Archive for Articles
Become an Art Curator Immediately…
I would like to invite anyone to be a part of this Nonsense…
I am currently accepting all article submissions from freelancers out there. Search the Internet. SCROUNGE the world for art that inspires you. What kicks you in the gut? If I agree with you, I will put it on the site. If I agree with you many times, I will make you an official Nonsense Society editor.
Let me ask you a question
How would you like to be put in front of an audience of hundreds of thousands within 24 hours? Or would you prefer to continue surfing the web all night? This is your life. Do something with it. Inspire someone.
We Love Your Creativity #2
Need a quick fix of inspiration?! This 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.
Inspiration Playlist + How I Started Winning
“Civilization had too many rules for me, so I did my best to rewrite them.” – Bill Cosby
In the past year I have seen my life transform from one of misery and settling to one of excitement and opportunity. Something happened inside my brain that caused me to turn everything around and start winning. Every day brings something new. In 2004 I was hospitalized after attempting suicide. I used to try and please everyone except myself. I used to struggle to be something I am not. I listened to countless “important” people tell me my ideas were awful and that I had to choose one thing to be good at. That only prompted me to drop out of school, do all the things I wanted to do, and start being happy. By doing what I was most scared of (and what I previously thought was giving up) I have been able to achieve the following in a short period of time:
How to Make Money Doing What You Love
For the past couple months the great Angela Lussier and I have been working on an eBook to help our audiences. As far as I am concerned, everyone involved in Nonsense Society is looking to live the creative life that they love and make money doing it (yes, it’s okay to want money). I want that for all of you. I am planning on posting more articles and tutorials to help my audience. You have the talent, you have the platform, and now I am going to help you take the next step. Talent isn’t enough if you don’t know what to do with it. This is the first of more great things to come. Get the ebook and find out how to make money doing what you love. Whatever that may be…
How to Take a Kick-Ass Photo
I get submissions from photographers every day. Some good. Some great. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what makes a photo grab my attention. There are certain things you should keep in mind when taking and editing photos. Here are some basics to help you out.
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).
What is your motivation for all of this? Is it to entertain? Do you want to be famous? Do you want money?
There is no greater feeling than seeing people enjoy my music. It is such a crazy idea that songs an inexperienced teenage girl writes about are being heard and enjoyed by a number of people. What I truly aim to get out of my musical career is for people to take my music for what it is and enjoy it. Sure, money is always great but it isn’t what my focus is. I would still be happy playing in a cute little coffee shop for free to people who enjoy it.
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
So how do you succeed? You need to know how to deal with people. You need to learn how to portray an attitude that attracts opportunity. In this particular article, I’d like to refer to one of my favorite books of all time: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. The book has long been considered one of the best self-help books ever written. Unfortunately, it is often marketed as a book for businesspeople. In reality, it can help anyone. I am writing this article as a supplementary resource geared toward you creative-types. I have picked several chapter titles’ in the book to talk about.
Don’t criticize, condemn or complain.
Stop complaining. Don’t complain about your life, your art, or anybody else. The most impressive people I have ever met are the most self-assured and accepting people.
“I am a leaf on the wind, watch how I soar.” – Wash, Serenity
The less you complain about circumstances and people, the less people will complain about you. If you are an artist (of any kind) you know how much criticism can hurt. React to this by simply not participating in it. People tell me I sucks all the time! For a while I tried to argue back, but it never made me feel good. You will find that by letting go, you feel great (and other people will see you as great).
“I will speak ill of no man… and speak all the good I know of everybody.” – Benjamin Franklin
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.
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!
Continue Reading
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.
