ideasonideas

Blockbusting

Eric Karjaluoto — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:32:27 +0000

A year ago I started to write a book on creativity. In it I discuss how we’ve made this notion so mythic that it has become ridiculously exclusive. This seems rather silly, given that it’s learnable, just like any other discipline. The point, however, is that all this time has passed, and I only have half a book ready (I’m a walking cliché—sorry folks!) (more…)

Talking “digital” with Saatchi’s Kevin Roberts

Eric Karjaluoto — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:59:17 +0000

Readers of ideasonideas are well aware of my bullish stance on digital and how I often reference large agencies as rather out of touch. This doesn’t mean I’m against the big guys (heck, I’d love to work in those neat offices with great views). I just feel as though we’re in the midst of a change that is completely rearranging this space and will result in extinction for a few. (more…)

Turning the tables on Debbie Millman

Eric Karjaluoto — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:19:58 +0000

Few designers haven’t tuned-in to Design Matters, Debbie Millman’s podcast that engages the brightest design minds in discussion. She’s a partner at Sterling Brands in New York, and recently released her first book “How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer.” Today Debbie’s on the other side of the table, and it’s my great pleasure to have her here for a brief talk about her work and thoughts on branding. (more…)

The web, community, privacy and optimism

Eric Karjaluoto — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:55:45 +0000

A couple of weeks back I took part in a panel discussion on Web 2.0, which quickly moved into a debate on the implications of social media. It’s funny; I don’t look upon myself as a particularly optimistic person. Throughout the course of the evening, however, I realized that in fact I’m not just someone whose livelihood is connected to the web. I’m a believer. (more…)

Reflections on Y13: Seeds of Change

Eric Karjaluoto — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:09:07 +0000

In art school I became friends with a colourful and interesting fellow named Ian. Although it has been years since we last spoke, I often think back upon his unique perspectives and the typically inebriated conversations we shared. Yesterday I was reminded of an idea he once discussed: that those who eat meat should at least once have to kill an animal. (more…)

Tax me, baby!

Eric Karjaluoto — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:49:14 +0000

This is an open blog post to Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. Steve, I want you to sit down for a moment. I have a little request, and I think you’re going to get excited. Okay, truth be told you could even pass-out. Take a seat and get comfortable; you don’t hear this kind of thing every day and I want you to be prepared. I want you to raise taxes. (more…)

Six suggestions that can make you a better designer

Eric Karjaluoto — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:45:51 +0000

Struggling with too many projects, and not sure where to start? Wish you had a few tricks up your sleeve to make things easier? While the following is certainly not a definitive list, it does contain a few of the things we do at smashLAB to bring out our best. (more…)

The inversion of advertising

Eric Karjaluoto — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:14:58 +0000

All of us in design, marketing, and advertising are used to change. It’s simply a matter of fact that the way we communicate evolves. You and I, however, know that we are all in the midst of a change of epic proportions that may in-fact result in the complete re-writing of how companies and customers communicate. (more…)

The new ideasonideas

Eric Karjaluoto — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:15:15 +0000

Ta-da! Welcome to the redesigned ideasonideas! The new “look” represents both a change in direction and a bit of a revised mandate. I’d like to talk about the future of this blog, our reasons for change, and the compelling new content we’re working to deliver. (more…)

Fuck style

Eric Karjaluoto — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:07:40 +0000

Design is such a multi-layered practice that it’s often difficult to define. That being said, I believe that the word “design” is increasingly confused with “style”. For example, to most “I like the way it’s designed” means that they like the way that something looks. (more…)