Mariano Andreacchio

2008-02-24T11:10:00.001+09:00

2007-12-14T16:19:00.000+09:00

New Links

2007-09-14T09:53:00.000+08:00

So a new post, I've been in the process of adding lots of work to various websites to gain some exposure - and thought I should link them all together! So I guess this is my "writing and thoughts" area!

New links to some of my other work.

www.studioreepa.deviantart.com (Some digital work - still adding heaps)
www.myspace.com/reepajr (Examples of work, little bit more about me)

It's back!

2007-06-25T11:38:00.000+08:00

After close to a year since my last post - I have decided to come back to this blog and update it regularly with my thoughts, writing and much of my work from the last two semesters.

Much of my automotive rendering work will be posted soon so check back soon!

God bless.

Portfolio Development Rationale

2007-06-25T11:30:00.000+08:00

For all the differences in practices, methodologies and every alteration in design – every automotive designer will agree that presentation is everything in the automotive industry. The manner in which a designer presents themselves and their work can often be the finishing touch to an excellent body of work and positive attitude that will grant employment.

Gaining entry into the automotive industry can be a difficult task, and when pitted against thousands of other designers and students one needs a striking portfolio, a brilliant mindset and a highly developed skill base. All this is centred around one thing – one’s ability to sketch.
Design professionals all around the world still believe that hand sketching skills, be it manual or digital, are the most important skills a young designer needs. "Companies want to see a lot of sketching, so it's important to have really big portfolios from young people showing everything". (CDN, 07)

The portfolio is one of the most important tools a designer has to promote themselves, however it is not just a mere collection of work presented to impress people to gain employment, it is a visual resume – and something to take pride in. It is important to plan out the portfolio and strategise the way it is set out – so that it flows intelligently from one point to another. “According to one designer, "the ones that stand out have a consistent design line"” (CDN, 07). This can be achieved with a designed template and a shared typeface, or graphics that tie the whole folio together.

For an automotive designer – like many other designers – development work is the most important part of the design portfolio – as it showcases how one thinks about form, function and the way an idea is developed from an idea into a finished proposal / product. These things are imperative as they help communicate the way a designer owns their own design process, understands 3D form and demonstrates creativity. This work is excellent when explaining your design process to prospective employers, as one tutors them in the way they work – allowing for feedback, praise or advice.

This is not to say that finished pieces do not hold merit in a portfolio – as these pieces are used to bring light to certain skills such as CAiD rendering ability or hand modelling skills – and are often a direct link to the designer’s resume, to offer proof about a certain skill listed. They also give testament to good presentation skills and a designer’s taste and neatly wrap up a certain “chapter” in the design portfolio.

Considering portfolio size is also another important decision to make; and often, one will need to print many versions of the portfolio for different interview situations. An A4 booklet is more personal, convenient and easy to read by one person – so this style and size works perfectly when mailing a portfolio package to an employer, or participating in an over the phone interview, perhaps for an initial internship interview. However, this format is not suited for face-to-face interviews, as in the automotive industry it is not uncommon to be interviewed by two to three designers and a member of human-recourses.

As it can be awkward and uncomfortable for a group of interviewers to peer over one small booklet, many designers recommend A3 sized, landscape folios as they are large enough to see from across a table and small enough to share in an interview with one person. A3 sized folios are also offer enough space to fill the page with development work. Larger format folios such as A2 sized folios are great for larger interviews but many designers seem to prefer the smaller A3 size for its neatness and flexibility.

Many designers also recommend creating a secondary document to compliment the portfolio, filled with the bulk of the development work for each project.

A diverse range of design projects in a portfolio communicates to the employer that the designer is open-minded, adaptable and capable of designing all sorts of different products. Remembering that the overall composition of the folio must be flowing, “you've got four minutes before an interviewer's mind is made up so hit them with the best stuff first -and make sure you leave on a high too, (CDN, 07)” so it is very important to allow work to speak for itself, and let the previous example of your work compliment the next one.

As mentioned earlier, a portfolio is not a mere collection of work – but a structured and planned flow of high energy and a diverse range of examples of work communicating who one is as a designer, and what they are able to bring to a company. It should be creative and inspiring, have an element of prestige and an element of fun – and it should be updated continually.

Introspective Analysis 2007

2007-06-25T11:26:00.000+08:00

Automotive design is a vastly diverse and competitive industry, filled with fast-paced design and many challenges. Automotive styling is but one of the many different divisions within automotive design, but perhaps one of the most popular. Automotive styling, simply put, is designing an aesthetic for vehicles, creating beautiful form and thinking of vehicles differently – as sculptures on wheels rather than just vehicles. It is a discipline requiring excellent output and communication skills, and a perfectionist detailing mindset with an appreciation for beautiful forms all around.

Depending on the automotive manufacturer, each design process is significantly different to one another, in the way work is executed, and the thinking / philosophy behind the design work itself.

General Motors, for example, has a very structured approach to design development, where a design brief is set in the beginning and development begins. Designers are segmented into manageable divisions where they perform one certain task, and then liaise with other design sectors to propel the design process. Initially, visualisation and conceptual designers spend time sketching and creating forms and developing chosen concepts. Liaising with CAiD sculptors and engineers, these concepts are developed and lead into prototyping almost immediately as the work flow must be rigid, rapid and sharp.

Alfa Romeo – however – is the complete opposite to this design process. Here, there are no segments in the design team – every designer works in each aspect of the vehicles design process. The design process is fundamentally different also, as designers begin a design process with initial sketches and then immediately build a full sized clay model, to observe over the next year – getting to know every surface and how it translates to the rest of the vehicle, and developing vehicles in this way, a much slower but richer process of design, rich with a sense of passion and culture in the “sculpting” of the vehicle.

These two design studios, along with all other automotive design studios share one commonality; a fairly “Top-Down” design approach, in that design directors and department heads can often receive instruction from regional directors to stop certain projects and begin different ones, or an example of presentations containing new design projections that costs the company millions not being convincing enough, the process must start again, with more cost effective solutions in place.

Ultimately, automotive styling is an exciting and diverse field with various challenges and opportunities to work around the world.

Beginning study with the intention of working in furniture and electronics design, I found quickly that I was very interested in form and aesthetics of components and the overall design. Through this interest I naturally began to appreciate the sophistication and complexity of vehicles everywhere, developing a keen interest in Australian and Italian vehicles, mainly Holden’s aggressive sports/passenger vehicles and Alfa Romeo’s stylish, sculptured exteriors and luscious interiors.

After working on a partnership project for six months with Ford Australia and gaining valuable working experience and mentoring from design professionals I developed my own unique design process that relied heavily on digital hand sketching and development of form through re-drawing, much like automotive designers do in the industry now.

It is my desire to work in the automotive industry as an automotive exterior stylist and interior form designer, as I have a passion for exterior beauty and interior tranquillity. I have wanted to work in large design teams on singular projects, making use of the newest technology to create an excellent vehicle both in its functionality and its emotion.

The idea of being employed in a large, structured company that allows me to continually work in the same way on various different projects is exciting and also convenient. GM-Holden & Ford-Australia are both companies that employ incredible amounts of resources in design and production and function in tight units that are manageable and fit into a larger design team – which produce vehicles that are uniquely Australian, and have a particularly aggressive design physique.

After a brief investigation into the design and manufacturing process at Toyota, I found myself particularly interested in their “Kaizen” design method, where every person working for the company has a direct input into the design process through reflection of process and execution. The interesting working environment/strategy has led me to want to experience this to engage in reflection and create efficient processes.

The additional benefit of being employed at one of these companies is simply the fact that they operate directly in Melbourne, as I do not want to travel overseas to work until I have created a foundation of work and family in Australia.

However, once I gain the relevant experience I am looking for, it is my plan to move to Turin, Italy to design for Alfa Romeo’s design studios as the notion of exterior design culture has been fascinating to me, along with the idea of designing a sculpture on wheels, and being an Italian myself, I have a deep desire to work in my home country later on in life and experience the culture that would be missed when travelling earlier.

Gaining employment into the automotive industry can be quite difficult, and very confusing. However from previous years experience I have learned that the best way to penetrate the Australian automotive industry is to win design internships or participate in graduate programs.
These one to three year long programs provide the industry with young, talented design students which they can mould into experienced and capable automotive designers and engineers and after these programs are completed, employment is usually granted to the student.

Currently, GM-Holden, Ford Australia and Toyota Australia offer design internships or “co-ops,” accepting applications in June of every year. The application process is long and usually ends in the months of November. Each company recruits interns differently, and from previous experiences in both Ford and Holden’s intake processes I am familiar with both intensive recruiting processes as I reached the stage selecting winner from the final three students both years running.

The application process is simple, where students complete an online questionnaire providing details such as educational background, study courses and areas of interest. Once approved design interviews are set up and various stages of folio presentations and design exercises are undertaken. Based on how well one does in each of these stages progresses them into the next rounds. (Refer to Fig 1 for details on recruitment.)

Upon success the company issues a vocal offer and a written contract is drafted. Employment then begins on January 21st of the following year. The design internships are a full-time working position within the company, operating five days a week, 9am – 5pm.

Another way to enter the Australian automotive design industry is to directly meet with department heads and designers working in the industry. Typically, the industry will never have “job-vacancies” rather when a company sees potential in a designer they will create a position for them. (Wadsworth, 2006) It is a known fact that networking with automotive designers in the industry greatly improves chances of employment as the community is rather small and is constantly evolving, so the possibility of working with designers at various locations and times is quite common.

In reflection to my previous attempts at winning a design co-op, I was pleased with being chosen as a finalist twice – but was obviously disappointed to have not been offered a position. When speaking to designers and recruitment managers I found that while I had the necessary thought process required to be an automotive designer – I had trouble communicating ideas through drawings, which were often messy and out of proportion. I believe through the rigorous practice I have undertaken that I have remedied this.

Another issue that hindered my selection was the fact I was displaying finished pieces and concept design drawings – and not enough development work and re-drawing (draw, trace, change) which seemed to be the most efficient way of designing vehicles in the industry – however, by utilising my WACOM digital tablet I am able to work in this style quite quickly and easily – and have since designed many vehicles using this technique.

Once employed and experienced in the Australian industry – I plan to contact Alfa Romeo’s design school in Turin, Italy and negotiate possible study and employment – as it would be next to impossible to gain employment with Alfa Romeo right after completing studies in Australia, as they recruit solely from their design school based in Turin. The study course is a two year automotive design course created to mould students / designers into Alfa Romeo designers, much like the internship processes in Australia.

In conclusion, I have a strong focus driving me toward the automotive industry – a passion for vehicles large and small, creative concept cars and innovative new interior designs. I feel I have the knowledge and some strong experience to gain employment as an automotive designer either as an intern or as a working designer when I complete my final year of study.
My final major projects will be a reflection of this knowledge and will be two large vehicles projects allowing me to master surface modelling technology and hand modelling skills.

These final projects will then feature in both the RMIT and a private exhibition where I will personally invite the automotive design directors from Ford (whom I worked with) along with Toyota and Holden’s chief designers (whom I have also contacted before.)

These final projects will give a gratifying finishing touch to my design portfolio and will hopefully give me the leverage I need to advertise myself more strongly other automotive design graduates and candidates.

Mariano Andreacchio.

Thoughts of your surroundings. ( Scenario Thinking Exploration )

2006-07-29T14:16:00.000+08:00

Story Telling

Designing objects, no matter how large or small requires one to consider context, to be able to see a product in life. Without considering a product’s context, it can be said that one is hampering that product’s ability to perform in the life of an end-user. This context, must not only be considered, but observed and utilized to aid the designer in creating a realistic product that addresses the many needs of the target market and most importantly – allows that user to enjoy using the product.

Scenario thinking is a method designers use to view a product in its context, allowing design teams to make informed decisions about functionality and practicality of a certain product or idea. Scenario thinking can be defined as a context driven development process, where designers regularly question and reflect upon the immediate interaction between a product and a user. It can be said that scenario thinking is much like writing a story, an outline for a screenplay, where one takes a product and considers how that product interacts with people in their every day lives, how that product assists them in performing tasks and how the product evolves through use.

Scenario thinking is a versatile research methodology that can be employed at any stage in the design development process. This sort of thinking allows a designer to work in a non linear process, where initial research is conducted, and at a later date reflected upon and altered according to new ideas and findings. Scenario thinking is not iron-clad research, it is conceptual in nature and allows for criticism and reflective studies, where it can be altered and used again to evolve ideas.

Many designers use scenario thinking as a way of identifying with the end-user of a product. Others use it as a means of reflection, continuously referring back to previous story-boards or video-recordings to assess product performance in certain scenarios – allowing the designer to homogenise ideas from early, and late areas of the development process.

The obvious reason that this methodology is employed as a research method is its ability to inform designers of issues by allowing them to look at a broader picture, designing not only an object but an environment around it. Scenario thinking also has a strong communication essence, allowing designers to explain the way an object lives in its context. Most importantly, it allows for a great deal of criticism and justification, as issues such as human emotions are addressed in the product’s environmental context.

One can sum up Scenario thinking as a comic strip, a theatrical play or a movie. The context is an environment where the product lives. The actors are end-users and clients. Emotions and ideas are spawned through communication, and justification.

1

Developing Scenarios.

There are many methods of Scenario Thinking. Many employ group discussion, where designers congregate and think collectively about the target user, and the kind of features their certain design was created to adapt to that target user’s life.

The most common version of visual scenario thinking is the “storyboard / comic strip” style, where designers sketch out a story board of events in a user’s day, which surround the product. This instantly puts the product into context, allowing for designers to make informed decisions about interaction and or styling, ect.

This method is useful because it is fast to perform, allows for the creation of alternate scenarios that the product can be found in. This type of developing scenario is heavily conceptual, so it is always changing in nature, as the ideas become more in depth so does the story board. It is also useful as it allows designers to quickly communicate ideas and illustrate decisions made and why by using past story boards. They are also useful when presenting products to lay-clients – to communicate how that product fits into the target user’s life, and how they interact with that product.

Body storming, in a design team can also be an effective way of scenario thinking, as one assumes the role of the user – and tries to re-enact what the user would be doing with a certain product.

Another method of developing scenarios for analysis is the notion of using video stories. (McDonnell, Lloyd & Valkenberg 2004) This style of scenario thinking involves recording an end user in the chosen environment (home/office ect.) or, a recording of the actual design team during decision making processes throughout the development process. Usually employed in the mid-later stages of a design process, this style of scenario thinking challenges designers to reflect upon decisions made throughout the development process, and justify them when compared to market needs and information gathered from story board studies.

This method is useful because it can be said that recording and viewing yourself can be quite confronting, and a design team realises things that could have been different, could have been better. When considering video stories through a market user’s perspective, one receives direct, unbiased information about using a certain product, be it in the home or office, and when presented to that user – a slight reflective questioning session may be used to gain information on why the user used the product in such a way.

Dr. Hubert and Dr. Stuart Dreyfus are renowned for writings about reflection, alternative learning schemes and perhaps more appropriately – their ideas of how to gauge designers expertise through a method of reflection of actions. One particular idea the Dreyfus brothers suggested is the notion that there are five levels of design expertise that can be briefly categorised to represent designer’s expertise, talent and skill levels. (McDonnell, Lloyd & Valkenberg 2004)

2

Reflection.

These categories are Novice, Advanced Beginner, Competent, Proficient and Expert designers. (McDonnell, Lloyd & Valkenberg 2004) Each of these categories has particular characteristics that are used to reflect upon and gauge a designers expertise and performance levels (Jaggant.) Perhaps the most obvious connection between the need of scenario thinking in a project and design potential / design expertise is the obvious difference between Novice and the other categories.

Novice level designers exhibit “a restricted set of context-free rules to decide what to do. It can be said that without the use of scenario thinking, one does not consider context, therefore – not allowing both the product and themselves to progress higher up the Dreyfus brother’s chart. One can be notified of this problem by reflection, a method many designers use to justify ideas, decisions and remind themselves of certain feelings toward different design situations.

It can be said that reflection is experiential learning, where one’s experiences drive the learning process. As a means of reflection, the designer can record certain decisions made at the time they are made, to later return to that decision and review it, this is mostly used through video stories, where design teams are evaluated in their scenario as a means for solid reflection of decisions, character and group dynamics for future projects.

The process of scenario thinking is the same as the process of constructing video stories. One actively puts themselves in the perspective of the user, and has preconceptions about the user they envision. They design a product for the world that the user inhabits. One can offer that this is related to the Schon theory on ‘Reflection-by-Action’, where one thinks and acts on an every day basis to inform design.

As this continues, a user / product, evolves and so must the design – so must the context – and here is where reflection is vital. At this level, a designer can develop an understanding through interpretation. Interpretation of a specific emotion of the target users, the enjoyment factor, practicality of certain products and the way they shape lives. Through this interpretation, a designer continues to learn about the task at hand, which can also be considered as a subconscious reflection in itself.

Reflection is another way to gather valuable information from target users that may assist the design team in the creation of video stories, where – once a sufficient amount of information is gathered surrounding the product in an environment – the filmed is interviewed and shown themselves using the particular product, and asked why they performed functions in certain ways, evolving the product furthermore.

It can be said that reflection in scenario thinking, whether through a video, story board or interview, allows the project’s context to evolve and become more dynamic – through experience, through human emotion. The context of that product then transverses “object” status and becomes something part of everyday life.

3

Influence.

Through personal experience, it can be said that Scenario Thinking aids the design process by giving it character, by giving it definition and evolution. Throughout this semester I have been forced to think about how my vehicle will be, as an example;

Perceived, through styling.
Perceived in its environment – the central CBD or along a beach for instance.
Kinds of engine dynamics – why hybrid technology needs to be employed.

I have also been required to innovatively create an interior habitat space for the driver and passengers. This is where scenario thinking has evolved my design process. Using the story-board technique originally, I planned out the act of driving through the city – and using the storage devices in the vehicle. Using this technique allowed me to visualize how one would drive my vehicle and operate the storage systems in a real situation, not just a hypothetical scenario.

This scenario gave birth to the idea of having safety cells inside the vehicle’s seats that allowed the driver to lock up valuables while driving or leaving them secure while parked. It also gave birth to the idea of having small storage cells at the edge of the seats, in between the leg areas – which allowed the driver to keep perhaps, heir keys, phone, e-tag – in a comfortable spot while driving.

In terms of user ergonomics, I used body storming to communicate to myself – and others – what ways my certain ideas would work, how they were accessed by users and when they could be accessed.

Scenario thinking allowed me to view what ways my design would work, and what ways it wouldn’t. This has evolved my design into a relatively focussed, comfortable car that allows the city dweller, to the suburban parent to enjoy the benefits of hybrid technology in a small, tight package.

As mentioned in the review article attached, I also learned:

- Learned of a gauging system in which to gauge myself as a designer; five rating levels that allow me to critically assess myself and my performance levels as a designer – and with reflection, allow me to interpret gathered information about myself to acquire new skills as a designer, and in turn break certain boundaries.

- Began to understand the notion of “breaking down mind barriers.” A concept presented to me by Dr. Soumitri Varadarajan last year in his studio. With each reflection of my performance, I am able to throw a boundary down, and better myself as a designer.

- Presented the importance of scenario thinking as a method of communication. Gives the notion that scenario thinking is a narrative, a story – validated my idea of a ”comic-book” of life.

Frustration sets in.

2006-03-05T21:07:00.000+08:00

So I've been sitting here all weekend preparing for a very important interview at Ford's design base that a guy in fourth year named Damien set up.

I've been nervous all weekend - scurrying about looking for work I feel is "good" enough for them to see. However, like with Holden, I feel like nothing is good enough. I have looked over every sketch book, every project and found nothing I am happy with - and nothing I feel they will be happy with.

I've sucked myself into a void of doubt. In particular, I am worried about my sketching ability - something I have been frustrated with for the last 3 years. I practiced as much as I could - but I see no results. I have read a book on "how to draw cars," but can't seem to find a way to incorporate my drawing style to the very hard sketch style.

I stayed up all night sketching away new concepts - which I feel are just no good because I can't come up with anything I deem good because I can't properly sketch out these ideas. It is just a technical skill - but God it is the one thing that brings me down every time.

I'll be attending the interview with my studio lecturer, Deanne - a woman who is quite awesome, I think, but scares he hell outta me because I feel I can't live up to her expectations. Right now I feel like I can't live up to any expectations...

There were things I wanted to get out of this year - like building my drawing 3D modelling skills, but unfortunately there was nothing on offer. So I took up a Tram styling elective, and the Company Partnership studio, which is where I am now going tomorrow.

I don't know why but theres this massive mountain in front of me, that I thought I had climbed, but have discovered another one. All its saying is "you're not good enough," and all I keep trying to tell myself is "keep going."

Man I missed my journal...

Cellular World

2006-02-25T00:30:00.000+08:00

So I'm thinking.

A few weeks back my girlfriend lost her phone at a club. Immediately after we noticed (30 seconds later) we returned to the seat to find the phone gone and switched off. This put my girlfriend in an immediate state of shock and regret. The both of us were upset, and went home.

The next day she slept in, was late for work, and felt very much out of contact with everyone.

And so I thought to myself, look how much we as humans rely on such a device. It starts our day by waking us, keeps us in contact with out loves ones, tells us the time. We listen to music on them, plan out our weekend, set reminders and to do lists. I found it incredible that we have come to rely on these phones as if to survive.

It was two days later when we had already purchased another phone as a replacement - it seemed that it was very hard to be "out of the loop," out of contact, un-reachable. It is as if there is a smaller world in ours that revolves around phones. Even young children as young as 12 now use phones, to conform to this new "system."

I found it amazing though, when I thought back to first year camp - we had no phones for three days - and I felt completely free, but perhaps thats because I still had it with me...

An interesting thought I had.

So much more to come

2006-02-21T05:28:00.000+08:00

I have been trying to find the time to blog during the holiday period only to find I had none, so on the morning before I go and check out the new studios this year - I decided to post this as a reminder to myself.

I've wanted to post for a couple of weeks about a thought I had about my girlfriend's lost phone.

I've wanted to post alot about the thoughts in my head over the holidays.

I now want to post about the sudden anxiety I feel as I sip my tea before I step into a new year.

How I've missed you blog.

Too long...

2006-01-30T00:49:00.000+08:00

It's been two months exactly since my last blogging. And I find it quite hard to come back to this, being so disconnected from the world these holidays.

Its been weird, I have withdrawn myself from the world - almost to the point where I dont feel like doing anything but sitting around at home.

Who knows, when school starts it'll be ok but until then im going crazy doing nothing.

Work sucks as always, but oh well. Just a quick note to assure myself I'll be back soon.

Muz

The Studies of an Arcane Scholar (Design Methods Essay)

2005-11-25T18:24:00.000+08:00

Creativity, a notion that I – for a very long time – believed was a trait that one was born with, a natural gift to be able to think laterally to others; in where left brain analytical thinking was turned off and replaced by right brain imagination.

However, through my learning throughout this semester, I have learned that creativity can be regarded as a skill; something which can be taught, and improved. It was through learning this that many questions were answered, many weights lifted from my shoulders.

“Are people more naturally creative than I?” Perhaps not, however, these people have learned to hone their skills and thought processes and thus, have become more creative. This paper will give three examples of how to use creative techniques to bolster your creative energy.

The Questioning Technique:
The questioning technique doubles as a creativity tool and a problem solver. A group no less than four people join together and write on cards four questions – each question being given a certain amount of time to allow for equal input by every person in the group. The questions are as follows:

What is the problem? This question is asking the group to identify the certain problem or design need for a certain task, for example; having too much wasted materials in construction sites is a problem. Another problem would be that these materials are thrown away when they could be used.

Why is it like that? This question asks the group to identify reasons why the problem exists, for example; the reason over-wastage occurs in construction sites can be a number of things, builder culture, building designs will not compensate for materials and material integrity (new materials are better than recycled/reused ones) being three.

What else could it be? This question asks the group to come up with creative ideas for a solution; anything goes here – this is a completely free section where every idea is valid, and each group member must contribute at least one idea based on the last two discussions.

What else should it be? This question asks the group to find a solution for the problem - or come as close as possible – from all the information in the discussions over the last three questions. This question is used to rationalise many of question 3’s results, and through a series of elimination, a solution may be found.

Using this method allows group members to equally participate in design work, and using methods like these can help fuel creative thought as the group members motivate each other. This technique is exceptionally useful when starting off a project.

The Paper Lantern:
The paper lantern is a physical project that takes time, effort and above all, patience. This project is the perfect way to improve ones creativity in right brain thinking because it completely rules out analytical thinking.

Left brain thinking requires planning, execution – one must think, then sketch, from a sketch they develop a CAiD model and finally produce it. The paper lamp however, forces a designer to slow down their thought process and just experiment with paper, how it feels, how it works.

The designer must first begin experimenting with different types of paper; newspaper, card and finally moving on to rice paper. Wetting it, letting it dry, folding it; these are all small experiments that yield great results; because one does not plan how something may look, instead one waits and sees what happens. It is a process of slowing down.

Once the experimentation is complete the designer must then construct a lamp, using the methods he/she used in experimenting, and create a six foot high paper lamp, constructed ONLY of paper and wire. With no constraints, and no design style, the designer can be free to create whatever they wish out of the paper.

Assimilate Assumptions:
A final technique to use to strengthen creativity is simple. Do not assume, do not answer questions. If a question has been asked, there are two ways to answer it; the zoological approach and the literary approach.

Obviously, the zoological approach is analytical in nature, and leave very little room for creative flair. This approach always limits questions or design needs with answers right away and leaves no room for exploration.

The literary approach is the alternative – lateral thinking. It does not answer the question but asks another, and leaves no boundaries, allowing a designer to explore seamlessly into a question. It allows one to go off onto a complete tangent, where the question is forgotten and the answer is lost.

An example of these types of thinking follows:

A ROSE IS:

Zoological- A flower > a plant > an organism > a series of cells.

Literary- Shakespeare > smell > beautiful > Gutrudstien > “is a rose, is a rose”

The difference is quite obvious. So never answer questions, always leave room for more.

Mariano Andreacchio.

Paper Lantern

2005-11-25T12:55:00.000+08:00

And finally the paper lantern has been born. It was not until I sat and did this project all day that I realised what it was, a means to slow down and to think about what you are really doing. To make decisions based on creative thought instead of logicality. Through the process of wetting the rice paper, scultping it into the "flames" at the top and then hand drying it with a dryer as I twisted the middle part to keep it strong - I created the lantern. In finishing, I decided to add a small amount of wire, as a detail - because the lamp was completely self supporting.

And so, I give you Studio ReePA's Paper Lantern. For me, it was a trying journey - but in completion, I have learned to sit back and slow down - and really look into the detail of things.

"Unfortunately"

2005-11-23T14:44:00.000+08:00

HR reperesentative called me up today. Was driving home from doing the paper lamp at uni, feeling both sick from the bad flu I have and over-tiredness from work the night before. Get a nice phone call in reply to my email I sent to Holden asking for my status on the Internship.

I didn't get it. And apparently I missed out by "the absolute skin of your teeth," which is how she put it. I had "everything we are looking for, the perfect behavioral and skilled student." Confusion set in as my heart broke into two.

Why I missed out? Apparently my sketching ability needs work - no shit. I thought I was drafted into a CAiD Design section. Also because I've never used Alias before. Funny that because when I asked the CAiD manager he said selection had nothing to do with whether or not we knew Alias.

So how do I feel? Like a fool. I have gained three things from this.
-I have a drive to remedy my sketching ability and learn Alias.
-I have learned I have what it takes to become a car designer.
-I have learned that failure is disheartening but it is not the end but the beginning.

I am glad I made it this far into the journey, to be shortlisted twice was a very big compliment. I will not say I'm not furious or upset - working for as long and hard as I did for this internship makes me feel down, but it was not in vein - I have learned much from this failure.

The feedback was excellent - apparently they were thrilled by me and my work, thats always nice. They encouraged me to sign up next year, saying they want me in. I'll have to think about that - my confidence in myself right now is quite low.

It was not all in vein. I have changed - not for the better, but I don't know that yet. 2:45... time to go try and recover from this flu.

The Final Thoughts of a Falling Champion. (Reflective Essay)

2005-11-22T15:24:00.000+08:00

“Mariano Andreacchio, “a student of Industrial Design, a student of life.” I am one who appreciates the smaller things in life; a quiet seat out on a porch looking off into the sunset or a cold night with good company. I am one who dabbles in everything, be it drama, song, dance, sport and art, with a mixture of cooking, writing and sometimes just plain getting my hands dirty.
I am a student; I have dedicated my youth to Industrial Design, and will dedicate my life to this broad and wonderful profession. But is it just a profession, I ask myself at night, because the way I have learned to treat it is now a way of life.”

Problem Kya Hai – a wonderfully confusing studio comprised of problem solving techniques, group discussion and what I’ve come to find; family – a community. In beginning the semester I knew no one in the studio half as well as I would have liked. I admired all in the studio, for their ability to sketch, use CAiD, and for their brilliant minds. Minds that questioned, minds that were what I thought were “creative.”

It was this image that I wished to aspire to; to be a person that people come to for ideas, a person of inspiration. In beginning the semester, I had so little confidence in my ability, I felt as if I was anywhere close to that goal. In my mind, I was a skill student; infatuated with the technical perfection and beatification of design work, and in my mind – fore saw myself only ever doing and not thinking in the design world.

However it was not until we neared end of the semester, that I began to look back and truly get a taste for our studio, to understand what was really being said. Through long and deep thought late at night, I began to unfold what, I thought, was really being said; what I have interpreted design to be as “the human journey” as opposed to “the object.”

It was through this reflection of myself and the many incoherent babbles racing through my mind – that I became to realise that I was slowly beginning to inspire myself. The extinguished flame of passion for automobiles suddenly burst into flames again, and I slowly began to add it into my work.

Continuing with my new found inspiration and confidence, I began to become heavily obsessed with the studio’s teachings – and got quite addicted to “Blogging,” a concept I sneered at in first year with our “C-log” for design studies. “A waste of time, no good will come out of it” I thought – how wrong I was.

I began by posting a photo of myself, in my mind visually signing onto the internet, and claiming this space for my own. In reply I had three humorous replies, and thought that the idea of posting might not be so bad. I began posting often. I would visit as often as I could to see if anyone would notice or write comments on my posts. And often found one, possibly from a classmate or Soumitri, commenting on work or encouraging me to take more risks – something I was never comfortable with.

Wondering why I would never get praise for my “technically beautiful” work, I began doing more of it, and advertising my blog online, thought the use of chat programs, family and friends. It was always nice to hear good things – but these compliments only became empty words as I progressed deeper and deeper into the semester. It was through a harsh reflection that I decided to stop seeking fame and focus on my own mind, and the issues inside of it; my loves, hatreds and burning passions.

“With talks with Soumitri, I came to realise the error of my ways. I still praised the object before my great affirmation. I was “Blogging about what I was doing, not what I was feeling.” It was through this realization that I became mature.”

Boldly, I shut my mind off from the world – only concerning myself with my own personal feelings and thoughts. I found the best time to evaluate myself was late at night in bed, a trait that I have observed to be common with many people. Often thinking about goals, and fearfully crawling into a shell of despair when thinking of failure, I learned to no longer be afraid of what you can and can’t achieve – but to work harder at what you can’t until you are no longer afraid. If not the biggest barrier I have ever broken, it was certainly a life changing one.

It was on one epic day however, that I was skimming through a classmate’s – Carl Jones – online blog that I stumbled across his photo collection of a chair he spent his entire semester creating. I spent a whole day looking at the pictures, over and over – of him sketching, building and finally; smiling. The moment where my entire mindset changed in a rapid instant, where everything I ever thought was important was instantly questioned. His inspiring photo journal, teamed with my constant reflection on myself, opened my eyes to what I thought design truly was.

The human journey. I felt lighter in a way – as if something very heavy was torn away from my shoulders. There was no longer the need to create gorgeous things in the beginning, because in the end the most admirable trait of a design is knowing the process the designer went through to create it. The utter happiness in a person’s eyes as they watch others enjoying their “blood, sweat and tears.” The sheer pride one has when knowing they have conquered all the mountains set before them, to see something from their hearts and minds before them to touch.

It was here when design changes from something that makes a living – to something that keeps you living – and here when I began writing my first reflection of my semester “The Memoir’s of a Fallen Hero,” a huge risk for me, as I was never used to talking about my feelings let-alone posting them for the world to see. At this point I was so in love with what I had learned I had no care for what others thought.

Studio ReePA completely changed, from pictures to elaborate writings straight from my head, from seeking praise to shutting out everyone, from a blog to a diary. As hard as it was for me to communicate with others about my feelings; through reflection, I was able to overcome it – and though one cannot physically leap into my mind – my blog of late is visual proof of how my life has changed.

It is now that I reflect again to how I felt in beginning this semester – wishing to aspire to the plane my peers were on; admiring the high achievers for their creativity and love for their learning. Looking back now, I feel I have achieved that goal – in bettering myself, not because I want to be as good as others, but to be comfortable with myself, and to inspire myself to achieve more.

My last thoughts as I close the book of 2005 are a collection of warm, happy thoughts of times where we’d sit and enjoy each others thoughts and comments, and each shave them down to the very core to find pieces of ourself. I remember the fellowship we established, something that will never end.

To all of you, with a tear in my eye – I could never have done any of this without you – I am eternally grateful.

Mariano Andreacchio

------------------------------------------------------------------

Special thanks goes out to Jules, Carl, Kate, Soumitri and my girlfriend Joanne;
You have been the most inspiring, supportive and incredible people.
Thankyou.

The last week of Semester Four (again)

2005-11-20T18:44:00.000+08:00

Upcoming posts:

Reflective Essay 2 - A reflection of reflection.

Design Method Essay - Questions that break down walls.

Paper Lantern - Slow down, it will come.

Heavy

2005-11-10T01:56:00.000+08:00

Funny photo of Rob and I from Saturday night.

Holiday season

2005-11-08T23:49:00.000+08:00

Tis' the season to be jolly.

It's the night before my third round interview at GM Holden Australia for the Internship. It's 11:49pm. Tomorrow morning at 9am, I will have my interview with the CAiD design manager and a HR representative. I'm a little stressed, but more comfortable this time, knowing I have loads more to talk about - being told that I had to bring in what I had last time, I decided to do that, and add my second semester folio to give them a little more of a view into my mind.

It includes most of my blog work, EV design work and my reflective essay. My folio consists mainly of CAiD work that I've done; the madonna project, hornet lounge suite, the rim and the suspension set.

I'm praying that they find my work good enough to keep me going in the selection process. The nerves are setting in again. I'm going to have a shave and get all prepared now, so when I wake I can grab my clothes and head on out.

I plan to give a designer friend a call soon, see if I can get some work experience with him before going into the internship (if I get it) next year. The more xp I have the better.

It's 1:01am now. Just got off the phone with my girlfriend. Still need to shower and shave, and get my clothes ready. Off I go then.

Passion drives me.

Muz

Thats all folks

2005-10-28T14:21:00.000+08:00

So it's over. Kya Hai is finished, and I can't seem to feel a bit sad about it. Looking back on how bad this year started out, I guess I found that this studio was the one class I actually engaged in, that I actually took something from.

The class' final presentations were great, and being on the jury panel was a delight, to be able to give my thoughts on everyones semester.

I would like to thank you Soumitri, for this great chance to look at myself. Without you I don't think I could do it.

This blog will continue on, hope to see you all doing the same.

Muz

I hate Photoshop

2005-10-25T03:27:00.000+08:00

I am betrayed. Photoshop has destroyed me tonight. I had fifty pages - FIFTY, finished, all ready to print. My final folio was done. And then photoshop screwed me.

Its almost 4am now and I'm re-doing everything. The resolution somehow changed and fucked EVERYTHING up. Now I need to finish these, drive into school - and hope to not fall asleep - get them printed and bound, and ALSO get the a2 that i did printed up.

Man im tired, and i cant believe this is happening.

The Memior's of a Fallen Legend (Reflexive Poster)

2005-10-24T02:04:00.000+08:00

A reflexive poster. So what does that mean exactly? You could be funny about it and buy a mirror panel or wrap foil over a canvas. In my own mind when I hear the word reflexive I think of the battles and hardship a student has to endure over a period of time, and recalling the emotions and the thoughts from the mind - throwing it all together and showing that there was gain not only in the satisfaction of completion but in that it was a good journey.

And so I took to creating my reflexive poster. A sneak peak of the real thing; it tells a story in five pictures of what I have done over the semester. It is then up to me to tell you the story of how it changed me.

Retraining - Successful

2005-10-20T22:32:00.000+08:00

Heres something that surprised me tonight.

I had to send an email to my studies lecturer about a resubmission of my final essay, and instead of asking what was wrong so that I could resubmit it, I found myself listing arguments FOR my work and why it WAS the right submission.

For my final submission I did an informative article detailing the furute of sustainability in the environment due to vehicle emissions, and eco engine designs. But I also added a small reflection which showed a piece of my transition between start to finish of the project.

Usually I would shut my mouth and say "how do I fix it so that you like it." But something in me is saying, "no, this is good how it is."

I am confident. I am strong.

Folio Interview

2005-10-19T01:12:00.000+08:00

A nervous day. It's Tuesday; 8am. At 11:45am I have an interview in Port Melbourne at Holden for my folio presentation. I'm stressed, I'm scared. I'm stressed because the night before I misplaced my map to find the building I need to go to in Holden's complex. So I call up the HR representative, a lovely lady named Laura. No answer. What am I gonna do? Its less than three hours away now and I don't know where to go.

Oh well, what the hell, I'll go in early, and look myself. My best mate beeps his horn as I put on my shoe, signalling me to come outside and get ready to go. Snatching my folio from my bed, I scoot out of the house into the awaiting car. I am relieved that at least I'm on my way and ahead of schedule. I'm calm for the most part, but lingering in the back of my mind is the thought of rocking up to the wrong building.

We arrive and I run up to the front desk to find out if this is the right building, apparently it is. I am relieved. I hop back in the car and we drive off to have a quick breakfast before I have to go back and he has to go to the dentist. We arrive at Pier 35, a small pier off Fisherman's Bend. It's peaceful out here. Quiet, cool - yet warm. This is elite, I remember thinking to myself.

I order a salami and cheese toasted sandwich. Breakfast of champions. One long macchiato to go with that too. I scoff it down and have a quick smoke and my phone rings. Laura, who tells me that the building I am supposed to be in is completely opposite to the one I was told at front desk. Relief again. Now I know where I'm going.

We pull up to the front carpark, I say my goodbyes and get my good lucks, jump out and proceed to the front entrance, a large swinging glass door opening out into a display room with a new Astra in it. I am greeted only by a security guard, swinging his notepad and sign book at me. I sign in and drop off my only connection to the world outside this building; Nokia. He tells me to wait.

I'm so stressed. What am I going to say? Will they like my folio? What has everyone else got? Calm down Mario, you wouldnt've gotten an interview if you didn't show potential. Relax. I look to my left and see a small Ute toy. It was awesome, completely detailed, die cast, definately die cast I kept telling myself.

Its 11:55. Have they forgotten me? Where are they? Am I in the right building or did I come into the wrong entrance? Instant stress again, until the elevator dings and I see Laura walking toward me. She greets me with a warm hello and a soft handshake, I feel more comfortable now, a little at ease. Up to level two, Design floor.

The hallway is filled with models, a1 design sketch posters, artwork and actual cars. It was crisp and clean, my view of what a design office should look like. I am led into a small conference room, not like the first back in stage one, smaller - more personal.

I greeted the designer who was reviewing my folio, and began the interview. Questions, questions, questions. How do I plan out my work, and prioritise when I have multiple problems to deal with. This thanks goes out to Mr. Pahlow back in Year 12; those Gantt and Flow charts come in handy mate. I proceed to open my folio and show the twelve rendering pages and two hand sketch pages I had prepared.

I critiqued myself many times, and explained what I went through during each project, and looking back on it now, what I got from it and how I would improve. My first year madonna 997 project was a good example. Back then I thought it was awesome and looked great, and from that I thought it was a great design. Looking at it now it's not my best work, but a completely successful learning excersise where I learned to model in 3D.

They loved my enthusiasm, they loved my heart in this work - and even though it was hard for me to talk because I was so nervous, my charisma and work shined through, and spoke for itself. I find out in a week if I get to stage three. My fingers are crossed, I hope and hope.

I am relieved.

Project three

2005-10-12T20:32:00.000+08:00

Revisited the rim design. Decided to look into the front suspension kit of a car, as a representational render for people who are interested in suspension setups. The last CAiD project of the year is finished, and I'm very much relieved. I'm so sick of rendering right now.

Triumphant Return!

2005-10-12T04:30:00.000+08:00

Was on the tram with my girlfriend today on the way to school to finish my final CAiD assignment of the year. My phone rings, so I begin shuffling through my pockets to get to it in time. I finally grasp it and pull it out, to find "Private Number calling." Who could this be I wondered quickly to myself as I answered.

Instant happiness. A reperesentative of Holden. Finally they have gotten in contact with me, and apparently they've been trying all week! Scurraging for a pen and paper and trying to take in so much information, I'm instantly stressed. Very stressed, but glad. I have an interview next Tuesday morning at 11:45.

I'm asked to show my folio, and I wonder shall I only bring in my automotive stuff? She answers a yes. Almost immediately I feel a sort of regret that I didn't find my passions earlier, that I wished I worked on more automotive stuff through the first two years. My girlfriend comforts me, shes great at making me feel better.

Its not until 2:30am in the computer labs that I realised I don't need to regret. Kate and I were speaking, and she told me not to change my work to suit a company - to show them everything I have. I am relieved, thanks so much Kate - your words of wisdom helped more than you know.

4:38am... Been home for half an hour, 9 hours in a lab. I'm tired but I wont sleep. Just like last night. Proposal time tomorrow, that should be fun, followed by a return to the infamous labs for some last minute tweaks to my renderings for presentation on Thursday.

It's upsetting to see I've run out of time for my blog this week, such a big part of my life now. Haven't really had time to do much for studio. Next week will be a week full of kya hai though, so I'll make it up to myself.

Time to sleep too, I owe it to myself.

Fantasy Sketching

2005-10-06T18:27:00.000+08:00

Sketching away in studio yesterday while listening to housekeeping, and hearing music in my head. Haven't done any fantasy art in ages, so I decided to mix design and fantasy art, my two great loves. I wanted to sketch up some armor ideas and send them to a game developer to maybe score a job rendering them for in game use on World of Warcraft. Who knows!

Muz

Late night thoughts.

2005-10-01T04:11:00.000+08:00

I seem to think deeply only very late at night either in bed staring at my roof or sitting on my computer staring into my blog space.

I have started a new job, which I am almost certain I will not be around for much longer. I am originally head matridee in a restaurant on Lygon St. in Carlton - it is a job where I can be myself, enjoy people's company and generally have fun. Over the years though it has lost its flavour, and I am always complaining that I'm sick of it, and want new work - but the last two attempts of doing so have shown me I really don't want another part time job yet.

So I started this new one, working for a successful mens formal-wear designer on Rathdowne St. Being my first job in retail I can be expected to know nothing and be nervous about everything when working. But there is something that I dislike about this job. Could be the terrible pain in my feet. Could be the quiet, uptight nature of everything involved. I just don't know.

I haven't been there for long, but I've learned quite a bit. I'll see how it goes. During the summer break I'm going to try and line up some design work; hopefully that works out. Still waiting on Holden.

So angry

2005-09-28T19:19:00.000+08:00

I envy those who have functional groups. Both of my group presentations are screwed because I'm the only one putting in. Fucking hell.

The Memior's of a Fallen Hero. (Reflexive Term Paper)

2005-09-28T18:44:00.000+08:00

Mariano Andreacchio, “a student of Industrial Design, a student of life.” I am one who appreciates the smaller things in life; a quiet seat out on a porch looking off into the sunset or a cold night with good company. I am one who dabbles in everything, be it drama, song, dance, sport and art, with a mixture of cooking, writing and sometimes just plain getting my hands dirty.
I am a student; I have dedicated my youth to Industrial Design, and will dedicate my life to this broad and wonderful profession. But is it just a profession, I ask myself at night, because the way I have learned to treat it is now a way of life.

This formidable course has been designed to hone a student’s skill-set to become a great designer. In beginning the course, I believed great design came from skills such as sketching, model-making and CAiD mastery. For example; if one could not draw as the “norm” or the expected level was, then one would not produce good design work. This bleak and shallow outlook on design carried through my first three semesters studying.
I believed that if I was not good with these technical skills, then my design work would not shine, would not flourish and people would not respect me. It seemed that many students had mutual attitudes where they would praise the people who could take on board technical skills faster and produce better work.
I too praised many and desired to become great technically, and with my natural bend to computer technology I became excellent with computer aided design. My rapid sketching and rendering skills were much stronger and my confidence in my work was outstanding. In my third semester this all came to a complete halt when I began finding problems with my design work and in turn, lost motivation.

It was not until I started conversations with Dr. Soumitri Varadarajan, that I began to realise what this course really was. We spoke many times, and he showed me that much about design is not sitting up late and creating “flash hot products,” but about the growth and focus of the designer’s mind, and their hearts.
I began to realise how wrong my approach and attitude to the course really was. I was so caught up in technical perfection; I missed the real, subtle point. My mind had not matured, I had not grown. After many sleepless nights, pondering the meanings of things, remembering class tutorials and lectures I began to see what I really missed out on.
I felt as if I had failed myself. So I used that as a motivation, and pulled myself out of the pit of anguish I had thrown myself into. I began to find a passion; a real passion; my passion for automobiles. Things began to change from here, I was focussed, and my design passion began to yield deeper and better results. But it wasn’t enough.

In my fourth semester we began upper pool studio; studio classes that was dedicated to a specialised aspect of design that we were interested in. Admiring Soumitri’s teachings, I decided to join his studio – misguided by the notion that I would be able to design cars in his studio.
What I found was that this was not the case at all, and after many frustrating weeks of talking, I began to loose interest again. But something had changed in me. I found myself looking for more. I had begun an online Blog, and was completely obsessed with it. I continued attending Soumitri’s classes for some unknown reason, an unknown desire. I began to learn who I really was, the kind of person I am.
He had a particularly different way of teaching; something I was completely un-accustomed to. The students do everything, plan, work, achieve. I realised quickly that I would need to get used to this. I listened in every lecture, and tried to take on board everything we were taught.
I learned many very interesting things about myself, and quickly threw away many assumptions I made. For instance, I thought you were born with creativity, that it was a gift from God, which set you apart from others and made you a “designer.” How wrong I see I was now. He taught me that it is actually a profession in itself, and it can be taught to anyone.

It wasn’t until near the end of term though that I truly realised what this studio taught me. I learned that design was not about the object, but the person – the heart, mind and the spirit. I learned that good design does not come from technical skills, that they are superfluous when compared to what really matters; the thinking.
I was a person who was completely obsessed with the was I communicated ideas and design work, and I see now that my work was completely shallow and lifeless. Design work I do now may not look as good as it used to, but it will always tell a story of how I changed through a project.
This has been evident in many aspects of my life, particularly my Blog of late. With talks with Soumitri, I came to realise the error of my ways. I still praised the object before my great affirmation. I was “blogging about what I was doing, not what I was feeling.” It was through this realization that I became mature.

I have transformed from a closed up materialist to an open-minded, confident designer driven by the need to better myself emotionally and mentally. I care not for the object, however much love I have for the end result, I care more for the idea, and the process of change I went through as a person more than anything else.

I feel like I am almost complete. I feel like I am a designer. I feel love, hate, regret and satisfaction; but these all happen because I learned to feel.

Mariano Andreacchio.

System Design.

2005-09-28T18:32:00.000+08:00

A while back after watching I-Robot, I had a long dream about the future. I don't recall much but I do remember being inside a classroom. Instead of desks we had these egg shaped things with computers in them, speakers ect. There was no blackboard, everything the teacher/lecturer wanted to show was done through the student's screen.

I find this really interesting looking back on this dream after last week's session in studio about a new system in 87 in regards to computers. So I decided to write a second term paper on this system that I had dreamed up. Here is a quick sketch on the "virtual egg classroom" that I saw and how it works.

After careful thought on this, I will write up a term paper about this and how it will all work, and how each terminal and human co-exist.

Who Am I? Revisited.

2005-09-26T14:17:00.000+08:00

Who am I?
Was thinking about this all day. I decided to make a list of thigs I describe as ME. Here goes.

I am:

Mario, a car lover, a car designer, an industrial design student, a student of God, a student of life, a student of my father, a student of my mother, the person you go to for help with everything, the guy in the corner of the room, the guy on stage, a social "butterfly," a joker, a rebel, a kidder, someone who doesnt take no for an answer, someone who laughs at everything, someone who brings out a smile in everyone, a person with a funny mind, a comic, fun, trying, always tired, always hungry, always wanting more, evolving, someone who wants to learn to play guitar, someone who wants to be free, someone who thinks society is too materialistic, someone who contridicts himself often. I am speaking in third person, I am giving myself a headache.

I believe:

Things happen for a reason, I work hard in everything I do, I need focus sometimes, in God, I can be successful, I will be famous, I am famous, that I dont know where I'm going with this, thats fine, i am trying too hard, this is not me, I am not fake, i am genuine in everything i do, i have genuine and positive goals, i am insecure about speaking my mind, in miracles.

I enjoy:

House music, rock, jazz, to dance, driving, driving REALLY fast, joking around, having a social drink, smoking, drawing, playing computer games, eating meat, speaking my mind, the fruits of my labours at school, learning new things, takin aspects of projects into my mind for use, smiling, holding my girlfriend, kissing my girlfriend, sleeping, being with friends, watching movies, good company, a nice glass of red.

If you think you know what I'm about to say; you've only scratched the surface.

Book worm.

2005-09-26T14:01:00.000+08:00

I don't really care if it's wrong, I'm still putting ALL my posts in my book for Monday's studio submission. Its ALL right to me.

Humbled.

2005-09-26T13:52:00.000+08:00

I am humbled. I presented my CAD work today to a group of prospective students for my course next year. They were a bunch of year 12 students, who looked stressed out, scared but very interested in everything we had to say.

This experience reminds me of when I was in their position. I remember sitting in level 4, with Luca and Mike - who I had never met before that day. I could barely utter out a word, funny, coming from a guy who noone can seem to shut up.

I remember being so scared, SO afraid of refusal, of rejection. I had to get it, I MUST get in. I was so bent on getting into this course I totally forgot about everything else; like how it was my birthday.

Lets check out everyone else's work. Maybe I can find a comfort zone. Hell no. All I remember getting was more stressed. I flicked through Mike's folio first. This was hot. I felt overwhelmed by his drawing ability. His manurism, his ideas, everything in his work is incredible. And then Luca - he wheels out a little scooter made completely of DAS. Wow. This is cool. How the hell am I goin to get in to this course.

I clutched my folio tightly. I was un-confident. How am I going to get in? These guys are amazing. I spent so much time worrying about what everyone else was I forgot about myself. Story of my life.

Well I'm here.

-----------------------------------------

One of the students in the group came to me on the lunch break, very polite, as if I was better than him. I immediately calmed him down, got on the same level if youk now what I mean. In the talk I gave I let everyone know I'm the guy in our year level at RMIT who loves Car design. Apparently he relates.

I walked with him through the city, he asked me questions; all were about technical skills. I explained to him what I know now after a semester of head-working, re-calibrating and "servicing" on my brain - how its not always about the product in the end. The nature of design to me, is not the final product now - it is the persons mind, the way they grow throughout their design process.

He appreciated my talks with him, I know that - for once I felt like I helped someone. I explained to him the way to do well in the design exam - It's not hard anyone can do it. Interviews are hard. I explained to him that he should show his passions, not his work. Design is not always about a beautiful, polished chrome peice of shit that you hold paper down with, or a stupid door stopper that looks like a cartoon character bent over, That doesnt even WORK!

Design is about life experience, design is about passion, about issues. It is an industry where, if allowed, a person can rid themselves of ALL boundries and shackles - where they can immerse themselves in a sea of creativity. It is a community of people which help each other with certain things. It is everything the world is, and can only be what the world gives.

I watched as Luca, who is a MASSIVE inspiration to me - presented his animations to interest the students. I remembered back in the day where I used to animate my work. I was inspired. Over the break I'm going to do a car racing scene. Just COZ. I also watched him present some studies work he and his friends did. I longed for a group of friends who would engage with me like they do. I envy them.

I am glad I attended the small session today on the first day on my holidays. I am tired, but I am humbled.

Who am I?

2005-09-26T10:00:00.000+08:00

I just don't know anymore. Theres a sea of things I want to be in my mind. I want to be different, I want to have a "great mind" as Soumitri said. I want to impress people, want to have people wanting ME to work for them. I want to fit in. But like I said, at the same time I want to say no; I'm different, this is why I'm a great mind, because I dont fit in, because I dont look the part.

I want to be a car designer. This is my goal, what I want to achieve. I've tried one interview now, still waiting on a response. All i can do is wait like an idiot, and keep waiting until someone decides they want to inform me about whats going on. I've called, no messages back. Looks grim for me. I knew I wasnt good enough... Yet.

It saddens me to think I may not achieve my goal. Deeply, but I push on with the hope that I can. I look at my dad for inspiration; a man that wakes up early every morning to work, and gets home late - when all he wants to do is hold his kids befor he goes to bed. I feel sorry for him but he doesn't complain - he's strong. I look to him whenever I'm down, see the sacrifices he has made and I am humbled.

Maybe thats what I need. To be humbled again. Maybe I need to calm my mind and stop worrying about everything around me, and who I'm going to be in ten year. I'll relax for a night - finish my homework and then just sit. Maybe then I'll find inner peace.

What to say?

2005-09-26T09:30:00.000+08:00

I had an interesting thought on the way into uni today. Driving along and thinking about my blog; and realised the more I have to think about myself, and how I feel - the less i write.

I blogged everyday before I was told "the right way" to do it. Now, I struggle to let go how i feel. Maybe its just cos I'm so closed up most of the time; the only real person I can open up to is my girlfriend.

Who knows? Hopefully I can change that.

I'm sitting in the labs during my semester break, one week off? yeah right - i'll be here all week. some break. I feel let down this semester by a number of things. I wish I was told to blog earlier, wish that I saw the meaning in some classes and some lectures earlier. I haven't missed out, I've still learned whats needed; but then to me what is needed? I'm lost in this void of my mind, always over-analysing always thinking - always wanting to be better. Well what is better? I feel like ive met my potential, that this is everything I can be - but at the same time I feel like theres so much more I have that I can explore.

I want to kick down the doors but I don't know how... Drawing without lines was enough before; not anymore.

Muz

kya hai

2005-09-23T04:16:00.000+08:00

im so glad i chose this studio. im looking at myself in the mirror and thinking, shit have i really made a journey? well im not quite sure. ive learned how to solve complex problems, break down walls in my head - some of which are still fucking there, learned to create form using the body, learned group interviews and etiquite for corporations. stuff like that.

yeah i have made a transition. a bit of one, but its so hard to write the millions of things im thinking that i wont right now. too tired. i want to learn tarkovsky. i wanna be a form genious. i wana design cars, sketch, make ect. how do i do that?

im not quite sure, everythings so confusing. maybe in not good enough, thats what im affraid of. watch movies. completely abolish hollywood from youre life. is that forever i ask? do i need to keep doing it, or is it something that can be stopped after mastered. who knows, only mr V.

time for bed
Good night Blog,

Muz

Can't sleep - Thoughts.

2005-09-23T03:15:00.000+08:00

It's Friday morning. Its 3:51am. I can't sleep. Why not? Who knows. Could be that I've spent the entire week in a room filled with computers and overtired people much like myself, that I've missed the sunlight everyday, to only leave the computer lab to go get my car and come back. I'm so damn wired.

Ah what the hell. I was scared. Worried about that stupid, insanely hard physics exam. I know I went badly, so I'm trying to make ammends by busting my ass on every other tech based project till the end of the year.

And studio? glorious studio... I found out that my blogging is all wrong; I felt stupid, really stupid. But I see where he's coming from now. This is my journal; why the hell do i sugar coat my work so society looks and says "hey thats nice" they dont buy it, they dont employ me, they dont understand anything that went on during it. And on that note, I went to the fringe festival tonight. Was awesome, but I felt like a complete child. Everyone all dressed up walking around with their wine glasses and their champagne. I watched everyone, their manurism, something im so not used to. I felt like a fish out of water. and not to mention the way I looked.

Why do i feel so uncomfortable with myself. I want to be secure, I want to know im creative. I want to know i fit in with the "norm" of designers. But no I dont at the same time. Sometimes I just want to say hell no, this is me im the rebel. I'm angry. Wheres all this rage coming from. I've trippled the amount of cigarettes I have in a day this week. havent eaten healthy either. i feel like crap.

Soumitri want's a reflexive essay done by the end of the holidays. what holidays m spending my time off sitting in those fucking labs again. cant wait for summer break.
just what is reflexive, i dont understand it. am i doing it now. i should go and read that email link he gave me. gotta sleep its fkn 4:03am now and i have to get up at 8.

Oh well, good night Blog.

Muz

Hornet' Anyone?

2005-09-20T14:11:00.000+08:00

Feeling hornet'? You will after having a seat on this baby. Here is what I call the Hornet' Lounge Suite. More comfortable than it looks, this chair can be sat on in 5 different ways - and has a number of "other" position possibilities.

High gloss bright yellow is the flavour of the day - and a dark black stripe says this seat is wild. Don't underestimate the Hornet' Lounge Suite.

It Stings.

Muz

Kiss chair

2005-09-20T00:42:00.000+08:00

Sitting in the CAiD Labs at my uni at 9:35pm. Had a few problems with this CAiD project; I started off making this goofy looking space ship, and ended up deleting it, restarting and coming up with what I've affectionatley called - "The Kiss Chair."

Based on the 3D scan of my lecturer's nose, I first thought it would make an awesome footstool because his nostrils are the perfect size for my feet! Hahaha! basically you sit on the two ends, with youre feet facing in, sitting in the nostrils really - and you lean over and kiss your loved one!

Another way to sit when he/she isnt there; would be to sit with your back to the middle and youre arms in the nostrils, for those lazy sitters like me.

When it's finished I'll post it all up.

Muz

As another year folds by...

2005-09-19T07:14:00.000+08:00

I'm stressed; S=F/a

"Look forward;" says my cigarette packet. I ask myself, how about looking at right now. Another painful year has gone by, different to any other. The battle of the "third semester blues" took so much out of me, I felt like it carried over to fourth semester. But its made me much stronger too.

Looming in my mind is the reminder that tomorrow is our Tech-Physics exam; something which I am completely unprepared for. For the first time in my life, I'm not confident about walking into that room tomorrow. But I'm sure that will all change later tonight when I get home from dinner.

To studio I look, something that has changed for me completely over the time I have spent in it. I feel like sometimes I haven't put in enough work, other times that I have. I feel like sometimes I have learned nothing, then I teach others how to break barriers. Maybe I'm just insecure.

I am bored in tech, like many others from my studio must be. I don't feel as if I getm uch out of it anymore, I am just doing things for the sake of doing them. There is no gain, no emotion, no lust to learn. CAiD classes final project is due Thursday, another thing I'm afraid of. I look at it and stare at a massive wall. How do you start something that you've been too busy for all semester? I also realise how much I enjoy blogging my studio work, and working on my studio stuff compared to tech now when I'm staring over notes and continuously looking at my blog.

Who knows, all I know is this week will be tough on me for Tech. Tomorrow I have my exam. Thursday I have CAiD. These are my main priorities for the week. I'll post them up as I go.

God it feels good to let it all out.

Muz

More EV Sketches

2005-09-16T17:22:00.000+08:00

Here are some more advanced EV sketches I've done. Playing with wacky ideas, some inspired by certain animals. I love the spider one (center) and the manta ray one, purely because they look feasible AND would look great as rapid prototypes. The rapid prototype I'm planning to get done will be done over the one week break.

Muz

Internship has begun.

2005-09-14T09:27:00.000+08:00

The Call.

Sitting in my car yesterday, looking around for my wallet - my phone rings. On the other side was a representative of GM Holden Australia; inviting me to an interview today. So, ecstatic, I flew home to prepare myself.
How to prepare? Shave? Choose my outfit? Work on my speaking? No, just relax.

The Entrance.

I walk in fifteen minutes early; of course, you have to do that to make an impression don't you? Problem was, I ended up sitting down for an hour waiting for all the other students to arrive. I sat, frozen, incredibly aware of myself and my surroundings, self-concious and nervous, but cool and confident.

My phone rings. A message. I sign in and get my access card. Who's messaging me? I glimpse over the message quick enough to see my girlfriend's name. The security officer interrupts me before I can finish reading. "You'll need to give me that before you go on up."

I'm wearing a shirt, does this make me more professional? If anything it makes me more uncomfortable. It is bright yellow, I thought it would help me stand out - turns out it did, everyone else is in black and white. Theres at least thirty of us.

I listen to everything, stay sharp Mario, don't yawn. Don't think. Just wait, keep calm. I watch everybody else, listen to their conversations. My heart races as I see the young woman come to split us off into groups. Relief; they aren't all here for the design position, only a few of us.

Here he comes. He beckons us to follow him, through the security checkpoint, where I drop off my only contact to the outside world, my phone. Here goes. We walk through a long lobby area filled with brand new Holdens, SAABs and HSVs. I look through a large glass window, drawn by an original Monaro GTS - bright orange, hot. I feel a little better.

We walk up what seems to be an endless staircase - top floor. A triumph of stonework and glass. Walking through the huge glass doors into a small office area, I already feel better. Bright colours, comfortable furniture. A meeting room.

The Group.

We sit in a large conference room, blinds half down, in massive comfy chairs. I feel the fabric, wondering how its made. So supportive, I need one of these. In front of me is a small document "GM Holden." Thats all I saw. So tense all of a sudden. Can't believe I'm in here. The recruitment officer starts to speak, asks if anyone can fix the computer.

We get started, get a long presentation about history, excellence, revenue, records, ect. A proud history, this company has. A good history. Can I change history? Not likely; but I bet I can get the ball rolling. We have a group discussion. I love you Soumitri, thank you for teaching me how to perform in these activities.

We have a break, we present. I speak loud and proud; the only way to fly. We have a chance to read up on the positions being offered for the internship. I find the one I want. I chat with others, we share the same stressful feelings. I'm calmer. I'm not the only one having a coronary.

One by one we are pulled from the conference room, into a small one on one interview. I still haven't been called. Have I not been chosen to go on with the process? No, impossible. Here he comes. He beckons me to follow him, through the large doors into a small office with a whiteboard.

The Interview.

I am instantly stressed, but completely confident. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. He is easy to talk to, my nerves calm. He asks me two questions, and immediately I launch up out of my chair to the whiteboard. I sketch, I explain, I body storm. Design is my life, I will show you you want me.

I finish my first question. He asks me a second. This is hard. I love you Soumitri, thank you for teaching me to solve complex problems. I speak about how I went about solving a complex problem. He likes it, I hope. I feel good.

He gives me some feedback about my interview. I feel great. I am relieved. I walk back into the conference room. Pick up a magazine and read it. I look out the window. Overcast. I need a cigarette. I say my goodbyes, thank the staff. I walk down an endless staircase. There is no strain. I am relieved, I am comfortable.

Finishing up.

I walk to the security checkpoint and the reception. I give in a docket and am instantly re-connected to the world. I am proud of myself. Soumitri would be proud. I have taken a step way out of my comfort zone to do something I want to do passionatly.

Can't believe I'm in this suit. I feel superior. Why? I'm not elite. I'm a person, I am equal. I see a yellow cab. Here he comes. He beckons me over to the cab. He calls me sir; I tell him my name. The suit he dropped off before picking me up sat in the backseat - I sit in the front. I tell him about my adventure, he tells me his day's been quiet. He says to me "as long as you gave it your best its all that matters." I am humbled. I tip him as he drops me off.

I light up a smoke, as I approach my friends car out the front of Subaru. He awaits me. We talk all the way home, about what happened in our days. It seems today is a day of personal tests of character. An "apprentiship car" as he calls it, needs to be re-built completely. A final test. Good luck mate.

Hope keeps me going. Notice me.

Muz.

Lamp-ocerous!

2005-09-13T06:14:00.000+08:00

The Soumitri Monster Paper Lamp - in 3D!

Muz

Form Study

2005-09-13T05:23:00.000+08:00

Form study work I did after the studio form class. Just playing with some small ideas of how someone would ride on this EV. I'm going to be re-doing the EV tonight. Making it look a tad different, nothing too conventional. The reason for this is simply because I'm looking at my design path the wrong way. I started sketching and designing completely unaware of Soumitri's form study techniques, and then after I learned them I forgot them, force of habit I guess. So now, its time to go back and re-do my EV, as something more fluid, something using those techniques. Something of an artwork.

EV Concept

2005-09-13T04:53:00.000+08:00

I think I've spent more time on Studio this week than I ever had, in any studio. I've been working tirelessly on my EV design; changing it constantly. Here is a quick interior sketch, I'll post up my form study work later on.

Muz

Original EV

2005-09-12T13:37:00.000+08:00

This is one of the original EV design styles I was going for before we did form study. Really gotta get a move on, but I'm gonna have it look close to this.

Muz

Paper Lamp

2005-09-07T16:33:00.000+08:00

Finally! Unveiling the paper lamp! After MANY different ideas and designs I was playing with the final idea tonight to no avail when my girlfriend told me to give it "character." Good idea baby! From there I proceded to give my paper lamp a cutesy and very 'Disney' feel to it. I see now why this project was so important, I feel a great sense of satisfaction when I look at him, and it reminds me of how design should be fun sometimes, no, all the time.

Not sure what I'm going to name him, but he's my little paper monster.

Muz

Final Product

2005-09-03T08:25:00.000+08:00

These were my final renderings for the special edition SV rims I designed in tech last month, I'm sitting at uni working on another project and thought I might post them finally.

Hope you like them.

Muz

Soumitri's Monsters Inc.

2005-08-29T18:33:00.000+08:00

Was watching Monsters Inc with my girlfriend last night. Saw this little scene (left) you see above and remembered 87/4's little monster (right.) I'm so very scared right now...

Muz

La vita e' bella!

2005-08-29T18:13:00.000+08:00

This is a work in progress, I was working on it last year but sort of put it away to play with in my spare time. Its a concept convertible Alfa, very small, very practical. I was going through a Ferrari design phase while sketching this so if you're good you'll be able to pick it!

Muz

Zapatismo Essay

2005-08-27T00:43:00.000+08:00

“Marcos’ call for everyone to take up their own struggle, to write their own history, is a universal message that is directly relevant to us today.”

Many people around the world have struggle, in some way, shape, or form. Be it struggling with their current situation of politics, emotion or as simple as finance. However these are clean cut, and for us, a struggle is not something that is to be beautified by poetic ideas and paradoxes. A struggle is a complex problem, something that requires a certain respect as a complex problem, so that it can be broken down and fixed.

While I agree on a global scale with the Zapatistas, there is an inkling of doubt in my head as I read through the essay written about them. Is this Marcos’ real goal? How is anyone to be absolutely certain he will not just abandon then one day? But more importantly, will the ‘movement,’ as Zapatista’s call it, succeed?

I feel we live in a world of divided chaos. Every person has their problems as an individual, so in a way you write history as an individual anyway. This is in your memories, your journals, your very thoughts. But then for us each community has their own problems too, and deal with them as a community; which is exactly what Marcos’ is saying. Decentralise the leadership, make democratic society rule. And I agree wholeheartedly with that idea.

Zapatista is about equality in a way. Peaceful equality, and where there is no status between people, no categorisations – there will be successful equality I think. “We say that the university belongs to those who study in it,” and I could NOT agree more.

In conclusion, there may be some things that globally, will not work for some but others. But on the other hand, there are many, many things that would benefit the whole world if they were looked at more closely, analysed and taken on board. So in a way, I agree and disagree with this statement.

“Zapatismo would make a great brand.”

‘Zapatismo extraordinaire.’ A beautiful idea that people are willing to find out more about, that are deeply interested in after seeing one of Marcos’ writings, or speeches.
A leader who does not lead but follows. It makes all who are involved feel equal, a real sense of security.

Marcos in particular, is a master of Rhetoric, of being able to convince people of his ideas. He had become a celebrity at one stage, a role model for men and a woman’s dream. A poetic, ‘romantic hero.’ These qualities are present in many advertisements for modern day organisations, like Nike with their “personal growth” advertisements. (“Leave your old self behind,”) which apparently says you need a Nike tracksuit and shoes to do so.

But the Zapatista’s were no strangers to advertising, and in, by some ways unconventional (by the use of hand painted symbols on walls and word of mouth) the Zapatistas had created a beautified, intellectual guerrilla army that everyone wanted to be enriched and involved in. Everyone wanted a chance to grow.

Bring on the merchandise; t-shirts, hats ect. Some may ask; “how much do these cost and where does the money go?” and I say who knows? Perhaps it went into purchasing supplies for the army, or not. What I found more compelling though was the mental picture I got when I thought of thousands of Zapatista’s wearing these t-shirts and caps, A sea of black and red. And everyone wants to get involved.

Zapatista ideas are beautiful. People feel them to be untypical – and many people try and “step away from the rest,” try to stand out. This is why these ideas sell to them. This is why Zapatismo would make a great brand.

Rapid Sketching

2005-08-24T13:58:00.000+08:00

Quick hand renderings of EV's for studio. Also a sketch I did the other day of a quick new HSV design? Looks a little like a lion (big one.)

Not feeling well so I'm back to bed now. Cheerio!

Muz

Internship

2005-08-24T13:19:00.000+08:00

Applied for the GM - Holden Australia student internship. Damn it was hard doing everything for it. All I have to do now is wait and see what they say I need to do.

Might go do the Ford one...

Muz

Nino's Nuts!

2005-08-17T08:51:00.000+08:00

Just finished helping install my dad's display windows he made. What a day! This is just a small section of what they look like. Nice!

Didn't have a chance to finish off my lamp today - I'll hopefully have it done by next week. Also worked on my fringe piece yesterday; thats coming along nicely.

Mars.

What the hell is wrong with me?!

2005-08-15T22:25:00.000+08:00

Just woke up to go to school and guess what - I'M STILL SICK!

Maybe I should quit the cigarettes, could be that! Baaaaaah, whats wrong with meee? *melts into the floor into a pile of goo* I'm so delerious.

Mars

Rim Render

2005-08-11T03:36:00.000+08:00

It's a day to cheer. I've finished my renderings for this Thursdays CAiD class. I'm happy. Actually I'm ecstatic. Finally something other than last years car that I'm drooling over, and wish I had. Thanks to everyone for their contributions with this project. Hope you like it.

Mars.

Puegot 997; TTV10

2005-08-08T12:55:00.000+08:00

Second semester 1st year, got to design a car for the Puegot design festival. As you can see, I went completly opposite of what the comp wanted, but hey, I wanted to. I love the design, even though its highly unrealistic. Rhino models look so much better than renders!

Anyway this was my final peice, two A3 Pres boards presented like this.

Mars.

The DECO Lamp

2005-08-08T12:41:00.000+08:00

My first rendering project, back in First Year! This was a desk lamp that was completely free to position, because of special ball joints and weights. I called it the DECO Lamp, because it reminds me of the period.

Mars.

Mag Wheel CAD

2005-08-08T08:28:00.000+08:00

CADded up the rim idea I had, now its ready for rendering on Max. I'll post up the rendering when it's done. This weekend's been the worst, throat is absolutely killing me. Glands are the size of basketballs, and my head is killing me. But I guess its given me a chance to get stuck into my paper lamp for studio. *Hush Hush, it's a surprise...*

Soldier on... yeah right.
Muz

Tech CAD Mag Wheels.

2005-08-05T11:48:00.000+08:00

Designing mag wheels for the Tech CAD design class. I hated the one I did in class, so I worked on them on paper, now tomorrow I'll CAD them up and post a picture. One week till deadline; I can do it...

Ohhh, my head.

2005-08-04T11:27:00.000+08:00

This sheet is doing my head in. I just keep looking at it; What to do! Oh what to do? It true, some people NEED constraints to get by. I think I've finally worked out what this studio is about. I think its time I changed my thinking.

Saturday

2005-08-03T15:20:00.000+08:00

Just a photo from saturday night!

Paper Study

2005-07-29T13:53:00.000+08:00

Did some study on paper today, just quickly, to see if I could have some fun with the fringe festival furniture competition. Were doing paper lanterns in class, so thought I might post my study, and later on in the week, my light! Got a few ideas for it.

Also have an idea for a REALLY minimalistic lounge set. Its a little wild, I'll CAD it up and post it. Rope is good.

Mario.

Lego Lovin'

2005-07-28T21:59:00.000+08:00

Here's a pic of the hard resin lego block I cast last semester for modelling. I love it, fashioned the rims from alluminum myself! :D

Its Red.

Alfa Concept

2005-07-28T16:17:00.000+08:00

Bored in class the other day, sketched up this Alfa Romeo Brera concept. I absolutely love the Brera, but I wanted to give it a more agressive nose and side intakes. It needs work but I'll eventually render it. I'm getting used to alterring my work on Photoshop now!

Mario.

ReePA

2005-07-28T15:03:00.000+08:00

Just a sketch I did while on the phone. I've never photoshopped one of my sketches before! Anyway, just a character from an online game I play with Kev. Did it simply with a blue ballpoint pen. I don't really like to colour my sketches in, I have a tendency to screw them up.

What is Design?

2005-07-28T12:01:00.000+08:00

Well, what is it?
A practice, an occupation? Is it an idea, a process of problem solving? I look at design in a number of ways:

- Design is creativity, used to generate income.
- Design is the formulation of innovative ideas, and the process of fabricating that idea into a feasable object/product.
- The term "Designer" is a statement. 'I create new things, I improve things that others screwed up.'
- Design is art.
- Design is invention.
- Design is the future.

To describe Design, I would say to the person asking. "I wake up in the morning with an idea. I go to bed at night with a concept. In a week I have a design. In a year, I will be a trillionare."

Spider-man, Spider-man...

2005-07-28T11:19:00.000+08:00

Talked about goals, skills and things of that sort today in class - so I came home and expanded on in. As you can see, red is where I'm at now, blue is where I want to be by the end of semester, and green is where I want (and need?) to be at by graduation.

I've always been focused on skills. Sketching, rapid rendering and CAD skills are a big must for me. Why? Simply because the more skillful I feel I become, the more confident I will be. By the end of the semester I hope to have at least started that journey.

I'll soon be posting work I've already done, stuff that I want to be able to do, and stuff that I'm working on.

Muz.

Finally have a blog!

2005-07-28T02:31:00.000+08:00

Hey guys, welcome to my online Blog! Just a photo of me and my mates last Saturday night to give it a kick start!

Mario.

Welcome

2005-07-27T13:33:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Studio Reepa.