One Fused Life » General Stuff

Gift of the Year: 18th.me – become the Mona Lisa with a real painting!

Lasha — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:57:30 +0000

It's been a long time since I've come across an idea as unique as this one. 18th.me is, to put it simply, a custom painting service. Select a painting out of the "collection," send in a photo, and receive a hand-painted picture with your face instead of... Napoleon Bonapart's.

No more searching for original ideas for gifts – this is pretty much it. As the 18th.me website states, whether you're looking for a conversation piece or a house warming gift, a custom painting of 'Mona Lisa' or 'American Gothic' with your buddies' faces will certainly surprise.

More recently, an option to buy prints instead of an oil painting was introduced for an even more affordable price tag. Of course, they're not as impressive as an actual painting, but definitely a solid alternative.

So, head over to http://18th.me/, check out the collection, and start planning birthday presents!

2012, the year of new beginnings, and more of the old ones

Lasha — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:51:14 +0000

The last 12 months have been truly life altering. So much has happened that changed the course of my ambitions. Life after college (since June 2010) is pretty much how I expected it to be; Steady but motivated. Progress is now my top priority – to take more steps in the journey to success, and top the year before. Here are a few highlights from 2011:

Taught my first college class, which was an absolute delight.
Quit working full-time to pursue and grow my freelance work.
Formed my own company, a web design/development boutique.
Got my first car, a Volkswagen Passat.
Went on a week-long food extravaganza with a good friend from Australia, one-of-a-kind hole-in-the-wall joints!
Played Airsoft for the first time, got shot in the privates, received a cup as a Christmas present.

Nine days into the New Year, and things are looking alright so far. I am trying to take my company to the next level, setting priorities both professionally and personally. Continue reading for a list of goals for 2012:

Continue living a relatively healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly and stay in shape. Typical, right?
Fully come to terms with my guilts and insecurities, and become a better person out of it.
Develop a complex sense of gratefulness. Appreciate the things that make a difference in my life.
Further develop the company; Build an identity, grow clientele, get office space, expand workforce.
Launch 2 or more personal project ideas, out of the dozen or so domains I own.
Redesign this blog, write Design and Code tutorials, create a new direction.
Build and launch my first free or premium WordPress theme.
Up my design and coding skills by a few notches, through practice and experience.
Travel to Australia, and hopefully more places in the world.
Teach at a college again, and/or create a workshop for professional training.
Be perceptive of great opportunities, and act upon them. People good at this are often seen as "lucky."

Some of the items above are quite broad, without a specific plan of attack. They almost require a certain level of ongoing subconscious thought, like meditation. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplishing anything, right? This now becomes a test of how badly I want to be healthy, productive, knowledgeable, successful, and well-travelled.

2012 will be a year of challenges and new endeavors. What am I willing to do for the things that I need and want most?

Why is Apple the king of marketing?

Lasha — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:56:42 +0000

Is it really JUST the marketing that they're kings of? Today, most of Apple's marketing consists of showing the product being used, doing what it does best, combined with a few words in the end for the finishing spice. This is where I believe Apple's secret lies.

All ads are (or should be) based on truth, and then exaggerated to deliver a message and/or to prove a point. Fact is, people aren't stupid. We know when something is taken "too far" in an ad or commercial, and usually don't take it literally. Of course, there are cultural aspects to consider when using metaphors as some may be offended, and in return end up biting you in the rear. Read more...

My point is that Apple's ads are based purely on the truth, and in the past, some feel, have been expressed in controversial ways. The "I'm a Mac" campaign in the past was often exaggerated and often criticized as well, but it was always based on some truth. Marketing 101: take stabs at the competition where it will hurt the most.

When I watch an Apple ad, particularly the ones that I personally relate to, I'm sold. Apple shows me what its products are capable of with someone else performing the tasks that I may want to do myself. They are representations of real people doing real things. No technical jargon, megahertz and gigahertz, or robots. Just people.

Critics say the only reason Apple's products are so successful is because they're the kings of marketing. Let's not kid ourselves – they're all absolutely right. Great marketing for great products. It's not possible to create so many affective ads if the products didn't allow it. As many have also said, and will continue saying, great products sell themselves.

Apple's Ad Agency of Record: "TBWA\Media Arts Lab (TBWA\MAL) was launched in 2006 and is made up of a broad collective of creative talent from a diversity of backgrounds and media disciplines. With client Apple at its core, the group develops communication ideas that leverage all kinds of innovations. It is a place for experimentation for new ideas about connecting people with brands."

What is success to a 23 year old?

Lasha — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:19:52 +0000

Note: This entry originally started out as a reply to a Facebook wall post about succeeding in the Web Design & Development world, but I decided to take it to the next level. I hope you enjoy.

I am 23 years old and my life revolves around freelance. As a matter of fact, I recently formed a business around it, and things are getting better, and better. What's the secret? DON'T GIVE UP AND KEEP TRYING.

You said you're developing your skills? Excellent, keep doing so and never stop. Network with people. Attend local meetups about design, development, and fields relative to yours. Have an identity on the web – a portfolio and blog of sorts. If you don't already have business cards that you carry with you EVERYWHERE you go, do it asap!

Regularly check design/development specific job boards. Authentic Jobs and Krop are some of them. Keep up with trends, what's hot and emerging on the web, and the ever-changing job requirements of employers. The web industry is one of the most rapidly changing, evolving, and growing. Continue reading...

Personally, networking and word of mouth have been the NUMBER ONE aspect of finding work and growing my business. Don't listen to the external forces of pressure, and move at your own comfortable (yet reasonable) pace, doing only what you love, while never seizing to constantly educate yourself. To put things in perspective, I am still living with my parents, which has been very difficult for me as of late, but I am slowly progressing towards bigger and better things, including finding an apartment and/or office space.

Having lived in NYC for most of my life, one of the things I am considering is relocation. As I creep up to a quarter century of life, I feel I haven't experienced enough of the world – not even through travelling. To me, success isn't just about money, but also the wealth of global culture, food, language, nature, and most importantly, experiences.

Some inevitable forces of life halt us from doing what we truly love. These forces include but are not limited to our environment, family, traditions, and religion. Sometimes life doesn't give us the opportunities we need to succeed doing what we love. However, understanding and trying to change things can make a world of a difference.

I learned from a wise man to always try to do work that's meaning to you, and not waste time pursuing other people's dreams.

"Stay hungry. Stay foolish." - Steve Jobs

Imagination, thinking outside of the Cube

Lasha — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:39:30 +0000

I recently came across a very interesting set of videos that really struck a chord in my mind. In short, a glossy black cube was sent to some of the world's top designers, architects, and academics, including Dieter Rams, Stefan Sagmeister, and Massimo Iosa Ghini. In a series of short videos, the fundamental ideologies of simplicity, form, and function are discussed to dissect the essence of the cube.

More after the jump...

101 Do’s and Don’ts of Life

Lasha — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:12:57 +0000

There are some things in life that you just do, and don't do. I have been writing this list since September 2008. I have learned many things, met many people, and experienced things that I will carry with me to the grave. Tomorrow is my 23rd birthday, and I feel I have just barely touched the tip of the iceberg of life.

I would like to say thank you to those that have helped me compile this list, whether you know it or not. This endeavor has always kept me on my feet, thinking, and observing the world around me. It is my hope for this list to inspire people anywhere in the world, just as I have been influenced by those around me.

Continue reading for the list that's been in the works for nearly 3 years:

Always be willing to learn when given the opportunity.
Think not twice but 5 times about what you spend your money on.
Time is yours, and it's running. Run with it, or ahead of it.
Treat people with courtesy and respect, karma will take care of the rest.
Avoid keeping junk, or things you are attached to that are not important.
Realize what you take for granted, for it may not always be there.
In a situation, look for solutions and progress, rather than explanations.
Strive for consistent organization, as it helps with complex endeavors.
Keep a calendar for important dates and events, you won't regret it.
Wish people Happy Birthdays - you will be much appreciated.
Avoid lying - you will have less to remember.
Meeting new people and socializing has immense benefits.
Don't take the sparse resources available to you for granted.
Patience is a virtue. With it, you can go places never imagined.
Recycle your garbage and general waste.
Try to eat healthy when you can, or you'll kick yourself later.
Do not smoke or cause unnecessary harm to yourself.
Coupons are very, very great things. Use them wisely.
Know the difference between Effectiveness & Efficiency.
When you're discouraged, remember the purpose of it all.
Personal and Professional relationships in life are important.
Getting a solid education helps you in more ways than one.
Compliment people, even for the smallest things - they will like you.
Sometimes, life is all about risk. Choose wisely.
Learn how to take decent photographs, for they are priceless.
Always carry a spare (insert item here). You won't be sorry.
Don't make a fool of yourself - Do your research.
Be good at something, that way you can always fall back on it.
Always back up everything you don't want to lose. Always.
Education is beautiful. Enlighten others with your knowledge.
Don't let other people's negative attitudes get to the best of you.
If you freelance, choose wisely who you work for or with.
Remember: How would you feel in his/her shoes?
Always have resources and references that are helpful to you.
Free is not always good, as its problems may cost you.
If you can, read magazines in bookstores instead of subscribing.
Having a business card is efficient, effective, and impressive.
Knowing when to keep your mouth shut is a gift. Practice it.
Thank other people often, appreciation will be mutual.
Know how to turn a dollar into two... without ripping it.
Saying "no" to things can be very helpful in the long run.
Always carry a pen with you when possible. Preparedness rocks!
When you create goals for yourself, tell others about it.
Sometimes, the little things in life have the biggest value.
Understanding that not all things are fair can save many headaches.
Getting an education is one of life's great experiences.
Play games - it helps you learn about how people are.
Don't quite your job until you find another one.
Know a second language - it will help you achieve wonders.
A clean and open workspace helps with productivity.
Only make promises you know you can keep.
Take on a hobby you know you can stick with.
Make a list of random trivial questions and Google them!
Call a friend you haven't talked to in a long time.
Travel and experience the amazing varieties of life.
Read books - expose your mind to new ideas.
Turn off your judging machine when talking to people.
Observe and adapt desirable behavior & body language of others.
Respect the environment - you don't wanna damage your planet.
Always think twice about purchasing something you don't need.
Donate your used belongings to charities. They will love you!
Always look for inspiration for motivation to get things done.
Save money and buy energy efficient products.
Use credit cards only if you are certain you can pay it back.
Have a good understanding of history - old and recent.
Do not be afraid to take a risks.
If you really want something, put your heart into it.
Learn some handyman skills - they will benefit you greatly.
When traveling, be cautious of scammers trying to get you!
Do not carry important documents unless it's necessary.
Always be ready to write down ideas, you will forget them.
Pay attention to your dreams as they show you who you are.
Always put effort into being around like-minded people.
Utilize your belongings to their maximum potential.
Learn how things tick. It'll help your general understanding.
Do not be afraid to ask questions, no matter what they are!
Do not leave your chances with luck, but have room for it.
Do not carry around large sums of money for no reason.
Be considerate of others - it makes things so much easier.
Don't fall behind with the things you love - stay sharp!
Don't let failures stop you from achieving your goals.
Learn to socialize and converse with anyone.
Keep an organized list of all the people you know and meet.
Research productivity tools and techniques. There are thousands.
Challenging yourself is the only real way to grow.
Compromise helps you avoid many problems throughout life.
Don't burn down any bridges, you may be crossing one soon.
Don't be afraid to build something, the feeling is uplifting.
Always get plenty of rest before doing anything serious.
Respect others as you expect to be respected yourself.
Travel the world and experience life other than your own.
Through hard times, never fear seeking help.
Let your children be children, curious and energetic.
Don't fear admitting defeat. It only makes you stronger.
Be true to yourself, as you're the only sure thing you have.
If you believe you're born to do something, chase after it.
Don't be afraid to trust others.
Always put family and friends first, business second.
Love with all of your heart, and everything you've got.
Don't let a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by.
Make your own list.

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Why people secretly love change

Lasha — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:53:59 +0000

Everywhere you look, you find people complaining about things that change; Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Applications, and so forth, but rarely do they ever do anything about it. In fact, in most cases (with the exception of Digg), time spent on them increases.

Every time Facebook changes its layout, everyone and their grandmas throw a tantrum, complaining about how they want the old layout back. A week goes by, and it's as if nothing happened at all. They're still using Facebook with all of the same features, if not more. After all, Facebook spends millions creating the optimal interface (at least I hope they do) for an increase of addictiveness.

A few months ago, Twitter drastically underwent a major interface overhaul. As per usual, a ton of people complained saying it was too complicated, slow, etc. Well, has Twitter reported a loss of user activity? Nope. An increase of user activity? Yep...

My point here is this; I think most people secretly, subconsciously love change. Our extroverted personalities show that we are so protective of things, especially when we've developed comfort with them. When this comfort is stripped from us, we get scared and start complaining, but we also become adventurous at the same time! We start learning new things, discovering features, and finding reasons to like something.

We, as humans, are born to be naturally curious creatures. We also happened to be pretty damn good at learning and adapting to change. One can argue on the contrary, but that would then get into many unrelated aspects of why people fear change. Habituation of a linear and non-changing lifestyle is one of them (I know this because my family is so).

So, to softly reiterate my point, I stand by the ground that, because our nature is to learn and adapt (primitively, for survival), we subconsciously like change, even in the little things in life (like Facebook!). This is not an argument against people complaining and demanding what's right, but rather, an encouragement! We must honestly think about our emotions, why we feel the way we do, and how to progressively and positively advance.

Project 10 to the 100th is helping us change the world!

When do you truly become a grown-up?

Lasha — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:51:11 +0000

I have been asking myself this question as far as I could remember, and as I get older, the answer always changes. The criteria for being a "grown-up" is different for everyone because we all have unique expectations based on our experiences.

There are often times when we see a "grown-up" with "younger" characteristics. Could this be because this person doesn't view themselves as one, therefore acts and appears such way, or is it simply because the person judging him/her has a solidified idea of what a "grown-up" should be like?

I believe being a grown-up is just a state of mind. A state where the amount of questions you have about yourself, life, and everything else is significantly lower than your past. A state where insecurities become non-existent, and everything seems to just make sense...

I often think about the times when I've met people who I thought were so mature, intelligent, and unbreakable, and how I would love to sit down with them for hours and hear their stories. What is their formula, their recipe for living life, and the events that made them into who they are?

I have many questions about myself and everything else. At what point will I start to feel like a grown-up? Many people say it happens after your parents are gone, but there are too many instances of grown-ups who still have their parents. Maybe they're just pretending, and deep inside they're still trying to find themselves?

Do you consider yourself a grown-up? Are you a parent? Grandparent? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Guest Post: Can Someone Please Reinvent the Umbrella…Please?

Lasha — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:20:21 +0000

Yesterday I had the unfortunate pleasure of having to use an umbrella due to a small rainstorm. At first I proudly opened my small staph shielding me from the dangers of water hurling from above, whilst staring at the poor saps that had come ill-equipped. Yet as I continued hurling towards my destination I noticed myself becoming increasingly wet. By the time I had reached the sanctuary of indoors my entire shoes had been drenched, as well as the tips of my pants and my entire right arm.

With all the fancy cases that are out in the market today to protect our cell phones, notebooks, and MP3 players, why has no one taken the time to create something to well…protect US! Imagine for a second you brought a water proof case for your notebook and suddenly you realized that over 40% of it got wet, wouldn’t you be furious and never buy that case again? For some reason this logic does not seem to apply in the world of Umbrellas, as many of us will continue to buy the same crappy umbrellas which will instantly break again and again. More after the jump...

In a country where you can purchase protective covers for your couches and cars, where is my slip-on plastic case insulating me from the drudgery of getting wet? Now most of you are probably shouting “get a rain coat”, but lets not forget that requires separate boots and even pants in order to maintain full dryness, not to mention the prospect of slinging a wet coat over my chair at work seems less than sunshine.

Even if we aren’t smart enough to invent an Umbrella alternative why not at least build a better Umbrella, one that doesn’t turn inside out with the slightest detection of wind. With all these cheap umbrellas in circulation, does anyone stop and think of the complete waste of materials these things cause (plastic, metal, and cloth)? Why an entire civilization could be founded upon excess umbrella materials alone. I would gladly be willing to shell out a few extra bucks in order to purchase an Umbrella I knew would be my faithful companion for years to come. Lets just hope that a bright idea can emerge amongst the clouds.

Written By: Aaron Azerad

Guest Post: Why the iPhone sucks as a business machine

A dream of travels, and weird fantasies

Lasha — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 07:55:23 +0000

So it's 3:40AM right now and I just woke up from a 6+ hour long sleep. I had one of the strangest dreams in a decent while. The dream consisted of traveling with a bunch of my friends, including my girlfriend, getting lost, and fighting our way through illogical and fantastical obstacles.

Mall layouts that made less sense than a mirror house, rooms of pure darkness, gigantic elevator doors, and infinitely looping escalators. The entire dream was a mish-mash of chaos, trying to find a way home, anxiety, excitement, and a whole lot of WTF. I would find myself running through these places aimlessly, even though I knew we had to find a way home. Colors were absolutely amazing. A mix of amazing blues, reds, yellows and greens.

At some point when trying to make it to our airplane, my friend Paul and I ended up in a "soccer field" that was 10x the regular size. Filled with famous soccer players kicking the ball to us, wanting to play, but us failing in shame. What's funny is that as we finally made it across the field (in a rush to get to our plane, still), I ran and jumped over a 7 foot tall thing. Why? I dunno.

Last thing I remember is every single one of us ending up jammed in a twisted and dismantled Mirror House, crushed under snow in the middle of nowhere (probably somewhere in Greenland). Every inch we moved, we morphed into different odd shapes and sizes, while trying to squeeze our way out of this madness. It then turned into a game where the more "witches" we found, the better we scored - but that seemed to lead us nowhere.

And then I woke up.

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