Cat on Web Design and Life

Another gallery closing … community (vs) profit?

Cat Johnson — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:11:43 +0000

The Hide Gallery, which was big on community and slim on funding is closing. It makes me wonder about the sustainability of grassroots, non profit-oriented creative projects. In a time of cross marketing and product placement and sponsorship and commercials and branding – is there still a place for creatives to exist without the confines of bills?

I’ve seen several art spaces start up and attract us like moths to a flame, do wonderful things, support the art community and then run out of steam. It usually falls on one or two people to do a ton of work or constantly be drumming up people to help out…it leads to burnout. Although the vision remains, the mortal runs out of fuel.

Some places have found the balance between artistic integrity and freedom and commercial success – yet often times these two things are at odds. To those who are able to pull it off…Right On! Go Go Go.

This is the age-old journey of the artist isn’t it? Satisfy your soul, give the people what they want or ideally find a place that the two can reside.

Inspiring Community

Cat Johnson — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:08:41 +0000

I am now a part of a web developers group and I must say, I am deeply inspired to grow as a designer and coder, and to share what I am learning. In a field as vast as web development, you can spend a lifetime pursuing one small aspect of one small corner. There is so much to know and only so much time and energy you can give.

We’ve created an environment where individual can distill some of what they know into a manageable presentation to share with the group and we absorb their expertise (or even amateurish insights) and are better developers for it.

One of the members of our group, I’ve know for over a year, and had no idea that she has taught art and design and is currently focusing on studio lighting and digital photography. Do you think I have a few things to learn from her? Of course! I wish she would present every meeting…but there are so many others.

The creative community is at it’s best when we are supporting each other and sharing information and resources. Our goal should not be to compete and win, but rather to excel as designers, coders and individuals.

10 things I love about Santa Cruz

Cat Johnson — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:49:22 +0000

1. Westcliff Drive. A walk out there will blow the blues away every time (and you might see a whale).

2. I know someone everywhere I go.

3. The redwoods we have exist only in the pacific northwest and China.

4. We knew about genetically modified foods 3 years before it was in the news.

5. The people are politically active, vocal in city government and actually win…a lot of the time.

6. Everyone does something creative (usually outside of their day job).

7. There’s no such thing as too old for a piercing or new tattoo.

8. We have regular parades, and fringe parades for those who aren’t aligned with the official parades (think First Night)

9. Cabrillo College. This school rules. For basically nothing, I’ve learned Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, web design and development, programming, anatomy…great resource and cool instructors who aren’t afraid to make joint jokes and wear jeans.

10. We encourage people to let their freak-flag fly. There will always be someone WAY stranger than you.

cat.

Do you hear what I hear?

Cat Johnson — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:52:40 +0000

Wow. I wish that I could send you the audio track to my life right now. Our yard, which is normally filled with the sounds of birds chirping and trees rustling in the breeze and cats stretching is being jackhammered and concrete-sawed and I have to tell you, it is a noisy, dusty situation that has sent the cats fleeing, the birds flying and even the trees have run for cover. All in the name of a better house though, so who can complain?

cat.

if i were a superhero

Cat Johnson — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:45:11 +0000

I’ve been reading a lot of graphic novels lately and it’s got me thinking – what superpower(s) would I want. Of course, regeneration is cool…kind of vampire-ish in an eternal sort of way. Super strength could come in really handy, especially on a yard work day like today, schleping load after load of stuff all around – superman could get it done quick! Diana’s truth lasso and wrist thingies are awesome and spiderman…what can I say? Who wouldn’t want to go swinging around town?

However, I have decided that my two superpowers would be: the ability to fly and the ability to stop time and yes, I have had the stopping time desire way before Hiro!

It seems like flying would be the most liberating, amazing feeling. I would be a great flyer, I just know it. I would fight crime if I had to, but I think I would be content just cruising around, arms outstretched, just…flying.

The ability to stop time might be a blessing and a curse. Like the old Twilight Zone where the woman prevented a nuclear holocaust but had to live out her days alone…hmmm. I’ll have to give more thought to that one.

I guess just flying for now. I’ll let you know how it goes.

cat.