Design Matters | Finding Creativity in the Unexpected

         

There is no denying that the significance of design is largely underrated. Given its abstract yet unobtrusive nature, its complexities are known only to those who care to discern them. For the most part, design maintains such a discreet presence in our everyday lives that we often take for it granted. Nevertheless, design need not be spectacular to be any more important.

At the 18^th edition of CreativeMornings Utrecht (27 September 2013), graphic designer and editor-in-chief Peter Bil’ak expressed his overwhelming fascination with design and the endless possibilities thereof. His magazine Works That Work explores global instances of unexpected creativity and their impact on society. What began as an inspiring publication entirely devoted to the curious mind has surprisingly evolved into a remarkable project of its own, reflecting the rapid developments in design, new technologies and mass media.

CreativeMornings Utrecht | Play | Xander Wiersma

CreativeMornings Utrecht |  25 October 2013 | In De Ruimte (Oudegracht 230A) | 08:30 (AM) |  A creative presentation on Play by Xander Wiersma

CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types. Each event is free of charge, and includes a 20 minute lecture, plus coffee!

On 25 October 2013, CreativeMornings Utrecht will host its 19th creative lecture at “In De Ruimte” (Oudegracht 230A), opening at 08:30 (AM). Presented by Xander Wiersma, his talk centers on this month’s global theme: Play. Frustrated by the lack of children’s apps available in their native language (Dutch and Swiss German) graphic designers Wiersma and his partner Marlis Zimmermann founded Appracadabra in 2010. Working with a team of talented illustrators, programmers, linguists and the like, the Netherlands-based studio develops visually stunning, educational apps for kids, targeted at developing specific skills. Combining learning and interaction with fun and entertainment, Appracadabra apps are changing the way we play. ✌

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☞ For more information on Xander Wiersma, Appracadabra, CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™, visit the websites listed below:

Xander Wiersma, Appracadabra

CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™

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Restless Revolutionaries | The Rise of Indie Brands

         

In times of economic uncertainty, waning consumer confidence and widespread unemployment, starting a business seems ludicrous at best. Yet, for an increasing number of ambitious entrepreneurs, there is no better time to set-up shop than when the odds are stacked against them. While well-established businesses are tightening their belts and shying away from unnecessary risks, independent brands the world over are rolling up their sleeves and taking chances, creating opportunities and doing their own thing.

At the 17^th edition of CreativeMornings Utrecht (30 August 2013), author, editor and curator (just to name a few) Anneloes van Gaalen championed the heroic efforts of these entrepreneurial underdogs and how they are revolutionizing the way we do business. Her recent publication, Indie Brands (BIS Publishers) delves into the world of independent brands –from biodegradable shoes and slavery-free chocolate to minimalist mobile phones– and what makes them tick, their must-have products and the inspiring minds behind them. Far from glorifying their exploits, Van Gaalen reveals the overwhelming challenges that these brands face in running their own business.

CreativeMornings Utrecht | Connect | Peter Bi’lak

CreativeMornings Utrecht | 27 September 2013 | In De Ruimte (Oudegracht 230A) | 08:30 (AM) |  A creative presentation on Connect by Peter Bi’lak

CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types. Each event is free of charge, and includes a 20 minute lecture, plus coffee!

On 27 September 2013, CreativeMornings Utrecht will host its 18th creative lecture at “In De Ruimte” (Oudegracht 230A), opening at 08:30 (AM). Presented by Peter Bi’lak, his talk  centers on this month’s global theme: Connect. As a graphic designer, lecturer and editor-in-chief, Bi’lak is no stranger to the countless virtues of good design. His magazine, Works That Work, explores global instances of unexpected creativity and their positive impact on our daily lives. By inviting readers to become partners in their enterprise, the publication relies on the community-driven business model of social distribution for their means of circulation. As a magazine entirely devoted to good design, Works That Work is pushing the boundaries of creativity by challenging the existing system. ✌

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ✌

☞ For more information on Peter Bi’lak, Works That Work, CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™, visit the websites listed below:

 Peter Bi’lak, Works That Work

CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™

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CreativeMornings Utrecht x Indie Brands | Urbanism | Anneloes van Gaalen

CreativeMornings Utrecht | 30 August 2013 | In De Ruimte (Oudegracht 230A) | 08:30 (AM) |  A creative presentation on Urbanism by Anneloes van Gaalen

CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types. Each event is free of charge, and includes a 20 minute lecture, plus coffee!

On 30 August 2013, CreativeMornings Utrecht will host its 17th creative lecture at “In De Ruimte” (Oudegracht 230A), opening at 08:30 (AM). Presented by Anneloes van Gaalen, her talk centers on this month’s global theme: Urbanism. As a published author, editor, curator and producer (among many other creative pursuits), Van Gaalen has continuously immersed herself in the realms of art, fashion, new media and branding. Her recent publication, Indie Brands (BIS Publishers) chronicles 30 inspiring independent brands, their tantalizing products and the creative minds behind them. Due to their inherent nature, these brands are changing the way we do business, combining community-building and social involvement with modern entrepreneurial savvy. ✌

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ✌

☞ For more information on Anneloes van Gaalen, Indie Brands, CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™, visit the websites listed below:

Anneloes van Gaalen, Indie Brands

CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™

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All in the Mind | Expanding Our Creative Capacities

         

Society decrees that there are two types of thinkers in this world: the analytical and the creative. At a very early age, we were led to believe that we are either one or the other, instructed to base our most important life decisions on this outcome alone. In truth, we as human beings are born with the innate capacity for both. Still, it appears that some people in particular are more creative than others, able to quickly generate innovative ideas and think outside the box. Be that as it may, creativity does not depend on the type of brain we have. It is simply a matter of how we use it.

At the 16^th edition of CreativeMornings Utrecht, neuropsychologist Sabine van Linden (Ph.D.) shed some light on the intricacies of the creative mind and how it can be improved. As clinical psychology lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, she is deeply fascinated by the inner workings of the brain, delivering lectures and workshops on this three-pound gem through her organization Talks to Mind. As the power of creativity is a valued human resource that often remains untapped, using the brain more efficiently can unleash its full potential.

CreativeMornings Utrecht | Space | Sabine van Linden

CreativeMornings Utrecht | 26 July 2013 | In De Ruimte (Oudegracht 230A) | 08:30 (AM) |  A creative presentation on Space by Sabine van Linden, Ph.D.

CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types. Each event is free of charge, and includes a 20 minute lecture, plus coffee!

On 26 July 2013, CreativeMornings Utrecht will host its 16th creative lecture at “In De Ruimte” (Oudegracht 230A), opening at 08:30 (AM). Presented by neuropsychologist Sabine van Linden (Ph.D.), her talk centers on this month’s global theme: Space. As a clinical psychology lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, Van Linden is fascinated by the creative capacities of the mind and how the brain works. While the power of creativity is inherent to every human being, its full potential often remains untapped. Be that as it may, Van Linden shares the tricks of the trade on how to create space for creativity and keeping an open mind. ✌

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☞ For more information on Sabine van Linden, CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™, visit the websites listed below:

Sabine van Linden

CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™

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Eating With Our Eyes | The Art of Culinary Illustration

         

Inspiration can be found in the most unlikely of places. More often than not, it is a product of aesthetic experience or, in other words, being moved – moments where we are truly open and genuinely present in the here and now. Indeed, the accumulation of a lifetime of these experiences compels us to find inspiration in all things and, more importantly, to create something out of it.

At the 15^th edition of CreativeMornings Utrecht (28 June 2013), culistrator (culinary illustrator) Janneke Hoeben drew an unconventional link between food and fashion, proving that design can also be delicious. As fashion designer-turned-culistrator and founder of kitchen textile label Commis de Cuisine, this all-round creative serves as artistic intermediary between the best of both worlds. Combining her love for fashion and illustration with all things culinary, she firmly believes that culistration is where food and fashion meet.

Problem-Paper-Scissors | (Re) Designing a More User-friendly Web

         

The irony of the World Wide Web lies in its complexity. On the one hand, the innovation has radically altered the world as we know it, facilitating greater access to information and bringing us closer together on an unimaginable scale. On the other hand, we are needlessly forced to adapt to its rapid advancements, having to relearn operational skills with every new development. While the Internet serves as a tool to make our lives “better”, it has certainly made things more complicated.

As a matter of fact, it is not only the end-user that must constantly readjust to the modern world but even more so businesses and organizations. Given that a corporate website is already difficult to maintain, the advent of mobile technology has generated a plethora of communication platforms including apps, mobile versions of websites and social media. Since the tendency for most organizations (in particular multinationals, government agencies and public services) is to provide as much information as possible to the general public, content –be it online or mobile– becomes a double-edged sword: easily accessible yet thoroughly complex.

At the 14^th edition of CreativeMornings Utrecht (31 May 2013), information architect Marrije Schaake is convinced that the best way to move forward is to take one step back. As co-owner of user experience design agency eend, she and her team are on a quest to (re)design a more user-friendly web and the by-products thereof. Equally important to the end result is the creative process itself, whereby problem solving is accomplished through the most basic of means.

CreativeMornings Utrecht | Food | Janneke Hoeben

CreativeMornings Utrecht | 28 June 2013 | In De Ruimte (Oudegracht 230A) | 08:30 (AM) |  A creative presentation on Food by Janneke Hoeben

CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types. Each event is free of charge, and includes a 20 minute lecture, plus coffee!

On 28 June 2013, CreativeMornings Utrecht will host its 15th creative lecture at “In De Ruimte” (Oudegracht 230A), opening at 08:30 (AM). Presented by Janneke Hoeben, her talk centers on this month’s global theme: Food. As fashion designer-turned-culistrator (culinary illustrator) and founder of Commis de Cuisine, Hoeben is an all-round creative, combining her love for fashion, drawing and prints with an intense passion for all things culinary. Able to visualize food in an extraordinary way, her work is living proof that design can also be delicious. ✌

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ✌

☞ For more information on Janneke Hoeben, Culistrator, Commis de Cuisine, CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™, visit the websites listed below:

Janneke Hoeben, Commis de Cuisine,

CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™

Follow CreativeMornings Utrecht on Facebook and Twitter for more information on how to register or sign up for their Official Newsletter

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