When you think of Japan’s future what comes to mind? I’ve asked a few people and some responses included - "complete world domination and the most cutting-edge technological developments of any country in the world." (Travis Estell), "…teleportation and flying cars." (Lissa Jordan), "…improved mobile communications…"(Joe Tipton)
Myself, I think Travis hit it on the cutting-edge technology, I mean have you seen some of their robotics? Needless to say, most people think of the future of Japan to be extremely advanced and active, however what happens when you take a look at Japan in more of a darker tone. Illustrator Tokyo Fantasy has photoshopped such visions of Tokyo after an apocalypse that captures the beauty of nature.
Continue reading Rethink - The Future of Japan…… 
Imagine a world which fonts are people. How would they act? Well you don’t have to imagine it anymore. Behold the Font Conference!
Designer’s have a huge impact on the world, design is everywhere and when it comes to design, the designer in some cases are also in charge of the project.( Not always but sometimes) So as a designer you can also help save the world. Below are 8 things I’ve collected so far as things that can be done, if you have any ideas, feel free to share it, if it’s good I’ll gladly add it.
1. Don’t Print on paper
When I was doing volunteer work in a high school, I notice that the high school would always be printing out papers for teachers when a simple PDF would do. A one paged PDF equals one saved piece of paper for each person, those who do want to print it out can and those who don’t, well they have the PDF now don’t they? Well what if you have to print on paper; well you could always use synthetic paper. A Japanese company named Yupo created paper that is 100% "tree-free" and is 100% recyclable. It’s even waterproof.
2. Recycle
Well Duh! Recycle any papers you won’t be needed again; what’s the point in keeping sheets of paper that are two years old sitting in a corner?
3. Use a design checklist
Design can change created a handy checklist to help with making decisions throughout your design process.
4. Use a darker design with the web
The Energy Department claims that dark computer displays use up less energy than white or bright displays. Google could save 750 megawatt hours a year using a totally black screen; well until Google makes the switch, you can always use blackle which uses Google’s servers for searching and outputs it all on a dark screen for you. If you think that your client would benefit from a dark web design suggest it to them, and if they like the idea, you can always tell them that they are helping the environment. [note - this has been debated and it is said that darker web designs only apply to CRT monitors.]
5. Include a green option with your clients
Inspired by number 1; when talking to your clients and even showing them the creative presentations that you created for them, you can also show them and discuss greener alternatives with them.
6. Open your window blinds
Not everyone is working the graveyard shift; if you working a 9 to 5 job and are working in a office with a window, turn off the light and open your window blinds; let the light shine in and enjoy.
7. Give your computers a break
Till this day, I still hear people saying how they never turn off their computers; first you wasting electricity while you sleeping; two basically giving your computer a death wish; turn off your computer and your printer before you leave the office, or even school if you know your the last one in the room. Turn on hibernation and just put your computer to hibernation if you have too. It makes you wonder if the same people are complaining about why their electric bill is so high?
8. Don’t attend meetings
Why do people still go to meetings? In some cases - yeah sure I can see why we still have to; but why hasn’t business focused on video conferencing? Suggest it to your boss; your boss might like the idea; If you don’t have a webcam or a microphone; then go buy one. If it works out, you might even get lucky and have a day you don’t even have to drive to work because it will be an all day meeting and can just do the meeting at work. As long as you don’t stand up, you won’t have to worry about wearing pants……
Well if you have any ideas, feel free to share them.
