Interpreting Data »
In terms of potential, data is infinite and explosive. It can be unpredictable and cumbersome, or efficient and clean. The many ways it can be expressed is becoming more abstract as the appearance of innovative devices push the fold. Yet considering the many applications of data and the many ways in which we are able to explore our reality, isn’t it two-dimensional to define data semantically?
Creative Portsmouth Graduates ‘09 »
I made my rounds in the exhibition today, gathering business cards from everyone I could in order to help promote the work of the talented graduates from my university. I hope it will provide a little bit of insight into what sort of minds I’ve been working alongside, as well as how talented my peers are. Of course I’m completely biased, but it doesn’t mean I’m not telling the truth. Have a look and make up your own mind.
Degree Vs. No Degree »
This tired old topic is dredged up every time round the graduating season so I thought I’d throw in my two cents. Because, you know, a tired old topic isn’t tired and old until I’ve thrown a hissy fit about it. I’m also tired of hearing the two camps warring against each other. Generally speaking (because I understand there are a few good folks out there who are not petty enough to whine in favour of either) academics rant about how uneducated designers don’t grasp the principles of design, whereas self-taught designers rant about how academics lack real world experience. Because neither flaw can be remedied. Ever.
New Blood »
A big thank you to all the people who have congratulated me in the past week since I got my result. I understand that a good mark is not always a guarantee for success, however I feel elated. There have been a few things happening since the result came through. Most importantly is that my work is going to be exhibited at the New Blood show hosted by the D&AD in London.
Provisional Marks »
Another university related update. I do have some lovely posts lined up but I have been a little shy as of late. In any case, the provisionals came through today. It means that the marks are not set in stone but they never go down from this point. We only need the external examiners to come and affirm that the lecturers have marked our work properly (which I trust they have) then our fancy grades can be printed onto a piece of paper and handed to us whilst dressed in funny gowns.
In Limbo »
Honestly, that is not a euphemism. I’m literally in a limbo as I wait patiently for graduation to happen. Last week I made my final contribution to my course in an oral presentation and since then I’ve been prattling about wondering if there is anything I need to do. Unfortunately because of the recession finding a job has been like pulling teeth but I am staying in high spirits. We have not had our show yet and there is a couple of exhibitions in London to look forward to if all goes well. Not that I’m putting all my eggs in one basket but at least I can tell myself that I don’t need to resort to a blind panic just yet.
Suggestions for Google Reader »
I usually deal with a substantial amount of feeds hence why I have no time to comment any more. I am subscribed to around two to three hundred feeds which leaves me with an average of about three thousand unread messages every couple of days (some are very intensive). Considering I am adding feeds every week I would categorise myself as a heavy user. Therefore I have a few suggestions for Google Reader which I feel would make my life easier as a compulsive blog addict.
Daleks Love Cats »
Something my brother and I came up with a while back. We are chronic Doctor Who geeks.
Better Website Reviews Instantly »
This advice comes from the bottom of my heart, from experience, from watching people go keyboard bashing happy whilst failing miserably at stringing together any two coherent words. This is the quickest guide ever to writing better reviews. The mind-blowing qualities of this advice will change your life forever in unforeseen ways. Well, I may be exaggerating but I have to build the tension somehow.
Explain Copyright »
As a creative and avid user of the internet and the free stuff it provides, copyright is a major issue. On the surface it is a great idea — a world where no one is allowed to poach the ideas of others and profit on plagiarism. This protects my work which in turn is my only source of income. Or is that too ideal? I am not savvy on this topic, so instead of rambling incoherently I propose the following question — does copyright protect the rights of the citizen?
Free Cupcake »
I am sure many of you know I am fail chef, so it is pretty surprising I can bake at all. To celebrate my baking talents (hush Betty Crocker) I have made a little illustration of a pink cuppy cake available for download and use wherever. For non-profit use only, and a link back is appreciated but not necessary. I just like to see how people use my freebies.
Five Years is a Quarter of my Life »
It is also how long I have been with Mike, today. And I forgot — again. Thankfully Mike took my forgetting in good spirits and commented that he would like it if I continued to forget anniversaries in the future. Awh. So to indulge in the occasion (of our anniversary, and not my bad memory) I have decided to nick this quiz from Dooce on significant others.
I Am Fail Chef »
For those of you who do not know, my culinary skills are comparable to those possessed by the average household hamster. I manage to screw things up which are essentially idiot-proof, like boiling pasta for instance. The one thing I can cook is stew, and that is only because all I have to do is cut stuff and throw it in a pot for an hour. But even that is occasionally botched.
Mac vs. Pc vs. STFU »
This is old news, but please for the love of all that is good (including cream cakes and fluffy bunnies) this demented rivalry needs to end NAO PLZTHXBAI.
Cute Bulldog Clips »
I am a bit of a stationary freak so when I saw these lovely prints on some bulldog clips at Wilkinsons I knew I had to have them. If you have one local to you I would recommend snatching some while you can since they do not seem to be available on the website and are fairly cheap. If only everything Wilkinson’s did was this sweet!
Define Pornography »
The reactions of spectators regarding erotic art have been documented closely like an abridged history of public views on sex. Every time an artist pushes the boundary, we are inclined to ask where the line can be drawn. Are there inherent differences between art and pornography or are they too closely entwined?
Egoism and Blogging »
All a person needs is an internet connection, a blogging account which can be obtained for free and some form of literacy. It is no wonder that blogging has become the most popular form of self publication — long gone are the days where only the techno-elite could manipulate the internet. Even my mum could maintain a blog.