sketchbook sizes etc…

Love Legos.

At some time in our childhood we all played with legos, some more than others and if not at all, well shame on you (or your parents)! It might be the best tool to stimulate kids’ creativity and it’s even fun for grownups to join in.
I remember at the end of my Lego-years (which lasted for quite awhile and I’ve got the Legos to prove it) a lot of weird Lego was released. It was more of a technical kind of Lego with engines running on batteries and joints with complicated limbs. I found it weird and eventually stopped playing with it.

Well, I sort of forgot about Lego until I recently rediscovered it through their website. Lego is back! They’ve got some really cool stuff now and have somewhat gone back to basics. They still release some weird parts when they do special themes. I was never really a fan of this. I wanted to see new stuff, but I wanted to see it built with classic Lego. I guess that might would’ve limited their implementation of some special characters, anyways…

They’ve got a Toy Story theme these days and there is even a lot of videos rendered in 3D to showcase each and every unit. It seems excessive, but I like it.

What really got my attention wasn’t the fresh themes and the polished videos, it was the classic stuff! Like this super-awesome jet-fighter, what a total badass!!! I absolutely love it!

It definitely needs both those big-ass afterburners to reach mach five! No doubt…

I’d love to fly one of these, just need a couple of years of jet-fighter training! I’m enrolling in the army tomorrow!

During takeoff you can hear the roar from the powerful engine! Due to its aerodynamic front it only uses 0,1 second to reach liftoff!

As I don’t have the specs on this model and to be honest I don’t even know what model it is (embarrassing), I can’t tell you too much about it. It’s been kept a military secret for over a decade. There are rumors about using it in the war against terror, but there is little evidence to support that at this point.

This on the other hand is no secret! It’s the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4!

Showcasing the P235/35ZR19 Front & P295/30ZR19 Rear rapped in Pirelli P Zero. You might be surprised to know that this lambo is all-wheel drive.

Look at this super low rear end with those classic twin exhausts. Beautiful lines made possible only by Lamborghini!

You’re looking at a massive 5.2liter V10 generating 552 horsepower. These facts might seem scary, but combined with the weight distribution and those Pirelli tires there is no way this car is going to skid off the road.

Now this is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! They actually redesigned the whole interior for the 2011 model. As they got a lot of complaints about the gages in the previous model for not being clear enough. They’ve enhanced that. Don’t feel like I need to comment on that, seems fairly obvious from the picture. They’ve added functions to the steering wheel such as media controls which come in handy while doing 220km/h. The stereo really got a makeover, they’ve now fitted a fully integrated system and topped it off with a sick screen which probably is touch-sensitive.
Last but not least, they opted to go with their patented 1 gear manual once again (including reverse).

All this is real and it can be bought through the Lego online store:
the LGO1 ( also referred to as the Sonic Boom )
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

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Brandon Grotesque

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Motion of the Month: July/August

I promised a theme of the month and well, this is for July/August.

I found it fitting to write something about TV series as August/September is that special time of the year when most series return for a new season or even some new ones premier.
It’s great how much production is put into series these days, be it drama, documentary or reality. It might have to do with the wast amount of series out there these days. To capture the audience in such a competitive field you can’t settle for mediocre. It’s become a common subject of conversation in society in general nowadays. No matter the setting, most people seem to have an opinion about what’s worth watching and not.

As the production increases so does the amount of money spent making it. This is reflected in more than just the amount of shows. It attracts actors that in general would only do feature films. Studios that would normally only do CGI or graphics for big hollywood productions now find themselves doing the same kind of work for weekly episodes of V, CSI or even Dexter.
To me, what often seem to set the standard of a show (if appropriate) is the opening sequence and in this new “era” of TV series every show seem to do something different.
Often before we’ve seen movies and TV series embracing new technology to the extreme. Their focus is often shifted. It might seem as tho the audience would like to see visual effects as much as possible, but they should never be on the expense of what really matters, the true message.
The masters of today are the ones that combine new and old technology in reasonable fashion. There is no set recipe for how to make this perfect as it always will vary from case to case. As it’s hard to explain only using words I’d like to give you some examples. They are all fairly recent obviously.

Mad Men
This is a series I discovered way back during season one and I couldn’t get enough. For those who are unfamiliar with AMC’s Mad Men, here is a quick plot summary:

A drama about one of New York’s most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm’s most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.
- imdb.com

Imaginary Forces, the creators of the Mad Men titles have found the perfect formula for their opening sequence. Even tho it is 100% computer-generated and the show it self is set in the 60′s, they have done right where a lot of people have done wrong. It might have been easier for them as the series is based on the past and there are a lot of references they can use, and fairly so, they have.

They opted not to go for the clean, polished, 3D rendered style as they found it inappropriate and rightfully so. This makes the connection between the show and the opening titles so much more effective.

Dexter
I’ve been following Dexter since the beginning and I’ve always loved their intro. For those who are unfamiliar with Showtime’s Dexter, here is a quick plot summary:

A like-able Miami police forensics expert moonlights as a serial killer of criminals who he believes have escaped justice.
- imdb.com

Digital Kitchen have done a lot of great work, main titles and commercials alike. They’re no newcomer to the game. Even tho they have every tool available to them they chose to do the whole intro only using cameras with different lenses and angels. Proving that even modern production don’t need visual effects (not counting the presentation of the names and the title it self).

Fun fact, the opening of season 4 sees an alternate opening sequence where everything is turned upside down, as his morning routine is disrupted by a lack of sleep due to his new responsibility as a family father.

True Blood
While we’re still on the subject of Digital Kitchen I might as well present HBO’s True Bloods titles, which is one of the best in my opinion. Again, I am semi bias as it is one of my favorite shows at the moment. Quick plot summary:

The series follows Sookie Stackhouse, a barmaid living in Louisiana who can read people’s minds, and how her life is turned upside down when the Vampire Bill, walks into her place of employment two years after vampires ‘came out of the coffin’ on national television.
- imdb.com

A while back I found a behind the scenes clip about how they made this one and it’s brilliant. The whole intro is shot with all sorts of different cameras, everything from super8 to modern HD cameras. Nothing is digitally made what so ever, not even the text or the title it self, which once you see it, is quite amazing! They’re mixing the old with the new and considering the theme of the series, it’s the perfect solution for their opening sequence.

As I saw the behind the scenes I found it really interesting to see that they didn’t actually have a storyboard. They just went for a stroll out in the swamps equipped with all sorts of cameras and just did what they thought would look cool. Brilliant!

The Pacific
One of HBO’s latest gems is the Pacific, I haven’t really seen much of this, but of what little I’ve seen I have to say it’s really something. Quick plot summary:

A 10-part mini-series from the creators of “Band of Brothers” telling the intertwined stories of three Marines during America’s battle with the Japanese in the Pacific during World War II.
- imdb.com

This is by far the most beautiful, well-made intro I have ever seen. How they have combined handmade styles, digital graphics and video imagery is astonishing! Add a bit of Hans Zimmer and you’ve got a masterpiece. This is truly art!

http://www.vimeo.com/13863018

The first couple of seconds give me the chills. It just shows the power of a well-made title sequence.

I could probably list a bunch more of these, but for now this is it.
I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Until next time.

The start of something new

I’ve been thinking about making some changes with my blog for the last couple of months and I think the solution would be to start a couple of threads. One that I’ve already started is the motion of the month, but due to some time off work and interwebs I haven’t really done one for June, but there will definitely be one for July. So within the next week or so I’ll post something.

I don’t really have a lot else in mind, but I will get around to put up some previous school assignments as it’s long overdue. I’ve also done some experimental stop motion stuff at home, which I might post if I’m happy with the results

That’s it for now, I’ve got a couple more days of vacation and then I’m back. (might even change the blog theme if I’m feeling spontaneous)

Lexus LFA

Just saw the commercial on Youtube and I just had to check it out. It’s a brand new Lexus and it’s to be released as a 2012 model, so it won’t be on sale until next year. Already looks amazing, already is amazing. If you’re in for a super-car,  this might be up your alley. I like the brand Lexus, but I’ve never really liked how they design their cars, but over the last few years something’s happened. They made the IS F a couple of yeas back and this really opened my eyes to Lexus design. I’m hoping and expecting it’s gonna be a competitor in its field.

Motion of the Month – May

I thought I’d start a new segment here on my blog. It will be my favorite motion/vids the last month, might be tied to a theme, might not. As for this month it will have a special theme, The World Cup (obviously).

Well, there are a lot of promos and teasers out there. When it comes to fotball, be it the world cup, champions league, premier league or any other tournament or league up there, they often tend to have the same concept:

The concept is pretty simple, you see two teams play against each other, usually filmed with high pace and with a lot of action. When they get to an exciting moment in the “game”, (this could be a shot at goal or a sick pass) it suddenly changes. What changes is the teams that’s playing and to pull this off they usually “film” the ball from beneath against a background where there are no players, so the next time you see a player in the shot it’s a player from a completely different team, playing against a different opponent even. So the video/commercial/promo changes over and over from dramatic situations to even more dramatic situations.

I’m so sick of this! I want to see something new!

I do believe my whine’s been heard. This year pre to the World Cup as per usual there are a lot of promos out there, but some of these actually have some originality and brains to them.

As I see it, the only reason why some of the big commercial brands like NIKE use this kind of concept/advertising is that they get to showcase all their “top players” in the same ad.
So here’s Nikes contribution pre-World Cup

I do like the flash-forward scenes tho. Especially Rooneys. Although I feel like I’ve seen this so many times before (ads for playoffs, leagues, cups and video games even).

So how can this be done different?
The first thing I would take into consideration would be where the event is held. In this particular case it’s in South Africa. There should be a bunch of stuff you could base your video advertising on if you just dig a bit into South Africa’s culture, landscape or history. Some make an effort, but that might not be enough when the competing field is as huge as it is (in advertising that is). The World Cup only comes second to the Olympics in the sporting genre.
Some other decent commercials;

Here is Coca-Cola’s contribution

http://www.vimeo.com/11112165

Here is Pepsi’s

I would say Pepsi got the better on this one. I like the joke at the end as well even if it’s cliché and half-tacky.

I really like Adidas’ commercial

What BBC came up with this year together with Digital Kitchen is in my mind the best one. I’d like to focus on the communication itself, the idea of what the World Cup is, who it’s for and where it is. I do believe that the angel Digital Kitchen came up with is the most sincere one. Who cares how many million dollars you spent making it, if the message doesn’t stick, it doesn’t work.

http://www.vimeo.com/11663893
Well, this has been my narrow point of view, if you didn’t like please comment. If I left something out let me know, I’d be glad to update the post with more juice stuff.

Most important inventions ever?

100 GREATEST INVENTIONS ( according to 4000 Brits )

1. Wheel
2. Aeroplane
3. Light bulb
4. Internet
5. PCs
6. Telephone
7. Penicillin
8. iPhone
9. Flushing toilet
10. Combustion engine
11. Contraceptive pill
12. Washing machine
13. Central heating
14. Fridge
15. Pain killers
16. Steam engine
17. Freezer
18. Camera
19. Cars
20. Spectacles
21. Mobile phones
22. Toilet paper
23. Hoover
24. Trains
25. Google
26. Microwave
27. Email
28. The pen
29. Hot water
30. Shoe
31. Compass
32. Ibuprofen
33. Toothbrush
34. Hair straighteners
35. Laptops
36. Knife and fork
37. Scissors
38. Paper
39. Space travel
40. Kettle
41. Calculator
42. Bed
43. Remote control
44. Roof
45. Air conditioning
46. SAT NAV
47. Wi-Fi
48. Cats-eyes
49. Matches
50. Power steering
51. Tumble dryer
52. Bicycle
53. Sky+
54. Tea bags
55. Umbrella
56. iPod
57. Taps
58. Crash helmet
59. Wristwatch
60. eBay
61. DVD player
62. Nappies
63. Ladder
64. Sun tan lotion
65. Lawnmower
66. Make-up
67. Chairs
68. Sunglasses
69. The game of football
70. Sliced bread
71. Sofa
72. Razor blades
73. Screwdriver
74. Motorways
75. Head/ear phones
76. Towels
77. Push-up bra
78. Binoculars
79. WD40
80. Mascara
81. Hair dryer
82. Facebook
83. Escalator
84. Hair dye
85. Wellington boots
86. Spell check
87. Calendars
88. Cheese grater
89. Buses
90. Post-it notes
91. Gloves
92. Satellite discs
93. Pedestrian crossing
94. Baby’s dummy
95. Curtains
96. Bottle opener
97. Food blender
98. Dustpan and brush
99. Desks
100. Clothes peg

Late nights, long flights!

So after almost a month of traveling with my friend Chris we’ve finally arrived back home. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve gotten to see some of the best places and cities in America.

To briefly tell you about our trip it went like this;
Flew from Sydney to Los Angeles on the 6th of april. Drove from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on the 10th. Flew from Las Vegas to San Francisco on the 12th. Flew from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale ( Florida ) on the 18th. Flew from Fort Lauderdale to New York on the 26th. Flew from New York to Oslo on the 30th. Arrived in Oslo the 1st of may.

Questions?
Well, there are obviously a lot that happened in between, but that will come in the next couple of days as I need to get some photos from Chris.

Those of you who follow me on facebook might have seen some pictures along the way highlighting some of the events on the trip. Full story with pictures are to come.

As I’m now home and in a somewhat “stable” situation I will start my blog again. If there will be changes to the design, I have not decided yet, but something will happen so check back in every now and then!

Central Park in New York from Rockefeller Center.

In all directions!

So it’s been a long time! Why is this?
My life has changed a lot in the last couple of months. I’m no longer in Australia, that’s probably my biggest change/problem. As of now, I’m sitting on the third floor in the hallway of a hostel in San Francisco.

How did I get here? We’ll that’s a long story. As I’m on my iPhone posting this, I won’t write the whole story.
So far I left Melbourne on the 6th of April with Chris. Leaving everything I’ve done the last year and a half behind. This was really hard, I’ve gotten to know some fantastic people. Some sick designers, some really good friends, some really weird people, all in all just a perfect mix.

We left Melbourne and headed over to LA and Hollywood. Were there for about 4-5 days before we headed to Vegas for a couple of days and now San Francisco. We’re here until Sunday before we head to Florida. After about a week there we’ll go north to New York and finally home around the 1st of May. To be honest, I couldn’t come home sooner, but I guess I would be stupid not to enjoy the moment I’ve got right now.

No matter, I will never forget Melbourne, I will never forget 3 semesters, hard work or friendships!

( I will write a more extensive post once I get home to a desktop computer )

Until then, follow my journey on facebook.