A kinder, gentler Bill... who will be willing to be dishonest with people to make them feel better.

Kev... Quit smoking first.... then start drawing more!

We should also do a follow-up on last year's resolutions…

Has Debbie started working on "Confessions of a She-devil and other Brand Blasphemies."?

Has Mitch joined the AIGA and started a student group?

Has Neal learned to draw?

Is there a plasma HDTV hanging on Tan’s wall?

Combien bon est le Fran�ais de Mark? (sorry for butchering that surely).

Etc, etc, etc...

“A simple resolution I have is to do a project where I am the illustrator — for those who don't know, I have terrible, terrible, handcrafty skills. It would be cool if I could do a poster or something like that with an illustration all done from scratch.”

I kinda, just kinda tried mine. It's not exactly illustration and it's not exactly a real project — at least not yet — but it's a start: Unbalance. It strives to be a CD booklet, or something, but who knows…

As for this year. I actually don't have one. Maybe that should be my resolution, to come up with a resolution.

My New Year's Resolution is to stop thinking about design all the time and start concentrating more on outside stimuli.

Like my children for example...

I used to think all designers were like me and could not switch off ever, but the more I progress into my career, the more I seem like one of the few who is obsessed.

And let me clarify, I am not thinking about design in the context of my job, but more in the grander scheme of things. (wooohhhh)

But seeing as it is 12.30am on Jan 2nd and I am up at the mac while my family is long asleep, I guess I am not doing very well yet.

Just one more time...

2005 is going to be a good year I can feel it!

I said I was going to join AIGA, the student chapter at my college. However, I've graduated so now that doesn't appply. OH FKING WELL. However, other resolutions I made... I forget what they are because well they can't be that important if I don't remember what they were.

It's not the haircolor, I swear.

Is there a plasma HDTV hanging on Tan’s wall?

Yes there is.

I was over at some friends' on NY's and they have a tradition of making a motto for each year. (Their motto last year was "I would, but I have a cat on my lap." which is hilarious.) They swear that their mottos really affect how their year turns out, and cautioned me to be careful when making one. For instance, when I contemplated making "Gimme a break," my motto, they worried that I might actually break a leg or something.

Hmmm.

So far I'm thinking my motto for 2005 is "Full speed ahead, and don't look back."

(And theirs? When I left, they were leaning toward, "No really, I'm giving it a lot of thought.")

>plasma HDTV

Hey, I got a good deal on a set that fell off the truck. *wink* ...plus, the negotiations with the wife to get the goods lasted months and damn near required legal counsel.

I totally forgot about last year's list. Funny to read it after a year.

>a motto for each year

What a great idea. Mine is "Hang on for the ride, and remember to breathe."

Has Mitch joined the AIGA and started a student group?

yes, and yes. (and thanks to Tan Le for some great advice also)

this year's resolution is to finally finish a comprehensive online portfolio, which will then help facilitate a comprehensive physical portfolio, which will then help facilitate an internship this summer, which will then help facilitate, like, ya know, a job.

Has Debbie started working on "Confessions of a She-devil and other Brand Blasphemies."?

not in the way that I expected, but yes! as of Jan 21 I will be hosting a weekly radio show on design and culture...more info to come soon.

and to all my dear friends and the lovely readers of Speak Up: Happy New Year! May this be the best year yet.

My motto for the year: Tell Me Everything.

I'm going to seek out a secular support group for blog addicts.

Hi, I'm Dan and I spend way too much time online.

My resolution is 640 x 480. If it isn’t on TV, who cares?

good things come in threes, so i am adding 2 more resolutions to my 1st up top there:

#2: it was due to freakish coincidence that i either read about or saw images made by a Holga camera 3 times today so its now time to get one (or a few for when they break - and they will) and have some fun.

#3: buy Armin a drink and thank him for Speaking Up.

off topic: i want to give Marian a hearty "you go girl" for her write up in the jan/feb 2005 issue of STEP that i just saw yesterday.

you go girl.

Not to copy Mitch, but 3 resolutions for me also:

1. Related to Kevin's: Take my sketchbook everywhere. EVERY. WHERE. It's the only way I'll ever remember to draw in it.

2. Get back in the darkroom at least once before I leave school, instead of just going digital.

3. Join the AIGA, now that Mitch has started our student chapter.

#1. I resolve not to beg, on my knees, for my invoices to be paid anymore. I'm tired of begging for what I earned. I'm tired of spineless, cynical art directors too. I'll bring two loaded revolvers next time. And a bandana mask.

#2. I have to go out this morning and buy TWO roosters for a new ceremony according to my voudou godmother.(true, no joke.) I'll buy THREE...

#3. Draw less, stare more.

Last year's

1 I want to spend a decent amount of time at my favourite little print shop really learning about how the ink goes on the paper...

Nope, but I have learned a decent amount. And I found a really great digital printer and pushed their limits a little.

2 CA's design & advertising annuals last year included a lot of stuff that made me think I could do that better. This year I want to actually do a project that's better.

Nope. I did 3 projects in which the concept was absolutely better, but the little finished details weren't entirely up to scratch. I blame small budgets and my lacking technical skills. Getting there...

This year. I have been searching for a product idea for a long time. I have it now. I resolve to have it ready to bring to market before the end of the year.

To Armin:

Don't make your project into a cd booklet. There are so many cd booklets out there you could choke a rhino. I think it's cool the way it is, just as intresting imagery. It make them into a cd book just cause you don't know what to do with them seems a waste.

Oh...to stay on topic...

I'm going to start teaching myself Icelandic (I've decided I'm going to need it someday).

Mine is to be good person, same as every year, slowly but surely I'll evolve into that. It's a good reminder to myself anyways.

I also broke my ankle in three places over the holidays. I was reminded that my body is my temple. And after the devastation of Thailand I am reminded that a broken ankle isn't so bad.

And as far as art is concerned I have been drawing everyday, I did learn how to knit and I joined the GDC! This year I want to take some night classes in whatever design area for kicks and to refresh my head.

I want to spend less time staring at a computer screen and more time drawing and thinking about concepts.

And I should appreciate my life more because it really isn't bad.

Ha! Let's see...mine from last year...

I probably should get my portfolio web site back up this year.

Umm...yea...didn't happen.

I really need to learn this .NET crap. I don't want to. But I gotta.

I'm actually doing fairly well on this one. And beginning to like it.

Save those receipts (that resolution will last until Februrary if I'm lucky...)

Sounds about right. I made it to Feb with a folder of receipts and after that they just got strewn around my office.

Damn.

i'm resolving to elevate once-a-year resolutions into something to have on my mind every day; to try and constantly keep up a desire to bridge the gap of who i am and who i want to be.

i'm trying to teach myself that life goals aren't just for january :)

I'm going to start teaching myself Icelandic (I've decided I'm going to need it someday).

You’d be hard pressed to find an Icelander over the age of twelve who doesn’t speak English. I speak about eight words of Icelandic and I found maybe six people I couldn’t talk to there. Two were small children, three were not Icelandic, and one was deaf.

Hmmm... okay, aside from the usual eating more healthy food stuffs and excercising more...

1.) Becoming more proactive in my community as a designer. I just recently (finally) joined my local AIGA chapter. Woohoo for me! This, I believe, is the first step. I have also been giving a lot of thought to a local design blog. I have met and intereacted with so many incredible designers across the counrty (and even around the world) here on SU that I find it disheartening that there is not similar sense of community where I live and work as a designer.

2.) I'm always dancing with the idea of going out on my own, but I won't really call it a "resolution".

3.) Drawing again, and getting more active in photography as a hobby. Getting back into paints I'll save for next year.

I will reduce my television viewing to no more than 1 hour per day with one DVD allowed per week.

you go girl.

Thanks, mitch!

I'm not looking at my last year's resolutions. I'm too afraid.

And besides "...don't look back!"

Oh, and Congrats, Debbie, on the radio gig. That's very cool.

This year,

I will let myself go a little more.

I will laugh at myself more often.

I will try and see things a wee bit less seriously.

I will create.

I will dream big and then check in for reality.

This year,

after the (annual report) season I will jump into bed and close my door for a week (sorry Armin!) or two.

1. Roll around in money, and blow my nose with $20 bills.

As the brand new owner of a college diploma, I'm entirely ready to ditch the Ramen Noodles� and microwave popcorn diet for something more satisfying and tasteful. (no disrespect intended, Ramen kept me alive for a good 3 years)

I'm also ready to spend my money on something other than black core matboards, spray adhesive, and printer cartridges. Maybe I'll save up and buy something for myself ... like a really cool potted plant (any suggestions?)

(Let the comments about designers still surviving on Ramen Noodles come pouring in)

Last year's resolutions:

I'd like to see my design theory, Organic Multiplicity, evolve beyond a personal pondering and be accepted as a credible alternative. How I achieve this will remain to be seen. But I have some ideas and that's a start.

Haha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha... he, he, he... Well, that didn't happen. So much for bravado. But to be fair, let's just say that I'm still developing the ideas. I'm learning how much I still have to learn, which is probably the best thing to have happened, really. I think I just need to get the nerve to try a few options, which I won't declare now.

I'm also resolved to have a more lucrative year, with more freelance/contract/fulltime work.

Well, last year started out well, but then kind of peetered out. For this year, I'm taking a more proactive approach with things, so hopefully things will get better.

The biggest resolution I had last year (which I didn't mention here) was to buy a house, which I did indeed do. This worked out better than what I had expected, even though buying a fixer-upper.

This year's:

Besides continuing to develop my design theory, getting more lucrative and consistent work, and renovating certain parts of my newly-purchased house (most importantly the kitchen)...

- Upgrade a lot of my software (related to making more $)

- Buy a digital camera or camcorder

- Hang-out with my friends more often, even if I'm broke

my list of intentions (as well as official opinion on new yr's resolutions) can be foundhere.

> after the (annual report) season I will jump into bed and close my door for a week...

I miss annual report season Bryony, and the headaches that come with it. I envy you... and feel for you. Keep your head up.

2004 was one of the most rewarding years I have had

in a long time. I finished my masters in communication

design, and traded in my Barnes & Noble name tag for a seat as a "real designer".

As for 2005, definetely joining the AIGA, and now that I work around the corner from it I surely have no excuse. Pay more attention to detail.

Finally start designing those positive message

t-shirts I have been thinking about for so long.

Was planning on buying an i-Pod, but since I have heard about the design radio show, I think I'll hold on to my walkman a little longer! !

Practice self-respect and resolve to give out

what I wish to receive.

This year my family is making my resolution for me...

I resolve to get a full time job. Any takers? I'll relocate.

I don't normally make resolutions (is that fear of failure or fear of success?) but this year, I'll jump on the bandwagon.

1) Spend more quality time @ home and reserve one night for the kids...just the kids.

2) Really learn to draw.

3) Create my own portfolio web site (and learn Flash)

4) Find a new and challenging position that better fits my needs as a designer and a student of branding (Any leads would be appreciated).

5) Do more writing on design issues

Okay, those are kind of big resolutions/goals. But nice to have something to shoot for. Happy New Year everyone.

Debbie: Congrats on the radio show. Can't wait to hear more details.

i quit smoking this year. i think my health and the health of others is the most important thing i could focus on this year.

if you've ever had your health taken away from you, you know that everything else is secondary.

1.Slow down. Be patient. One thing at a time. Anybody else missing corrections on proofs, getting short with their students, missing the beauty right in front of them everyday, and feeling perpetually like they just drank three cups of coffee on an empty stomach (especially if you don't drink coffee)? Maybe it's simply the pressure of running my own studio and teaching as well, but in just the last two days, by simply slowing down more is getting done, and it is getting done better.

2. Read slower, not necessarily more, so that I might retain more (this goes back to number 1)

3. Write every day, even if it just a page, in a journal. Not emails, not memos to clients, just for me. Hell, draw every day, too. I echo the earlier sentiment. I used to love to draw every day. What happened?

4. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Anybody have any thoughts on how to be more disciplined about this, when it's the last thing I want to do during the day. (So many films to see, books to read, people to see!)

5. More time with the wife, less kvetching on blog sites.

> 4. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Anybody have any thoughts on how to be more disciplined about this, when it's the last thing I want to do during the day.

I have done this on and off (mostly off) for the past two years: Get up at 5:30 (or earlier, depending) in the morning and run for 30 minutes. That way it becomes the first part of your daily routine rather than getting kicked back to the end of the day when you surely don't want to go for a damn jog.

> 5. More time with the wife, less kvetching on blog sites.

No, no. Nononono. Please. We need more blog kvetching.

It's also interesting to see how many people — this year and last — make it a resolution to join the AIGA.

I will dance more. Hey, Debbie I'll come dance on your radio show if you want.

Study and practice calligraphy

Work on hand lettering

Develop a better understanding of the history of letterforms

Finish my font

Read more print and less online.

Stop bitting nails.

Eric, on the exercise front -

I hate exercising purely for the sake of exercise. A couple years ago I joined a karate school, and it has worked very well to motivate me because

I am paying good money for the classes

I have to attend at least twice a week

If I don't do some practice at home I won't know my stuff well enough to grade & progress

I love the mental discipline it requires

And the fact that I'm learning how really beat someone up badly is fun too (you know, just in case).

I just received what my resolutions should be (at least in part) from the lovely woman who "makes thing happen and work" at my place of steady income:

1. Never, ever, leave dishes, cups, etc in the sink.

2. Always, always place dirty cups, dishes, utensils, etc. in the dishwasher, conveniently located right next to the sink (see how that works out?)

3. Clean up after yourselves. We have sponges, and handy little cleaning wipes that make it oh so easy to wipe up any nasty little messes we may incur.

4. Try to keep the kitchen floor from looking like a disaster area. There are plenty of paper towels available in case water, coffee or anything else is spilled on the floor.

5. In the morning if you have a free moment and clean dishes are in the dishwasher, please help out by putting them in the cabinets. That way the dishwasher is left available for the dirty cups and glasses throughout the day.

6. And finally, do not leave all kind of gross objects in the refrigerator that you have absolutly no intention of ever eating.

Let's make 2005 a banner year for our kitchen!

Thanking you all,

M.

1: Rejuvenate my lost art of drawing. Twas my first love, so I must win her back. Graphic design has overtaken me for 5 years. During that time, I've done only about 10 credible, fine art pieces (charcoal, graphite & prisma). 2005 will be my Rennaisance.

2: Create and launch my personal website. I promised myself last year. What happened?

3: Make use of wasted time. That means cutting time off from watching TV or playing video games (still a youthful 20 something) and use the precious hours to educate/exercise my mind, such as the following.

4: Read, read, read. It's a shame that I have alot of books and magazines, most of them unread or even looked at.

5: Get into the mighty world of freelancing.

6: Eat healthier and exercise. I must pay attention to myself this year.

7: Save money (for a new car?). I can't stand the sight of my aqua-green '93 Mustang.

8: Stop worrying too much, and just have fun.

I discovered Speak Up about 2 months ago, and I must say that this site is so excellent, expecially for the left-handed, bright-minded artist as myself. Speak Up, you've found your home right in my bookmarks folder.

Resolution 1:

get a new job that brings in interesting work more than 10% of the time.

Actually, that's more than enough.

resolutions are for the weakest links in society.

I never belived in resolutions before because I figured if it was worth doing I'd have started it already. Then I realized I was really lazy. That said, my list:

-create more of anything and everything

-stop looking for happiness in a job and find it myself

-do the things I say (and said) I'm going to do

-bake more cookies (I got a whole lot of kitchen goodies for christmas)

Motto (stolen): Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.

>Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.

Ferris Bueller. One of my favorite quotes. Here's another great Bueller quote of a Lennon quote:

A person should not believe in an "-ism," he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me."

My resolution came not with the new year, but with a nitwit re-election: after November 2, I got out my tool belt and sander and am spending a few days a month doing something less ephemeral than designing posters and packaging, and actually building something, for Habitats for Humanity. Cheers to everyone in maintaining their resolve.

Quit smoking or find a cheaper source for cigarettes.

Reestablish myself as a Speak Up author.

As the brand new owner of a college diploma, I'm entirely ready to ditch the Ramen Noodles� and microwave popcorn diet for something more satisfying and tasteful.

I graduated last year, and I still eat ramen noodles! Hehe.

Personal:

1) Learn (daily) how to be a better and better wife to my husband. This probably involves more patience.

2) Know when to get over it and know when to go for it.

3) Initiate more shindigs/parties/outings with friends.

Career:

1) Send out a self-promotional piece to all those design firms I researched and found in my area.

2) Update my personal portfolio website.

3) Be persistent and dilligent in always looking for new opportunities (i.e. job searching even though I have a job).

4) If money hasn't been drained into a (needed) new car, join AIGA.

Art:

1) Draw/sketch/make more with physical materials.

2) Finish two projects I'm working on: a handmade book and a Flash animation.

3) Spend time photographing to find out what my next portfolio set/theme will be, then create it.

If money hasn't been drained into a (needed) new car, join AIGA

Without doing a sales pitch here, AIGA is an investment that will help you buy your car.

resolutions are for the weakest links in society.

I'd say they are for those who endeavor to be something more. How does it go? - Failure to plan is a plan to fail. Churchill I believe...

I've created an active resolution list - more like on going short, mid and long term goals. Rather than write and lose sight of them, I use email for something beyond reading my morning spam with tea. I send my list back to myself monthly with edits, strike throughs and notes so I can see progress more than once a year. It lives in my in box - always in sight.

Sometimes it takes two months instead of one to update it, but I never have to spend time at the end of the year thinking about what's next.

Without doing a sales pitch here, AIGA is an investment that will help you buy your car.

Is THAT why the dues are so high? ;o)

High compared to what?

Annual salary? Annual cost of living increase in pay? College tuition? Continuing education credits? Books and supplies? I always find it interesting at what is considered to be “pricey.” There is even a quarterly payment plan now in place to help fit it into your budget.

Just Four Easy Payments.

Invest in yourself for the New Year - I'm sure you're worth every penny.

My one resolution was to be more tolerant of non-black folks with dreads. A fellow Red River College student has 'em, he's Filipino and a pretty cool guy...so I've stopped laughing at white guys and girls that have them. Such negative energy is better utilized on vile individuals like Ann Coulter.

"I've resolved to start drawing again."

Personally, I have to do more drawing just for fun. Being in school, I tend to draw with a purpose most of the time. When you think about it, it should always be fun. That's part of the reason I want to be an illustrator.

I'll try not to be such a poor winner at foosball with my colleagues at work. I'm not as gracious as I could be afterwards...

Do no harm.

I'm living it up already. On Monday I quit my job as a designer at a successful mid-sized firm to run my own studio, Citizen Scholar.

I see a couple of posts that include a personal web site. I am in the same boat. I need to get my site up. It is my resolution and will hopefully be done by May.

Maybe we need a motivational web site group...

#1 Find work in a studio or firm where good design is top priority - not a byproduct, not something that they tell me to "hurry up and slap it on". Take the portfolio and promos up a level and pursue the big studios aggressively until someone lets me in.

#2 Finally take that letterpress class at SVC

#3 Start painting on that 3x4' canvas i bought on a whim last fall.

#4 Speak up more and become more of a presence on the job

#5 Remember to renew my AIGA membership on time (oops)

#6 Go to the AIGA Valentine Ball and meet atleast 5 new people.

#7 Find more sites like this and people like the ones posting here to connect with so that i stay inspired and do 1-6.

My resolution is to graduate from CSUMB and get one of those things called a job.