The dilemma of work and play

Posted on August 26th, 2008

Jon

The mood to start getting back into design is hanging around every corner of my mind. I can see color swatches, typefaces and graphics all over the place. My senses are getting attune and the crazy old me is having a go at all things graphic design again. Its a sign, does it mean my holidays are over?

I know for sure my days are numbered, i meant the holidays but for sure, this is the 1st time i’m getting back into what i do even before punching in the cards. Visiting bookstores, browsing through books, reading articles and mentally focusing on everything that is to do with visuals communication are just a few of the things i do when i’m getting myself ready and hype for work. My premature state of work seems to boiled the blood of a warmongering monkey warlord that seems like taking over monkey island without arming his monkey troops.

I’m honestly not ready to go back to work but my inner desire seems to tell me otherwise.

I'm occupying all my spaces on my mac again, this only happens during peak working hours.

So i’m reading books in MPH and going through layouts and ideas on a David E.Carter published book, all during my free time in the holidays… I’m seriously thinking… WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH ME???

Has it been that bad that i have brained wash myself into doing this cycle of work flow, embedding them so deep that even the Titanic seems like a rock in a kid’s pool? For all i know, i should be enjoying this time with things i love, like photography and bowling. Maybe, i’m beginning to fall in love with design itself?

Nothing beats a hot cup of Starbucks on a rainy day.

So i’m sipping my caramel hot chocolate in Starbucks, alternating between the wood grain table and floors, with the black and white photo’s on a elegantly simple black photo frame against the walnut coloured wall, and reading some really interesting articles of Design Observer. The thoughts that ran through my mind was, how did the designers get away with such designs, and i’m sunked in deep envy for those people who can communicate that well on those articles. How many times have you seen an article with 30 over comments with each individual one stating an impression or an idea about what they really think about the article and some more insights that will rise more issues for discussions and not just a simple reply of “I agree! Great Article” ? It maybe why i’m hitting the restart button on my “work-top”

Its just a gruelling battle in me to work or play at the moment of my holiday, one to enrich myself in a diverse direction either in personality or culture, the other reinforce my idealism of design. Its a big dilemma, because i enjoy doing both sides of things, and i enjoying doing my work. Well, actually i enjoy doing everything all the time, so it is a big hard bordered choice to choose between them.

Muji. The "no-brand" brand.

Today’s brand watch. Muji. The simplicity of a brandless brand product, which emphasize on the simplicity of the basic form and function of the product without emphasizing or displaying the brand itself. For a brand like this to work, its almost certain that this zen-like design comes from none other than Japan. In this cluttered and saturated time of brands, this brand has made itself stand strong even without the identity tag to go along with its items. Definitely worth a second look. Visit it at its website to have some more brand label free products.

Little by little

Posted on August 25th, 2008

Jon

Art, Thoughts

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The magic that is from geometric shapes and nature, flows right into the places that creates the impression of floral motifs.

Little by little, something small and seemingly restricted to rules can break free and grow into something wonderful.

Some more exploration are needed.

Signale für die Luftrettung

Posted on August 25th, 2008

Jon

Gear, Thoughts, Travel

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Something from Germany, which will prove very useful for future trips as well. The title was an emergency sign sewed right into the bag i just got for my upcoming trip. Impressive! Nothing less i would expect from the German backpack manufacturer.

Deuter, the brand to go for quality backpack. This is a 38 l backpack.

Which means its small enough to carry around even into the cabin without having to check it in before flight. Hassle free for packing! That would also mean when i’m on my way back on the 5th after my check out from the hotel, i still can go around to do some shopping and chuck it right in. Happy times!

The only down side to it, is i have a limit of how much i can store in it and the variety of things i can store in it. I might not be getting much back from HK, since like i said, its a budget back packing trip. Its for the sights and sound, not the taste and style. So its 2 Tees, 1 Shirt and 1 or 2 pair of pants, and possibly 3 pairs of underwear (if i can find the right one) and that’s it! Its still traveling in style! FREESTYLE! XD

All in and i'm ready to go! Its a all in one bagpack, clothing, shoes, camera, and any other tools of destruction i can fit in.

Seriously, would you even dare do something this adventurous?

I think i’m the 1st from the pack who dare do something this outrageous and insane. If you had company, its easy to not deny this opportunity not having finance included in consideration, but all alone… Generally i have no problem with that, because i can entertaint myself with brain which can come up with pretty good and wild delusional stories about pretty much anything. The only problem is having to remember and writing them down, that is why i needed to keep a notebook or dairy to help me remember things better.

For the lot, i’m putting myself in a position to challenge myself and have a wild adventure which the experience will prove to be invaluable. It would make a nice party conversation too XD

If you ask me, aren’t i afraid? Well the answer is an obvious yes, who isn’t afraid of the unknown? Ditching your comfort zone and your safe boundaries and just venturing to the distant darkness, not knowing what is beyond the next horizon. Its a very big gamble. Fear isn’t something i will run from, i embrace it entirely and because of this, i am ready for anything that come my way during this trip. I know i am scared but i’m not doing anything sitting at home and thinking about it, lets just go and find out for myself what is there to be afraid of. Fear is a wild card, but i’m sure the experience will prove life lasting.

Anywhos… I shall talk about it when i get back.

Drawing up the Game Plan

Posted on August 23rd, 2008

Jon

Uncategorized

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Ready ready!!

I’m getting very hype about my 1st ever trip! The parents have given the green light to go on ahead with the plan! So now i’m formulating my game plan for this adventure. =)

Starting with tickets and place to stay for a 4 days 3 night trip. I have my eyes set on one now, which is right off temple street.

Dorset Seaview Hotel, smack right in the middle of Kowloon which makes it easy for me to travel and eat ^^

Next up i was looking around for the weather to check for proper attire to pack. Which i find isn’t too bad, not cold but its not swinging in my favor. =/

courtesy of MSN.com The weather isn't too cold but its rain rain and more rain~ BAH! I hope my luck changes when i hit the tarmac

Lets do hope the skies clear up when i reach on the 2nd. So i can enjoy a nice warm trip in Hong Kong. Or else… i guess its time to pull out those umbrellas and rain coats! No little rain is gonna stop me from going out on my trip. =)

MYR to HKD conversion rate is 1 to 2.32 now, so its nothing big to be worrying about. I’m not going for a shopping trip (but sales and stuff are on for the summer items, what a pity!) But i’m ready to pick up something along the way since i’m only bringing 2 pairs of clothing for a 4 day trip XD

If anyone is asking, NO. I’m not going to Disney land, its helluva of money and i’m on a budget trip! So no mickey mouse or what so ever, only maybe on TV or in malls if i’m lucky, occasionally bumping into some HK celebs, i remember bumping into one the last time i been there XD

So what about getting around?

I’m ready for that, fortunately the HK MTR is my solution to the problem! Its a 5 mins walk from my hotel and i can easily access through out places with a swipe of a card. If you been to Singapore or Japan, you’ll be familiar with their EZ pass and JR card, very easy and convinient to travel. Well the MTR isn’t anything short of it, with their octopus card.

Most likely i'm gonna get one during my stay to make travelling an ease.

What about all the place of interest? Well well… i’m very open to suggestions and i’m ready to go anywhere! But there are a few place i would want to pay a visit. Its the Victoria harbour peak, Lan Kwai Fong and The International Financial Centre is on my priority list. =) Maybe just kick back at night and get a couple of drinks to feel the air of Hong Kong lifestyle.

Don’t worry, i will bring my camera and my dairy along the way. So i’ll get some pretty pictures back for you guys back home =)

Wish me luck!