Feedback
Its interesting to hear the differing opinions over the decisions I took with my site, which is about three weeks old now. I have to admit that its not complete and the fact that I’m still uploading projects gives evidence to this. That said even in the build up and research I simply had to draw the line and move to the next stage.
Its technically a copy-driven site and so I needed to have something to say that was coherent, relative, motivating and resonated beyond just myself. I feel its done that. Of course I could have a copywriter do it but I still needed to have the crux of the statement there myself, and besides this is a very personal story of identity and the future.
I’ve stepped off the gas for bit now and sampled the opinions of those I’ve asked directly and I’d say I’ve reached success - I’ve managed to get both positive and negative reactions, but it doesn’t end there. Its in the intensity of the comments that has me feeling good. I’ve been noting enthusiastic responses from people both at home, in Ireland and those here in Tokyo, remarking that they’ve never seen that approach by a creative before. Long gone are my days of simply stating - oh I’m a graphic designer and I will do anything for money. That’s gone.
Intrigue circles around the “Go Hard” slogan, and so it should. Its up to everybody to make that message their own. That’s its power. Essentially though those that really get it will find out that by going hard they ultimately make their own future and a community will form with them, not around them, on the way.
What now? I still have a lot of ideas for mini-projects and designs, but first I need to act on my recent insight. What I have now is a beta version.
Get back on the horse - Go hard.
Firstly…
Apologies for any of you who did actually read my blog. I’ve just been one of those people that threw up the occasional blog and hoped to be the authority on whatever it is that they say they are good at. To begin with though I’m not the man to bash the keyboard with tons of useful information, at least not yet.
I’ve just gone through a number of months where I’ve been straightening out my head and deciding a few key things in my life. That in part is an explanation for the lack of any huge blogs, or, for that matter - anything at all.
Most of the time you will see me on Twitter or Facebook, but in the coming months and for who-knows-how-long I hope to push the old blog-osphere too.
If you’ve read my previous blogs or material older than a few months, you’ll likely recognise my wordy nonsense, but its a good guess that from this point on that will significantly drop.
I’m off the fence now, and its time to go hard.
There will be a ‘Secondly’, by the way.
As I’m off on holiday to Ireland and Spain tomorrow morning for a couple of weeks I thought it darn right rude to not leave a parting message on the blog. Never mind its been ages since I wrote anything. If anything this shows that I’ve been up to my eyeballs recently getting things done. Needless to say all things are coming to a close in terms of to-dos and what not.
In the end the timing has been great. Last week I completed the design of the magazine I was working on as well as starting in Wedovideo, implementing staff reviews, project management systems and other long term initiatives. Once I get back from holiday I look forward to continuing on this thread, as well as getting knee-deep in motion graphics and video for real. Up to now its been mainly direction and storyboarding, which by themselves have been new and enjoyable experiences especially working with such experienced individuals.
Recently I have been wondering if its worthwhile for me to return to Temple University’s continuing education course, but after some debate and soul-searching last night I reconciled with my desires and simple time-frame that with all the extra work that I do as well as the language study that I eventually want to return to I decided against the enrolement. If anything I get to save a load of cash and time. But guess where that will be going into? Yup! Into work and Japanese. Time to sharpen up and get the system in check after a good summer recharge.
Anyway enough rambling from me on what I want to do etc. I’d love to hear from other people on their ideas of getting refreshed and what it is that they do to recharge after a prolonged period of exertion, physically or mentally.
So heres to the break and hopefully when I get back I’ll have some photos and what not from Ireland, Spain as well as updates on the magazine and other projects. Stay tuned for me in the very near future. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
