Tuesday, March 31, 2009

NYC Design Project Idea

I can’t stop thinking and talking about how amazing, helpful and inspirational this trip was. I guess I need o put it on the blog now. But as for the Final project-

 

I’d like to make a Scrapbook consisting of images, souvenirs, Pamphlets that we collected during out trip. I always make scrapbooks for the places I visit- including air tickets, and hotel luggage cards. So similarly I want to make something that gives out the feel of how my trip was and what amazing things I learnt!

 

Basically a summary of the whole trip!- In an art work.

 

Let’s see.

KP's project idea

Like everyone else, I am still debating about my project...

1. I would update my website and clean up my portfolio.

2. After the enamel workshop and the craft video, I realized how much I miss the crafty things I use to do - ie: embroider and sew. For this idea, I would create some cool crafty things, but in my style, so probably not appropriate for the Martha submission.

3. Make a zine that either covers me and my art or the NY trip.


Hmmmm, maybe I will do a combination of these ideas. I don't know.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Project idea

I'm thinking of rebranding the Metro. New York rivals London for ease
of use but finding the damn entrances was tedious because their "M"
logo isn't distinguishable against all the visual noise. In London
there's no mistaking where the Tube is. Plus the identity seemed to be
inconsistent and out of date--kind of embarassing for the grand NYC.

Did anyone pick up any Metro print materials there? I didn't so all I
would have to go by is the website.

John Coleman, V (( via mobile ))
Graphic Designer // jorohaco.com // 619 302 7801
Studio Arts B.A. & Communication Design Minor 2009 // University of
Southern California
Senior Designer // USC Spectrum Design Studio / 213 740 9751

Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Best Project Idea Ever!

I'm still debating about my project.

Originally, I was thinking about really just hammering out my leave-behind and spiffying up my portfolio and stuff.

Then I started thinking more about New York... and I'm pretty inspired right now to redesign Tropicana. I feel inspired to DO it. But as of right now, I have no inspirations as to HOW I would redesign it.

Still, I've finished a carton of juice in 2 days so I can tear it down and see how they build the box. So I guess that's a good start.

John (ooo mystery! which John was it?!) suggested that I rebrand Pepsi because it's SOWEET.

I hate Pepsi. I hope their branding kills them and makes everyone drink Coca-Cola. That would make the world a much better place. Man, I just figured out that Coca-Cola leads to world peace. Yay!

P.S. The juice was Florida's Natural. It's the bomb.

How cute is this idea?

-- lil' accordian-style books for thank-you notes.

... and then colabortively, I'm going to work with Danielle on a little "How to guide" book titled something like, "The Good Girl's Guide to the Big, Bad City."  
--It will be really cute, really provactive, really informative, and really reflective of our trip.  Such topics as 'how to hail a cab and seem like you've been doing it for years' or 'how to bargain in a boutique like the experts' will be included. (Any more suggestions would be much appreciated!)

ps--Sorry I haven't blogged about the trip yet--just waiting on my camera cord to come in the mail hopefully sometime soon so that I can share my pictures and explain them!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Charlotte's Project Proposal

I really wanted to do something that would be incredibly useful to me right now. I'm thinking of making a self-promotional website, but using what I've learned from the various design studios.

If not that then I'll make a little book of what I learned from every place we went to.

Charlotte's Favorite NYC Memories

1. Alia telling me that I talked in my sleep to her the night before. Apparently I sat up, looked her in the eye and said something about folding towels.
2. Knocking a cup of water over at Siegel + Gale, then watching everyone else smartly chug their cups of liquid.
3. Sophie's 21st birthday. 'nough said.
4. Eating delicious food at Les Halles, Anthony Bourdain's restaurant, with friends :)
5. "Light or Dark" from McSorley's! That bar was built in 1854 and survived the prohibition. Civil war wish bones hang above the bar.
6. Martha Stewart's prop house. I want to steal stuff to decorate my apartment after I graduate.
7. Danielle and Lexi's shopping sprees.
8. Seeing Sagmeister's posters in MOMA.
9. Marie and I bringing one-pieces back!
10. Being tired giddy with Katherine in the bus to the airport and it lasting a bit on the plane.
11. Katherine and I buying a drink for Marie on the plane, but the steward screwing it up by saying it was from him instead of from Anonymous. Also, the steward thinking I'm a lesbian for doing it.

Friday, March 27, 2009

NY Design Project Brainstorm Ideas

If everyone could post their final design project ideas on the blog, it might be interesting to brainstorm publicly.

I'm planning on having moo cards with the blog url and photo credits made for the group as my project. Also thought I would like to put together a little video of how-to projects for Martha Stewart. Anyone interested?

Thursday, March 26, 2009

100th Post! Oh, and QUOTES VII

INT. GRACE HOTEL LOBBY-MORNING

The ENTIRE DESIGN CREW sits in the lobby, bittersweet about having to leave New York City soon. HAVEN comes downstairs, and mentions something to KATHERINE about LUGGAGE and INDOOR STORAGE COMPARTMENTS, but I can't remember.

INT. TNT BUS-DAY

JAMES EARL JONES: A two hour bus ride is all that seperates THE DESIGN CREW from Hotel Grace and JFK. Bathed in gold light from the setting sun and sleep deprived, most slumber on the blue seats of the bouncing bus. The ones that have managed to stay awake, however, suffer from GIDDY GIRL SYNDROME (GGS, see Quotes V- Jon, John and Daniel).

J.E.J. (cont.): In between bouts of singing and hysterics, a somewhat intelligent conversation occurs when HAVEN talks to JON (W), KATHERINE and CHARLOTTE about how Greenaway's The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover utilized a very staged, compositional style of framing for his mis-en-scene.

HAVEN: You know it's like that because he is a painter!

JON: It was called...um...uh...I can't believe I forgot...OH! Tableau style!

KATHERINE: Tableau me!

INT. TNT BUS-LATER

JOHN (C) makes reference to KATHERINE'S TALL SIZE as a fifth grader. He might have even called her a "Monster" in the process. KATHERINE ERUPTS INTO GIDDY LAUGHTER.

KATHERINE: I am Katherine, hear me roar!

INT. TNT BUS-LATER

J.E.J.: A conversation about ICE CREAM TRUCK MUSIC and its differences in regions is started. The topic shifts to LA, and about the PUSH CART VENDORS there.

CHARLOTTE: There's a woman on my block that screams TAMALES! TAMALES! TAMALES-!

KATHERINE: TABLEAU ME!

---
SCENE! THAT'S A WRAP, PEOPLE!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Haven's memorable moments pt 2

Here's a few more now that I've caught up with my laundry and sleep.

• catching up with SC alumni - Lisa, Yuji, Jackie, Kelsey and Emmett doing Roski proud
• In The Heights (AND not a Disney production)
• the paper show at MOMA - I [heart] paper!
• Courtney + Co. and socially conscious projects
• AIGA's Honor
• feather beds, swimming pool, and sexy showers at Roommate Grace
• typography + Bendels
• Prada Soho
• Grand Central Station at night
• frozen hot chocolate
• designer rice pudding
• pizza with Emmett + Ming
• Wallace Church's pup + another squeeky moment this time involving Katherine
• snow on 5th Avenue

more later

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

I (Heart) Celluloid

Really happy with the B&W photos...I can't wait to make contact sheets
and start to make printing decisions! Joy!

C-41 Process Only

I also got the color film developed today...quite a few good pics to
choose from. The flash wasn't as horribly powerful as I thought, which
is wunderbar. I'm excited about the Serendipity photographs (the
creepy Andy Warhol doll) and a lot of the single portraits. Yay film!

Black and White Film Is About to be Developed...

...get excited!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Hmmm...

Spefically wants to go back to new York today!

Sent from my iPhone

Sunday, March 22, 2009

The wind down

The following messages are brought to you by...
>
> Coleman
>>
>> First post. I'm late in typical Coleman fashion. So late that
>> everyone's already back in Los Angeles and I missed the plane.
>>
>> Kidding.
>>
>> I'm now sleeping over at an old high school friend's place in
>> Greenpoint, Brooklyn. She's great and makes me laugh (and squeak)
>> all day every day.
>>
>> I would post more photos at a time but Steve Jobs says no (I'm on
>> an iPhone). So I'll be posting one photo per post annoyances to cap
>> off the trip since I'm the last one standing.
>>
>> Among the standout appointments through the week (or at least the
>> ones that I can remember at this point) were S+G, Courtney&Co.,
>> Baseline, MTV/Nick, Martha, and Enamel. CBS takes the honorary-will-
>> never-(be able)-to-forget spot. S+G seems to be my #1 at the
>> moment, especially since they've got offices in LA and London-town.
>> They're approach and vibe seems pretty fresh and legit (and yes I
>> would not mind being one designer among the army of designers).
>>
>> AIGA was pretty chill, though honestly I was expecting a scene that
>> would rival something on Star Trek The Next Generation or something
>> with several designer cadets moving in and out of the main AIGA
>> brig through slick sliding doors, wearing CMYK colored uniforms
>> with small square communicators on their left breasts, ready to
>> phazer down the Tropicana/Pepsi Borg.
>>
>> Martha Stewart's digs were pretty surprisingly interesting. I
>> wasn't expecting a whole lot from my personal standpoint since that
>> niche of design isn't my thing but her operation is one hell of an
>> operation that I now can appreciate. Planning Christmas in March
>> however... errr not so much. And yes I took a photo of Martha
>> Stewart.
>>
>> The Stewart that I didn't get a photo of was Jon Stewart because
>> they actually threatened my life had I busted out any sort if
>> device during the Thursday night recording. "Threatened my life"
>> meaning confiscating my iPhone; one and the same pretty much.
>> Chandler (awesome guy) got some tickets from his friend who's a
>> writer there. We sat in the back with the sound and lighting crew
>> because it was packed due to Bruce Springsteen showing up with his
>> face. Afterward we got a small tour in the back dungeons. Jon said
>> hi, briskly, as I was absorbed in Charlotte's text that said "I
>> hope you meet Jon Stewart!".... as Jon Stewart disappears and I
>> just realize I missed saying hi to Jon Stewart while reading
>> Charlotte's text..........
>>
>> Baseline was a plethora of wise sage advice that I wouldn't mind
>> keeping in contact with if I relocate, which is something that this
>> trip definitely got me thinking about, all serious like.
>>
>> "In the Heights" was amazing. I wanted it to be longer actually.
>> And my fav was Sonny, the dude with the green hat; Julianne knows
>> why :D
>>
>> Other more out-of-order things: the Cooper Hewitt was great.
>> Coincidentally there was an exhibit all about felt fabric--my
>> favorite fabric. ever. It helped me appreciate my G-Star coat even
>> more since the exhibit covered the creation process instead of just
>> showing off cool felt pieces.
>>
>> Even more ironic is that everyone was talking about G-Star more
>> than I. Collateral damage, I suppose. Intentional? Only my master
>> plan? I don't know. Alia, my young padawan, you know what's good
>> for you :)
>>
>> That damn hotel. LOVED IT.
>>
>>
>>
>> John Coleman, V (( via mobile ))
>> Graphic Designer // jorohaco.com // 619 302 7801
>> Studio Arts B.A. & Communication Design Minor 2009 // University of
>> Southern California
>> Senior Designer // USC Spectrum Design Studio / 213 740 9751

Haven's most memorable moments pt 1

• hysterical laughter at Serendipity over Coleman's squeaking (I still can't think about it without giggling)
• MAD enamel workshop
• Whitney glowing at Martha Stewart
• Lexi's first oyster at Momofuku
• My new favorite East Village restaurant, Momofuku
• Chandler taking over as the leader (some people just have an internal GPS)
• Wingo's blog post (the funny + serious)
• John (there's only one now) telling us about his new baby niece, what a sweet emotional moment
• Charlotte + Katherine singing and giddy tired
• Snow on 5th Avenue, Bendel's early in the morning
... more to come

tired...

Lots of very happy and tired travelers on the city tour.



I heart Momofuku + ramen

Dinner at a hopping ramen restaurant with one of our favorite designers, Douglas Gilbert. Aside from the tasty ramen, I FINALLY had my oysters on the half shell. Quite good even if untraditional. Lexi had oyster for the first time even against my warnings that raw oysters can be an expensive addition (one that I greatly suffer from.)



C & G Partners


The group with Steff Geissbuhler, one of America's most celebrated designers. He showed some of the many noteworthy projects that C & G (Chermayeff & Geismar) designed.

Cover NY guide - Pauletta

Alumni Dinner 2

Dinner with former USC student Kelsey Diao. Doesn't Tom look proud?

Enamel Design

MAD enamel workshop + Enamel Design + Serendipity... it's like the universe is trying to tell us something.


Saturday, March 21, 2009

CBS

The group at CBS
We took a tour of CBS and were able to walk through what it takes to get graphics on the CBS News.


Siegel and Gale

Another fantastic visit with one of the leaders in branding - Siegal + Gale. What a great company and they were more than generous with their time (plus they were kind enough to feed us.) What could be better than an informative meeting with a snack.



YES that is the one and only Alan Siegel.


Also special thanks to Howard Belk (sorry no photos) for the LA hook up.

Courtney + Company




Mark Courtney sharing some of his company's beautifully designed pieces and discussing project specifics. Pretty cool having the man himself meet with the students.

roommate grace

Aside from the cool pool in the lobby/bar, the hotel also served a pretty mean continental breakfast. A couple of students commented it was going to be tough to return to breakfast at their dorms.

late night at Serendipity

Our first time at Serendipity. According to one of the waiters this was Warhol's regular table.

walking and riding subways


AIGA

Thank you David Hall for the tour.

Coincidentally, we ran into David at the JFK Virgin America terminal. That sounds like a endorsement for Virgin America to us.

Roadside

Martha Stewart Appointment



MAD enamel workshop

Treasures

John sporting a stylish enamel bow-tie.

Safety First!

MAD enamel workshop

Museum of Art and Design Sunday Hands-On Workshop. Who knew this would end up being my future obsession?




i shamrocked new york

Actually, I personally did not shamrock New York. Apparently, T-shirt vendors in Times Square are very picky about you being able to see their merchandise before a purchase... and so I didn't buy a shirt at all.

So we're all back in LA. Flight was long, but good as Chandler, Aila, Tom and I talked and shared about design and inspiration. I still think I suck at design, but I'm ready to start playing around again — making mistakes and ultimately creating pieces that I'll be proud of.

It's weird how when this semester first began, it seemed like the trip to New York seemed so far away. And then it suddenly came upon us, and now it'll just be a few weeks before graduation.

Underclassmen! Take advantage of all that you can!

By the way, Katherine, we missed an Improv Everywhere show.

It was called Subway Art Gallery Opening. I think it would have been particularly fitting for us.

Top 5 Appointments

Martha Stewart
It was good seeing people pursuing their passions. I enjoyed watching the people working in the kitchen, photographers discussing a photo shot, crafters working in their studios, and illustrators drawing on their computers. Also, the guide gave us an important piece of advice--"work for people who know more than you." I've heard this before, and I believe it is completely true!

Baseline
I'm going to bullet point this one:
- Learn print and web design
- Gain work experience before starting a business. Pick a place that's most similar to the work YOU want to do. It's okay to start at the bottom
- If you're young and a woman, there are many obstacles. Thus, build your credibility and sell your experience.
- "Brand yourself"
- Don't stay in one industry, diversify
- "There is no competition...work with each other"

Siegel & Gale
This appointment gave me a better idea of branding. I learned that branding is different from advertising in that branding is long term as it plays a big part in developing the company's identity. Also, when Mr. Siegel stated, "flip through books," I was inspired to read more design books and start my own collection of references.

C&G Partners / Wallace Church (tied)
- "An identity can't always be serious...be playful"
- They look for your creativity and versatility

Enamel
I was impressed with how one designer can be successful with one big client.  was also impressed with how Jason used a typeface to create a brand (Rogan). I appreciated his creative use of a variety of found materials (reflective, mirror-like paper, metal, tree bark, etc.) and I liked his statement about how designers could do more with less.

Recap / Summary
- You can do more with less
- Flip through books!
- It's okay to start at the bottom
- They look for your creativity and versatility
- Design doesn't always have to be serious...be playful
- Brand yourselves
- Work with people who know more than you
- There is no competition...work with each other

Laslty, Some Cool Fun Discoveries


the end, sad :(

Here are some final photos to conclude our awesome trip:



It snowed Friday morning.


The great entrance display of Bendels.


An exclusive early morning tour of Bendels!


The drive to the airport.


The trip was absolutely incredible, even with limited sleep.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Lonely Hearts Club Band

Since everyone else had their plans for dinner, I had to make my own. After coming back from MOMA and having a startlingly realistic dreams about my post-nap plans with sad undertones, I awoke to look up theatres showing my last movie of interest from last year's crop-Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I chose a scene from the screenplay for my Directing Mis En Scene class (which means Directing the Scene; basically, directing actors within the elements of a cinematic scene) because of the subtext. I had a blast directing that scene, and have been wanting to see it before it disappeared from the theatres, despite not hearing anything special in terms of reviews. I wanted to see how I could get around NYC by myself, and if I could actually enjoy the experience and avoid the overall sense of paranoia that plagues me walking down the streets of Los Angeles and my hometown in the Inland Empire. I found a nearby theatre on 13th St called Quad Cinema, and with Haven's (thank you!) trusty map I was on my way down the F train.

Probably because of its proximity to Parson's, the outside of the theatre was modern and ultra-slick. The screening rooms themselves were on the small side, but I do enjoy smaller theatres. What I really dug was the bright green light projecting on the screen from two studio lights; I thought it was a creative use of cinema equipment and complimented the soothing classical music playing before the lights dimmed.

IMAX, eat your heart out.

One of the crazy green studio lights.

Before the movie started, there was a woman complaining about her troubles to her male friend. These issues surrounded an artist friend having to stay at her home during his art show, and how she couldn't emotionally handle the stress because of her multiple therapy sessions, and claimed about the superiority of her portfolio over another artist that she disliked, who was getting attention from a few small galleries, etc. Her male friend consoled her, offering her anecdotes involving another artist who only showed at one gallery every two years, usually selling $200,000 in paintings each time, but after gallery fees and before taxes, that artist only has an income of $50,000 each year. All this reminded me of how tough the art world is, about my own insecurities when relating to my peer's artwork, and about how dispassioned and bitter we can get when when doubt ourselves. Art is a pretty miraculous concept on its own; we tend to bog it down with our own fears.

As for the movie, the cinematography and editing were initially jarring. This was my first in-theatre Woody Allen pic, and I hated his heavy reliance on narration to divulge exposition. It made the narrative feel cheesy, and any other interpretation useless. As the narrative carried along, I began enjoying the feature when I became accustomed to the awkward cinematography, until I arrived at scenes that were out of focus. However, I was impressed with the acting of Bardem, Cruz, and Rebecca Hall's work in the movie. I was pleasantly surprised by the end of the movie that I actually enjoyed it in all of its imperfections; I would definitely watch this again. By the way, it's really bizarre watching a scene in a theatre that you previously directed on a much smaller scale, and know exactly each line and feel yourself picking the scene apart. I would have added more business here, established a wider shot there, etc. Um, I'm not like this at every movie I watch.

One of The New Schools is located directly across from the theatre. I recall S + G speaking about the new branding for the New School, and their approach to use the street stencil as a revolutionary approach for a revolutionary school. I liked how it only included a fraction of the actual name.

Afterwards, I rode the V train all the way back, stopping by a vendor on the way home. Feeling like a New Yorker, I ordered a kebab and a Coke, and handed the vendor a two dollar tip, which lit up his eyes and he earnestly thanked me for it, shaking my hand. He even offered me a free pretzel for "dessert"! I never expected this kindness out of someone who sees countless rushed people throughout the day; it really made my night.

I am in love with New York City. The people have a vitality, an unspoken bond that I haven't experienced in Los Angeles. I think it has something to do with the lack of great public transportation and the geographically-enforced financial disparities. When people drive around in their steel cages all day, and avoid others walking down sidewalks, a different kind of detachment happens than one may feel in a city with over eight million people.

I don't feel so alone out there.