The Jotter - issue 27
“I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.”
Estée Lauder
Good day,
A bit of trumpet blowing to start us off. Not to celebrate the launch of a new website or the gaining of an exciting new client (although I have experienced both this month), but that good things can occasionally come from saying goodbye.
Sometimes clients move on. It's always sad but we have to let them fly and not take it personally. They may want something I can't deliver, or they may want a change... and that's ok.
One of my principles is to part on good terms. To make it as easy as possible for them to transition and to answer promptly any questions the new web designers may have.
Recently, a client who I have been working with for 12 years, decided to go to pastures new. I received this lovely email from one of their team.
"I would like to add my personal thanks for all your hard work and especially your patience, for bearing with us whilst developing the new site.
I have really appreciated your help during the time in putting content on so quickly and interpreting my descriptions of where things should go etc!
It has been great working with you – always so friendly and approachable – Thank you."
Which was nice.
Onwards
Andrew
01, Ippon ura…
… in English this loosely translates as “one street backed.” Which is my mantra for visiting cities - avoid the main drags and explore the backstreets.
Ridgeline 144 by Craig Mod is littered with wise word about the curse of Venice. About unsuitably large suitcases and ugly private yachts (“I’m not saying the person who bought it should be executed, but someone should help them find their way before they do more damage.”)
I can always sniff out some modern architecture, even in Venice. This beauty was designed by David Chipperfield Architects and is on Isola di San Michele (the cemetery island in the Venice lagoon).
02, Book
I can tell a good book by the number of highlights I save. English Pastoral is very high in the league table.
This is a thoughtful and beautifully written memoir about changing work practices and its impact on communities. About ‘progress’ and its unintended consequences.
“Our land is like a poem, in a patchwork landscape of other poems, written by hundreds of people, both those here now and the many hundreds that came before us, with each generation adding new layers of meaning and experience.”
James Rebanks, English Pastoral, p. 197
03, Art
I love going to art galleries. However, I often struggle to comprehend ‘artist statements.’ They like using more words than are necessary.
If you simply can’t get enough of them I have found the perfect website for you.
04, Design
Designer, Anthony Burrill, has launched an archive of his “lo-fi graphic design, characterful typography and discarded ephemera.”
“I have worked here my whole life, but I am only now beginning to truly know this piece of land. I stumble across a field at a different time of day, or in different light, and I feel as if I have never seen it before.”
James Rebanks, English Pastoral, p. 209
05, Age
A tweet by Richard Shotton on the puzzle that only 6% of people are over 50 in the ad industry (and presumably many other industries).
“People over 50 are creative enough to dominate in Nobels, Pulitzers, Oscars, and Emmys but are not creative enough to write a … banner ad. I guarantee you, not one of these brilliantly talented people could get a job in an ad agency today. Not one.”
Please note: a naughty word has been removed.
06, Photography
0.6.01, Photobook
The Road to Nowhere by Robin Graubard. Unflinching and powerful photos from mid 90’s Balkans.
Contender for the best photobook of the year.
06.02, Magazine
Eamonn Doyle is the living photographer who inspires me most. His photos immerse you into the rush of urban living. His books are a designer’s delight thanks to his collaboration with Pony.
06.03, Essay
Rob Rendle writes wonderfully designed and thoughtful essays. You may remember I shared this essay about email newsletters a few months ago.
This month he has published one about photography and shadows.
“I want photographs that look like a deep and murky pond.”
07, Work.
I last worked with Bath based property company, HPH Ltd, about a decade ago on one of their restaurant sites. At the time they decided to use an agency instead of a ‘company of one’ for their main website but I didn’t take it personally. I like to keep on good terms.
One reason is they may return. HPH Ltd did and here is the result:
Thank you for reading the July Jotter. The next one will bloom into life on Friday 26th August at 11am. Until then, I hope you have fun.
Onwards
Andrew
“When burdened by the feeling that there are too many photographs in the world, I ask myself if there are too many flowers.”