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 Guy Moorhouse
convergenewsletter.com |
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| Welcome! And happy Friday to you from a very frosty and cold Great Missenden.
Since the last issue, like a lot of folks, I’ve been playing with Chat GPT and been wowed by what it can do. But I also find myself mulling its implications. There’s so many ethical considerations with the advent of this and text prompt based image creation AI like Dall-e, Midjourney et al. Computers are now essentially hoovering up writing, creativity and human expression and using the learnings as a template to create new versions of their own. What does all this mean for creators, designers and artists?
We don’t really know yet. But I did like this idea hinting at a way to give creators control over what is and isn’t allowed to be included in machine learning models.
It would be nice if there was consideration for things like this from the outset. But it’s just not in the interests of the AI companies and their investors who are doubtless set to make a lot of money. And I daresay, without ever compensating the creators of their source material.
This post and comments kicked off by illustration agency Handsome Frank also caught my eye on a related topic, about whether art ‘created’ by computers will make human-made art more valuable and a new kind of luxury in future?
Apple is launching Self Service Repair in Europe. From a company that has made it borderline impossible for folks to tinker with their products, this is a big deal and essentially a really good thing.
But it’s even more interesting when you look at the Self Service Repair site that Apple links to in that article. I mean, look at it. It looks completely fake! Like a dodgy, phishing site. Is this an intentional decision from Apple to do this? A way to distance themselves from the actual doing of the repairs and a way to keep it ‘over there’. Certainly seems like it.
This article walks through some amazing design and animation details from Duolingo. Always impressed with the level of care that gets put into that product. And great to see they’re using Rive.
Right, now onto the usual work and projects update along with this issue’s links. Hope you find something of interest :)
Cheers, Guy. |
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Work & Projects |
Journal Work in progress As mentioned in an earlier issue, I’m slowly making headway on a new portfolio site to better present my work. Well, at the same time, I’m also building out a new integrated blog too. It’s going to be a kind of accompaniment to this newsletter, where I’ll post some of my favourite things as I go, complete with RSS feed and stuff if that’s your thing.
I’m finding I enjoy collating this newsletter, and thought it would be good to give some of the things I share here a more permanent home on the internet, so that’s what I’m building. Will share when I get it live next year. | |
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Remarkable |
Sony Logos Identity design collection This is a wonderful, growing collection of Sony’s sub-brands. From Playstation to the Sports range, it really highlights that the identity and graphic design that’s come out of Sony over the years is next-level good.
And if you know who’s behind this project, please let me know as I’d love to credit them. 🔗 instagram.com | |
ooh.directory Blogs directory There seems to be a bit of a blogging renaissance going on, so this new directory of blogs from Phil Gyford is timely. It’s a great way to discover writing on all sorts of topics and a lovely jump off point to get lost on the internet. 🔗 ooh.directory | |
KIDS Interactive animation Kids might be from a few years back, but I recently discovered that a few of my friends had missed it, so I thought I’d share in case you did too.
It’s an odd little interactive animation / game from Michael Frei and Mario von Rickenbach where you “move with and against crowds until everyone is gone”.
It’s original and weird, two of my favourite things. And if you’re looking for ways to amuse little ones, you’ll be pleased to know it’s kid friendly too. 🔗 playkids.ch | |
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Creative Spotlight |
Rob Bailey Illustrator & Artist Thought it might be fun to spotlight some of my favourite artists.
For this one, I wanted to share the gorgeous work of Rob Bailey. I’ve been a fan of Rob’s for a long time now and have one or two of his prints up on the walls of our house. I love the simplicity of his line work and his incredible use of colour. It’s deceptively simple — producing work of this quality and simplicity is hard. 🔗 robbailey.studio | |
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Invites |
Arc Sorry to keep banging on about Arc browser, but I love it and I have another batch of invitations if you’re interested to try. I thought it only right to share the love. 🔗 arc.net | |
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Watch |
Severance TV Series I watched this back in the summer and it’s one of my favourite TV series of this year. It’s excellent, in so many ways.
The premise is weird — Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. But run with it. How this concept plays out, together with the brilliant cast and art direction really make this one to watch. Very much worth getting an Apple TV+ trial for if you’re not already an existing subscriber.
I’m so eager for a second series and there’s apparently one coming. 🔗 tv.apple.com | |
1899 TV Series I’m quite early into this series at the moment and really enjoying it. I just hope it lives up to my expectations. The bar has been set high, as it’s another one from German director, Baran bo Odar who’s behind Dark, one of my favourite series from a couple of years ago.
“When mysterious events change the course of an immigrant ship headed for New York in 1899, a mind-bending riddle unfolds for its bewildered passengers…” 🔗 netflix.com | |
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Listen |
Reset by Panda Bear & Sonic Boom Album – Extended Edition A great collaboration from the Animal Collective and Spacemen 3 founders, this one is a beauty. It’s quite off genre for me, but the mellow, psychedelic melodies and harmonies here have proper shades of the Beach Boys. And just look at that artwork. 🔗 music.apple.com | |
This Is What I Mean by Stormzy Album Can imagine this new one from Big Michael dividing crowds a bit as it’s quite a bit softer than his usual fare.
He’s even got Sampha guesting on this one. But I’m really into it. Very melodic, the gospel influence coming through in a few places. And if you want a stone cold banger, get ‘This is What I Mean’ cranked up on the headphones. 🔗 music.apple.com | |
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Read |
The Descent of Man Non-fiction I read this Grayson Perry book a few years ago, but was recently reminded of it and am going in for a second turn.
Between its covers, Grayson dismantles masculinity, showing it for what it often is – macho and outdated. He asks what sort of men would make the world a better place, for everyone? What would happen if we embraced a different idea of what makes a man?
As usual, I actually listened to this rather than read. Recommend this format – Grayson’s dulcet tones made the book all the more a pleasure. 🔗 literal.club | |
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| Ok that’s it for this one. I suspect this will be the last issue for 2022, so I’ll see you on the other side.
In the meantime, feel free to reply to this email if you’ve got something (anything!) to share – this is my personal email and I read all the responses.
Bye for now! (•◡•) / |
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