Imagine a spirited, eleven-year-old girl. A girl who simply loves to sing, everywhere. She learns guitar songs, she plays the ukulele. When the chords are hard, she doesn’t give up; she keeps practicing and believing in herself.
How many times have you heard a product manager described as being a “jack of all trades, but master of none?"
Have you ever heard your own PM job characterized as having “all of the responsibility, but none of the authority?"
While not particularly optimistic assessments, perhaps, there is good news:
You are the Leonardo da Vinci of product management!
The death of V for Vendetta actor John Hurt + US election disappointment = This mashup, at Anne O'Malley's request.
-John Kieltyka
Nick Catania is a filmmaker living and working in New York City. His work is broad and varied; from TV to film, commercial to indie, Nick's enthusiasm reflects the seemingly limitless capacity for storytelling that moving images provide. I spoke with Nick about what it's like to be the guy behind the camera.
Learning to knit was not easy. The lessons had continued throughout winter. The young girl sat on one side of the room while taking instructions from her mother, who sat on the other side. It had been years since the two had shared a meal at the same table or exchanged an embrace. Tuberculosis’ afternoon fever blazed in the mother’s cheeks.
Most artists know that inspiration requires visualization, preparation, and finally, perspiration. The muse can strike at any time, but if your tools are not readily accessible, the idea may bolt before taking form. And if there isn't even a space in which to keep your tools, much less use them? Well, that's a problem. So, this winter our top priority is the building of a basement recording studio.
This past summer, we decided to build a shed in our smallish backyard. Since we savor summer hours in our little hideaway park, we wanted to build an attractive shed; one that suggested the style and color common to many Swedish houses, Falun red.
Seattle musician Dick Rossetti and his band The Jilly Rizzo needed art for their release 3 Strike Mooser. I met with Dick to discuss ideas. He told me that he wanted something irreverent, fun and maybe even a little racy. That could mean a lot of things, so in an attempt to narrow that down a bit, I asked him what kind of album art he liked. Dick's taste is very broad, but he kept coming back to the classic Blue Note Records designs of the 50s and 60s. Which sent me to the internet for inspiration.
I confess. I often scan Craigslist, looking for derelict cedar fences. When I see the words "free: come and get it," I grab my gloves and hammer and hop in the car. There's a certain excitement that accompanies re-purposing projects, especially when old fences can be turned into a series of lovely birdhouses.
Disney’s animated movie Frozen introduced many young girls to a dramatic character named Elsa. If you personally know a young girl who is wishing for an “Elsa” gown/costume, there are scores of helpful websites and blogs offering DIY instructions. With a bit of research, you’ll find the one that matches your sewing abilities and the type of dress for your Elsa.
Looking for a sweet Easter treat that isn’t loaded with sugar? Try making adorable bunnies from plain white washcloths. These bunnies make neat basket stuffers for children, small surprises for the elderly, or place card holders for your sit-down holiday meal. This project is fun, easy and perfect for crafty Grandmas, working with children over 7 years of age.
I collect objects that feel orphaned in some way; old dolls have become a special weakness. But what to do with them, once adopted? Discard those nasty cloth bodies, repurpose the doll’s head, and voila! You now have a punk-looking new home for a baby succulent plant.
Nick Catania and I have been fast friends since we first met - in fifth grade. We've always shared a love of music and art; the first band I was ever in was with Nick on drums, and we were both marching band geeks. We grew up supporting each others' creative endeavors, and to this day enjoy the unique rapport that comes with knowing someone since childhood. So, when Nick, who is New York-based, told me work was bringing him to Oregon, and asked if I would like to drive down from Seattle for a visit, I said yes (of course).
I had the privilege of photographing a ton of happy people for Oni Press (Scott Pilgrim) and Comics Alliance at their joint kickoff event for this year's Emerald City Comic Con. I teamed up with my buddy Ed Peterson for this shoot, and we had a blast doing it. As the night revved up it was easier for us to convince people to take to the air, supplying all concerned with great visuals. Thanks, everyone, and thanks for the mention, Comics Alliance!
When we put up our Little Free Library alongside our neighbors' a few weeks back, Evening Magazine took an interest and came out to get the whole story. We had a blast, and host Jim Dever (a fellow West Seattlite) was a pleasure to meet.