Work is School
The Cubicle Classroom
In light of what happened last week, I feel better.
Not that anything has positively happened with the whole project, in fact, I saw the photoshoot pictures yesterday and I can say with absolute certainty that they are awful. Perhaps the studio ones are decent- I mean- how wrong can you go with a few set lights and an off-white background? But seriously, the outdoor shots made me want to cry. If he could call himself a professional, why can't I? If she could call herself a model, why can't I?
I think most people don't see it like I do. The importance of getting it right the first time. Like I said, if I know 1+2=3, why are people insisting that 2+2=3? But I shall not waste my breath on arguing about this.
In the beginning, I started writing down notes on what I was learning at work as a conscious effort to remind myself 'treat work like school.' Although it is a whole different kind of classroom with no visible teacher at the chalkboard/whiteboard/projector, I think it is up to our own individual effort to learn be it social politics in the office to managing your workload. This is what I've learned so far:
-MAC workers (Genius Bar) are MAC users. Company members should be users of your own company because they can improve the system at the customer standpoint which is ultimately where your cash is coming from.
-Make your company vision clear. Do not give an excuse that it is 'complex' which comes off as uncertain.
Just as a warning: if you adapt my philosophy, prepare yourself, because you might get a load of homework like I did. -_-
---------------------------------------------------------------
Attitude Defines
I think one of the nicest compliments someone has ever given to me was from my aunt the other day. After my rant about the branding, she said to me, "that's the good thing about you that I like. You have a good attitude. You don't just complain but you also do. Attitude defines everything you do."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Music Defines Experience
One day I was wandering around the stores and I began tuning in to their store audio. If you want to learn about the customer a store is trying to appeal to, just listen to their music:
I.T: expensive, tailored, 'avant-garde' designer clothes located internationally. They play popular American music to enhance that 'international feel'
it: mid-priced, casual line. Mostly Asian brands. They play Japanese pop to appeal to locals who believe all that is Japanese is good.
D-Mop: Yohji, mixed designers from Asia and worldwide. They play lounge music for that european feel.
Interesting eh?
Boutique music reflects a store ideology and the aspirations of the consumer. It sets the mood and the tone of how you want the customer to feel when he/she is in your designed space.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Eureka
I was having a not-so interesting day the past Friday. I started browsing a couple of fashion sites and thought to myself, why I never thought of starting one myself. Oh right, because although I do have an opinion on fashion, I actually don't think about it and immerse myself in it as much as other people do. I like observing and shopping but not really into viewing designers as celebrities. It's too exhausting to remember what designer launched what cruise line. In the end, I don't really care. What I do care about, though, is what I wear. So I am toying with the idea of doing an extremely narcisstic project. OH right, no friends means actually being self-absorbed. But yeah, I have to consider the logistics and if I really want to commit to a long-term project.
Anyway as I was doodling around with layouts at work, I had a Eureka moment.
Remember my portfolio? My non-existent portfolio that I stopped doing altogether for the sake of a rebranding project at work. Oh you recall? Yes that one. Well, a concept just landed on my head within that hour and really crowned my day. I went grocery shopping today after my half day of work (yes, welcome to HK) and I could visually see my entire portfolio unfolding in my head. Let me tell you that is extremely rare. I usually have a verbal idea which I then express on paper and then visually manifest. But this time, I could see all these images flying in my head of different options and different ways of pitching it. I think I know what I want and how to sell myself as a designer with my own unique set of capabilities.
I was telling a colleague all this last night and she mused that I kept myself so preoccupied. I thought coming to HK, my creativity would come to a halt but actually, I think I've been pushed a lot more to pro-actively do stuff. Like the brand project, like my portfolio and even to my halloween costume.
You see, I am in a way lonely. The thing is is that I sort of don't really care because I am living with my mom's best friend and I know I have good friends back home. So although I am physically separated from them, I still think of them every day. Today, yes, today in NYC Epiphany 09 will take place. I still recall the one last year- it was really a pivotal moment in many ways socially. Thinking about it makes me wonder why I didn't cherish those times when I had the chance. Yet I chide myself for even thinking that when I should be doing that now- loving HK because God has placed me here.
It hurts- not physical pain, but it hurts to know that some of those times which you thought were so regular instantly become something rare. Cafe Zaiya and Kinokuniya every Tuesday. It's true, the boring things are the memories that stick with you in the end. They are a mark of fleeting normalcy.
----------------------------------------------------------
Egg Tart Friends
I don't want to complain but I really do not like flaky friends. It's even worse when you can't complain about it because you realize they are human in the end and we all make mistakes. But I am starting to get fed up because I never knew flaking was possible via Internet until I got Skype.
I hate registering for new fads especially when it comes to computer gadgets. Leave me alone- I just recently was forced to get the latest MSN (I still had the version without all the weird boxes and colors and distractions). But I got Skype for a reason. I got Skype to talk to my friends and family in North America.
But seriously, after being 'stood up' six times by three people who I consider my closest, I am just fed up. I hate having to hover over my laptop for half an hour wondering if I got the time wrong or if something happened. I can't do it. I am a mulitasker and what Skype does, is not. I have to sit and stare and look somewhat decent. But when the clock passes 15 minutes from the time we agreed upon, I start hoping they don't go on so I can just move away from the laptop.
Sigh. I understand. All the reasons for them not showing up on Skype was because they slept in (ok one was that she had to go to hospital to see someone) but as much as I want to understand, I can't help but wonder why we even bothered to set the date up in the first place.
---------------------------------------------------------------
My next mini amusement: look for a hot cocktail dress for New Years. I rarely wear dresses these days so nothing in the cocktail category really appeals to me. Unless Alexander Wang decides to do a few, I won't jump. What style do I like these days? Alexander Wang's collection = drool. I don't own a pair of sweatpants. I don't consider the Slingers one as owning one since it was given to me and I never wore them. But after seeing his take on them, I may get a pair (not from him, too expensive but Zara has a couple of decent ones).
I love shopping. Yeah, I know, it's a woman's thing. It's girly (I still hate that word). Hear me out. I love it because it is a solo activity. I love it because it allows me to be socially observant while being productive. Unlike eating which I find rather awkward to do alone or watching movies alone seems weird because it's nice to have someone to discuss it with or physically share with, shopping is an activity that I have a good enough opinion on that I don't really need someone to do it with. I know what I like, where to go and what to get so when I'm by myself, I go shop and eat at a food court. Plus as an extrovert, I'm constantly surrounded by other people browsing too. When I get bored of the racks, I start people-watching. But shopping doesn't really mean buying either. In this humdrum of fashion clones, it's disappointing not to see much.
For instance, HK people don't dress up thus finding this non-existent cocktail dress will be difficult. I know the general silhouette I want: fitted, woven material, above the knee, strapless or draped front in a black or dark hue (unless a tasteful gold/metallic). I want to look good for my own amusement's sake. Ok, mb that's 90% of the reason. The other sliver of that pie remains unwritten.
And... My Macbook Pro is finally up and running, complete with CS4 installed on it. Except I'm typing this entry on my HP while my Macbook Pro is still on. =S
Ok I am so sleepy. Trying a new church tomorrow. Sigh. Here we go again.
In light of what happened last week, I feel better.
Not that anything has positively happened with the whole project, in fact, I saw the photoshoot pictures yesterday and I can say with absolute certainty that they are awful. Perhaps the studio ones are decent- I mean- how wrong can you go with a few set lights and an off-white background? But seriously, the outdoor shots made me want to cry. If he could call himself a professional, why can't I? If she could call herself a model, why can't I?
I think most people don't see it like I do. The importance of getting it right the first time. Like I said, if I know 1+2=3, why are people insisting that 2+2=3? But I shall not waste my breath on arguing about this.
In the beginning, I started writing down notes on what I was learning at work as a conscious effort to remind myself 'treat work like school.' Although it is a whole different kind of classroom with no visible teacher at the chalkboard/whiteboard/projector, I think it is up to our own individual effort to learn be it social politics in the office to managing your workload. This is what I've learned so far:
-MAC workers (Genius Bar) are MAC users. Company members should be users of your own company because they can improve the system at the customer standpoint which is ultimately where your cash is coming from.
-Make your company vision clear. Do not give an excuse that it is 'complex' which comes off as uncertain.
Just as a warning: if you adapt my philosophy, prepare yourself, because you might get a load of homework like I did. -_-
---------------------------------------------------------------
Attitude Defines
I think one of the nicest compliments someone has ever given to me was from my aunt the other day. After my rant about the branding, she said to me, "that's the good thing about you that I like. You have a good attitude. You don't just complain but you also do. Attitude defines everything you do."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Music Defines Experience
One day I was wandering around the stores and I began tuning in to their store audio. If you want to learn about the customer a store is trying to appeal to, just listen to their music:
I.T: expensive, tailored, 'avant-garde' designer clothes located internationally. They play popular American music to enhance that 'international feel'
it: mid-priced, casual line. Mostly Asian brands. They play Japanese pop to appeal to locals who believe all that is Japanese is good.
D-Mop: Yohji, mixed designers from Asia and worldwide. They play lounge music for that european feel.
Interesting eh?
Boutique music reflects a store ideology and the aspirations of the consumer. It sets the mood and the tone of how you want the customer to feel when he/she is in your designed space.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Eureka
I was having a not-so interesting day the past Friday. I started browsing a couple of fashion sites and thought to myself, why I never thought of starting one myself. Oh right, because although I do have an opinion on fashion, I actually don't think about it and immerse myself in it as much as other people do. I like observing and shopping but not really into viewing designers as celebrities. It's too exhausting to remember what designer launched what cruise line. In the end, I don't really care. What I do care about, though, is what I wear. So I am toying with the idea of doing an extremely narcisstic project. OH right, no friends means actually being self-absorbed. But yeah, I have to consider the logistics and if I really want to commit to a long-term project.
Anyway as I was doodling around with layouts at work, I had a Eureka moment.
Remember my portfolio? My non-existent portfolio that I stopped doing altogether for the sake of a rebranding project at work. Oh you recall? Yes that one. Well, a concept just landed on my head within that hour and really crowned my day. I went grocery shopping today after my half day of work (yes, welcome to HK) and I could visually see my entire portfolio unfolding in my head. Let me tell you that is extremely rare. I usually have a verbal idea which I then express on paper and then visually manifest. But this time, I could see all these images flying in my head of different options and different ways of pitching it. I think I know what I want and how to sell myself as a designer with my own unique set of capabilities.
I was telling a colleague all this last night and she mused that I kept myself so preoccupied. I thought coming to HK, my creativity would come to a halt but actually, I think I've been pushed a lot more to pro-actively do stuff. Like the brand project, like my portfolio and even to my halloween costume.
You see, I am in a way lonely. The thing is is that I sort of don't really care because I am living with my mom's best friend and I know I have good friends back home. So although I am physically separated from them, I still think of them every day. Today, yes, today in NYC Epiphany 09 will take place. I still recall the one last year- it was really a pivotal moment in many ways socially. Thinking about it makes me wonder why I didn't cherish those times when I had the chance. Yet I chide myself for even thinking that when I should be doing that now- loving HK because God has placed me here.
It hurts- not physical pain, but it hurts to know that some of those times which you thought were so regular instantly become something rare. Cafe Zaiya and Kinokuniya every Tuesday. It's true, the boring things are the memories that stick with you in the end. They are a mark of fleeting normalcy.
----------------------------------------------------------
Egg Tart Friends
I don't want to complain but I really do not like flaky friends. It's even worse when you can't complain about it because you realize they are human in the end and we all make mistakes. But I am starting to get fed up because I never knew flaking was possible via Internet until I got Skype.
I hate registering for new fads especially when it comes to computer gadgets. Leave me alone- I just recently was forced to get the latest MSN (I still had the version without all the weird boxes and colors and distractions). But I got Skype for a reason. I got Skype to talk to my friends and family in North America.
But seriously, after being 'stood up' six times by three people who I consider my closest, I am just fed up. I hate having to hover over my laptop for half an hour wondering if I got the time wrong or if something happened. I can't do it. I am a mulitasker and what Skype does, is not. I have to sit and stare and look somewhat decent. But when the clock passes 15 minutes from the time we agreed upon, I start hoping they don't go on so I can just move away from the laptop.
Sigh. I understand. All the reasons for them not showing up on Skype was because they slept in (ok one was that she had to go to hospital to see someone) but as much as I want to understand, I can't help but wonder why we even bothered to set the date up in the first place.
---------------------------------------------------------------
My next mini amusement: look for a hot cocktail dress for New Years. I rarely wear dresses these days so nothing in the cocktail category really appeals to me. Unless Alexander Wang decides to do a few, I won't jump. What style do I like these days? Alexander Wang's collection = drool. I don't own a pair of sweatpants. I don't consider the Slingers one as owning one since it was given to me and I never wore them. But after seeing his take on them, I may get a pair (not from him, too expensive but Zara has a couple of decent ones).
I love shopping. Yeah, I know, it's a woman's thing. It's girly (I still hate that word). Hear me out. I love it because it is a solo activity. I love it because it allows me to be socially observant while being productive. Unlike eating which I find rather awkward to do alone or watching movies alone seems weird because it's nice to have someone to discuss it with or physically share with, shopping is an activity that I have a good enough opinion on that I don't really need someone to do it with. I know what I like, where to go and what to get so when I'm by myself, I go shop and eat at a food court. Plus as an extrovert, I'm constantly surrounded by other people browsing too. When I get bored of the racks, I start people-watching. But shopping doesn't really mean buying either. In this humdrum of fashion clones, it's disappointing not to see much.
For instance, HK people don't dress up thus finding this non-existent cocktail dress will be difficult. I know the general silhouette I want: fitted, woven material, above the knee, strapless or draped front in a black or dark hue (unless a tasteful gold/metallic). I want to look good for my own amusement's sake. Ok, mb that's 90% of the reason. The other sliver of that pie remains unwritten.
And... My Macbook Pro is finally up and running, complete with CS4 installed on it. Except I'm typing this entry on my HP while my Macbook Pro is still on. =S
Ok I am so sleepy. Trying a new church tomorrow. Sigh. Here we go again.
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