Archive for Articles
Marie Hsiao: An Interview
Marie “mree” Hsiao is currently dominating YouTube with her talent and charm. You will usually find her singing behind a guitar or piano. Aged at only 16, Marie is a mighty force to be reckoned with. We had the chance to ask her a few questions and pick her brain. The Nonsense Society is glad to welcome her to its ranks before she becomes too famous (which she no doubt will).
How to Live a Creative Life and Succeed
So you are an artist? Musician? Poet? Mad scientist? Whatever. It doesn’t really matter. You deserve the chance to live a creative life, succeed, and be happy (because that’s important, I promise). Obviously creativity is not about money, fame, or success. However, I would love to see every artist in the Nonsense Society live off their passion. This article will help you get there.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” – Gandalf the Grey
What is your motivation?
I have been working on the Nonsense Society for almost a year now. Every week I receive submissions and see more art than I ever have before. Lately I have been thinking a lot about what makes art meaningful. I find that I am getting better and better at seeing through artists and their motivation. Obviously there are many technical factors that make art professional and pleasing, but that can only get you so far.
Sometimes I look at art that many would consider “amateur,” and I see something more. What is your motivation? Is it to be impress, is it to be popular, is it to make something beautiful, or is it because you truly love your art? Your audience can often tell your motivation, but can you? Shallow motivation leads to shallow satisfaction. This is something I’ve learned along the way.
The Most Interesting Search Terms of 2009
This post is just for fun. One of my favorite things to do is browse through search terms that people have used to find the Nonsense Society. I wanted to share some highlights of the year so far. Some are hilarious, some are gross, some are dirty, and some are very sad. I don’t understand how some of these people find us. Regardless, they are great and the anonymity makes them better. Whether you connect emotionally with them, want to fight them, or just laugh, I hope you enjoy this post. Continue Reading
An Interview With Fábio Sasso
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Fábio Sasso. He is a graphic designer, web-designer, and creator of the awesome design blog Abduzeedo (you might have heard of it). If you haven’t heard of Abduzeedo, you need to check it out. It’s an incredible resource for getting inspired and learning about design. In fact, Abduzeedo consistently acts as an inspiration for us at the Nonsense Society. Besides his business, Fábio is just a super nice guy. What strikes me about Fábio is that he never tried to make Abduzeedo a huge thing. It kinda just happened because he was doing what he loved. Everything he did you can do right now. Keep reading to find out how he created his own success.
Instant Inspiration #2
Need a quick fix of inspiration?! Instant Inspiration is a series that recognizes some of the best artists and work floating out there on the internet. These works have inspired us and will hopefully inspire you too! Remember, all rights to works posted on The Nonsense Society are reserved by the controlling rightholder(s). Click on each image to see the source.
An Interview With Yoann Lemoine
I recently interviewed filmmaker/director/photographer Yoann Lemoine. Prior to 2004 Yoann studied animation, illustration, and screen-printing. After illustrating children’s books he went on to direct television commercials and music videos. Below you can watch the music video to Moby’s new single “Mistake” from the album Wait For Me, directed by Yoann Lemoine. He lives in Paris and New York, directing films, animating, illustrating, printing, sculpting, knitting, and making collages. Yoann describes his work as follows: “I could say my creations are related to subjects such as childhood, absence, nostalgia, sexuality, fashion, symbolism, and of course that patchwork, that collision between different worlds and techniques, which is what I’m made from, I guess.”
An Interview With Zoë Keating
I recently had the chance to interview acclaimed musician, Zoë Keating. Zoë has been called a “one-woman orchestra,” layering her cello into unique and captivating works. She has worked with Imogen Heap, Mark Isham, The Dresden Dolls, Rasputina, DJ Shadow, and Paolo Nutini. Her self-produced album “One Cello x 16: Natoma” soared to #1 on the iTunes Classical charts and #2 on the Electronica charts. Continue reading to get a glimpse into the mind of one of today’s musical greats.
Top Hats and Knives: Review of Tuna Ferit
When I first looked at the pencil art featured at the Society by Tuna Ferit, I was blown away. Revisiting it again several days later with a more discerning eye however… no, I was still blown away. The first and third submissions especially are bordering on photo-realistic. Looking at this art actually sparked a lively debate between myself and my fiance, and to keep this review from simply being ham-fisted adoration of a particular artist (which he totally deserves), I will explain my feelings on the debate with you in an attempt to provide some form of reflection.
An Interview With David Firth
I recently emailed David Firth, creator of the popular Salad Fingers cartoon and Fat-Pie.com, with some questions. Here is the result.
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His apathy is excruciating. Continue Reading
Are You Being Censored? (Hint: Yes)
Talking about censorship in the media is nothing new. Media censorship has been around since shortly after media has been around. It seems that while everyone I talk to on a daily basis is against the idea of censorship and finds it rather pointless and stupid. There is a strong subsection of America that wants to be able to flip on the television and see a nice narrow view of perfectly acceptable society. I really don’t understand this viewpoint. Continue Reading
Textual Logos – Is Simple Better?
Is simple better? In this case I say yes. I am definitely guilty of making a super-intricate logo or piece of art. The more complex, the better, right? Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. This collection of logos contains some amazing work where the logo is just the name of the company. Some are very creative, but none are over the top. It takes some guts and vision for a graphic designer to realize that simple is better. I have to admit that when I browse through logos I find that the simple ones almost always catch my eye. The following are good-looking, not overwhelming, and still turn heads. What can you learn from them?
The Best Break Up Songs of All Time
We have all been there. Left stranded with a broken heart. Music is often the greatest escape. This compilation showcases some of the best lyrics and recordings from people feeling the pain. Whether you are there now or have been there in the past, these songs will make your heart break and your soul ache.
The Nonsense Connection: Death
A chilling collaboration of music by ChanLing Beswick, art by Jarek Kubicki, word by Cara Persico, and film by Danielle Mulcahy .
3 Spectacular Acoustic Tracks
The musical genius of Chris Greenwood, Chris Vece, and Callison Stratton.
The Nonsense Connection: Lost Love
A heartbreaking combination of the art of Jeannie Paske, the music of Alicia Santavenere, and the poetry of Cara Persico. Do you feel it?
6 Month Anniversary
A short film celebrating the first 6 months of the Nonsense Society’s existence!
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14 Fantastic Illustrations
Nonsense Society Illustrators: David Weinholtz, Jeannie Paske, and Matt Duffin.
3 Filmmakers to Keep Your Eyes On.
The work of the Nonsense Society’s own Steven Madeja, Danielle Mulcahy, and Vladek Zankovsky.
7 Examples of Phenomenal Graphic Art and Photo Manipulation
Some of the best in graphic art and photo manipulation from the artists of the Nonsense Society.
