May & June
(15 minute read)
May and June was quite the pair of months for me. May is my birthday month, so there was no shot that I was going to be able to put out a blog lol. However, I’m back with the latest and greatest for both months. I want to thank everyone who has supported this blog, and I hope you find something that inspires you.
Personal Work :)
Personal Work :)
What’s Had Me Hype
What’s Had Me Hype
Prof. Scott Galloway
Prof Galloway is my go-to person to tap into whenever I need a quick breather from work. His Medium articles always provide a fresh perspective on whatever is current in culture. Whether it be AI, attention culture, or even the importance of communication, Galloway does a great job of grounding conversations in reality. When everything nowadays lives in a world of extremes, it's a treat to have someone who acts as the voice of reason.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3
There was no way this film wasn't making this blog. For those who know me, I'm a sucker for wholesome content, and man was this jam packed with it. These are the takeaways I received from the film.
Everyone has a why
Family is what you make it.
Perfect people don't exist, so just be the best rate version of yourself.
Great movie. Definitely, something to watch in this pessimistic world we live in.
Pharrell: Places and Spaces I’ve Been
This book was one of my best birthday gifts in years. Growing up, Pharrell was one of my biggest inspirations. Bro was fly, made music that resonated with me, and, more than anything, had an eye for art that I respected. Fast forward 15 years later, and that still rings true. I've only had the book for over a week, but the anecdotes and pictures have shifted my brain into another creative gear. I'm excited to showcase some work next month! Remember, "Wealth is of the heart, not the pocket."
Paul Rand
So this may be a crazy statement as a designer, but I just got put on to Paul Rand, lol. However, now that I am informed, bro has truly inspired my design process. After reading more about Rand, I saw he valued many of the things I did as well. He appreciated thinking outside of the box, attention to detail, and providing extra customer care. With that in mind, it made me want to dive deeper into other graphic design legends and see what information I could gain from them to improve my craft.
Guerrilla Marketing
No lie, this book has made me more money than any college textbook, lol. Guerrilla Marketing is the perfect book for anyone who wants to take the next leap in becoming an entrepreneur. Each page is filled with relevant anecdotes, examples of success, and inventive ways to become a better advocate of your business. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book this month.
Top Chef
One of my hidden obsessions is culinary arts. In another life, I would be a chef working to get his first Michelin Star. Within that obsession is Top Chef and other cooking shows.
The level of detail and craftsmanship that bleeds throughout the entire show separates Top Chef from other cooking shows. As a chef, so much history, culture, and technical skill go into your work, and this show perfectly encapsulates that energy. Whenever I watch an episode of Top Chef, I am inspired to think outside the box and perfect my craft.
Through The Wire
Through the Wire is a sports podcast that truly hits home for me. As a Chicago native, I always support anything that comes out the city that's positive. Chicago bias aside, though, these four men are truly talented at their craft. I have been listening to Through the Wire for at least four years, and the one thing that I can say without a doubt it that they understand sports and media.
Kenny, Mike, D Mills, and Pierre are more than hired analysts talking about whatever is buzzing around the NBA. They feel and come across as genuine friends who have their own biases, opinions, and takes about the basketball landscape, and that's refreshing. In an age where everyone wants to have the hottest take or the loudest voice in the room, it's nice to see people from my generation taking sports media to another level. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are always entertaining.
The Bear (Season 2)
This show is why I made this blog. Season 2 of The Bear inspired me like crazy. If you aren't familiar, The Bear is an FX show about chefs in Chicago trying to make it. I'm sure you see a pattern, lol. The beautiful thing about the bear, though, is its care and consideration for its characters. Each individual feels real, and you care for their success and feel bad when they stumble. Season 2 took it up a notch.
"Every second counts" is a phrase that is said throughout the season, and it is engraved in my head to the point that it is my daily mantra. Season 2 of The Bear made me realize these things.
Details are the most critical thing in life.
Your calling may look different, but it is not foreign to who you are.
It's ok to be ambitious if the work ethic matches.
Trust your team. Trust your process.
It might not mean much if you have never seen the show, but I encourage everyone to watch it. Hell, I will even give you my Hulu account, lol.
This May Help
This May Help
Bro level up your brushes - True Grit Texture Supply
I’m a cheap person lol. If I can get away with the stock toolset I’m rolling with it. However, as I have developed in my design career, I knew I needed the right tools to truly grasp my vision. That’s where True Grit comes in. They have the coolest selection of tools for artists and designers. So if you have a few bucks to spare I would check them out.
Co-working Spaces - Gathering Spot, WeWork, Library
If you are like me, being in the house can be a drag. That is why I am recommending that you try a co-working space at least once a week to help get some different ideas out for a project. Personally, I am a member of the Gathering Spot out here in Atlanta. And while I don’t go as often as I should considering the price, whenever I do go, I feel like I’m more inspired when I’m not in the house. If you do Gathering Spot, put your boy as a reference.
Close to Home
Close to Home
Where I put on for my homies. Cause if I don’t, who will?
Khaliyah X
Khaliyah X is a talented artist out of Chicago who everyone should know. If I were to describe Khaliyah's music, it would be something that is fun, yet soulful, sweet with a little bit of spice, and for the ladies, but the fellas can rock out too. If I had to pick a starter song, I would check out Silly Games from her last project.
I have been tracking Khaliyah's rise for over 8 years, and I can confidently say that the best is yet to come. I'm excited to see where she can take her skills next as she teases a new project on the horizon. Maybe one day I can land a merch placement for her, but she's a bit too much of a celebrity for me right now, lol.