[ Boiler Room Blog ]

CITY LIGHTS

2008-06-22T21:34:00.002-07:00

With my thoughts lately on abstract thinking and the use of digital media as the base tool for interpretation, I've really begun seeing some incredible examples. This music video from Sleeping Beauty in particular really stood out to me.

Sleeping Beauty - City lights / Music video from Benjamin Taft on Vimeo.

Media and how we get inspired

2008-06-19T19:11:00.003-07:00

Animated short by Andrew Huang. An incredible piece.

9.11 The day used to change a Constitution and a Democratic country

2008-06-06T09:12:00.004-07:00

This world is a crazy place right now. Trying times are experienced by many, and many more join them in their numbers. Who to trust, our media, our politicians? And what should change? Do we even have enough time?

If you have had any interest in the battle of what's been propagated on main stream media and the surge of information that is emerging via the internet to dispute these self-claimed "facts". You know the challenge of answering those questions.

How about what "they" said to be a war on terrorism? Or the plight of our planet the affect it has alone on each and every one of us.

A day of tragedy, and much worse than you think. At the time We were provided the information needed to calm the nerves, and give reassurance, it was also used to uild alibi and take out building 7.
If you have not caught this video yet Check it out here. It's the "media's" version of what happened to the towers and why.

After you have watched it, Watch true explanation of what took place.

But it's not just about 9.11

John Pilger, a very renowned Australian investigative journalist, speaks about the tyrannical rule that has been clouded through deliberate misconception and lies. The very sources you count on as being trustworthy and with you in mind.
They aren't. But that doesn't mean you should boycott televised media. Just don't settle for the answers they provide as so "given". Those that don't settle and dig can see the dust stirring. An eeary calm and nervousness that has infected many but can't understand why. A movement that is quickening in its momentum across the globe.
If we miss it, turn a blind eye to it. The chains of oppression will slip over our wrists without us even knowing.
BREAKING THE SILENCE: TRUTH AND LIES IN THE WAR ON TERROR

911 conspiracy vs MainStreamMedia

2008-06-03T21:44:00.003-07:00

I think the winner is obvious

Also for those of you not aware of the bill 42 proposed locally. Please educate yourself on the measures being taken to reduce our freedom of speech.
JUST SHUTUP BC

Emotive Color

2008-05-20T09:12:00.008-07:00

I will be documenting my process for an upcoming abstract piece from my Creative Process class at Langara.
We are to choose an emotional state. The emotional states I have chosen are the following: growth, shock and explode. This is my first real attempt at really trying think on an abstract level and its not been easy.

My word association:
Shock

lightening bolts
speechless
wide eyed
in horror
confused
striking contrast of primary color on black

Growth

roots
expand
viral
natural/unnatural
mutation

Explosion

ordered chaos
clouded
painful
unnatural
aggressive

Texture and color has not been thought much of at this point. It's been more or less trying to visualize what these words could interpret. I feel however that I am still going too literal for the translation.

Progression Shots

Shocked V1
Explode V1
Explode V2
Growth V1
Growth V2

So far I am leaning more towards growth than the others.

**UPDATE friday 23rd **

With the critiques and direction provided by Heidi - my next attempt at "shock"
I think I will try to give the impression that this shock value is coming from a single point, and errupts from that point (the eye)
I want the eye as a primary focus, but also living naturally in the center, so the users eye doesn't stay focused on it but moves around and notices everything else.
Sonar waves have also been introduced as another medium that carries "shock"
Lightening and static strikes will be fused with the exploding cloud

Shock 2
Shock 2

Shock 3

Canadian water sustainability

2008-05-17T18:20:00.002-07:00

Those of us living in Canada are some of the luckiest in the world when it comes to fresh water. However we need to re-think our mentality towards the assumed "endless" supply of water we think we have.
Go blue and think non-destructive sustainability

Open your eyes. Our very existence depends on it

2008-05-11T18:15:00.002-07:00

11th HOUR ACTION by Leonardo Dicaprio
Such a great documentary, reasuring but very scary. The welfare of life, all life depends on us. Our generation has to focus on a self sustaining way of thinking and the removal of consumerism. The change to a more Environmentalist ideology. Our home, the only one we have is fighting a parasite, we have forgotten our way and we all need to stop look at a much bigger picture. It will be life changing either way.

LAST.fm

2008-05-11T14:50:00.003-07:00

While trying to figure out how everything works with this site, I see the potential with it. Who doesnt love being able to listen to music?
I am now part of the social music revolution.
:)

Web 2.0

2008-05-07T22:37:00.002-07:00

Are you web 2.0 ready? The changes in web standards, styles and trends. The new direction in information architecture.
Article in WIRED magazine.

Kaneda

2008-05-07T19:52:00.004-07:00

An absolutely phenomenal illustrator and designer : Alessandro Pautasso. He has developed quite a technique in the merging of real world and vector.
Interview can be found at abduzeedo.com

Hillarious Sex Tape

2008-05-04T09:14:00.001-07:00

Chanelle Hayes is a British babe who was on their version of Big Brother. In a desperate bid for publicity she did what all wanna-be starlets do - she made a sex tape.- Spike.

Designer firefox addons - 10 Must haves

2008-05-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

FontBook

2008-05-03T22:33:00.004-07:00

The original digital font people and another big yellow book. Unlike its stale counterpart, this one I want.

Vectorized Speed Paint

2008-04-30T08:32:00.005-07:00

The commentary was lacking in flair and content that actually benefited the audience. But it is obvious he is competent with vector based illustration and technique.
He did a good job on the speed video to show process.

History of Communication

2008-04-04T19:56:00.003-07:00

Some valuable points to remember:
-Analyze and discuss the whys. For every answer ask, why?
-The laptop does not need to be on, for your creative flow to be productive.
-Remember: Great Designers Always have a good foundation in history and a good understanding in type face.Think about how information is grouped together, how do you want viewers to find the info
-What is the "point" of the image? Why?
-What do you see, feel.
-Whats is the feeling you want to portray?
-When you think you might've gone too far in your concept, your probably have. Remember, less is more.
-Compare OLD SCHOOL techniques to your techniques.
-Careful on using the term cultural, not always the case around the world) if its local.
-What do people assume when they communicate something. *Theres usually always a better way.
-Whos is going to read it? How will they access it?

World trade center not hit by a plane?

2006-05-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

Apparently...Check the link.

Nanobot technology.

2006-05-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Nanotechnology Dermal Display. Proposed to go under the skin and monitor things such as heart rate and cholesterol.

Spray Graphics.

2006-05-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Some great apparel with a unique twist to them. Get yours today!

CSS Zen Garden

2006-05-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is truly an amazing place for inspiration and to just be wowed. I am constantly impressed by what they can do soley with css. They make it look easy and believe me it can be quite the opposite.

User experience isn't just visual design

2006-05-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

This article was a great read and I couldn't agree with the author Derek Powazek more. The lack of content when we as "designers" put together a potentialy unique user experience is definately a trend that needs to stop.

Like Derek said : "If you’re a designer who doesn’t think of yourself as a writer, it’s time to reconsider"

Adios -Strunk & White
Design For Community

The Bluetooth virtual keyboard

2006-05-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to any geek’s arsenal:

The Bluetooth virtual keyboard. It can project a fully operational keyboard on almost any flat surface. Also included are simulated key clicks as you begin to type. Call me a geek if you like, but man would it not be cool to own one of these bad boys. Surprisingly affordable if you compare it to most other keyboards out there @ $179.99

Get yours today at thinkgeek.com

Tendrils : a little physics

2006-05-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Tentacles? No, tendrils and man what a time waster.A small little Java script that plays with physics and could very well entertain you for hours.
Is there anything Java can't do?? I'm pretty sure these fellas are trying to find out.

Tendrils

Jeffery Traer Bernstien

Wicked Lasers

2006-05-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

Probably one of the coolest improvements to an already fun little tool. These bad boys can go as far as lighting ciagars and etching into wood.
The price range goes from $199.00 - $3500.00

2006-05-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Time to get this ball rollin’, I have been actively perusing the internet and the plethora of information is mind blowing. My “blog” will cover a number of different areas that I have interests in. This will range from the most bizarre of things to some of the most impressive art ranging through all types of medium. I will be in search of latest technology and doo-dads everyone wants to get their hands on, and will also focus on the internet itself, from a designers perspective. The topics will cover the latest standards in web & digital design, to some fundamental and handy tutorials I myself have managed to locate and implement.

2006-03-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

I am a blogga!!!!