So, first things first, we’re back from China. Straight back into the old routine.  Blogging on the train right this minute.  The trip was brilliant.  I saw some incredible people and was treated like an old friend, this being my third trip.  I have been completely neglecting my blog for a few reasons, some legit.  The internet speed in the lead up to the 20th anniversary of the Tianmen massacre was woeful making blogging images near impossible.  The Chinese authorities blocked everything on Blogger and Youtube.  So some of the stuff I am about to blog is old news – in internet terms that is.  The less legit reason I have neglected the blog is that I have discovered that social media costs money.  That’s right you read it here first. Check out this article and see if you agree with me.  If this is true then all the fascinating people I am meeting on Twitter are actually costing me a fortune.

Lastly, I am meeting my new business assistant Lucy for the first time today.  I am very excited.  She comes from the UK and has worked with Sarah Lane and has done lots of exciting things with the AOP.  Very lucky to have her.

Well it’s a proud day.  Three of my artists have made it to the Creative Sydney Top 100 list.  Andrew and Daniel from Collider, Annie, Jonathan and Shane were listed for Tru$t Fun! and Monster Children (Chris) also made the list.  There were some really cool characters listed but here are some of the more householdy names who made the list: Margaret Pommeranz, Glue Society, Vince Frost, The Chaser, and Sass&Bide. The list is actually a really good indicator of what’s coming out of Sydney.  You can see the whole list with links here.

I just thought I should blog to tell everyone that I have a “production team leader” now.  (He hates that title! Says it makes him sound like a 14 year old manager at McDonalds).

We’re both still offering external production and negotiation services to anyone without a rep, and we’re still using freelancers for support and casting, but Cam is my new right hand man, taking on all my production headaches.  He thinks I am crazy because I love sales and new business and I think he’s crazy for not giggling all the way through pre pro meetings.  Honestly, if certain chocolate clients demand all on set props in Pantone 2685C he doesn’t even crack a smile.  I don’t know how he does it!  I am a big fan of what he does.

I have taken out a little ad on Design Files.  It looks super cute (big thanks to Jethro Cave at Viviens and Sophie Wilkinson at Scene by the way).  The Design Files is such a great resource.  It features some really in depth interviews and basically all the design happenings in this country.  I find it easily as inspiring as any of the internationational blogs, probably moreso as it’s all going on in our gigantic but largely uninhabited backyard.

Check out the link and add Design Files to your RSS feed.

Click here for the article and for a Monday morning full of inspiration!

I don’t usually post general items of news, but in the midst of news of mass redundancies, an exodus of Aussie expats from ad-ghost-town New York, and general economic doom and gloom, I thought this site might help.

ONLY POSITIVE NEWS

Here is a news site which reports only positive news.  It’s completely inspired me and from now on, I am choosing not to join in the downward negative spiral that’s sending our economy down the loo.  Join me.  Go out and buy something and help our industry thrive!  Neil suggests guns, gold, and baked beans.

I am thrilled to be one of the judges at this year’s ACMP Projections competition.  I’m so looking forward to seeing work that isn’t limited by perceived market tastes.  There’s plenty of time in the future to be worried about whether a shot would appeal to the David Jones’ and Telstras of this world, and it’s going to be nice to see some unadulterated creativity for a change.  I think what older photographers seem to forget is that the Dan Tobin Smiths, the Terry Richardsons, the Bela Borsodis and the Warren Dupreez and Nick Thorton-Joneses of this world didn’t become great by creating folios that catered to every possible client and commercial genre. They just went off and did their own thing.  I’m feeling really excited about it all and I just want to say a huge thanks to Fiona for assembling such a stellar cast of judges!  I am looking forward to hearing what Julian Melhuish, Tony Rice and Ingvar have to say about the work and I hope there are some healthy arguments about what is ‘good’.

Click here to see the projections site and my new haircut!

I just wanted to say a huge thanks to all who came along to the Beresford last night.  There was a real mood of optimism and camaraderie and a genuine feeling that we’re all on the same team.  Big thanks to the Shea girls, Tamiko, Kellie, Guy, Tim, Nicky, Ed, Matt, Marcella, Agatha, and Mark.  Let’s do it again in a few months time.  Looking forward to seeing all of you again.