The Nowista #11 ? Balancing Opposing Forces for Innovation

In this edition of The Nowista, we talk about the transformative magic of sharing ideas and embracing self-expression. We explore the interplay of brain hemispheres and creativity, delving into the profound insights from Iain McGilchrist's masterpiece and the parallels of the model of storytelling and systematic thinking by Nick Law.

Unveiling the Power of Self-Expression in the Creative Journey

Discovering the Transformative Magic of Sharing Ideas and Embracing Self-Expression

In the beguiling universe of creativity, there's a peculiar phenomenon – creatives, despite their boundless talent, often stumble when showcasing their brilliance. I can confess to this struggle on a personal level. Throughout my career, I could not articulate my projects and talents, even though I was privately confident in my creative abilities. It's a sentiment shared by many creatives: a quiet certainty in their skills, overshadowed by the inability to convey them effectively.

Then, there is a simple yet profound shift in perspective. I decided to break the chains of self-doubt and hesitancy by sharing my thoughts and creations with the world. As a creative soul in this vibrant community, I realized the transformative power of sharing. It's in the act of unveiling your creations, your musings, that the magic truly happens.

The key, I found, lies not just in creating but in unabashedly sharing your creations. Every idea, every piece of work, every project is a hidden story to be told. And in the act of sharing, not only do you illuminate the world with your ideas, but you also unearth the depths of your potential. Always share your work.

Harmony in Hemispheres: Unraveling the Dichotomy of Creativity

Exploring the Interplay of Brain Hemispheres and Creativity in an Age of Digital Innovation

There are a few books that change your perception of the world. During my sabbatical and MA days in London, I discovered a gem: "The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World" by Iain McGilchrist. This profound work intricately weaves the complexities of neurophysiology into a comprehensive framework for understanding human knowledge and experience, illuminating human cognition. At its core, it dissects the intricate tango between the cerebral hemispheres. Picture this: the right hemisphere, a maestro conducting a symphony of reality, offering a raw, unfiltered view. In stark contrast, the left hemisphere, an architect, constructs a structured facade, distancing us from life's essence.

Emotion is inseparable from the body in which it is felt, and emotion is also the basis for our engagement with the world.

What McGilchrist poignantly illustrates is the growing dominance of the left hemisphere, leading to a civilization increasingly detached from nature and human subjectivity, embracing an objective worldview. Intriguingly, my stint at R/GA in Singapore introduced me to the concept of "Storytelling and Systems Thinking," a creativity model championed by Nick Law (currently at Accenture Song ). Astonishingly, this model for ideas and creativity echoed the dichotomy between the brain's hemispheres described by McGilchrist.

Systems are about design and understanding interconnectedness. Storytelling is about the revealed moment, the simple pitch. Creatives tend to be good at one or the other of these.

In the digital age, phenomena like AI waves are often akin to the left brain's systematic world categorization, overshadowing the nuanced, intuitive whispers of the right hemisphere. True beauty lies in unifying these opposing worldviews and translating our collective experience into a harmonious understanding.

Things from the week

?? Customisable 3D-printed handles take the pain out of toothbrushing for people with limited dexterity

Brand consultancy Landor & Fitch has developed a range of over 142 customizable 3D-printed toothbrush handles designed for people with dexterity challenges. These adaptive add-ons, which can be attached to regular or electric toothbrushes, are tailored to individual needs based on an online questionnaire and offer a variety of forms, textures, and colors. The initiative emerged after discovering that many resorted to uncomfortable household hacks to adapt their toothbrushes. To create the product, Landor & Fitch collaborated with individuals suffering from arthritis and carpal tunnel in "makers labs" workshops, where they co-designed and tested the prototypes. On the website, prospective customers are led step-by-step through a survey that guides them to the best Accessories handle design for them.

?? Generative AI won’t kill graphic design jobs any more than the invention of cameras eliminated painting, Adobe exec says

Adobe has introduced new AI-powered graphic design tools, including an upgraded version of Firefly, their image generation software. Ashley Still, Adobe’s senior vice president of digital media, compares AI's role in design to the invention of cameras. At the same time, technology makes design more accessible, but it doesn't negate the need for professionals. She argues that just as cameras didn't eliminate painters or professional photographers, AI won't eradicate graphic designers. However, there's the acknowledgment that AI may change the industry dynamics, as evidenced by recent tech industry layoffs, which affected designers, and businesses might rely more on AI for some tasks, like customizing visuals to match brand styles.

Thanks to Sébastien Neil ?? for sharing – he also has an incredible newsletter.

?? Fortnite gets a modular synth and custom music engine: Patchwork + UE

Every once in a while, the kind of cool thing you’d imagine does happen. So Harmonix, the music game dev, is still thriving at Epic, and they’ve got a surprise. They’ve built a full-blown modular synth that runs inside Fortnite, thanks to Unreal Engine and MetaSounds. And it’s capable of everything from letting creators add their interactive music engine to multiplayer music, concerts, and more.

Playlist of the week

Advertising

A membership for people who eat food and go places

The new Uber campaign aims to inform people that Uber One is a membership for people who eat food and go places, which is just about everyone.

Welcome to Sweden (not Switzerland)

People all over the globe keep mixing up Sweden and Switzerland. Some even think they are in the same place. “Sweden (not Switzerland)” is a campaign to end the confusion once and for all.

Design

World Illustration Awards 2023 - Explore the Showcase and Celebrate the Winners!?

The AOI, in collaboration with the Directory of Illustration, is thrilled to reveal the talented winners of the World Illustration Awards 2023. This prestigious event, now in its 45th year, stands as a year-long tribute to the art of illustration, gathering artists, industry professionals, commissioners, and art directors in celebration. The winning artworks, including those by Beyapanicha and Harriet Noble, captivate with their playful spirit, dynamic characters, and innovative use of space.

TIME's new cover: Introducing the Best Inventions of 2023

Every year for over two decades, TIME editors have highlighted the most impactful new products and ideas in TIME’s Best Inventions issue. To compile this year's list, they solicited nominations from TIME’s editors and correspondents around the world, and through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields—such as AI, green energy, and sustainability.

Thanks to Alina Kuznetsova for sharing.

LBTY: Liberty Beauty

Liberty Beauty’s typographic LBTY logotype by Pentagram features letterforms taken from the main Liberty logotype, created from the lettering in the original sign above the Great Marlborough Street storefront.

Illustrators of the week

Fernando Rodriguez

Fernando Rodriguez, also known as "Nobody," is a Mexican creative director, photographer, and image-maker based in New York. Drawing inspiration from human complexities, his photography employs vivid colors, dynamic angles, and innovative lighting.?

Zansky de Zaster

Zansky de Zaster is an illustrator and printmaker from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Since 2008, he has captivated audiences with his bold use of limited colors and an acidic style that graces magazines, books, ads, and objects worldwide.

Peque?o Capitán

Peque?o Capitán is a renowned graphic designer and illustrator based in Monterrey, Mexico. While his pseudonym translates to "Little Captain," his artistic output and talent are anything but small. Deeply inspired by his Mexican heritage, Peque?o Capitán often pays tribute to the cultural richness of his country through his illustrations.?

Tania Yakunova

Tania Yakunova, an award-winning illustrator from Kyiv, Ukraine, currently resides in London, UK. With a distinctive flair for minimalistic yet expressive art infused with surrealism and whimsical characters, Tania's work spans commercial, editorial, and book illustrations to globally exhibited personal pieces.?

Andrea Manzati

Andrea Manzati is a talented illustrator based in Verona, Italy. With a penchant for vibrant, geometric designs, he seamlessly blends digital art with handmade elements. His unique approach often incorporates traditional mediums like ink and brushes into his digital compositions, adding depth and texture.?

Aron Vellekoop León

Aron Vellekoop León is a Dutch/Spanish illustrator and visual artist based in Amsterdam. With a keen ability to distill complex information into clear visuals, Aron prioritizes solid conceptual foundations in his illustrations, ensuring that form follows function in a minimalistic manner.?

Valentina Casali

Valentina Casali is a multifaceted Italian letterer and type designer passionate about sign painting, letter carving, and various typographic arts. She co-founded her studio, Sunday Büro, and delved into editorial illustrations, custom lettering, and type designs for diverse projects.

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