agideas highlights 2010
agIdeas 2010
If you missed this year's agIdeas, we have covered a few of the stand out contributors
AgIdeas is a huge event on the Artisan, and greater Creative community calender. For the past three years our team have been part of the massive behind the scenes effort that help pull this magnificent collaboration together. As we relax in the wake of what was an incredible 2010 agIdeas, we took stock of a few highlights. Among some 44 National and International Speakers, we chose to briefly recap on a few favourites.
Alex Alvarez - USA
Alex stole the stage as he captivated the audience during it’s final session of this years’ AgIdeas. In a feverous delivery of his own Creative (and subsequently professional) growth as a multimedia artist and CEO of Gnomon School of Visual Effects (est 1997 – at 24yrs) in Hollywood, Alvarez unraveled his story from indistinct beginnings to his now marked success within the Multimedia industry.
As a relative outsider looking into the world of motion graphics and multimedia development I was fascinated. The development of complex fantasy characters, and their staged execution using programs such as Maya; is still as reliant on a commitment to the linear design process as design for print, fashion or packaging. True to it’s traditional consistency, the process forms the foundations to even the most technologically advanced solutions, ensuring the latest software programmes and equipment on hand are simply part of a innovative toolbox to the Artist. Alvarez' touched on his own artistic beginnings throughout the talk, and the idea that elements of traditional fine art are in some way the hinge pin to most creative journeys.
On viewing the portfolio of Gnomon’s work, it’s safe to say the universal process of researching, brainstorming, developing, critiquing, and refining remains the stuff of quality solutions. Irrespective of ever changing tools and equipment, Alex maintained the Designer begins with an idea, which is then applied in ink to paper and re sketched beit 100 times prior to hitting the tools.
Enlisting a work ethic and philosophy of “Live and Learn”, Alvarez is a self proclaimed multimedia hermit, still spending the best part of most evenings tapping away at developing ideas, in the quiet of his basement. This comes after years of hard slog and 14 hour days, which was the natural progression to an even earlier love of drawing. Drawing, he claims, is the beginning of most Creative genius to some degree, and remains the initial stage of his work today.
When touching on the establishment of the Gnomon School of Visual Graphics, Alex recalls sheer frustration in a quest to find an institution allowing him to learn and perfect the crafts of Multimedia; as well as a hope to ensure those teaching remain active students and practitioners of their trade, rather than retired masters who once knew a thing or two. Incorporating a dynamic curriculum of workshops, guest speakers and studio sessions, the school is designed to elicit creativity, talent and authenticity from it’s students, not breed conformity or assimilation.
The school has evolved into a huge success, not to mention a melting pot of recognised talent and partnerships in the field of Multimedia. In his own time, Alvarez works on various personal and professional projects – which have included the development of “creatures” for 3D blockbuster – Avatar, as well as publishing several industry magazines, websites and books and teaching.
gnomonschool.com
Theo Jansen - NORWAY
Innovation is frequently a word thrown around without truly understanding the meaning of the word however, along with being inspiring, Theo Jansen’s presentation at AGIdeas on Wednesday morning was truly innovative.
As the creator of his Strandbeest (beach beasts), he has taken various basic materials and created new ‘life-forms’ from them that have the capacity to walk, run and even sense their surroundings. With the intention of creating beasts that will keep the Netherlands beaches clean, the Strandbeests are even capable of determining when they’ve hit the water and how to react thanks to the creation of ‘nerves’ and ‘muscles’ out of basic material.
A remarkable presentation, Theo had me looking at the protein components of my own body in a new and different way, thinking of each element as performing basic functions that, collectively, leave a strong impression as to just how magnificently complex the human body is.
strandbeest.com
Peter Biggs - AUSTRALIAN / NEW ZEALAND
Peter Biggs is Managing Director of Clemenger BBDO in Melbourne, winner of the B&T Agency of the Year in 2007 and 2008, Campaign Brief Agency of the Year in 2008 and AdNews Agency of the Year in 2008. Speaking with inspiration and passion for his organization, peter engaged the audience with interesting quotes throughout his talk, ultimately referring back to Clemenger’s core values.
An interesting point that he made in relation to the staff members, the expectation of those employed by Clemenger was of their generosity of time and ideas, in return, employees would be rewarded through generous working environments and like minded people.
Before taking up his appointment in Melbourne in March 2006, he was Managing Director of Clemenger BBDO in Wellington, New Zealand. During his time at Clemenger BBDO/Wellington, the agency was New Zealand Agency of the Year in 2002 and 2004, and he was chosen as Agency Chief Executive of the Year in 2003.
In Melbourne, he is a member of the Board of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Chunky Move Dance Company and the Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas. Peter Biggs is a sought-after speaker on branding, marketing, creativity and leadership.
clemengerbbdo.com.au
RESN - NZ
Now coming from the digital space, their can only be one winner, Rikki and Steve the from RESN, over in NZ. With an entertaining 20 min speech covered off how much fun they have working together, ...it wasn't clear not sure if they actually work hard - but the solution speaks for itself.
Seriously though, these guys are incredibly talented and must have one amazing team behind them. RESN is a digital creative agency that pushes boundaries on what can be done across traditional and new media solutions. With a broad client base spaning the globe, working with brands like Coca-Cola, Panasonic and Toyota - they dabble with big names.
They're ability to reel in various Pixel Awards breathes testiment to they're success and strong impression in the industry, as does they're position as one of the few agencies that get to play with any new Adobe software released in an effort to test it's limits.
For further information regarding agIdeas, jump online! agideas.net/home
Alex Alvarez - USA
Alex stole the stage as he captivated the audience during it’s final session of this years’ AgIdeas. In a feverous delivery of his own Creative (and subsequently professional) growth as a multimedia artist and CEO of Gnomon School of Visual Effects (est 1997 – at 24yrs) in Hollywood, Alvarez unraveled his story from indistinct beginnings to his now marked success within the Multimedia industry.
As a relative outsider looking into the world of motion graphics and multimedia development I was fascinated. The development of complex fantasy characters, and their staged execution using programs such as Maya; is still as reliant on a commitment to the linear design process as design for print, fashion or packaging. True to it’s traditional consistency, the process forms the foundations to even the most technologically advanced solutions, ensuring the latest software programmes and equipment on hand are simply part of a innovative toolbox to the Artist. Alvarez' touched on his own artistic beginnings throughout the talk, and the idea that elements of traditional fine art are in some way the hinge pin to most creative journeys.
On viewing the portfolio of Gnomon’s work, it’s safe to say the universal process of researching, brainstorming, developing, critiquing, and refining remains the stuff of quality solutions. Irrespective of ever changing tools and equipment, Alex maintained the Designer begins with an idea, which is then applied in ink to paper and re sketched beit 100 times prior to hitting the tools.
Enlisting a work ethic and philosophy of “Live and Learn”, Alvarez is a self proclaimed multimedia hermit, still spending the best part of most evenings tapping away at developing ideas, in the quiet of his basement. This comes after years of hard slog and 14 hour days, which was the natural progression to an even earlier love of drawing. Drawing, he claims, is the beginning of most Creative genius to some degree, and remains the initial stage of his work today.
When touching on the establishment of the Gnomon School of Visual Graphics, Alex recalls sheer frustration in a quest to find an institution allowing him to learn and perfect the crafts of Multimedia; as well as a hope to ensure those teaching remain active students and practitioners of their trade, rather than retired masters who once knew a thing or two. Incorporating a dynamic curriculum of workshops, guest speakers and studio sessions, the school is designed to elicit creativity, talent and authenticity from it’s students, not breed conformity or assimilation.
The school has evolved into a huge success, not to mention a melting pot of recognised talent and partnerships in the field of Multimedia. In his own time, Alvarez works on various personal and professional projects – which have included the development of “creatures” for 3D blockbuster – Avatar, as well as publishing several industry magazines, websites and books and teaching.
gnomonschool.com
Theo Jansen - NORWAY
Innovation is frequently a word thrown around without truly understanding the meaning of the word however, along with being inspiring, Theo Jansen’s presentation at AGIdeas on Wednesday morning was truly innovative.
As the creator of his Strandbeest (beach beasts), he has taken various basic materials and created new ‘life-forms’ from them that have the capacity to walk, run and even sense their surroundings. With the intention of creating beasts that will keep the Netherlands beaches clean, the Strandbeests are even capable of determining when they’ve hit the water and how to react thanks to the creation of ‘nerves’ and ‘muscles’ out of basic material.
A remarkable presentation, Theo had me looking at the protein components of my own body in a new and different way, thinking of each element as performing basic functions that, collectively, leave a strong impression as to just how magnificently complex the human body is.
strandbeest.com
Peter Biggs - AUSTRALIAN / NEW ZEALAND
Peter Biggs is Managing Director of Clemenger BBDO in Melbourne, winner of the B&T Agency of the Year in 2007 and 2008, Campaign Brief Agency of the Year in 2008 and AdNews Agency of the Year in 2008. Speaking with inspiration and passion for his organization, peter engaged the audience with interesting quotes throughout his talk, ultimately referring back to Clemenger’s core values.
An interesting point that he made in relation to the staff members, the expectation of those employed by Clemenger was of their generosity of time and ideas, in return, employees would be rewarded through generous working environments and like minded people.
Before taking up his appointment in Melbourne in March 2006, he was Managing Director of Clemenger BBDO in Wellington, New Zealand. During his time at Clemenger BBDO/Wellington, the agency was New Zealand Agency of the Year in 2002 and 2004, and he was chosen as Agency Chief Executive of the Year in 2003.
In Melbourne, he is a member of the Board of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Chunky Move Dance Company and the Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas. Peter Biggs is a sought-after speaker on branding, marketing, creativity and leadership.
clemengerbbdo.com.au
RESN - NZ
Now coming from the digital space, their can only be one winner, Rikki and Steve the from RESN, over in NZ. With an entertaining 20 min speech covered off how much fun they have working together, ...it wasn't clear not sure if they actually work hard - but the solution speaks for itself.
Seriously though, these guys are incredibly talented and must have one amazing team behind them. RESN is a digital creative agency that pushes boundaries on what can be done across traditional and new media solutions. With a broad client base spaning the globe, working with brands like Coca-Cola, Panasonic and Toyota - they dabble with big names.
They're ability to reel in various Pixel Awards breathes testiment to they're success and strong impression in the industry, as does they're position as one of the few agencies that get to play with any new Adobe software released in an effort to test it's limits.
For further information regarding agIdeas, jump online! agideas.net/home
watch
Erica's listening to ...
Xavier Rudd's - "Let me Be"
