COOL DIRECTOR: MALIK SAYEED

I am a music video junkie. I'm also a lighting junkie. So when I come across music videos with great lighting I get a little too excited for my own good. Anyways, three of my favorite videos ever were directed by Malik Sayeed. He goes heavy with saturated colors and interesting special effects and I love it! Years ago I read that he didn't like the final product of "Left and Right" music video by D'angelo. As an artist he probably had one thing in his head, and produced something that didn't meet up to his expectations. I cannot feel his agony because I don't know what his initial vision was, so I like the final outcome. A lot. Check out my three favorite Malik Sayeed videos:

"Left and Right" by D'angelo

"Ex Factor" by Lauryn Hill

"Jigga What, Jigga Who" by Jay-Z

COOL VIDEO.

The Beatles were one the the first musical acts to use music videos as a tool to promote their music.They were definitely ahead of their time. The video posted is "Strawberry Fields Forever". I think it is a very interesting video. I like the editing, the camera angles, the use of light etc etc. I must also say though, that  I think that The Beatles, the director, the editors and all the people involved in making this video were very high during the whole process. The had to be using acid and LSD and mushrooms or something, because I find myself a little lost every time I watch it. Nonetheless, I like it and it holds my interest. Check it out:

 

SELF PORTRAIT, 2010

WHITE ON WHITE

Recently, I began reading and studying the work of American sculptor Louise Nevelson. She is best known for her intricate monochromatic wood sculptures. Many of her works consisted of wood fragments that were pieced together then painted white. I love the clean look and detail of her sculptures.

 

Dawn's Landscape V

Dawn's Wedding Chapel

These pieces remind me of Jay Z's album cover for The Blueprint 3. I wonder if the Nevelson's work had any influence on this album cover. Probably not...but who knows. 

SHUTTER ISLAND

Every now and then I like to step away from the technicalities of photography and experiment. I like to slow down shutter speeds and throw off white balances and just do everything that's "wrong". Sometimes stepping away from the norm can give you a masterpiece. Sometimes stepping away from the norm can be a disaster. I'm not sure  if these photographs are disasters or masterpieces....ehhh, let's just say masterpieces...

ELECTRIC LOVE

COLOR CORRECT

For me, half the battle in designing is color choice. I am in love with very muted colors, so sometimes I need some inspiration. my secret? this book:

Designer's Guide to Color 5 

Ikuyoshi Shibukawa and Yumi Takahashi

This particular edition classifies color choice by mood, as well as particular styles, such as Japanese, ethnic etc.  Every section has different combinations for each color scheme. Annnnnd each and every color has a designated CMYK number for printing purposes.

This book has helped through many creative blocks and late night artistic meltdowns. I've had it for years and it hasn't failed me yet!!