bad banana blog

Reinvention

HILLMAN from Hillman Curtis on Vimeo.

I was saddened to hear about the recent passing of Hillman Curtis, a true pioneer in the world of design and creativity. In the video above, where you will see a man ravished from the cancer which would eventually kill him, you will also see a man who had the courage and drive to persue his creative calling.

Near the end of the video, he tells young designers to "be prepared to reinvent yourself."

"Be prepared to go out on a limb, occassionally. And be prepared to do the things that you feel strongly about, that maybe other people don't. That maybe don't have an immediate source of income or revenue. For me, what started out as a vacation, a creative vacation, from these bigger corporate jobs, has become my life calling."

I'm not a designer. And I'm certainly not young. But I've been on a journey, myself, that started out as a creative vacation. I think in some ways, this blog played a small part in getting me started on this journey. I move on down the road, inspired and energized. I hope this blog helped you feel that way at times, as well.

This will be my last post here.

 

Minimalist Tees

Stop thinking about what to wear and start thinking about other, more creative things. That's the message of Minimalist Tees.

The following message is printed inside each shirt: "The greatest enemy of innovation is common sense. Thinking that it can’t be done any other way because that’s the way it’s always been done. Common sense says constraints and limitations hold us back, stifling our ability to create. We feel the opposite is true. Constraints unleash creativity that challenge common sense thinking. Those that truly harness creativity are the ones that purposely apply these boundaries to their lives in order to whittle away anything unrelated to accomplishing their goal. We hope these shirts inspire their wearer to think less, own less, be less and create more."

Purchase your set here.

Collaborating with Brian Andreas

 

 

This year, I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with California-based artist Brian Andreas. Like me, Brian enjoys playing around with words and pictures. Whether it's his paintings or his sculptures or his unique combination of drawings and stories, Brian's work is eagerly sought after by collectors all over the world. Of course, I jumped at the chance to meet with Brian at his home in Santa Barbara and discuss ideas for a book. The result, Marching Bands Are Just Homeless Orchestras, is a collection of humorous quips and quirky illustrations with a somewhat twisted view on life. It's available now.

Just a small sampling of Brian's drawings from the book:

A PDF sample of the book is available here. You can purchase the book through Amazon and at storypeople.com. International shipping is available. (Be sure to check out Brian's many other books, too.) 

 

11/30/10 UPDATE: Just found out Marching Bands Are Just Homeless Orchestras has been named a 2010 Top Twitter Book, winning the Best Writer/Humor category. Thanks, TweetSmarter.

 

Polyedra Sink

The Polyedra sink from Franke takes the basin and puts it front and center as a piece of modern art in the kitchen.

Is there an aspect to a creative project you're working on right now that shouldn't be hidden? Are you taking something for granted? Can you turn the most functional part of your project into the hero?

Via Trendir.

Overcoming Creative Block

Scott Hansen asked 25 artists and creators the same question: What do you do to inspire your creativity when you find yourself in a rut? Read the answers over on Scott's blog, ISO50. And be sure to read the additional tips left by readers in the comments section. A must read for any creative.

Via Creative Creativity.

Dresden Drainpipes

Something to think about when you go to attack your next creative project. Not all necessary evils are necessarily evil.

Via Crib Candy.

Beginners: Fight Your Way Through

This time of year, I get a lot of new advertising and design graduates hitting me up for jobs and/or career advice. I truly think this Ira Glass clip should be required viewing upon graduation. It's the perfect advice and encouragement for anyone embarking upon a creative career (or for anyone struggling in the early years).

Via The Denver Egotist.

Feel Small, Dream Big

Bottom: Sunset in California. Top: Sunset on Mars.

Twitter Explained

I know a lot of people just don't get Twitter. If that includes you, perhaps this Commoncraft video will help explain what Twitter is and why it appeals to some of us. Personally, I value Twitter for a variety of reasons, some of which are explained in the video. But here's a professional reason. Oftentimes, when I'm percolating on an idea or two, I'll jump into my Twitter stream and just see what happens. While my subconscious continues to chug along, I scan various tweets, click through to links, see what other people are doing and thinking about, and then WHAM! A word, a phrase, a thought spins my brain into a totally new direction. Over the past year, I can think of quite a few ideas directly generated or made better through this use of Twitter. I'm talking client work, not just creative play. As a person who must create on deadline, one of my jobs is to keep my radar up for any source of inspiration. Right now, Twitter is one of my favorite tools for doing so.
    Of course, if you're going to take from Twitter, you better be prepared to add something. I find that aspect of Twitter creatively stimulating, as well. Already on Twitter? Please feel free to add me.

Video via Greg Verdino.

Credit Card Art

Advertising art director James Helms, who blogs over at Yonder Ponder, made a New Year's resolution to do something with all of those fake credit cards he'd been collecting from his junk mail. So he started painting them. What about you? Have you set any creative goals for 2008? Any creative diversions or projects on your resolution list? Learn from James. No project is too small, as long as you're creating.