Photo update - on the way to Campbeltown

The last 'dust-it-off' entry, I promise.

Since recently I had an honour of taking part in my first business trip (oh, the business trips are amazing, do go on business trips!) and since I work with cameras... well, we obviously had cameras!

Some snaps on the way to Campbeltown:

Digital illustration update

I'm still very far away to even remotely call it something profitable (if I was so inclined...) but this does not change the fact it's still a good hobby/free-time killer.
In the last couple of weeks I've been abusing my tablet a little so this is some results:

AN OPEN CALL TO ARTISTS!

Yeah, why not.
It's a copy of the ad I posted on gumtree. However low, chances are someone might actually come across this here, well...



Hi all, 
I am looking for talented people throughout Aberdeenshire who consider themselves underexposed (or something). Daily I work in oil and gas industry but I am getting involved as much as possible with talented locals and societies in the area. 
Anyway blah blah, to cut it short: 

THIS IS AN OPEN INVITATION to whoever is involved in just about anything. Are you a local band and could use a music video? Freestyle performer looking forward to put together a mixtape? Abstract artist painting with your elbows? You name it. 

There are no catches, I'm not doing this for any cash whatsoever. The most I can get out of it is couple of seconds for a showreel maybe. I'm just looking for interesting things/people to film. I shoot on Canon 5dmarkII (which is rather decent piece of equipment), have necessary lenses and whatnot. 

Anyway - if you made it this far it means that you might be in the group I am looking for. If so, send me a sample of who you are, interest me somehow, tell me what are you involved in, you can film it even with a mobile as far as I'm concerned. There are no tips & suggestions and as of now I'm not 100% what I'm doing but there's not much to loose. 

Anyway - if you made it this far it means that you might be in the group I am looking for. If so, send me a sample of who you are, interest me somehow, tell me what are you involved in, you can film it even with a mobile as far as I'm concerned. There are no tips & suggestions and as of now I'm not 100% what I'm doing but there's not much to loose. 

Yes, free video. Excited. Go.

AUSA Fashion Show

Hi again!

The video below features some highlights from the fashion show organised by the students of University of Aberdeen. Like the video or not but you have to give it to them - they did put a lot of effort into it.

30-11-2012 // Garage music club
Outtakes from the Fashion Show.

// Audio used:
Sam and the Womp - Bom Bom
Franz Ferdinand - No you girls
Franz Ferdinand - Take me out
DJ Format ft. Chali 2na & Akil - We know something

I do not hold any rights to the audio used in this clip, the video is for educational purpose only. AUSA's Charity Campaign who organized this Fashion Show is a non-profitable organisation.

Breakdance school video - sick!

Another relatively new video - this time I had a chance to work with a fabulous breakdancer Navid Sobhani.

Check this out, some sick moves!

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2-12-2012 // MacRobert building (University of Aberdeen)
Footage from the last breakdance session for this year at the University of Aberdeen.

Navid's breakdance club is open to beginners and pros alike. The participants meet on Wednesday evenings and typically Navid would spend the first hour as a teacher revising the basic steps and introducing some new moves. Within the second hour the performers form an open circle: an opportunity for the beginners to showcase what they had learnt and a 'battle ground' for the more experienced.
If you wish to get involved drop Navid a line at navidbreak@facebook.com or simply come around to one of the classes.

Audio used: Robyn vs. Teddybears - Cobrastyle

----

I do not hold any rights to the audio - the video is for educational purposes only.
Navid's Breakdance Society is a non-profit organisation.

Shortsfest 2012 in 3 minutes

I've been dusting the video archive for a new showreel and found out I've never came to edit anything of the Shortsfest from last June which I helped film.
This is some highlights from the 2-day long festival held in Glasgow. Music not for the faint of heart.

Enjoy!

Run Easy

Right.
Since recently I had little inspiration or luck either in drawing or filming, it's time to cause some damage in written word. Brace yourselves.

This is by no means design-related. Or maybe?
No matter whether you will work for yourself or for a company/an agency, you are more than likely to spend around 8 hours a day sitting in front of your desk, which is not super healthy really. Some get away with it, while the others keep putting on like crazy. The diet, unless you have supervision and an iron will is not enough to keep you fit, so the only solution is to sweat it out a bit.

Now, I will tell you about best sport there is.
Jogging.

Why is jogging the best sport?
Now putting aside the cliches as 'we all run', there is virtually no need for equipment. You don't need to rent a course to practice, buying extra gear does not make you a better runner and finally - your stage is everywhere you want it to be.
Now, I'm not really  a huge sports person but jogging is different. Not enjoying competitions as such, I prefer to set my own standards, my own records and break them.
The 40+minutes of solitude you get while running is good for getting ideas - I know I managed to come up with good answers to briefs while jogging. It is good for designer after all!

So what do you need for jogging?

• Shoes

Now, I don't want to sound as if I was affiliated with one of certain companies, but since you will not likely invest in anything else, a decent pair of trainers is a must. This is not for keeping up good image, think about it in therms of respect or gratitude towards your legs. Nothing too fancy, as long as it's proper running sole (thick, foamy and you feel like a ned wearing them). This is especially important if running on concrete.

• Gym pass?

The question between gymmin' it up vs. running outdoor comes down to one's taste at the end of the day. It's worth noting though that running outdoors during the winter may not be really good for your knees - according to some of my sources at least. Personally I recommend having a mix of both for a good measure.

• Tunes!

Yup, oddly enough, at least in my experience music is a major factor on performance. I find it that I manage to break my own records in good spirits and nothing sets for good spirit like some good music. The question of the genre is again up to one's preference, it's worth making it fast-paced to match the rhythm: the more you can focus on the beat the least likely you are to glance at the timer all the time and wonder if your breathing pattern is correct (tip: the more you think about it the more likely you are to screw it up - it best comes naturally).

I enclose a couple of my favourites  for a good run. Since I listen to an awful lot of different tunes depending on the mood you should find quite a broad range of genres here. Have a look!

1. Invaders must die

2. Offspring - Genocide

3. Mos Def - Hip Hop

4. Black Keys - Lonely  Boy

5. Le Tigre - Deceptacon

6. Outkast - B.O.B

7. Nine Inch Nails - Meet your master

8. Franz Ferdinand - Take me out.

That's a good start set-up.

So what's the technique?

Briefly: try inhaling by your nose and exhaling by mouth.

Don't think about your breathing pace - it's correct anyway.

For faster runs - I find it easier to start running on toes, then once my legs get tired switch to mid-foot. There is a discussion around this but ultimately especially for beginners I think it's important to run the way you find natural.

Warm up (before longer runs it's a must).

Cool down

Try not eating for  ~3hours prior to running

Good luck