Video has changed everything: design + marketing + future

There were two challenges for me to start doing my own video. One, I have no time. So it is really tough to fit anything into my schedule, especially editing and learning new programs/formats. The second reason is I know I am terrible in front of the camera and a really bad presenter.

Now after 2 months of experimentation, video has really changed everything for me. For example, almost twice a week someone NEW mentions seeing one of my videos. These online relationships are now more valuable because we have a more personal connection.

Also, I am seeing design, movies and marketing concepts a lot differently. It's a new perspective on how to make things more beautiful and precise. In ecommerce, it is providing more credibility for websites with low brand awareness and will directly improve conversion rates. Or at least shrinks the buying sales process for new customers. Video reviews are great use for this space. Plus, creating video assets are more valuable than photos, graphs or articles. Videos have more viral opportunity so the long tail is even longer.

With each new video I complete, I take a step towards pushing my creativity and improving my career. The quality of the videos will get better along with my verbal skills. In the meantime, below is my first HD movie I put online (personal test). You can preview it below, or visit Vimeo for the full HD version.

Are you doing video?

Let me know - I would love to share thoughts on editing, concepts or collaborations.


Owen In Florida from alex harris on Vimeo.

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Creative inspiration is my foundation to paying the bills

I have been watching a lot of design and creative films lately. The recommendations I have received so far have been great. If you have a suggestion, Please let me know.

If you are fan of graffiti artwork, you should check out the movie "Infamy". The documentary is a really great view of the urban art world. I was inspired by the movie because I grew up in the suburban culture of it. I did a few pieces back in high school (90-94) and still to this day, my illustrations have a graffiti influence. If you do check out the movie, make sure you look at the bonus section for photographs. I was pretty impressed by Saber, Claw and others.

Urban artists are now monetizing their talents.

Saber's has been doing fine art, exhibitions and selling products from his online store.
This is a collaboration he did with OBEY Giant.

CLAW is now fashion director at Swindle Magazine and also has her own clothing line.

Other graffiti artists in the world.

One artist that was not in the movie that I like is DAIM. He uses his German graffiti influence to produce endless creative work including clothing, sculptures, installations, live performances, a full online store, and even Iphone covers. Here what one magazine said about DAIM:

"DAIM developed a diversity of skills which enabled him to grow beyond his roots. Concrete walls were replaced by canvas, while spray cans from a hip hop shop were now often amended by mouse clicks in Photoshop. Two dimensional pictures evolved into three dimensional graphics with seemingly unlimited depths and perspective only to finally become sculptures leaving behind the confinement of flat surfaces entirely. "

DAIM featured at the Graffiti Exhibition in Wuppertal / Germany.


It is really inspiring to see creative people making money off of their artwork. All artists want to sell your work. I did! Me and my buddy sold artwork and t-shirts in college. We were called Furious. Yet, it is tough to make a good living in the traditional art world. These guys have done it. So you and I can too. So live with your creative inspiration as the foundation to paying your bills.

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