Category: Featured

  • Think Positive: A Guide for Creatives to Overcome Negative Thoughts

    Think Positive: A Guide for Creatives to Overcome Negative Thoughts

    Strategies for Overcoming & Mastering the Mindset for Success

    Creatives are known to be highly imaginative and intuitive, but their craft can also come with a heavy load of self-doubt and negative thoughts. The constant pressure to come up with new and innovative ideas can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. But, just like any other profession, they can take steps to overcome these negative thoughts and unlock their full potential.

    The first step in overcoming negative thoughts is to recognize and acknowledge them. It’s easy to get caught up in a spiral of self-doubt and criticism, but it’s important to remember that these thoughts are just that – thoughts. They don’t define who you are as a person or as a creative. By acknowledging them, you take away some of their power and can begin to take control of them.

    Next, it’s important to challenge these negative thoughts. Often, the thoughts that hold us back are based on false assumptions or beliefs. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if they are true or not. Are you really not good enough? Is your work truly not worthy of recognition? Chances are, the answer is no. By challenging these thoughts and recognizing that they aren’t true, you can begin to let them go.

    Another effective strategy is to practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment. When we’re caught up in negative thoughts, we’re often dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness allows us to be fully present in the moment and observe our thoughts without judgment. This can help us detach from them and see them for what they are, rather than getting caught up in them.

    Additionally, it’s important to have a support system in place. Surround yourself with people who understand and support your creative endeavors. This can include friends, family, and other creatives in your field. They can provide valuable feedback and encouragement, and can help you maintain perspective when you’re feeling down.

    One can also find inspiration in other forms of art and media. Inspiration can come from various sources and it’s important to keep an open mind. By exposing yourself to different art forms, you can gain new perspectives and be inspired to create something new and unique.

    Finally, take time to celebrate your accomplishments and successes, no matter how small they may seem. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative thoughts and forget about the positive things that have happened. Recognize your achievements, and remind yourself that you have the capability to create something great.

    In conclusion, negative thoughts are a common part of the creative process, but they don’t have to hold you back. By recognizing, challenging, practicing mindfulness, having a support system, finding inspiration, and celebrating your successes, you can overcome these thoughts and unlock your full potential as a creative. Remember to be patient with yourself and know that it’s a process. And most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself, we all have moments of self-doubt, it’s all about how we choose to deal with it.

  • Jonathan Majors Shines in Magazine Dreams

    Jonathan Majors Shines in Magazine Dreams

    A Raw and Unforgiving Exploration of Fury and Self-Destruction.

    When a filmmaker sets out to captivate an audience and make a powerful statement, one tried and true method is to craft a pulse-pounding climax that combines the grit of Pulp Fiction with the glitz of Boogie Nights. In Magazine Dreams, writer-director Elijah Bynum delivers just that, with a scene that will leave audiences breathless.

    The film follows the story of Killian Maddox, a bodybuilder portrayed by criminally talented Jonathan Majors, whose obsession with physical perfection and unbridled rage lead to a descent into self-destruction. Majors delivers a powerhouse performance as Killian, becoming a bodybuilder himself for the role, and imbuing the character with a vulnerability and intensity that is truly mesmerizing.

    As Killian’s obsession with achieving the perfect physique takes over his life, he becomes increasingly isolated and violent, turning to steroids and consuming 6,000 calories a day in pursuit of his goal. But despite his rough exterior, there is a gentleness and thoughtfulness to Killian that makes it impossible not to root for him.

    The film explores the destructive nature of obsession and the toxic masculinity that can accompany it, as Killian’s single-minded pursuit of the cover of a magazine like his idol Brad Vanderhorn (Michael O’Hearn) begins to unravel his life. It’s a raw and unflinching look at the dangers of fixating on an unattainable ideal, and the cost it can have on one’s mental and physical well-being.

    Backed by a soundtrack that includes Patti Smith‘s rendition of Because the Night, Magazine Dreams is a film that will leave a lasting impression. Majors delivers a standout performance, it’s a must-watch for fans of powerful and thought-provoking cinema.

  • Behind the Scenes of Dior’s 3D-Printed Shoe Creation

    Behind the Scenes of Dior’s 3D-Printed Shoe Creation

    The fashion industry is buzzing with the latest trend of 3D-printed design, and Paris is at the forefront of this movement. On January 20, BOTTER and Reebok unveiled a wild 3D-printed sneaker, and later that day, Dior showcased its fully 3D-printed Derby shoe as part of its FW23 presentation. Dior has previously experimented with 3D-printed wearables, but this is the first time the French house has attempted to create a one-piece 3D-printed shoe.

    The 3D-printed Derby shoe boasts a futuristic design, resembling the midsole of an adidas 4DFWD. It comes in black colorways, with subtle Dior branding at the heel and underfoot, and a quicklace toggle fastening. The shoe is lightweight and has a more formal silhouette, making it approachable for even the most devoted sneakerheads.

    This latest trend in 3D-printed footwear begs the question: is this the future of shoes? Brands like Givenchy and Zellerfeld are pushing for the technology to go mainstream, but smaller brands may not have access to the same level of quality construction. As the production of 3D-printed footwear becomes more accessible for designers, it’s easy to imagine more shoes being shaped by computers. Dior’s FW23 shoes are a testament to this seemingly inevitable future.

  • Botter & Reebok’s 3D-Printed New Sneakers

    Botter & Reebok’s 3D-Printed New Sneakers

    A Bold Step Forward in Footwear Design

    The marriage of high fashion and sportswear has given birth to some of the most groundbreaking and avant-garde footwear designs in recent history. And as the world navigates the logistical challenges brought on by the pandemic, the industry has turned to 3D-printing tech as a means of creating futuristic products with less material waste, reduced dependence on in-person meetings, and streamlined manufacturing processes.

    Leading the charge in this arena are Paris-based fashion house BOTTER and sportswear giant Reebok, who have teamed up to unveil their latest offering: the Venus Comb Murex Shell shoe. This 3D-printed masterpiece draws inspiration from both retro football boots and the designer’s previous Banker shoe, while introducing a striking sculpted sole unit that has sparked comparisons to the unreleased YEEZY D ROSE.

    But the real story behind the shoe lies in its tooling, which takes its cue from the Murex seashells that the Greek goddess Venus is said to have used to comb her hair. The 3D-printing tech used to create the shoe was developed in partnership with HP Inc, a California-based institution, and the shoe is available in tonal black and pink styles, as well as a multi-colored version that nods to the designers’ appreciation for the Caribbean.

    In an official press release, the designers behind BOTTER, Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh, shared their excitement about the project, saying

    The Reebok x Botter Sneaker is the beginning of a wonderful project. Our partnership with HP 3D Printing aims to create products that sit at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and luxury, and this is just the first step.

    The Venus Comb Murex Shell shoe is a bold and daring take on what is possible with 3D-printing technology in footwear design. It represents a marriage of high fashion and sportswear, while also pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible in terms of design and sustainability. As we look towards the future of the industry, it’s clear that BOTTER and Reebok are leading the charge in terms of innovation and forward-thinking.

    Keep an eye out for the official release details as we head into fall and winter.

  • Netflix’s Next Frontier, Expand its Ads Biz with Free Streaming ‘FAST’ Channels

    Netflix’s Next Frontier, Expand its Ads Biz with Free Streaming ‘FAST’ Channels

    Netflix recently reported its Q4 2022 financial results, and is considering adding a free ad-supported TV (FAST) option to its platform, a move that many media companies are currently exploring as more consumers shift to FAST services. In a recent earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said,

    We’re open to all these different models that are out there right now, but we’ve got a lot on our plate this year, both with the paid sharing and with our launch of advertising and continuing to this slate of content that we’re trying to drive to our members. So, we are keeping an eye on that segment for sure.”

    While a Netflix FAST channel offering probably won’t happen anytime soon, Sarandos isn’t dismissing the possibility that there’ll be one in the future. When and if Netflix goes through with a FAST option, the move will most likely boost its ad business significantly. According to nScreenMedia, the FAST industry will reach 216 million monthly active users in 2023, driving $4.1 billion in ad revenue.

    Netflix is known to be slow to follow industry trends, having taken many years before former co-CEO Reed Hastings even considered launching a cheaper ad-supported plan. Other streaming services such as Hulu have offered an ad-supported tier for over a decade. But the streaming giant is counting on its ad business to be a big source of income. Overall, it estimates $8.17 billion in revenue for Q1 2023. However, it’s looking like Netflix’s “Basic with Ads” plan isn’t paying off as much as it anticipated, according to a recent Kantar report. Despite being satisfied with the growth of its ads business, which President of Worldwide Advertising Jeremi Gorman noted during an interview that Netflix’s “Basic with Ads” now accounts for only 12% of its subscriber base.

    As the streaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if Netflix chooses to pursue a FAST option and how it could potentially impact the company’s ad revenue and subscriber base. The streaming giant has a lot on its plate this year, with plans to launch paid sharing and continue building its ads offering, but the potential for a FAST option could be a game-changer for Netflix’s future growth. Only time will tell if the streaming giant will take the leap and enter the FAST market, but it’s clear that they are keeping a close eye on this rapidly growing segment.

  • Jerry Lorenzo: Says Adidas Needs Kanye

    Jerry Lorenzo: Says Adidas Needs Kanye

    Canceled or not, The Visionary Designer Behind Fear of God Feels Something is Missing.

    Jerry Lorenzo has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions. Recently, at Paris Fashion Week, he made a statement on Instagram to his 1.7 million followers, which caught the attention of many.

    In the post, complete with a heart emoji, he wrote,

    Though the post was swiftly deleted, it received nearly 20k likes and almost 200 comments, almost all of them in agreement with Lorenzo’s sentiment.

    Kanye West, also known as Ye, has been persona non grata in the fashion world since a series of shocking anti-Semitic rants and questionable outbursts. Business partners like Balenciaga and Adidas have cut ties with him. Ye has since retreated into hiding and avoided the public eye, even when he suddenly got married to a YEEZY employee in early 2023.

    It’s not clear why Lorenzo deleted the post, but it may have been a concern about stepping on toes by suggesting that Adidas is worse off without Ye. Fear of God Athletics, a collaboration with Adidas, is set to debut in 2023. Lorenzo has a habit of speaking freely and has previously called out brands he sees as imitating Fear of God and publicly denounced gay marriage.

    He later deleted the latter statement and it has never been brought up again.

  • The Digital Age & the Crowdsourcing of Criminal Investigations

    The Digital Age & the Crowdsourcing of Criminal Investigations

    As the Tragic Case of the Four University of Idaho Students Murders Unfold, the Content Economy Muscles In: A Headline-Grabbing Case in the Spotlight Once Again.

    In the wake of the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students in mid-November, the small town of Moscow, Idaho was thrust into the national spotlight. As local police launched their investigation, the internet quickly turned the case into a crowdsourcing initiative of unprecedented scale.

    The victims, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen, were beloved members of their community, and the outpouring of grief and support was palpable. But, as the investigation progressed, the sheer volume of information and tips that flooded in was overwhelming. In the six weeks following the murders, police reported receiving nearly 20,000 tips-an astonishing number given Moscow’s official population of just over 26,000.

    For better or for worse, the internet has made it possible to mobilize large numbers of people in the pursuit of justice. But as the case in Moscow demonstrated, the sheer volume of information can also be overwhelming and lead to confusion and false leads. In the end, it took nearly six weeks for police to make an arrest.

    As the investigation unfolds and the accused stand trial, it is clear that the digital age has forever changed the way we investigate and prosecute crime. The University of Idaho student murders will long be remembered as a tragic reminder of the power and potential pitfalls of crowdsourcing in the digital age.

  • 5 Tips To Spark Your Everyday Creativity

    5 Tips To Spark Your Everyday Creativity

    Top view creative female drawing on digital tablet.

    Explore New Mediums

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