Yomenz Design

Get out your wallets, you are going to want to snag the latest and greatest from SRxMM. Soul Regiment x Motivate Movement have been a driving force for over 10 years delivering high concept culture-driven messages through quality apparel. Taking their love of art, design and music among other things, they have established themselves as a voice for positive change in our society. Contrary to most brands out there, SRxMM have a solid foundation of humility and respect. Using this foundation, they transcend the levels of just being a “brand” and rise to the height of a movement. Which is exactly their mission. “Our directive is to capture and preserve the essence that transmits the youthful spirit and purity for people’s love for culture. Our brand will never claim to be the best, but we will always stand by our dedication to deliver quality messages to you.” With all that being said, the execution of their message is where SRxMM shines. Check out the new summer collection below. And then head over to Fatlace in San Francisco to pickup your gear for the year!

SRxMM @ IN4MATION HI from SRxMM on Vimeo.

I stumbled across these updated movie posters while watching trailers on Apple’s Quicktime page a few weeks ago. Upon clicking on the link I found out that they are a part of the Rolling Roadshow Tour. Nine films screened for free in the locations they were shot. Pretty cool idea. Aside from loving the idea of screening these films in their actual shooting locations, the reimagined posters for the event were a great throwback to some of Saul Bass’s classic posters of the 60’s. These updated versions were designed by Olly Moss and are a great homage to Saul Bass’s iconic work. Nice stuff.

I have been meaning to post about this film for months now. A beautifully shot short film featuring perfectly integrated CG. When I first saw this, I was blown away by the cinematography and as the film progresses, some amazing CG effects that take it to the next level. According to the credits, the whole film is FULL CG, which surprised me at first because of how natural the setting and cinematography is. I had figured the settings were shot on location and the CG effects added in post, but according to the filmmaker, it was, “A FULL-CG animated piece that tries to illustrate architecture art across a photographic point of view where main subjects are already-built spaces. Sometimes in an abstract way. Sometimes surreal.” – Alex Roman, creator. I suggest you watch it in fullscreen mode. It really enhances the experience.

The Third & The Seventh from Alex Roman on Vimeo.

When I created this blog, my main objective was to comment on art and culture and keep my personal life out of the picture. But recent events have given me reason to do otherwise. A dear friend of mine, Chris, recently became a father for the second time. His son, Apollo-Max, was born March 8th, almost 2 months early. Unfortunately, he was only 3lbs. and had many complications, but he was a fighter. He built up his strength and was released a month later, only to be readmitted. Although he had fought for life for over a month and a half, on Monday, May 3rd, Apollo-Max went home to his eternal Father. It’s hard to put into words the thoughts and feelings I have had during this time for my friend Chris and his family. I can’t imagine the grief of losing a child and would hope no one would have to experience that kind of pain. While his time on this earth was short, the impact that Apollo-Max left is unforgettable. Apollo-Max, you brought joy to your family for 2 months and now you will bring joy to your heavenly Father. Chris, Roella and Miles, know that you are loved by us and we wish you peace and comfort through this valley in life.

Just like almost any guy growing up in the early eighties, I am a big fan of Star Wars. And especially Star Wars-inspired artwork. Cédric Delsaux is a photographer based in Paris, France who has taken his beautiful photography and merged it with Star Wars CGI. The result of this technique is truly visionary. Through his photography and with the help of Pierrick Gueneugue’s CGI work, he has re-imagined the Star Wars world as if it were happening today, on earth. I love the gritty scenes of construction sites and junkyards that he has chosen as his backdrops for this new universe. Much of the credit needs to go to Mr. Gueneugue’s seamless CGI work. The characters and machines blend perfectly as if they were originally shot on location. I really love how subtle everything is. You can find the full set of Cédric’s “Dark Lens” series here.

Ironically, I found these great photos on fffound! yesterday during my “inspiration time” and loved the concept. Taking famous actors and placing them in their most iconic rolls within a studio for Empire magazine’s 20th anniversary issue. My favorite is probably Mel Gibson’s warpaint and suit look. Looking at that photo I am convinced he cut off the head of the photographer immediately following the click of the shutter.

This short film was forwarded to me the other day and I was immediately blown away. Just the concept alone is great, but coupling that with stunning motion graphics and compositing makes for one amazing short film. The film was written and directed by Patrick Jean, shot on location in New York City and produced by onemoreproduction.

PIXELS by Patrick Jean from ONE MORE PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

The Heavy is a relatively new band I just discovered recently during a google search. I first heard their single “How you like me now?” on the Kia Super Bowl commercial. I couldn’t get the song out of my head so I did the old Google search and found out who did the song for the commercial. I then came across some great youtube videos, as well as their two albums. They have a great blend of rock and old school James Brown soul. David Letterman liked them so much on a recent appearance that he asked them to play twice. I did the same upon buying the single, only I listened to it about 10 times in a row. Check out the video below. I dare you not to jump around and do some fist pumps.

Last friday was Good Friday. And since I work within walking distance to one of San Francisco’s landmark Catholic churches, I thought I would take my lunch a little later and attend my first Catholic mass. I attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic church in the North Beach neighborhood of the city. It sits right across from Washington Square, just blocks from Coit Tower. The size and beauty of the cathedral from the outside fits its surroundings perfectly. The architecture looks as though it was built in the 1100’s alongside many famous European Cathedrals even though it built in the 1920’s. Upon entering, i was awestruck by how beautiful it was. It took me the entire mass to soak it all in. Although I am not a practicing catholic, I admire the reverence of the catholic ritual. From the artwork and architecture of the building to the rituals performed during mass, everything is of utmost holy reverence to a God who created everything. I enjoy the casual church I attend currently, but there is something to be said about the ornateness of the old church cathedrals. In an age where simplicity is king, these architectual  marvels remind us that the difference is in the details. I highly encourage anyone to attend and appreciate the shear beauty of it all.

Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a film junkie. Not necessarily a film snob, but I do love a good flick. Falling inline with the rest of the movie critics/buffs, I wanted to present my favorite 10 films of ‘09. I was surprised this year at how much my favorites reflected the oscar noms for best picture. Normally, there are maybe two that I agree with oscar on. This year was quite different. So, without further rambling, I present my Yo’s (my oscar equvalent) of ‘09 :

10. (500) Days of Summer – Great quirky comedy without the canned hollywood ending. Loved the tunes and great performances.

09. A Serious Man – The Coen Brothers are probably my favorite working directors right now. I am interested in anything they do. This was classic Coens with wonderful dialogue, excellent characters and an ending that leaves you scratching your head for days.

08. Star Trek – I was never interested in Star Trek…until I  heard JJ Abrams was on board to direct. And it didn’t disappoint. Abrams has a great knack for developing characters and throwing them into nonstop action. I also loved the cinematography with all the light blurs. It gave it a really unique sci fi feel.

07. Avatar – I was extremely skeptical about this film just based off all the hype it was getting. I thought the story was terrible, but the visuals were stunning. I think Cameron could have done a Planet Earth-style documentary just about Pandora. The neon world he created was beautiful, the characters and animal design, not so much.

06. The Hangover – Probably the hardest I’ve laughed at the theaters since I can remember (I don’t see too many comedies in the cineplex). I loved trying to figure out with the characters, how they got to where they were. No flashbacks. Brilliant. And Zach Galifinakis is comedy gold.

05. Up – Probably the most heartwarming Pixar film to date. This was probably the first time for me that I didn’t oooh and awww over the visuals as much as I just fell in love with the characters and story. And that is why Pixar will continue to win best animated feature…for the story.

04. District 9 – I didn’t really have a whole lot of knowledge about this film going into it, but by the time it finished I was completely blown away. The story was great and the special effects were done so well that you didn’t even think of them as CG. Which is exactly what most directors want: seamless CG.

03. Moon – Probably the most underrated film of the year. Amazing performance by Sam Rockwell. Just when you think that its going to be another “astronaut goes crazy in space” flick, the story twists into something completely different. Great  subtle visual effects also.

02. The Hurt Locker – Easily the most heart pumping film of the year for me. I was literally on the edge of my seat for most of it, just waiting for something to blow up. I loved the fact that it was a story praising the heroics of these soldiers rather than dragging them through the mud to prove a point. Excellent acting by every cast member and I am completely shocked that Anthony Mackie didn’t get a best supporting actor nom.

01. Inglourious Basterds – I love Quentin Tarrantino. Thats it. The most fun I’ve had watching a film this year. Christof Waltz was amazing as Hans Von Luck. Brilliant screenplay. Completely not what I expected going in. Tarrantino has a wonderful ability to make you believe one thing going in and turn everything on its side. Its a big statement, but this one might be in my top ten of all time. Loved every minute of it.