Living Art

When it comes to Halloween, one of the most thrilling transformations is turning into a werewolf. With their fierce presence and wild aesthetic, werewolves have remained a favourite Halloween costume for decades. If you want your look to stand out from the rest, it’s all about the details—and nothing makes a bigger impact than the eyes. Experimenting with Halloween eye contact lenses can give your werewolf an otherworldly edge. Whether you’re going for a classic golden wolf stare or something more eerie like icy blue, contact lenses coloured specifically for Halloween can help enhance your transformation and bring your werewolf to life in a unique way.

Now that your eyes are on point – let’s dive into some of the most iconic werewolf looks that will have you howling under the full moon this Halloween. From traditional to modern takes on this legendary creature, these ideas will inspire you to craft a look that stands out from the pack.

Now that your eyes are on point – let’s dive into some of the most iconic werewolf looks that will have you howling under the full moon this Halloween. From traditional to modern takes on this legendary creature, these ideas will inspire you to craft a look that stands out from the pack.

Classic Hollywood Werewolf

The classic werewolf look, inspired by films from the 1930s and 1940s, remains one of the most recognisable Halloween costumes. With sharp fangs, a shaggy mane, and intense fur covering the face and hands, this iconic look screams old-school horror.

For this transformation, you’ll need thick, tufty fur prosthetics, dark face makeup to blend it all together, and intense contact lenses in a glowing amber or yellow shade to emulate the classic wolf’s predatory gaze. A torn-up flannel shirt and distressed pants will complete the ensemble, giving you that fresh-from-the-transformation look.

Modern Werewolf: The Stylish Beast

The modern werewolf doesn’t always have to be as grizzled and dishevelled as the classic. Today’s takes on werewolves often feature a more refined and edgy appearance. You can create a sleek and stylish werewolf look by focusing on sharp, well-defined facial prosthetics to give your features an angular, wolf-like structure without covering your entire face in fur.

Use detailed makeup techniques to add depth and highlight the contours of your face, giving the illusion of a wolf’s bone structure. Combine that with a pair of coloured contact lenses in a vibrant shade of red or glowing green, which can make your werewolf look even more modern and sinister. For clothing, opt for fitted leather or darker, more fashionable clothing choices—think urban werewolf on the prowl in a bustling city.

The Half-Transformed Werewolf

Not every werewolf look needs to be fully transformed. The half-transformed werewolf gives you a unique way to capture the horrifying moment just before or after the change. This look blends human and wolf characteristics, creating a jarring and unsettling appearance.

For makeup, focus on applying wolfish features like claws, fangs, and tufts of fur to one side of your face while leaving the other side human. Add some scars, veins, or tears to your clothing to make it look like you’re halfway through the transformation.

The Full Moon Werewolf

This werewolf look is all about embracing the supernatural. Inspired by folklore and myths, the full moon werewolf has exaggerated features, such as glowing eyes, oversized fangs, and long claws. To achieve this mythical look, go big with your makeup and costume. Use prosthetics to elongate the jaw and add exaggerated fur to your arms and legs.

Pair this with luminous contact lenses in shades of silver or blue to mimic the light of the full moon reflecting in your eyes. Use body paint to cover yourself in fur patterns or streaks of grey and white, representing the haunting glow of moonlight. Adding eerie howls to your costume could further sell the fantasy, making you the most fearsome creature at any Halloween party.

The Alpha Wolf

For a truly powerful werewolf look, channel the energy of an alpha wolf, a leader of the pack. This look is bold, fierce, and commanding, with sharp features and an intense presence. The alpha wolf costume requires attention to detail, with darker, thicker fur prosthetics around the face and hands, as well as body contouring to create a larger, more imposing figure.

You’ll want to choose strong makeup with sharp lines to highlight your facial features, enhancing the predatory and regal air of an alpha wolf. Dark-coloured contact lenses in black or deep amber will complete the alpha wolf’s menacing gaze. For the costume, stick to something primal—minimal clothing that shows off your muscles and adds to the raw, untamed nature of the alpha.

The Steampunk Werewolf

For a more unconventional take on the werewolf, consider adding a steampunk twist to your look. This unique version of the werewolf blends Victorian-era fashion with mechanical and technological elements. Imagine a werewolf with gears and cogs embedded into its skin, wearing goggles in shades of bright gold or copper.

Incorporate elements like a mechanical clawed hand, Victorian-style clothing with leather accents, and a top hat for a quirky yet intimidating aesthetic. This werewolf look is creative and stands out as a modern reimagining of the classic myth.

The Teen Wolf Throwback

For fans of 80s nostalgia, the Teen Wolf-inspired look is a fun, playful option. With light facial fur, minimal prosthetics, and casual clothing—like a high school jacket and shorts—this look is simple but instantly recognisable.

You can keep the makeup light with just a bit of fur and contouring on your cheeks, adding in fangs and claws for effect.

All in all, creating an iconic werewolf look for Halloween gives you the freedom to experiment with various styles, makeup techniques, and costume ideas. Whether you’re going for a traditional beast or something more unique, details like contact lenses and the strategic use of fur and prosthetics will ensure your werewolf transformation is unforgettable. So, let your imagination run wild this Halloween and embrace the primal, powerful essence of the werewolf!

Dungeons & Dragons has long been celebrated as the quintessential tabletop role-playing game, captivating players with its blend of storytelling, strategy, and community. Since its creation in the early 1970s, D&D has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, shaping the landscape of gaming and inspiring countless adaptations in various media. Essential resources like the D&D Player’s Handbook provide players with the rules and guidance needed to navigate their adventures. Additionally, products such as Dragon Shield offer protective card sleeves that help keep character sheets and game components in pristine condition. This article explores the origins of D&D, its gameplay mechanics, and the reasons behind its enduring popularity.

A Brief History of Dungeons & Dragons

D&D was co-created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, who sought to merge traditional wargaming with fantasy storytelling. The first edition was published in 1974, introducing players to a world where they could create unique characters and embark on epic quests. The game quickly gained a following, and over the decades, it has seen multiple editions, each refining the rules and expanding the lore.

One of the most significant milestones in D&D’s history came in 1983 with the release of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) rulebooks, which provided a more structured approach to gameplay. This period also marked the beginning of the game’s mainstream popularity, with novels, comic books, and television shows inspired by the rich fantasy worlds of D&D. In recent years, the fifth edition has reinvigorated interest in the game, making it more accessible to newcomers while still appealing to long-time fans.

The Gameplay Experience

At its core, D&D is about collaborative storytelling. Players create characters, choosing from various races, classes, and backgrounds, each with unique abilities and traits. These characters embark on adventures guided by a Dungeon Master (DM), who serves as the game’s referee and storyteller. The DM crafts the narrative, designs challenges, and controls non-player characters (NPCs), immersing players in a living, breathing world.

Gameplay typically unfolds in sessions where players roll dice to determine the outcomes of their actions. Combat, exploration, and social interactions are all resolved through a combination of dice rolls and creative storytelling. This blend of mechanics allows for a diverse range of experiences, from intense battles against fearsome monsters to heartfelt conversations with NPCs that can change the course of the story.

The Community Aspect

One of the most compelling aspects of D&D is its community. Players often gather in groups to share their adventures, creating lasting friendships and bonds through their shared experiences. The game fosters teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving as players work together to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

D&D has also seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to social media and streaming platforms. Shows like “Critical Role” and “Dimension 20” have brought D&D to a broader audience, showcasing the game’s potential for storytelling and entertainment. These platforms allow viewers to engage with the game in new ways, further enhancing its community aspect.

The Benefits of Playing Dungeons & Dragons

Beyond entertainment, D&D offers numerous benefits. It encourages creativity as players develop their characters and contribute to the narrative. The collaborative nature of the game promotes teamwork and communication skills, as players must work together to achieve their objectives. Additionally, D&D can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as players strategize and make decisions based on the unfolding story.

For many, D&D serves as a form of escapism, allowing players to immerse themselves in fantastical worlds where they can be heroes and shape their destinies. This escape can provide a sense of relief from the stresses of daily life, fostering mental well-being.

Dungeons & Dragons remains a powerful force in gaming, continuing to capture players’ imaginations across generations. Its unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and community fosters a rich experience that transcends traditional gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious newcomer, the world of D&D invites you to embark on a journey filled with magic, mystery, and endless possibilities.

The Art and Science of Photography

Photography is more than just the act of taking pictures; it’s an art form that allows us to capture and preserve moments in time. From the earliest days of film to the modern digital camera, photography has continually evolved, offering new tools like the advanced option such as the Leica digital camera for both amateurs and professionals. We will explore the different aspects of photography, including the technological advancements in cameras, the artistic elements of capturing the perfect shot, and tips for improving your photography skills.

The Evolution of Photography Technology

The journey of photography technology is a fascinating one, marked by constant innovation and improvement. In the early days, photography was a complex process, requiring large, cumbersome cameras and long exposure times. The invention of film cameras revolutionized the industry, making it easier and more accessible for people to capture images. The transition from film to digital cameras marked a significant leap forward in photography. Digital cameras, with their ability to instantly capture and store images, have transformed how we approach photography. The integration of high-quality cameras into smartphones has further democratized photography, allowing virtually anyone to take and share photos effortlessly.

The Artistic Side of Photography

While technology plays a crucial role in photography, the art of capturing a compelling image goes beyond just having the right equipment. Photography is about seeing the world differently and using your camera to tell a story or convey an emotion. Composition, lighting, and perspective are key elements that can make or break a photograph.

Understanding the rule of thirds, experimenting with depth of field, and playing with light and shadow are just a few techniques that can elevate your photography. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or still life, thinking creatively and paying attention to detail can help you capture images that resonate with viewers.

Improving Your Photography Skills

As a photographer, it’s crucial to remember that continuous improvement is key, regardless of your skill level. To enhance your photography skills, regular practice is essential, as it helps you become more familiar with your camera and improves your composition skills. Understanding and mastering your camera settings, such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, will provide you with greater control over your images. Additionally, studying the work of other photographers can offer inspiration and teach you new techniques. Experimenting with various photography genres, from landscape to portrait to street photography, can lead to self-discovery and unique expressions. Finally, while post-processing is valuable, it’s important to edit your photos carefully to avoid compromising their authenticity.

The Future of Photography

As technology advances, the outlook for the future of photography appears bright. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already making its mark, with smart cameras that can recognize scenes, track subjects, and adjust settings automatically. The rise of computational photography, which uses algorithms to enhance images, is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a camera.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also beginning to influence photography, offering new ways to capture and experience images. As these technologies evolve, they will likely open up new possibilities for photographers to explore and create.

Photography is a dynamic blend of art and science, constantly evolving with new technologies and creative techniques. Whether you’re using a high-end DSLR, a smartphone, or a vintage film camera, the principles of photography remain the same: capturing moments that tell a story. By honing your skills, staying curious, and embracing new tools, you can continue to grow as a photographer and create images that leave a lasting impact.

Are you constantly receiving compliments on your hotel interior design choice of colours or on your residential interior design preferences for how they are different? Do you enjoy decorating rooms and rearranging furniture? If you answered yes to these questions, then perhaps a career in interior design is perfect for you. Before making a life-altering career choice, there are a few things you need to know about the design world. Interior designers face challenges daily; some may not interest you, while others might provoke and open doors to a career you never thought possible. Read on to discover the 9 things you should know before becoming an interior designer.

You Need to Have a Knack for Interior Design

It may seem obvious, but so as to become an interior designer, you want to have an innate flair for colour, spatial arrangements, design and textiles. Do you enjoy decorating your house and get plenty of compliments on your decoration? That does not necessarily mean that you ought to be an interior designer, but it is definitely a good sign. Always follow your heart, and if you believe that a career in interior design is right for you, then go for it and work hard to be the best.

Interior Design Is Complex

While fabrics, furniture, and colour may play a huge role in interior design, especially for the coastal style, there are loads of other tasks that are required of interior designers — a lot of which might appear less fun and more like work.

Interior designers will need to be educated in the history of style, the structural integrity of buildings, building codes, ergonomics, spatial concepts, ethics, psychology, computer-aided design (CAD) and a whole lot more.

The broad selection of skills is required because designers work with not only homeowners, but also architects, contractors, government agencies and business management specialists .

The Salary Is Not as High as You Think

The salary depends on many factors, including level of education, location, work experience and size of the business. An interior designer in a coastal furniture company will almost certainly make less than a designer who works for a luxury architectural firm.

You Will Need to Be a People Person

Individuals are finicky, especially in regards to their homes. Although some customers have clear goals in mind, others might think that they know what they want, only to discover that they despise the final product and are unsatisfied with your work.

A successful interior designer is a people pleaser and a moderator (and occasionally a mind reader) — someone who can steer customers toward a positive outcome when making them feel like they’re in complete control of the choices. Interior designers are constantly balancing their design choices and their customers’ desires.

You Will Need to Develop a Portfolio

A picture can speak volumes about your quality of work. You can talk all day long about colours and fabrics, but unless you’ve got an outstanding portfolio that showcases your layouts and projects, your successes will be few and far between.

If you are just coming out of college and are new to the job market, you could be required to offer your services at no cost or at a reduced rate. Perhaps this is the best way to get a portfolio started; it is also a wonderful way to get to know local merchandisers and suppliers and develop a rapport for future endeavours.

Everybody begins at the bottom. With some effort, expertise and proper marketing, you can become a thriving force in the interior design area.

Competition Is Fierce in Interior Design

Interior design is a competitive business. The trick to success is getting yourself noticed. As stated earlier, a wonderful designer portfolio will surely help you land jobs.

Another important element is getting an extensive education. It is important to remain abreast of style trends by studying design books and attending industry events. When competition is high, you want to work hard to be able to get noticed and rise to the top.

Virtual Designers Have an Opportunity

When folks hire an interior decorating company, they might not understand that they can actually hire from anywhere in the world. Yes, designers can telecommute, too! Because of technological innovations such as design and Skype applications, designers are finding a whole new world of digital design.

Although many free online virtual room design tools accessible to the general public, interior designers have an edge on this competition as a result of their private relationships with elite layout lines. Several high-end textile businesses offer discounts to designers working in the market, thereby letting them receive their clients the lowest prices.

Interior Designers Need to be up to Date with Legislation

Some of the details can surely be dull, but they require knowledge from interior designers. Learning about plumbing codes, power, and load-bearing walls might not excite you, but it’s required. Staying abreast of these things gives interior designers an edge and marketability which decorators simply don’t have.

It’s Not About Your Style, It Is About Theirs

While designers can offer their customers a broad array of design styles to pick from, it’s important to not forget that it’s up to the customers to select what style suits them best.

Just because designers are educated and have great taste doesn’t make their choices superior to their clientele. The interior designer’s job is to offer you an assortment of styles and guide the customer toward the perfect design choice while allowing the consumer to feel accountable for

For Example, you might work as an interior designer for a long time and never design a home that fits your personal tastes. It’s all about the clients’ style — and you need to place your own aside.

Creative thinking is a valuable skill that can significantly impact various aspects of our lives. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, an entrepreneur, or someone simply looking to approach problem-solving in a more innovative way, enhancing your creative thinking skills can open doors to new opportunities and solutions. Here are seven key areas you can focus on to boost your creativity.

Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful practices that can calm your mind, reduce stress, and enhance your creative thinking abilities. By focusing on the present moment and clearing your mind of clutter, you create a mental space for creativity to flourish.

Make meditation an important part of your daily routine. Just a few minutes each day can help you to calm your mind. Find a quiet, comfortable spot, close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing. As you become more proficient, you’ll notice an improvement in your ability to concentrate and generate creative ideas.

Cultivate Curiosity

Curiosity is the foundation of creativity. When you’re genuinely interested in something, your mind naturally explores new ideas and possibilities. To boost your creative thinking, make a conscious effort to cultivate curiosity in your daily life.

Take the time to ask questions, learn new things, and seek out novel experiences. Whether it’s reading a book based on a topic you know nothing about, exploring a new hobby, or striking up a conversation with a stranger, embracing curiosity will stimulate your imagination and inspire fresh ideas.

Don’t forget – sometimes new ideas spark in your mind when you least expect them to. For example, you might have taken things out of a dartboard cabinet and are walking towards the snooker table – where your friends are waiting for you to start a game – and an amazing idea pops into your mind. So rather than having a game, you might end up discussing that new idea with them. This is the beauty of life.

Surround Yourself with Inspiration

Inspiration often comes from our surroundings. Create an environment that sparks your creativity by surrounding yourself with inspirational elements. This could include decorating your workspace with artwork, quotes, or objects that resonate with you. Visiting museums, galleries, or natural landscapes can also provide a refreshing dose of inspiration.

Also, expose yourself to diverse perspectives and cultures through books, films, and travel. The more you immerse yourself in different worlds and ideas, the more you can draw from them to fuel your creativity.

Regular Exercise

Exercise can improve your mental and physical health. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, reduces stress, and improves your overall mood, making it an excellent way to boost your creative thinking skills.

Engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s going for a run, practising yoga, dancing, or taking long walks in nature. These activities can clear your mind, increase your energy levels, and provide you with the mental clarity needed to generate creative ideas. Always wear a sunscreen when going outdoors. Australian sunscreen with natural ingredients would be best to protect your skin and also offer other skincare benefits.

Establish a Routine

While creativity often thrives on spontaneity, having a structured routine can actually enhance your creative thinking. A well-established routine provides a sense of stability and allows you to allocate specific time for creative endeavours.

Set aside a dedicated time each day or week for creative thinking, whether it’s brainstorming, sketching, or writing. By creating a routine, you signal to your brain that it’s time to shift into creative mode, making it easier to generate innovative ideas consistently.

Foster Collaboration and Networking

Creativity can flourish in collaboration with others. Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines can expose you to new ideas and perspectives, leading to breakthroughs in your creative thinking.

Attend workshops and conferences or join online communities related to your field of interest. By networking and collaborating with like-minded individuals, you can tap into a collective pool of creativity and gain valuable insights that can enhance your own creative process.

Embrace Failure and Learn from It

The risk of failure is always going to be there. Instead of fearing it, embrace failure as a valuable learning experience. Every unsuccessful attempt brings you one step closer to discovering what works and what doesn’t.

View your failures as stepping stones toward success, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Analyse what went wrong, adjust your approach, and continue refining your ideas. This resilient mindset will not only improve your creative thinking but also increase your chances of achieving your creative goals.

All in all, boosting your creative thinking skills involves a combination of relaxation, inspiration, and energising activities. Creativity is not a one-size-fits-all process, so experiment with these strategies to find what works best for you. With dedication and practice, you can unlock your full creative potential and use it to bring innovative solutions and ideas to life.

The holiday season is a time of the year when most of us take a little break from work and focus all our energy on reconnecting with our loved ones. It’s also a time when many of us reach for our cameras or smartphones to capture those precious moments in pictures. Whether you’re travelling to a new destination or celebrating at home, taking great holiday photos can help you relive those special times for years to come. Here, we’ll share some tips for capturing holiday moments in pictures so you can create lasting memories.

Plan Ahead

Before you even start snapping photos, take a moment to plan out what you want to capture during the holidays. Consider the events and activities you’ll be participating in, and think about the moments you want to remember. Planning ahead will help you focus on the key moments and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.

Choose the Right Gear

While smartphones have become incredibly capable of taking photos, if you have a dedicated camera, it’s worth considering using it for capturing holiday moments. Cameras typically offer more advanced features, including better low-light performance and manual control, which can be invaluable when trying to capture the perfect shot. However, if you’re sticking to your smartphone, make sure it’s clean and has enough storage space for all your photos.

Understand Your Camera

Understanding your camera is essential for capturing the best holiday moments. Whether you’re using a digital camera or one of the renowned Leica cameras, take the time to familiarise yourself with its features and settings. Becoming proficient in adjusting basic camera settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture can significantly enhance your ability to capture stunning holiday photos.

Pay Attention to Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, and it can make or break your holiday pictures. When shooting indoors, try to utilise natural light as much as possible by positioning yourself near windows. In outdoor settings, consider the time of day; the “golden hour” just before sunset or after sunrise often provides soft and flattering light. Avoid using the built-in flash on your camera or smartphone whenever possible, as it can produce harsh and unflattering results.

Capture Candid Moments

Some of the best holiday photos are those that capture genuine, candid moments. Instead of always posing your subjects, try to capture them in their natural element. Candid shots often convey more emotion and authenticity, which can make your holiday memories come alive.

Frame Your Shots

Composition is another critical aspect of photography. Use elements in your environment to frame your subjects, such as a doorway, an arch, or even a tree branch. The rule of thirds is a simple but effective guideline – imagine dividing your frame into nine equal parts and placing your main subject along the lines or at the intersections for a visually pleasing composition.

Get Close and Fill the Frame

Don’t be afraid to try close-up shots. Filling the frame with your subject can add intimacy and detail to your photos. Whether it’s a close-up of a loved one’s smile, a child’s excited eyes, or a plate of delicious holiday food, getting in close can make your pictures more compelling.

Tell a Story

Your holiday photos can tell a story of your experiences. Try to capture a series of photos that convey the narrative of your holiday, from the excitement of opening presents to the warmth of family gatherings. When you look back at your photos, you’ll be able to relive the entire holiday experience.

Experiment with Angles

Experimenting with different angles can help you to take the perfect picture. Try shooting from a low angle to capture the perspective of a child, or get up high for an overhead view of a festive table. Changing your vantage point can add creativity and variety to your holiday photo collection.

Edit with Care

After you’ve taken your holiday photos, take the time to edit them carefully. Basic edits like cropping, adjusting exposure, and enhancing colours can make a significant difference in the final result. There are many photo editing apps and software available, ranging from simple smartphone apps to more advanced programs.

Share and Print Your Favourites

Once you’ve captured and edited your holiday moments in pictures, don’t keep them hidden away on your camera or computer. Share your favourite photos with family and friends, either through social media, email, or by creating physical prints or photo albums. Sharing your pictures allows you to relive the memories with your loved ones and create a shared experience.

Don’t Forget to Be Present

While capturing holiday moments in pictures is essential, it’s equally important to be present and enjoy the moment as it happens. Don’t get so caught up in taking photos that you miss out on the joy and connection that the holiday season brings.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to capture the spirit of the holidays in beautiful and meaningful photographs that you’ll cherish for years to come.

When showcasing the natural beauty of wood, few finishes rival the artistry of danish oil. As a popular choice for decking oil, danish oil enhances the appearance of wood and offers protection against the elements. In this article, we delve into the techniques and benefits of danish oil finishes, highlighting how they elevate wood’s innate beauty.

Danish oil, a carefully formulated blend of oils and resins, deeply penetrates wood surfaces, enhancing their visual appeal while providing a protective layer. Renowned for its versatility, danish oil finds applications in various woodworking projects, including furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and even exterior wood surfaces.

The primary allure of danish oil lies in its ability to accentuate the natural beauty of wood. Danish oil seeps into the wood fibres when applied, enriching the grain pattern and intensifying the hues, resulting in a warm and lustrous finish. This brings out the unique characteristics of each piece of wood, adding depth and visual interest.

In addition to enhancing wood’s aesthetics, danish oil offers excellent protection against environmental factors. Its penetrating properties nourish and fortify the wood, preventing it from drying out, warping, or developing cracks over time. Danish oil guards against moisture, UV rays, and general wear and tear by forming a protective barrier, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. This durability ensures that the wood maintains its allure for years with minimal maintenance required.

The application process for danish oil is user-friendly, making it accessible to woodworking professionals and enthusiasts alike. Danish oil can be applied with ease, whether using a brush, cloth, or spray. Multiple coats are typically recommended, with each layer enhancing the wood’s appearance and providing additional protection. Unlike finishes that leave a thick film, danish oil is absorbed into the wood, resulting in a natural and smooth texture.

When it comes to outdoor wood surfaces, danish oil shines as a decking oil. Its ability to safeguard against moisture, mould, and sun damage makes it an ideal choice for preserving and enhancing the wood’s innate beauty. Danish oil minimises the risk of cracking and warping by allowing the wood to breathe and adapt to changing weather conditions. Regular maintenance coats can extend the wood’s lifespan, ensuring a stunning and long-lasting outdoor space.

It is important to note that danish oil differs from film-forming finishes like varnish or polyurethane. Rather than creating a glossy appearance, danish oil enriches the wood’s natural look and feel, leaving a subtle sheen that highlights the texture and grain. This organic aesthetic contributes to a warm and inviting ambience in any setting.

Proper preparation of the wood surface is crucial before applying danish oil. This entails thorough sanding to achieve a smooth finish and removing debris, dust, or previous finishes. Once the surface is clean and dry, danish oil can be applied in manageable sections. Allowing the oil to penetrate the wood before removing excess ensures optimal results. Sanding between coats further refines the finish for a polished and even outcome.

Danish oil finishes epitomise the art of enhancing wood’s natural beauty while providing lasting protection. Danish oil’s versatility and deep penetration make it a preferred choice for woodworking enthusiasts. By employing danish oil, wood surfaces can be transformed into exquisite pieces that showcase the inherent charm of this timeless material.

The fashion landscape constantly evolves, and stylish comfort remains a top priority for fashion enthusiasts. Enter the Homie jumper, a beloved staple in Melbourne streetwear that effortlessly blends fashion-forward aesthetics with unparalleled cosiness. In this article, we delve into the rise of the Homie jumper within Melbourne’s streetwear scene, exploring its unique appeal and the cosy chic trend it embodies.

The Homie jumper has become an iconic symbol within Melbourne’s streetwear culture, reflecting the city’s vibrant fashion scene. It captures the essence of relaxed elegance, allowing individuals to express their style while staying cosy and fashionable. With its laid-back allure, the Homie jumper epitomises the perfect fusion of comfort and style, earning its rightful place in Melbourne’s fashion lexicon.

What truly sets the Homie jumper apart is its versatility. It effortlessly transitions from casual to dressed-up looks, making it a go-to piece for various occasions. The Homie jumper adds a touch of urban sophistication to any style, whether paired with jeans for a relaxed daytime outfit or tailored pants for a more polished ensemble. Its minimalist yet impactful design ensures seamless integration into various fashion aesthetics.

Comfort reigns supreme in the Homie jumper. Crafted from premium materials, it wraps the wearer in a cocoon of cosy warmth. The loose and relaxed fit enhances comfort and allows unrestricted movement and a sense of effortless style. Wearing the Homie jumper exudes a self-assured and relaxed demeanour, perfectly embodying Melbourne streetwear’s signature “chill” vibe.

Melbourne streetwear prides itself on its eclectic mix of influences and styles, and the Homie jumper flawlessly aligns with this fashion ethos. It effortlessly complements the city’s urban fashion landscape, bringing an edgy and contemporary edge to every outfit. Fashion enthusiasts gravitate towards the Homie jumper for its ability to express individuality and create unique looks that reflect personal style preferences.

The Homie jumper’s prominence in Melbourne streetwear can be attributed to its substantial presence in local streetwear boutiques and its endorsement by influential fashion icons and social media influencers. Its popularity has rapidly spread, captivating fashion enthusiasts drawn to the cosy chic trend embodied by the Homie jumper. The appeal of this versatile piece extends across genders and age groups, making it a unisex and timeless fashion statement that defies boundaries.

Beyond Melbourne’s borders, the Homie jumper has garnered global recognition. Its seamless blend of comfort and style has resonated with fashion-conscious individuals worldwide, who appreciate its relaxed elegance and adaptability. The Homie jumper has become a coveted fashion item, symbolising the convergence of comfort and style and challenging conventional notions of fashion by embracing the concept of cosy chic.

When it comes to styling the Homie jumper, the possibilities are endless. For a casual streetwear look, pair it with sneakers and distressed jeans to exude urban coolness. Elevate the ensemble by layering the Homie jumper over a collared shirt and tailored trousers, adding a touch of sophistication. Enhance the look with statement jewellery, a trendy bag, or a fashionable hat to personalise your style further.

To summarise, the Homie jumper has cemented its status as a fashion-forward choice for those seeking fashionable comfort within Melbourne streetwear and beyond. With its cosy allure and versatile design, it epitomises the essence of cosy chic and effortlessly captures Melbourne’s relaxed and effortless fashion culture. Whether worn casually or dressed up, the Homie jumper seamlessly combines comfort and style, empowering individuals to make a fashion statement while staying cosy. Embrace the cosy chic trend and incorporate the Homie jumper into your wardrobe to elevate your fashion game with Melbourne streetwear’s signature style.

In recent years, the sport of road cycling has continued to grow in popularity. While it has always been an excellent mode of transportation and more eco-friendly than driving, many people now enjoy riding as a recreational activity as well as a sport. Leading the cycling industry are the collapsible bike and electric bikes that see more riders every year. While it can be enjoyed on your own, it is also a great community-based hobby, and thanks to an increase of cycleways on roads across the globe, biking has become much more accessible and safer for many. Cycling holidays are becoming more and more popular right now, and they are an amazing way to see a new part of your country, or indeed, the world. This increased exposure has inspired a lot of people who never would have thought to go biking, to get out there and get cycling, and to enjoy all of the benefits that come with it. Recently, though, bicycles have been given new leases of life, since they are now being considered part of larger city transportation plans, and for leisure and sports.

Although it is still unclear exactly how cycling was invented, as a sport and a hobby, cycling quickly became very popular with the general public. While bicycle designs continued to advance through the early 1900s, Europe and the U.S. quickly became divided on the idea of bicycles. Cycle schools and races began to develop in 1869, though by that time, cycling had begun to decline in popularity in the U.S., as early bikes were frequently uncomfortably designed, especially for seating. By the 1980s, mountain biking was a new sport, helping to restore interest in cyclings form. Shortly after bicycles were invented, bike racing began spreading in many areas. Germany used bikes again during the Second World War and the British employed airborne bicycle-riding commandos on folding bikes. The tire-like trend sparked a push towards fixed-wheel bikes and bicycle caps, which are today familiar to the point of ridicule. The e-bike, or electric bicycle, marked a significant shift in the cycling industry. Cycling has taken a step forward; brands such as Gucci, Hermes, and Chanel, among others, have launched branded bikes such as Gucci Own.

The real leap forward has been in cross-dressing, which blends the functionality of full-on bike gear with an urban-style aesthetic. According to Oliver Spencer, there are parallels between what is happening in this sector and the growth of sports luxury, whereby the fashion houses embrace tech-forward attire in general. Recently, a major trend in the 2000s, Y2K, has started its comeback into fashion. Celebrity influence and exposure can resurrect, and frequently does, previous trends, as well as determine what styles of the present are beginning to go through their cycles.Londons cycling commute has increased 91% since 2000, and with it comes natural style evolution. Bikes such as the Brompton electric makes it easier for commuters to travel easily. Cyclists are not stuck in traffic, nor are they subject to transit delays common with driving or taking transit, making cycling as quick, if not faster, than driving, for the majority of city commuting.

Biking provides several possible benefits over driving, including the continuous physical exercise involved in biking, easier parking, increased manoeuvrability, and access to roads, cycleways, and rural trails. There are differing views about the role of various types of bike infrastructure when building bike-friendly cities and roads. Some cycling activists (including some traffic management consultants) advocate building bike paths, bikeways, and bike lanes of all lengths, and they emphasise success in bicycle paths for safety reasons and for encouraging more people to ride bikes. When bicycling, riders consider the safety of the roadway, the presence of cycle lanes, the smoothness of the roadway, the variety of the landscape, and the length of a journey. Because perceptions of the relative safety of biking improved as the number of crashes decreased, more people began biking thereafter. A 2008 University of New South Wales study determined that bicycle safety is a virtuous cycle.

With new inventions like electric bikes and safer bikes, more and more people are turning to cycle as a way of saving money and going green. Despite the massive improvements to cycling infrastructure in many cities around the continent, most North Americans do not still ride their bikes to work. Many cities, including Paris, London, and Barcelona, now have successful bicycle-share programs designed to help people bike around town. Panniers and cycle bags make carrying work materials easier, and many workplaces are now including secure bike storage, showers and other facilities to make things even easier for employees biking to work. Paris added hundreds of kilometres of temporary cycle lanes along the Rue du Rivoli, and London has now got dedicated cycle lanes running alongside Hyde Park. By improving the safety and convenience of cycling, these new so-called safe bikes have also become the first bikes popular with people of different genders and ages.

This means a hassle-free daily ride, as well as a lot of fun at the same time if you are looking to take a cycle tour. The beauty of road biking is once you absorb the initial costs for the bike, there are no ongoing monthly fees, unlike if you are in the gym. Whether you have a bunch of friends that like to cycle, or are looking to meet some new friends, cycling clubs are a social, fun way to meet people.

This project is dedicated to the use of indigenous clothing Australia design and embellishments to promote cultural traditions and preserve local identity. As opposed to mass production and fast fashion, more and more people are discovering and experiencing contemporary local fashion. Today, a wave of Indigenous and Indigenous designers are overlaying political and cultural ideas into their designs.

Today, indigenous designers struggle to achieve greater cultural value or draw inspiration that honors the culture of origin. Some contemporary local designers use processes and traditions that go back centuries. Whether modern local designers are updating local 1800s clothing styles or indulging contemporary fashions, these designers explore how contemporary cuts and materials can be combined with traditional cultural design concepts and symbols to create unique, intricately constructed, artistic garments. of great value. The Canadian design team is not the first designer to be inspired by local cultural influences.

Indigenous approaches and ways of creating are processes that have been adopted and inspired by many sustainable designers and creators. Alongside the growing community of Indigenous designers, there is a very small group of non-Indigenous designers who are committed to building sustainable artistic partnerships with Indigenous communities. Indigenous designers demonstrate how fashion can participate in aesthetic exchange without harming the original designers: communities that have refined techniques over generations, created complex systems of meanings and visual languages, and developed unique aesthetic qualities that reflect how they see themselves and the world around them. Indigenous artists and designers have used fashion as a way to interrupt and counter fashion narratives.

With that in mind, Vogue asked 15 local designers to rate fashion sustainability. The first Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW), held in July 2017 in Vancouver, was created in response to cultural appropriation and as a way to show consumers who appreciate local local style that they can wear it with respect by buying from designers first. nations. In response, a few months ago, Vancouver hosted the first ever Indigenous Fashion Week, an attempt by Canada’s indigenous people to revive their heritage.

Here we ask fashion, textile and apparel professionals from around the world how their cultural heritage and local knowledge influences the fashion industry and how they can help propel the fashion industry in one direction – more sustainable.

Mexico needs to do more to protect local fashion models from a host of global brands accused of borrowing or culturally appropriating handcrafted creations for years without credit, lawyers and industry observers say. To combat cultural appropriation more effectively, Mexico needs to strengthen Mexico’s law enforcement, not just demonize fashion brands, Elizalde said.

Their demands, including that of Mexican Minister of Culture Alejandra Frausto Guerrero, who issued an ultimatum last fall that Mexico would no longer tolerate the misappropriation of cultural property without proper recognition, seem to have failed to stop global brands from using Mexican motifs and patterns. in their designs. However, there is a place in the fashion industry where reducing waste has always been a challenge for designers, and these indigenous artists have ideas of what needs to be done to further combat climate change, workplace abuse and waste as change climate is linked to the fashion industry. For Aller, the problem is not that there are no indigenous design codes in fashion, but quite the opposite. What many non-indigenous people may not realize is that while the fashion world has an appetite for local models, it is generally not expressed with taste or respect.

Like a native, like a stylist, like a contemporary in the fashion world, and not like an ancient artifact. Aboriginal designer Sho Eskiro considers it a great honor to continue our tradition and culture in a modern way. She is also one of the few Canadian Aboriginal designers to gain international attention, recently becoming the first local designer to walk in the first ever fashion show at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. 

Corina Emmerichs, originally from the Pacific Northwest, is one of the most established artists to have models on the Indigenous Fashion Week runway. He hopes that other designers will also find use in local traditions. Angela DeMontigny, founder of Young Native Fashion Inc. in Toronto, advises leading designers who want to incorporate traditional influences into their collections. Anna Romanowska, a lecturer at Toronto’s Ryerson School of Fashion, says the local voice is growing stronger as the younger generation grows and more designers emerge.

A new project in Toronto called Setsune Indigenous Fashion Incubator Toronto provides a collaborative space for emerging designers to explore tradition and new technologies. Take Roots Studio, a company that works with Indigenous artists around the world to digitize their heritage and use it in new media.

Indigenous groups like the Navajo are now creating a new model of combating corporate exploitation by asserting intellectual property rights and registering traditional brand designs. The idea that designers might patent the material culture of indigenous communities would be a major setback for the indigenous intellectual property movement.

As a patriarch of Aboriginal design clothing Australia, Grant was inspired by how traditional Haida art fits into the body. Grant was a pioneer of native North American fashion in the 1980s. The design echoes the grunge style of the ’90s, but also incorporates a modern love of simplicity and chic. Fashion and entertainment circles including singer Solange Knowles and actress Lupita Nyong’o wore Folawiyos when Lisa Folawiyo combined traditional West African fabrics with handmade embellishments and modern tailoring, and they took notice.

Bethanys is a great example of why locals should be the ones to design with our cultures in mind – that knowledge and understanding comes from community connection and respect and is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve without that deep cultural connection.

Decorating your own home might need your personal touch, but there are certain elements of design that are required to make it a success. Regardless if you are trying to furnish a new home or a recently renovated home extension, here are some tips to get you started.

DON’T

• Place all the furniture up against the walls. Give the walls breathing space and use the whole room by bringing the pieces in.
• Select the same accessories. They shouldn’t all be the same height, shape, colour or pattern. Get imaginative – add a round cushion to break up the square ones; choose vases and decors in different heights, shapes and materials. A little assortment is essential to create that industrial interior design you are aiming to achieve.
• Mess up the space. Less really can be more in decorating. It’s easy to go overboard when decorating so we recommend to stick to your base style and add a trend or two. Save a little white space on the wall, add gaps between the cushions on your couch and think of other ways you can store things out of sight rather than just adding yet another cupboard or shelf in a room.
• Go Or devote a color to a theme – choosing everything in blue and yellow won’t make your home look like a coastal retreat.

DON’T CREATE ROOMS THAT ARE TOO “THEMED”

We often turn to a particular design or theme that we love as inspiration when we decorate and aim to create that particular look. But this could turn out bad if the inspiration is taken too far, creating an overly themed space. You might end up having a space paying homage to Bali or get a copycat which is out of this place. Instead, we recommend trying to look for colors, artwork or furniture from the theme and incorporate these in your décor instead of being too literal. Your space will still end up looking great and make you feel that you like without it becoming a theme park. Interior designers in Brisbane often find that people are always striving for the perfect Hampton beach-style décor, making their house feel less like a home but more like something out of a display magazine.  

DON’T BUY MATCHING SETS OF FURNITURE

When buying furniture for each space in your home, particularly the lounge, dining or bedroom, getting the whole matching set from one place could be very tempting. Sure they all match and are in the same style, but it can get boring and can lack personality. Your home could easily look like a display window from a catalogue.

The trick is to buy the furniture that you love, and personalize the look by selecting complementary bedside tables or striking single armchairs in a patterned fabric. This will create an interesting look – and one that is yours. If you want to buy beach style furniture, then you are more than able to, however mix it up with different shapes and sizes, creating personality within the home.

DON’T HAVE TOO MUCH CLUTTER!

We all have objects we like to display, small trinkets with sentimental values from our travels or memorabilia. If these objects are combined with gifts or your latest shopping spree, you can end up with lots of clutter, which can consume all your space makes small spaces feel even smaller.

The secret is to set a limit to the number of you have on show at one time. If you have a lot of items with sentimental value, we advise that you store some away and swap them around over time – like a gallery does with artwork.

Your special pieces will look more important when they’re not jammed in, competing for space.

Now For Some Do’s

DO

• Make your decorating style compliment the architecture of your home. Don’t force a slick, modern look if you have an older bungalow or villa; try to work at least partly with its heritage. If you really want a separate ‘new or modern’ space and you have an older style home consider using home extension builders and designers who are able to create a separate oasis fulfilling your desire for a modern luxury space.
• Consider your location. Embrace where you live and use your environment to inspire your decorating scheme.
• Make moodboards and floorplans for each room of the house, not for the house as a whole. You can still see how all the rooms work together, but each space needs its own time and effort dedicated to it in order for it to work well with the overall scheme.
• Combine old and new. If you like the look of all-new furniture, add something else that’s slightly aged to the space, such as a vintage clock, antique candlesticks or a weathered timber shelf. It stops the room from feeling too monotonous.
• Take your time. Do not rush and do all the decorating at once. The best spaces are those that have evolved over a few years. If you need the help of an interior stylist, then don’t be afraid to enlist the help of one, as they are a great asset to your home.
• Consider the natural light in the room. If a room is lacking in light, use light colored paints and furniture. This will open up the room up and make feel brighter.

• Remember scale when buying furniture and rugs. It’s important not to overcompensate on every single furniture piece in one room. Stick with one large main feature and style around it.

Look at existing artwork and fabric to create a color scheme. Work with what you already have to create a color concept. You’ll be astonished with with your masterpiece.

Today we cover the trends in the truly fascinating art of photography including fashion, lifestyle, portraiture, and even to local wedding photos. These trends will eventually trickle down to all levels of photography from high-end fashion brands and top selling magazines to the Mornington Peninsula wedding photography business down the road.

Cooler temperatures, fewer hours of daylight, and cuddling on the sofa in our favourite sweats while sipping hot cocoa are on us. With the shifting of the seasons comes the changing of the guards o f new influences and new tendencies. Moving from the hot Melbourne summer into the cooler months of autumn means a shifting scene amongst photographers as well.

Why is this significant? Many fashion photographers are producing fashion stories which are at least one season beforehand, and consequently being on fashion is of extreme importance. Furthermore, it’s currently a part of their work demand to be together with the approaching fashions so as to stay relevant, particularly in fashion and design development. Photography is the art of bringing other art to life and hence it is vital to keep up with all artistic trends.

Like from the Devil Wears Prada, decisions pertaining to the most fundamental of apparel options were already given by people in charge. Additionally, the graphics and styles embraced by style invariably trickle into lifestyle photography as well as weddings photography.

Fashion photography is just one of the most well-known photography art forms, and is seen from the masses; it’s natural that it impacts other regions of portraiture in addition to other genres of photography. Thus, what do we expect to find in 2018?

Rosy, Peachy and Golden:
Color grading is making a comeback along with toning is greatly affected by the Winter 2017 and Spring/Summer 2018 Pantone colours. It is not as straightforward as clicking an action in Photoshop. Even brands that are famous for their neutral palette today catch versions with rosy, peachy and gold skin tones. There’s clear precision and care together with the toning and the colour palettes are reminiscent of paintings. In accordance with makeup artists trends of golden eyeshadows and shiny rose blush and lips, photography should compliment and show off these artistic effects.

Mood Lighting:

Concerning lighting, the barre was raised significantly. Learning how to manipulate available light to make a stunning picture is essential. The trend of shooting in harsh lighting and producing rule-breaking shadows was substituted with mixed light and classic lighting routines.

Meanwhile, the lighting being made from the studio is no longer being held hostage by absolutely bright midtones plus a minimum ISO. It reflects the craftsmanship and control of an artisan who has mastered this ability; the light has been feathered and finely envelops the topic.

The current Dior campaign recorded by Brigitte Lacombe is a choice case of dim lighting. Brigitte is always producing impeccable work and it’s no surprise that her photography is in high demand from leading brands, along with her Instagram accounts makes for good study material.

Darker Midtones:

Midtones finally dictate the total appearance and texture of a picture and it’s not surprising that darker midtones go hand-in-hand with moodier lighting.

Mixed Media

The video continues to control and moving forward the urge to learn video has to be updated to over a bucket record standing. Slow movement pictures, cinemagraphs, and even interactive movie games are being embraced by leading brands and being paired with visually-impactful still pictures. The current advertising campaigns of big fashion houses like Miu Miu and Coach this season made it rather apparent that combining a variety of kinds of media is the way of the future. Brands are using a variety of exhibition installations to showcase their brand, for example incorporating photographs with an interactive video.

Authenticity

Strong diversity and women are still in high demand as the fashion sector continues to revive its vantage point after a rocky couple of decades. Everybody would like to feel a feeling of belonging, and finally, wish to see somebody that looks like those contained in the advertisements they see. The feelings depicted and tales being told through the graphics will need to be authentic.

Last but not least, any shifting of this human anatomy will be inspected and skin pruning will probably last to be accomplished using a light-handed approach.

Authenticity inside the realms of women’s minds, emotion and skin will continue to reign supreme. The pendulum appears to get captured momentum and is moving back toward that of an extremely skilled professional one of photographers, photographers, retouchers etc.. Basically, images have been made which simplifies the job being generated from people with the dangerously good smartphone filters and cameras. Pictures that appear simple and glossy are anything but, and emotive pictures are in.

Photography art services will continue to blossom in 2018 in line with the above trends. I am looking forward to the autumn/winter edits from the top fashion brands and industry big guns who can never do wrong.

The Art of the Hamptons Style

The Hamptons is frequently known as the playground for the wealthy, however if you look beneath the high society which frequently visit there is a seaside community on the East end of Long Island near New York in the USA, which is an architectural wonderland, an art form, that has motivated designers for centuries.

Right now, the Hamptons style is a predominant force in interior and exterior design in Australia. It is on the hit list of each significant retailer and builder together with customers referring to this look above any other.

The appeal of the Hamptons style is its neutral colour palette, light and spacious living spaces, natural textures, high ceilings and detailed touches such as Shaker-style cabinets in the kitchen. External, weatherboard cladding is the hallmark of this style.

MAKING WAVES

The high end of the housing market has been enjoying a love affair with the Hamptons style for some time but today some display home builders are embracing the trend as well.

The Australian economy is taking its best features then reworking them to suit our local market. Display homes are not necessarily sticking to the very traditional Hamptons style that may feature a lot of dark wood and darker furnishings, instead opting for a more modern contemporary style, with white crisp, sharp lines.

Flat cladding is the ideal alternative to conventional timber frames which can splinter, fade or warp with the Australian climate. In general, display homebuyers in Australia are embracing the Hamptons trend.

The Hamptons is very popular at this time and most builders will attempt to capitalise on it even with a simply home extension. Like other tendencies, we try to locate a design solution which works within our marketplace. Even if you don’t find yourself residing on the shore, you can still enjoy this style of home. It’s modern with open living spaces and landscaped backyard appeals to the Australian way of life. It is about making your house feel like a holiday oasis.

GROWING DEMAND

Metricon design director Adrian Popple states their Hamptons-inspired Bayville home, on display in Brighton East, Victoria, has become one of their most in-demand designs. He explained that has seen a massive uptake in that layout, and even though the display home is in Melbourne, individuals in Sydney and both up and down the east coast are enjoying and building it. There is something about the coast and warmer climates that the market want to see, therefore the demand.

People are often drawn to the casual feel of the house, but it is also inviting, trendy and sophisticated with plenty of white throughout. It can be said that achieving the Hamptons style is an art in itself. Adrian says Metricon will not be producing a direct replica of the Hamptons home. Instead of shingles and cedar, it will be slate roof tiles and weatherboard cladding with a second storey extension.

TAKE THE WEATHER WITH YOU

Given Australia’s harsh climate, timber boards aren’t the obvious selection for a new residence.

James Hardie has cornered the Hamptons marketplace in Australia using its weatherboard cladding which complements the Hamptons look. It is hard-wearing, very low maintenance and resistant to damage from termites, rust, moisture and fire, all very prominent in Australia’s climate. Builders love to use it because it may be gun nailed into a framework, and is not difficult to cut.

It is perfect as a modern version of the Hamptons house.

Hamptons has a number of variations such as historical, traditional and even castles. An Australian version of the look is yet to be created.

THE LOOK

A quick explanation of how to achieve the look can be found below:

• Many people frequently get the Hamptons style wrong by adding floral prints which makes it overly flowery and turning the interior French or English Provincial looking. Sometimes people also confuse the appearance with understated chic, which is quite different.
• Hamptons design is not reserved exclusively for beachfront properties. The look is just as at home in Sydney using all the soft neutral tones, natural components and laid-back atmosphere.
• The facade should withstand the test of time. It lends itself nicely to renovating older Australian homes as most have wraparound verandas and high ceilings two important characteristics of the Hamptons style.
• Key materials incorporated are wide oak floorboards in either an American mocha colour or stained dark oak. Panel walls and cabinetry that is built-in are all must haves, as well as architectural timbers, and the floorplan should be open to create a sense of flow and calmness. Glass french doors are also a key element.
• Traditionally, a Hamptons colour scheme is comprised largely of shades of white, with accents of gray and blue used as complementary colours.

A summary of the typical characteristics of the Hamptons Design, which can be seen on our screens via the TV series Revenge are:

• Large windows with sea views
• Sheer fabrics in sandy taupe, soft grey or white draped curtains
• Blue and white striped rugs or soft carpet
• Large comfy sofas in linen fabrics with throw pillows thrown on top
• Large glass pendant lighting with brass touches
• Blue and white china and accessories sprinkled throughout.

Your brand ought to be like your fingerprint — entirely unique and associated with you. Everything about that brand, from the business name to your logo to your web design, should encourage and communicate your company’s unique identity.

So, why on earth would you think about using stock artwork or stock images to represent that brand?

“It’s cheap and convenient!” You’re likely going to reply. However, stock art is the opposite of a fingerprint — it is generic, lacking in character; and, worse, that very same stock artwork could (and does) appear on your competitors’ sites, business cards and logos. That is one reason why a business owner shouldn’t purchase logos at “logo stores” which sell pre-made generic templates.

These are all aspects which will weaken your brand. Additionally, if you think about the legal issues you will face if you use stock artwork incorrectly… that “cheap” alternative might not be so cheap and convenient whatsoever. You might be trying to save money to use on other aspects of your business such as small business coach training, but if you aren’t careful with things like your branding, all that business coaching could be for nothing.

Your brand deserves something better than stock artwork. Here are five reasons why generic stock art may be killing your small business brand.

1. It steals your brands voice

Your brand should be as unique and specific as possible. In the end, no other company is exactly like yours. Your unique conditions and eyesight are one of a kind. Your brand should reflect that. A clearly articulated, consistent assignment combined with the specificity of your authentic brand identity needs a visual language just as specific.

Stock art, on the other hand, is adaptable to a wide array of users, the more buyers that use it, the more rewarding it is for its founder. By design, stock art is the reverse of specific. Therefore it cannot have a strong perspective.

So, instead of stock artwork … sing your brand’s voice “loud and proud.” Make artwork design choices that will give your brand a consistent, clearly articulated viewpoint. Invest in an original logo and web design that captures who your business is.

2. It undermines your brand’s credibility

An authentic brand is one which presents itself with transparency and honesty. These attributes make real brands relatable and dependable. In actuality, at a 2016 study, 83 percent of consumers surveyed stated that confidence drives their devotion to a brand.

Using Stock photography on your site in place of photographs of your actual company or employees might be easy. But, it is a far cry from authentic.

Opting for slick but meaningless stock artwork means you run the risk of alienating a broad market of your clients.

So, instead of stock artwork, make decisions for your visual content that will cultivate a deeper relationship with your clients and customers. Professional, well-lit photographs of your actual employees doing their actual jobs will take more value and build greater confidence than yet another stock photograph.

3. Most logos featuring stock art can’t be trademarked

Since a logo is the company’s visual identity, it is in your best interest to legally guarantee that no other company can use your logo. This is referred to as a trademark. If you choose to use a stock image rather than creating your own logo design, then it is exempt from trade marking. That identical stock artwork is available to any other individual or company that purchases it.

The second important issue is that a signature provides the owner with the legal rights to stop the trademark’s unauthorized usage. However, stock artwork is sold with a license which allows the art to be used under certain pre-approved conditions. (These permits will, however, often dictate that the artwork might not be utilised as logos for websites.)

At the same time, a stock artwork permit grants all buyers certain legal rights. This would preclude you from preventing other buyers from using the exact art that’s featured on your logo.

So, instead of stock artwork, work with an expert graphic designer to find a logo that’s original and correctly embodies your brand. In any event, you will wind up getting an original, unique logo that you have and that may be legally trademarked.

4. Your brand might be confused with a competitors

What if you and a rival both enjoyed the identical stock art and integrated it into your own logos? Your logo would not be unique anymore. Now your logo may be easily confused with a competitor. And, that is not so good for you.

Customers seeking out your company might get confused with your comparable logos and shop with your competition instead.

Losing customers (and of course all of the accompanying earnings) is bad news. However, it’s particularly painful to lose clients to this easily avoided misstep. And, the threat doesn’t stop there. If your competitor does something dishonest and their reputation takes a hit, you’re standing may be impacted too! Guilt by association, honest or not, is a real threat.

And, making a logo change when a PR catastrophe is already upon you is the wrong strategy, just ask a business coach. Rebranding in the aftermath of a PR catastrophe is reactive. Worse, it implies that you might have really done something wrong.

So, rather than using stock artwork, stick out from the competition by using an original logo and authentic photos of your products, services and personnel within your website design. Share more about your organization. The more clearly you pronounce your brand identity, the more you’re differentiating your company from the pack.

5. You may violate copyright law

Lawsuits are never fun. And, they cost money, too. So, if your objective is to save money with stock art, know about the potential legal dangers. Cheap stock art that contributes to a lawsuit is not “cheap” anymore.

Stock art can trip you up for a couple of different reasons, legally speaking. I have already mentioned the first: you cannot trademark most images which include stock art. Attempting to do so can get you in trouble right there.

And, stock art permits include more possible pitfalls than simply trade marking difficulties. You open yourself up to litigation if you violate the specific conditions of use to the stock art you buy. Worse than that, copyright legislation is no-fault. This means that you could get into legal trouble even if you haven’t knowingly done anything wrong. A good example could be legally purchasing an image from a stock photo site that later is found to be a stolen photograph.

So, instead of stock artwork, hire a professional photographer to shoot original pictures of your company. And employ professional graphic designers to create a logo and visual assets for your own brand.

You owe it to your company to make decisions that will offer a return on your investment and help your business grow. Stock artwork will do neither of these things. On the other hand, a clearly articulated, unique visual brand supported by authentic photographs of your enterprise will support growth.

Digital artwork at Sotheby’s? The auction house is famous for selling canvases from Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat for $100 million-plus compared to revealing what many collectors still respect as ephemera.

Nevertheless the Sotheby’s S2 gallery at New York, commonly utilized for exhibitions of modern art, is now the site of a series featuring mostly young musicians that rely on electronic technologies and that aren’t exactly household names. Surprisingly, the majority of the works on perspective take bodily form. More important, they also betray a wide generational anxiety concerning the technological future and the use of people in it.

The catalyst for the series was a curious-looking sculpture tucked off from the Art + Tech Laboratory in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, created with advice from IT consulting companies and services.

A slick, black plinth with a black screen in front along with also a record player perched incongruously on top, it had been created as a prototype for a 21st-century memorial. After David Goodman, the Sotheby’s executive in charge of advertising and electronic development, watched it a couple of weeks past, its screen was showing the societal networking articles of a 25-year-old Miami bicycle enthusiast who’d been killed in a roadside hit. A plastic record played synthesized chimes, their tone decided by means of a computer analysis of those emotions those articles expressed – a significant key if they had been optimistic ones, a slight key when damaging.

Mr. Goodman remembered recently in his office in Sotheby’s headquarters in New York that he had been pretty blown away. Additionally, he said it made him unhappy – that it struck an emotional chord.

The Sculpture, “Monument I,” was created for a series about the Hereafter Institute, a literary organization that now lives only on line. It succeeds to organize, which is not in terms of the typically thought-of cloud computing, an electronic afterlife because of its “customers” – maintaining their internet presence and, through virtual reality, even the memory of the bodily presence. On its site, the institute welcomes visitors with such deadpan sales pitches as, “What will departure mean when our electronic spirits outlive our physical bodies?”

Actually, magician and palaces equally were the job of Gabriel Barcia-Colombo, a 35-year-old New York performer and instructor in New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications App. Working with a grant in Lacma, ‘Mr. Barcia-Colombo devised the magician as a method of exploring through agile test management the principles of death in the digital era.

Now, at Mr. Goodman’s invitation, he’s curated the digital art exhibition in Sotheby’s. The young artists at the series – many I.T.P alumni one of them – often talk about, despite their focus in electronic technologies, a deep ambivalence about where it’s taking us. They also appear to explain the “Black Mirror” sensibility supporting the Hereafter Institute: The understanding, endemic to the satirical British TV show, that technologies has led us into an electronic fun home where nothing is as it seems and everything is because we fear it may be.

The series at Sotheby’s, known as “Bunker,” runs through Aug. 10. It features Jeremy Bailey, a Toronto artist who combines Snapchat with art history, depicting people through augmented reality lens in resemblance to famous portraits. An electronic C-print of his spouse as she stares in a pill that seems to be coming into life remembers Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s “Lady Lilith” gazing into a mirror.

It is the concept of looking at oneself through the entire tech of the day, Mr. Bailey stated by telephone. Made possible through agile automated testing, an adjoining self-portrait reveals him at the guise of the character he’s embraced – that of an obnoxiously ebullient naïf who proclaims himself a famed brand new media artist. Mr. Bailey said his alter ego believes profoundly that technology will help, and yet technology always lets him down.

Elsewhere in the series, you can overlook a virtual reality headset to browse the childhood home of Sarah Rothberg, who rebuilt her experience growing up in Los Angeles from older photographs and home movies. Or see lacy, metallic sculptures from Ashley Zelinskie – self-portraits whose surfaces comprise of the letters which spell out her genetic code. 1 bit – at a series known as “Android” – includes a block embedded in the surface; the block’s surface is composed of the computer code which was used to create it.

It’s not that frequently today that you will find people walking around in bespoke, handmade shoes. Consumerism has caused an overwhelming choice of shoes that may be available at our nearest shopping centre or simply in a click-of-a-button through our favourite online shoes store. Like most crafts in Australia, large-scale manufacturing has caused a drop in the requirement for bespoke women’s shoes. While factory-made shoes are available and convenient, they are often made overseas, and, like most mass-produced goods, come with environmental effects; moreover, mass-produced women’s shoes lack what handmade shoes can provide: personality, tailored measurements, bespoke designs and understanding exactly who made your shoes and what they are made from. Though finding a local shoemaker might seem difficult today in contrast with the simplicity of purchasing a mass-produced shoe, Australian shoemakers are reviving the traditional craft of shoemaking through local businesses that thrive on providing the benefits of handmade goods.

Bangalow-based shoemaker Rachel Ayland is only one Australian shoemaker that has successfully established an artisanal shoemaking business. Honing her craft over the past 32 years, Rachel’s practice is driven by a dedication to creating bespoke footwear tailored to the individual. With a strong focus on design making, Rachel’s practice is driven by a dedication to creating beautiful footwear tailored to each customer’s individual requirements. However, while Rachel can create a viable income from her craft it hasn’t been without challenges.

We recently caught up with Rachel to relive her journey as a shoemaker and the challenges she has faced along the way.

Traditionally, shoemaking apprentices were trained by masters in workshops. Does this route still exist?

My craft was traditionally heard from apprenticeships from a “Master”, within the environment of a commercially run workshop, such as my own. It is rare to find a Master Shoemaker to learn from today. They are absolutely dying as a craft or are retired and are rarely replaced in most western countries. Modern shoemakers, like myself, might elect to take an apprentice. However, we have had company coaches search for government or other financial aid for the endeavour, but this doesn’t exist, making it almost impossible for shoemakers to justify the expense when trying to maintain our companies afloat.

How can you understand the theory and techniques behind your craft?

I learned the techniques and concept of my craft from a tiny workers group combined in the early 1980’s, in the UK, which consisted of five traditional shoemakers, who conducted small business coach training for shoemakers at one of the previous college courses in London at this time. This group took me on and educated me in the craft for five years, sharing what they knew. Later in my career I met Master Shoemaker and teacher, George Koleff from Bulgaria, and I became his student for a few years. In this moment, he helped me build my techniques and get tools and equipment. Some of the tools I still use today were created by George!

What has been some of the principal challenges in acquiring your understanding and skills in shoemaking?

Some of the key challenges I faced while learning how to become a shoemaker include trying to survive financially while working my craft as I had to purchase many expensive materials. I also found it hard to get an appropriate workshop space. The competitive costs of manufactured products, usually purchased by large companies selling cheap shoes online, played a substantial role in these challenges.

Have you established your shoemaking business as a viable living? If so how long did this take? How hard do you think it is for others to attain this now?

I have been making a living from my company for the past fifteen years; however, I am not raising a family and have reasonably cheap overheads. It took fifteen years to become self sufficient, during which time I got a very small government small business support and enlisted myself in a small business coach training class. I would say it would be rather challenging to achieve this sufficiency today, which explains the reason why there are so few making a living in the field in Australia today.

Have you had any mentors? Or have the skills of your trade dissipated and had to be taught again?

Yes, other shoemakers whom I have met along the way have been of excellent support. Other shoemakers and all of the famous ones, have been inspirational to me. Some shoemakers have written novels, which can be a priceless asset to shoemakers worldwide.

What do you feel that an apprenticeship for shoemaking might look like that provides producers the skills they will have to establish themselves today?

I think more government subsidies for establishing little companies and a wage subsidy for traineeships would make a considerable difference. Furthermore, there needs to be a legitimate modern apprenticeship for shoemaking that’s modelled around hands-on learning under the guidance of a professional instructor master. I think training in up-to-date business skills and specific computer skills (i.e. pattern making and graphics) should also be a basic part of future apprenticeship models for shoemakers.

Obviously, shoes are mass produced on a gigantic scale. What has this meant for the design and quality of the merchandise?

Shoes are created on a gigantic scale for mass consumption, even more so for online shoes stores. And while mass-produced shoes can be amazing merchandise they also come with defects; they can be challenging to repair due to short sighted manufacturing processes and they may not match the client well. These are value added into the potential customer experience by a revival in artisans in the current world.

How has the current marketplace, with abundant mass production, influenced what you produce and how you make it?

The pressures of modern manufacturing have led to tight competition in the industry that the few bespoke shoemakers which did survive from the transaction were often left offering orthopaedic shoe manufacturing services and therapy shoes which are hard to manufacture by machine! Higher material costs and workshop running costs have also impacted the bespoke shoemaking business; as a result, our numbers got smaller, especially over past 50 years.

Can there be a revival of the traditional method of manufacturing in shoemaking today, and if so why do you think that is? Are producers creating new value in traditional production processes or is the consumer now only perceiving value in it?

For ethical reasons there is an increasing demand for handmade goods with a very low influence on the environment.

A young generation of shoemakers with style consciousness and ethical position are offering a unique and intriguing range of goods for market clients; the merchandise is modern, made to measure, and less conservative than previous strategies and styles. Likewise, customers are actively searching for shoes that are made from environmentally sound glues and materials providing gentler foot care than cheaply manufactured, synthetic products.

As a contemporary craftsperson, how are you making this craft relevant and shaping it for the future?

I’m continually changing my designs to keep up with fashion trends. I have increased publicity for renovation and repair service, as customers are increasingly aware of the need to purchase less and appreciate good design. I also offer classes, giving people a creative experience in my workshop; this is a growing trend that is reasonably rewarding for creatives.

Additionally, in order to respond to a growing need for Vegan, cruelty free fashion, I have recently experimented with completely vegan shoes with a hemp canvas top. The public response to this is very positive and I am busy researching this further, the most important market for this is in women’s sneakers.

As Imaginative topics Have Been sidelined in Britain, I argue that art is essential for young people, as a medium for reflection, emotion and passion, and a way of challenging ourselves and the world about us.

Anyone who has been within 10 feet of me personally will be familiar with my love of art; I’ve studied it throughout my life and even been a year 9 tutor for art during my university days. What is predictable is that anybody over age 30 with a maths level will turn their nose up at it and push me down the “study what is used” pit (no more stereotyping thought). Art is such a huge part of my entire life and I will say the exact same for numerous other young folks: it is a popular option at GCSE and also a wonderful introduction into the creative industries which includes everything from the traditionally thought high-end art to clothing design of and on, common pieces such as basketball hoodies are flourishing in the 21st century. It disturbs me that it is being sidelined, particularly here in Britain, in which there is this obsession with all so-called “academic” subjects.

Within my first ever art class my instructor spoke about how using Various mediums can create unique outcomes. I’d assert that art is a medium in itself. It is a medium for expression, emotion and passion, and the outcome? Well, it is infinite. Art was used to present remarks and challenge jurisdiction. It has been utilized to capture some of the most renowned moments ever and it’s caught the imagination of a few of the most outspoken people. And, just as miraculously, artwork has been a means for normal people to pour their hearts out with no burden of words. As long as we remain true to this, artwork is as close to immortality as we will ever get.

The Way to draw… a self portrait

Which moves me on to my next stage. What’s art really Supposed to be? What’s it supposed to do, precisely? In the event that you should ask me what type of artwork I love most, I would say it is the artwork that actually says something. I am fairly firmly against the conservative thought that art should just replicate character and, regrettably, that is the notion underpinning the majority of those Art GCSE syllabus. “See how well it is possible to catch that manifestation, how best to replicate that darkness” — it is all about precision, about mindless repetition. If it was not for my year 11 tutor who forced me to branch out into a number of the more advanced artists, then I do not know if I would genuinely adore the matter, and also to understand that basically, it’s all about freedom of expression.

My favorite artist has been, and still is without a doubt, Picasso. Odd, considering that when I was younger all I found in his creations were a heap of strange lines and shapes. Now, however, I have come to respect him. Not due to his style itself, but the guts behind it. Instead of painting pretty pictures of shores and lakes that he composed with cubism, a brand new, strange and sometimes mad artwork style that included fragmented subjects and daring, abstract outlines. Out of all of his work, my favorites are his portraits. It is fascinating how he breaks down and remoulds the human body until it’s just 3 quarters recognisable, and a single quarter pure emotion. Picasso once said, “The world does not make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?” After hearing this, I fell in love with artwork again.

Picasso’s 1941 portrait of his mistress, “Dora Maar With Cat” sold for an outstanding $95 million at Sotheby’s on May 4, 2006, becoming the second most expensive painting in market history. It was hoping to sell for upwards of $40 million, but the winning bid of $95, 216, 000, for example commission, captured even Sotheby’s officials by surprise.

Obviously, everybody reading this will be a passionate reader (or at least I hope), however while authors are rather common, what about performers in literature? Well let’s just say if there was a publication with an artist to get a principal character it may be about pink alien in Nike sneakers and basketball shorts battling tortoises, it’d still be on my coffee table within a week. Because novels about performers are just two tales folded in one: the narrative in which you find a personality through their activities, their address, and their notions; and the next narrative, where you understand about what’s deepest within them, what even they may not be conscious of, concealed in the cracks of the artwork.

In this month’s teen book club read, I Will Provide You the Sun By Jandy Nelson, we’ve got two celebrity twins to follow along with. While the book is already celebrated as a narrative of love, jealousy and loss, artwork is essential to the narrative of the 2 sisters: Noah, a genius writer, and Jude, a master sculptor. Noah’s enthusiasm for painting is expressed vividly in the publication. He speaks a language of color that a reader could lose themselves in translating: “Jude barfs bright blue fluorescent barf all on the dining table”. It is a really distinct and definitely exciting spin on metaphors that enable viewers to delve deeper in his thoughts. Jude, on the other hand, sets out to make a sculpture of her deceased mother; I believed it was a gorgeous way to express something so raw, and also yet another example of how artwork in publications can provide an entirely new interpretation of personalities.

Art is a Gorgeous part of the planet we reside in, if we read on it, make it ourselves or just love it. And do not be fooled Into believing art is something that you’d only find at a gallery or display; it is Everywhere from a luxury European bistro in Melbourne Australia to a small tribe in the Amazon, even the cold halls of a hospital in Newcastle. Provided that you recall what art actually is, you can see how it’s influenced everything we’ve ever built.

Have you ever thought about the role of art in our lives? There is art in everything around us. Every individual is equipped with some form of art since birth, it’s not just what we see in a display showcase in a museum. Also, each one has a different view of art, which makes it very subjective. Art makes everything more presentable and interesting. It is such a large and inherent part of our lives that we don’t even take notice of it, most of the times. You could have a general view of art right away. Look at your surrounding, isn’t their art everywhere? Right from lamps, tables, chairs to paintings and the design of your windows, the list is endless. So, let’s have an insight into how important art is in our lives.

Art is a reflection of an individual’s beliefs. We see individuals putting up their ideas in the form of art. It is an easy way to make yourself heard without the need of a voice. People depict a lot of things through art like love, hatred, boredom, sexuality, resentment and much more. It is their way of giving expression to their thoughts. Art is used by people to explore their creative self to add value to their life.

Art is also used to make things around you lively. You can change your surrounding to give it a more meaningful look. It includes simplest of things like changing the color of your curtains, putting up colorful paintings on the wall, trying a new hairdo, anything at all which brings happiness. You can also use art when you write something, in not only the handwriting but also the way you write. Trying a novel way would definitely fetch you good results.

Have you ever thought why are you taught art at school? Art is introduced at school level because it is a way into children’s mind. Their brain gets stimulated to grab what they learn from the environment. As a result they try to put it in the small space provided to them. Eventually, children learn the usage of art. They learn how art can be used instead of the written form. Also, they can be taught through art. Remember drawing an apple for the first time? You were made to draw it so that you could identify its features perfectly.

These days psychologists use art showcases with children to understand their thought process. They are made to draw whatever they feel like and then these drawings are analyzed and evaluated to find a solution to their problems.

Art is used directly as well as indirectly. Where there are people who make art there are also people who appreciate it. The latter make business out of art. They invest into the others’ creations, for example, publishers, newspapers, magazine editors, fashion houses and the list continues. This way, art is a part of everyone’s life.

Lastly, art is beyond language. It has the power to connect the world. No matter where you go, you can understand and appreciate art.