Fantastic music + a sexy cellist

I got to see Ra Ra Riot live a couple weekends ago at The Grenada. They're an insanely brilliant band of nerdy hipsters. This is probably one of the most beautiful music videos I've ever seen. Makes me feel good about life. And death.

Ra Ra Riot – Dying Is Fine

Oh. And the cellist is hella fine.

Logo fa sho

A few weeks into school, I joined KU Environs, which is pretty much the coolest club on campus (join!). One of their most recent projects was starting up the KU Student Farm, which allows students to learn how to grow their own fruits and veggies practically for free! Really awesome concept.

Anyway, I'm designing the logo! It's been a very long process, but it's far from over.
Here are some of my designs

                                         
                      

Unfortunately, none of these are going to be used. But I'm still proud :)

Locations locations locations

The Blizz and I scouted out more locations. Please try to ignore the shitty picture quality/photography.

Follower

We drew the word "follow." Sigh. I was a bit disappointed to let go of my word change.

However, after pondering the hidden meanings of our new word, my eyes were opened to all of the possibilites of where to place it and what we can say with one simple word.

I took some pickies of a few places. Here they be yo.

Bike Rack – The devices used for following

Catholic Church – Questioning the motives of the "followers"

The Road – Staying on the beaten bath

My personal favorite is the church. I feel like it might piss a lot of people off. But hey, good art instigates discussion, right? And may be a few punches.

Change

I picked the word change. As you can see by this long ass post, it has a multitude of definitions and connotations. But beyond that, it has a lot of deeper meanings for me personally. A complex word to say the least. I'm diggin' it, and I definitely hope that I'll dig this project.

CHANGE
v. 1. To cause to be different; to give a different appearance to; transform
    2. To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
    3. To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
    4. To lay aside, abndon or leave for another; switch; to transfer
    5. To give or receive equivalent money
    6. To put fresh covering on


v. intr. 
    1. To become different or undergo alteration
    2. To undergo transformation or transition (in music)
    3. To go from one phase to another, as in seasons or the moon
    4. To make an exchange
    5. To transfer from one conveyance to another
    6. To put on other clothing
    7. TO become deeper in tone


n. 1. THe act, process or result of altering or modifying
    2. The replacing of one thing for another; substitiution
    3. A transformation or transition from one state, condition or phase to another
    4. Something different; variety
    5. A different or fresh set of clothing
    6. Money of smaller denomination; the balance of money returned; coins
    7. A pattern or order in which bells are rung; in jazz, a change in harmony
    8. A market or exchange where business is transacted


Note to self: Learn how to write html.

IDEO: We let you bring your toys to work

IDEO kind of sounds like heaven. A conglomeration of brilliant people to bounce ideas off of and make something beautiful with.

What hit me the most was how supportive and excited the leaders were. It was the most positive and cohesive working environment that I've ever seen. No hierarchy or negativity. Just free-flowing ideas and a deadline.

Thanks to IDEO, I now look at brainstorming in a completely new way. I don't worry anymore if my ideas are too crazy to construct. I just go. My next brilliant idea: floating pillows for the work environment. They'll be invisible, so the boss won't even be able to tell when you're snoozing. Patent pending.

Etsy Addicts Anonymous

Hi, my name's Shannon, and I have an uncontrollable Etsy addiction.
It's gotten quite out of hand, really. If you haven't been to Etsy.com before, you should most definitely check it out. Just make sure you have a good 5-hour block cleared out for browsing. Different artists post their handmade art on here for selling. Everything is handmade and beautiful.                        

These are my latest find.
They just kill me.

Most definitely try browsing by color. It's quite fun.

Under the Influence

Philinthecircle

(Make sure to watch his video on Influence. Quality soundtrack as well.)

I fell in love with Phil's work a couple of years ago. His mind works in incredibly beautiful ways, making for some pretty intense creations.

Amen to an artist who makes a difference.

Parameters or popcorn?

I realized something about myself through these past couple of weeks. I am a terrible worker without parameters.

Strangely enough, I need a specific set of rules and guidelines in which to create. Without them, I end up wandering around my dorm room aimlessly looking for some food. Not the most productive girl, eh?
I have a strong suspicion that I'm going to miss this freedom to create in the near future.
Till then, I'll be mind mapping away. Or just making some popcorn.