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Dopeness from Dpipertwins

I can't believe summer is almost over. But that won't stop me from loving this summer collection from Dpiperywins. See the entire collection here.

Music for Your Weekend: Leikeli47

LINA VIKTOR from Visionaireworld on Vimeo.

Have you seen the video above by fine artist Lina Viktor? The visuals are amazing, and I was immediately drawn in by the music which is by (the masked) rapper Leikeli47. Check out her dope SoundCloud and download music for free.

Creative Tip of the Week: No More Small Dreams

Last April I took a risk. I resigned from my job without much of a plan except a strong belief that I was going to be ok no matter what. While contemplating my move I mapped out a dream list of what I would need monetarily in order to survive fairly comfortably for the next six months. 

To survive? Just six months? That's pretty small thinking, huh?

What happened in the weeks and months that followed the conception of my risky decision blew me away. My survival, ahem, dream list was smothered to smithereens. Not only had my goals been surpassed, but I was offered opportunities that I couldn't even imagine would come in a lifetime let alone within weeks of my resignation.

So here's what I learned. I was dreaming way too small. That financial survival list that included what kind of work I needed to do as an artist/designer to make sure I could pay my bills was too narrow-minded. Why was I dreaming in survival mode? That's not what dreaming is for. Why not think beyond my wildest dreams? Why not imagine changing the world and perhaps getting compensated to do so? What if I had thought to dream bigger then? What might the results be now?

The great thing about dreams is that it's never too late to make new ones or edit the ones we've already established. Dreams are supposed to be magical. It's not a time for us to think about how but simply think about what if.

So as I challenge myself I'd like to challenge you. No more safe dreams, the ones you've seen others accomplish or the ones you already know you can achieve. Try a powerful dream that blows your mind when you say it out loud, one that gives you goosebumps when you write it in your journal, or the one you have no idea how to make happen but just believe that it will. Those are the big dreams.

Then share them with people you trust and who wish you well.

But don't say all apprehensively, "Hey I'm thinking about maybe moving to Tunisia someday and opening up a bed and breakfast if this money comes through. What do you think? Crazy, right?"

You don't need permission or validation to pursue your dreams. Share with people who can add power and encouragement. Tell that friend who's most likely to say "what are you waiting for" when you tell her, "Girl, get ready because next year I'm moving to Tunisia to open up my award-winning eco-friendly bed and breakfast."

Then take action and make incremental goals (this is the how part), because like Denzel Washington said recently to a group of novice actors, "a dream without goals is just a dream."

So dream big. I can't wait to see/hear what happens for you.

Miss Mochila

These gorgeous Miss Mochila bags are handwoven by the Wayuu peoples of South America (Colombia and Venezuela regions). The color combos are wonderful! Check out the clutches and bracelets as, too.

Obsessed with Dries Van Noten's AW 14/15

I'm doing research on color and pattern trends and came across this beautiful AW 14/15 collection from Dries Van Noten. The collection uses palettes and prints that push the boundaries of what might be related to the season. They remind me of these gorgeous illustrations from Alexander Purdy.

Art from Asilia

There's deliciously rich color in these prints and greeting cards by Lulu Kitololo for Asilia. You can find these lovely prints of Miriam Makeba and Frida Kahlo on Society6.

Music for Your Weekend: Karol Conka

I'm currently listening to the samba/batucada infused hip-hop sounds of Brazilian-born rapper Karol Conka.

Creative Tip of the Week: The Handshake

This is for everyone, really, not just folks in creative industries.

I frequent many gatherings and events and meet a lot of folks, which usually involves an introduction that begins with a handshake. Being a germaphobe I don't really like handshakes, but do feel that they're necessary, and always try to give the best when I do shake hands. It just feels like a great way to initiate a conversation with someone new.

One of my biggest pet peeves: limp handshakes, which often feel un-welcomed or unintended from the other party.

There are tons of studies about it, and the phenomena has probably been discussed somewhere in business magazines and articles, so I'm sure there are all kinds of resources on a why a good handshake is important. So no need to bore you with theory. Instead, I thought I'd share why it's important for me to give a good one.

I like to give good handshakes because:

1. It's a great way to be present and command attention. We all bring something of value to any space we occupy. A good firm handshake is a great way to remind ourselves of this and to make sure the other person is aware of that energy, too.

2. It's a moment to acknowledge the other person. I love the basic tip: shake the hand firmly and look 'em in the eye. Kind of like in the film Avatar, where the Na'vis from the planet Pandora, greeted one another with the statement, "I see you," as they take a moment to look in the eyes of the other person. Here on planet earth, it's a simple way to remember that no matter who you're meeting, on a very basic level, we are all human beings. We should always acknowledge that fact, and a good handshake is great way of doing so.

3. It's a great way to make a good first impression. The first two can really be rolled into this reason. It sucks that we can be really amazing people but that a first impression can make for missed opportunities or bad experiences. But in this standard western greeting, that's just how it is. Therefore, knowing this allows us to be prepared when starting an introduction with the intention of being great — even if it's for a fleeting moment. Because in every moment we should always be awesome and a lame, disingenuous, limp, finger-only handshake is not the best we can do.

Those are my thoughts. What are your experiences? Are you aware of your handshake? Does it matter to you if you give or receive a bad handshake?

Beauty from Tata Naka

This delicious collection from Tata Naka is blowing me away! Most of the AW 14/15 interiors inspired designs are covered in boldly mixed bold prints and photographed with a patterned wall and floor as a backdrop. It's so beautiful and inspiring. I'm adding the photos, shot by Becky Maynes, to my mood-board immediately.

For the Home: Bespoke Binny

Loving these goods from Bespoke Binny found on the Makowla onlie shop.

Music for Your Weekend: MNEK

The other day, ok yesterday, I discovered soulster MNEK when AfriPOP posted some beautiful screen-grabs from the singer's latest music video "Wrote A Song About You." When I played the video my creative neurons started jumping all over the place. The graphic animations and colors are gorgeous! The animation is like the opening of Saved By the Bell married the opening credits to In Living Color, had a baby, and named it Keith Haring 2.0. Oh, and I dig the song, too! Check it out and let me know what you think.