Anna Norton

Hello all who read this.

So, what is going on? The last post was in May and now it’s into Sept. I’ve been busy/lazy, whatever the excuse, it doesn’t matter – who has time to listen to them anyway?

I’ve been exploring the world of Apple, having recently gotten both an iPhone and an iPad. If you are having doubts, as I had, about the value of an iPad – doubt no more. These may have been the best invention ever to make it into our hands. All I can say is thank you Apple, for giving us something we never knew we wanted. Here are a couple apps I’m currently in love with that you may want to check out:

Editions by AOL
This app learns what your preferences are and builds a magazine for you everyday. Mine woke me up this morning with the ring of a bike bell and barking of a dog. It took me awhile to realize what was going on, but I still think it’s pretty cool.

Flipboard for iPad
This is somewhat similar to Editions, but instead of having a daily edition delivered everyday this takes your news, Facebook and Twitter and turns it into a beautifully designed digital magazine. Say goodbye to the pathetic iPhone Facebook app.

Where were you born, where do you live, did this effect your design style or sensibilities?
I was born in S.D. and am now living in my hometown again. I have a conservative style that I’m sure is directly related to my geographic location. But it seems to fit well in the corporate in-house world and I’m happy.

If you were not a designer, what would you do?
I can’t not be a designer. I tried. I failed.

What advice would you give a design student or young professional just starting out?
The same advice I gave my friend who just graduated: just find a job, don’t worry about finding your dream job right away because you won’t be staying there forever anyway.

Your design hero?
I have a design crush on Debbie Millman

Favorite color?
Grass green

Favorite typeface?
Not really. I appreciate one that is well designed.

Favorite app?
the weather widget

Favorite TV shows?
Mad Men, if it would ever come on again

Favorite books?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and lately the personal stories from WWII years

Favorite movies?
Nothing in particular, I just like movies.

Favorite music?
I really like The Shins, but I’m always looking for something new to like. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are pretty good too.

Favorite fine artist?
I can’t say anything in particular. I used to like the impressionists, but it’s gotten so popular that my brain has been saturated with it.

Favorite gadget?
My wii. It brings me Netflix instant.

Bookmarked websites?
There are millions. Most recently: Food in Jars.

Worst habit?
Procrastination. And maybe biting my nails.

New Year’s resolution?
I stopped making them because I never do them.

I’m finally getting around to reading the GD USA magazine issue from January. I’m behind on 2011, sadly the year is nearly half over and I’m still working on the beginning. I should have made a resolution to keep up at the beginning of the year. Maybe next year.

But, anyway. I’m reading the articles on the people to watch for 2011 and wondering what it is they do or how they think that is so much different (read better) than how I think. It’s not hard to understand that most everything has been done already, yet they find a fresh approach to the old ideas that have become stale over time. Work smarter, not harder.

I struggle identifying how to be like them, or if I want to be like them. Maybe I want to be better than them. Did I need to go to a better school? Should I work harder? (which defeats working smarter) I have no solution to my problem and am left wondering if I’m merely being too hard on myself.

https://www.ericksonstock.com

http://www.istockphoto.com

http://www.artres.com

http://www.corbisimages.com

http://www.gettyimages.com

http://www.blendimages.com

http://www.photolibrary.com

http://www.bigstockphoto.com

http://www.nationalgeographicstock.com

http://bridgemanart.com

http://www.photospin.com

http://www.masterfile.com

http://www.thinkstockphotos.com

http://crestock.com

http://www.123rf.com

http://www.shutterstock.com

These new hardback editions from Penguin will publish to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the writer’s death on 21 December 1940. Read more here.

Design Matters recently ended the first season in its new off-the-air format. Visit The Daily Heller for the full story and host’s review of the season. “Design On The Air”

One man’s wild, lifelong adventure of testing societal boundaries through his use of subversive art. This 84-minute film combines traditional documentary storytelling with original animation from over 70 years worth of art from the renegade children’s book author and illustrator. View trailer.

Read the Daily Heller on this subject.

Aw, so pretty. Font at T26.

Don’t get to go to these things in person either? Check it out online.