Hello people! I've found a job and been working there for couple few weeks. Things are not exactly back to normal pace yet. I have to admit that I struggle to fit in with the new job. Although, lucky enough I work with very nice small team (which all about same age as me except my creative director). And… the studio located in one of the very expensive suburb in Brisbane, it's at Racecourse Road, Ascot (they even have their own website for their street -_-). It's a minute a way to the Portsidewharf. It's so unbelivable to see the lifestyle of people who lives around the area. The caffees seems always packed with the locals early in the morning. I see lots of nice houses too, even a real big one with lots of security camera and gates >_<
I am dying to try the local French Bakery, Le Bon Choix. I will post photos when I made it. Some handmade fudge shop has sucessful enough bribing us with free fudge samples. I was going to get some of them, then I just realised they actually gave us $40 worth of fudge for free!!! So it's actually $4.50 for each small piece 0_0 On second thought, I don't think I will afford to have them again T_T The lemon meringue was such a delight. Check their website to see their other delicious flavour, Btempted.
The downside is longer travel for me… sigh… The job it self, it's been a challenge and I do love it. It's definitely would be something that help me grow to be a better designer. I do find my self stressing out from time to time, just because I am worried to meet the deadlines or do a fab job on it.
Other highlight:
Visited LUSH store on the weekend, my friend was looking for a shampoo. But, I ended up getting my self a free sample :D it's named Curly Whurly, coconut based shampoo for dry hair. Has anyone ever using LUSH hair products?
Finally, I satisfied my craving for Frozen Yogurt this Sunday. I simply couldn't stop thinking about it after having the famous Sour Sally, back home at Jakarta. Their branding is awesomely great and it's business is actually 100% Indonesian owned. The CEO surprisingly is about the same age as mine. Sadly it has not been franchised outside Indonesia. What do you think?
Have you guys read Monocle issue 31? Brisbane city architectural was reviewied in 2 pages long article :D So now, I can proudly say to everyone that I live in that city (BrisVegas).
Love life… is definitely in draught :D not until recent incidents, that I have become a third person that nearly cancel someone wedding/marriage… sigh… Honestly, I sincerely don't care since I don't think I was the problem… I think they have something to talk about before taking more serious step. Relationship is one thing and Marriage is another thing. In my mind, I only miss that particular person… that in recent weeks, I don't even hear a word from him… sobs sobs sobs… Wherefore art thou?
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Cover design: You can’t take it with you
You might be wondering what sort of design have I been doing. Well, it wasn't entirely exciting, since I worked in publishing that specialise in academic text books and trades. But as a designer, you really need to take the opportunity to always have fun. Otherwise, everything is going to be dull and boring. Playing around is what we do as designer to keep our creative minds alive :P
Let me show you one of my favourite cover that I worked on. Although, in the end, it wasn’t quite the perfect cover I wanted to be. But hell yeah, I had fun and that’s what important: The process.
You can’t take it with you is a trade book about managing your wealth before you go to the better place. It provides advices on how to make a good will and etc. Above is my first concept. I like it how surreal it looks like. Everyone at the studio had a chuckled about this cover. The concept is about heaven and earth. The man with white suits, which reminds me of Morgan Freeman at Bruce Almighty movie. He is either being happy for what he have done or was looking back his life with regrets. I guess, you need to read the book if you wanted to be happy and RIP.
After reassessing the cover, I decided not to send through the first idea. So came up with the second one. This is relates about travelling. Mind you, this book is only for Australian market thus there’s some Australian icons incorporated in the cover. I thought this was pretty darn good and would hit the jackpot! But sadly, turned down by the publishing editor. They completely dislike the travel angle since it could be misleading as a travelling book. They got their points.
So back reworking the cover again. Received their suggestions, this is pretty much what they said “try to make it more simple like just pen and paper. Or look death in more metaphorical sense, perhaps a road leading into a white light”. Oh, how hard could it be (yes, it’s very common to receive a contradict comment. At this stage, they are desperate to get the right cover. They pretty much don’t know what they want). Luckily, I still had my patience and I was actually getting more excited. Hmm… a road leading into a white light… Aha! This is what I came up.
Remind you of something? It’s from Mr. Bean opening title. I really like it a lot, it’s brillant! Stronger than the original concept. I came up with more ideas, but they weren’t great. It was just showing what they’ve asked for.
But it wasn’t there yet. So I went to do more traditional approach, searching for stock photos. Then this came along. For the last draft, I only sent this one cover and they LOVE it! Even the author was so pleased. It wasn't the most exciting cover but it's an appropriate cover for what it meant for.
The rationale: Letting go ballons is certainly becoming a more common ritual at funerals. And there are plenty of other ties such as 'letting go'. It’s probably more common at younger people's funerals, but we are banking on the fact that most people don't think of themselves as old or near to dying. And a prime market for this book is definitely the 30s and 40s with young kids. Since Many of these parents probably haven't already done a will. (I am on mid 20's and I’ve already got my will and my self insured. Although, I just wish I had my income protection insurance as well, sigh…).
ps: this post had been on a draft for ages, since 10/02/09. I just haven't got the time to post the images yet. And, just incase it might cost me loosing my job :P But you know what?! I already HAVE!
So what do you think? Tell me your opinions? Should I put the whole process into my portfolio?
Let me show you one of my favourite cover that I worked on. Although, in the end, it wasn’t quite the perfect cover I wanted to be. But hell yeah, I had fun and that’s what important: The process.
You can’t take it with you is a trade book about managing your wealth before you go to the better place. It provides advices on how to make a good will and etc. Above is my first concept. I like it how surreal it looks like. Everyone at the studio had a chuckled about this cover. The concept is about heaven and earth. The man with white suits, which reminds me of Morgan Freeman at Bruce Almighty movie. He is either being happy for what he have done or was looking back his life with regrets. I guess, you need to read the book if you wanted to be happy and RIP.
After reassessing the cover, I decided not to send through the first idea. So came up with the second one. This is relates about travelling. Mind you, this book is only for Australian market thus there’s some Australian icons incorporated in the cover. I thought this was pretty darn good and would hit the jackpot! But sadly, turned down by the publishing editor. They completely dislike the travel angle since it could be misleading as a travelling book. They got their points.
So back reworking the cover again. Received their suggestions, this is pretty much what they said “try to make it more simple like just pen and paper. Or look death in more metaphorical sense, perhaps a road leading into a white light”. Oh, how hard could it be (yes, it’s very common to receive a contradict comment. At this stage, they are desperate to get the right cover. They pretty much don’t know what they want). Luckily, I still had my patience and I was actually getting more excited. Hmm… a road leading into a white light… Aha! This is what I came up.
Remind you of something? It’s from Mr. Bean opening title. I really like it a lot, it’s brillant! Stronger than the original concept. I came up with more ideas, but they weren’t great. It was just showing what they’ve asked for.
But it wasn’t there yet. So I went to do more traditional approach, searching for stock photos. Then this came along. For the last draft, I only sent this one cover and they LOVE it! Even the author was so pleased. It wasn't the most exciting cover but it's an appropriate cover for what it meant for.
The rationale: Letting go ballons is certainly becoming a more common ritual at funerals. And there are plenty of other ties such as 'letting go'. It’s probably more common at younger people's funerals, but we are banking on the fact that most people don't think of themselves as old or near to dying. And a prime market for this book is definitely the 30s and 40s with young kids. Since Many of these parents probably haven't already done a will. (I am on mid 20's and I’ve already got my will and my self insured. Although, I just wish I had my income protection insurance as well, sigh…).
ps: this post had been on a draft for ages, since 10/02/09. I just haven't got the time to post the images yet. And, just incase it might cost me loosing my job :P But you know what?! I already HAVE!
So what do you think? Tell me your opinions? Should I put the whole process into my portfolio?
Friday, November 20, 2009
The unfortunate event…
It was a very sad day indeed. It is just a week ago when I lost my job. No one knew what was coming. It was still in the morning, I thought it will be a great Friday. I was gonna had a lunch date that day and gonna watch latin cabarett performance after work.
It's very rare I was being asked to join into a meeting apart not being schedulled. I was slightly curious when I head up into the meeting room. It was happening so fast… only few sentences rest into my memories. There was that word: 'redundant… today'. It was shocking!
I thought I was facing it pretty tough. Even though, I ended up crying afterwards in small room. I was stressing out and shocked. Never thought, it will happen to me. I had mortgage! I felt a slight relief when I realise I still have redundancy package, but it wasn't much.
I went out the room when I was slightly calm down. But I broke down again, when I saw my work colleague was heavily in tears. She hugged me tightly, it was the saddest time for me. It's the saddest moment to realise that I will leave her.
It was a sad day, not because I lost my job but because I will miss the people — friends that I have made over the last two and half years.
Loosing job
I might being naive or cynical. I might even change my mind the next few weeks. But, I actually feels liberated when I lost my job. It was like a slap on my face for my long procastination. My career was the only thing that has been suffer. I think I have not work hard enough trying to achieve what I wanted. Surely, I had given everything while I worked at my old place. But I can't really see my self working there for the next 5 years will make a change for the better into my career. It's a job. (I bet you know what I mean).
Two and half year is long time. I don't regret working there. I've met fabulous people. I learned few things, not technically about design but more about life, passion and friendship. I really feel glad that I managed to use the most of it while I was working there.
Back when I had internship at uni, I worked too hard that I left behind my life. I was so grateful about my career but I've never yet satisfied. I felt there was something missing, since my life was just about working.
I believe God has plan in every step in our life. But everything is up to us, how to live it.
I am so glad that I have not waste anything. I had put up my courage and do dancing lesson after work. Isn't that such a coincidence that there's a dancing studio down the road I used to work (and I always wanted to learn salsa). How about when they sent that invites to the company to do free introductionary lesson. or even… when I met that boy in the bus, that turned out to be salsa dancer (used to be).
Anyway, I could ignore everything and not to do anything. But I took the courage to do something different with my life — making it richer. It's my life afterall!
Turning point
At this stage, I am feeling great and confident wherever I will go. That's an interesting question, Where I will go? I don't know, yet. But, one thing for sure, I really wanted to get my portfolio done perfectly. I've got all the time in the world.
I believe in my self that I am a passionate, young and talented designer. I looked through all the work that I've done. I am quite impressed. I reallize sometimes I judge my self little bit too much that becoming an obstacle to my self to grow.
It was great to see couple people from design studio. It was such a great feeling to see how to work in such a creative place and work together as a team. I miss working in environment like that. If I could choose — that where I wanted to be… being able to be creative everyday and surrounded by the creative, passionate people :)
The support
I will never forget all the kindness that everyone that given me. So many of them help me facing this difficult times making it easy. I received many present from my old colleagues. Miss Lizzie being the biggest helper, refferencing me to everyone she knows to get me a job. It was so hard for me to tell my parents about the bad news over the phone. An understanding from my parents is a big relief.
It's a funny thing that this happened to me just after what I wrote on my previous post. Did God actually read my blog? LOL. He seems trying to take challenge on me :) Well, I am a very very strong girl, now.
It's very rare I was being asked to join into a meeting apart not being schedulled. I was slightly curious when I head up into the meeting room. It was happening so fast… only few sentences rest into my memories. There was that word: 'redundant… today'. It was shocking!
I thought I was facing it pretty tough. Even though, I ended up crying afterwards in small room. I was stressing out and shocked. Never thought, it will happen to me. I had mortgage! I felt a slight relief when I realise I still have redundancy package, but it wasn't much.
I went out the room when I was slightly calm down. But I broke down again, when I saw my work colleague was heavily in tears. She hugged me tightly, it was the saddest time for me. It's the saddest moment to realise that I will leave her.
It was a sad day, not because I lost my job but because I will miss the people — friends that I have made over the last two and half years.
Loosing job
I might being naive or cynical. I might even change my mind the next few weeks. But, I actually feels liberated when I lost my job. It was like a slap on my face for my long procastination. My career was the only thing that has been suffer. I think I have not work hard enough trying to achieve what I wanted. Surely, I had given everything while I worked at my old place. But I can't really see my self working there for the next 5 years will make a change for the better into my career. It's a job. (I bet you know what I mean).
Two and half year is long time. I don't regret working there. I've met fabulous people. I learned few things, not technically about design but more about life, passion and friendship. I really feel glad that I managed to use the most of it while I was working there.
Back when I had internship at uni, I worked too hard that I left behind my life. I was so grateful about my career but I've never yet satisfied. I felt there was something missing, since my life was just about working.
I believe God has plan in every step in our life. But everything is up to us, how to live it.
I am so glad that I have not waste anything. I had put up my courage and do dancing lesson after work. Isn't that such a coincidence that there's a dancing studio down the road I used to work (and I always wanted to learn salsa). How about when they sent that invites to the company to do free introductionary lesson. or even… when I met that boy in the bus, that turned out to be salsa dancer (used to be).
Anyway, I could ignore everything and not to do anything. But I took the courage to do something different with my life — making it richer. It's my life afterall!
Turning point
At this stage, I am feeling great and confident wherever I will go. That's an interesting question, Where I will go? I don't know, yet. But, one thing for sure, I really wanted to get my portfolio done perfectly. I've got all the time in the world.
I believe in my self that I am a passionate, young and talented designer. I looked through all the work that I've done. I am quite impressed. I reallize sometimes I judge my self little bit too much that becoming an obstacle to my self to grow.
It was great to see couple people from design studio. It was such a great feeling to see how to work in such a creative place and work together as a team. I miss working in environment like that. If I could choose — that where I wanted to be… being able to be creative everyday and surrounded by the creative, passionate people :)
The support
I will never forget all the kindness that everyone that given me. So many of them help me facing this difficult times making it easy. I received many present from my old colleagues. Miss Lizzie being the biggest helper, refferencing me to everyone she knows to get me a job. It was so hard for me to tell my parents about the bad news over the phone. An understanding from my parents is a big relief.
It's a funny thing that this happened to me just after what I wrote on my previous post. Did God actually read my blog? LOL. He seems trying to take challenge on me :) Well, I am a very very strong girl, now.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Happy Friday
It’s been quite a tough week for me, especially towards the end of the week. Things get pretty hectic at work. Busy is good, I’m enjoying it. Except the design process mainly for one project, have been really tiring. I need to redesign the whole book for the second time!!! Even though, the design already met the brief and it wasn’t bad design! It always makes me wonder why am I still working here. My design contributions seem worthless. They should just hire some high school graduate.
The design meeting will be arranged next week. I really can’t predict what’s going to happen. I keep imagining that I would walk out in the middle of the meeting!!! Seriously, I could write my resignation letter out of my head, right now. This wasn’t the first time, I’ve been thinking about it many times. I think about the pros why I should stay too, but it’s not good enough. It simply doesn’t lead into my goal or fulfil my objective as designer.
So one more time, please be still my heart!!! I really wish I could be happier and just enjoy doing what I love which is designing.
Hope all of you will have a nice weekend.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
I am planning ahead my new year’s resolution.
This is my list:
1. Made a new portfolio + website
2. Get a better job
3. Learned how to drive
4. Get a new Bf
5. Learned how to salsa dance
6. Do more papertole
Seriously, I’ve been dragging what I’ve been wanting so much in my life farrr too long. I really need to be more focus and committed into it. Yes, I have a plan!
There won’t be anything else that would make happier to fulfil my life goals. I promise I won’t be distracted again, no more excuse.
Have you planned your new year’s resolution, yet? Well, you might want to think about it very soon. Time flies so fast, you will get distracted so much with Christmas holiday.
1. Made a new portfolio + website
2. Get a better job
3. Learned how to drive
4. Get a new Bf
5. Learned how to salsa dance
6. Do more papertole
Seriously, I’ve been dragging what I’ve been wanting so much in my life farrr too long. I really need to be more focus and committed into it. Yes, I have a plan!
There won’t be anything else that would make happier to fulfil my life goals. I promise I won’t be distracted again, no more excuse.
Have you planned your new year’s resolution, yet? Well, you might want to think about it very soon. Time flies so fast, you will get distracted so much with Christmas holiday.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
I am doing okay, be back soooon
This photo is ridiculously cute -___- hmmmphhhhh… can anyone translate this? Image snatch from here. I can't even read japanese, just keep looking at the pretty pictures ;) wink wink
Dians has been having such a busy weeks. Hopefuly, after she finished her freelance work and stop her procrastinating she will back posting more exciting stuff. //////// smack smackkk///////////// need to focus on work! gtg
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Maths cover
At work, we are currently redesigning our Maths book series cover. While my friend doing her research to check the other competitors, she found this really funny Math Textbook Cover Brainstorm Meeting. We had a really good laugh about it. Trust me, our ideas is way better than! Don't blame us (powerless designer) if it turned something similar like that, we tried… but somehow that look is what the editors/authors/teacher prefer.
Above is the rejected cover, that I designed a year ago for other Maths book series (yes, we do lots of Maths). The book is for primary students, so it needs to look much more exciting and fun. I still thinks it's an awesome cover. It'll definitely stay in my portfolio.
Hope you guys like the jokes. What do you think of my cover design?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I ain’t keep dreaming
Maybe it’s about time I spill the beans about what makes me feel so anxious last week.
I was short-listed as mid-weight designer in studio that I’ve been dying to work in. It was all coincidence, that I found out they were looking for new designer. I applied for it and asked to come to their new studio for interview.
There’s nothing that I don’t like working as book designer where I am now. I feel that I just need to do it for my own sake. Even though, I wasn’t quite ready, but I think it will always end up with the same reason. I will always feel not ready, fear of being fail, unable to achieve that I always dream of. I’m afraid to face with my own disappointment.
I don’t want to keep dreaming. So I went for it.
I was so nervous and wasn’t quite focus during the interview. It wasn’t me at my best. No confirmation until now but I have a feeling it won’t be a good one. I’ll accept any results with satisfaction. I believe everything happens with reason. I will take it in positively.
Ps: I won’t post anything more about it if I don’t get it. Their new studio is very lovely and two level storey, filled in with white space interiors, very spacey indeed. Btw, I am off to Melbourne early tomorrow morning, be back on Tuesday. So thrill and excited, wohooo…
Some words of wisdom to share?
Image: a spread from Whatever you think, think the opposite by Paul Arden. It’s a VERY good book, buy the book from here.
I was short-listed as mid-weight designer in studio that I’ve been dying to work in. It was all coincidence, that I found out they were looking for new designer. I applied for it and asked to come to their new studio for interview.
There’s nothing that I don’t like working as book designer where I am now. I feel that I just need to do it for my own sake. Even though, I wasn’t quite ready, but I think it will always end up with the same reason. I will always feel not ready, fear of being fail, unable to achieve that I always dream of. I’m afraid to face with my own disappointment.
I don’t want to keep dreaming. So I went for it.
I was so nervous and wasn’t quite focus during the interview. It wasn’t me at my best. No confirmation until now but I have a feeling it won’t be a good one. I’ll accept any results with satisfaction. I believe everything happens with reason. I will take it in positively.
Ps: I won’t post anything more about it if I don’t get it. Their new studio is very lovely and two level storey, filled in with white space interiors, very spacey indeed. Btw, I am off to Melbourne early tomorrow morning, be back on Tuesday. So thrill and excited, wohooo…
Some words of wisdom to share?
Image: a spread from Whatever you think, think the opposite by Paul Arden. It’s a VERY good book, buy the book from here.
Friday, November 16, 2007
SPOT IT ON!
I recently spotted this Innovation Entrepreneur book at work, when my work friend needed to do a marketing brochure. It's a book designed by Wiley in the UK. We were admiring the circles that it actually looks quite unique. Then, later at night I found this Idea Spotting by Sam Harisson.
I am not so sure how Sam Harisson's book supposed to help, but I guess it does work! One of the exercises that he recommends to get the creativity started is to Be a Borrower. He said the next big idea is out there you just need to know how to spot it on. I found some of the excerpt from How magazine blog, which you can read in here.
I am pretty sure that the designer who designed the book spotted this Idea Spotting book somewhere or he/she even have the book on his/her desk. It is our nature as designers to be inspired by our surrounding. So I won't question the similarity between both books any further. Also. I still liking the overall looks of the book cover. It gives some colour in the boring business books cover. And definitely the designer have done much better job than the US edition (that I can't barely stand to posted in here).
Then again, it gives me enough reasons to check the Idea Spotting book on the weekend. The review on amazon wasn't bad either.
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