Inspired by Michelle’s post about HDR imaging and seeing it in action on other blogs, I’ve always wanted to take and make my own.

Finally with the help of free HDR imaging software Qtpfsgui, I’ve started. And I’m definitely enamored. Although not all of them are as crazy and storybook-like as this:

Now if you’ll please excuse me, I’ve got a lot more dabbling and learning to do!

I love picking people’s brains. Especially creatives working in such a fast-paced and multicultural place like Dubai. Luckily, I’m very fortunate to have a few gracious creatives open up to me about themselves, their lives, and work for this blog.

There are a few more feature posts in the works, but we’ll kick off with an utterly frank and open Q&A featuring the double-threat of talented graphic designer and model-esque beauty, Michelle Brosius. I can’t believe she took the time to write out all her answers – I am therefore eternally grateful.

You can see her portfolio (soon to be updated, I can’t wait!) here.

(Photo by Tusk Imaging)

Please tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Michelle Brosius and I’m from Denver, Colorado. I moved to Dubai in December 2007, and have been sweating ever since. I usually say I moved out here to build my career, which has definitely rung true, but I moved out here mostly because of a boy — isn’t that nearly every girls’ excuse?

Have you done a lot of traveling? If so, where? What is your favorite place to visit and where are you hoping to go next?

I can count the number of countries I’ve been to on one hand (Mexico, France, Oman, St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Of the places I’ve been I would say that I prefer the United States, particularly Colorado. I just can’t deal with even the tiniest amount of humidity. It is kind of strange then that I am in Dubai, eh? I am hoping to travel to Santorini, Greece sometime this summer to escape the heat.

What was it like coming to Dubai when you did? What brought you here in the first place?

I took a non-stop flight from the US to Qatar — that’s 12 straight hours. I had never been on a plane for so long and I really don’t travel well. When we arrived in Dubai all 6 of our bags had been lost. I had vital things in there, like my portfolio, which could not be reproduced. After that we had to struggle for hours to get the key to our apartment because the real estate company was being completely obnoxious. When we finally arrived to our new home there was no electricity, no water, and our apartment was covered in construction dust. Needless to say… I didn’t really have the time or the effort to soak up the culture around me.

After some time that horrible experience began to slowly fade away, all 6 of our bags were returned to us and our flat began to feel like a home. The stress of moving had completely blinded me from seeing where I was and what was around me. I started to feel like I really was somewhere strange and new. I noticed some unfortunate things too easily… the crazy drivers, the intently staring workers, the unworldly humidity, the generally rude nature of people, the vast amounts of construction, the ear deafening noise, etc. These things made me very uncomfortable in my new surroundings. The pretty buildings and unique attractions temporarily distracted me from things that were bothersome, but they never went away. With more time, the pretty buildings weren’t as impressive and the novelty of it all wore away. All I was left with were things that were nothing but nuisances.

I still feel that way today. This isn’t the city of my dreams; it’s more of a necessity on the road to becoming successful. In Dubai, I’ve been given a chance to do things I would not be able to do in other parts of the world. I’ve accepted that, but as soon as I am able, I am getting out of here. I can see the merits in this city and how it appeals to some people, but it’s not for me.

How long have you been working in your current position? What’s your official job title?

I was working as a graphic designer at Better Homes for over a year. Just 2 months ago I was promoted to Design Manager.

Where do you work? What does a normal workday look like for you?

I’ve been at Better Homes since March 2008. I arrive to work at 9am, turn on all the necessary electronics, open email, and proceed to plan out projects that need to be completed that day. I typically work on website design, banners, reports, posters (internal and external communications), outdoor signage, and 2 weeks out of the month my day is heavily spent working on the Better Homes publication. Luckily we have an account manager within so I don’t have to communicate too much with those requesting the work. It’s nice to be somewhat distanced from the drama that can come about.

Would you say it was easy for you to adjust to living and working here?

I would definitely say it was difficult for me adjust to both living and working here. I was so blissful in the city and situation I was in previously, that coming to such a harsh environment (on many different levels) was completely shocking.

If any, what were some of the cultural or professional challenges you initially faced?

Culturally, I found it difficult to adjust my clothing style. I prefer to be able to wear whatever, however I want. I don’t want to have to think about how I might “offend” others around me. It has caused me to develop a complex. When I get dressed to go out on the weekend I am constantly conflicted… trying to find the right balance between what I want to wear and the pressures not offend anyone.

Professionally, I really don’t have much to compare my experience here. I moved to Dubai only a few months after graduating college, so Better Homes was my first real design job. I enjoy where I work and I now enjoy those with whom I work. Although, I have always had a suspicion that things here move a lot faster than in most places. It seems as though people are constantly rushing into things without giving enough thought… but I think that is how most of the city operates. They do first and worry about the mistakes later.
What do you like best about being in Dubai?

As much as I dislike being in Dubai I can still recognize the wonder that it is. This city has the most amazing buildings in the world, with still more to come. There is always something new to do and there is a very interesting mix of people here. The professional opportunities are unreal, and salaries are high. Also, the absence of income tax alone is reason enough to stay here.

What inspires you in your work?

I’m inspired by projects that are well thought out… when I am given a project (copy and concept) that someone has put a lot of thought into; it makes me want to do the same. It’s a shame that doesn’t happen very often. Inspiration has sort of been waning lately.

What or who is your dream client?

I’m going to have to say Apple. I’ve been in love with Apple since March 2004, and the affair has been running strong ever since.

Do you do your best creative work under pressure (i.e. working through the night) or when your working environment is more relaxed?

Work under pressure can lead to good results sometimes, I’ll admit. However, I think that I prefer to have ample time to complete something so that I have time to think about all aspects, all angles. Without enough time I feel like I’ll miss something that could really give the project that extra edge in the end. With that said, I work better when there is enough time to reflect.

Dubai is known for its work-hard-play-hard attitude, what do you do to unwind?

I really like to turn the air conditioning low, curl up under a blanket and read a good book. When I am bored of that I enjoy dancing and listening to electronic music at clubs… I like diversity.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I want more pumpkin cakies!

Thank you so much Michelle for sharing! I am sure you are not alone in your thoughts, opinions, and reasons for being here. But I am definitely glad that you ARE here, period.

A quick note: pumpkin “cakies” are a mildly sweet cross between a cookie and a cake. They are delicious, especially with cream cheese frosting. I have been known to bake on occasion, but only ridiculously easy recipes like pumpkin cakies.

Call me old fashioned. Or perhaps I’m being too trendy.

But I don’t understand why an online magazine would want to mimic print formatting for its online issue, when it might as well be the print version? Even if it does have a search function, links, and clipping tools, shouldn’t there be more progress? Y’know, that over-used word “innovation”?

I’ve been reading The New York Times online for years now. Thankfully, nytimes.com doesn’t try to be something it’s not. As for all my other online needs, there are tons of other tools, sites, blogs, and communities which offer me so much more. When or if I want to read a virtual book or magazine, I’ll invest in a Kindle.

Until then, I’m hopeful some creative and effective solutions will be found. Surely someone will create/borrow/steal a way for traditional publishers to go online with “page turning” content and formats for readers (and thus drawing in advertisers) without having to resort to limited virtual effects. Wait, doesn’t that already exist?

*Sigh*

I’m going to go check my RSS feeds to catch up the latest news, gossips, and trends.

Screenshot taken of Indie Fixx

The latest Indie Fixx: Feed Your Soul downloads are up! If you’re new to it, you can catch up on the goodness that is free art here.

I first read about it over on A Print A Day (back in February? hiding in the middle of a bigger post) – a beautiful and whimsical yet understated design blog. Check out the free downloads from Yasmine too.

Hurray for Adwomen ME’s next Trend Talk! Details taken from adwomenme.com:

“Dirty Sexy Down Turn” by speaker Julia Foster, Director of Business Development at TBWA\RAAD.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Shelter
Street: Street 318, Al Quoz, Dubai

RSVP online at Adwomen Middle East’s website or via Facebook. More info and directions on both.

Image taken from event page here on Facebook.

With Easter behind me… and way too much chocolate in my belly, I found myself writing some quick tone and style teasers. Just for fun. The first sentence in each pair is the simple idea. The second sentence is well, you’ll see.

What do you think? Have any more chocolate-themed teasers to add?

She likes chocolate.
Foil wrappers lay scattered in her wake as another chocolate Easter bunny fell victim to her addiction.

Chocolate is good for you.
Chemical compounds in cocoa called polyphenols are naturally occurring anti-oxidants with multiple, direct, and important health benefits.

Buy yourself some (nice) chocolate.
After a long day, there is no better way to pamper yourself than by indulging in a decadent melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate truffle dusted ever so gently with dark cocoa powder.

Partial screenshot from Expatify.com

The way Expatify.com used it as their new “branding campaign” is completely fabulous!

It makes me think… are there any programs or free web tools that allow for instant (or nearly instant) branding for commercial use? Not just “for fun” and personal use. And would such a tool actually save designers time when putting together pitches and presentations?

Ever visit copyblogger?

Well Brian Clark of copyblogger is a man after my own heart. He shows us how sleep is essential to the creative process! Check out his piece “How to Sleep and Daydream Your Way to Success“.

Female?
Female in advertising?
Female in advertising in the Middle East?

Adwomen Middle East is for you! Go check it out. You can even join the group on Facebook.

I wish I had known about this a few days earlier so I could have attended the first meetup at TheJamJar. Hopefully there will be more.

Although a lot of ads I see out here have very little copy, it doesn’t mean copy isn’t important.

As far as I’m concerned, FREE, NEW, and especially NOW OPEN are simple words and phrases worth their weight in gold. And any sort of combination of the word SALE and say, half-off, part-, or end-of-season are magic to many an ear.

So it was a disappointment to see the new corner store and laundromat near me lacking any sort of signs saying “YES WE’RE OPEN!”

I already knew by it’s location that it would be more convenient for me to shop there. Every day we were hoping for a sign. Just one word of encouragement. Instead the result was a sort of “store opening watch” between my neighbors and me. We would constantly evaluate from a distance whether or not the store would be open soon based on the number of boxes outside, lights on, and type of people inside. Believe me, this type of small talk gets old. Thankfully the store finally opened without any fanfare. Or signs. I found out it was open by walking in one day and asking.

It is a simple yet tangible reminder that copy is not dead. Simply because people still read. We LOOK for words, phrases, and signs just as much as they look for a great image. We need them to communicate our every-day-needs just as much as our business needs. Email, Google, RSS, Twitter, Wikipedia anyone? As long as people still need and want information, copy will never go out of style.