I’m honored that my quote was chosen as the introduction to People Magazine‘s Steve Jobs tribute issue: “Farewell to an American Original” (Oct 24, 2011).

“Not long after he announced his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2004, Steve Jobs had a trampoline installed in the backyard of his home in California’s Silicon Valley. While two workers assembled the frame and rigged a net, Jobs stood by and analyzed the trampoline’s design. Even after they were finished and Jobs hopped on for a tryout, he couldn’t help talking about how he would make it better. ‘He was jumping up and down with a big smile on his face, and when he got off, he told us some ways to improve the netting,’ says kc! Bradshaw, who helped with the installation. ‘He was talking about how he’d simplify the structure or hang the net this way. He just really wanted to improve it, like this need to make the best product was in his DNA.'”

Leonardo da Vinci Quote

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Leonardo da Vinci

DI4LOGUE: 4 Questions 4 My Nonagon

BR4DSH4W: WHAT ARE YOU IMPRESSED WITH?
People that manage to successfully integrate their passions into their lives without compromising either. It’s an incredibly difficult balance to master, and I’m in awe of those that have succeeded.

BR4DSH4W: WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
The usual suspects—music, movies, images and friends. I also get a weirdly high proportion of ideas in the shower and on long car trips.

BR4DSH4W: WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
Recently, lots of Brian Eno and Prince. Sometimes you have to look back to move forward.

BR4DSH4W: HOW DO YOU LIKE TO BEGIN?
I usually start without thinking deeply about where I’m going, just letting musical ideas emerge and evolve organically. I’d like to be more directed in my approach though- establishing a theme and a conceptual framework first, then explore within those boundaries.

….

BIOGR4PHY: John Brian Kirby and I met because I found a demo CD of his amazing music tucked away in the basement of a nightclub—and I called to say thanks. I continue to be inspired by his humble focus and precise artistic vision, and consider it an honor to be friends and collaborate on projects together. Do yourself a favor and go download his wonderful album(s) right now: http://nonagon.bandcamp.com

Jose Bergamin quote

“A belief which leaves no place for doubt is not a belief; it is a superstition.”

Jose Bergamin

Di4LOGUE: 4 Questions for My Lensman

BR4DSH4W: WHAT ARE YOU IMPRESSED WITH?
Meeting a person with a solid passion, firm conviction, and unstoppable dedication and passion for their craft.

BR4DSH4W: WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
My inspiration is triggered simply by opening my eyes. My neighbors, my peers, my colleagues, my family, my competition, my heros.

BR4DSH4W: WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
Manu Chao Radio (Pandora) and that hungry beast inside me.

BR4DSH4W: HOW DO YOU LIKE TO BEGIN?
With balance and a clean work environment.

….
BIOGR4PHY: Trevor Traynor is the hardest working man in photo-business. Whenever I end a day exhausted from work, I find his next post about flying to an exotic location for a photo shoot or behind-the-scenes video featuring a veteran star of industry; and realize that I should stop complaining and get back to work.

Anatomy of a fake quotation.

According to Megan McArdle writing for The Atlantic, a portion of yesterday’s quote (below) is incorrect. You can read her full explaination here, but to summarize: an English teacher named Jessica Dovey originally posted a comment (the first sentence) followed by the MLK, Jr. quote on her Facebook page. Somehow the quotation marks were stripped from the entire piece after it started getting traction across the internet, and the entire paragraph began to be attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have decided to leave the entire quote up as it was posted, because the sentiment still rings true for me—and has helped me to try and understand the mixed feelings I am experiencing. Thank you for understanding.

“I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Di4LOGUE: 4 Questions for My Ninja

BR4DSH4W: WHAT ARE YOU IMPRESSED WITH?
I am always impressed when someone creates something amazing using very simple tools and techniques. I love loose work. I love when someone makes something incredibly difficult seem effortless, because you know just how much time and dedication they put in to their craft.

BR4DSH4W: WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
I find music to be incredibly inspirational. I love that music can create an emotional response. Sometimes, you can’t even explain in words what you’re feeling. It’s just something in your gut or your heart. Music can turn an otherwise routine walk down the street into a dream. You can close your eyes and imagine yourself in another place, somewhere in the past or the future. Of course, I check out all types of blogs for motion graphics, design, video and photography. I love reading now which I didn’t used to! There was about a 10 year period of my life that I don’t think I read more than 2-3 books. I just wasn’t in the head space to read. Now, the more I read the more inspired I become. It’s fucking awesome! I’m inspired by people that never give up. I’m inspired by people who are absolutely in love with what they do.

BR4DSH4W: WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
Bachelors of Science “Warehouse Days”. Locally produced, bad ass drum and bass! This past year I found myself listening to much mellower, midtempo and atmospheric music—Lusine, Moderat, Apparat, Burial, Four Tet, Bonobo. Moderat and Bonobo live were both AMAZING.

BR4DSH4W: HOW DO YOU LIKE TO BEGIN?
More important than how to begin is that you actually begin. I used to think that it was always best to prepare and to plan as much as possible. This kept me from starting a lot of projects and made me very hesitant. Planning and preparation are great, but when it comes to productivity I now think that you just simply have to begin. Begin and then keep going. Even if it’s a little bit at a time. Grab some paper and a pencil, fire up After Effects, whatever. Just start. Get some ideas out. Maybe it’s rough, maybe it’s pretty. Just go.

….
BIOGR4PHY: Brandon Sugiyama makes success look easy. Humble and thoughtful, yet ambitious and good at just about everything he chooses to take on. He is equal parts world-champion wushu martial artist, party-machine rockstar DJ, video effects creative genius, and all around nice guy.

Tina Roth Eisenberg quote

“Life’s too short to not be surrounded by beautifully designed objects.”

Tina Roth Eisenberg

Steve Jobs.

As Steve Jobs sadly goes out on medical leave again, I am reminded of a short story I wrote on September 25, 2004. About a simple trampoline installation just a few short days before Steve had returned to work from his first ‘public’ surgery… and how I got to meet him in person.

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James Allen quote

Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself; he also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace.

James Allen

Benjamin Franklin quote

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every New Year find you a better man.

Benjamin Franklin

A word is worth a thousand pictures.

Jose Saramago quote

Words were not given to man in order to conceal his thoughts

Jose Saramago

Law of unintended consequences quote

Intervention in a complex system invariably creates unanticipated and often undesirable outcomes.

Law of unintended consequences

Don Draper quote

You came here because we do this better than you, and part of that is letting our creatives be unproductive until they are.

Don Draper