KL Design Week – Exhibitions

Yesterday myself and Jamie went to check out the exhibitions around KL that were going on thanks to KL Design Week. I have to say I wish there were more events like that this in KL as I love every chance that I get to experience art and design but the majority of the time there are only three places where you can experience that in KL and that is the annex gallery, the national art gallery and the patronas galleries. It was nice they added another location for the KL Design Week which was Cap Square. 

First off we went to the national Art Gallery which to no surprise the best work was from Singapore and Japan but I guess this week is about raising awareness of design in KL rather than just show casing Malaysian work plus it is meant to be international but still it would of been good to see more from Malaysia. My favourite was an exhibition where they had a collaboration between Visual Artists and Audio Artists. There were a series of black and white images and plugged into them were head phones. Each Image was different as was the music to go along with that piece. I’m not completely sure if the music was made to the image or the other way around but it was still really fascinating. There was also a design by one of my favorite artists David Carson who was meant to be talking at one of the conferences but he pulled out at the last minute. I have to say considering how many books he has out I expected a large exhibition but the gallery had only given him a small space in a hallway between galleries, considering he was being advertised as the headline speaker for the design week I don’t understand why his exhibition was so small, its not like he doesn’t have enough material for it.

Next was off to the Annexe gallery which I have to say I was highly disappointed with, not the content that is as that was amazing as always but rather the level of content. There was just one of the three rooms available used which if you consider it was the international design festival there should of been a lot more on display instead of just one small exhibition. What was on though was still interesting. It was a series of sculptures done by couples who were used living room items to evoke thought about these every day objects. Got to say I expected more from such a place.

Lastly it was on to CapSquare which was definitely my favorite of the exhibitions on as it had so much content and the content was from all ages and levels of designers. There was even an exhibition from the KL Flickr group which I was really disappointed that I could not be a part of because I have to work so much. There were a lot of degree shows too there which a good number really impressed me with their design work. I really dont understand why my company didn’t prepare for this exhibition more by getting more people to attend or finding ways of advertising itself like others have done. They have seriously missed out on a good opportunity. I have recommended the very least they do is go to the degree shows and try to scout for potential employees as there are many students who would definitely be a benefit to this company who were displaying their work there so here’s hoping they do.

Report for work – KLDW

On Saturday I went to a conference as part of the KL Design week. The company I work for though said that they would only pay towards that conference which is a shame because I really wanted to go to the following day but I guess they didn’t want to spend much money haha. Before I was allowed to ask for my 50% back from the company for the price of the ticket I had to write and a report on the day which is what follows in this post. Apologies if it is boring or bland but it was for work and they were very vague in what they wanted me to write for them.  Oh and apologies if you knows these companies and I’m not giving them justice but I’m sure if it was bright enough in the place I would of taken notes and then I’d have even more to bore you with haha. If you don’t want to read what I wrote at least check out the websites =] 

Super Motion at MaTiC -  Conference

http://www.kldesignweek.com/#/home

Being asked to write a report on the conference that we attended is not an easy task without receiving any guidance on what information you want to know about or if you want to reference what I learnt to the company but I will give it a shot. Firstly the conference was a letdown in terms what was on offer. I went expecting critical and contextual analysis of the field in which we are in, this was barely done at all as what critical evaluation was done was shared mainly by the Europeans and Canadians. The Asian speakers tried but very little was said, they felt more of a need to just show us work which I found highly counterproductive as we already knew who they were and what their work was and if we didn’t well dam that’s what the Internet is for. I also expected there to be more of an opportunity to network and talk with others in my felid like they have in the UK but no food was provided so that was out the window. People just left at lunch and then came back for the next speaker. All that was outside the lecture theatre was a stall selling design books. There definitely should have been more stalls with advertising agencies and design companies to promote themselves and network. That is after all how you expand the awareness and quality of a field. This was more just a series of lectures for the young and uninformed of the industry i.e. first year students. There were many students there and when people were given the opportunity to speak very little of intelligence thought was shown. People instead asked questions the majority of which could have been given the answer by their own mind should they have taken more time to think.

The following are the main attendants of the conference and a short explanation of what they did:

http://www.koba-yashi.co.uk/

Definitely the best speaker there. He was from Italy and the UK and dam did he have some interesting things to say. He also had a clever way of introducing the topic of his talk through a story which started out talking about him only a few years old and ended up with him explaining of his clever use of viral media to create brand awareness for himself and even a fake persona. This guy was very funny and had a lot of intelligent things to say about the media. His main message was that having time to learn and experiment with the programs that you use is very important and the more you can do that the better your chances are of becoming great.  I’d definitely recommend checking this guy out through google and read about his story, he came from nothing and through hard work and the clever use of viral media created a real name for himself. 

http://www.runeentertainment.com/

A group from Canada who were setting up another studio in Singapore. They probably talked the longest but I found fascinating because of their philosophy is one I highly believe in and that is team creativity combined with having story and purpose behind each element. They believe that you should not have anything in a scene without a good story and reason for having it there. Just having it there to make something have impact is rarely a good enough reason in itself. Some of my friends found these guys a little boring but I guess that was because they were wanting their luch and these guys were on just before lunch. I guess the reason they were so good at talking and explaining themselves apart from the fact they were canadian was that one of them had been a university lecturer and loved the theory of design which meant they had real purpose in their work and they could justify each element in their design.

http://www.tokyoplastic.com/

They were like a few of the companies there believers that you should not say yes to every job that presents itself and instead you should try to find opportunities to just say no to try and keep a reputation so that agencies don’t start looking at you as a company that can only do one thing or a company that only does small rush jobs. These guys also took a lot of time to learn new techniques in their spare time and they are like most people from the UK who work hard just so they can party even harder =]

http://www.studio4c.co.jp/top.html

What can I say about this. The guy could really talk but his translator wasn’t the best. I think a lot of the audience didn’t get him by the level of questions that came out and I felt sorry for him but I got him and loved his latest work which was very abstract.

http://www.jldesign.tv/info/

They had some breath taking work and for being the only company in Taiwan that specializes in motion graphics they really had an interesting story to tell. I definitely want to see how this company is in a few years as they seem to be growing fast and spreading the word of motion graphics in Taiwan, a market which is only starting to show iteslf. 

http://www.umeric.com/

This guy had some great 3d work but he was a simple man and about as articulated as the Asian companies. Coming from New Zealand I had higher hopes for him but nope. When it came to his lecture he spent most the time showing his work instead of saying anything intelligent. Although I give him credit in the fact he was dam funny, a true stoner for sure haha. 

http://www.hexaproject.com/

These guys believed strongly in connecting with other companies and spreading the word of design not only within the design community but also with the public through exhibitions and more. Again with a few of the other companies here these guys not only did motion graphics but they used screen shots from their work which had been tweaked slightly for print work.

http://www.huevisualab.com/

These kids clearly were unprepared but they did have some nice concepts their two most important were create an inspiring environment in their studio and secondly they really stressed the need to fight with agencies about what you think is good design and what will look good for a piece rather than just rolling over and trying to please a client.

 

More Singapore =]

It’s amazing how Singapore and Malaysia are so close but so different because of how Malaysia is governed and policed. We loved Singapore but our pockets were really hurting.

On the second day Jamie wanted to go to Sentosa Island so we took the train there then we were going to get another train to the island but Jamie really wanted to go to take the cable car so I helped her with the cost. As we went there I asked why we didn’t cross the water but Jamie looked at me as if I was crazy. When we got off the cable care to our surprise there was not much there to do or see. It was only after getting in a taxi to take us to an attraction that we found out that the cable car first went up a small mountain before coming back down then crossing the water to go to the island. What a waste of a taxi fare to take us to the island when we had already paid a lot of money for the cable car lol, we really didn’t understand why when we go off there were no signs telling us if we didn’t want to use the restaurant or spa to get back on the cable car. 

Anyway once we finally got on the island and had something to eat we decided to get a package deal. Dam there’s lots to do but it was all really amazing from the war museum to the museum about the different cultures that make up Singapore. They were all very impressive exhibits and on top of that we went to a 4D cinema which was a good laugh, a toboggan slide and a Tiger beer sponsored tower ride which gave us an awesome view of the island and Singapore. Later when it was time to go home we actually took the cable car how we were supposed to and again we got a spectacular view.

We then went home again to freshen up pick up our bags and head back into town for one last sightseeing before heading to the airport. Jamie had previously wanted to check out city hall so we headed there but when we go there as usual there were different exits to choose from and we chose the music/theatre. A long walk but when we got there wow was it worth it. Live music being played in the entrance way, light sculptures outside and another band playing around the side of the building beside the water. It was all highly professional plus the view of the building outside and the skyscrapers was very cool. I wish I could of stayed to listen to the live music as it’s been so long since I listened to live music but we had to go to catch our flight.

The above image is of one of the bands that were playing inside http://www.esplanade.com they were dam good and the sound system was pretty impressive considering it was a free show inside the foyer of the building.

The above was a large outdoor light sculpture in front of http://www.esplanade.com   

As well as everything that was going on inside http://www.esplanade.com there was also a pretty decent band playing at an ourdoor theatre just at the side of the building. Maybe this can give you an idea of just how big the main building was if this is a small side building. The bad played in different languages and did some indie covers too which were alright but they sounded better when they sang in Mandarin.  

I’d definitely like to go back in the future and check out more of the city. There really does seem to be a lot of culture, art, design and music going on here and I want to see of it for sure =] 

Holiday in Singapore

Myself and Jamie went to Singapore for 2 days and some trip it was. I knew it was going to be expensive but dam was it ever expensive but I can see why. It’s a beautiful city and everything is as it should be. Very clean, good public transport and a clear effort is being made to make sure no one is discriminated against.

I have to work so much at PixelPost that I had no time to research on the place I just booked the flight and accommodation so I relied on Jamie to check things out. She hadn’t made any plans so when we got there we just winged both days and they turned out still to be good.

After arriving and getting to the bed and breakfast we were disappointed to find out they had given us the wrong room but they were fully booked so couldn’t change us, also there was no compensation and Jamie still had to pay 2 dollars just to rent a towel. That being said it was still a nice place with good facilities. It was well planned out as the rooms and showers were tiny but just right.

We then went to an area that pretty much is in the centre of town and had some really good food in one of the shopping centres there and then went for a walk to check out the area. We were quite lucky that after 2 blocks we noticed a tourist centre and went to check it out. They gave us directions to the national museum which was only one stop away on the underground.

In the museum I noticed for the second time an advert for another design exhibition at another shopping centre so we went to find that. It was a fair walk away and a train ride but it was pretty cool seeing all the work and to see how creativity is nourished in Singapore.

After the noise exhibition we went home to freshen up then headed to China town. Unfortunately by the time we got there most things were shutting up and we were worried about missing the last train back so we just had enough time for a quick bite to eat before heading home.

Coke Commercial/MTV Music Video

Well that’s me been here at my new job almost two weeks and it aint bad at all. Folks here are cool and the only bad thing is the fact that I live far away and I dont have my own car or bike so getting to and from work is costing me heaps. I have to get a normal train (KTM) then the sky train (LRT) and then a taxi, all of which adds up having to pay for all that twice a day, I’m spending 26 ringit a day in total which is pretty insane. Add that on top of the fact we eat at a restaraunt about twice a day, more if we sleep over and its really hurting what little funds I have left.

Yeah you read right sleep over. I’ve worked throughout the night a fair number of times already to get our latest project completed on time. The one thing that makes it tollerable is the fact that the editing suits are well designed so their couches are big and comfy enough for us to take naps on to keep us going and there is full cable when we want to get away from the comp and just zone out. Of course I usually put it on national geographic or AXN but most here love to relax in front of some footy. 

The Project we just finished was for two Malaysian artists who are the new face of Coke in this part of the world. The team here created both a music video for them plus a commercial for coke from the footage we were given by the production company. It’s a steep learning curve here but thanks to the working style here no one seems to get that stressed. The music video was shown as part of the official launch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Kuala Lumpur city centre and was on the internet as soon as the agency received it, as for the commercial were still waiting for that to go online and then TV but that shouldnt be more than a day or two away in itself. 

Check out Pixel Post’s work bellow!

Things are looking up

Well thanks go out to Jamie this time for helping me find a new job.  On monday I start a trial position as a motion graphics artists at a really nice looking post production company in PJ which is just out KL city.  Its in the same district as where I was working before but this position seems a lot more suited to who I am. They are paying me the legal minimum for foreigners which is good plus this is what I studied at university. 

For those of you who dont know my degree was three years but to get my honours I did an extra year in which I studied and researched motion graphics and spent the time learning Adobe After Effects. I then produced a series of short animations based on what I had learnt for my end of year exhibiton.  I really enjoyed studying the genre and learning the program and look forward to using it again. 

During my interview yesterday they showed me a lot of work which was of a really high calliber, a lot higher than that on their website including a lot of work currently on TV right now. It was good to be sitting down with someone and talking about design and motion graphics again like I used to do with my tutor and fellow students in uni. I hope I can learn a lot in my one month there.

Wish me luck  

http://www.pixel-post.com

Check out their old reel!

Trip to Hartamas for Hasrin

The other day just as I was starting to get better myself and Jamie were asked to go to our friend Hasrin’s leaving party as he’s of to study in Austrailia. The pary was at Hartamas and we almost didn’t go as Jamie didn’t know where it was and we had no way of getting there but just as we got back from viewing apartments Jo phones and says that he’ll take us. We get ready and then we after he arrives we all head there. Hasrin’s girlfriend Azleena had arranged the whole thing and had managed to get a lot of people to attend.

 

Myself, Aisya, Jamie, Hasrin, Johan

It was a pretty good evening, they have all kinds of food stalls there and we smoked some sheesha which wasn’t too bad. The service wasn’t half as good as it was when our friend ahmed took us but was still good.

Afterwards myself, Jamie, Jo, Ayisha and Azleena went to a mamak (24hr malay food and drink restaurant) I was about to fall asleep as I was still not that great but it was good banter. I love those restaurants as its always interesting to see the different people who go there to have a little food and tea and just hang out. I’m sure they would be a great hit in Scotland as most like spicy food and it would be good to get people together late at night. Only downside would be that I’m sure it would be packed with drunken people and lots of fighting.

Anyway, We left about 3:30 ish in the morning and dam was I glad, I just wanted to sleep haha

Thaipusam

It was recently Thaipusam, an Indian festival that Indians all over the world are meant to choose one of their god to give thanks to and worship. It lasts about 3 days here in Malaysia and most come to Kuala Lumpur to worship at the Batu Caves which is just outside the centre of KL. 

Most Indians will start at the main temple at the centre of the city then walk to the caves which take all night. When they arrive at the caves to get to the entrance they have to climb up 272 stairs. All this walking that they do for their gods for many is not enough. Some hook small pots of incense on  their back other hook on fruit to offer at the temple. Some go either further by hooking on ropes which other Indians will hold as they climb the stairs. Again for some this is not enough for their god and some will put spikes through their cheeks and then put big representations of their gods on the shoulders.

For those that choose to take it to the next level in this manner as it sounds it is not an easy task to get up the stairs. St John’s ambulance is always standing guard as many people collapse under the heat and this coupled with the fact they are not allowed to eat anything mortal for 2 weeks prior does not help them. It is good though that they all help each other and shout to encourage each other on their mission in such a religious time.

Myself and Jamie went to witness all of this and more and my photos are available to view on my flickr. Please check them out and also the following link to learn more. It’s really amazing their devotion and I was glad that everyone is welcome and that I was able to be witness to the festival for my own eyes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/thaipusam.shtml

Do your research…

The other week I was forced to leave my new job at Kid Chan Studios. Yes to all those who have heard of him, he is exactly as you think. Many people warned me about his arrogance and that he is only where he is today thanks to the fact that some of his first clients were royalty. I have since made friends with other photographers in the area and they are right with how they describe him. They say he’s a good business man and terrible photographer, I wish I knew that before I started working for him lol.

I had given him the benefit of the doubt as he had some ok work and a good website, something which many here in Malaysia do not have.

The reasons for which I had to leave are many such I thought I was going to be doing photography and assistant older photographers. No, I was instead put in front of a computer with a broken monitor and expected to use primitive software to create photo books and edit photos to go in them. The software I could of tolerated if it were not for the fact that the other employee did not have to use it and it really slowed things down. I was also expected to go as fast as the other guy straight away, something which was impossible, that sort of thing should come with time not instantly.

In addition the hours, dam is all I can say. I was expected to work a minimum of 9 hours each day and only got a 10 min break for food, thank god there are laws against that in the UK. The one day I walked out after exactly 9 hours I was questioned why I was leaving early. On top of this I was spending 4.5 hours travelling every day to get to and from work which completely drained me and he was already paying me lower than the legal limit to pay foreigners which is meant to be a minimum of £600 a month.

One thing I did find very amusing about his office/house was his studio. I thought the amount of money he makes that he would be able to afford a half decent studio. But as far as studios go (which I’ve been in a few) this one was the most basic. When I was asked to take pictures of the other employee I was gob smacked at the lack of equipment but did photographed him anyway.

The last day my limits were pushed as I was already feeling ill from the lack of sleep and stress put on me by changing photos one very small step at a time and getting frustrated with the basic software. We had a disagreement about an image that looked wrong, I was using my laptop to edit photos as their monitor was off so I said it looks fine on my monitor its just your monitor. He disagreed with me and the other employee and at the end of the day I had to tell his wife I would not be coming back as this job was not for me.

That was the first time in my working life of 10 years that I’ve had to leave a job after such a short period of time but I couldn’t work like that. The next day I got more sick and it took me 2 days of getting worse before I started getting better. 

Where the **** were you?…Surprise! =]

Dam first day of work on Monday, started work at 9 and I was expected to work till 7, not good as Jamie had already asked me to meet Jo at KLCC at 8 and it takes a long time to get there. Jo was also phoning me and asking if I was meeting him at chllies, something which Jamie didnt tell me I was doing, even though she had already taken me to that restaraunt the night before to ask them for a booking and she told me it was for her work.

When I finally arrived at 9pm after rushing home for a 2 min shower changing and then running out and  catching a cab. Once I arrived Jo was like surprise as him, Jamie, Azleena and her boyfriend Hazrin were there to celebrate my new job. Unfortunantly with Jamie’s terrible lying and Jo’s lack of a story of why I had to meet him at KLCC I had already guessed they were planning something, but that didnt stop me feeling realy impressed that they did it for me. Jamie also didnt help her case by telling me last year that she would take me out for dinner if I got a job lol. I still really appreciated the fact that they did it and Jo payed for my dinner and they all got me a cool black organiser.

Dam I was so tired after such a long fustrating day but it was good to chill with friends and have some tasty food. Thanks guys for organising it and also thanks to all the folk on facebook and flickr who wished me good  luck on my first day.