What Caught My Eye

I'm really interested in poster design and typography. Probably because I am still very clueless about both. When I see cool looking posters and type, it makes me want to be a designer. Maybe one day. For now, I'll just write some taglines and check the spelling.

Putting "You" in Your Writing

Sean often brings up that we should put some of ourselves in our writing--in the description piece, to put some of our take on the product, and in other pieces, to add little things like funny phrases and personal touches that help give our work a certain flair. Copyblogger.com addresses this subject. This is more for blog writing, but I think some of it can pertain to other types of work as well.

Your unique point of view. Your writing style. Your own individual, personal stories and the way they shape your message.

There’s just one problem with all of that. It’s terrifying.

It sounds great and idealistic to just be completely yourself online, to strip naked on your blog and hope people will love you. In practice, it’s not just scary, it’s a good way to give yourself a ferocious case of writer’s block. Not to mention making life easier for the occasional wacko or stalker.

Read the rest of this blog entry.

No Directions Necessary

I found these directions on a glue stick:

- Unscrew cap and sponge top
- Remove inner plug
- Replace sponge top
- Squeeze container and apply glue slowly.

Finally, the mysteries of operating my glue stick have been solved!

Also saw this little gem online:

If you are seated in an exit aisle and are unable to read this, please ask a stewardess to reseat you.
- Cayman Airlines safety booklet

The Story of Whiskers

Around 1900, the tranquility of Hardys Tintara vineyards were frequently interrupted by the crack of a shotgun and flocks of startled Starlings heading heavenwards. Behind the large gun lurked a roguish little bloke known as Whiskers Blake. Whiskers' job was scaring birds away from the grapes. One look at Whiskers with his battered hat and wild beard was probably enough, but the gun ensured his beloved grapes were safe. The cunning Whiskers found certain aspects of his job particularly rewarding. To be certain his hard work was ensuring a quality product, he regularly 'borrowed' a bottle or two of Hardys ports for testing purposes. If you choose to "test" this fine 8 year old tawny, you will experience smooth mellow classic rancio characters and a hint of the fruit old whiskers so valiantly protected.

Write; Don't Be a Writer

I found this blog entry interesting. This is from Active Voice, a blog/Web site by a writer--ahem, I mean someone who writes. In this entry, he discusses separating who you are from what you do to keep what you do fresh and in demand--both for yourself and for your clients. He says that you can't and shouldn't write your identity. It's a job, albeit one that you should do well. Take a look:


Regular readers know that I don't call myself a wordsmith; but it might surprise you to know that I prefer not to call myself a writer either.

No, I don’t eschew the term in favor of buzzwords like “communicator” or “content provider,” either. When people ask me what I do for a living, I don’t tell them that I’m a writer.

I tell them that I write.

A pedantic distinction? Maybe — but it’s a distinction that can clear up the crippling paralysis of writer’s block once and for all.

Read the rest of this blog entry.

Movie Change

So now I'm doing my movie about a doll who wants to be a real girl. Total 180 from what I was originally going to do. I hope everyone enjoys it next week. It's a bit scary that I won't be there to defend myself!

It's also too bad I won't see everyone's phase 3s, but I'll just appreciate the phase 4s that much more. I'll be laughing by myself at everything, I'm sure.

Getting Griddy Wit It

What a dumb title for this post. Sorry. I'm tired.

I've been asking around, trying to find new ways of approaching layout and grids. Amy has said it's clear I don't "get" grids. True story. I look at the books and I see the grids but I can't seem to apply them to my designs all that well. Is there something I'm missing? Perhaps I've never made a spiritual connection with grids? Do I need to take a grid out on a date or buy it dinner to get in its pants?

Sorry, got sleepy again for a sec. Anyway if anyone has any totally awesome online resources or just general advice on how to use grids and work with layouts, something other than "This just isn't working," hit me up on here or e-mail me: mandyjulie@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance.