Fallen Legend

Here's another Threadless entry. This picture of A. A. Milne's characters signifies something, but it doesn't need to be taken that way. If you look at this picture, and it gives you a laugh, that's alright with me. But I do have some behind-the-scenes to say about it.

It started out this way: I was just trying for a laugh. I thought this idea would bring a smile to someone's face somewhere, a parody if you will. But it evolved, as so many of my ideas seem to do. I found that this idea wasn't random: it's a metaphor. I loved the characters from the Hundred-Acre-Wood ever since I was a boy, and still enjoy the books and films from time to time. But that is my past...it was who I used to be. This picture signifies putting something to rest (a pastime, a memory, a grudge), something that, although you enjoy it, isn't really that important.

I have a hard time letting go. When something upsets me, I let it fester inside me until I explode. It could be because a great many things upset me. It could be that I put my trust in things and people that are bound to let me down. I don't quite know yet...but life is okay. It's steadfast enough to let you live most of the time, but also unpredictable enough to keep you asking why. The ride is fun, even though it is so difficult.

By putting something to rest that isn't essential, I'm teaching myself not to fall so easily, to look both ways before stepping into something I don't fully understand, to think before I act. It's a hard process...I let myself down every day.

But there are things that keep me going...they are far and few between, but they are there nonetheless.

Perhaps the words that best describe me are the lyrics to Keane's "He Used to Be a Lovely Boy." The words describe my situation perfectly: I need to stop following things that let me down, find a place that I can be safe from my past failings.

If you care to hear the actual song (and it is amazing), it's #99 on the playlist below (as of this post). I know that my ramblings might not make sense to any of you out there, but if you get one thing out of it, make it this: it's okay to make mistakes...but don't let them weigh you down. There is always a way out...you just need to take enough time to find it.

Final score: 2.40/5 (the scores are getting better every time I submit...hoorah?)

© 2010 Jeremy Owen

Cheers,

~J

MEGAPOST #1

I don't know if I'll ever do this again (or at least not for a while), but here's a mega post. I've been busy lately, with work and other projects. For the past month, I've been slaving away trying to come up with interesting designs for Threadless.com. I recently discovered the site, and there is a link to it to the right of the page (follow the link to learn about prizes/payment/etc.) . Sorry I haven't posted these before now: like I said, I've been busy. But here they are, and I hope you enjoy.

#1. Reversal: the idea was to reverse how things are done. Instead of bombs raining down, destroying a landscape, I thought it would be interesting to have rain acting like bombs, restoring the landscape. Overall, people loved the design, but thought it a bit too busy for the eye. Final Score: 1.94/5

#2. Charles Schultz vs. M. C. Escher: Threadless has contests every few weeks or so, and the theme for this one was to pay homage to comics. I've always loved Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang, and so decided to put a twist on the classic shirt that Charlie always seems to be wearing. Final Score: 2.02/5

#3. A Simple Seed: this was for another contest. The theme: MAXTOPIA, which is a combination of nature and technology. With this one, I drew a seed that was filled with tech, with sprouts in the shape of micro-chip workings. Final Score: 2.06/5

#4. I Pity the Fool Who Isn't Honest: This was a mashup of Mr. T's angsty style and Abraham Lincoln's demeanor. I wouldn't want to mess with him...would you. Unfortunately, this one wasn't getting enough votes, and the votes that did come in weren't good enough. Scoring ended early, after just one day. Final Score: 1.82/5

#5. Thought Transportation: This was a throwback to "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" but also a slap in the face to the phrase "Train of Thought". I'm tired of hearing that one way of thoughts to travel...why not a zeppelin of thought...or a camel of thought? Let your thoughts travel inventively...just...anything but a train. Final Score: 1.94/5

#6. Refined Caveman's Request: this idea popped into my head the other day. I'm not sure what I should title it. I used a font that says it's commercial free, but I'm not going to risk it. I emailed the creator of the font to see if I can use it. If not, I'll use another one. For now, enjoy the picture. Final score: 2.18/5

© 2010 Jeremy Owen

Model Photos Courtesy via Threadless.com

I suppose that's enough to keep you satisfied for now. I'll try to get more on soon. I'm working on projects for people that aren't getting done, and I'm feeling awful about it. Accordingly, I'm going to spend time working on those too and so may not post again for a while. Hope these were worth the wait.

Cheers,

~J

"I Wish I'd Stayed...Too."

How happy is the blameless vestal's lot!

The world forgetting, by the world forgot.

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!

Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd;

- Alexander Pope

I just recently watched Eternal Sunshine again. I forgot how quirky and dysfunctional it was. That may be why I like it...I don't know. I can never forget the scene where it boils down to a choice that was made, a choice that was the beginning of the end, and, when contemplating a do-over, there's this line..."I wish I'd stayed...too." That's where this one is taking place: I thought about including that quote in the picture, but, as almost always, I messed around in Photoshop enough to make the picture take on a different feel than originally intended.

I don't necessarily recommend Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: if you like conventional movies, you won't like it. I've grown so tired of conventional movies: same plot, same ending. Yes...unconventional is much more rewarding, when actual thought is put into a film, when the money is second thought and creativity is the main goal. Yes...unconventional is good.

© 2010 Jeremy Owen

Cheers,

~J