Rickey, you’re not bugging out at all. You’re extremely correct. Straight up wack shit is getting serious recognition these days, and it’s completely mind-boggling how this has happened.
As far as compromising yourself, you shouldn’t have to! If it’s not you and it’s not in you, then that’s that.
Innovative projects are generally risky and/or expensive. It’s no surprise that during tough times people are more likely to stick with whats safe and proven.
What might be a sign of the times is how these patterns are so easily recognized, given the sheer number of products and projects we are exposed to on the daily.
seriously, im with you. i dont get it too, “mediocre shit get a lot more shine”?! i can totally see it everywhere. but who’s makin them shine? are people just that easy to please now?!
problem is the ones who control the media, the moderators of blogs, the “tastemakers” who don’t know their head to their toe are rushing in and creating this tower of Babel bullshit. Time to topple this shit down!
Dude, I feel you 100%. I think that’s what makes collaborations so amazing. Everyone involved has a role to fulfill, giving each individual the opportunity to flourish in their fields of interests (whether creating, accounting, damage control, etc). Never compromise your creativity because what defines monetary success in these times is mediocrity. Once you find the balance of someone who is willing to do the “leg work” on the business end (if you haven’t already), limits no longer exists. We all need a rant once in a while. Good luck with getting your mojo back.
I definitely agree there are way more avenues for mediocrity to reach the masses. However, I have a strange suspicion that things that were once great don’t live up to par to the standards of today. I allude to the “pretty good” syndrome; everything is “pretty good” but not amazing. Both our attention spans and our ability to be shocked has dwindled (due to the massive amounts of information we’re fed everyday). Where are the boundaries? Not unlike an unruly/spoiled child, our ability to empathize and take joy in things decreases as it becomes easier to obtain.
I hope you remember me. lol.
But anyway, I feel your pain haha. But at the same time, the fact that there’s a lack of creativity out there is exactly what inspires me because 1.) I don’t want to be in that boat of creative-fatigue 2.) Being a dancer, up and coming actor/singer/song-writer/fashionist/humanitarian, and overall inspired-artist I continue to dip myself in any and everything, regardless of the creative energy. Of course, I’m only 18 so there’s so much I haven’t experienced or seen yet. So I can’t fully relate to someone who has more wisdom and has experienced 30 years worth of society (Happy Belated Birthday by the way haha!). But all I can say is life is always going to be a learning process from birth-to-your-last-breath. Now the laziness, that’s just a phase because every great artist has their time of draught, where nothing can generate, but you’ll find it. The fact that you see a lack is a pure indication that you may very-well have to be the one to change that, because I know I am ha! It’s a journey, and it’s all about laughing at the things that you have an issue with and showing everyone around you the better side of the wall.
Hope we can collaborate soon. I’ve just been waiting for the opportune moment, when everything lines up. TRIX x Mr. Kim x Maestro collabo??? haha!
LOL. I feel the same way, but it’s ironic, because that’s how I feel about your writing, “thoughts,” and blog. They’re completely mediocre. You seem to be more interested in self-promotion than talent, which is what I see everywhere. Kids like you are good at marketing themselves, but are really in possession of little talent. If it wasn’t for the internet, you wouldn’t be shining. Who you know and hang out with doesn’t make you talented by association. Being good at throwing events, spotlighting talented people and corporate products like Pepsi doesn’t necessarily infer creative ability. Perhaps you lack inspiration because creativity in you is not innate, but contrived?
Don’t throw rocks if you live in a glass house, ya feel me? That’s all I’m saying. And if you want to talk about mediocrity, call some people out! Good day.
Just wanted to say that I’d love to hear what you think is BS, what is mediocre in your eyes, and how you think it could be improved. Are we talking music/fashion/art or all of the above? As for myself, I felt a lot of the “lifestyle” fashion brands out there didn’t really speak to me with their designs, that a lot of themes were repeated, so I started my own t-shirt line. I took a huge risk in a saturated market, with no credibility, but hell, it’s been fun, and a way to be creative.
1) I think that it’s totally acceptable that you think crap is crap. Kanye stood up to people and spoke his mind…(I respect him a great deal for doing that…but not for his apology on Leno)
2) However, I think it’s awesome that a lot of the fashion brands are still putting stuff out (despite “the sign of the times”) they’re trying to be creative, trying to push boundaries, trying to find success.
3) Being creative (even in your own eyes) takes guts. Doing something different takes guts, and personally I think a lot of people make the choice to not take the risk of failing. AND THATS FINE, we should respect that, but I do admire those who do make the attempt to go beyond the status quo.
So let me understand this correctly. Creating an internet site is not creative? Writing is not creative? Collaborating with brands on products is not creative?
I am defending anyone, fuck, I dont know Mr Kim on a personal level, I have never touched or seen in person any physical products he has created or had a part in creating.
But I have seen what has become of all the products, and whether I agree with them or not they have inspired others on different which in my eyes is creative.
Mr Kim…stop whining and come to Tokyo if you have never been here. Come dine in the finest restaurants (you know michelin doesnt lie), Climb Mt Fuji, drink in the most random bars and coffee shops and watch the last 70-80 years of fashion style walk past you.
Stop whining and do something.
We only share one thing in common. Read your Undercovers and make some noise.
Mr. Kim I don’t think you are “bugging out,” I see where your coming from. People are not putting everything into what they are working on. Better yet, no one is taking a risk to make new shit. Just because we are in a bad economy everyone is playing it safe and sticking to things that are working for everyone else. We are in a time where even creativity has a cookie cutter. I see designs and music everyday that are generic or have been reinvented. Adobe photoshop and autotune seem like the requirements to be on top of the creative game. Raw talent and fresh ideas seem to be a myth. In order to bring back true creativity; we need to express emotion, feed on knowledge, and invent new ideas.
I don’t think you’re bugging-The way you feel right now is a “moment.” You actually slowed your pace down just enough to smell the flowers and you didn’t like the way they smelled. But maybe they smell good to someone else. You are unhappy about what is going on around you, but maybe its not that, perhaps its more than that…something deeper. Regardless of what it is, you are heading in the right direction. This is the moment that people evolve, and you’re in it and you see it clearly, now what? Now what are YOU going to do about it, Mr. Kim?
“man’s greatness lies in his power of thought.” Blaise Pascal
i’m with you on the mediocre output these days. I really take my head of to your ooutput and what has come out of the evilmonito magazine from the early days. but i also have to agree with andys post, that trying to market lame pepsi and sell it as THE dope stuff isn’t quite original BUT i also know, it pays the bills…
Working with Pepsi is nothing new for what we’ve been doing at Evil Monito. In the past we’ve had multiple corporate partners in working on multiple different projects. Do a google search and take note. There is always more than meets the eye.
[...] Back! My Life: Hey guys. Thanks for all your comments from my previous entry. I see everyone has an opinion about my life and occupation….which is strange…ha! But [...]
Just my two cents Rickey, I think things have been this way for a while. It’s the same shit, over and over again. As far as you go, I don’t know you, so to comment on your occupation or lifestyle would be a little presumptuous if not silly. As a younger person working in a creative field, it seems like the louder you are the more shine you get. The cats that are really putting the work in, don’t have time to sit around posting about how dope they are. I see it especially in NYC, the biggest hot bed of talent in the world and also the biggest producer of mediocre shit, mostly because of complacency. I read some of these blogs and I have to just shake my head sometimes, most of these “collabo’s”, “new brands”, hip marketing agency’s I can do without. Finding genuine people who are committed to being progressive and building together is extremely rare, at least in my case. So much of this new “hot shit” is ephemeral anyways; interesting stuff is usually organic and comes out of nowhere. For me, when I feel underwhelmed, I just travel, read some books that I never have time for, chill at some places I may have never been to and meet some new people I would never had a chance to meet otherwise etc. Anyway, I understand your sentiments exactly.
Thanks Jason for being forthright and a true gentleman. This flux of uneasiness is something that is unilaterally affecting everyone. It’s beyond what is cool, but rather consists of what is relevant and propelling other modes of creative thought and in turn creative action. This milling about and contemplating of it all, is really about, and I hope, the natural progression of starting something anew. Cross your fingers. A storm is upon us.
This video is exactly how I feel right now. I see a lot of mediocre shit, but I’m really uninspired right now and lacking drive to really go out and do some real shit. But that could be because I’m just a college freshman trying to find my way. But knowing other people kind of feel the same way is good for me. Hopefully I’ll soon know what my creative purpose is.
You’ll be fine Ashley. We all go through this. This is my 6th of 7th time I’ve had moments of uncertainty. It’s pretty amazing. You feel scared and alive. I’m in the pursuit of the next but it requires you to look within.
I think the overall attitude you have is the wrong approach. While I agree it’s important to keep tabs on other people’s shit, but they’re lack of perceived creativity shouldn’t affect you at all.
Nobody knows everything about everything, opening up your mind to anything that you can get your hands and mind are by and far the easiest ways to achieve a return to a positive mentality which I think is ultimately the most important thing.
It’s easy to hate and something that is all too often the focus, I too was like that until I realized that there’s always a flipside and to that flipside is where we should also place a large bit of our focus. I’m not saying turn a blind eye to shitty initiatives but don’t worry about your own stuff before others and keep an open mind. The attitude is the foundation to anybody’s success and without that in place, you’ll inevitably feel like you’re going nowhere.
Like I said, I’m not discounting hate/dislike, but dislike without reason or basis is useless. Start bringing to light what aspects need change and why… right or wrong this gets the wheels of discourse moving.
Hey Mr. Kim, first of all, I’ve always admired your work on your blog. And secondly, although I have much to say on your video, I just wanted to share the experience itself I had watching the video. My computer started playing kumomi by nujabes while I watched your video, and I must say your rant goes really well when played with this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyDegGlD4nQ
I know this is an odd comment, but I thought I’d share how well, I think, they go together.
I have faith that inspiration will come to you again Mr. Kim! It’s the worst when you don’t feel naturally inspired, but searching for inspiration I think also makes an artist that much stronger, and wiser in their journey. Although I can’t specifically say, I know there’s more out there.
Keep on keeping on Mr. Kim! -Tammy
I agree with you 100%.
It’s good to know I’m not alone on this “shit”.
haha you and me both girl!
Rickey, you’re not bugging out at all. You’re extremely correct. Straight up wack shit is getting serious recognition these days, and it’s completely mind-boggling how this has happened.
As far as compromising yourself, you shouldn’t have to! If it’s not you and it’s not in you, then that’s that.
Innovative projects are generally risky and/or expensive. It’s no surprise that during tough times people are more likely to stick with whats safe and proven.
What might be a sign of the times is how these patterns are so easily recognized, given the sheer number of products and projects we are exposed to on the daily.
I been feeling the same way lately, “inspiration” use to come on the daily but now really “dope” shit moments are rare. fuck it
mcm x tisa wallet!! dope shit moment. Mr. Kim where to attain??
Thanks. As far as I know it’s only a Japan release.
mediocre BULLSHIT. amen.
seriously, im with you. i dont get it too, “mediocre shit get a lot more shine”?! i can totally see it everywhere. but who’s makin them shine? are people just that easy to please now?!
problem is the ones who control the media, the moderators of blogs, the “tastemakers” who don’t know their head to their toe are rushing in and creating this tower of Babel bullshit. Time to topple this shit down!
Dude, I feel you 100%. I think that’s what makes collaborations so amazing. Everyone involved has a role to fulfill, giving each individual the opportunity to flourish in their fields of interests (whether creating, accounting, damage control, etc). Never compromise your creativity because what defines monetary success in these times is mediocrity. Once you find the balance of someone who is willing to do the “leg work” on the business end (if you haven’t already), limits no longer exists. We all need a rant once in a while. Good luck with getting your mojo back.
You’re completely right. It’s amazing how much the quality of everything has changed.
I definitely agree there are way more avenues for mediocrity to reach the masses. However, I have a strange suspicion that things that were once great don’t live up to par to the standards of today. I allude to the “pretty good” syndrome; everything is “pretty good” but not amazing. Both our attention spans and our ability to be shocked has dwindled (due to the massive amounts of information we’re fed everyday). Where are the boundaries? Not unlike an unruly/spoiled child, our ability to empathize and take joy in things decreases as it becomes easier to obtain.
Totally well articulated. Doing pretty good is considered doing well.
Mr. Kim,
I hope you remember me. lol.
But anyway, I feel your pain haha. But at the same time, the fact that there’s a lack of creativity out there is exactly what inspires me because 1.) I don’t want to be in that boat of creative-fatigue 2.) Being a dancer, up and coming actor/singer/song-writer/fashionist/humanitarian, and overall inspired-artist I continue to dip myself in any and everything, regardless of the creative energy. Of course, I’m only 18 so there’s so much I haven’t experienced or seen yet. So I can’t fully relate to someone who has more wisdom and has experienced 30 years worth of society (Happy Belated Birthday by the way haha!). But all I can say is life is always going to be a learning process from birth-to-your-last-breath. Now the laziness, that’s just a phase because every great artist has their time of draught, where nothing can generate, but you’ll find it. The fact that you see a lack is a pure indication that you may very-well have to be the one to change that, because I know I am ha! It’s a journey, and it’s all about laughing at the things that you have an issue with and showing everyone around you the better side of the wall.
Hope we can collaborate soon. I’ve just been waiting for the opportune moment, when everything lines up. TRIX x Mr. Kim x Maestro collabo??? haha!
Much props on the endeavors, keep in touch.
– TRIX [AI]
LOL. I feel the same way, but it’s ironic, because that’s how I feel about your writing, “thoughts,” and blog. They’re completely mediocre. You seem to be more interested in self-promotion than talent, which is what I see everywhere. Kids like you are good at marketing themselves, but are really in possession of little talent. If it wasn’t for the internet, you wouldn’t be shining. Who you know and hang out with doesn’t make you talented by association. Being good at throwing events, spotlighting talented people and corporate products like Pepsi doesn’t necessarily infer creative ability. Perhaps you lack inspiration because creativity in you is not innate, but contrived?
Don’t throw rocks if you live in a glass house, ya feel me? That’s all I’m saying. And if you want to talk about mediocrity, call some people out! Good day.
Thanks Andy for putting me in my place. Truly appreciated.
Hey Mr. Kim,
Just wanted to say that I’d love to hear what you think is BS, what is mediocre in your eyes, and how you think it could be improved. Are we talking music/fashion/art or all of the above? As for myself, I felt a lot of the “lifestyle” fashion brands out there didn’t really speak to me with their designs, that a lot of themes were repeated, so I started my own t-shirt line. I took a huge risk in a saturated market, with no credibility, but hell, it’s been fun, and a way to be creative.
1) I think that it’s totally acceptable that you think crap is crap. Kanye stood up to people and spoke his mind…(I respect him a great deal for doing that…but not for his apology on Leno)
2) However, I think it’s awesome that a lot of the fashion brands are still putting stuff out (despite “the sign of the times”) they’re trying to be creative, trying to push boundaries, trying to find success.
3) Being creative (even in your own eyes) takes guts. Doing something different takes guts, and personally I think a lot of people make the choice to not take the risk of failing. AND THATS FINE, we should respect that, but I do admire those who do make the attempt to go beyond the status quo.
Thanks for your time,
-K
As my hero Paul Arden once said, “If you run out of ideas, use a different pen.” Whether you take it literally or metaphorically, it works both ways.
So let me understand this correctly. Creating an internet site is not creative? Writing is not creative? Collaborating with brands on products is not creative?
I am defending anyone, fuck, I dont know Mr Kim on a personal level, I have never touched or seen in person any physical products he has created or had a part in creating.
But I have seen what has become of all the products, and whether I agree with them or not they have inspired others on different which in my eyes is creative.
Mr Kim…stop whining and come to Tokyo if you have never been here. Come dine in the finest restaurants (you know michelin doesnt lie), Climb Mt Fuji, drink in the most random bars and coffee shops and watch the last 70-80 years of fashion style walk past you.
Stop whining and do something.
We only share one thing in common. Read your Undercovers and make some noise.
Noodles.
Nope. Wrong, you misunderstood me.
I misunderstood you?
“stop whining and do something.”
You misunderstood me.
Thanks everyone for your observations, thoughts and most importantly, your critiques.
Mr. Kim I don’t think you are “bugging out,” I see where your coming from. People are not putting everything into what they are working on. Better yet, no one is taking a risk to make new shit. Just because we are in a bad economy everyone is playing it safe and sticking to things that are working for everyone else. We are in a time where even creativity has a cookie cutter. I see designs and music everyday that are generic or have been reinvented. Adobe photoshop and autotune seem like the requirements to be on top of the creative game. Raw talent and fresh ideas seem to be a myth. In order to bring back true creativity; we need to express emotion, feed on knowledge, and invent new ideas.
I don’t think you’re bugging-The way you feel right now is a “moment.” You actually slowed your pace down just enough to smell the flowers and you didn’t like the way they smelled. But maybe they smell good to someone else. You are unhappy about what is going on around you, but maybe its not that, perhaps its more than that…something deeper. Regardless of what it is, you are heading in the right direction. This is the moment that people evolve, and you’re in it and you see it clearly, now what? Now what are YOU going to do about it, Mr. Kim?
“man’s greatness lies in his power of thought.” Blaise Pascal
hey kim,
i’m with you on the mediocre output these days. I really take my head of to your ooutput and what has come out of the evilmonito magazine from the early days. but i also have to agree with andys post, that trying to market lame pepsi and sell it as THE dope stuff isn’t quite original BUT i also know, it pays the bills…
keep up the work
cheers from germany
Working with Pepsi is nothing new for what we’ve been doing at Evil Monito. In the past we’ve had multiple corporate partners in working on multiple different projects. Do a google search and take note. There is always more than meets the eye.
[...] Back! My Life: Hey guys. Thanks for all your comments from my previous entry. I see everyone has an opinion about my life and occupation….which is strange…ha! But [...]
i always thought you were part of The Hundreds in the past, I have no idea why.
but are you talking about The Hundreds? You need to start naming names.
Just my two cents Rickey, I think things have been this way for a while. It’s the same shit, over and over again. As far as you go, I don’t know you, so to comment on your occupation or lifestyle would be a little presumptuous if not silly. As a younger person working in a creative field, it seems like the louder you are the more shine you get. The cats that are really putting the work in, don’t have time to sit around posting about how dope they are. I see it especially in NYC, the biggest hot bed of talent in the world and also the biggest producer of mediocre shit, mostly because of complacency. I read some of these blogs and I have to just shake my head sometimes, most of these “collabo’s”, “new brands”, hip marketing agency’s I can do without. Finding genuine people who are committed to being progressive and building together is extremely rare, at least in my case. So much of this new “hot shit” is ephemeral anyways; interesting stuff is usually organic and comes out of nowhere. For me, when I feel underwhelmed, I just travel, read some books that I never have time for, chill at some places I may have never been to and meet some new people I would never had a chance to meet otherwise etc. Anyway, I understand your sentiments exactly.
Thanks Jason for being forthright and a true gentleman. This flux of uneasiness is something that is unilaterally affecting everyone. It’s beyond what is cool, but rather consists of what is relevant and propelling other modes of creative thought and in turn creative action. This milling about and contemplating of it all, is really about, and I hope, the natural progression of starting something anew. Cross your fingers. A storm is upon us.
This video is exactly how I feel right now. I see a lot of mediocre shit, but I’m really uninspired right now and lacking drive to really go out and do some real shit. But that could be because I’m just a college freshman trying to find my way. But knowing other people kind of feel the same way is good for me. Hopefully I’ll soon know what my creative purpose is.
You’ll be fine Ashley. We all go through this. This is my 6th of 7th time I’ve had moments of uncertainty. It’s pretty amazing. You feel scared and alive. I’m in the pursuit of the next but it requires you to look within.
I think the overall attitude you have is the wrong approach. While I agree it’s important to keep tabs on other people’s shit, but they’re lack of perceived creativity shouldn’t affect you at all.
Nobody knows everything about everything, opening up your mind to anything that you can get your hands and mind are by and far the easiest ways to achieve a return to a positive mentality which I think is ultimately the most important thing.
It’s easy to hate and something that is all too often the focus, I too was like that until I realized that there’s always a flipside and to that flipside is where we should also place a large bit of our focus. I’m not saying turn a blind eye to shitty initiatives but don’t worry about your own stuff before others and keep an open mind. The attitude is the foundation to anybody’s success and without that in place, you’ll inevitably feel like you’re going nowhere.
Like I said, I’m not discounting hate/dislike, but dislike without reason or basis is useless. Start bringing to light what aspects need change and why… right or wrong this gets the wheels of discourse moving.
Hey Eug.
Thanks for the words for mental adjustment. I shall take heed.
Hey Mr. Kim, first of all, I’ve always admired your work on your blog. And secondly, although I have much to say on your video, I just wanted to share the experience itself I had watching the video. My computer started playing kumomi by nujabes while I watched your video, and I must say your rant goes really well when played with this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyDegGlD4nQ
I know this is an odd comment, but I thought I’d share how well, I think, they go together.
I have faith that inspiration will come to you again Mr. Kim! It’s the worst when you don’t feel naturally inspired, but searching for inspiration I think also makes an artist that much stronger, and wiser in their journey. Although I can’t specifically say, I know there’s more out there.
Keep on keeping on Mr. Kim! -Tammy