We want our lives to matter, but when we are among billions of billions of people, itâs challenging to feel like our existence truly matters.
I mean, whatever we think, do, or say would be just a speck of dust in the grand scheme of the universe, and even just an unrecognizable blip in the entire timeline of history.
So, why do we even care?
Well, we care because, despite being just one among countless others, we are still one nonetheless.
We want our lives to matter, but when we are among billions of billions of people, itâs challenging to feel like our existence truly matters.
I mean, whatever we think, do, or say would be just a speck of dust in the grand scheme of the universe, and even just an unrecognizable blip in the entire timeline of history.
So, why do we even care? Well, we care because, despite being just one among countless others, we are still one nonetheless.
Weather is something we can never be absolutely certain about until we actually experience it. We can guess, predict, and forecast, but weather always moves to its own rhythm, whether we like it or not. Even our most accurate forecasts can't always pinpoint how the weather will unfold or identify all the factors causing sudden changes. There are simply too many variables.
This unpredictability often surprises us, but while we canât prevent these surprises, we can prepare for them.
Weather is something we can never be absolutely certain about until we actually experience it. We can guess, predict, and forecast, but weather always moves to its own rhythm, whether we like it or not. Even our most accurate forecasts can't always pinpoint how the weather will unfold or identify all the factors causing sudden changes. There are simply too many variables.
This unpredictability often surprises us, but while we canât prevent these surprises, we can prepare for them.
Iâve been wanting to write about my most used apps for so long but didnât have enough motivation to do so, until I came across this directory of apps people commonly use. Inspired by this, Iâve decided to compile a list of my default apps.
Prioritize Native Apps, then Fantastic Updates for New OS Support in Apps For over ten years, I have enthusiastically tried thousands of apps. Throughout this time, I have learned that the best apps are the ones that withstand the test of time, receive frequent updates to support new operating system features, and, if necessary, offer excellent options for sharing and exporting.
Iâve been wanting to write about my most used apps for so long but didnât have enough motivation to do so, until I came across this directory of apps people commonly use. Inspired by this, Iâve decided to compile a list of my default apps.
Prioritize Native Apps, then Fantastic Updates for New OS Support in AppsFor over ten years, I have enthusiastically tried thousands of apps. Throughout this time, I have learned that the best apps are the ones that withstand the test of time, receive frequent updates to support new operating system features, and, if necessary, offer excellent options for sharing and exporting.
Iâve realized that I never fully trust myself. Itâs a feeling Iâve carried since childhood.
I often find myself uncertain and indecisive, thinking too much and doubting my choices even more. As a result, I tend to hold back and take very little action. I constantly worry that Iâll mess everything up if I make the wrong move, so I end up not moving at all.
Honestly, I feel like Chidi from The Good Placeâalways second-guessing myself!
I appreciate how this prequel reveals the depth of its characters, particularly the relationship between Mufasa and Taka. This adds complexity to the overall story and allows for greater empathy towards each character. While Mufasa is portrayed as a great leader, I found myself more drawn to Takaâs narrative, and I hope there will be another installment focusing on this character.
Visually, the film is spectacular, showcasing the advancements in technology within the film industry.
Why do we enjoy eating so much? I think itâs because itâs one of the few pleasures derived from engaging our senses in a way that requires intention. Itâs the sensory that needs to be sought after.
While we see, hear, smell, and touch things involuntarily throughout the day, tasting is an experience that demands our conscious effort.
We must actively choose to put something in our mouths to truly savor its flavor.
When I'm lost in the abyss of lifeâs complexities, is it possible to use my own words as a vehicle for insight and write my way out on my own? Or, even better, can I harness my thoughts through writing to illuminate my path toward wisdom?
How can one write to light up their whole world?
I believe that words possess a unique power; they cannot only convey ideas but also unravel the threads of understanding that are tangled inside our own minds.
Writing is a journey of discovery, you wonât know what will emerge on the page until you put the words down. Writing is like digging into your mind; you only see whatâs truly inside once you start to excavate and examine it for yourself.
No oneânot even youâknows exactly how your current writing session will unfold until itâs complete. We can only perceive whatâs in front of us, line by line.
Knowledge Flow Consulting Pratik reached out to discuss creating a logo for his new business, Knowledge Flow Consulting, which focuses on research consulting services for educational sectors and non-profits.
This project presents a series of intriguing challenges for me. Given that it's a research consulting business and operates on a Business-to-Business (B2B) model, I needed to set aside my playful approach to lettering, tapping instead into my branding and typography skills.
Itâs incredible how quickly Aaron is launching new product lines for Strathmere Leather! Enter The Galileoâthe premium passport case. Whatâs great about The Galileo is that it can hold not only a passport but also a pocket notebook and an international driving license, all in one case!
ConceptualizingÂ
Now, back to our logo commission. Initially, Aaron provided direction for the design, referencing the classic looks of Trans World Airlines, Pan Am, and Frank Sinatra album covers.
The Jefferson logo
I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Aaron on the logo designs. His entire brand identity resonates with me, and I loved it so much that I began drafting ideas as soon as I saw his new projects, even before he requested them!
This time, I've worked on the commissioned logo for The Jefferson Notebook case, his latest product for Strathmere Leatherâone that I hope to get my hands on soon.
After the stress of designing business logos, I finally had the opportunity to create a fun lettering style, thanks to Lou Plummer who writes a blog specifically for app reviews!
The task was straightforward: a website header for his other blog linkage.lol.
I drafted several lettering styles and sent them to him for selection. As much as I love script stylesâfinding them much more enjoyable to designâhe preferred the simple styles with all caps.
My grandmother lived for 94 years, experiencing wars and four reigns of Thailand.
Year after year, our entire familyâover a dozen of usâgathered at Grandma's house to share meals during ceremonies, holidays, and birthdays. It was certainly more than a hundred gatherings that she graced us with.
She was always there with us from the moment we entered this world. You could even say that our earliest memories began with her presence.
Once again commissioned by Aaron, I was tasked with designing a logo to serve as a website header for his brand, "Strathmere Leather." This time, the goal was to create a logo that embodies the entire brand identity, moving beyond the product-specific design of the previous Ocean Front logo. The challenge lies in balancing simplicity with the luxurious feel of handmade leather craftsmanship.
Initial Concepts and Inspirations
Technically, itâs not a commission since I was the one who saw Aaron's post about his latest product line, "Ocean Front," and loved the name so much that I couldn't resist designing a lettering for it.
When I saw the words "Ocean Front," the image of waves immediately came to mind. The name should flow like the waves, so I used the typeface Aaron had already visualized, made it more fluid, and adjusted the slant to align with the waves.
I've offered this as a free wallpaper for iPhone, iPad, and PC. However, donating a little would mean a lot to me as I am saving up for a new iPad as my birthday present this month.
In a world where we are often taught to seek validation from others, most people believe they need someone to fulfill their lives, thinking they must find the missing piece of their heart to feel truly loved.
Vincent tried to help me get a new iPad (and you can help too!), so he gave me a tip that made me feel over the moon when I saw the amount. I wanted to show my gratitude with some lettering, but he didnât give me any brief, so I had to wing it myself!
Then, I remembered he mentioned liking red before, so I used a deep red and brown color scheme.
The song "Oblivion" by Bastille has always held a special place in my heart since its release. When you fall asleep with your head upon my shoulder When you're in my arms but you've gone somewhere deeper Are you going to age with grace? Are you going to age without mistakes? Are you going to age with grace? Or only to wake and hide your face? When oblivion is calling out your name You always take it further than I ever can When you play it hard and I try to follow you there It's not about control, but I turn back when I see where you go Are you going to age with grace?
The song "Oblivion" by Bastille has always held a special place in my heart since its release. When you fall asleep with your head upon my shoulder When you're in my arms but you've gone somewhere deeper Are you going to age with grace? Are you going to age without mistakes? Are you going to age with grace? Or only to wake and hide your face? When oblivion is calling out your name You always take it further than I ever can When you play it hard and I try to follow you there It's not about control, but I turn back when I see where you go Are you going to age with grace?
Melanie tried to help me get a new iPad (and you can help too!) by commissioning me to create a lettering design for her name.
The brief is simple:
Name: Melanie Kat
- Chosen Style: Clean
- Preferred Colors: đŠľđŠˇđ¤đłď¸ââ§ď¸
- Phone Model: iPhone 15 Pro Max This is the lettering design I came up with:
I love the given color palette; it's fun and cute but also delicate.
I've offered this as a free wallpaper for iPhone, iPad, and PC. However, if you could donate a little, it would mean a lot to me as I am saving up for a new iPad as my birthday present this month.
I love the word "fearless," but eliminating fear is impossible. Instead, weâd be better off focusing on being less fearful and taking steps toward a more meaningful life.
Grandma is dying; thereâs no way around it. Sheâs already 94 years old, so no one is surprised, and weâve all been preparing for it in our own ways for a long time. Still, when the doctor said she had less than a month, putting a definite deadline on something we were too scared to think about, it made us realize that itâs really happening and not just some arbitrary prediction anymore.
So, I tried bullet journaling in 2022 and then evolved into my own system mixing both analog and digital tools. But this year? I fell off the planning wagon hard. Like, barely-planned-a-thing hard.
Here are the lessons I learned from my epic planning fail: Too much on my plate: Digital tools let me add infinite tasks, which is a recipe for overload. Guilt trip: Seeing unfinished tasks made me feel paralyzed.
Hi! Iâm Ning. If youâve been following me, you might have come across some, or hopefully all, of my lettering pieces over the past two months.
Long story short, I kicked off my lettering journey in April with almost zero knowledge of design and letteringâjust a pure love for typography. I assigned myself daily lyrics lettering in May and daily LGBTQIA+ character name lettering last month.
Here's what I've learned after two months: Lettering is More Than Letters: It's the whole graphic design process.
One of the most nerve-wracking things in life is falling in love with your best friend. The heartache of unrequited love is tough, but trying to salvage the friendship afterward? That's on a whole other level of difficulty. Yet somehow, Amy managed to do it, even if she hit a few bumps along the way.
Her feelings for Karma are like a rollercoasterâauthentic, complex, and sometimes leaving you with your heart in your throat.
I wouldn't have learned about intersex if I hadn't watched "Faking It."
This show features some of the most inclusive LGBTQIA+ characters in the most welcoming environment I've ever seen. It flips the script of high school stereotypes by making the "cool kids" LGBTQIA+, showing that being true to yourself is what really matters. Sadly, this is quite the opposite of the real world we live in.
As one of TV's first intersex main characters, Lauren's journey is groundbreaking.
If youâre into Girlâs Love stories, definitely give the Thai dramas âGapâ and âBlankâ a watch. These two shows are set in the same universe, and the main characters are sisters. Their namesâNeung, Song, and Samâliterally mean 1, 2, 3 in Thai. What a lazy way to name your kids. đ These dramas tackle controversial relationship topics like status, age, and gender with a refreshing twist.