CreativeMornings is being brought to Vancouver, by our very own Mark Busse. CreativeMornings is a breakfast lecture series started in New York by Tina Roth Eisenberg (@SwissMiss) for creative types happening the first Friday of each month. [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, August 17th, 2011
Categories: Design, Education, Inspiration, Vancouver | No Comments »
Have you ever hung out with people who all belong to a different professional circle than you and they crack ‘industry specific’ jokes? You can feel clueless and a total ‘div head’ (English slang for a rather slow st [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, April 1st, 2011
Categories: Education, Industrial Brand, Learning | 3 Comments »
I believe there is always room for every person to grow, personally and professionally. But as an Art Director (and father of a two year old) my ‘spare’ time for a conference is very limited. I have been in this industry for 15 years an [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Categories: Associations, Awards, Design, Education, Events, Learning, Vancouver | 1 Comment »
Being involved in the development of District was a great experience. Working closely with our clients Amacon and Mac Marketing I truly feel that we have all contributed to the South Main district by creating not just a great building but a [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Categories: Articles | No Comments »
As the title of this article suggests, if you have a home business then you are still running a business and therefore it should still be treated as a business. This is essential for your brand image. Many people look less favourably toward [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Sunday, September 20th, 2009
Categories: Articles | 2 Comments »
As a branding designer I have strong opinions about companies ‘cutting corners’ to try and save money at the cost of their brand image. That being said when I saw that this local dollar store had increased its prices from $1 to $1.25 an [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Sunday, September 20th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Brand, customer retention, business development, profit, sustainability, these long-term, big-picture elements of a company can each be built or toppled by day-to-day customer service. Designers can develop a brilliant look for you, marketi [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Saturday, August 8th, 2009
Categories: Articles | No Comments »
As humans we need consistency, we crave it, our lives would spin out of control without it. Imagine going to work and all your files on your computer are not in the same folders that they were yesterday. You would probably freeze, panic, fr [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Saturday, August 8th, 2009
Categories: Articles | No Comments »
Your corporate message consists of who you are, what you are selling and what differentiates you from your competitors. It is communicated to your target audience, the people who are going to purchase your product or service via many differ [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Saturday, August 8th, 2009
Categories: Articles | 7 Comments »
A great little ‘medical’ company, using compostable packaging and simple design to deliver a user friendly series of products. Visit the site. Make sure you click on the ‘bored‘ link, as it is fantastic.
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, July 24th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
It was just a matter of time until one of us blogged about Michael Jackson and his recent exit from the stage of life. Most of you will know that he was scheduled to do 50 shows at the 02 Arena in London. Well, now that he’s a gonna, [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Categories: Music | No Comments »
Listening to CBC on the way home yesterday I heard songs from Polaris Music Prize 2009 short list winners. The winning band will win $20,000 and be celebrated as the best new Canadian music artist. See the shortlist here See the longlist he [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
Categories: Music | No Comments »
Young at Heart is by far the best documentary I have seen in a long time. It follows the Young @ Heart Chorus, learning new songs for their upcoming show. The difference with this group is that they are all aged 80 and up. This is not just [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, June 29th, 2009
Categories: Movie, Music | No Comments »
A little while ago my wife and I were in a restaurant. For some random reason I suddenly wondered what the difference was between ‘assume’ and ‘presume’. I asked the waitress if she knew, she didn’t. To our sur [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, June 15th, 2009
Categories: Education | No Comments »
Daniel Packard is a professional dating coach. He won the National College Speaker of the Year in 2007, and from the video samples on the website I understand why. His style is funny, upfront, a little crazy but also caring and informed. Wa [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized, Video | No Comments »
Mark Thomas is a UK comedian. He uses intelligence, research, wit and great editing resulting in a very funny and poignant message. Watch him take on MacDonalds Then there is just the downright silly and immature Then there is the political [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
Categories: Education | No Comments »
I recently learnt about this company whilst watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition. The e-log has a foam core skinned in real wood. Compared to regular log homes, e-log is cheaper, better for the environment and better insulates your home. [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
Categories: Architecture, Design, Sustainability | No Comments »
Design company Turner Duckworth (clients include Amazon, Coca-Cola, Virgin Atlantic and Palm) recently designed Honey Packaging for Waitrose supermarket in the UK. “Bee or honey twizzler – whatever you see, it makes you want toa [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, June 1st, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
The new movie by Disney Pixar ‘UP‘ is worth writing about. Not only because it was my first ever 3D movie but the storytelling is fantastic. It deals with the subject of death, love, integrity, friendship and loyalty with subtle [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, June 1st, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
I had the opportunity a few years ago to design juice labels for Happy Planet. Yesterday on a hot sunny day I enjoyed a chilled ‘Extreme Purple’ (it was so good). On review of their website I discovered they have grown as a comp [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, June 1st, 2009
Categories: Food | No Comments »
We are getting close to adding the one millionth word to the English language. And that word is more than likely going to be, wait for it “Noob”. See definitions at wiktionary.org and Urban Dictionary. “The widespread popu [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, May 22nd, 2009
Categories: Learning, Trends | 1 Comment »
From time to time I visit the site Lovely Package. Today I was delighted to see someone doing something different with egg packaging. Designer Si Thorpe designed the packaging for an ethically minded egg company, who specialize in organic, [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, May 22nd, 2009
Categories: Design, Packaging | No Comments »
M&S (Marks & Spencer) turns 125 tomorrow. My mum who lives in Leeds (where M&S started as a single market stall) is off to a special event tomorrow at M&S, so I thought I would check out the corporate site for more info. I u [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, May 19th, 2009
Categories: Branding, Design, Inspiration, Marketing, Websites | 1 Comment »
I noticed a sign by a new development today for the company “Trees Matter” who come and relocate trees rather than chopping them down. Make sure you watch the “tree moving in action” video, the small boy inside me is [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Categories: Sustainability | No Comments »
The Metro newspaper today was wrapped in a full advertisement for Candian Tire – it was selling outdoor furniture. I noticed their tagline “For days like today” but didn’t connect with it. It works I feel on a corporate [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, May 7th, 2009
Categories: Branding | No Comments »
We all must have overheard a conversation on the bus, or caught a small section of a conversation as we walk past people in the office or on the street. Sometimes they can be quite funny or even very abstract as all you hear is a small snip [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, May 7th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Last Friday I had the honour of judging the GDC Salazar Student Awards with Catherine Worrall, Jim Skipp, Roberto Dosil and Vida Jurcic. Co-sponsored by Metropolitan Fine Printers, the Salazar Student Awards recognize projects of up-and-com [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
In a world full of crime and comic books what we really need are people dressed in costumes saving our behinds. The World Superhero Registry is a place for serious people who want to adopt a superhero persona and help our society against cr [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Categories: We love | No Comments »
Just watch this video of Susan Boyle on “Britain’s Got Talent”. Let it be a lesson on how quick we are to judge people. Good for her, an everyday person with a dream and giving it her all.
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
It was just a matter of time until I did a blog post about Prince (I am a big fan). Well here goes. When a musician can charge US$2,100 for a book and an ipod they are obviously doing something right. Last year Prince released a book of pho [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
Categories: Music, Photography | No Comments »
Living in Vancouver where the architecture is a little plain I get excited when I see creative and brave architecture elsewhere in the world. That being said Vancouver is listed on this site of unusual architecture, unfortunately the exampl [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, April 6th, 2009
Categories: Architecture | No Comments »
Fun, playful and creative. Love the Sumo, I’m off to buy one for my wee girl. Check out the site (LINK)
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, April 6th, 2009
Categories: Fun, Inspiration | No Comments »
A new design for table football (soccer for the N.America peeps) was showcased last year at Milan Design Week. “For many of us, table football is a game that is close to our hearts, holding cherished memories of our childhood and yout [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, March 30th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Just found this site in the UK, selling a large variety of fun and creative products. Some of my favourites are: Raunchy wrapping paper, MyCuppa tea/Coffee, Hymn book and PickUrPine. Check out the site.
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, March 27th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
The upper portion of these shoes are old bus and train seats of London. Having gone to college in London, these shoe patterns bring back good memories of fun times on the tube and the buses. Even though some patterns are not everyone’ [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, March 6th, 2009
Categories: Inspiration, Sustainability | No Comments »
The base of the house is fixed but has a ‘second skin’ that slides to expose more sunlight to the glass section of the house or exposes the interior courtroom to the open sky. Simple, elegant and intelligent. Watch the movie tha [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, February 27th, 2009
Categories: Architecture, Sustainability | No Comments »
Wandering a friend’s blog I discovered this great site in London. ‘Together for London’ is a website in the UK whose message is ‘A little thought from each of us. A big difference for everyone’. The site is an [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
Categories: Inspiration, Learning, Trends, Uncategorized, Websites | No Comments »
Did you know there is a formula to writing a hit pop song – yes, all you need is 4 chords. I heard this whilst listening to my usual English Radio 1 Scott Mills podcast, it is by an Australian band called The Axis of Awesome, they rem [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, January 30th, 2009
Categories: Fun, Music, Uncategorized | No Comments »
How do you sell a service where you continually check your credit rating? You sing about it. These ads I feels are strong, they have varied musical styles appealing to a wide target audience, are fun and playful but their message is very cl [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Just found out about this as a friend photographed the foundations being dug. It will be when complete the tallest building in Europe and the UK. From what I remember of London it will be a good addition to a somewhat rundown area. Check ou [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
I have just learnt of the company Future Systems. The founder Jan Kaplický died earlier this month but leaves behind a most impressive portfolio of both architecture and product design. Two pieces of work that are well worth a mention are [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Categories: Architecture, Design, Uncategorized | No Comments »
A great article about corporate giving, long but well worth the read. Has there ever been more urgency for corporations to ditch the greed and embrace generosity? It’s something that countless individuals have already started doing, o [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, January 26th, 2009
Categories: Branding, Inspiration, Marketing, Trends | No Comments »
In reading this mornings paper, this article caught my attention. It is common in Nigeria to believe in witchcraft and the power to change shapes. The vigilante group claim they were on patrol when they saw two men attempting to steal a Maz [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, January 26th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
I have just discovered that Tim Burton is making a live-action and CGI version of the classic “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” to be released in 2010. Christopher Lee, Alan Rickman join his usual cast of Johhny Depp and [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, January 19th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
On Saturday, January 10th, 2009 nearly 2,500 people took off their pants on subways in 22 cities around the world. In New York’s 8th Annual No Pants! Subway Ride they had over 1,200 participants, spread out over four subway lines. Watch i [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, January 19th, 2009
Categories: Art, Uncategorized | No Comments »
There is so much nonsense on Youtube, so when I was surfing around at the weekend I was delighted to find this short movie. Take 15 minutes out of your day to watch this movie about parking validation, relationships and our human basic need [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, January 19th, 2009
Categories: Film, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Of recent I have been watching shows that I watched when I was younger, they are all dated but are quite wonderful to watch again. Here is a rundown, check them out: The new Statesman: The New Statesman was an award-winning British sitcom [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
Categories: Film, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Earlier last year, celebrated photographer Rankin briefly turned his back on the glitz and glamour and took his camera to the refugee camps of the war-torn DR Congo. See the images at Oxfam. Then check out the shots taken of the exhibition, [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
I have been hit up by probably 50 photographers in the last 2 months, my name and email obviously has found it’s way onto some email list. Anyways, there has been some good sites and some poor sites, but by far this guys work is the b [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
I have lived in Canada for almost 10 years. It still tickles me when I hear someone describe something as an antique when it was made in say the 1920′s. I grew up in a country that goes a little further back in time, check out this gr [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
If you are a business owner working on the development and growth of your own company it can be a challenge no matter what industry you are in. This can range from generating more sales, creating or finessing your marketing plan, sourcing m [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, November 14th, 2008
Categories: Articles | 1 Comment »
Dubai. I have a strange fascination with Dubai, I would love to visit the city that seems to change substantially every few years. You live in a hot climate but like to ski – build ‘Ski Dubai’ If you like to go to Disney l [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
Categories: Inspiration, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Giant Ant Media is a Vancouver based moving image company with a great fun attitude. Check out their site and spend time looking at their work. My pics are ‘men anonymous’ and under the ‘flea market’ the second video [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, October 27th, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
This article says that portable solar laptop chargers have been around a little while now but this is the first time I have heard of them. A great idea not only as they use a natural resource but could get you out of a bind if you criticall [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, October 20th, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
I am left wondering the following: How many times did they have to re-do this trick and how long did it take to set it up. Enjoy it.
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, October 20th, 2008
Categories: Art, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Remember those crazy t-shirts from the 80′s that changed colours when your body temperature changed – well they are back. And as the clothing company American Apparel seems determined to bring back all the god awful clothing fro [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, October 20th, 2008
Categories: Fun | 3 Comments »
Soccer meets martial arts – a great combo. This is a commercial or promo vid for Fifa Street 3 video game, check it out. Someone wondered if it uses CG but I’d rather believe in good old fashion skill and lots of practice.
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, October 20th, 2008
Categories: Advertising | No Comments »
Eva solo is a Danish company creating beautiful and simple recreations of everyday products.Check out the site.
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, June 26th, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Industrial Brand Creative was invited to lead a branding presentation to the Young Construction Professionals with an emphasis on personal branding. Young Construction Professionals is an networking group created to educate the young profes [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
I love vynl, bring back the LPs back to the mainstream – OK, back to reality. I found this BEAUTIFUL company producing not only great sonic performance beyond all expectations normally associated with their price but are extraordinarl [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, May 2nd, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
One of my dearest friends Heitor Alvelos recently launched his blog, check them out. He says “Some would (will) call it pretentious, sorry, it’s the way it pours – on the ever-precarious tightrope between the confession [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, May 2nd, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
At the Dasparkhotel in Ottensheim, Austria, guests receive a door code before arrival and let them selves in. Click here to see images.
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Categories: Architecture | 1 Comment »
I came across this ladies (Maryellen McFadden) flickr account. It contains some amazing classic poster design and other imagery. Check it out, click here
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, March 31st, 2008
Categories: Design | No Comments »
As a visual person I loved the game Connect 4 (also known as Plot Four, Four in a Row, and Four in a Line) growing up. Recently I was given the Connect 4 Stackers which takes the game to a whole new level. Enjoy this classic vertical checke [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, March 27th, 2008
Categories: Fun, Uncategorized | No Comments »
This is a list of company names with their name origins explained. Two which I liked were: IKEA — a composite of the first letters in the Swedish founder Ingvar Kamprad’s name in addition to the first letters of the names of the pro [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Pamelia is one of the most precise and talented thereminsts on the planet. Her walking bass theremin technique must be seen to be believed! Watch it here. I have heard people play the Theremin but never like this, the video is 20 minutes lo [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, March 7th, 2008
Categories: Music | No Comments »
I am a big believe in alternative energy, wind, solar but this story caught my eye. Imagine a vat of liquid cow manure covering the area of five football fields and 33 feet deep. Meet California’s most alternative new energy. On a dai [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, March 6th, 2008
Categories: Sustainability | No Comments »
Michael Douglas gives a great performance in writer-director Mike Cahill’s feature-length debut, KING OF CALIFORNIA. Douglas stars as Charlie, a troubled musician who has just been released from a mental hospital. I am not a fan of Mi [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, March 4th, 2008
Categories: Movie | No Comments »
We observe people, their surroundings and culture to build a foundation on which we design. In sports, fashion, technology and medical industries our clients’ needs are met with fresh, life style centered product solutions. Visit thei [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Friday, February 29th, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Stephen Wiltshire is autistic with an amazing skill. In May 2005 following a short helicopter ride over TOKYO he drew (from memory) a stunningly detailed panoramic view of the city on a 10-meter-long canvas. Since then he has drawn ROME, HO [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Thursday, February 21st, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thirty years after the movie thriller ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ hit the silver screen sQuba is the first car that can actually ‘fly’ under water. “Dive it again, James!” If the situation gets too hot for the secret agent he’ll go [...]
Posted by: Matt SamyciaWood on Tuesday, February 19th, 2008
Categories: Design, Technology | No Comments »
