Where you put your eyes

Attention readers

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:49:00 +0000

This blog is now undergoing a slow identity resolution. For years now this blog has featured anything and everything I involve myself in. Resulting in a fine mess of topics that is as unfocused as an 11-year-old kid with a school book... If you didn't get that, don't bother. The point is, I have started a process splitting this schizophrenic blog into it's separate identities. The first of which to manifest itself is the babymag identity. This blog will no longer feature babymag updates and related entries. Those who come here for their babymag fix is advised to direct their browsers to my new babymag blog here. This way, you can explore the pages better and find content that actually matter to you.

The other faces of this blog will also show up soon. It may take a while but for sure it will turn up.

ROFLOL Vector repeating pattern

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:51:00 +0000

Rolling On the Floor Lauging Out Loud vector repeating pattern available for download here

Free Download section starts.... now

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:49:00 +0000

I've got big plans for the new blog but I want to start implementing them here. One of them is free downloads of vector patterns, fonts and other stuff. I've already made my first typeface available for download for over a year now and I've also resumed working on raimund (which was put on hold for 8 months) as well as a new display typeface. Hopefully... I plan to seek contributions form other local designers for our freebie box... but that will probably be on the new blog... hopefully.

Lucky 13

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Baby Magazine's 13th Anniversary issue is here and this is, by far, the most demanding issue I have worked on and I wouldn't want it any other way. I almost feel like I aged quite a bit during the course of working on this one. I felt I achieved a certain level of maturity in my work which is something I always strive for. Babymag readers will find a "redesigned" Baby as we re-think some design issues that have not been addressed for the past few years. One thing I learned from this exercise is that ideas are not indespensible. I will go deeper into that in another post since this space is all about this month's issue.

First thing's first. Our Editor-in-Chief, Diana, relates the story behind the cover shoot with Pambansang Kamao, Manny Pacquiao's youngest girl so far, Queennie while big sister, Princess gets the royal treatment on a special fashion feature.

Since October is Babymag's birthmonth. October issues means party features. Along with the annual Kiddie Party Directory, this years "party book" takes a look into the business of party planning with JellyBellies Party Experts and satisfying kids' sweet tooth with Swell Sweets.

Are you feeling lucky? This year, we've got more games and contests for both kids and parents to enjoy. From testing your lyrical aptitude on the very challenging What Song Is That? to hunting BamBam's toughest hiding spots all over the magazine. It is sure to keep you busy for quite some time.

There is a whole lot more in this issue (as usual) so get yers as soon as it hits the stands or, better yet, get a subscription.

Baby Magazine, the Philippines' first parenting mag is now (as of this issue) in it's 14th year of service to Filipino parents. For subscription inquiries, you may contact Baby Magazine through the following:
T (+632)728.36.55
E magazine.baby@gmail.com
W www.babycentral.com.ph

New work: Lost Kid steals banana

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Her little boy, according to the author of the article "Paging the parents of a lost boy...," got lost one day in a wet market. She frantically back-tracked on her steps while horror stories of kidnapped kids and candies from strangers were running through her head. The little boy was later found, oblivious to his mom's panic attack, munching on an overripe banana innocently pilfered from a bunch which were for on it's way to be hog chow. This Illustration will appear next month on said article on Baby Magazine...

On another note... work is ongoing for my illustration portfolio. More on this on the next...

New Work: Yellow Boots

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:36:00 +0000

The rainy seasons are here. Just a few days ago we had our 6th tropical storm of the year. You know what that means... Flash floods making instant rivers out of our streets and bring with them diseases that, at the least, causes weird rashes or, worse, death. No splashing around for our smart kid right here.

A modified version of this illustration was published on the June issue of Baby Magazine for the article, "These boots are made for wading: All about Leptospirosis."

Playfully serious... June

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:26:00 +0000

The June issue of Baby has been out for a few weeks now. I've been a lot busy this month I totally passed up posting for a couple of weeks. Anyway, this months Baby takes a look back on the games we [parents] used to play as kids and also exposes TeeVee's effect on babies' language development--Made me rethink my kids TV/DVD viewing schedules. Did you know you can actually UNspoil a spoiled kid? How do you shoot great family portraits? What's leptospirosis? So much more packed into this months Baby so get yours if you haven't got 'em yet. The July issue is just around the corner.

Baby Magazine, the Philippines' first parenting mag is now in it's 13th year of service to Filipino parents. For subscription inquiries, you may contact Baby Magazine through the following:
T (+632)728.36.55
E babymag@globelines.com.ph
W www.babycentral.com.ph

Paul Rand 1991 Interview

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Miggs b's 1991 interview with THE Paul Rand posted on youtube

Nataraja Mom

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:55:00 +0000

Another piece for the May 2009 issue of Baby for the article. "Keeping your cool under pressure...of baby's crying!" The illustration was inspired by the image of Shiva as Nataraja in the dance of Shiva in Tillai, where he is meditating and dancing to destroy a weary universe to make preparations for the process of creation. The article, however, proposes no such thing as to destroy anything. instead, it offers some tips to help new mothers stay sane during the first few weeks after birth when baby seem to be perpetually compelled to test the range of his vocal abilities. I should probably give my next door neighbor a copy.

The May 2009 issue is still available for around another 2 weeks. Get yers now. An editable copy of this illustration is available for FREE!... But! you have to subscribe via email and ask nicely. Following me on twitter and facebook would be cool too.

Shooting the Flag

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:17:00 +0000

The national flag of the Philippines is a horizontal bicolor with equal bands of blue and red, and with a white equilateral triangle based at the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a golden yellow sun with eight primary rays, each containing three individual rays; and at each corner of the triangle is a five-pointed golden yellow star. The flag is displayed with the blue field on top in times of peace, and with the red field on top in times of war.

The Philippine flag was first conceptualized by General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897 during his exile in Hong Kong, drawing inspiration from the flags used by the Katipunan and the Cuban revolutionaries. The first flag was sewn by Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Doña Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of José Rizal, the Philippines' national hero.

The flag was formally unfurled during the proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite. However, a Manila Times article by Augusto de Viana, Chief History Researcher, National Historical Institute, mentions assertions in history textbooks and commemorative rites that the flag was first raised in Alapan, Imus, Cavite, on May 28, 1898, citing Presidential Proclamation No. 374, issued by then-President Diosdado Macapagal on March 6, 1965.

And the colors will once again fly high in Imus, Cavite this May as the Wagayway Festival is celebrated on it's second year. Photography enthusiasts of all skill, tech and age level are invited to capture the essence of the event with the Litrato Imuseño Photo Contest with the theme: "Imus, Flag Capital of the Philippines"

Standard photo contest rules apply... ya know, 8x10 color or BW prints framed or mounted taken by any kind of camera (Digital or Film) during the Wagayway Festival (23-24May 2009). Standard darkroom techniques only such as dodging, burning in and cropping are allowed. Any creative effects must be done in-camera at the time of exposure, such as multiple exposure, flash fill, light painting, filtration, etc... ya know? the works... Anyway, other rules (like those most photogs frown upon) apply such as raw digital files or negatives must be submitted and all prints become property of the municipality. The greatest of 'em all will be rewarded PhP10,000.00 plus bragging rights and the other 2 winners will recieve PhP7,000 and PhP5,000 respectively. All winners will recieve certificates (yay!)

Submit your entries with a duly accomplished registration form (one registration form for each entry) together with 2x2 ID photo and your CTC No. at PAIA Office 2/F Imus Municipal Bldg. Look for Ohbet or Ojay. Registration forms may also be downloaded here

Make sure you submit your entries by noon of 25May 2009 or all is lost.

For more inquiries you can call:
PAIA Office – (046) 472-2564
Look for Ohbet Topacio or Ojay Ordoñez

*text in gray taken from wikipedia. Have a nice day...

City on Fire

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:04:00 +0000

I feel like a proud daddy when The 2008 Philippine Business and Development Yearbook came out. This is the first (and only as of yet) of my photos to be on a cover of anything and I'm feeling a little confidence boost along with it. Thank you DBP!

This image of the Makati city skyline was taken from the roof of Cityland Pasong Tamo at 2AM.

City on Fire is currently part of Indiscriminate Firing. My fledgeling portfolio of digital photography that doesn't really belong to a themed set. For the rest of the collection visit my flickr.

Big Momma Lovin' this May

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:50:00 +0000

The May 2009 issue is almost here and I just wanna say I really loved working on this issue. This Mother's Day month, it's all about everybody's first lady as we feature 5 doable ways to become "The Bestest Mom ever." Overdoing something can be bad and so a stage mother's confession will help keep our supermoms from stepping over to the dark side and become their own children's terrorist. We also get to meet 5 "WAHMmies," work-at-home mommies who found their passion at motherhood and brought their business-savvy and entrepreneurial skills home--with amazing results.

That was just the tip of the iceberg, (as usual) there is a lot more going on inside the pages of the meatiest read in the block. See you in May!

Baby Magazine, the Philippines' first parenting mag is now in it's 13th year of service to Filipino parents. For subscription inquiries, you may contact Baby Magazine through the following:
T (+632)728.36.55
E babymag@globelines.com.ph
W www.babycentral.com.ph

Post-its

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:39:00 +0000

This illustration was used as main visual for an article in the May2009 issue of Baby Magazine with the title Post-its:Confessions of a Stagemom. It's a first person account of a mother who realized the potentially damaging effects of pushing your kids too hard to achieve near perfection.

An editable copy of this illustration is available for FREE... BUT! only if you are subscribed via email, that is, and remember to ask nicely.

UPDATES SOON

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 03:17:00 +0000

After quite a lengthy hiatus... I am back and there will be new updates soon... and I am also planning to move this blog to it's own .com address... thanks for waiting! :)

FPPF Photoworld Asia 2009 Fashion Shoot on the spot contest

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:28:00 +0000

Calling all photography hobbyists! A FASHION SHOOT On the Spot Photo Contest sponsored by the Federation of Philippine Photographer's Foundation (FPPF) and YKL Color Lab through Photoworld Asia 2009 is happening this weekend at the Glorietta Center. Details as follows:

Fashion shoot happens on January 30 (Friday) & Feb. 1 (Sunday) 2009 from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm. at the Makati Mall Area.
Register at Photoworld Asia Secretariat located at the Activity Center
Registration fee is PhP150/day which entitles the participant to three (3) 5R (5" x 7") FREE color prints and one (1) registration envelop only from the YKL booth
Deadline of submission of prints is on Feb. 2, 2009 (Monday) 1pm at the Glorietta Secretariat
maximum of (3) entries per day, per participant.
Inkjet printouts not allowed. (Get a color lab for pete's sake... Give your photos some respect) Print without borders. Submit prints with the following data attached at the back of each entry:

Name
Address
Contact number/s
Date
Camera Club
I agree to comply with all rules of the contest. Signature________________

Prizes at stake
1st place - PhP 10,000.00
2nd Place-PhP 7,000.00
3rd place- PhP 5,000.00
4th to 10th place PhP 1,000.00 each
The Top 10 entries will be chosen and will be notified by photo contest committee, via phone immediately after judging which shall be done starting on Feb. 2, 2009 Monday 2:00 pm in a place in AIM conference center. These finalists will be asked to be present at the awarding of prizes on Feb. 3, 2009 Tuesday 6:30 pm.
As in any Photo contest: only normal darkroom techniques such as dodging, burning in and cropping are allowed. Any creative effects must be done in-camera at the time of exposure, such as multiple exposure, flash fill, light painting, filtration, etc.
All the prints will be donated to the models

For more information, log on to photoworldcup.ning.com or
Contact Tristan Yap cell 0917 807 77 61 email tyap61@yahoo.com
FPPF email fotoatwork@gmail.com
Tells 5247576 or 5280371

Somber Concessions in the Short Life of Gary Gray: Enter, Bloodshot

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:01:00 +0000

"This is good stuff, I can't believe you didn't want the band to work on this before." Drew is clearly excited about the words we will be working on for our next song. The first one we wrote was a relative success over at "The Pit" during the 100th independence day gig and this would be the perfect follow-up. I would have been really proud if not for the fact that no one, save for the band, knew I wrote much of the song. I am what you call a "ghost lyricist" for this college garage band.

Two hours ago I got a call from Luca. She called to say she was quitting the group after she caught Drew cheating on her again. I threw out the one I wrote for Luca and dug out my old notebook. I hope this one gets me the job. I'm betting everything on this song. This song... It's been awhile since I wrote this. It's much too personal to just give away.

"So guys, I guess the band has an opening..." I sheepishly said. I don't know which was funnier, the look on the guys faces (the kind of face you make when you smell something putrid) or the fact that I was naive enough to think they'd let me in the band... That day, Drew took over vocal duties for Bloodshot...

...and I hate my life.

BabyMag online? YES!

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:20:00 +0000

A lot of Babymag readers have been waiting for this for quite awhile. Baby Magazine has gone online with www.babycentral.com.ph and as usual, Baby Magazine takes things a step further with full articles from our distinguished panel of expert columnists and a community of parents, to trade parenting tips with. See ya'll there!

Printing in the 40's

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:26:00 +0000

A little history lesson for us. This is an educational video of printing occupations, opportunities and technologies before electronics and computers. It pays to know something about how things were printed more than half a century ago.

Producer: Holmes (Burton) Films, Inc.
Sponsor: Vocational Guidance Films, Inc.

Obstacle to Creativity: Lack of Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:11:00 +0000

I found myself tinkering with an unfinished layout for 3 hours. Whatever I do seems ineffective and unable to "pass as moderately satisfactory" even for my lowest quality standards. I feel that there was a switch in my head I accidentally switched off and now I don't know where it is. I pulled myself away from work and took a 15-minute nap before heading out to have lunch. When I got back, I finished the infernal page in half an hour. I found my switch! Sleep! [or was it food, nah] I have not been getting enough sleep lately and it's frustrating. I have been through a lot of all-nighters but I have never felt so much like a mindless zombie before. All those sleepless night are catching up to me and setting my brain on emergency shut down. Did you know that Paul McCartney discovered the tune for "Yesterday" in a dream? I didn't. Not until I googled "sleep-and-creativity". For someone who is already hard-wired into turning in late, a few good tips for a smooth trip to dreamland is close to priceless. I am doing better now thanks to these tips. Here are some of the things I've learned and tried so far:

Took a bath with lavender scented soft soap - relieves stress.
Given up coffee beyond 5pm
Play music - Try using music with no words you can understand [another language perhaps]. Reggae does it for me since I really can't understand the accent. Chillout electronic music is best but watch out when you start having psychedelic dreams.

Try to develop a habit of having enough sleep. Be warned young designer. You may be squeezing yourself dry with all those all-nighters. Remember the lesson of the 3-hour-one-page-layout-puzzle.

Photo Contest: The Filipino Worker

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:57:00 +0000

Here's one for us, younguns... Photographers 16 to 35 years old are invited to participate in Outlooke Pointe Foundation's Moving Stills | Shoot to move the Nation.

Entries may fall in either B&W or full color categories (you know which is which, right?). The theme for the contest is "The Filipino Worker: Capture the dignity of the Filipino worker in one frame." Print and submit your best contest entry (8" x 10" borderless) photo at any Islandphoto branch nationwide along with your official entry form downloadable here. You can send up to three (3) entries. Deadline for submission of entries is on 31 December 2008

There will be five (5) winners for each category who will each take home PhP25,000.00 in cash, giftpacks from the sponsors and a trophy while the Top 100 (including the ten winners, of course) will receive a certificate and will be featured in a coffee table book. HOW COOL IS THAT?!

Hey! Before you go off shooting like crazy, take note of this little fineprint:
"Minor post-production tweaking to enhance color, contrast and brightness is allowed. Composite images and major manipulation will merit disqualification. Entrants must declare if the image was manipulated"

Now GO!

MKF Tiler at Dafont.com

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:22:00 +0000

I woke up to great news today. As of today, my first font, MKF Tiler is now available for download at dafont.com. I guess dafont.com just took a while to approve the typeface and in fact didn't reject it at all. Please download it there instead of mediafire.

Thanks dafont.com

It' so shiny

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:53:00 +0000

"It's so shiny" was used as main visual for the article "When kids do the darnedest things" by Regina Khan in the October 2008 issue of Baby Magazine. Kids are naturally curious about many different things and are usually vocal about their observations. It's inevitable that they may unwittingly embarrass their parents with their innocent comments about another persons hair (or lack of), or girth or whatever it is that our "grown up sensibilities" allow us to keep mum about. What do you do if your toddler decides to "tests" her new "chompers" on the neighbor's kids? Find your way out of these embarrassing situations on this month's Baby.

I can fly

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Exercise on motion freeze... need more practice on getting the right focal distance, though. Major thanks to James (James, right?) for that mad ollie.

But the real purpose of today's post is to talk about shooting complete strangers. For me, it's a non-debate whether I should randomly shoot anyone in public and publish their photo. Other photographers may argue otherwise but that is not an option for me. Now, the problem was I had some reservations about approaching other people because I have very poor first impression ratings. My wifey said I have this "aura" that makes me seem "disagreeable" and "unpleasant" at first. I cannot say I disagree about this assessment. What I do now is I "acclimatize" the subject to my presence and keep the camera in their view to let them get used to the camera being there. For this purpose, try walking around the area without shooting. I also try to engage the subject in some small talk but sometimes it gets awkward when you can't find a common ground to talk about or sometimes it goes on and on and on... but that is for another post entirely.

What do you do to make your subject (complete stranger) comfortable about letting you shoot them?

MKF Raimund preview

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:56:00 +0000

A sneak peek at the new display typeface I'm currently developing called MKF Raimund which will also be the typeface for my logo. I'm giving myself 6 months to finish all the glyphs... why so long? Because I'm currently spread too thin among everything I'm into these days. That leaves me about 5-1/2 more months to go.

GPM #5

noreply@blogger.com (nerdluck) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0000

Great way to start the day. GPM #5 is out and this time 3D is in. This issue showcases different Filipino Vertice benders. Featuring the works of Dave Yu, Adrian Tecson, Arnel Telesforo. Head on over to Graphikapinoy to download now.

Graphikapinoy is a free downloadable pdf magazine in support of the Filipino creatives. A convergence of best talents from all aspects of the design industry whose works shall be showcased in every issue.