Aokiji
Aokiji from One Piece. This dude: http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Kuzan
More at: http://photography.ysfaye.com/
Monthly Archives: September 2013
How To Develop A Designer’s Mind
Know how people say art is subjective? Well, here is how to view art from a designer’s mind:
In order to design, first of all, we need to change our general way of thinking. For example, we do not view the art personally (this does not mean that we do not put in any emotion at all). What do I mean by that? Take a look at this scenario:
Mr.A and Mr. B were each given a photo of their friend to edit.
Mr.A: “I can’t do it, he keeps staring at me in this photo!”
Mr.B: “Oh, John’s gaze is intense. Hmmm, the eyes will need to blend in with this background though…”
See the difference? What Mr.A can do to think like Mr.B is to see the goal ahead, the purpose of this and what needs to be done. If designers think like Mr.A, they will be limiting themselves to a number of subjects. “I can’t draw ghosts, they are too scary!”. This is the design industry we are talking about, and by design, it includes entertainment and there are a lot of subjects.
Secondly, we thrive on constructive criticism. Yes, you heard correctly. Not just plain criticism without any valid reason behind that (you can disregard that person as talking crap). In order to improve, we need to swallow whatever pride we have and understand where the critic is coming from. You may or may not agree with the person’s opinion, but keep all opinions in mind and do what suits you best.
However, there are also critics that go like this: “This looks weird but I am not sure why”. If the person does not know why it looks weird, ask them to point to an area where it is the weirdest. If that still does not get reduced to a more specific area, try to find out why it is weird. If the theme of your design is weird or abstract, then please disregard this.
If for whatever reason, you are on the other extreme (low self-esteem) and think all of your design sucks, fret not. This is where we thrive from good feedback lol. We all sucked when we first started unless you’re some kind of mutant genius.
A mutant genius like this:
Or like this:
Yes, I couldn’t resist. I’ll like you guys to check these videos if you haven’t already and tell me which you prefer (something like my own research).
What do these videos and all those that went viral (like Gangnam Style) have in common? They are funny, random, or unique in their own way. One danger of designing commercially is there is a risk of losing your own unique style while adapting to others. Flexibility and the ability to create other styles are good (It is important especially to do what the brief tells you to do.) but do not lose your own style.
How do you maintain that? Practice. It is something like not mixing work and play unless specifically asked to. How do you develop a designer’s mind? Practice.
Smartphones To Get Near End of 2013
With the iPhone 5C and 5S out, the shares of Apple has dropped by 5% last Wednesday…and I am not surprised. I have had my first smartphone for three years, HTC Desire HD has served me well (apart from that one time where I accidentally spilt sauce on it). So, I was thinking of getting a new phone soon (the current one also eats up too much battery) and there are a few phones in mind.
I checked the iPhone 5C and 5S prices and my jaw dropped. They weren’t cheap, which was the opposite of what was anticipated. iPhone 5C and 5S costed around $800 in Australia; I thought I would be better off with Samsung Galaxy S4 considering that it was around that price but with better specs.
iPhone 5C: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57602938-37/the-iphone-5c-and-the-youth-factor/
With the iPhones crossed off my list, here are other phones that I will be considering:
Samsung Note 3: http://www.knowyourmobile.com/samsung/samsung-galaxy-note-3/19041/samsung-galaxy-note-3-release-date-specs-and-official-features
It uses Snapdragon 800, a new processor which I’m looking forward too. I’m not too keen on the size though (Why do they keep getting bigger and bigger?!). Where one gets bigger and bigger, iPhone couldn’t make up its mind with sizes (a nano-sim, seriously?!). Soon, they will be so small, I would need a magnifying glass to look for it. Apparently, Motorola’s Moto X decided to join the bandwagon.
Rumoured to be out in Oct 14, I have only heard of praises for its predecessor, Nexus 4. I am hoping that some of the missing features in Nexus 4 will be available in Nexus 5 but with the rumoured price, it is a bargain.
HTC One: http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/73156-htc-one-review
Unlike some of my friends, I have had no problems with HTC. So, this phone is also on the list but probably not the top as it is quite pricey. I will also have to check out the latest, HTC One Max.
Sony Xperia Z1: http://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/News/Sony-Xperia-Z1-and-Z-Ultra-coming-to-Australia-soon
Sony Xperia Z1 has just been released and is around the same price ($779). I have not heard much about this phone but it is quite camera-heavy, a feature that is not too important for me as I use a separate camera.
Samsung Galaxy S4: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s4/4852-6452_7-35627724.html
This is probably the phone which I have done the most research in as I even went to the local stores to test it out. If only it wasn’t so pricey and always out of stock.
Fullmetal Alchemist WIP
FMA WIP
One of my favourite anime, Fullmetal Alchemist. Have always wanted to draw this but didn’t get to it until now. Find out what is happening here in the finished piece that’s coming soon!
Illustration
Sketch
Photography
ysFaye's Design Blog 