Well, here it is, the inaugural Open Space. I have to admit — and feel obligated to state so in the beginning of this introduction — that I did a rather poor job on this. My skills off the computer are not too much to brag about. Luckily I took two nice trips while Open Space was in my hands. First I went to NY for a nice piss up with Graham, Felix, Debbie, Kiran, Jon, Eric and Sam who all chipped in with some nice drawings, somebody even burned the opening page. My favorite page was a frantic give-and-go between Debbie and Eric, you’ll see, it’s impossible to miss. Then I took it to Minneapolis for TypeCon where at least Chris May got a chance to tell a nice story about how he got to TypeCon himself.

All in all I provided little content to the journal but I was more excited to be able to get it started and having all these Speak Up authors contribute to the beginning of this was very cool. I think the start to Open Space is not as strong as I would have liked to make it (blame is completely on me) but it can only get better from here.

It is now in the hands of Kiran, who I hope can bring some much needed color to the journal and start giving it some more life. Enough talking, see for yourself and as always let us know what you think.

Click here to launch a new window and start with the first picture.

You can also download Open Space in its entirety via a PDF [3.2 Mb] with the latest additions to it.


Jump to Most Recent Comment

jonsel’s comment is:

My skills off the computer are not too much to brag about.

I've had art-insecurity since my first day at Portfolio Center. I was never a very good drawer, and much prefer getting someone else to tackle that part of it for me. I think that's a major reason I'm drawn so strongly to typography; there's all these little 'drawings' waiting for me to play with.

I think what will be nice about Open Space will be the seemingly random juxtapositions of illustrations, taped in items and handwritten commentary, serious or otherwise.

On Aug.09.2003 at 07:53 PM


rebecca’s comment is:

Wow, I really want to do it now. Where do I sign up for the next one?

On Aug.11.2003 at 12:29 PM


joy olivia’s comment is:

Great job Armin. It truly is inspiring to see the journal broken in by the "queen bee."

Rebecca has offered to help me with my part when it comes to me. Anyone else who is anxious to "speak up" in this first version of Open Space that wasn't able to sign-up to participate is welcome to email me and talk about adding a little touch here or there to my pages.

On Aug.22.2003 at 08:48 PM


Gloria Schaefer’s comment is:

I would like to receive the journal and work on it because it is a challenge, however seemingly easy, to create playful word and image. Organized chaos, accessible fury and emotion and expression, yet order and relief: What appears to be something a child could do is an extremely random event derived by the artist. Striving for the threshhold of naturally perfect, not too contrived, not too sloppy, that is tight rope that good designers walk, especially he who works on the Open Space Journal.

If not all the fifteen people are spoken for, I humbly offer my talent suggested by my portfolio online. I feel that I have great potential, realized only if I work very, very hard. That's what I'm doing, in brief: Bfa from RIT in graphic design, 1 year as Americorps VISTA in Alaska and Rochester, NY, just moved to the small town of Ashland, Oregon. I work part time in a hostel for free room and board and full time as a graphic designer for a small company, (I am vehmently opposed to working for a corporation).

In the process of some major self-improvement this year, I resolved to follow my dreams, which include my aspiration to qualify myself as an artist and good designer. Most people don't follow their dreams because they are waiting, or there are costs to their constructed life. Seeking your ideal life experiences requires faith, positivity, and willingness to try, despite perceived discomfort. So far, I've only been rewarded for stepping out.

PS, you can post anything I've written. i gotta go to work

On Sep.16.2003 at 04:18 PM


Armin’s comment is:

Hey Gloria, thanks for your interest in participating. The 15 spots are filled. There might be a second journal going around, so keep tabs on the site to see when the new one comes out. It's first come first serve.

On Sep.16.2003 at 09:43 PM


Steve Mock’s comment is:

What's happening with Open Space?

On Jun.23.2004 at 07:05 AM


Armin’s comment is:

Steve, yes, it has been a long time since we have last updated this. It is still going but it got "stuck" with one of the participants whose identity will not be revealed to prevent from possible stoning.

It will be back on track as soon as possible.

On Jun.23.2004 at 07:52 AM