What’s your "CV of Failures"?

Memories come and go, don't they? I recall reading about Lucy Kellaway's "CV of failures ," inspired by Princeton professor Johannes Haushofer's candid list of rejections. It sparked some reflection on my journey.

As I delved into Lucy's story, I found it intriguing. She experienced a long stretch without any significant failures, yet as time went on, failures seemed to accumulate. It's a curious phenomenon how failures seem to proliferate with age. In my youth, they were scarce, but as the years passed, they multiplied and intertwined with more profound victories. It's a recurring theme that resonates with me.

My failures seem to coincide with periods of stagnation despite my perceived efforts to drive progress. I often catch myself fixating on the promise of tomorrow or yearning for time to hasten its pace. About a year ago, I found myself feeling trapped. While it may not have been a conventional failure, grappling with the lack of momentum proved challenging.

"If you're aiming for something monumental, you're bound to feel underqualified."

Not all rejections hit the same way. Some linger longer and nebulous, while others are just amusing. Like the time I showed up a day early for an interview in Hong Kong. The interview was scheduled for 3 pm on a Thursday, and I arrived at 3 pm on a Wednesday. The ECD at the time was understandably perplexed. Talk about embarrassing! The impromptu interview that followed was a disaster, emblematic of a period where nothing seemed to align. Yet, amidst the chaos, a profound realization emerged: "If you're aiming for something monumental, you're bound to feel underqualified." It's a notion that fuels excitement for embracing new challenges.

At the same time, acknowledging that others surpass you isn't a signal to surrender. Sometimes, it's crucial to confront your weaknesses rather than feign ignorance. It's about learning and growing. Never be late for an interview, but never a day early.

Design

Eduardo Souto de Moura creates a watch with a face rotated "for optimal visibility on the wrist"

Eduardo Souto de Moura, renowned for his architectural prowess, has ventured into watch design with LeBond . He created a unique timepiece with a rotated face for better wrist visibility. This minimalist watch, designed to focus on slimness and optimal angle, reflects his architectural insight, blending functionality with elegance.

Thandiwe Muriu’s book is a ‘living archive’ of ankara fabrics

Thandiwe Muriu's debut book, Camo, is a vibrant collection that showcases African ankara wax textiles through stunning photography. Muriu blends tradition with modern design, capturing women in custom garments that merge seamlessly with identically patterned backgrounds. This project not only highlights the beauty and versatility of ankara fabrics but also delves into themes of beauty, identity, and empowerment. It's a visual celebration and a thoughtful exploration of cultural heritage, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and fashion. Check out more about this amazing work here .

Things now

Unveiling Unspoken Challenges

Two articles that grabbed my attention in the past weeks about the challenging landscape of increasing prices on Search Ads due to competition pressing marketing budgets, lack of transparency on Search algorithms, and the increasing importance of linguistic nuance among SEO marketers.

The first about Google Search's growing complexity ,lack of transparency which makes strategic planning increasingly difficult. The article cites that a recent increase in competition with the costs of ads surging putting pressure on marketing budgets.

The second is about SEO and the focus shift from basic keyword strategies to understanding the linguistic nuances of your audience and the subtle language variations that reveal true consumer intentions and sentiments

This idea of the “ever-evolving landscape” is a double sward that not many people want to talk about. The elephant in the room for marketers who are paying more for ads or having difficulty filtering language efficiently against the backgrop of excessive created content. In my mind, no one is talking about the effect of abundant synthetic content on areas such as SEO or search ads. To us, it was promised that generative AI would lead to a boost in productivity. In many areas, this is certainly true. However, the scalability may also lead to unpredictable challenges.

Recently Google completed its Google March 2024 core update rollout . A Google spokesperson said, “As the web and spam tactics continue to evolve, we’ll continue to work to reduce low quality, unoriginal content in Search.” Google said this update has refined how it understands which webpages are “unhelpful, have a poor user experience or feel like they were created for search engines instead of people.” This “could include sites created primarily to match very specific search queries,” Google added.

This has been seen in training, but certainly can have other negative impacts in other areas of the internet. As pointed out by Bruce Schneier in the past : “Just as we’ve strewn the oceans with plastic trash and filled the atmosphere with carbon dioxide, so we’re about to fill the Internet with blah”

Sag-Aftra, major record labels reach tentative deal for AI protections in sound recordings

SAG-AFTRA and major record labels have struck a pioneering deal that introduces, for the first time, clear guidelines on the use of AI in music. This agreement defines "artist" terms strictly for humans and ensures that artists' consent and fair compensation are central to AI's production usage. This move sets a significant precedent in protecting artists in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, emphasizing the importance of human creativity in the arts.

Architecture

Shrinking Spaces, Expanding Horizons: Navigating Tiny Living in an Off-Grid Houseboat

Check out this innovative project by Crossboundaries, the "Solar + Design = Tiny Home on the Water." This solar-powered houseboat combines the freedom of mobile living with a modern, sustainable design. It's self-reliant and eco-friendly, floating on Germany's waterways, designed for those seeking a blend of adventure and environmental consciousness. With interiors that transform to meet various needs and a build that harmonizes with its surroundings, this project redefines living spaces and points towards future possibilities in architecture and lifestyle.

Brick in Architecture Awards winners revealed

The Brick Industry Association's "Brick in Architecture" Awards have spotlighted the versatility and beauty of brick in modern architecture , honoring projects from a Toronto hotel with dramatic arches to a transformed parking lot in Texas. It's pretty cool seeing brick get its moment in the spotlight. These awards underline brick's enduring appeal and potential for innovative design across various categories, including commercial, residential, and public spaces.

?Advertising

Liquid Death Lures With Blood, Guts & Murder Man

Liquid Death has launched an animated series called "The Adventures of Murder Man," featuring its mascot in a gory, darkly humorous cartoon. This bold marketing move turns its "thirst-murdering" brand persona into a narrative about its mascot battling an evil corporation. It’s a unique blend of entertainment and branding that pushes the envelope on traditional advertising. Curious about this daring approach? Check out the full story here .

The Moments Really Worth Holding Onto

David Miami and Coca-Cola have launched a heartwarming new campaign called "Spills," which captures the joy of spontaneous moments that matter more than a spilled drink. This campaign celebrates the essence of real connections, showcasing scenes where people choose heartfelt embraces over their beverages. It’s a refreshing reminder from Coca-Cola that the best moments in life are sometimes worth every drop spilled. Check out the creative energy behind this campaign and how it brings Coca-Cola's message of cherished human connections to life. Read more about the campaign here .

Lynx’ Humour Dives Headfirst Into Controversial

Lynx is pushing the boundaries of advertising with its latest campaign created by LOLA MullenLowe. Featuring dark humor in scenarios like "Robbery" and "Funeral," these ads aim to engage young audiences with edgy content that might not sit well with everyone but definitely resonates with its target market. Running across digital platforms and cinemas in several countries, this bold approach highlights Lynx's commitment to staying fresh and controversial in the ad space. Read more about Lynx's innovative campaign here .

Survival of the cheapest: The real reason there’s so few 50-somethings in advertising

David Bain from BMB sheds light on a profound shift in advertising: the sharp decline of over 50 professionals in the industry. He points out that this isn't just about a lack of relevance or modern skills like TikTok but primarily about financial decisions—agencies opting for lower costs, which often mean younger, less expensive talent. Bain suggests that imaginative solutions like job shares or part-time roles could help retain seasoned experts, ensuring depth and diversity of experience in advertising. A vital read for anyone in the sector. Read the full article here .

Featured this week

Sofia Oswald

Sofia Oswald, a senior graphic designer and illustrator based in Lviv, Ukraine , boasts five years of experience specializing in packaging and brand identity. Her expertise spans logo creation, font and color selection, brand book development, packaging design, and corporate character illustration. Known for her consistent and beautiful designs, Sofia's talent shines through in her seamless combination of graphic design and illustration.

Eva Bochem-Shur

Eva Bochem-Shur, a New York-based freelance graphic designer , specializes in identity, exhibition design, and art direction. With a decade of experience, she excels in branding, digital design, and design management. Formerly an art director at Apple and a senior designer at The Museum of Modern Art, Eva now serves as a design director at Sibling Rivalry. She holds a BFA in communication design from the Parsons School of Design and has attended the Werkplaats Typografie Summer School, showcasing her commitment to excellence in design education and practice.

Edith Kurosaka

Edith Kurosaka, a freelance illustrator based in Paris, France , brings colorful, textured, and quirky scenes and characters to life through her illustrations. With a background in Film and Digital Arts, she infuses her work with a traditional feel while experimenting with different styles. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in an artistic environment, Edith aims to fulfill dreams and visions through her vibrant and imaginative illustrations.

Cesar St. Martin

Cesar St. Martin, an accomplished Art Director based in New York and Montreal , is renowned for his dynamic brand projects characterized by memorable visuals and striking illustrations. With extensive experience spanning animation, advertising, and motion design, he excels in visual and brand development, delivering versatile and vibrant work for top studios and agencies worldwide. As a dedicated freelancer and founder of Smith & St. Martin, he passionately supports non-profit organizations through his design expertise, cementing his reputation as a versatile and visionary art director.

Baralon Thibault

Baralon Thibault, a multidisciplinary designer based in France , boasts a versatile portfolio spanning digital, editorial, type design, and visual identity. With a bold and engaging aesthetic, Thibault's work captivates with distinctive compositions and vibrant colors. As an ECAL graduate and experienced art director, Thibault's creations showcase remarkable versatility and creativity across various design fields.

Thomas Campi

Thomas Campi, an award-winning comic book artist and illustrator , has garnered international recognition for his versatile work spanning comics, illustration, and animation. With over 24 years of professional experience, his graphic novels have been published worldwide by renowned publishers such as Sergio Bonelli Editore, Dupuis, and Delcourt. Campi's creations, including "Joe Shuster-The Artist Behind Superman" and "L'éveil," have received critical acclaim and prestigious awards, showcasing his talent and expertise in storytelling and visual artistry.

Anastasia Pozhidaeva

Anastasia Pozhidaeva, a Moscow-based illustrator and photographer , infuses her work with vibrant colors and energetic charm. With a background in fine arts from The Rodchenko Art School, her illustrations capture the simplicity yet vibrancy of city landscapes and postindustrial aesthetics, earning recognition in national publications.

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