I brought my camera along to the figure drawing group this morning. I wanted to see how well the camera performed in low-light conditions. Really happy with the results. You can see more of them here.
The Fuji X10 camera
I know, I know, the new Canon 5D mk III was announced today. I'm perfectly happy with my mk II and I have no plans on upgrading especially since the new version costs $1000 more than its predecessor. What's that all about?
The camera that's really on my mind right now is my new Fujifilm X10 -- the X100's little brother. While it doesn't have the large chip that big brother has, it's loaded with very cool features that the X100 lacks. I'm taking a trip to Cambodia in August and I wanted a smaller camera that would allow me to shoot discretely on the street and wouldn't be a pain to carry around. I was looking for the following capabilities:
- A real viewfinder
- Fast focus
- Fast lens
- Ability to shoot wide angle
- Ability to shoot HD video
- Built like a tank
I found all of these and more in the Fuji X10. My favorite feature has to be the zoom. No silly little lever here, you actually grab the lens and turn it – imagine that. The lens also happens to be the on and off switch which is very clever. Turning the lens all the way to the right, turns the camera off. Turn it to the left to compose your photo and it turns the camera on.
The auto focus is ridiculously fast! I dare say as fast as my 5D mkII and there is no shutter lag at all. This sucker is quick!
Those who know me well know that I have a soft spot for the vintage cameras. The fact that this looks like a classic Leica M3 doesn't hurt any either. It feels extremely well built too.
There are plenty of reviews out there so go check them out. If you are looking for a new camera to carry around I highly recommend the X10.
One more week to sign up for Pinchflat 2
If you're planning to submit a poster to Pinchflat 2, the deadline is March 15th...one week left. Keep in mind that the artwork you submit for approval does not need to be 100% finished. We just need to make sure that them theme fits the show. If you choose to add finishing touches afterwards that is fine.
Submit your work by next Thursday and join the fun.
Information and Call for Entries can be found at: www.pinchflatcolumbus.com
Wexner Medical Center Illustration
I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with the Ohio State University Medical Center as they went through the renaming process a few weeks ago. They asked me to come up with an infographic that helped describe the magnitude of the OSU Healthcare system and some of its many break-throughs. It was used both online and in print as they rolled out the new name to the public. They are proud to be called the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University.
Scoot-a-que 15 Design
Every year I work with the Columbus Cutters Scooter Club to come up with the look for our annual scooter rally. They asked for a Mexican theme this year and I'm happy to deliver. Here's my twist on the traditional Mexican sugar skull complete with scooter parts and tools. Enjoy.
Craigslist score
I'm a geek when it comes to vintage furniture. I have ALWAYS wanted a classic Eames Lounge Chair with ottoman...until I saw the price tag. After doing some research I found that several companies also made knock-off lounge chairs that were more than inspired by the original Eames design. A friend and furniture collector suggested that I consider a vintage knock off. They are actually well made, real leather, and unlike the Eames chair, they reline. If you know what you are looking for it's pretty easy to tell the difference between an original Eames and a replica. But I found this one on Craigslist last week and couldn't pass it up. When I picked it up it was missing four buttons, had plenty of scuffs but the leather was in excellent condition. I brought it home and over the weekend spent a few hours with leather conditioner, steel wool, Old English and and almond stick. I also made new leather buttons to replace the missing ones and they fit perfectly. I'm really happy with the new addition to my studio. I plan on spending plenty of time in that corner of the office.
EAMES: The Architect and the Painter
Thursday, February 16, 2012
6:30 - Social Hour
7:30 - Speaker
Gateway Film Center
You know the chair.
But do you know the rest of the story?
Discover the groundbreaking and utterly American duo of designers Charles and Ray Eames, at this one-time-only screening of EAMES: The Architect and the Painter — introduced by the film's producer.
CSCA is proud to bring you this exclusive event. Enjoy the imagination and charm of these icons on the big screen, then learn more about documentary filmmaking with veteran Bill Jersey, who will discuss his work after the movie. It's an event you simply can't miss.
About the Film
The husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames are widely regarded as among America's most important designers. Best known for their mid-century plywood and fiberglass furniture, the Eames Office also created a extraordinary variety of other work, including photography, interiors, multimedia exhibits, graphics, games, medical devices, films and toys.
Remarkably, their personal lives and influence on significant trends in American life – from the development of modernism, to the rise of the computer age – has been less widely understood. Narrated by James Franco, EAMES: The Architect and the Painter is the first fi lm since their deaths dedicated to these creative geniuses and their work.
About Bill Jersey
Bill Jersey has produced documentaries for more than 40 years. His body of work includes two Academy Award nominees: A Time for Burning, on race relations in America, and Superchief, on the life and legacy Chief Justice Earl Warren. His other award-winning productions include The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow series (George Foster Peabody Award), Children of Violence (Emmy), Renaissance (Emmy nomination), Faces of the Enemy (Emmy nomination), Loyalty and Betrayal (Emmy), and The Making of Amadeus.
Join us, Thursday, February 16, as Bill Jersey joins us for a look into "EAMES: The Architect and the Painter"
Scout, the studio mascot
Today, I met with a client at their offices and by request I brought my mascot along with me. She's a 12 pound miniature poodle named Scout and she spends much of her day hanging out in my studio with me. Clients and business partners love seeing her when they come to the studio and now are asking me to bring her along for meetings. Pretty crazy. It's been interesting to see how many creative firms, Like Spacejunk Media, allow thier employees to bring dogs to the office.
I came across this article today which prompted me to write this post.
PinchFlat 2 Call for Entries open
Pinchflat 2 planning is underway and we're excited to announce that the call for entries is now open.
Last year's event was awesome. 25 local artists contributed to the event and posters sold like crazy. We exceeded every expectation and we are really excited to see what happens this year.
So if you're looking for an opportunity to do something creative, support a great cause, and to sell some artwork, sign up to contribute your work to this year's event. You can download the call for entries and get more information here.
For my photos of last year's event click here.
New Year's Inspiration
As we enter 2012, here is some inspiration to get the juices flowing:
Tom and Dan started their business on Kickstarter with a clever little piece of plastic called the Glif. Now they have released the Cosmonaut. I ordered mine this weekend. Spend a few minutes poking around this site and check out the behind the scenes videos. These guys are living their dream. Very inspiring.
I don't know an artist or designer who didn't use Ed Emberley's drawing books as a kid. My mom got them from the library for me and I LOVED them! Ed's books had a huge impact on my approach to illustration and design. Here's another man who is living his dream. Check out this video of Ed in his home studio talking about his work. Amazing.