Interesting article* on the science behind extroversion and introversion. Here’s a quote that helps explain why I’m no good at group brainstorming sessions:

In a recent book on introversion, author Susan Cain explains that although introverts make up a third to a half of the population, Western society—the United States, in particular—is extroversion-centric. She notes that schools and workplaces are designed for extroverts, under the belief that collaboration is key to creativity and productivity (the opposite of which is true for introverts).

Both Cain’s book and her corresponding TED talk have not only generated some much-needed discussion about the differences between the two personality types, they’ve also created a (mostly good-humored) backlash against introverts. Which is a bit unfair, given that scads of studies appear to demonstrate that “the brains of introverts and extroverts really are different.”

*Hat tip to my friend and fellow introvert Derek Helt.

posted by: Aaron Bragg  |  category: random thoughts  |  make a comment

I’m not entirely sure what it is about the work of sand artist Ilana Yahav that I find so mesmerizing. Maybe it’s the movement; maybe it’s the simplicity; maybe it’s the fact that it exists only at that particular moment in time. Or maybe it’s because it’s ideally suited for a Blackfield video.

posted by: Aaron Bragg  |  category: random thoughts  |  make a comment

L’shanah tovah, everyone.

Maybe now people will listen to me when I tell ’em cow tipping is a myth.

A movie based on the Dyatlov Pass incident was apparently released earlier this year. It probably sucks. But if you’ve never heard the story, read this account.

It’s official: Colonel Meow is the world’s furriest cat.

London to Brighton in 1953, 1983, and 2013.

Great. Something else to worry about. (Oh sure, they say it’s “harmless to humans.” Until it grows lungs and discovers the sweet, sweet taste of man-flesh.)

posted by: Aaron Bragg  |  category: random thoughts  |  make a comment

I’m someone who has to write things down. I know, I know—there’s a perfectly suitable notes app on my phone. But it’s not the same. For one thing, it takes far too long to tap away at imaginary keys; for another, my notes are a nightmare of words, phrases, arrows, addenda, and diagrams that simply cannot be reproduced on a tiny little screen.

For a long time, I used Moleskine hardcover notebooks. But their cost is a bit unseemly, considering they’re made in China. And the whole fake history thing sort of grates. Plus, hipsters.

Field Notes has been my go-to source for notebooks for a while now. They’re smaller (read: more portable), cheaper, and made in the good ol’ USA. Their limited-edition sets are a lot of fun, and they even published a book last spring. (Even if you don’t buy their notebooks, you’ve simply got to read A Drive into the Gap. Just take my word for it.)

Yeah, I’m a bit of a luddite. But I’m not the only one who’s digging the old-school Field Notes vibe.

posted by: Aaron Bragg  |  category: the writing life  |  make a comment

I deliberately waited till the end of the workday to post a link to the awesomest collection of  “horror, sci-fi, exploitation, trash, B-movie posters” you’re likely to find in one place. (The Hammer Film Productions page alone is worth a look-see.) Why did I wait? So you won’t blame me when your productivity drops to nil. Say goodbye to the rest of your afternoon…

posted by: Aaron Bragg  |  category: the design life  |  make a comment

“As a young man, I harbored the populist idea of writing for the public. I learned that the public didn’t care. So I decided to write for myself. Since then, people have gotten interested.”

Elliott Carter

posted by: Aaron Bragg  |  category: random thoughts  |  make a comment

If you ever want to join me for a little fun on wheels after work, grab some skates (quads only) and come on down to The Pit behind Krunch Skate Shop. You may even get to hip-check me – if you’re lucky.

posted by: Shirlee Roberts-Downey  |  category: random thoughts  |  make a comment

It is my very last week here as an intern, and it has been the most refreshing 173 hours spent. It all started when my professor shared to me that helveticka was thinking about opening a spot for an intern.

I was very lucky to have this opportunity. Lucky in a way that it presented itself to me, but not in a way that it was handed to me. You know when you worked hard, is when you feel like you aren’t going to achieve that goal. That is how it always happens to me. I work extremely hard for something, feel like I am failing…and then “BAM” I achieve that goal. That was the feeling I got when I was trying to get this internship. When I made that facebook campaign, I told myself, “You are insane, you are not going to get this internship” right before making it live. Well, here I am today, writing my goodbye post on helveticka’s very own blog.

The main thing I have learned on this journey is solidifying that I am in the best industry and that I am unbelievably excited to become a part of it in the near future. Working at helveticka has been only a blessing which makes it even harder to leave.

“It is those who are successful, in other words, who are most likely to be given the kinds of special opportunities that lead to further success.”
― Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success

…you haven’t seen the last of me, helveticka. Just you wait.

posted by: melanie hoff  |  category: the design life  |  make a comment