http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/blog/ en matt.carleton@gmail.com Copyright 2010 2010-09-06T14:32:42+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/all_in_a_dream_poster_work/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/all_in_a_dream_poster_work/#When:14:32:42Z This is a poster I put together for Naphtali's Aunt Gina. Check out her amazing voice here design 2010-09-06T14:32:42+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/new_york_city_moma/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/new_york_city_moma/#When:23:03:28Z I recently went down to NYC for a bit and went to the Museum of Modern Art. I loved it. There was 6 floors of amazing art, displays, visuals, audio, and a slew of other things only possible in New York. The pictures aren't the greatest, no flash you see. Enjoy none the less. inspiration 2010-08-11T23:03:28+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/the_art_of_the_mail_getting_noticed/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/the_art_of_the_mail_getting_noticed/#When:20:45:29Z I was working freelance for a portion of my year this year and was thinking of ways to get my name out there. I wanted to put something together that would get the attention of local business not just the design community. I decided on a mail out strictly because it was fairly cheap and you can pin point where it gets sent via the postal codes. So I just had to decide how I wanted to approach it. design 2010-08-09T20:45:29+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/self_promotion_where_to_draw_the_line/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/self_promotion_where_to_draw_the_line/#When:16:12:02Z I have a blog and a site mainly because I love what I do and I want to talk about it.There is something I have been really considering lately, how far should I go to ensure that my posts are being read, and who should I ask to read them? design 2010-06-30T16:12:02+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/new_music_discoverypomplamoose/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/new_music_discoverypomplamoose/#When:13:57:34Z The great thing about the internet is how easy it is for artists to get their work out there for the masses to consume. With services like youtube, and programs like garage band no talented musician can honestly say they couldn't afford to record their stuff and get it out there. music 2010-06-19T13:57:34+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/organic_a_poster_design/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/organic_a_poster_design/#When:20:32:41Z An Artist Josh Smith in British Columbia recently got me to design him a poster for an upcoming gig. Have a gander. What do you like about it? Would you change anything? design 2010-06-04T20:32:41+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/ipad_review_5_useful_design_apps/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/ipad_review_5_useful_design_apps/#When:13:56:11Z For the first time in my life I am one of those hated early adapters, I bought an iPad. After searching all the local retailers and with no luck I turned to kijiji, Success! Let's clarify something before I say anything else, believe it or not the ipad is not just a big ipod touch, Moving on. technology 2010-05-30T13:56:11+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/the_coast_naphtali_rocks_the_cover/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/the_coast_naphtali_rocks_the_cover/#When:00:37:47Z Her usual self Naphtali humbly states "I feel the title of this post is too much about me and not enough about Meghan". makeup 2010-05-26T00:37:47+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/queen_visits_nova_scotia_who_cares/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/queen_visits_nova_scotia_who_cares/#When:16:58:19Z When I heard the news I wondered if anyone really cared (anyone besides the lonely old ladies with their cats and tea cup collections). I think if Barack Obama showed I would take time out of my day to try and catch a glimpse, but really what has the Queen done that I should be concerned with? inspiration 2010-05-23T16:58:19+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/the_sponge_locals_love_locals/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/the_sponge_locals_love_locals/#When:10:27:57Z If you are from Halifax than you are already well aware of the copious amount of hidden talent our great city has. If you aren't from these parts, but you want to know just what it is that I am talking about I know just the place for you thesponge.ca. design 2010-05-21T10:27:57+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/a_punch_in_the_face_bruises_special_effects/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/a_punch_in_the_face_bruises_special_effects/#When:20:34:42Z "Naphtali can you make me look like I got punched in the face"? Just a typical request that she gets. In fact I don't think I have ever heard her answer anything but "of course". makeup 2010-05-20T20:34:42+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/redesign_art_directed_blogging/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/redesign_art_directed_blogging/#When:01:12:12Z Geesh I am overwhelmed, with amazing designs that is. This last week has been full of rediscovery and re-evaluation of how I approach the things I love most about the web, social media, and the design process. inspiration 2010-04-16T01:12:12+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/sunday_morning_jakob_dylan_neko_case/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/sunday_morning_jakob_dylan_neko_case/#When:16:40:45Z I have, for as long as I can remember, loved Bob Dylan. I don't think I need to go into the reason for this, millions of fans can't be wrong. I recall back in the late 90's when Jakob Dylan came onto the scene as the front man for the group the Wallflowers. Being such a fan of his dad, I was instantly interested. They had such hits as 6th Avenue Heartache, One Headlight, and Three Marlena's, after which their success seemed to dwindle. music 2010-04-11T16:40:45+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/brand_loyalty_two_companies_that_i_hold_dear_to_my_heart/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/brand_loyalty_two_companies_that_i_hold_dear_to_my_heart/#When:22:57:20Z There are two products that I have completely bought into in my life, Apple inc. and Volkswagen. Neither of which do I remember deciding upon, but rather, some time ago they seemed to decide upon me. So much so that when I hear the word apple I think not of the fruit, but more so Steve Jobs and all his Gadgets. I have become so attached to Volkswagen that when I am driving I will yield to a fellow VW driver before any other. It has even gotten to the point that if a VW driver cuts me off I allow them grace that I would not permit to a driver of any other brand of vehicle. technology 2010-04-08T22:57:20+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/my_new_workspace_all_it_cost_me_was_twenty_minutes1/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/my_new_workspace_all_it_cost_me_was_twenty_minutes1/#When:17:03:58Z I came to a conclusion recently that I needed a bigger workspace. Working from home required more space than my cheap corner desk could afford. So I set out to build myself a new desk. I am not going to beat around the bush here, I found my new desk a few streets over, thrown by the wayside, waiting to be collected with the rest of that days trash. tutorial 2010-03-28T17:03:58+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/cleansing_twitter_thoughts_on_social_media/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/cleansing_twitter_thoughts_on_social_media/#When:00:35:28Z Have you ever had a food craving so bad that once you got it you ate far too much of it? Which of course can only result in the speedy regurgitation of that very same meal shortly after. We all pay for our various over indulgences, case in point, my twitter account. design 2010-03-27T00:35:28+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/wedding_photography_shootout_some_local_talent/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/wedding_photography_shootout_some_local_talent/#When:01:19:36Z Naphtali had the chance last week to get together with some local photographers to do make up for a photo shoot. The name of the game was Wedding shootout, they aimed to take as many creative shots within each allotted 10 minute shoot with the models. Pretty creative, and some really great shots. Check out the video below done by Liam Hennessey at Applehead Studios. makeup 2010-03-26T01:19:36+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/noma_bar_negative_art_brilliance/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/noma_bar_negative_art_brilliance/#When:16:44:06Z I love, absolutely love negative space. I spend a lot of time browsing through Logopond,Creatica, etc looking for those brands that really take advantage of negative space in their identity. Its great when you come across something that you like and then realize the more you look at it the more it speaks to you. When I was a kid I loved those pictures on the back of the cereal box that you had to blur your eyes and turn your head sideways in order to see the pirate ship in 3-D. design 2010-03-23T16:44:06+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/what_is_a_graphic_designer/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/what_is_a_graphic_designer/#When:16:00:38Z So I am going to attempt to clear the air a bit. I have heard a lot of people ask, what does it mean exactly to be a graphic designer. Often times the question is being asked by business people, or anyone who has never wondered where all the imagery and advertising that surrounds them everyday comes from. design 2010-03-16T16:00:38+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/self_promotion_how_to_get_noticed/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/self_promotion_how_to_get_noticed/#When:19:51:03Z So I was laying in bed one night thinking of how to get my name out there in order to get some more work. Marketing yourself can be a tricky thing, I wanted to make a lasting impression and avoid being annoying at the same time. I have never been the most outgoing person and cold calls frighten me, the idea of blindly calling someone up and trying to convince them to hire me is not at all appealing. design 2010-03-13T19:51:03+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/paper_art_artists_who_have_mastered_it/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/paper_art_artists_who_have_mastered_it/#When:21:18:32Z As a graphic designer I have always appreciated the art of cut paper, sadly I have not come across too many artists in the Halifax/Dartmouth area that have taken it up. I enjoy working with paper and scissors, mainly making greeting cards, however I have never taken on a big project like some of the following artists. Imagine if your biggest occupational hazard were paper cuts? I love the work but don't have the patience to do it as often as it would taken to become a true master of it. I would imagine they must cut back on the caffeine to eliminate the shakes when cutting, another challenge I am not looking to concur. inspiration 2010-03-09T21:18:32+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/alice_in_wonderland_a_review/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/alice_in_wonderland_a_review/#When:14:35:50Z Last night Naphtali and I went to opening night of Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp. It was not an easy task, after going to three different theatres we finally found one that wasn't sold out. If I were to give this movie a rating based upon originality and entertainment I would give it a solid 7. Acting was fine, visually impressive, writing kept my attention, but it was just missing a certain panache, that left us both a little disappointed. inspiration 2010-03-06T14:35:50+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/what_every_beginning_web_designer_ought_to_know_5_tips_for_fresh_web_design/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/what_every_beginning_web_designer_ought_to_know_5_tips_for_fresh_web_design/#When:20:14:51Z I was rummaging through the archives of my old blog and found a piece that I thought I could revamp a bit to make it a bit more relevant. As you all know I am a graphic designer, and a fresh one at that! I have had some really great experiences in the last year. I spent some time working at Headspace Design and learned a whole lot. This includes interface, optimization, front and back end coding, and much much more. While I did learn a lot in school their simply was not enough time to cover it all, thus I find I am now spending a lot of time researching web trends, and teaching myself new tricks. After looking back on my first year I thought I might have a bit I could share with those who might find themselves in a similar position. Let me know if they help, or if you can add anything please do! design 2010-03-04T20:14:51+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/keeping_it_creative_designing_to_stay_fresh/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/keeping_it_creative_designing_to_stay_fresh/#When:14:16:15Z Last week I had a chance to meet up with a seasoned professional in the design/advertising world. We chatted about what's up and coming in our industry and he took the time to browse through my portfolio. He really liked my work, but as always there is room for improvement. design 2010-02-27T14:16:15+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/anthony_hopkins_plays_ernest_hemmingway/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/anthony_hopkins_plays_ernest_hemmingway/#When:16:30:56Z Everyone has different sources of inspiration, for some reason Ernest Hemingway has always managed to stir up creativity in me. I don't think its just his writing style, it is his character, his rough edges, and the life he led. There is so much to discuss when it comes to Ernest, I have read most of his books, short stories, and books about him. If you know nothing about the man I would suggest reading Papa Hemingway by A.E. Hotchner. It tells the story of Hemingway's life from a first hand perspective, Hotchner spares no truth included that of Hemingway's untimely demise. inspiration 2010-02-22T16:30:56+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/it_never_hurts_to_be_honest_with_yourself/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/it_never_hurts_to_be_honest_with_yourself/#When:17:45:10Z Well that's not entirely true, sometimes it can be painful to push yourself to really see where you are at. It may be one of the few ways to understanding how to improve your skills, however painful the experience may be. This is no more less true with design. Reflecting on previous work can sometimes be vomit inducing, but it can lead to a vast amount of improvement. They key is recognizing your areas of weakness and focusing on them. design 2010-02-20T17:45:10+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/proceed_and_be_bold_a_review/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/proceed_and_be_bold_a_review/#When:20:23:43Z "You don't have to be an adult, you just have to know how to act like one at the appropriate time." One of the many bits of insight that Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. offers in this new documentary by Laura Zinger. I really enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes, and witnessing the fine craft of operating a printing press. inspiration 2010-02-16T20:23:43+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/objectified_documentary_review/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/objectified_documentary_review/#When:17:32:31Z I don't usually do movie reviews but I thought since this one particularly was related to what I love I might give it a shot. For those of you who are familiar with the documentary Helvetica you will love Objectified. It is the latest offering from Gary Hustwit, after watching it I am all a buzz with new ideas and hoping to put them to use. If you are interested in watching it you can catch it in its entirety here. inspiration 2010-02-11T17:32:31+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/martin_sexton_performs_st._matthews_in_halifax/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/martin_sexton_performs_st._matthews_in_halifax/#When:04:04:59Z "This is my first time playing here in Haaalifax" says Sexton, his accent soaked in strong NY undertones, only to have an anonymous voice call out from the crowd "you'll be back." music 2010-02-11T04:04:59+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/google_buzz_whats_all_the_fuss/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/google_buzz_whats_all_the_fuss/#When:23:31:15Z Yesterday, like everyday, I logged into my gmail account, only this time I found that google was kind enough to let me know that they have created something called Buzz. They also took the liberty to place a link to it on my email navigation. Although I felt a little invaded I couldn't resist, I took a look. technology 2010-02-10T23:31:15+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/keep_calm_and_carry_on/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/keep_calm_and_carry_on/#When:18:45:36Z Who doesn't love a good quote now and then? Recently I came across a great collection of quotes in a book titled "Keep Calm and Carry On". After thumbing through it I knew I had to have it. There is some great advice on crisis, banking, stress, work, and the economy, within its pages. Spoken by the great scholars, educators, and philosophers of our time. The subtitle says it all "good advice for hard times". inspiration 2010-02-05T18:45:36+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/check_out_the_new_business_cards/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/check_out_the_new_business_cards/#When:18:36:54Z After a long wait we finally got our new cards in. Snapped a couple shots, check them out. They are now on display on the Creattica site too! design 2010-02-04T18:36:54+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/diy_laptop_stand_tutorial/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/diy_laptop_stand_tutorial/#When:16:30:34Z I spend a lot of time in front of my computer so much so that I set up my laptop as a second screen and use an external monitor as my main screen. I found it was really getting hard on my neck and decided I need to remedy that. After searching the web I did not come across anything within my price range that also suited my aesthetic needs. So I came up with this solution after seeing different uses for pvc piping. Here's how I built my laptop stand out of pvc piping. *since I have posted this I have noticed that a lot of stands just like this have popped up. tutorial 2010-01-31T16:30:34+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/welcome_to_the_new_site/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/welcome_to_the_new_site/#When:22:23:07Z Naphtali and I have spent the last couple months brainstorming, sketching ideas, scratching out ideas, gathering content and testimonies. We finally sat down and looked at our concept and she gave me the go ahead to start building it. Don't worry I won't bore you with the details of building a site, I think I have already done that enough as it is. But let me tell you how we got to where we are now. design 2010-01-29T22:23:07+00:00 http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/apple_ipad_review_pros_and_cons/ http://www.carletoncreative.ca/index.php/mncreate/blog/apple_ipad_review_pros_and_cons/#When:21:02:25Z I have just finished watching the promo video for the yet to be released apple ipad. There are going to be a lot of reviews of the ipad so I am going to make it short and sweet. 5 pros, 5 cons. technology 2010-01-29T21:02:25+00:00