something lived. something dreamed.

Creating Memorable + Relevant + Innovative ENGAGEMENT

2011-10-11T14:00:00.004+05:30

Today, for brands, presence online not only means interacting with consumers and being where the consumers are, but it is to get quantitative results. Must brands leverage digital media only for ROI?

The brand utilizes, from a plethora of options - social networks, mobile applications, video marketing, viral marketing, rich media tools, direct marketing, search engine marketing, analytics among others to engage with the consumers to build lasting relationships.

Lasting relationships cannot be built based on an interaction or being present where they are. Neither can you get consumers to fulfill a transactional goal.

Picture this – a ‘wholistic experience’:

To create a wholistic experience which results in qualitative conversions, the brand should define the business objective and what results it expects from engaging with the consumer. The brand must know its attributes and pain-points. It should have an enticing narrative story. It must define the competitive edge it has over the others and what makes it unique. And, most importantly the brand must know how it is perceived by its audience. This I call ‘context’ with respect to Consumer.

The ‘consumer’ is an existing user or the segmented audience. Reaching out to them means understanding their sentiments towards the brand, their needs & expectations and their search insights, to in turn provide them with a dynamic user experience. The offline consumer’s perspective helps in understanding the brands presence beyond web.

The contextual ‘content’ that the brand uses to showcase itself on the web, including powerful copy, empathetic design, simplified IA and rich media assets form the content strategy.

Part of content creation is, arriving at an appropriate channel mix for marketing, i.e. identifying channels to seed and spread the communication. SEO and SEM strategies can be deployed at this stage making the experience relevant and cost effective.

It is the relevance of the context in which the brand reaches out to its consumers that is called Brand Communication.

By developing content for the consumer, the brand connects emotionally and evocatively to create a memorable experience.

Content creation is - innovatively packaging customer sentiments.

The brand now has a platform that the consumers can trust and engage with. Working with the 3 key elements of engagement – context, consumer and content, guides the brand towards achieving Relevant, Memorable and Innovative engagement.
Creating this wholistic experience ensures definite return on investment and help brands create lasting relationships with the consumers.

Who doesnt like creating magic??

2010-07-01T13:03:00.009+05:30

www.MalavikaSarukkai.com

When I stopped being judgemental…

2010-01-19T18:32:00.002+05:30

It didn’t take me more than 2 meetings to say ‘no way’.

I have met him more than twice and I realized I didn’t have to say that. Some people u meet by accident is no accident. I have hidden more than he has shared. I have always been unsure of him around. I shut the door before I even realized. And most often when I think I need to talk, he would call out of the blue. When I felt I needed advice, I just needed to turn around. I closed my eyes, and he would say to me – u have it in you.

Yea, something was wrong. I obviously was pre-occupied and he was thinking way too much abt me. But he grew on me. I wanted to share the smallest, the silliest. He heard me out. I never understood why he was excited, why he said a few things and repeated it… I called him Popat! I used him as my sounding board. I didn’t realize I was using him….he was around.

There were moments when I was happy and in bliss with my surrounding, but a thought would cross me, reminding me of him. I did something new and I wanted to tell..talk..yak. Who knew id known him for over a year. Time flew.

Neither of us expected anything from each other. I made my side clear. Obviously I didn’t want THINGS to happen.

This guilt of not letting him know why I wasn’t IN for anything and what was I pre-occupied with kills me.

He has no attitude, he is plain simple. No quirkiness. Not MY types for sure... but I only say this after over a year :)

HI, HOW ARE YOU

2009-09-17T15:52:00.015+05:30

hi hi hi, i just got lazy again. The past few weeks have been crazy. I dont think it will ever get ooover. But this time I thought il jot down a few things that are partly design inspirations and mostly things i really really really like

1. grand prix posters dated back to 1933...yea vintage posters basically. That aside Monaco is on my list of 'Must see' places

2. a pink mustache... dont ask why

3. polaroid camera...if i get one which is a little kitsch it will be suuuper! There is an extension to this... the house will hava a painted back drop (mostly Taj Mahal) with a yellow lambretta scooter to pose with

4. i want one children's colouring book....i didn't draw that.. i swear!

5. so boho - hippie and bohemian influence - i wanna look like a free willing boho chick...floaty and belty! Chk this one out....

6. Baking....wish i could bake cup cakes :) not to eat them... but just to take yummy pictures

hmmm...alright some more to go... will be back soon

Driving Challenge - We are taking part in!

2009-07-07T10:41:00.001+05:30

Rahul and I are from Bangalore. We're travel addicts who believe we're born for one cardinal reason - to explore. Explore places new, old, nearby, faraway, in the house, outside the country, neighbor's house or a different planet… you get the point - Just about any place possible or impossible.

Our Travel Plan

This journey is a 'tribute to the Western Ghats'. The plan's to caress the innumerable curves offered by the Sahyadri from head to toe. With the rich flora and fauna reborn after a much needed shot in the arm from the monsoons, the timing couldn't be better. Hop on with us and experience pure indulgence in celebrating life - A journey you shall not forget! Our route plan- Mumbai - Pune - Belgaum - Dandeli - Sirsi - Sagar - Shimoga- Theertahalli - Sringeri - Agumbe - Bhadra - Chikmaglur - Mysore - Chamrajnagara - Sathy - Coonor - Bandipur - Kabini - Madkeri - Mangalore - Udpi - Karwar - Goa - Pune – Mumbai

What you got to do?

Vote!! http://www.greatdrivingchallenge.com/application/1246702329968001/

Job insecurity or a change in lifestyle?

2009-05-06T14:02:00.002+05:30

Is that a choice? The economic uncertainty has certainly seen stress levels rise in all of us. Projections say by 2011 it may better. That is another goddamn 2 yrs or more!

The slowdown first touched me when I was in London. The family of 5, I was staying with had already lost 2 jobs. The youngest son was trying hard to get employed. Women in the family were juggling both emotional and financial support. They ran a laundry. Work never ended till late evening when actually London stops work at 5!

Not knowing what the ‘credit crunch’ had in store for India, I convinced dad to invest in an exclusive property in South Bangalore. But exactly 6 months later we started to hear about job losses, salary cuts and the price cuts.

On my quick trip to Singapore to handle management issues I heard from every cab driver what a struggle it was and no one knew how they would emerge out of this. They were frustrated and their anger was fierce. I didn’t think that I might not visit Singapore for a while, post that trip. The clients had tightened their purse strings and the tourism business by itself had crumpled. When I spoke to an insider in the Singapore Tourism Board, he mentioned how they were trying to promote education and no more ‘destination tourism’ was their key focus.

Marketing strategies changed. Business propositions were tweaked. Offerings were more focused with keeping the downturn in mind. Plenty of advices from industry leaders on how to survive the slow down started to trickle in.

Greeting people starts with ‘Has the downturn touched you’? ‘Have you cut down on your traveling?’ ‘Oh yes, its definitely stopped me from thinking about getting married!’ was something. I haven’t met anyone who has smiled it away or even didn’t worry about it in the near future.

A Malyali in office working away form home decided to look for a match. His folks back home obviously insisted the girl be from their village in Kerala. After a long search for over 3 yrs he approved of a girl.
Within 2 months of the engagement he got a frantic call from the girls side with a zillions questions on their mind. ‘Can you support the girl with the current economic scenario?’ ‘We need to talk to someone who can take responsibility and be responsible for the wedding?’ I couldn’t stop laughing. Poor he. They eventually got married though.

Did this bring about a lifestyle change? I have seen friends; the big spenders watch every move of theirs. Late night dinners in star hotels, afternoon brunches every Sunday or even simply catching up over a drink every evening after work -not happening anymore!

But really, it is a reality check. If not for this period the gap between segments of people would have widened and there would be no end to expectation. This period gave each one of us time to sit back, realize and plan. The fear of when its going to end and the worse that can happen stays on.

PINK MIST RETREAT goes live

2009-03-13T15:33:00.013+05:30

Finally my dancing dandelions go live!

http://www.pinkmistretreat.com

Need a title

2009-03-13T15:33:00.012+05:30

Is someone playing games? I like games. Unpredictable! People you know, now are far. Someone you disconnect with is dining with you. Your neighbor drives you around but you don’t care about each other. Friends surprise you and are over joyed by your do! It’s a superlative feeling when someone thrice your age emails you. Flowers and cakes more than once a week! Wine with love!

NOW I wish time holds still! Last evening, when I decided to party after long, I also decided I didn’t want to be driven. How about a bike ride? I knew the feeling instantly. But when I was just rushing across to say my last good bye for the evening, I bumped into someone EVIL! ‘No’ I said to myself, ‘keep the good going’.

Getting excited about small things keeps me going week after week. Yes it’s an awesome feeling. But back of my mind I have alert sirens ringing, only to warn me about my fading decibels of laughter.

I came back after an exciting shoot in Mangalore. Shot the Kambhala, buffalo race. The shoot was fantastic - The people warm and affectionate, that's what I enjoy most! I was looking forward to Holi in Mathura, but that didn’t happen.

Now next on my agenda is a Mahabalipuram! But my friends have warned me that I will not be taken if I lug my camera along! :(

Coming back to games, 7 of us spent over two hrs on a game of pictionary. A pictionary party can be loads of fun, especially when the guys I know have to draw!

Some people like to be a part of your joy, the rest miss out! To some I don’t know what happened! YES this post was about the various people I know and I connect with! Phew (few) things are unpredictable?

the Aero India 09….

2009-02-20T16:55:00.004+05:30

I was there! All excited. We guys decide to get there early. My early was 8.30ish, his was 7!!! So breakfast on location! But the best….he packs the most interesting food! Cakes, wafers, chocolates, biscuits (I got those animal shaped) and knife and spoons too!!

Sukhois and MiGs. MiGs and Sukhois. No, that was not all. Tall dark and handsome men in their aviators!! Crew cuts, jump suits and the attitude!! Over dose!

I guess Kingfisher beer being served in the food court was the biggest attraction at aero 2009 and people queued at subway not knowing they have setup shops permanently in India! There was a horrible rush!

The show itself was a treat! We got seats. Front row! The guard stopped us at the entrance; our tickets did not allow us to enter the arena with chairs. 2 guys argued until the guard gave up! We followed. My floral umbrella was pretty. The sun not very bright. We sat through the piercing sounds of jets playing ‘find me’ games.

Outside, people climbed every hill, every building and every hoarding to catch a glimpse. The cops did their best, ten at least at every intersection. I wish they start to wear aviators too :)

Easy getaway

2009-02-13T17:11:00.000+05:30

I had to share this. Quick and short…

I got off my car with lots of stuff, 3 shopping bags from the front, huge boards from the back, my phone and my handbag and a cover with heavy prints. I was turning towards the car and was busy figuring out how I could do carry it all in one trip.

I watch a gang boys walking towards me from a distance. Orange pants, adidas stripes, floaters, bandanas, swirling keys in one-hand…‘straight out of bollywood’ types! One soft voice from the gang, probably the dude amongst them all, whispers ‘need any help’! Obviously not expecting any reaction and total ignorance from my side.

I couldn’t resist and it had been long since I took any panga! I turned around and said, ‘yes, how could you help’ bringing my hands forward and pretending to hand all the stuff over.

I had no clue which guy amongst them it was. But thank god they didn’t react to it and walked faster. All I could see was hands pointing at one guy and no one dared to turn around!

:)

Would you say you are:

2009-02-07T12:10:00.009+05:30

A. Surprised
B. Embarrassed
C. Shocked
D. Pissed Off

More C than A.

I casually stroll into office at my usual time, which is earlier than anybody else’s. But, boss makes it earlier than I do! I have to record my in-time and pass through a long corridor which smells horrible in the morning. Prema smiles while dusting the office. I pass her and I enter the creative room where I see a large floral arrangement placed on my table. I have a funny face when a colleague turns around and smiles too. I ask him, ‘Who’s is this!!!’ It wasn’t my birthday or any occasion I remembered. He is still smiling. I start wondering if something was funny.

The card gave me four options. A, B, C or/and D. No name. I suddenly remember the Ohana (fine flowers) shoot that was scheduled for Saturday. I thought the lady decided to bring them in a day prior to the shoot. But, no. I was informed the courier was for me.

The entire office quizzing me and smiling endlessly was absurd. But I felt good. The flowers were the prettiest I had seen for long. The whites and blues were divine. It was special. The scent filled the office. But I had no clue who had taken the pains to send it. Maybe there was another bouquet on its way that would reveal the name!

The rest of the day was spent trying to find out ‘who had swiped the card on the net’!

I know now who it is :) Thanks.

Almost there

2009-02-03T17:49:00.002+05:30

Was on a cleaning spree at work after a weeklong birthday celebration preparation. Wanted to tidy up the bookshelf, so we could keep a check on the expensive branding books and the fancy photography magazines. No idea why I take responsibility, not that I had nothing to do. While I sat with two other girls to make a checklist, I saw a not so thick novel, with a fun cover design. I kept it aside and told them I needed to borrow this. Had never heard about Advaita Kala.

Couple of others saw me with the book, girls, and smiled. ‘Oh you will love it’ ‘Everybody is talking about this one, have you read it?’. I hadn’t even started! Still wondering why I laid my hands or even my eyes on it?!
T was very excited; she started talking about ‘Almost Single’ and that she loved it. Most of the conversation was giggles and the super feeling of being a woman! I guessed what I had in my hands. Isn’t the name a dead give away. A female fiction! T had warned me it was an advanced version of M&B

I got home late that evening. Usually would crash in the next ten minutes, cos I would have eaten out. But I had to read something at least a chapter. I couldn’t stop at chapter 1. I was in love with way it was written. It wasn’t hilarious but the ‘twang’ was familiar! I too would hate it if someone used the word ‘free’ instead of ‘complimentary’!

Fun and easy read.

Excitement lies within

2009-01-16T16:24:00.003+05:30

Pretty red dress with a black belt, tied tight above the hip. Glinting black stilettos. A touch of kohl before its time to start driving. Dot on time. Just a 1000 questions. Super feeling! Does everyone know what exactly is running through the head? Perfume fills the air. Footsteps get racier. Smile broadens.

Iitsy bitsy tinee vinee…what’s it going to be like? Absolutely no need to look for a mirror. Calm & collected. Phone rings. Answered before a thought could pass. ‘Make sure no judgment is passed’ repeats in the head like a constant reminder.

I was put to absolute ease. Comforting smile. The feeling of knowing each other for years… lasted. The mind did not take over the heart. After long, I was in bliss, with no expectations, no conclusion to make.

Zindagi’s opened out. Humor made it lighter. Dinner skipped. Hot chocolate tasted cold but the hazelnut reminded me of a friend who invited me to cover the kite festival in Gujrat. I drifted away!
I probably wasn’t making any sense. The excitement of being there and covering the event next week was larger than any thing. I knew that it would be hard for anybody to understand why I enjoyed shooting more than anything else.

I was experiencing the rush of ‘being out shopping’ in my head. The excitement of liking something, bargains, deals, must haves, curiosity, trials, window-shopping, over doing it, confusion – all that in 1st conversation. Fireworks!!

People, places, to dos, funny incidents, favourite restaurants, peer circles, attitudes, tantrums, egos, reading habits… all in all everything under the sun was touched upon. Quite obvious we were both excited; both had a typical notion of the opposite sex, both knew we will meet again!

I wanted to laugh, laugh the stress out, cos it went of really well. I never thought I could behave on a blind date. I did I did!!

Toda tribe

2009-01-07T12:06:00.003+05:30

The Toda tribe is one of the country’s smallest communities. She was tall with a well proportioned figure and had a stunning smile...my day with the Toda woman @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/divyaostwal

Turning our lives into stage dramas and relationships into comedy routines.

2009-01-05T14:19:00.005+05:30

New Media or a circus ring!

Growing up with the Internet and letting Social Media discover us... is Today! Their offerings are based on our behavior online. Do all of us know we are being watched? The power of social media lies in the exponential impact of viral marketing campaigns, peer referrals, and interactive conversations. They call it ‘Communication Strategy’!

But who cares when simple things give you the kicks...

Stealing WiFi by finding a hotspot
Transferring data from my Mac to a phone using Bluetooth and then sending it via Blackberry
Skyping with family for free
Accessing internet on the phone to book a table at a happening restaurant
Checking movie reviews by SMS. Booking tickets on the Net
Recording favourite soaps while away on Interactive TV
Finding your first crush on Orkut and an obsession to change profile pictures
Discussing a teacher who got onto our nerves in a Group
Poke a friend through FaceBook
Tweet by phone
Hug through Chat
Gab and Vent by Blogging
Photo-sharing with peer groups on Flickr
Streaming classic videos on YouTube all night long....

Lifestyles have changed? Our lives are not private any more. But what can I say when I am trying to find ways of intruding conversations... I have been a part of social entertainment and now it's a part of my job to create buzz and locate people who belong to the ‘creed’ my clients wants to be associated with.

They were all formed to answer our needs... Do we need them more than they do? Their revenue streams are clear. I would pay FB to advertise with them, targeting a segment of people whose details they can provide instantly.

There is a reason behind everything's existence!!

Weekend getaway - Singapore!!

2008-12-08T15:00:00.007+05:30

Fun weekend shoot at China Town....id love to do this often...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/divyaostwal

Flow with the flow

2008-12-01T13:33:00.003+05:30

Week after week, days pass like years. Monday morning I come back thinking…so many things undone. I wish I could say aloud ‘I don’t like what I did’. I want to accept that it isn’t the way I want it to be. There is a lot beyond what I see, if only I could learn to accept the present and say ‘what happens, happens for the best’. I didn’t think it’s going to be hard, but it is. You don’t want to sleep, wake up and live thinking about something that you didn’t expect or never wanted. Sorry, is all I feel like saying right now.

Mixed feelings. Confused soul. Tougher times when you can’t take a decision, cant speak your heart. Have bundled my thoughts and stacked them aside, cos they only make me teary. The ingredients never were right. Someone tell me how does magic happen…cos I thought I knew.

Lets go create magic... escape…and drown in work like never before!

Should plan another exciting weekend…. And as ‘du’ said flow with the flow!

Fireflies in my dream!

2008-11-28T09:52:00.000+05:30

Dreams have connotations…and I wake up not remembering them most times. Someone once asked me to keep a book under my pillow and make note of what I dream. I sleep sound...nothing wakes me up…not even a bad dream! Actually not even the fire alarm (Blog post - London weather - 9°C light rain)

It is believed that ‘women tend to have frequent dream recall than men’. That is in most probability that women didn’t stress out as much as they do today! We are equals!!

The recall of dreams is extremely unreliable, though it is a skill that can be trained. Dreams can usually be recalled if a person is awakened while dreaming.

I remember dreams in parts…. elements, which stick in my mind, are of people I don’t expect to behave in a certain way, or the last person I thought of in my waking life.

A biker friend was telling me about his expedition and the fun of riding. The next thing I dreamt about is taking a biking lesson on top of a cliff… Vertical Limit! I fear bikes after the many freak shows I’ve been a part of.
That wasn’t a weird dream…hang on

I was taking my granny doubles on a bicycle it was a long trip, she decides to get off, I couldn’t ride the bicycle, it started to rain, I started walking and I keep starting over and over again!

The person I am, it was hard to accept that I couldn’t perform a simple task. The fears I have in my waking life are things I tend to dream of most often.

In one of my better dreams I met ‘Shubh’. This dashing stunner, who I met for the first time, better have a reason to be there. See, I remember what is important!!

The best design ideas come to me while I’m asleep. Luckily I wake up remembering most of those. And yea, those concepts have been the most successful and accepted. Dreaming is a vehicle for pictorial representation.

I believe dreams have a message. They are vivid, complex and are messages that cannot be delivered in any other way. They are emotions.

Everyone dreams not sure of ‘dreams coming true’ though!

leading a secret life…

2008-11-08T14:08:00.001+05:30

…and believing that is my world! There are times when I am not aware of why I took a certain decision, but I thought it was logical. And at that moment it was my gut feeling and I went by it. Never regretted any thing this far.

I do things that I never wanted to, but my inner self has a reason. The 2 angels talk aloud. The good says ‘what do you loose?’ the evil says ‘you are mad!’. They play a role, but it is ME who has to take a call. When I look around I wonder if everybody goes through this chaos in the head.

To the outer world, we are all individuals who have everything well organized, no chaos and no doubts. But that’s not true. My head is a muddle. I don’t accept people lying, I hate it when they don’t appreciate what deserves a thought, I can’t do things for a reason, I hate people who don’t believe in themselves, I cant stand it when you are not given your well worth and I don’t understand why do you need examples of others to take a decision for you.

Why do we want to be like someone else? Why don’t we have the courage to say what we feel, to do what we like, and be with whom we want? Why are there egos?

Don’t all of us want to be accepted, valued, appreciated, recognized? Don’t all of us have special people around who we think of more often than we think they do?! Don’t we all have one person who is allowed to critic? Don’t we remember the thrill of seeing someone unexpected, the happiness in doing nothing? Why cant we just tell people what we feel?

If you just said ‘NO’, you are living a secret life!

I am tired of answering these voices. Why cant my secret life be THE ONE I am living?

London weather - 9°C light rain

2008-11-05T09:56:00.007+05:30

London took away from me the excitement of writing continuously. I got lazy I had too much to report. A week’s trip extended to a month long. I didn’t know where to start.

Couldn't stay away from home longer. My over grown eyebrow irritated me. Repeating clothes was boring. I wanted to drive without having a damn insurance and the bloody Tom-Tom ringing into your ear for speeding. The cold killed me. I managed to find a few reasons to return.

This was one of my most happy trips in many ways.

Sitting in a classroom with thought leaders and learning the new trends of the online media from the experts was an opportunity. Conference talks, 1 on 1 sessions, running from one class to another, making sure you make enough of the 2 day schedule, short coffee breaks, sleeping with eyes wide open, off course all felt like back in school.

Video marketing was the hottest topic this year. VizioHUB shifts into the ‘video’ gear!

This time I didn’t complain of not getting enough vegetarian to eat. Our client owns the Masala World in London. They have several fine and casual dining restaurants spread across London. It was a feast every night starting with Veeraswamy, the oldest Indian restaurant in the World!

The ambiance is unforgettable and I didn’t miss street food. Paani poori and bhel was served as the ‘grazing platter’!

The street food pictures that Sudhir and I did were looking pretty in one of the restaurant. 100s of Rajasthani puppets hung from the ceiling. The open kitchen had all the photographs shining bright with back lights. The buzzing restaurant with Caucasians nibbling on Indian food was a winner for me.

Over the weekend we decided to visit Scotland. It is hard to come across people who give themselves completely and genuinely. Meet Munna, he drove us. We started out and I was asked the kind of music id like to listen. There was country music, popcorn and the comforts of being in a new place. That was just the start. A warm person, with never ending smile lines, he would turn around just about anything. He was a doer!

Sprawling meadows, chubby spotted cows, hay bails laid out in symmetry, cute sheep and a perfect picture for me! Its imprinted in my visual memory! I couldn’t resist but ask masa to stop. We jumped out of the car to capture some stunning moments. BANG! We turned around hearing a loud sound! A hay tractor, one of those huge monsters had ramped into our car! A dashing country guy stepped out in fear and not believing what he did. He was distracted.

Visited a lot of photography galleries, art exhibits and talks. Met George ‘Passion’ Devlin, who Shibu recommended we meet. He is a fine artist and has survived 2 cancers. He was guiding me on framing of my images.

Middle of the night, in deep sleep at 3.30 the fire alarms went off. I picked up the receiver and rammed it twice thinking the phone was ringing into my ear until I heard people shouting and running down the staircase. I was blank. I quickly changed into my denims, put on a jacket and decided to run! Sudhir shouted out and asked me to carry the cameras. We reached the reception and we remembered we left our passports behind. But the lady wouldn’t let us go back. Shivering in the cold and not knowing what is in store, memories and special moments crossed my blank head. Fire engine arrived. The men rushed into the hotel and rushed out. It wasn’t a false alarm. An idiot was smoking in a non smoking room.

The experiences did not end. A wig part was happening at Cafe De Paris. We hopped across. It was a charity night for a cause. But a wild one!

Every night when I wrote in my colour book essentials about the trip, I sat at my Leicester Square hotel with the purple lights flashing from a disc across, feeling great about being in that moment.

The Wolseley to Starbucks,
Poll Mall to Piccadilly Circus,
Floral Street and Bethnal Green,
Gloucester Road to Leicester Square,
Burnt Oak to Marble Arch,
Camden Town and Bond Street

Sudhir arrested for taking pictures
Getting lost at the Portobello Market
Not shopping enough at Camden
Excited about tying up with giants
Lebanese food at the same place
Watching dance videos with everybody at home
Knife juggling at Covent Garden
Treasure hunt at the laundry
My first exhibition prints
Are you enjoying the fall?
My fancy shoes aren’t waterproof
Tate modern is actually abstract
*sale *sale *sale
clear sky and sunny days – BBC
‘I hate Indian design’
The Lion King – the best play I’ve ever watched
Robert Di Niro in Righteous Kill
Skype discovered!!
Sudhir’s day out in Harrods
Drunk girl dragged into an alley
Ford guy and the i-phone conversation - *blush*

There is endless to talk about. I can start off…

Design Direction is ‘hands-on design’

2008-09-18T14:56:00.006+05:30

I work with talent from different verticals. Design Directing allows me to pick from a pool of unbundled talent, be it animation artists, illustration guys, visualizers, photographers, writers or others.

The Big Idea is yours. The others help you put together what you visualized. The web allows for various ideas to be integrated on one platform. It’s amazing to see how each of us as creative artists look at a subject. There are various viewpoints, thoughts and more ideas.

Design is a hands-on process. I cannot explain what I need created or even direct before I got it right. It’s important to give the creative person enough room for including their ideas or even listening to them. The brief must allow creative freedom and let the inner-self express.

I remember a beautiful Zen story - A Cup of Tea

Nan-in, a Japanese master, received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.

Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"

"Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

Twice, while interviewing candidates for design positions I observed one of them was open to learn what we were doing and listen to everything that I had to explain. The other made sure ‘I listened’! Maybe its important for one to prove a point.

Sure, some are fortunate to have met the right opportunities and some continue trying. But the ones that continue trying are more open to what there is in store. Design can never be passed on. Design can never be better! Design can never be directed.

Some of the designs created with my introduction to this new animal ‘NEW MEDIA’

Manipulative thoughts

2008-09-10T19:18:00.004+05:30

I couldn’t resist putting up these beautiful pictures. Im still trying to figure out how much of post work goes into creating these visuals!

*Photo credit - Dmitriy Stanyakin, Paris

*Photo credit - Oleg Bazhenov, Nepal

Enjoy!

Drink, anyone?

2008-09-10T19:00:00.001+05:30

Stepping out with my red sunny’s. Its lunch hr and I got a friend picking me up. Have I started to meet people with an open mind?

Hold on. Don’t jump to conclusions. I only meant that earlier it took a weeks planning, and then last minute confirmation and maybe a phone call before an hr to say ‘hey can we catch up another time’! Bah!

Its all good! Catching up with friends, old and new! But my schedules are usually whooped. Not that they are better now but I have a long list of people I’m yet to catch up with.

Thinking, when Guide was around I managed to be with him for long in spite of extended hours, busy days and yea early mornings! I guess it’s a choice I made!

I happen to be at a Swiss design talk last weekend. I entered when the lecture was on. My eyes were moving all around looking for my design school friends. I was there briefly and on my way out, ‘bump’ I met two friends! One of whom I’m trying to catch up for long now!

Siva reminded me its gonna be 10 years since we finish school next yr!
But I only remember catching up with everyone from school a couple of years ago. Thanks to social networks!

There are plans and then there are plans. Some social events, some with lotta glitterati, some quite dinners, some gaming sessions, some beer guzzling contests and some pyjama parties! And most times I end up feeling if I didn’t do any of these I might turn into a recluse!

I neva was a ‘junkie’. I liked sitting at home, as time spent with Ma was always something I chose over others.

Somewhere within, after having worked and met people, I understand the need to network but I still prefer time to myself. I can’t do rounds of coffee and chatting away if there wasn’t a reason. I would quietly sneak home!

black crow - cross mark

2008-09-06T11:08:00.005+05:30

Though common in our cities crows rarely cast even a stray glance in the direction of human beings. Their calls are not for us, only for other crows.
Birds in general are associated with divination, beauty, and freedom, except a crow!

And what is a crow? No image of an animal is simpler, more iconic, and more unmistakable. I think of a silhouette of out stretched wings, a slouched head and an extended tail!
These ‘song birds’ have always captivated my attention. I always saw design and picture capability.

I remember as a kid my mom stuffing food into my mouth by showing me a sight of a crow and who hasn’t heard to the ‘Thirsty Crow’ story!

Grew up counting crows

one for sorrow
two for mirth
three for a wedding
four for a birth
five for silver
six for gold
seven for a secret, not to be told,
eight for heaven
nine for hell
and ten for the devils own self!

*pictures shot at Galle Fort, Sril Lanka

Later, I was told the crow is Lord Shani’s vehicle, when I questioned why he has sitting on a huge crow!

The crow has lived many avatars and I think it is a remarkably graceful bird. Simplistic and beautiful.

mini and flake

2008-09-05T12:20:00.001+05:30

Wiki says, widget is a portable chunk of code!! I say they are super fun.
Apple has an endless list of downloads. Finally the developers have created applications that can be integrated on third party sites. Freebies!!

Neha, was telling me how widgets are being used as advertising tools! And Google has already set out to create a platform where people can upload their widgets!

Designing widgets should be the next lesson.

Was I hoping il find a fairytale in your ‘story’?

2008-09-01T13:29:00.001+05:30

Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl " Will you marry me? "

Why did someone find Cinderella’s magic shoe? Did the princess know the frog is going to turn into a handsome prince? How did the young mermaid fall in love with a prince from above the waves?

All along, if she knew that the 10786 stories weren’t going to be true, would she still try? I was told ‘ Forgive and FORGET’. Was that easy?

Yea, when you know, u’ve grown, and you need to move on, and the only way you could do it is follow those wise words. I felt happier. Till when?

Flashes of memory, strong words, a feeling that ‘you gave yourself completely’ would only make ur self-confidence dip! That’s the last id let happen. What next?

Still worried if he crossed the road safe? Silly. There isn’t a thought that crossed his mind! Am I anticipating ‘moves’?

Well off course, that isn’t too much. Gees, I forgot, I was the one still sailing. It’s too shallow to even worry about. Why?

Because all along there was no sight of him and nothing else mattered.

The girl said: " NO! "

And the girl lived happily ever-after and went shopping, dancing, camping, drank martinis, always had a clean house, never had to cook, did whatever the hell she wanted, never argued, didn't get fat, traveled more, had many lovers, didn't save money, and she went to the theatre, never watched sports, had high self esteem, never cried or yelled, felt and looked fabulous in sweat pants and was pleasant all the time.

THE END

Ladakh on my mind

2008-08-29T15:13:00.001+05:30

I met Tenzing in Delhi. This amazing photographer has no airs and would be happy to tell you that he took those stunning pictures using a D 70 (my baby – I started digital photography with) and one lens! This was his first display of pictures.

He is a Tibetan exile, got a few grants, and ventured out to explore the Himalayas. He describes the journey as a ‘Pilgrimage’!

Beautiful! Photography is ‘being spiritual’. It is about knowing your inner self and answering the inner voices. I’m at most peace when I am taking pictures. I don’t mind the long hours, the long wait, the patience with the hope that Il get something MAGICAL! It makes it better if you got someone with similar wavelength and great comfort level traveling with you.

Actually, would be interesting if I ever decided I wanted to travel alone. No baggage! ‘Varanasi’ maybe!

Tenzing lives in Kabul and is planning Mustang, Nepal and Bhutan next. I ended up having a long chat with him. Curious if he travels alone, where next, what does he do, where he prints, how he travels, where he lives mostly and if I could join him on his ongoing photography journey somewhere middle!

* Pictures taken by Tenzing, displayed at the India International Centre, Delhi

I left Delhi with one thought - I hope I do justice to my art, to my training, to my masters teaching and my INSPIRATION.

I-day upshot

2008-08-27T17:11:00.000+05:30

I forgot... We were on TV!! Oh celebrity status...we got recognized! '

Prashant, I-day and I

2008-08-27T14:36:00.001+05:30

A sudden adrenaline rush to stand in attention for the national anthem! Goose bums when I saw the kids from a government school parade down the road! Well I wasn’t planning to sit at home on a public holiday!

I called Prashant and told him this was his best chance to catch up with me and a lot more! What was the plan? I had VIP passes to Manekshaw Parade grounds. He thought I was insane! ‘Not on a holiday Divya’, he said!!! I told him the previous night, il wake him up at 7! He had reasons up his sleeve…’lets keep it dynamic…what if it continues to rain tomorrow morning’!

Nothing would stop me from waking up early. I called him….and he said he will meet me in an hour!!! He sounded equally excited. I didn’t ask him any more questions.

We drove, found parking, and managed our ways through stiff security checks! Walked up to join the Q. ‘Leave all your phones. And no camera’ shouted a policeman! I looked at him and smiled. ‘No camera also?’

We walked back dropped everything in the car. Still excited never the less. Lovely morning breeze, dew in the air and Prashant in white and green ☺

Walked in from the guest entry, struggled to find front row seats, and we wouldn’t want to sit anywhere else!!
Created ruckus, moved chairs, walked all over, not realizing the national anthem had just begun! Wow! We had a rose petals shower!!! Hell that was beautiful, missed my camera ☹ We were glowing!!

Made way for 2 chairs at the front row, actually moved chairs. The parade began. School memories flashed as ‘flag commander’…if that’s what its called! We yapped endlessly. Caught up on years. Sat through one cultural event. Looked at each other’s bored expressions and decided to leave.

That was a good dose of patriotism!

Breakfast at Windsor.

something lived. something dreamed...

2008-08-12T18:27:00.001+05:30

All along i wonder what is the reason that im here for... what do i need to fulfill... how many lifetimes have i taken to get here...Am I living what I dreamt of?

Now here is my chance to answer all these questions... Il put myself through past life regression...

Working on site design for a lady who regresses people into their past lives...i want to do it just for kicks... wonder what i was in previous incarnations?!?!