I’m terribly sorry for the lack of content for the last couple of weeks, for the few of you who actually follows this space, school was really crazy. Those who know me or have caught some of my posts know that it’s my final year in college. It has been difficult to keep up especially with all the heavy projects and lack of guidance, but at the same times it has been the most fulfilling journey of self discovery and learning. The last 15 years of education pales in comparison to all that I have learnt about the world, my interests, what I study and beyond, and most importantly myself. That is not to say the education system has taught me these things, but rather that through the compilation of knowledge and critical skills coupled with the opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom, life is truly the best teacher.
Gentle Bones (Unofficial) Remix Cover
I probably wouldn’t be able to eloquently verbalize all that I have learnt because it’s more than just prescriptive advice like “be happy with what you have”, which most of the time we don’t fully believe in and feel until we discover it for ourselves, it’s an epiphany, an experience of ‘enlightenment’that no one can impart on to you. But I guess as much as this space is a place for readers to satisfy your needs, entertainment, voyeurism, learning, whatever it may be, it is also a space for me to chart my growth and remind myself of the essence of me.
These are the attitudes that have transpired in the last couple of months:
1) Believe in yourself, do what you love and do it well (or keep trying)
“Chase Dreams, Not Just Paper”
Mock up for NM4207 Managing Communication’s Campaign
I have noticed that people around me often lament that about how they wish they were better at certain things or how they wish they had a different life, but at such a young age, what’s stopping you from trying? To me learning new things, exploring different experiences and finding out what works for you is an essential part of living. You really never know until you try. Maybe your passion lies in something that you just have not dabbled in, and predetermining that you will “suck” at it or it is “not for you” is just closing another door to finding your ‘calling’. Perhaps it is my nativity, or my hopeless sense of entitlement, but at this point of time if you do find your ‘calling’ it will guide your way, the things you love will become the things you do and naturally be interested in improving. Perhaps I’m just not yet exposed to the harsh realities of capitalism and other practical restraints, but it wouldn’t hurt to believe in your ability not just to do the things you currently love, but also in your aptitude to learn. (I had previously written a post about coming to terms with yourself that would hopefully help.)
2) Be critical but happy
As much as I advocate that being critical is an essential part of living; “Cogito ergo sum” (I think therefore I am) –René Descartes; being critical is only productive when it helps your understanding and improvement of your circumstance. In other words, being too critical just makes you cynical about life and it’s grand conspiracies. We can learn how social media manipulates, theorize of power struggles behind the scenes, discuss imperious topics of ideology and religion, but at the end of the day, we need to recognize the scope of our control and illusion of agency.
“Hell is other people” –Jean-Paul Sartre
We live in the judgement of others around us, a collective construction of society’s standards, the social systems we create. Yet the very system we all have a hand in influencing, exists far beyond the control of any one individual. The system is convoluted, it is broken in more places than ever and the critics all see it’s imperfections and failures, but it is what it is. The system may be broken but I’ve chosen not to be- to be happy considering the jadedness of it all, see life for what it is but be unfazed.
3) Do not ignore the lessons that could be learnt from every part of life
NUS CGF Tote Bag/ Media Kit
Mock up for NM4207 Managing Communication’s Campaign
Relating to what I mentioned above, things can be learnt from anyone, any place at any time, about anything. After 2-3 years of studying Communications and New Media, many of the things taught in class from social-psychological implications of social media to communication flows and persuasion, have all come together to become extremely relevant, current and applicable, and this semester especially so.
I have been rather obsessed with ideas recently, abstract understandings of our environment and its beings, from academic philosophies like Jean-Paul Sartre to modern change makers like Steve Jobs, all sparked by brilliant people, stimulating conversations and even enriching school readings. Philosophy creates grand frameworks of which context applies, it is the root to all innovation, from science to marketing, and all greatness humanity has seen.
I guess I’m personally a curious individual who enjoys reading critical writing about de-democratizing education and the internet (aside from it being my essay topic); and watching videos from Shots of Awe about the paradox of art and IdeaChannel‘s Hipster discussion (two of my favorite channels on Youtube!). But hey, you can never learn enough! These bit-sized “click-baits”, though not as in dept as a full on thesis dissertation or a published book, sparks complex thinking and enriches our minds, but at the same time leaves room for personal input and understanding. Do not dismiss these opportunities to gain new perspectives and appreciation, there is something to learn out of everything.
The images are a little random, but these are the things I have been working on the last couple of weeks. Dabbling into some logo designs for fun. I’ve updated my portfolio for designs and campaigns 🙂
TreasureSG Sketch
Take Two (Unofficial)
NUS CFG (Unofficial) Logo
Mock up for NM4207 Managing Communication’s Campaign
We are all visual creatures 