The art behind the film industry does, however, inspire us specifically when we look at films such as Gary Hustwit’s Objectified or the recent documentary film about Ray and Charles Eames entitled The Architect and the Painter. Surely there are many more films in this genre that interest and inspire us all to continue the pursuit of our passions as designers.

The animated feature is another story altogether.

My wife and I have an affinity to animated films. We are likely an odd couple sitting in theatres with a ton of parents and their kids but we can’t seem to help ourselves. There’s something about this genre that is, to us, unequivocally and simply entertainment.

Until now.

Have you seen The Lorax?

As children, if you are of a similar vintage, we read Dr. Seuss or had it read to us. I really didn’t remember the story of The Lorax. Wikipedia describes it as as a fable concerning industrialized society and the danger it poses to nature. What hit home was how poignant and important the story is in today’s world even though it’s delivery is a story of a boy’s pursuit of a girl.

Doesn’t it always start that way?

The Lorax is a film that imparts its important message in a fun and entertaining way that I am sure Dr. Seuss , if he was alive today, would insist remain true to it’s roots. Dr. Seuss was a brilliant, brilliant man and this story, renewed and refreshed for today’s world, proves that point tenfold.

What surprises me is that the story is not well advertised.

The interviews, the trailers, the television ads and the print media do not give any indication of its political and socially consciousness raising intent.

I really don’t understand why.

The story behind the The Lorax is blatantly in your face obvious and the director, Chris Renaud, certainly had the autonomy to whitewash the message and add The Hollywood Effect to the story. It is truly important that the story stayed true to its roots. The team that produced this film is to be commended on making a feature film that is highly funny, cute and entertaining at the same time addressing a real issue that effects our day to day lives in a way that sends a clear message to the most important audience in our world; children.

Go see it.

Take your kids or your relatives kids or just go on your own. Spread the word. It’s an important story. What’s the worst thing that could happen? You will be entertained.

Unless someone like you cares a whole aweful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.

That’s about it.

Yeah, the thinks you can think up.

I haven’t thought about Dr. Seuss in a while. I think it’s time to go back and really give him some cred. We ALL work in the world of ideas. Ideas are what gets us that all so coveted cred of our own. They keep us is biscuits and gravy and when they’re good enough our egos are also well fed and watered. Dr Seuss knew that for sure.

It doesn’t matter if you are in the arts industry or not. You could be an accountant for f**k sakes. We all still have to generate ideas so regardless of what you do this relates to you and you know it. So, does the Doctor have it right? Is it just about trying? Is it just that simple? It must be.

Go ahead, give it a go.

I will wait (cue music from Jeopardy). C’mon. Are you thinking (I can smell something burning). Yeah, it’s not that easy under pressure. Ideas are aplenty when there’s no pressure, right? Let your mind wander and blammo! There’s one, there’s another one and another.

It’s easy when you are relaxed, huh?

Yeah but we all live in a pressure filled world, don’t we? I seem to acknowledge that a whole lot and frankly it is getting a little BORING. Like you don’t know that you have deadlines, mouths to feed, vacations to take, car payments to make, mortgages to pay, keep the groceries at bay and beer to swig (grin). Sam I am. Ok, ok, I’ll stop.

So, whattya do when you need those ideas?

Staring at a blank sheet of paper this morning I asked myself the same question.

White sheet, cursor blinking….blinking….blinking.

Well?

I’m waiting.

Ok. So maybe we all need to read Austin Kleon’s new book Steal Like an Artist. No, I am not promoting the guy’s book (it’s kind cool though) but that’s just one way I get ideas. STEAL THEM! Kidding! But not really. Is it not really, really hard to come up with something truly original? Sure, it’s virtually impossible. Take this crap I’m writing as an example. I used and abused Dr. Seuss and dragged Austin Kleon down along with the Doctor. What do you get? You get a blog post about how hard it is to generate ideas.

FANTASTIC……for you.

Alright. Alright. I KNOW I still haven’t said anything relevant yet.

But that’s how I do it. No real rocket science there but that’s my MO isn’t it. Mr. Stating the Obvious has struck again. I am thinking about a super hero suit (with a cape – it wouldn’t be super hero without the cape) with an STO shield on the front all in sequins so that I ACTUALLY attract some attention. I am not much of a colour guy so options from YOU would be appreciated. Should it be gold sequins, blue and gold maybe or red or maybe orange and green?

Options please.

So, instead of all that maybe a way to generate ideas would be to read some shit. Look at some magazines. Read other blogs. Look for quotes from your favourite authors, doodle, talk to someone and write that shit down. WRITE IT DOWN! It doesn’t matter if it’s any good right now. Just get it down. Maybe try not to judge it right away. Let it sit for a bit. You can always chuck it later. There you go. You now have an inventory of crap you can turn into something. So what if some of it is actually crap? It’s more than what you had yesterday which is exactly, precisely and unequivocally NADA!

Hey guys, I am no authority on generating ideas.

I started writing, as a hobby and in earnest, less than a year ago and I think my many years in the design industry helps me understand that ideas are tough to come by, especially good ones. The world is a fickle place and anything we can do to navigate it easier is such a good thing.

What if it’s really crap thought?

Not everything we come up with is always good and feedback is the best way to get better. Shows like Project Runway have built their platform on that premise. Have NO FEAR my friends. Get it out there and EXPECT some criticism. Yes it hurts sometimes but it’s good for you. It will make you stronger and it will make you better. You WILL see things clearer. Much, much clearer.

If not, then go away and keep it to yourself.

 I know you can’t.

• How do you get your ideas?
• How do you record your ideas?
• Why are you just staring at this sentence?

How true.

I tell you, this guy Dr. Seuss had his way with words. As child-like as it seems it always carries a rhythm of absolute truth with it. Who could be more you than you? You can only be you. So, as we venture into the unknown that is 2012 this statement is the one that I have chosen to carry with me through the year. I can only be me and I will do my damndest (is that a word?) to be me; the good, the bad and the ugly.

There’s no lesson there. No real witticism. There’s nothing really funny about it or too serious. Just simply, I will be me. Take it or leave it.

Over to you. What’s your story, morning glory?

Not quite as prolific as Dr. Seuss and I suppose if he were to use those words he may not have meant “on the internet”. Considering my access to any body of water where the traditional wave ripping would occur is limited by vast distances and my procilivity for the sport alike, my version of surf remains digital.

Through my daily digital carve I usually visit a friend.

A digital friend. I know there is a keyboard on the other end of the line extending to fingers on their limbs leading to a torso on top of which sits a mind that visualizes the world in its exquisite beauty. I know this because the offering always makes me think, sometimes cry and a lot of the time simply makes me stop and hold my breath.

“Oh, the things you can find if you don’t stay behind.” - Dr. Seuss

Sarah Kay (link to TEDxEast) is, in a word (shameless self promo), a brilliant poet and at such a young age filled with such passion and insight. With her brother, Phil, they have established Project V.O.I.C.E. (link to site). These two have filled their young lives with the things that make them sound and by experiencing their art you may discover something sound within yourself.

They have chosen not to stay behind.

Thank you to my digital friend, Cbrajkovich (associate link), for continuing to show me the line.

I will never stay behind (even if I can’t rip and shred).

Seussville seems to make more sense the older you get. Go figure……

What’s your favourite Dr. Seuss-ism?