaroid can’t save this from the Eames Lounge Instant Cliché Effect (patent pending).

It’s just so thoroughly and undeniably… beige (in the figurative sense… unless you buy this one, in which case it is also literally beige, and therefore the definitive definition OF beige).

But to prove that I’ve no deep-seated [oh. Oh that was BAD. Sorry] prejudice against Eames’ designs in general, I’d like to introduce a beautiful new acquaintance I made just this past weekend:

{ via eamesoffice.com. Take special note of the jaunty umbrella and hat. Very handsome; pure class. More chair-lust here. }

Everyone, I’d like you to meet the Eames Time-Life Executive Chair. Designed in 1960 for the Time-Life building in New York. The pair I had the pleasure of meeting — in a severely cool retro-antiques furniture store the quiet country streets of Milton, South Coast NSW — were upholstered in aqua-blue wool tweed, with the smoothest, buttery, faun-coloured suede back and armrests… I fawned over them. I thought they were truly lovely.

This fleeting encounter was an informative one. All this time I thought I was anti-Eames, yet all it took was 5 minutes with two darling retro chairs to prove that this dislike only applies to SOME Eames (Eameses? Eames’es?).

This is a happy discovery, for absolutist prejudice is never a pleasant thing.

Disclaimer: This does not change my feelings re: 670 & 671.

I don’t even like baseball, but this photo rules (ht: ffffound):

*

I’m pretty sure this is shopped, but it made me think how the world would feel a little closer to ideal if I was driving/riding and looked up to see Guernica on a billboard (ht: ffffound):

*

And these, I can’t say anything about these…
(ht: HTMLGiant)

My Google Reader probably trebled in size in 2009. It’s where I get at least 50% of information, gossip, inspiration and ideas on multimedia,  journalism and the future of news. As a Christmas treat, I thought I’d share some of the best blogs of 2009 with you….

Digital Journalism

10,000 words: Mark Luckie’s site is a goldmine of beautifully presented practical advice for digital journalists. His posts have become less frequent since he became re-employed, but each one is still as valuable.

Journalism 2.0: Mark Briggs is bringing out a new book for digital journalists in 2010 – expect it to become a core text on all journalism course reading lists.

Video Journalism

Advancing the Story: Deborah Potter’s blog on video journalism serves the local American market best of all, but it still has useful advice on shooting video and interviews.

Rosenblum TV: Michael Rosenblum’s blog isn’t your standard VJ fare. As the father of the medium, he is determined to see it revolutionised, and is a vocal herald of the death of traditional TV news. He has pitched for funding on an ambitious plan to give out 1,000 Flipcams in New Jersey, and launches a new video academy in New York in 2010.

The Outernet: David Dunkley-Gyimah’s single handedly pioneered the space between video journalism and cinema; his work resembles multi-million dollar Hollywood flicks. As artist-in-residence at the South Bank Centre in London, expect more news/art mashups in 2010.

Video Journalist: Glen Canning’s site offers some great practical tips for video journalists.

Bob Kaplitz: Bob Kaplitz’s blog is a must for anyone trying to get to grips with the basics of video journalism. He’s done what no-one’s really thought to do up until now – use video to teach video journalism. Clever, huh?

Radio

David Elstone: a young news editor by anyone’s standards, David’s posts on practical radio journalism are useful for any radio journalist, especially in the UK.

NewsLeader: Justin King has used Twitter very effectively this year to share advice and tips for radio journalists in the UK and elsewhere. There’s more good stuff on his blog.

James Cridland: just returned from a round-the-world tour of radio, Radio Futurologist James has posted from Canada and the US, where he’s been meeting radio producers everywhere and sharing the future of radio with the rest of us.

Photojournalism

RESOLVE, Livebooks: not just a blog, RESOLVE, managed by Miki Johnson, is also a community of photojournalists all seeking the future for their craft. The After Staff series from summer 2009 is a superb library for anyone who’s been laid off and wants to make it in the scary new freelance world.

The Travel Photographer: Tewfic El- Sawy niftily picks up the best photojournalism from around the world and showcases it. A forward thinking blog, the Travel Photographer also presents new multimedia from photogs.

Lens Blog: The New York Times’ home for photojournalism is a beautiful resource of the best images from the around the world, plus occasional advice from the experts. Great for inspiration.

Writing, Blogging & Thinking

CopyBlogger: possibly the most famous blogger in the world, Brian Clark’s Copyblogger is vital for anyone who wants to understand how to build an audience and avoid boring them with dull words.

Steven Pressfield: a recent discovery for me, Steven’s Wednesday Writing tips not only cover the art of storytelling, but also shares advice on dealing with your own mental resistance and the limiting mind.

Freelance Switch: the ultimate resource for freelancers in all disciplines,  this site has regular articles on writing, getting and keeping clients.

Lateral Action: I have referred to Mark McGuinness’ work several times in the last year, not least because it’s so damn inspiring. If you’re a creative entrepreneur, and want help staying motivated, managing your time or pushing creative boundaries head to Mark. Lateral Action is particularly special because he’s teamed up with Brian Clark from Copyblogger (above) – a dynamic duo if ever there was one.

Career Renegade: also high up on the inspiration chart is Jonathan Fields site Career Renegade. If you’re a journalist thinking of launching your own startup, and creating your own “renegade career”, for Gods sake, read his book first.

The News Business & entrepreneurship

Directors Blog: since setting up POLIS at the London School of Economics, Charlie Beckett has held conferences and given countless conferences on the future of journalism. He has also influenced the future with his ideas of “networked journalism”; his blog today provides academic insight into journalism in the brave new world.

Headlines and Deadlines: blogging from the frontline of regional press in the UK Alison Gow’s blog has insight surrounded by lots of good links.

Killer Startups: every day 15 new internet startups are posted and critiqued. You won’t find any news ones on here, at least not yet, but it’s a fantastic inspiring resource for anyone thinking of going entrepreneurial.

News Innovation: with the banner “new business models for news” you know this blog is asking the right questions; follow it and you might get the answer. In the meantime, its posted some excellent videos of Jeff Jarvis (see below) explaining why the future of news is entrepreneurship.

BuzzMachine: Jeff Jarvis has emerged as the key proponent of “entrepreneurial journalism” and is leading the way in the classroom with his work at CUNY. His blog explains with passion why the future of news is entrepreneurship. Expect more pioneering ideas from Jeff in 2010.

Online Journalism Blog: one of the best sites for analysis on all things digital, Paul Bradshaw’s blog leans towards the often ignored arena of uncovering, analysing and producing data.

Paul Balcerak: from the US, Paul Balcerak sees the future, and then writes about. He shared some of the most creative uses of video journalism earlier this year, and expertly slams down anyone who is stupid enough to resist the future.

Mashable: in the TechCrunch v Mashable war, I am (after trialling both) firmly with the latter. Techcrunchers slate Mashable for just sharing funny Youtube videos, but it covers the revolution in journalism far better and with a much more positive outlook.

The Media Business: Richard G Picard’s blogs are more like essays, but their insight into business models for journalism is profound, and should be on the reading list of anyone thinking of going entrepreneurial. His articles  in 2009 have been shared on countless blogs.

Design

Design Reviver: unless you’re solely a radio journalist you should really exploit the internet’s fantastic resources for visual inspiration. Design Reviver is one of them, featuring among other things, great wordpress themes and photoshop tutorials.

ISO50: Scott Hansen is not only a talented musician but an exceptional graphic designer who shares his own work and those that inspire him. His retro colours and collages are perfect inspiration, and his taste in music is on the ball.

FFFFound: a must for visual journalists of any kind seeking inspiration. A warning though – you’ll struggle to click through the 100+ marvelous designs and photographs from around the world which will filter into your reader.

Multimedia

4iP: it’s always worth following the latest developments from 4iP towers; they are one of the major funders of public service startups in the UK, and their blog provides a good idea of what the latest developments are – and what they fund.

Duckrabbit’s Blog: Ben Chesterton and David White have shown the rest of us how to do multimedia, especially for non-profit clients. When not producing powerful stories for those without a voice, Ben and David passionately blog about the good, the bad and the ugly of multimedia journalism.

Bombay Flying Club: meanwhile in warmer climes, the three talents of Poul Madsen, Henrik Kastenskov and Brent Foster are producing equally gorgeous content for non-profits all over the world. Their blog acts as a showcase of their beautiful work, and is a great inspiration for anyone.

Innovative Interactivity: Tracy Boyer’s seriously on the ball when it comes to using multimedia and interactivity to tell news stories. Subscribe to her blog and you’ll get thoughtful critiques of some quite amazing work which is paving the way towards the future.

A daily dose of all these blogs have filled my mind with things I never thought possible, and work of superb quality. And there’s already room for more…what blogs do you recommend?

I know everyone knows about FFFFOUND!  If you don’t know about it, please acquaint yourself.  Much as foodies look at blogs of beautiful pictures of food,  I look at images of the arts to inspire (and consequently drool over).

FFFFOUND is a great resource for this (an image bookmarker) – a random smattering of images that range from photography, illustration, graphic design and fine art.  Once you decide to click on an image, it takes you to a series of images that you also might enjoy.  Before you know it, you’ve started down the FFFFOUND hole.  You won’t get out of it for a long.time.

This site is an invitation-only to post pictures on it.  How do I get an invitation??

Here’s what six degrees of separation can get you on FFFFOUND!

Start:

Finish:

.

This…

… is a brilliant idea. Before Leaving Check List vinyl wall decals by Hu2 Design.

{ Public Poster Project by Egor Bashakov on Behance Network, via FFFFOUND! }

I abhor, loathe, and dread the niggling feeling that you’ve left something behind somewhere.  Even when it’s just a completely unjustified twinge at the back of your mind all day. But especially when it’s true!

*Things gets more complicated with music players and reading glasses of course. Though I have yet to encounter said technicality, because music lives in the eyePhone, thus killing two birds with one apple seed [it's worth your time clicking that last link, for technological comparison with this, for example]. And these young eyes are working perfectly well, thank heavens**.

**Although if they weren’t, I could always test them out on this awesome type-lovers’ Snellen Eye Chart).

So Im starting something new…YAY last week I did music this week I am going to do images. Its gonna range from Graphic Design, Photography, to Interior Design, or just something really cool! These images or not mine, but randomly found on the internet. Im going to start to with doing 5 today! Let me know your thoughts what youd like to see….This looks like a dream! Especially in this awful cold weather! Ive wanted a hot tub forever and you better believe when I move into a house I will have it:)

Awesome Book Design!!! I had my first real crack at book design and learned some really great things! This childrens book is awesome I think!

Im going to start working with necklaces and fabrics/ribbon soon! I just love the  combination when done right! Keep check the etsy for new stuff!
I just think this is such an awesome idea for package design! Its so simple but clever at the same time! And you immediately get Banana from it!

Lastly I just really like this image, the contrast, colors, and whimsical feel!

Look What I FFFFound

Such a great site for the eyes. The one, the only, FFFFound.

est-ce un “déjà vu”, je m’endors en le regardant?

sometimes i go to ffffound.com and realize that i don’t go there enough.

favorites for today:
love the mwy quote…

I love reading Chris Sims’ Invincible Super Blog when I get the chance and this article on the “Core Marvel Universe” is a testament to that. here’s my favorite part:

In the Core Marvel Universe, the most popular person is a 120 year-old Canadian berserker samurai who has who has been to the moon and was in love with a psychic who destroyed an alien planet and came back from the dead, married to both Japanese royalty and a green-haired terrorist, and had a child with a woman from a hidden region of Antarctica where dinosaurs and cavemen live. When he is not fighting his enemies — most of whom are versions of himself, some of whom have claws made of lasers — he reaffirms his status as as tough-as-nails loner as a member of at least three superhero teams.

Honestly, read his blog if you’re a comic book fan, it’s full of information and funny.

On that note, here’s a really left-field photo, courtesy of ffffound!:

Sometimes you really don’t have to shout it out from the rooftop. Neon signs work just as effectively.

I wonder if anyone will really give me money if I carry that sign around.

Posted on every teenager’s bedroom door. Or it should.

This is my favorite. I should hold up this sign everyday.

I bet this will really make you stop.

I’ll applaud any man who is this honest.

Note to self: start befriending vampires and other nocturnal creatures.

I think the pink underwear says it all.

Pardon my French.

Read the fine print.

Sounds a hell of a lot better than, “Wanna f–k?”

The saddest graffiti.

The wisdom of a paper bag.

Well said, Queen Amidala.

Or until Monday comes. Whatever works for you.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo

Binky Bee

Photographs courtesy of Ffffound.

Just as predicted two weeks ago, I have a whole handful of new obsessions. This is not to say that my previous obsessions from 11/18/09 are no more, it just means these new obsessions are currently in the lead. I still cannot get enough of Gossip Girl (The Thanksgiving episode this week was amazing!) and Ben Folds, but I’ve discovered some new things I’m just as obsessed over.

MY CURRENT OBSESSIONS:

1. FFFFound!

Binky’s Alternate Reality introduced me to this site and it’s been one of my tabs ever since (right between WordPress and Yahoo! Mail). Over the past few weeks I’ve browsed over 1,200 pages of images and saved hundreds into files to use later. This site is amazing, but I’m disappointed that you have to be invited to have a chance to get an account. It’s probably best I don’t have one because FFFFound! already uses up hours of precious time each day.

2. Fleece Tie Blankets

I’ve always wanted to make one of these blankets, but never seemed to get around to it. To my surprise and great pleasure, at my swim team banquet this last Tuesday all the seniors were given one! I’ve had mine draped over my shoulders ever since. Mine’s a ’70’s peace theme with a deep purple back and my name and graduation year embroidered in one of the corners. It’s amazingly warm. If you don’t have one, make one, or find someone who can because you really need one. 

3. The Blind Side

I saw this movie with my mom over Thanksgiving break and I’m in love with it. I laughed, cried, and did this odd laugh/cry at times. The movie was wonderfully made and the whole story behind it is amazing. I’m contemplating seeing it again.

4. Eyelash Curlers

I’ve fallen victim to the idea that eyelash curlers are actually torture devices since I was a little girl walking around with ridiculous eyeshadow on, but I’m happy to say I’ve finally seen the error of my ignorant ways. I’ve  started to use an eyelash curler more regularly, and now I’m addicted to using one. It really does make quite a noticeable difference.

5. Alex Day

I found Alex Day’s YouTube Channel through a post on a friend’s Facebook wall (gotta love technology right?) and became immediately addicted. Alex Day is hilarious. I especially love the videos of him reading Twilight. He participated in this really amazing fundraiser for charity (watch this video to learn all about it). He’s really quite brilliant if you have a spare moment to watch yet another YouTube video.

So those are my current obsessions for the time being. Leave a comment telling me about some of your current obsessions. I’d love to find out something new to obsess over : )

Olá pessoas!  Como todo bom final de mês, abaixo o resultado dos ganhadores das contas do FFFFOUND!

 

Leandro Araújo
Que tal um poster + dvd da animação tipográfica Moths (edição de apenas 100 cópias, assinadas e numeradas) (www.fotologue.jp/lar – Moths)

Leo
Livro do felipe memória, Projetando a Experiencia perfeita!
 
John
I have what.cd

Sofia 
What about present from Russia? (escolhi uma matruska) ¬¬

Julie
tengo invitation para waffles.

 

Parabéns aos ganhadores e até o 5° sorteio!

Det är inte alltid lika lätt att vara en duktig webbdesign- eller fotoelev, och vara kreativ på beställning. Det ska göras nytänkande hemsidor och fotograferas intressanta porträtt. Kriterier ska fyllas och allting ska vara inlämnat i tid. Men för att göra ett bra arbete krävs nu också någonting annat, någonting som i alla fall inte jag använder mig lika mycket av i t.ex. matten eller kemin, och det är inspiration.

Men var hittar jag inspiration när jag har idétorka?

Eftersom olika personer inspireras av olika saker, så finns det såklart flera svar på denna fråga. Man kan ju googla fram bilder, men då måste man på ett ungefär veta vad man söker, eftersom det krävs att man skriver in sökord.

Genom ett tips från en tjej som jobbar som Art Director åt en fastighetsförmedling, fick jag en länk som ledde till sidan FFFFOUND.com.

FFFFOUND.com är en webbsida där medlemmar får lägga ut allt som de anser är grafiskt. Eftersom alla medlemmar tycker om olika saker, så innehåller sidans galleri en väldigt blandad samling av olika typer av bilder, vilket gör FFFFOUND till den (nästan) perfekta inspirationskällan.

Notera att sidan bara är en samlingsplats för grafiska bilder, och medlemmarna bara lägger ut bilder de själva hittar på nätet, och sedan länkar till via FFFFOUND.

Saker som talar emot hemsidan är att vem som helst inte kan bli medlem, utan det krävs en inbjudan. Dock hindrar inte det oss icke-medlemmar från att kika in och bli inspirerade.

Medlemmarnas blandade bildsmak, kan också göra att en del ganska opassande bilder ibland råkar dyka upp på sidan.

Här är några av de bilder man kan hitta på FFFFOUND!:

/Mikaela



i like love when people like my stuff:

http://ffffound.com/image/218d946629f3eac38ba318290e15a559376f1d22

http://weheartit.com is a site that I’ve come across and signed up recently. It’s similar to http://ffffound.com is a way, but you can contribute to weheartit.com not needing an invitation to do so.
So, follow the directions and enjoy!

Subscribe to The Wonderland by Email

(via FFFFOUND)

We are constantly striving; striving for the next degree, the job promotion, or to be better than our neighbor/sibling/co-worker. Contentment is not easily found in a culture that consistently tells you that you need to be reaching that next level in order to find fulfillment. However, if there’s one thing I have learned in my 24 years on this earth, it’s that this race is unending and tiring.

Think about setting your goals toward happiness and contentment in your near future, and see what your surrounding decisions/career choices/relationships look like.

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