Hear ye, Hear ye!!! I have decided to move my blog site to my personal site. Please visit...
leahkahl.weebly.com
Here, I have posted all my past blog posts and will continue to post at that location.
Blogger, it's been real! Peace out.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
My Week at Work with R-Tech: Behind the Scenes with Howe and Howe Technologies
Raise your hand if you have seen the show “Black Ops Brothers, Howe and Howe Technologies” on the Discovery Channel. Now keep your hand up if you get to work with them this week! (My hand is up, just F.Y.I, and no one is around me so I feel silly). If you go to the Discovery Channel website, the show is described as such: “[It follows] the family of identical twin brothers, Mike and Geoff Howe, as they design and build the coolest machines you’ve ever seen: from military tanks to supercharged subterranean rovers…” This week, there is no sitting in a cube, no receiving spam e-mails, no awkward conversations in the break room, no long drive up to Aberdeen Proving Ground, and no running down three flights of stairs to get signal on my cell phone. This week, I get to work with Howe and Howe Technologies (specifically Mike, I have no idea where Geoff is.) We are up in a small town outside of Boston, and my office is a firefighting playground.
I get to do something pretty fun at work this week. A little back story first. I had the hobby of creating videos back in the day and luckily I get to apply my video talents to the First Responders Technologies (R-TECH) portion of my work at SAIC. I get to throw on the director’s hat and pan, tilt, and zoom my way through the week. I’m not going to get into the logistics of what section of DHS and what EXACTLY they do, blah, blah, blah, because you’ll probably fall asleep (and isn’t the point of a blog to have people read it?!) But basically, SAIC is contracted to test and evaluate prototype responder equipment that is not on the market yet. Howe and Howe Technologies brought their SUPER COOL HUGE YELLOW MONSTER TRUCK (that I got to ride in, no big deal!!) with two fire-fighting robots tied up on the back (which were equally as cool) for first responders to assess this week (robots, not the truck). My job is to produce an informative video on the capabilities that R-TECH assesses of this piece of equipment.
I am writing this blog more to share my thoughts I have had this week dealing with research and development (R&D) of a product. SIDENOTE: the SAVER Program I also work for (same employees, just different contract) pretty much does the same thing, they just test readily available commercial off the shelf equipment (so I have been involved with the evaluation process for about 2.5 years.) R-TECH is different in a sense that responders are working with something new!! A new invention! The kind of inventions that link old technology to new technology in this world. I work with a great team that knows how to conduct a legit assessment. We had a propane tank on fire, we ran the robot through water, we had it running over trees, and tomorrow we have it climbing steps! The experienced responders we have hired this week have been very helpful, they know their stuff. Holding an event to orchestrate the assessment of a prototype requires a lot of work and research. So far this week it has been an exciting few days.
I wasn’t around to see the thought process that went on to literally build and design the robot (I believe this equipment was on one of the episodes, but I am not 100% sure on that). However, I get to see the testing and evaluation portion. The part that, in my opinion, REALLY matters; how responders view this piece of equipment. How they pick out the valuable and subtle features that manufacturers and designers might not be aware of at first. Also, it’s helpful because the manufacturer learns what they need to improve upon. I may be filming a video, but we have data collectors who record every bit of feedback that the responders make during the assessment.
Not every product in the world goes through the same process, but there is an importance of R&D. I consider R&D an investment to the quality you are providing your customer. From a simple survey to a focus group, there should be some type of research involved in understanding your target market and figuring out what they need/want. How can your product be the best? What could you have missed? What does your customer value? How can we produce it efficiently? And so much more… Understanding the back ground through R&D creates a higher return on investment. From my experience with the first responder community and SAVER/R-TECH Programs, without the focus groups and these assessments; responders would be less educated on what is available, less aware of how well a piece of equipment performs, and BENEFICIAL advancements would not be applied if it were not for this research produced by these programs.
Now for a plug… To find out more on the R-TECH program, go to http://www.firstresponder.gov. To learn more about the SAVER program and available report documents, check out www.rkb.us/SAVER
- Turtle
I get to do something pretty fun at work this week. A little back story first. I had the hobby of creating videos back in the day and luckily I get to apply my video talents to the First Responders Technologies (R-TECH) portion of my work at SAIC. I get to throw on the director’s hat and pan, tilt, and zoom my way through the week. I’m not going to get into the logistics of what section of DHS and what EXACTLY they do, blah, blah, blah, because you’ll probably fall asleep (and isn’t the point of a blog to have people read it?!) But basically, SAIC is contracted to test and evaluate prototype responder equipment that is not on the market yet. Howe and Howe Technologies brought their SUPER COOL HUGE YELLOW MONSTER TRUCK (that I got to ride in, no big deal!!) with two fire-fighting robots tied up on the back (which were equally as cool) for first responders to assess this week (robots, not the truck). My job is to produce an informative video on the capabilities that R-TECH assesses of this piece of equipment.
I am writing this blog more to share my thoughts I have had this week dealing with research and development (R&D) of a product. SIDENOTE: the SAVER Program I also work for (same employees, just different contract) pretty much does the same thing, they just test readily available commercial off the shelf equipment (so I have been involved with the evaluation process for about 2.5 years.) R-TECH is different in a sense that responders are working with something new!! A new invention! The kind of inventions that link old technology to new technology in this world. I work with a great team that knows how to conduct a legit assessment. We had a propane tank on fire, we ran the robot through water, we had it running over trees, and tomorrow we have it climbing steps! The experienced responders we have hired this week have been very helpful, they know their stuff. Holding an event to orchestrate the assessment of a prototype requires a lot of work and research. So far this week it has been an exciting few days.
I wasn’t around to see the thought process that went on to literally build and design the robot (I believe this equipment was on one of the episodes, but I am not 100% sure on that). However, I get to see the testing and evaluation portion. The part that, in my opinion, REALLY matters; how responders view this piece of equipment. How they pick out the valuable and subtle features that manufacturers and designers might not be aware of at first. Also, it’s helpful because the manufacturer learns what they need to improve upon. I may be filming a video, but we have data collectors who record every bit of feedback that the responders make during the assessment.
Not every product in the world goes through the same process, but there is an importance of R&D. I consider R&D an investment to the quality you are providing your customer. From a simple survey to a focus group, there should be some type of research involved in understanding your target market and figuring out what they need/want. How can your product be the best? What could you have missed? What does your customer value? How can we produce it efficiently? And so much more… Understanding the back ground through R&D creates a higher return on investment. From my experience with the first responder community and SAVER/R-TECH Programs, without the focus groups and these assessments; responders would be less educated on what is available, less aware of how well a piece of equipment performs, and BENEFICIAL advancements would not be applied if it were not for this research produced by these programs.
Now for a plug… To find out more on the R-TECH program, go to http://www.firstresponder.gov. To learn more about the SAVER program and available report documents, check out www.rkb.us/SAVER
- Turtle
Sunday, August 5, 2012
The Brand of Baseball
It's Sunday. In my household during the summer season it usually means one thing; baseball. I am currently sitting at Sawmill Park in Glen Burnie at the moment, watching my boyfriend play catcher. I'll be honest, I had a few other topics I was interested in discussing with this blog post, but I believe when you feel inspired, go with your gut. Between my dad's mid-life crisis involving taking on the game of baseball, his new found love for the game, and me being in a relationship with an Orioles fanatic, I have not only learned so much about the game, I have come to respect it much more.
If you play a sport competitively after high school and college, it's probably because you love it, right? That's why Chuck still plays. He has been playing since he could say "play ball", knows all of the Orioles players, plays 3 times a week in the summer, and gets super excited when he has double headers. But there is so much more than playing the game and loving it. I played softball for fun through middle school and high school, I didn't love it, but it was enjoyable (hence why I play soccer now and not softball ;). As I have been sitting here, I have been thinking about the image of baseball and what it means (to me, at least). I start asking myself, how did baseball become America's past time? And when you think of a baseball game, why do you think of innocence? Sunflower seeds... a father and son eating a hotdog with baseball caps on... the national anthem... dirt and grass stained pants. Such classic images, right?
A brand is all about what you think about something and the way it makes you feel. In order to develop that brand, it takes time and experiences in order to grow that emotion and attach it to whatever. My experiences with baseball have been pleasant ones. When I was little, I remember sitting in Camden Yards right behind first base thinking it was SO COOL that Cal Ripken jr. was number 8 and I was 8 years old; it was like we had a special bond (but I was weird and in hindsight, it was just a coincidence). Also, memories of walking down the (safe) streets of Baltimore with everyone else decked out in black and orange, grabbing the bag of peanuts before entering the stadium, screaming "CHARGE!", and getting super excited when my dad would buy me cotton candy. And how can you not think that a tiny kid in a little league jersey running to home plate with the huge helmet bobbling on his head isn't the most adorable thing in the world?
But what about how the sport is portrayed when you're not at a game or playing? Other than getting into the politics about Major League Baseball and the rivalries, (since I hardly know anything about that...only that the Yankees are evil), it's interesting to see how the sport is portrayed in various medias. When you watch movies, the characters are always having a good fun-spirited time a at a baseball game. On tv, baseball highlights are diving catches and home runs while the players appear as super heros. During the summer, it feels like there is a major league game on at every bar.
It's the images and experiences such as these that give me a content and happy feeling when I think about baseball. The atmosphere, the spirit of the players, the patience of the game, and the memories I have sync together to create my personal opinion of my baseball brand. To me, it's a cultural thing, a Baltimore thing, and an American thing. Let's go O's!!
If you play a sport competitively after high school and college, it's probably because you love it, right? That's why Chuck still plays. He has been playing since he could say "play ball", knows all of the Orioles players, plays 3 times a week in the summer, and gets super excited when he has double headers. But there is so much more than playing the game and loving it. I played softball for fun through middle school and high school, I didn't love it, but it was enjoyable (hence why I play soccer now and not softball ;). As I have been sitting here, I have been thinking about the image of baseball and what it means (to me, at least). I start asking myself, how did baseball become America's past time? And when you think of a baseball game, why do you think of innocence? Sunflower seeds... a father and son eating a hotdog with baseball caps on... the national anthem... dirt and grass stained pants. Such classic images, right?
A brand is all about what you think about something and the way it makes you feel. In order to develop that brand, it takes time and experiences in order to grow that emotion and attach it to whatever. My experiences with baseball have been pleasant ones. When I was little, I remember sitting in Camden Yards right behind first base thinking it was SO COOL that Cal Ripken jr. was number 8 and I was 8 years old; it was like we had a special bond (but I was weird and in hindsight, it was just a coincidence). Also, memories of walking down the (safe) streets of Baltimore with everyone else decked out in black and orange, grabbing the bag of peanuts before entering the stadium, screaming "CHARGE!", and getting super excited when my dad would buy me cotton candy. And how can you not think that a tiny kid in a little league jersey running to home plate with the huge helmet bobbling on his head isn't the most adorable thing in the world?
But what about how the sport is portrayed when you're not at a game or playing? Other than getting into the politics about Major League Baseball and the rivalries, (since I hardly know anything about that...only that the Yankees are evil), it's interesting to see how the sport is portrayed in various medias. When you watch movies, the characters are always having a good fun-spirited time a at a baseball game. On tv, baseball highlights are diving catches and home runs while the players appear as super heros. During the summer, it feels like there is a major league game on at every bar.
It's the images and experiences such as these that give me a content and happy feeling when I think about baseball. The atmosphere, the spirit of the players, the patience of the game, and the memories I have sync together to create my personal opinion of my baseball brand. To me, it's a cultural thing, a Baltimore thing, and an American thing. Let's go O's!!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Combo-Creatures... Fact? Or Fiction? Illustrations to Prove it.
While on the island of Bermuda last summer, snorkeling in the crystal deep blue, I saw the strangest thing creep in the corner of my eye. A swimming RABBIT... A Fish-it... Bunny-ish... a Rabbish, if you will... Since that encounter, I have seen numerous unbelievable animals... a She-dino Superhero and a baseball playing Elephant-Tiger....I was compelled to illustrate my encounters and above are the sketches to prove it...
Just kidding. The inspiration for these crazy illustrations is simple... So we all know how my nickname is Turtle, and how my dad had the honor to start the tradition. I have these 2 friends (believe it or not) and a few years ago, they insisted on my dad assigning tribal animal names. My dear friend Jayne Chong was given the honorable name “Swimming Rabbit,” while my other friend Phylicia was dubbed (pardon the language) “Crapping Bear”... And the names stuck! (Poor bear)
Bored one evening, I decided to doodle a little something-something and on my sketch pad appeared this rabbit-fish with her turtle friend. After posting to Facebook, my buddy Brittney requested a self-portrait. Naturally, she requested a female super-hero dinosaur conquering the world on top of a mountain, of course. My third illustration came a few months later, and was drawn for my “new” boyfriend (at the time) who was unaware of my paper and pencil abilities. I said, “CHUCK! Pick two animals and a verb”.... Not knowing what he was getting himself into, he said, “Elephant. Tiger. Throwing.” HA! How the heck am I going to do that?... Well... Here you see.
These have been some of my most favorite illustrations I have ever drawn. I loved combining opposite things and creating something new! Creating a visual for something we have never seen before, and giving life to the un-imaginable. If you have any request, I would love to crank out a few more of these illustrations!! It has been awhile since I have brought any “combo-creatures” to life... What should I draw next? Most creative combo wins!
- Turtle
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Olympic Identities since 1896
You know that logo with the 5 rings connected together? The blue, yellow, black, green, and red? Yes, the Olympic logo. Who doesn’t know that logo? It is one of the most recognizable logos, in my opinion. While at a 3rd birthday party for Chuck’s niece on Saturday, the older crowd was watching the US Women’s National Soccer Team beat Columbia while the children were jumping on the moon-bounce outside (yes, there was parental supervision). Watching the game, it sparked a conversation about the logo of the Olympics. I learned that the 5 rings represented the 5 flags of the parts of the world that were initially involved in the modern Olympic Games. I also learned that the 5-ring symbol was implemented in 1914 (however suspended due to WW1), but debuted in 1920 and has been used ever since (thank you, Wikipedia). While the Olympics have been taken place for hundreds of centuries, the identities and campaigns that were established through the years have changed to reflect the culture of the host nation. Let’s take a look back.
The earlier publications featuring the Olympics (1896-1920) had a more “poster-esque” type quality. There wasn’t a mark or logo associated with the Olympics at that time, and these reflect more of an advertisement approach. I personally love the design style from the early 1900’s. The pre-illustrator/photoshop days.
1924 introduced the first ‘logo’ for the Paris Olympics, and since then there have been varying degrees of success. The 1928 Amsterdam reminds me of the historic German science-fiction film, ‘Metropolis’, which coincidently was made in 1927. I’m not a huge fan of the design, but I think the main reason is because of this; remember when you first learned how to use Adobe Illustrator? And how it was such a “cool” design to layer the same word and make the back word larger, and lighter? Yeah, I’m totally guilty of that design faux-pas. But I think the 1928 logo lacks a sense of depth, and doesn’t tell a story as well as the other logos do. I believe a good logo should consist of two things: a mark and a memorable font. The mark should be able to stand alone, and the text with the memorable font should be able to stand alone, while both should solely emit the essence of the brand. However, if you look at the logos featured between 1924 and 1948, they don’t have the 2-part mark/font structure. Some of the more modern day logos definitely harness that philosophy as opposed to the logos in the earlier days.
I personally like the more modern looking logos that are featured after the 1952 Olympics. I like the boldness of color, the definition of the shapes, and the creativity in the incorporation the Olympic symbol, as compared to the earlier logos presented. I think these logos tell a story, and give a sense of location and culture. While some are better designed than others, the Tokyo logo from the 1964 really sticks out to me for a few reasons. I love the simplicity and it quickly communicates what it’s portraying. Like the Japanese flag, the red ‘rising sun’ is obvious, while the gold rings portray Olympics. I don’t think logos need to be fancy or intricate to make an impact. People recognize basic shapes most easily, therefore the Tokyo one is my favorite amongst this collection. While Tokyo is my favorite, I am a fan of the Munich logo of 1972; I find it unique. To me, it reflects German design so well, and reminds me of the Bauhaus, even though the Bauhaus school ended operation in 1933.
For some reason, the 1984 Olympic logo reminds me of when I was younger, however I wasn’t born until 1987. Anyway, think it demonstrates America very well, obviously with the stars, but I think it gives a sense of forward motion in a unique way; much different than we typically see. I also noticed that the Atlanta logo of ’96 is unique compared to all of the rest of the logos. All the elements are made up in a rectangle and I like how they’re grouped together. The only element I don’t like is the dark color combination of the green and gold, I feel like there could be a little more contrast however that would take away from the torch and flames. Delicate battle. I would have liked to have seen the thought process behind that logo… and if variations were explored without the rectangle/border. Hmm.
For 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, we have the luxury of comparing the different bids from different candidate cities. If the host nation was selected on the design of the logos alone, I would choose to have the Olympics in another city. For 2000, Beijing would be the lucky host in my opinion. Again, I pick this logo because it tells the story well. The building structure signified location, I think the gold monotone helps translate the essence of Beijing, and the well-known rings make it obvious it’s the Olympics. What I like about the Sydney logo, however, are the bright colors, the “Aussie” boomerang influence in the body, and font choice. It’s a very unique font allowing it to be recognizes easily on its own. I have just seen the “scribbled human” too often in logos; therefore it’s not my favorite.
For 2004, I think that the cultures are portrayed very well. Greece is very obvious with the blue of the flag and the historical olive branch wreath. I love how romantic Buenos Aires is, and how Rome has the tiled texture to it (reminds me of the old bricked streets of Rome, and a quaint vineyard, ha!). Honestly though, I am not sure what is going on in Stockholm’s logo. Is it a statue? Of what? It kind of looks like a horse falling over and a person jumping over it… I don’t understand. But the winner here, in my opinion, would be Roma! Come on down!
Now, for 2008, I only like the chosen Beijing logo, really. I like how the font selection for the Beijing reflects that of ink scripture/calligraphy and the designed mark reminds me of Chinese seal carving. According to csymbol.com, “The Chinese Stamp Art (or seal carving) is one of the traditional four arts, i.e., Chinese painting, calligraphy, poetry and seal carving. A personal stamp in red color is an integrated part of a Chinese artwork of painting or calligraphy, which is not only the signature of the artist on the artwork, but also an essential touch to liven it up.” In a graphics class during college, we had a special guest come and teach us about Chinese stamp art. We had the opportunity to carve our own stones and create a stamp. Knowing the background, I appreciate this logo much more.
So, since when did the world of 2012 reflect 1985?? I feel like the chosen London logo for 2012 came right out of a MTV music video from the 80’s. It’s just weird. And “that’s all I got-ta say about that…“ (Forest Gump, get it?) But I’m not sure how I feel about the second London logo either… makes it slightly difficult to read the text.
And here is the future logo for the 2016 Olympics being held in Rio De Janeiro. What do you think about these 2016 logos?! And if you had to choose who will take home the gold medal logo for 2016, who will come in first place?
Even though my reference came from a post in 2008 from a web design website, it was where I could find the farthest back dated logos and references. Check it out here to see what other people think. mbwebdesign.co
And if you just want to check out what is happening with the 2012 Olympics, here you go!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Design to think different!
Browsing along, I came across a great article http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/07/18/12-inspirational-and-exclusive-interviews-on-yanko-design-hideshi-hamaguchi/ about a man who cannot draw, but is an amazing creative strategist and product designer (not to mention, he’s also a brilliant chemical engineer and math champion from Japan). His name is Hideshi Hamaguchoi. He created the USB, is responsible for creating the first Intranet in Japan in 1993, and has over 120 innovations to his credit. He is just proof that with creativity and great communication skills, you can rule the world (muhahah!!)… not really, but you can have an outstanding impact. The human brain needs to use opposite extremes in order to reach a peak in its creative thought (exactly what I do… sike), but Hideshi mastered this technique and has created world-changing concepts.
I have had a hundred “innovations” through-out my life (I’m not telling you any because you might steal them. Maybe I should use this thought process and make it possible… ha!) Check out this video and use Hideshi Hamaguchoi’s thought process to create something world-changing.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/6g2pMOYmyoQ
I’m just fascinated with how the mind works and how everyone's thought process is so different, and how understanding it can help you discover an idea you never imagined. But also understanding how people think differently; the magic component here is trying balance thinking multiple ways, or having the right combination of intuitive thinkers, emotional thinkers, rational thinkers, etc coming together. I’m not asking you to change the world and invent the next portable-mind-transfer-device… (what?)... but expand your thinking process, and think different. At least try.
- Turtle
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Hello! My friends call me Leah...
This little turtle moved to Baltimore City from Bel Air, MD, in November of 2010. I now live in the historical area of Federal Hill, and recently this month, I moved into an adorable townhome with my… oh, how do I say this… (Energetic? Hyper? Crazy? Funny? Outgoing?).. how about this, ‘All of the above’ boyfriend, Chuck; (in every positive way, possible! Never a dull moment :) I currently work for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) by providing technical writing and multi-media support for two DHS programs focused on first responders; System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) and Responder Technologies (R-tech). Is that what I intended on doing when I graduated from James Madison University with a degree in graphic design? ABSOLUTELY… not, but long story short, I had an amazing design internship opportunity with SAVER and from that, I was offered a stable job as a technical writer/graphic designer. I’m lucky. I now work for a Fortune 500 company, I get to travel, write, design, and just recently I started producing videos for the R-Tech program… While everything is all butterflies, cupcakes, and sparkles at work, I just can’t let go of that craving that is still burning inside…
Ever since those pre-teen turtle years, I have had a passion for marketing, design, and art. Mr. Turtle (my dad) has always been an amazing artist (I will share his work in the future, don’t you worry!) So, not only is creative in my blood, it’s an instinct. To fulfill that inner “creative” hunger that is limited in my work place, I have decided to stay involved and B-L-O-G, BLOG! I am being proactive (just a little dab, that’s all you need), taking initiative, and providing myself with the opportunity to stay involved and keep my mind engaged with the things I am interested in. I’ll be posting about the many facets of design, marketing, and art. I’ll be exploring brand identities, cool Photoshop techniques, fonts (YES!), packaging, sketches, commercials, architecture, catchy jingles, daily doodles, and so much more!
During this learning process, I want to share my 2 cents (maybe at times, when I’m feeling frisky - 50 cents). But I don’t want this to be all about me, I want to hear from you! I want to engage and have a conversation! I am positive you have something valuable to say. Let’s build a relationship. I’ll be sharing facts and fiction I learn along the way, and would love to read what you have to offer. Feel free to e-mail me, comment on my posts, tweet at me, tweet with me, tweet about me, re-tweet what I tweet, eat a treat…wait, what?... Did I mention my slight A.D.D.?
- Turtle
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