Global warming boosting tree growth.

Here is a link to a great article about how trees are growing because of global warming. Apperantly the long growth seasons and high co2 count is actually helping something. But something tells me that if this keeps on happening, we'll be consumed by trees within ten years. I don't mean over growing everywhere, I mean literally eaten by trees.

Enjoy

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201171641.htm



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Getting By

So the last time I posted I talked about my new job. Well things have gotten worse. A good friend of mine(who's name I won't reveal) helped me get a job. I would be reporting to him, kinda right hand man job. This guy is a great creative director. Has a great eye, a great design sense and an even better managment sense. Wouldn't you know, other people didn't see this. Some people didn't see eye to eye with him or his views. So they fired him. After 3 months it wasn't working out. Can you believe that. I just don't get it. Three months is not enough time to gauge a relationship.
So with that being said, now our team has no director. This guy was a major part of why our department stopped missing deadlines. Not only did we stop missing deadlines, we were able to start doing better quality creative. He took a team of digruntled designers and gave them something to look forward to. Unreal.
As a result my colleage and I have to pick up the slack. The only positive thing to come out of this guy getting fired is that my colleage and I have grown closer and are working better together. But now we have to figure out how to work with out a true leader.
Now, don't get me wrong I'm very thankful to have a job. But now I have worry about the work and it's quality. On top of that, will I get along with the new creative director, if we ever get one.
Well I'm signing off now. I have make sure my head doesn't spin right off my fucking neck.
Keep it real.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New Job, New Challenges.

So I’ve got a new job. That’s right, it’s been a while since I last posted.

Between being laid off in mid August and then getting hired in mid-November, there’s been lots to talk about.

My new position is a tried and true Art Director (AD). I’m working for a reputable publication firm, who’s name I wont reveal incase I say something wrong, and I will.

It’s been a big change for me. Coming from a laid back design firm atmosphere then moving into a corporate role has been quite a shock. Not only is it a corporate environment, it’s a corporate environment serving law professionals. Cubicles, dress attire and a completely different dialog (no cursing), it’s a lot to get used to.

The biggest change is my role. In the past I’ve been an AD/Designer. A sort of go-to do-it-all guy who was supposed to answer to a lot of people. Now I’m an AD who have designers, mechanical artist’s and writers answering to me. The job is a lot less design, which I’m not happy about, and more managerial. Managing is a monster of a job as it is.

But throw in publication deadlines, short staffed and low morale, now it’s a three headed monster.

In the past I was designing and brainstorming. Now it’s meetings and making deadlines. As a designer I was responsible for my designs and some campaigns. Now my responsibility is all the campaigns. Being a true AD has it’s perks or it least it should. You go to a creative brief, come up with a concept and you and your team design. You give your direction and people listen. Yes there is less hands on work(design) and more managing the a team, but this company is different from any I’ve ever worked with.

When I was hired the creative department was in distress and missing deadlines constantly. It was all out of whack. So much work, not enough staff and non-forgiving deadlines. So not only do I assign the work I have to see everything before my boss, the creative director (CD), sees it. Assign, go to meetings, review all creative, conceptualize. It’s insane. But this is why I was hired. My boss and I have been in this situation before and have been successful. But there are some days when we look at each other and say “what did we get ourselves into?.”

We have already made major improvements but there is a lot of work to do. It’s a juggling act: trying to push the creative to the next level, righting a sinking ship and pleasing corporate heads is what we have to do everyday.

After a minor hiccup I was able to get myself back on track and actually better then I was. It’s funny though, the mental and physical toll a job like this has. I’ve been reading a book titled Leading Clever People by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones and in the book they as a project manager how long he’s been working on this certain project. “Physically 2 years, mentally 35” And it’s so true. You have to keep yourself in check. You have to make time for your self to exercise mentally and physically.

With that being said, I’m getting used to it. Crazy deadlines, managing a staff, reviewing creative and still having enough time to do some actual design work. I’m growing to say the least.

So there is it is a little look inside my new life as an AD. Hopefully I’ll be alive to send out another post. Just kidding, peace out.

Olli Jokinen joins the Rangers

FLAMES SEND JOKINEN, PRUST TO RANGERS FOR HIGGINS, KOTALIK

Courtesy of TSN.CA
Image Courtesy of Getty Images

While it took some time, in the end the Calgary Flames finally got their men as the 'on again, off again' trade between the Flames and New York Rangers is official after a trade call was made following Calgary's loss to the Flyers on Monday.

The deal, which sees Olli Jokinen and Brandon PrustChris Higgins and Ales Kotalik, was reportedly held up because the Flames wanted Jokinen in the lineup for Monday night's game against Philadelphia. Jokinen played just over 15 minutes, took three shots on net and finished at a minus-one. Prust skated just over seven minutes. heading to Manhattan in exchange for

With rumours of the trade circulating for more than 24 hours, the team on the ice appeared lethargic as they were soundly beaten by the Flyers on Monday. Jokinen said that he did not want to use the speculation as an excuse.

"You've got to play hard every time you go on the ice no matter what kind of distractions that you have going on," said Jokinen. "You play for that sweater, that logo. Until they tell you you're not part of the team, and I just got the news that II'm not part of the team so I've got to turn the page."

Jokinen realized his high salary mixed with low production was likely a big factor in his exit from Calgary.

"It comes with the salary, you make $5 million, 11 goals isnot going to cut it," said a visibly shaken Jokinen. "It's definitely a slap in the face to get traded."

Jokinen did see an upside in heading back to the Eastern Conference.

"I get a chance to play with one of the better players in the league in (Marian) Gaborik."

Although he was aware that a deal was likely, Prust also found it difficult to prepare for.

"You're waiting to hear confirmation, pacing around for hours," Prust admitted. "I definitely didn't sleep too well"

Both Jokinen and Prust will join the Rangers in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning while Higgins is currently in Los Angeles. Kotalik remains in New York after being sent home by the Rangers on Sunday after being told by the team that he would be traded. The Flames pushed back their practice on Tuesday in hopes that both players will be able to skate with their new teammates.

There had also been several reports that Kotalik was not prepared to waive his no-trade clause to go to Calgary; however earlier in the day he reportedly changed his stance to accept the move.

Both Jokinen and Higgins are set to become unrestricted free agent at season's end, while Prust will become a restricted free agent. Kotalik has two-years and $6 million remaining on a three-year deal he signed prior to the season with New York.

Jokinen was originally acquired by Calgary from the Phoenix Coyotes at last year's trade deadline. The 31-year old veteran has 11 goals and 24 assists in 56 games with the Flames this season. Jokinen is set to represent Finland at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. It will be his third Olympic appearance. He helped lead Finland to the silver medal at the 2006 games in Torino. The Kuopio, Finland native was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings with the third overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

The 25-year old Prust was drafted by the Flames in the third round of the 2004 draft, and was traded to Phoenix at last year's trade deadline in the deal that brought Jokinen to Calgary. Prust was then traded back to the Flames last summer for Jim Vandermeer. The native of London, Ontario has one goal and four assists in 43 games this season in Calgary. He ranks second in the NHL in fighting majors with 18.

"I'm looking forward to going to the big city and playing in Madison Square Garden so I'm looking forward to it, but I'm sad to leave again," said Prust.

Kotalik, 31, has been made a healthy scratch by head coach John Tortorella in eight of the club's last nine games. In 45 games, Kotalik has eight goals and 14 assists, with a plus/minus of -18. His best offensive season was with the Buffalo Sabres in 2005-06, when he scored 25 goals and added 37 assists.

Higgins, 26, is in his first season with the Rangers after he signed with New York last summer. Originally, the Montreal Canadiens had traded his rights to the Rangers prior to the July 1 free agent signing period.

Starting in 2005-06, Higgins had three straight seasons in which he scored 20 or more goals with Montreal, but his production dropped to 12 last year in an injured-shortened season. This season he has six goals and eight assists in 54 games.

This is the second major deal that the Flames have pulled off in as many days after shipping Dion Phaneuf, Fredrik Sjostrom and prospect Keith Aulie to the Maple Leafs on Sunday in exchange for Matt Stajan, Ian White, Niklas Hagman and Jamal Mayers.

The two trades leave the Flames with a surplus of wing players, 13 in all, possibly setting up additional deals prior to the NHL's trade deadline on March 3rd.

I'm back

Hello all. It's been some time. I apologize for being away so long, but tough shit.

Updates: Got let go of my old job, did some freelance and collected unemployment, got a new job.
That's it. Seriously.

But I'm back and will probably being doing a couple of posts a week so please feel free to let your friends know.

Oh yeah, BIg News, my site is redesigned: www.fkaiven.com
Go and check out some new work I have up.

Please feel free to check out www.atlanticservice.biz A site i designed for my best friend Joe.

Cheers
Franimal

Curveball

Sometimes life throws you a curveball. Whether in the form of work trouble, relationship trouble and/or financial trouble. All three can handcuff you, if you let it. It's really up to you to either sit back and take a pitch and hope it's a ball. Or you can be aggressive and swing at that curveball. By doing this you take control of the situation.

You see, in the past I've waited for my pitch. It never came. To tell you the truth, I blew the game. I let things build and build until I was in quick sand. So much so that I was paralyzed with fear. And at this point it was too late and a nervous breakdown occurred.

Not this time. Work sucks. You're broke. And lastly, your relationship I strained due to the all of this. So I say again: Take a pitch or swing for the fences? This time I swung. I became proactive. When you do this you feel in control.

Feeling that pressure makes you run instead of walk. At work you become more productive. And if it's too late for that you become more productive at finding another job. A friend once told me that "looking for a job is a full time job itself". You have to keep pushing.

Financially, you have to smarten up. For me this is the hardest task. Look at where you are and where you want to be. The hardest part for me is spending money on stupid shit. Once you get these two nailed down, you're on the way out of the quick sand.

Last but not least: relationships. I'm not going to lecture anyone on relationships and what you should be doing. I'm still learning. I mean, I don't consider myself to be the greatest boyfriend of all time, but I do take pride in how I treat my girlfriend. Yes I'm stubborn, selfish and a baby sometimes. But this doesn't have to do with my girlfriend. It's just me. When it comes to my girlfriend, I like to think I do a pretty good job. But to have a girlfriend who supports you in so many ways is the shit. You have to find someone you can depend one with out becoming dependent. My girlfriend doesn't take any crap. She'll listen to my problems but won't let me dwell on them. She forces me to do my best.

To live your life you need to take control. I know it sounds cheesy but it's true. Trust me, I speak from experience. I used to think I didn't have control over anything. Something’s you don't have control over everything, but you still have to try. You'll be surprised about what you find out about yourself. So swing away.

Process of Belief

There is a not so unusual way in which I produce a concept. From start to finish it is always changing. For work and for my own pleasure. Both procedures are fairly similar.

To start a project, either for a client or myself, I do a fair amount of research. I usually head to Barnes & Nobles for an hour or two. This is to gather information and inspiration. I will look through book after book and magazine after magazine just to get my mind going. Most of the time, when I seeing something inspiring I snap a photo with my iPhone. After the inspiration jolt, I'll return to the office or studio. I go over what the project is again and then start some rough layouts from all the information and ideas in my head.

Most of the time I'll get on concept in my head right away and start on it. But more times then not I change it. I don't throw it away, I just hide it. After sitting and looking at the concept I like, I really jump in and start designing. I can go on for hours. Whether it's painting or on the computer, it's fast paced.

I always listen to music when I'm working. It really depends on what the subject of my painting or design is that decides what I listen to. Painting usually consists of something relaxed. Grateful Dead, Greg Graffin or Death Cab for Cutie. Sometimes it's Jazz or trance. If it's layout design it's something more upbeat with a little speed to it. Techno, punk or metal. Paul Oakenfold, Metallica or +44. Design on the computer usually consists of a lot of deadlines so the music has to be fast for me to keep focused oddly enough.

Design projects have a lot of stop and go to them. I'll have a design, stop and analyze it. Then keep going. Painting on the other hand has a certain kind of flow to it. With design you have a check list and have to answer to someone. Painting is for yourself. At least for me it is. You mainly stop just to let something dry or to make sure it's what you envisioned.
Most of my paintings are done over a weeks time, depending on the size of the piece and it's complexity. My designs are done anywhere from two hours to two days. This is mostly because of client demands or irresponsible account people. ha ha.

The funny thing is with my my design work, unless I'm creating something that is a lot of fun and enjoyable, I usually get fed up with it pretty quickly. Between creative directors, account teams and client demands it's hard to get too involved. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing in the world I would rather be doing. But painting brings more freedom. Maybe that's why its a second life. It's amazing how you can create what you feel, see and think on a canvas. And it is true of what they say, when you are creating a painting for yourself you don't really give a shit what anyone else thinks. I mean 25% of the time you hope others like it. There are those few occasions when you pretty much finish a piece or a layout and you hate it. Here lies the biggest difference between designing for a client and designing/painting for you self: You don't care what your client thinks. With client work, after fighting and fighting for your point, you normally give up. You can scratch and claw for your point of view, but sometimes you have to let the client win. You lose your passion for the piece. But painting is different. You can look at a finished painting and say "what the fuck". But you can resurface the canvas and start fresh. Yeah you may feel defeated, but at least you can still go on with the idea and the passion you originally had. Hell, you can do it two or three times if you want too.

Moving on, if I'm happy with a painting I let it sit for a day or two. If I decided that I've accomplished what I wanted to I touch up the painting. Filling in spots where paint is missing and making sure the sides of the canvas are a flat color. Then I spray a varnish over the canvas for look, feel and longevity of the piece.

Most of my paintings I keep. But every so often there is a friend or colleague who is interested in my work. The biggest lesson I've learned is don't give away more than five paintings. I'm not saying this because I'm money hungry, but just because I'm hungry. You need money for supplies which can get expensive.

As for my design layouts, whether it's print or web, it's all the same story. You tighten up you design, present it to the client and wait for a reaction. It usually a day or two for client approval. Most of the time there are last minute tweaks. Well the client calls them tweaks, but we call them re dos or reworking the concept. The client always feels like its easy to find a new image or to add in a few more lines of copy on an already copy heavy concept. But that's what we get paid the big bucks for(hahhahahahahaha). After this it goes to print or to the coder. When a file needs to be released, industry term for sending a file to print, it's a pain in the ass. There is a lot that goes into it. First you have to purchase images if you files has rights managed or royalty free art. Then you have to make sure all the colors are correct. For instance, is your layout being printed with 4 color process or with 4 color process and spot colors(custom colors). Next is what's called collecting a job. This is when you use a program to gather all the right files, fonts and color descriptions for a job. This is a very crucial part. This is where you can run into problems. You need a check list, plain and simple. Once this done you send it off to the printer. The printer then sends you a proof of the print. This is another very important step. You need to make sure everything is exactly the same of what you released. Sometimes you have little changes here and there but most of the time things run smoothly on the the printing side. As soon as this is approved the piece gets printed and that's that.

Now this wasn't a lecture about painting being better then graphic/layout design or visa verse. This was just an example of the differences and similarities between both mediums. I love painting as much as I love designing, just in different ways. I do enjoy both processes equally. It just so happens that I get to experience these practices everyday.