Remembering Steve...

Steve Jobs

World changer

1955-2011

Well, firstly, sorry it's been such a long time since my last post.  My life has been way too busy to sit down and compose my thoughts on a blog.  I'm now an Imagineer- working as a concept designer at Hong Kong Disneyland and yes, living here in Hong Kong.  It certainly has been a life-changing few weeks!

But, that's not really what triggered my impulse to write today, I wanted to write about Steve.
I found out about Steve's passing on Friday morning in Hong Kong, actually from Don Carson.  I was looking at Facebook and he had posted a link with the heading; 'So Sad' and underneath was the article; 'Steve Jobs is Dead.'  A pretty striking headline and it made my brain sit bolt up right, more than an espresso coffee or ice cold shower.  And for a nano-second I thought, and hoped, it might have been a sick joke or advertising gimmick.  But the more my brain began to wake up and process the news, the more I knew this was happening...and I was devastated.

I am a huge Apple fan and advocate and I've made it my mission to turn as many people as I can on to Mac.  As a computer experience, in my very humble opinion, I find it far superior and more conducive to what a computer should be all about.
That's what Steve and Apple did, they made the computer something that people didn't have to be scared of anymore; something that was easy to use, fun, creative and that beautifully meshed into your life.  After becoming a convert and worshipping at the Apple temple, I, along with millions others waited with baited breath for the joyous keynotes with Steve proudly announcing his latest 'toy' to the world.  The sheer elation and anticipation at those keynotes was addictive as a drug, and I'm afraid, will never be matched quite the same again.  To think I'll never see Steve in his trademark black polo neck, denim jeans and sneakers walking on to that stage, fills me with such a deep sadness.
It's not just about being a huge fan of the products, its more than that.  I was a fan of the man.  Few people in this world are dreamers and doers, game-changers, to quote the man himself; "Square pegs in round holes" For me, Steve exists in the same category as a Walt Disney, a John Lennon or a Jim Henson, people who are admired and left an indelible dent in the world, something I'm sure we would all love to be able to achieve.

I thank Steve so much for what he has given and for what he has achieved, from Apple to the incredible studio; Pixar-  for that alone, he has earned a God like status.
The world is a better place for him, that is the greatest compliment I can pay him, and my last, greatest sorrow is; even though our paths were highly unlikely to have ever crossed, I will never, ever meet him, and that is a greater sadness than I can articulate.

Thank you Steve, safe travels, I will miss you.

You can't fix your problems with toxic barrels

This won't fix your problem...

Tonight I had another fantastic FaceTime chat with my good friend Don Carson it's always great chatting with him using FaceTime, it really makes the distance between us seem not so great.

This time we were talking about a design Don was working on involving some really bad thematic elements and by a strange coincidence we both shared a story about the terrible placement of toxic waste barrels!
Just like the one at the top of this entry- the stereotypical movie prop with the obligatory toxic ooze slipping out!
Now, don't get me wrong- sometimes there is a time and a place for these tried and tested cliches.
But I think the point we were both trying to make was that design has to come from a good, strong story and there are no shortcuts to a good story.
All too often in entertainment deign corners are cut to sell a quick image utilising stereotypical imagery rather than focusing on the core story.
Its now become a bit of a running joke between us- "You can't fix your problems with toxic barrels!"

until next time
Andy

Tiki Ben

The Tiki God himself.

Also, one more thing I wanted to share with you all.  I did this sketch for my best friend Ben Debnam.  I was practicing a new paint technique and I was also just in a bit of a Tiki mood- yeah, that's a thing.
Ben was very pleased with the result and I have even had more requests from others to make them into Tiki  Gods!
For the moment Ben is the only Tiki God but I'm sure at some point in the future more will come!
Hope you like it.

Andy

A Birthday Treat

My birthday card to Don this year.

No, it's not my birthday.  However, a couple of days ago it was the birthday of a good friend of mine, Don Carson.
He and his family had made the trip down to Disneyland, and unfortunately for them, had just missed out on the openings of the new attractions, Star Tours and The Little Mermaid.  To try and cheer Don up and to wish him a happy birthday at the same time, I sent him a special birthday card.
Very kindly, Don published this to his blog to tell the story and also responded with his own sketch- as designers sometimes do!
I always love exchanging sketches with Don, he has such a wonderful and effortless style that communicates an idea in less than an instant.  Sometimes after hearing a story from one another, we sometimes look to highlight a moment visually and sometimes it starts a rally of sketches that keep the story going and expanding and it's always fun!

So take a look at the sketches over on Don's blog and I also urge you to check in and read what he has to say it's always fascinating.

Until next time.
Andy

Visit Don's Blog

A Royal Day

Well, not related to me or to design but, the Royal wedding is now done. I for one enjoyed the pomp and circumstance we Brits can put out when we put our minds to it and it was a perfect day for a great couple.

I do though, worry what the media will do to both of them. They now slip into public domain, every action given out to public scrutiny. Every image of them in private will have a huge price and the public has an insatiable appetite for that kind of celebrity gossip. Let's hope they are given the privacy they deserve.
In the meantime, I'm really enjoying this extra free time we've been given- more Royal weddings I think!



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