Why it's not all doom and gloom (time for some economics)

Before I started working in marketing and design I was an accountant. I have a degree in accountancy and still have an interest in the economy (although I'd never want to work in that industry ever again.) My response to what I read is mostly 'how does this affect what I do' as I expect it is for most people.

Firstly, it's amazing how much the media loves a recession. On the BBC this morning the business reporter was barely able to hide his excitement as he blurted out gas price rises, falling house values and banks posting huge losses. They also said "Credit crunch hits harder as British Gas puts up it's prices." They are completely confusing the issue here. Two things are going on right now. One is the credit crunch caused by the banks, the other is increasing commodity prices. I started thinking. Is this all really that bad?

Why things aren't that bad:

- Economic success is bases upon an economy growing year on year. That means consuming more and more stuff, buying more and more things. A slow down in the economy means we in theory consume less. For the last decade we've been encouraged to consume less because of climate change. Finally people are thinking twice about car journeys, sharing vehicles and cycling, we make do with our sofa, keep out TV for a bit longer. Repair things that have broken down. Is that all really so bad?

-Over consumption makes for an uglier society. During the boom time it was disgusting reading about people spending 20k on a night out. Spanking cash left right and centre. We all became that bit more flippant about money and as a result cared less about how we spent it. Now we'll spend money on things that are really important.

-Opportunities abound. The next couple of years will throw up lots of opportunities. During the boom times it was all money money money. Now we'll value other things - contribution to society, environment, the community.

-The housing market was always over valued. For years we had the misery of people not being able to afford homes. Now they're finally coming down to an affordable value.

-Comradeship. In difficult times people become friendlier and more helpful. The Blitz Spirit will return. We thrive in difficult times. We're nostalgic about them. Why? Because it shows us what's really important in life: Family and friends. It's not about flat screens and cars. We'll have friends over for a few drinks. Cook our own food. It all makes for a more fulfilling life.

I'm sure I'm more positive than most because I don't own a house and for some it will be tough, but if we all help each other out we'll be just fine.

If hearts could sing

Great new video from Gnarls Barkley where, interestingly, the song is the backing for the drama we see unfolding. It made me feel a little uneasy at first. Excellent:

The shop/gallery space

Just a couple of photos of the shop and gallery that I'll be opening in September

Ron Arad's studio

In the last two weeks of college we got to visit design studios in London - it was really fancinating getting the chance to see what it is like withing a design studio. My favourite was Ron Arad's - the front part was a gallery of his work while the offices were towards the back. Two of the designers spent a good couple of hours going through their projects and the way they work. The stucture of the studio itself was really interesting.

And now for one of the best virals I have ever seen

Excellently executed. Brilliantly funny. Highly personalised (love being able to record audio and add photos to the clip) and very very viral. I bet you'll find yourself passing it onto a friend!

Dexter's Death List

The most annoying viral in the world?

See for yourself

Dream come true

This week I met two girls who run a record label and have a gallery/shop space in Soho. They've just moved in I can use the space to display my prints, tshirts and anything else I want. It's such a cool little place and the potential is huge. We can then open it up to the public and I can start selling my stuff directly. So to say I'm in a good mood today is an understatement - this is my dream come true!

Credit Crunch T shirt

I've just completed the latest T shirt design. Somewhat taking the piss out of all this 'credit crunch' malarchy which I think should be called "Bankers fucked up due to greed. Apologies"

Anyway, it sound more like a breakfast cereal. On sale now at my T shirt website Facebook T shirts

Ford Fiesta Love Factory

Ford have done for the new Fiesta, turning their German factory into a giant Love Factory that will be visible to anyone flying to or from Cologne this summer. Looks good. Apparently they have the staff wearing pink overalls and green hats.



More on Flickr

I Met The Walrus

Beautiful animation and typography

Ideas Friday

A pair of headphones that stops the music when you take them out of your ears and starts playing it again when you put them back in.

A microwave that scans the barcode on your meal and knows how long to cook the food for and at what setting (good for the elderly as my nan has no idea how to use a microwave)

Outdoor office in St James' Park

As part of Visit London's Great Outdoor's campaign they've set up and outdoor office for a couple of days in St James' Park - 3rd and 4th July. Perfect weather for it. It has everything you'd expect from an oprdinary office - wi fi, meeting rooms, a receptionist and even a water cooler.



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Visit London website