The Crisis of Debt Visualized.

Economics isn't something I typically get excited about but upon completing my last econ class of my college career (hooray!), I thought I'd share this wonderful gem. I hate to admit that I didn't fully understand what was going on with the debt and housing crisis until I took this class and watched this short ten minute film - The Crisis of Debt Visualized.

This was created by the the brilliant Jonathan Jarvis, design director at Google's Creative Lab. I'd like to thank him for helping me understand what almost made our economy collapse and what brought families and banks across the country to their knees. He did it through beautiful design and easy to comprehend language. Please watch.

Thank you Jonathan!

Yummy Creative Things.

Recently, I've been introduced to some new yummy creative things by a few dear friends that I can't tear myself away from. Each one stimulates a different aspect of creativity and passion - film, fashion and decor, and comedy.

As a side note, I've also started exercising nearly everyday (something that I've been doing on and off for years) and the high that I get from it isn't to be compared. I feel energized, happy, sexy, strong, and very creatively driven. Try it. It works. 

Yummy Creative Things:

My friend, Lily Bussel, showed me Sous Style a couple weeks ago and I can happily say I'm now an addict. Pippa Lord, the photo director for ELLE, writes and curates this blog with beautiful photos demonstrating great style in clothes, home decor, food, and sexy men. Male Monday, one of our favorites, features chiseled and worldly men cooking for Pippa (I wouldn't mind spending a Monday in her shoes). There's a new one today - check him (and his food) out. Thanks Lily!

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is my roommate Perris's (and now my) new, easy-to-love and quick fill of comedians and cars while we drink coffee in the morning. During each of the 15 minuteish web shows, Jerry Seinfeld takes out a vintage car, picks up a famous comedian and grabs coffee. They generally go to laid back cafes or delis and have a laid back and unscripted conversation about life, cars, food, and what it means to be a comedian. Each episode has made my laugh out loud multiple times and lasts just long enough for me to finish my morning eggs and coffee or tea. Thanks Perris!

Last week, my friend Jesse invited me to the Bijou Art Cinemas to watch Samsara with some friends - it was mind altering and potentially life changing. The website tells viewers to "prepare yourself for an unparalleled sensory experience" and it delivered. I experienced something completely new and reached a nearly zen state of Buddhism (I believe). Samsara means "the ever turning wheel of life," which is exactly what the non verbal film presents. It was shot entirely on 70mm film over the period of five years in 25 countries. I mean, fuck, that sentence there should make you want to see it right now. There is no speaking throughout the film, only powerful and instrumental music. See it, it's a vision of the world that I could never have experience otherwise. Thanks Jesse!

The Bijou has been my favorite place to watch films in Eugene since moving here for college three years ago. I'm going to try to go every Monday when the movies are half off, only $3 (!!!!), to fuel my creative interest in watching and creating films. Today is Monday and later I'm headed over to watch The Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best. Join me. 

McGarrah Jessee. This is how we Beer :30.

This is how we Beer :30 at McGarrah Jessee. I shot and edited this video at our previous Beer :30, which is a beer party our agency hosts on the last Friday of every month starting at 4:30. We represent Shiner beer. We drink Shiner at Beer :30. It's fun. 

There's also an office Fruit and Veggie club that met during this party - that's why there is cake, cookies, beer, crackers, chips... and veggies. I made the brussel sprouts (i.e. the green things). They were a big hit. Thanks again Mom for teaching me how to cook.

Louis Vuitton. Dream. Mos Def. And the Digital Experience.

Here's how it started:

Last night I saw this on my Twitter feed - 

It was only three words and a short, crazy, little twitter url link. I was curious. It led me to a beautiful video that Ogilvy Paris had created with art, fashion, calligraphy, talent, and copy in mind. 

I watched it twice last night and once this morning, every time noticing something new. That is what a beautiful and smart film should do. Louis Vuitton collaborated with Mos Def to commemorate Muhammad Ali for his greatness and strength to stand up for what he believes in.

This morning the video brought me to LV's website, an enchanting place filled with wonderful collaborations, videos, art, and independent thinking. I could spend hours clicking through The World of Louis Vuitton, where we can browse through photo essays, journals, and videos of people and places that influence and bring life to the brand.

Here, I discovered how Kusama's (one of Japan's most avant-garde artists) art has inspired a collection or how the visionary and artistic director, Marc Jacobs, has transformed the brand.

This is what happens when a brand cares about inspiring the young and old, about quality of product, and about beauty.

This is what happens when a brand gives a shit.

Jaqi's Dinner.

Jaqi Alie and I were hungry so we brought food, drinks, and people together and I captured the night on film. This is a short summary of what happened: 

Dom Perignon. The Power of Creation.

Watching these powerful films featuring Dom Perignon's latest collaboration with David Lynch, who designed and signed a limited edition collection of Dom Perignon and Dom Perignon Rose, sent shivers through my body. The shivers weren't only caused by the beautiful, experimental, whimsical, and psychedelic way in which Lynch operates and creates, but also by the brand's loyalty to itself and its slogan. 

The Power of Creation. 

They showed it better then they said it. They stuck to their word and they delivered a magnificent show. Dom Perignon took calculated risks to deliver something never before seen or heard of and truly showed what the power of creation can produce. 

Fish 'n Funny Looks.

I took these photos at a McGarrah Jessee event supporting our Costa sunglasses client. Costa recently produced the movie, Jungle Fish, so McJ threw a party to celebrate its opening. We enjoyed beer and tacos and though many of these photos make our staff look like creepers, they're really not. This first photo is my favorite. What are you looking at?

Best 'Merica Party Ever.

So here's my latest short movie: Ross Aboud was kind enough to invite friends and his McGarrah Jessee coworkers to his home on 4th of July. He was also kind enough to scare the small children with his fireworks. We ate, drank, played, lit things on fire, and chased babies around his lawn. Needless to say, it was fun.

Thanks Ross!

Behind the Scenes. Vespa Shoot.

While cleaning out my camera, I stumbled upon these photos from our Vespa commercial shoot. The wonderful creative team, Breanne Thomas and Justin Han, invited me to produce their Vespa spot for a portfolio project. As the pictures prove, the shoot was both extremely fun and challenging. Breanne imagined the spot taking place in a bathroom with Tyler, our actor, looking into a mirror. In a great problem solving moment (if I say so myself), I arranged the shoot in a Kohler showroom and it turned out wonderfully! Breanne was a great director and Justin caught all the behind the scenes action in these photos. Chris Osborn edited the piece and Joanna Barondess illustrated it. Jeff Ackler plays a kick-ass Burt Reynolds.

Here it is in all its glory.

The Art of Man from Breanne Thomas on Vimeo.

A Little Bit of Austin.

Last weekend, in an effort to explore more of Austin, I ventured through the streets of South Congress. In the process I met local designers, trespassed onto hotel property, bought a beautiful lace top from the 60s, had dinner with teachers and mailmen at Guero's and listened to one animated Catholic elementary school teacher speak of the weed she once collected from the shores in California. Finally, I landed at The Parish with some work friends listening to music and comedians.

I want to live in this garden. Do you think anyone would notice if I snuck into the quaint little pool at Hotel San Jose? One day when I return, I'm going to stay here.

I found my new lace top here and now consider a visit to Feathers a necessity to anyone visiting Austin.

The Things of McGarrah Jessee.

I just finished my first incredible week as an intern at the Austin ad agency, McGarrah Jessee. On my fifth day at the agency, I thought it would be a good idea to wander around invading people's space and taking photos of their weird stuff. This is what I found: 

Meet Penguino:

Meet Penguino's family:

The babies of the company.

This beard wins awards. Or at least tries to. Badass.

We have fun. Part I.

We have fun. Part II.