Commencement Speeches

Below is the Harvard Commencement Speech by JK Rowling. She talks about fear of failure, humanity, and responsibility. It's a bit off-topic for this blog, but since I look for things that inspire me, I thought it appropriate to share.

I like commencement speeches because their only purpose is to inspire. They're not trying to convince you to spend money, or vying for your vote, or persuading you to do any one thing in particular. They each seem to have a simple message: Good job, now go do more. Working on a college degree is long, hard work. The dedication should be commended and recognized. But it is also only a starting off point. You are now armed with information and education. You understand where life comes from: history, mathematics, language, biology. Whatever you study, you come out with a piece of paper that says that you understand how something works. Now your job is to do something with that knowledge. Do more: find a way to share you knowledge, to build upon it, give back, go forward. I think I could use a commencement speech in each phase of my life, reminding me to reflect on what I've done, take a breath, then go and do more.

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

Bookbook

Dear Valentine,



I don't want you to make a big fuss on Valentine's Day. Really, no box of chocolates or ridiculously large bouquet of flowers necessary. But if you're dying to give me some token of your affection, I would gladly accept this case/cover for my MacBook. It's called a Bookbook and I think it's lovely.



Did I mention that my computer is a 15-inch?

XOXO

found via swiss miss

Candy Package Design

I like when Print & Pattern takes readers into stores to see how retailers are using colors and patterns.



I especially liked the packaging for candy and sweets at Marks and Spencer in the UK. Yum.

Typeface

Oh my. Watching this trailer broke my heart a little bit.



Then realizing that I missed a screening in Salt Lake City back in November broke it a little bit more.

This movie, Typeface shows the beauty, simplicity, and craftsmanship of handcut wood type. Even in my bubble of limited contact with designers and craftsmen, I feel passionate about this subject. I love what we can create with the latest technology. I love the Internet and web design. But I hope (and believe) that there is a place in the modern world for old fashioned, tactile craftsmanship to survive.

I hope it does.

A Collection a Day

A Collection a Day is a project by Lisa Congdon where she will draw or photograph all or part of a personal collection each day this year.



You made me look, Lisa.

Mike Stilkey

Whoa. Lisa sent me this link about the work of artist Mike Stilkey.



His subjects are a little twisted and spindley, ghostly and gaunt. Painting on the spines of books gives a sense of depth of character and a very tangible weight to his works.



I like how the books (and the paintings) seem to spill off a shelf, almost as if they fell there and the characters were formed, and that they could just as quickly fall to the ground and be gone.

Just My Type Valentines

I'm so excited.



I gave myself a Print Gocco for Christmas, which is a fantastic little personal screen-printer from Japan. I can't get over how well it's designed: Very compact and user friendly, even when all of the instructions are in Japanese. The instructions at Felt Cafe were a huge help.

With limited supplies in very high demand (pleaseohplease let the rumors be true that Paper Source is taking over production of new materials), I had a hard time deciding what to print. I decided on Valentines for someone like me (a silly typewriter collector--do you see a pattern here of falling in love with obsolete technology?) would love.



And I do.



And I think my robot is developing a crush. I can't blame him.



If you want to send a little typewriter love to your sweetie this Valentine's Day (or any other day), you can pick up a card over here.