Posted by admin on 5 July, 2008
After recovering this morning from a late night drinking binge, I realised it was about this time 6 years ago this week that a drunken friend and I decided to start NDD. Since then alot has changed, so I decided to write a quick list, titled “Stuff about Nodding Dog Design”
- - Originally started by myself and a friend Haydn Davis, NDD is now run exclusively by me, while my mate now works as a fashion design for Quicksilver. He still works for me on a contract basis, specialising in logos and branding.
- - Orginally NDD started out of my parents place, using my bedroom in a dark back room…. Now it runs from my home apartment in the city, with a view of the harbour…..;)
- - Currently have done work for around 200 various clients. Some big, some small.
- - Have worked on roughly 500+ projects. With most projects consisting of multiple parts.
- - Have had clients nationally in Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mackay and Perth.
- - Have had clients internationally in Germany, UK, US & recently Italy.
- - NDD (based in Newcastle) uses contractors to collaborate on projects from Sydney, Melbourne, Germany and Canada.
- - I have been interviewed in a national magazine twice, and once in a UK magazine.
- - Have been interviewed on national TV once.
And ther’s probably more…I’ll add it as I get some more time.
Posted by admin on 23 June, 2008
As you all know I’ve been running my business Nodding Dog Design for the last 6 years. I started it when I was 22, straight out of University and figuring out what to do with my life. But as usual life has a way of doing what it wants, no matter what your plans are. So now at the age of 28, I must of done something right since I’m working my ass off! But really I have no complaints, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and people I’ve met over the years.
Well anyway here’s the list:
6. Whatever your biggest problem is now, it will probably be insignificant to the problems you have in 12 months time…. Just means that as business expands and opportunities grow you’ll have to face bigger problems that put your previous issues into perspective. Whenever I feel anxious, I think about some of my clients who have millions of dollars in various risky ventures, and I feel better and get some perspective.
5. Success is a reward for opportunities taken. Failure is a lesson to be learnt….Failing is good as it teaches you something, which you should be greatful for. But if you repeat the same mistakes regularly you really neeed to re-evaluate what your doing. Success is a reward for trying and achieving. Often risks, hard work and a bit of good timing is required.
4. You gotta do, what you gotta do…..sometimes you have to do stuff because it has to be done. There is no easy way to approach it, you just got to do it.
3. Work hard. Play hard….. I work alot and if I don’t reward myself through enjoying some activities, parties and time with friends, whats the point? You do need to balance the work load and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
2. What you put out there, is what you’ll attract.….I decided a while ago with Nodding Dog Design to create an image for the company that I liked. I went against traditional thinking that I should create an image for the demographics I’m targeting. I wanted to create a look and feel that I liked and I wanted. This was one of the best things I could do, as it made me passionate about my business image as art, rather than business. In doing this I differentiated my business vastly to other people in the same industry. And more importantly I attract clients who like the work that I create, and want me to apply my thinking to their business. People who want a unique and different approach. And this has made working all the more enjoyable.
1. I want to be an old man with no regrets…..When making any decision, I always ask myself - one day I’m going to be 70 years old, and on my deathbed. Do I want to be thinking “I wonder if I did this, what would have happened?” OR THINKING “I tried and failed, but at least I know”. So far I’m happy with my decisions based on this, because it puts everything into perspective.
So in conclusion, there’s probably more stuff I could write, but we all end up in the same place, its just how we get there which makes the difference.
Posted by admin on 21 June, 2008
A few people have asked about the video camera equipment I used, so I thought I’d put up a few pictures online.
Specs:
- Panasonic HVX 202
- Cinevate Brevis 35mm Adapter with image flip and rails
- Cinevate matte box
- Marshall V-R70-HDA (High Def)
- Nikon Lenses 24mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm
- 2 x 16gb P2
- Rodes Condensor mic
Posted by admin on 19 June, 2008
Ok, I’ve been heaps busy with work, looks like my workload is increasing exponentially, with work from all around Australia. Anyway, here are a few photos I recently took.
Posted by admin on 24 May, 2008
This is a quick sketch id id with my Wacom Cintiq 12xw (just had to mention that). I quickly whipped this up as an idea for a 3D image / artwork I’m working on.
Posted by admin on 24 May, 2008
Just found these old animation tests I did a few years ago. Thought I’d put it online, so I can get myself to start fousing on getting this short film done. This was done about 3 - 4 years ago, so I need to get my ass back into gear and start working on it again.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Posted by admin on 21 May, 2008
Its been awhile between posts, been so flat out with work. This is a music video for Tom Hudson, a mate of mine who helps me with all the video work I do. All this was filmed with the Panasonic HVX-202, and a Cinevate Brevis Adapter, using Nikon lenses (24mm, 50mm, 85mm & 105mm)
Still expreimenting with this video stuff, but its heaps of fun. Enjoy.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Posted by admin on 17 May, 2008
I was looking around at my google footprint, and found this place:
Adrian Township is a township in Edmunds County, South Dakota, United States.
Wiki Entry
I wonder if I went there if I would be king? Something to ponder as I work late on a Saturday night…..
Posted by admin on 6 May, 2008
Ok, here’s the latest shots. I’m really happy with this camera, and the look it creates. I’m going to go take some more shots this week, when I get some time. This is addicting.
Posted by admin on 5 May, 2008
Here are some more photos from the Holga. I’m happy with a lot of these, the colors, blurriness and “look” give a totally unpredictable and unqiue look, with lots of character.
