An established Malaysian Creative Practitioner who's into Art & Design, Illustrations, Flash/CSS development, Performance Arts & G1 Transformers Collector. I open doors of opportunities for many creative people. My mum always said I'm too generous to people, I can't help it because I like to heal people through affections and creativity. I like to keep it that way =)
There's a two month frame for me. I'm leaving a remarkable job that earn me not an award that I can proud off, BUT acknowledgment of my capacity as a creative person who had contributed in many fields to enrich and 'empowered' people on how they see and experience new media especially in the Government sector/industry. I'm leaving a job that made me earn more than RM84, 000k per year. Some might say I'm insane, some are excited to see me back in the scene, but what's in it for me? I have been working non stop ever since I work on WCIT & IAP. In fact, there had been to much of paperworks for me, spent to much time reading and replying emails and spent hours of meetings. I'd longed for a break. That's all I can say. I left my creative work too long and I need to re-charge so I can continuously become creative and inspire to others.
I'm quite happy. It actually took me three (3) months before I made up my mind. I felt that now I need to fully utilize before I start back working as a freelancer and move on to a solid place that can offer me permanent position even how low it can be. I believe it won’t bother me as long as if fits the bill ;-). There are always times your ‘saham’ can fall or raise, of course I don’t want to choose a workplace that is far away from me, ever again! Since the hike of petrol is insane, besides spending up to RM1,200 per month on travel expense, I could not imagine seeing my life in ‘danger’ of driving back and forth from Selayang to Cyberjaya, not forgetting no company insurance covered and no travel allowance, no EPF, disapprove house bank loans and definitely no bonus :-).
Last Friday, dated 20th June was my official day that I discuss with my H.O.D for Branding & Communication and I will be leaving that nice sanctuary by end of July to pursue my creative journey once again. I bumped into my PM, Kamal from Saladin in the H.Q foyer and he said something really made me so 'f**ked-up'. He invited me for a farewell on my last day, can you believe that? I actually felt to that very moment like crying (damn!), but I told him no to do farewell to me. I just thought and always felt Saladin team was a family to me, except for that 'Mr. Yo! Bro, collabro' (buat dunno je bila berselisih). I'm gonna miss everyone so much especially my ex-collegue's from CMD and Saladin (Especially my greatest boss I had worked with, Hasnul Hadi) You can never ever find a boss who is so creative and give you Keroro figure set for your birthday :-). I'm actually going to miss the fish pond in MDeC because every month, I feed the fish with biscuts and bread I bought for them.
Now, I really have to put this in my blog because after my discussion with my buddy, Roul, he just said something deep and so fresh because I felt a bit down and vulnerable for a while after discovered someone leaving me a bad impression.
'qualifications doesn't justifies.. and not an authorization for you to undermine people's achievement..' and 'regretting your decisions is an act of denying your intelligence...'
Thanks Roul. Normally I gave you advices in your career and life, but today, you help me out. :)
That Enlighten Moment
Disclaimer: this post is not to show people that I'm a religious person, but this post is to tell you that wherever you are, whatever you do, God loves you. God never left you behind, it is you who left God behind. At times (and all the time), you need to pray and remember God, and for that you know the purpose of your life and what you would like to achieve.
Recently, my mind got so hair wired. Along with my huge friends and family, I felt the necessary to felt sorrow. I was mad, sad, angry, and unable to forgive myself for what I've done. I called my heart for few prayers and doa. It's been awhile I never touched my tasbih. It was always the huya-huya party, and I left my purity behind. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Kuasa. I felt that special night made me calmed. I always know that prayers made me neutralized again, back to my senses, and I felt more relaxed. Azam saya nak start balik baca Muqaddam (actually dah start mengaji) and al-Quran and insya'Allah I try my best to fulfill my azam during my breaks. I always have this thoughts but my will wasn't that strong. Now I break it and felt in a new level. I know by doing this, I benefit a lot of things that can make me become more 'stable' and humble.
I actually felt shukor (thankful) because I can still manage to balance my life well. There are few said that I'm just being 'kiasu' but that's not the case. I believe in my confidence and sometimes it is necessary you mention what are the good doings that you did (bukan sekadar nak tutup dosa or to cover up your sins) BUT to let others know what you do, so that in some way it will inspire others. There are others out there who like to assume things about you, even accuse for false information on you just to bring your self-esteem down. You do good things in your life, Insya'Allah, rezeki akan Tuhan berikan. Buat masa ni Alhamdulillah, sebab Muid tak pernah aniayai orang atau tutup periuk nasi orang. I know few who did talk bad things about me have a very miserable life. They can never find their peace. Either they are doing not very well in their life or in their career. Whatever the case, I felt sorry for them. God is great so I promise myself not to be like them :-) and keep on doing the right and good things in life.
p/s: Did I tell you guys my ustad is very garang. Got rotan summore.. if I salah pronounce my word, dia ketuk meja. Sure kena rotan if I'm a kid :P. which also reminds me to finish of reading 'I Am Muslim' by our dear Dina Zaman.
Hey Moe, long time no click!
Here are my latest HDR's processing. Those photo walk with me fellow photographers really kicking back my Adobe™ Photoshop skills once again. Kudos to Shaf, Abby, Ripi, Prakash, Vic, Nagen, Syiqin, Rafiq, Suzie and Nell for being my photo buddies.
Neu designs werks?
Managed to produce few artwork last month and this month. It feels good to do artwork. I'm currently studying the history of Hang Li Po and studying another sea life 'Nautilus'.
Urbanscapes 2008
As Digital Malaya Project reborn in a new website (finally!), we manage to kick off with a new exhibition with KLue, for Urbanscapes 2008. The show was a huge success attended by 6,000 Malaysians and tourists.
Photos by Mizie @ Flickr.
Me, best friend back in UiTM, Nadiah, and sister Abby. Photos by Eka.
I also had a nice chat with my old friends, including the one I keep in touch regularly, Nadiah! (Nad, considered regular la kan? :P). Eka & Nad, thanks to both of you guys for coming that day :). Yes, I owe you delicious pasta... Picolomondo?
My dearest Atilia (Malaysia Jazz Princes), Prakash (Orange), me & Damien (Urbanscapes Artist). Photos by Halimi Saidi.
We would like to thank the Urbanscapes team, everyone who came to our gallery including Atilia. Although she just finish her performance that night, she still came and drop by our place. Thanks Tia, te quiero mucho! and of course, our official printer partner, EcazStudios for printing our photos for the exhibition. Tai & Halimi, you guys rawk!
Will There Ever Be A Better Place?
As a citizen of Malaysia, here's what I think of what is going on today, the reality of Malaysia. When some politicians want to hold on to power, they do actions that affect us all. Few days ago, I read a headline in the newspapers that says; 'PM ensures safety for Rakyat'. I beg to differ.
A lot of things is going on, I mean a lot. Serious crime is rising up. More illegal works come to Malaysia, some threatened and snatch those who took public transportation, in this case both me and my sister had confronted these sick bastard.
I came across road bullies who desperately seek for fights among other race. Women drivers are getting more furious and rude on the road. Toleration has gone almost 0%. I get 'racial look' each week from different car drivers and in public places. It's that obvious. When I was involved in Malaysian Artistes for Unity, what I'm currently experiencing is the other way around. I try to create unity and love among with others. Some said don't give them faces, but that's never a good solution. Most of the time I tolerate to people around me. Even when people are lining up, I give them way. Is that nobility or stupidity? :)
A friend of mine just got snatched on an escalator IN Pavillion mall, Kuala Lumpur. She lost her money and her parking ticket. It's even sad that the security and management didn't want to take responsible furthermore ask my friend to pay for the ticket for replacement due to f*cking policy.
Another friend of mine from Penang told me a lady was filling her petrol in a petrol station and during filling up the tank, when someone (thief) got in her car and hide inside. It was the petrol attendant who saw it and asks the lady to get in the counter so she will be safe. Tips: Always lock your car at the petrol station.
If you remember few weeks back, the rude 'mat rempit' (motorcyclist) attacked four ladies in a petrol station in Bangsar and some of them got injured.
People are kidnapping children to sell kids outside the country. Drug addicts sell their new born baby for few Ringgits to get new crack. Life is that cheap.
More rape cases increase each day.
Some teachers (especially in Bukit Idaman High School) is insulting and discriminating their students. I met rude prejudice teachers and they are injecting politics to their students education because they have no other scapegoats or other place to satisfy their anger towards their career and their life. Even among teachers, a lot a playing dirty just to gain more power and positions. Well, from my experience, not only teachers, but lecturers are spoiling their students, and of course, the men vs. women students where student with a the big 'V' gets more A+ from lecturers than the hardworking boys like us.
Sanctuary is no longer a sanctuary. Surau and mosque become a 'hot' place for larcenist to steal audio system (mic, speakers, cables, etc). This is a place where we thought AMIN was said out loud when we perform our prayers but soon after solat, no body cares to shake hands and greet Salam to each other. It's very frustrating.
Rakyat fear by the police? Yes, SOME of them are the certified mobs. I know there are some who are nice but most of them are pure samseng. I remember that I saw group of traffic police man sit in a mamak warung with a very hostile attitude, ask for this and that from the servant. What a poor guy. Surprisingly that man in uniform didn't even pay for what they eat and drink. They just took off. By far, I met 3 cops who's asking for bribe. My mom who also works with Bukit Aman (Police) told me to be extra careful with them. If someone from police department advise you to be extra careful with police man, which means we are seeing more corruption among them.
Last but not least, 'get rid of the consultants! they are wasting our company's money'. As I witness and heard over a meeting last friday, 4th of July in a company here in Cyberjaya. This is how people 'kill' of people who want to make a life for their living. Such a cruel villain mindset of today's Malays. Congratulations! wow.. I'm actually impressed with so called 'modern' and open-minded people. :-)
I encourage and advice people to be smart, level-headed, don't be mad all the time, try to be patience, be nice to people, appreciate things around you, do some charity, do some donation (jangan kemut duit, if you can pay for a RM300 dress, why can't put more than a dollar in a tabung surau :).
Outro: Back At One
Tonight (8th of July), I was fooling around in front of the mirror and in my room, slowly twisting my lap and waist with Suzanne Vega's Caramel. That song really get me all mysteriously groove. Such a beautiful greatly written song (love how they use it for CLOSER trailer). It's about how you longed for that person, but you can't get that person, so you have to let it go. Let... it.. go... yeah, i know so.
"Caramel"
It won't do to dream of caramel, to think of cinnamon and long for you.
It won't do to stir a deep desire, to fan a hidden fire that can never burn true.
I know your name, I know your skin, I know the way these things begin;
But I don't know how I would live with myself, what I'd forgive of myself if you don't go.
So goodbye, sweet appetite, no single bite could satisfy...
I know your name, I know your skin, I know the way these things begin;
But I don't know what I would give of myself, how I would live with myself if you don't go.
It won't do to dream of caramel, to think of cinnamon and long for you.
I was moved and touched by the phenomenal performance proudly by Malaysians. Most important, it's about the legendary multi talented the late, Tan Sri P. Ramlee!
Board Members of Creative Commons Malaysia(Wan Peng, Muid, Hasnul Hadi) with Hasnul's dearly wife, Kak Riza.
I have to take a bow to amazing actress that I admire and known in person, they are my dear friend Atilia, Liza Hanim and Melissa Saila. Gosh, they are in control of the stage, and I hope Kak Tiara will have it more in the coming future. From my point of view, These beautiful ladies sing their hearts out and unbelievably impressive with their character.
Worth of sms voting during those Audition days. Chedd with my sister Abby. I'm thrilled to meet Pat. He's supercool!
Chedd had great choreography moves and did a great role while Pat Ibrahim really did an amazing, wonderful job on choreography. It's really hard work, and it's a success! Kudos to all!
The interactive visual accompanied at the end made me in tears to have such amazing person on earth, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee. That show had really put a moved on my heart. A remarkable show I will never forget.
al-Fatiha to our beloved.
The Saturday Workout
I had spent my day on Saturday 14th by cleaning up my room, mopping the floor and went out with Abby to get a card for our father's day. I manage to buy dinner for the whole family. But before that night. I went jogging with my pet brother at this park after Batu Caves heading to Kepong called Kepong Metropolitan Park. What so special about this park, is the only place you can see families with their kids playing kites on the sky.
It was a big spin for me to go for a jog with Kamal and I tell you, it's really good because your muscle starts to ache. He asked sarcastically 'so you really wanna go for 3 more rounds'?. It was a great excercise. On my last jog on the track we started, I stop and look up in the sky. There it was, as the kites freezed in the air. I was just silent breeze passing through me, and it made me feel so light and felt such purify. I'm doing this jogging session again, and probably bring my SLR with me. It's a great place to do photography.
The Call of Nature
The 10th till 11th of May marked a special date for me and my friends to an amazing, breast-taking (I mean breath-taking) journey of the wonderful Berkelah Waterfall on the way to Kuantan, Pahang. It's been awhile since my scout days in Ipoh, Perak. I always love camping. I remember my last camping was with my schoolmate from SM Kepong when we went to this hutan nearby Rawang. It was so freaky that there is one night the Ustad who followed us asked us to walk to our camp faster because we we're followed by an object flying from top of trees.
So back to Berkelah, I had the best time in my life with my friend, Mr. K:Rew, Rajan, Syed, Two Army Officer and one Police officer. It was so awesome and I actually felt small disappointed with myself that I didn't bring my SLR camera along. We had our 2 days and one night camping. Believe me, this is one experience you never forget! The cool, fresh waterfall was so tranquil and so purifying. I thought we had at least swim 5 times a day. We had great food with us, and such great company. The only thing that was missing is our Internet and laptops! haha.. it's the only time I don't have to think about emails, Facebook or reading news. I do get calls from clients and friend, and I told them I'm in a jungle! Even my sister and her friends didn't know where exactly I was.
Something that trip happen which inspired me is the teamwork. There was so much teamwork with this group. For the first time, I never get mad at things. There was no temper or whatsoever. The environment really helps me to find my peace. It was a great deal for me, and it's all thanks to Rajan and K:Rew for making this happen.
That Mentality: The After Trip
Me and Rajan had an unusual 'incident' on our way back to KL. We eventually had our break in the warung that we parked our cars. Now, there is this one shop with less customer that actually sells quite tasteful food and the other shop, with countless of clients. There rest went there while me and Rajan went to the other one instead. First of all, the customer service was unbelievably terrible. It explains that (no wonder!) people come visit the restaurant. The attitude of the daughter of the shop owner was terribly rude that can actually set someone's thermometer. There was no ‘Selamat datang’ (welcome), all she said with a high tone was 'Nasi?!', 'Nak Air Apa?'.
I still remember when I asked, how come you don't sell cigarettes in here, she told us there was no capital and the cost is too much to bear. That also happens to mobile top-ups. I can't believe such mentality exist, and it's no wonder how these particular typical Malays people never get their business to success because they never dare to take risks, not event to take challenge in order to move forward.
Let's take 'Mamak' restaurant in KL for example. They're probably the best food brand in Malaysia because they learn what the customer think, what the customer wants. You can now experience entertainment such as watching football (yes Manchester here) on a flat panel LCD TV, projections, there's even info-kiosk to slot in advertisements and even the place is supported by WI-FI (Internet access). Their strategy is amazing that should be example by others. But still, it's too much of a hassle to these typical people right? Sigh...
What Malaysians don't really bother and always pin-point at people
All blogs are talking about petrol price. What that does not change is the mentality of Malaysians. We kept on whining about how expensive the price of petrol is when we don't actually study back how awful we spent our money on OTHER things.
Here are some of the things that we need to look at: (problems that will never solve)
Alcohol. They don't mind paying a jug of beer that cost RM60. They wasted at least RM300 per night. They waste their time not only money, but energy and then throw-up. Right? :-)
Go figure to yammseeeenggg! mabuk drive kereta like samseng, Press minyak rugi duit langgar bentenggg.... kereta jahanam kena saman baru nak melentennngg..
Mobile phones. I don't understand these people especially parents who bought handphones for their kids. They could afford to buy expensive hand phone even I myself find it very expensive. They spent until thousands of Ringgit just to show off to people about it. Maybe some bought because of functionality, but most of them I met are just about fashion rather functionality.
Mobile top-ups & bills. People can actually spent RM100 just per week! they like to talk long hours and I believe it's not good to 'gayut' for hours. Another one would be the SMS subscription of Astro Horoscope lah, Teman Setia lah, 'Saya Sunyi Kesepian' and whatsoever.
Cigarettes. This is a case where people, especially Malaysian will continue to buy no matter how much the price has hike. A box is cigi is RM8.20. Come on, you are talking about smoking a box a day. Let's do the math, RM8.20 x 5 days = RM41 x 4 weeks is = RM164.
Food. Now Malaysians like to spent money so much on food. It's all about class. Nak makan kat mamak atau warung / restaurant biasa bagi alasan takde standard, takde class. Once in blue moon if you wanna enjoy good food ok, but don't do it everyday! It's a waste to spent RM50 just on food per day. How is that going to help you to save up your money.
Brand is important. I drop by a grocery to get my shower foam. It cost me RM20 bucks for a 1 liter of Shower foam (Dettol). But I choose the soap bar (that comes in 3) that costs RM4. It saves A LOT! Vitagen costs RM1.10 per bottle and we have Berry Crazy yogurt drink for RM0.90 only. And it taste even better.
Parking. Very stingy not to pay RM1-6 ringgit for a parking, but not stingy to get summon tickets from DBKL and Police Traffic with bills up to RM300.
Start comparing bumiputra or non-bumiputra price for housing loans. Even how high or low the rates of a house or an apartment / condo you can get, you STILL will spend money on unnecessary renovation, buy expensive furniture, spent up to RM10,000 for a rock and fish garden, kitchen and others. FYI, one Koi fish is RM500 and above.When they about to sell the house, buyers don't care how much you had spent on renovation, they will still bargain to get less price. It's human nature.
Unless some Malaysian earn very low income. They would suffer from this. I would felt sorry for them. The past two months, I had been recklessly spent too much money on unnecessary things. I myself admit that I had been wasting my money a lot on entertainment. That's why I had take major, major change to keep myself aware of what's going on. I am trying hard to minimize my entertainment :-)
We should be able to spend our money wisely. I know I have to. We should be able to cut on our entertainment, not all but try to keep it less for better, stop wasting time subscribing to unnecessary plans and buying expensive materials or getting installment scheme.
Still Photography
Me, Abby, Syiqin, Ripi & Nagen.
Yes, never missed it on weekly basis. What we did few weeks back after such trouble work in the office, we went for photo walk in Salak South with Syiqin, Ripi, Nagen and Abby.
Salak South Photo walk with friends. This is Nagen.
Old photos, recently edited. My photo walk with my Saladin artist at the bird park.
Manage to take photos in this year Citrawarna Malaysia 2008. Noryn & Sam, good luck in L.A.!
What's New With Creative?
I will be joining together with my team, Digital Malaya Project for an interactive art exhibition for Urbanscapes, located in KLPac, this upcoming 27th of June. Please come! pre-ticket sell at RM25 while RM35 on that day itself. Check out th website fore more info. DMP has an all-new team joining us is Fariz Hanapiah from MotioFixo, Fozy, Nadirah, Ee Venn and Prakash Daniel and official step down from the group is Shieko. We welcome back Perez.
Other than that, I will be working on two local artist's album. You guys would probably figure it out who ;-).
Extract from my novel:
Waktu itu, aku masih berada didalam bebola perut ibundaku. Kedengaran rentak-rentak aneh memberikan suatu tanda tanya. Ibuku berkata didalam hati bahawa aku kini didalam kereta menuju ke Ipoh sambil mendengar lagu Blondie 'Heart of Glass'. Aku mula bertanya, adakah manusia mempunyai hati kaca? adakah begitu mudah memancar sinar, turut pecah berderai sekiranya terusik?
Sekian lama tidak menulis jurnal digitalku dalam bahasa Melayu. Ini mengingatkan saya dengan perisitwa ‘menarik’ ketika ditemuramah oleh Sultan Muzaffar untuk Astro Awani pada 24hb April tempohari (kerana saya agak kaku ditemuramah dalam bahasa Melayu) bagi menjayakan projek UNITY yang dikendalikan oleh Pete Teo bersama rakan-rakan (termasuk saya)
Projek yang dinamakan ‘Malaysian Artistes For UNITY’ adalah gabungan artis-artis tempatan termasuk personaliti yang dikenali di Malaysia bagi menyumbangkan bakat mereka didalam lagu dan video ‘Here In My Home’ yang juga diarahkan oleh Yasmin Ahmad dan Ho Yuhang. Lagu dan video 'Here In My Home' boleh dimuat-turun pada masa terdekat, Insya'Allah.
Video Teaser of ‘Here In My Home’
With me are recent 15th AIM winner, Atilia (Best Video) & Suki (Best New Artist)
Saya amat terharu kerana diberi peluang bekerja dengan Yasmin Ahmad, walaupun tidak secara langsung, namum kehadirannya didalam set di KLPac membuatkan saya rasa gembira kerana dapat saksikan beliau ‘in-action’ bersama krew-krew beliau yang amat rajin dan bertungkus-lumus memastikan semua berjalan dengan lancar. Video ‘Here In My Home’ akan diterbitkan di Astro dan di beberapa rangkaian dimasa hadapan, Insya’Allah. Dapatlah saya melihat penampilan satu-dua saat saya bersama rakan-rakan artis lain seperti Izzy, Alex dari SingleTrackMind (sangat rendah diri dan baik orangnya) didalam video tersebut. Turut di set pada hari itu adalah rakan-rakan artis yang biasa saya jumpa seperti Atilia, Ida Nerina, Jaclyn Victor, Suki (sangat comel dan aktif bertutur dalam bahasa Melayu), Kamal Sabran (dari Perak), Awie, Afdlin Shauki, Sultan Muzaffar, Ajami (Blogger/Writer), KLG Squad, Pang (The Annexe), Jerome, Fid Fathir (rakan jurugambar yang turut bersama saya ketika saya di Jakarta March lalu), Reshmonu dan beberapa artis yang lain.
Bagi mereka yang mendapat SMS dari Pete Teo mengatakan saya akan turut menyumbangkan rekaan saya untuk kapal terbang AirAsia A320, dukacitanya saya tidak dapat memberikan komitmen saya disebabkan komitmen saya sebagai Pengarah Kreatif untuk projek WCIT & IAP. Saya juga kini sibuk mereka beberapa cover art (album) untuk indie artist tempatan seperti Hunny Madu, Nabil dan sebuah kumpulan metal (underground). Moga-moga dapat terluang masa saya untuk menyiapkan rekaan-rekaan mereka.
Kekurangan 2kg & Hal-hal kerja
Persediaan untuk World Congress on IT (WCIT) 2008 & Persidangan ‘International Advisory Panel’ pada bulan ini menyebabkan saya banyak menghabiskan masa di pejabat sehinggakan kerja dari rumah bagi memastikan kerja-kerja saya dilaksanakan. Sejak akhir-akhir ini, terlalu banyak rekaan yang perlu dibuat. Buat kempen IAP, saya telah membuat arahan seni dari rekaan dari poster ke iklan, buku program, tag krew, pas untuk pengunjung, welcome banners, template powerpoint, online web banners, wallpaper hingga lah ke video dan animasi.
Saya juga kini turut membabitkan diri saya dalam menjayakan sebuah filem arahan rakan saya, Ariff Aris bertajuk 'meniPULATE'. Saya akan bertangungjawab bagi menjayakan kempen web bersama rakan saya Jimmy.
Karya terbaru: 'Ms. Novelity'
Azam saya tahun ini bagi menghasilkan kerja-kerja illustrasi dan rekaan berjalan lancar. Tiap-tiap bulan, ada saja karya-karya baru dihasilkan walaupun saya amat sibuk. Bagi saya, menghasilkan karya adalah suatu kebebasan yang mengimbangkan kreativiti saya dihari saya dalam stress dan tekanan.
Oleh disebabkan masalah kulit yang ketara kerana alergi terhadap makanan laut, akibatnya kulit saya mengalami lebih banyak jerawat disekitar belakang badan. Dengan nasihat doktor, boleh kata setiap minggu saya membuat rawatan scrub badan di beberapa spa di Kuala Lumpur, banyak juga wang dihabiskan untuk membeli ubat selain spa. Sekiranya antara pengunjung mempunyai kaedah tradisional yang boleh diperkenalkan kepada saya, saya sudi mencuba, asalkan ia tidaklah membabitkan ilmu bomoh (ilmu hitam). Disebabkan itu, saya perlu mengamalkan pemakanan sihat seperti sayur-sayuran, maka saya perlu mengelakkan pemakanan daging merah seperti beruang, itik dan dugong dan kurangkan 'white meat' seperti ayam. Diet ini juga menyebabkan saya turun berat badan hampir 2kg, dari 60kg ke 58kg :-( . Terima kasih juga kepada rakan saya Rajan yang telah memberikan beberapa tips penjagaan pemakanan.
Jalan-Jalan Tangkap Gambar
Seperti biasa, setiap bulan saya pergi sekitar Lembah Klang bersama rakan-rakan dari kumpulan KLickr dan baru-baru ini saya bersekempatan untuk menangkap gambar bangunan dan lanskap di Istana Kellie, Perak.
Gambar diambil oleh Hafiz Latif, dan disunting oleh saya.
Adik saya, Hafiz mula menunjukkan bakatnya dalam fotografi. Saya amat terharu melihat darah kreatif mengalir dalam keluarga saya. Ada beberapa gambar beliau diambil dengan menggunakan camera SLR saya dan beliau sendiri telah mengendalikan setting dengan baik untuk mendapatkan pendedahan cahaya yang sesuai.
Saya juga sedang memberikan nafas baru dalam persembahan fotografi saya supaya dilihat lebih kontemporari.
Fotografi Seni Bina: ‘Uniting Obscurity’, sekitar jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur.
Outro
Banyak yang berlaku sejak akhir-akhir ini dan saya bersyukur kerana Tuhan memberikan saya pelbagai peluang terbuka. Saya akan mengemaskini entry ini dari masa ke semasa terutama tentang video 'Here In My Home', Insya’Allah. Terima kasih kerana mengunjungi blog saya.
Calling Malaysian to submit their photos, illustration, digital art, animation, flash games and others to Adobe Design Achievement Awards 2008!
We only have 21 entries so far from Malaysia, rather disappointed to know that Malaysia truly have a lot of talent. Come on guys! time to get 'creatictify' (creative+electrify)!
Credits: Thank You!
I'm taking this opportunity to express gratitude the most wonderful person who had introduce me to the ADAA committee members, Carole Guevin for your support and appreciation for my masterwork, Digital Malaya Project. You had continuously supported us when no other local portal would do. And because of you, I am able to meet the wonderful and modest Claire Erwin, and to be given a full Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Premium for our (DMP) support to your ADAA prestigious event.
Anyway, DMP will be hosting another great event for next month, so I will release the official news soon, after everything falls in the right place.
Flickr Malaysia 2nd Anniversary
With the latest hoo haah about the Flickr Video new function, I consider it to be beneficial for people like me to also include more organized and compiled photography into multimedia format, rather to squander space and pages to cover a lot of photos.
This video was taken by Matt Marzuki and additional photo by Ripi, both of them are members of KL FLickr group, better known as KLickr. Enjoy my spontaneous freestyle movement.
Personal Updates: The e-Bay experience
I was introduced to ebay by my friend, Yunus back in 2005. But this year, I've gotten real serious about it. This is because things that you can never envision to possess it, can be possible, of course if you have the 'magic card' with you or most definite, the em-oh-enn-eee-why!
I was given the opportunity to fulfill my full-time hobby, which is Transformers collecting. Transformers had been a big influence in my creative life. I still remember back in 2003 when P.Angelina from In-Tech, TheStar did a 2 page spread about my work and Digital Malaya, I mentioned about my early days of creating paper robots from straw boards and manila cards. It was fun.
An article about me, by P.Angelina, 'A Passion for Art', IN-TECH, TheStar.
Now, spending time more than four hours just sitting in front of your monitor just to stay for something is very abnormal for me. Believe me, you won’t be able to control yourself when someone had outbid you for an item you certainly want to purchase. That's why you end up until the last minute of the auction / bidding till you get your possession! Winning the bid had definitely put you in a priceless victory. Mr. Pong, a guy who sold his Transformers Overlord (which is actually 22 years old manufactured from 1987) to me didn't realized how much this item means to me.
Let me explain:
I used to remember back when I had my primary school days, I used to walk with my sister (Aniq) after school, in fact I’d even 'ponteng' (skip classes) just to head down to Warta, Selayang (Wallmart), climbed up to the 3rd floor just to drool myself and fantasizing the Transformers action figures. I know that time, one Transformers cost RM49.90 and seriously, back in the 80's, I don't have much alternative to save up my money since I like to spend on buying those bloody 'Ding Dang', 'Tora' and mystery toys and trade cards wrapped inside a box printed with Gaban or Mask Rider photos. Those days huh..
Video: My Transformers Collection
But today, it feels good just to find myself to be able to collect these item again, even if it cost me RM300-1,000 ringgit just to get an action figure from friends or from ebay. But I don't do this all the time, I know my limits. It only comes when I needed to, and if I found interesting vintage Transformers available on eBay.com
I love watching the Transformers Masterforce series. They are simply the finest! That's why I plan on getting all (if possible) the PowerMaster, Headmaster & Targetmaster series, besides the G1 combiners like Devastator, Computron, Menasor, Predaking, Superion, Defensor, Bruticus, Abominus, Piranacon & Monstructor. I only have the original vintage GI Constructicon, Bonecrusher, and Blast Off of Bruticus, which I got it from my friend Jaesern). I got the Metroplex, from the Base series. However Tomy-Takara will be releasing the Encore version of Metroplex somewhere this September. I already pre-ordered Encore G1 Omega Supreme from Area51 Toys at OneUtama last month which expect to be release in June. Now, it looks like I have to clear another one of my shelves because I will be expecting another five (5) transformers to be in my room anytime soon. :P. A great hobby, and did I tell you, a good investment too? :-) Believe me, I do ‘Transformers Spring Cleaning’ very frequent.
New Artworks & Commercial Work:
It's pleasant to know that one of my creative direction for WCIT campaign are now available (seen) in newspapers and billboards including a large banner in front of our MSC Malaysia headquarters building. Thanks to the company who had helped us and continue to support this campaign. Anyway, regarding my more personal works, there are few more illustrations about to finish. I just love to draw funky illustration of ladies.
Photography > Fine Art > Self-Portrait, Muid Latif
Spending myself getting f*%$up with drained down emotional night after work,I decide to splash myself with white acrylic and get into action.
Artwork > Illustration > 'What do you want me to do?', Muid Latif
Few more to come! ;-) getting creatively productive but also my efficiency is slowing down due to my insomnia. My biological clock is so messed up!
Another thank you to Jay Lim & Vivian Toh for putting such great event for my previous post, Get Moooving Movable Art exhibition. My work got featured in March KLue & SPACE, Vol. 1 magazine. I also found out a nice photo of me dancing during that night was also featured in this month KLue (April) with cover shot by my dear friend Erna Dayanti and Syahrin Aziz.
I managed to hang out with KLickr friends again on 16th of April in conjunction of donut's day. I had such a great time with my friends and managed to do a sketch of them.
The gengs with donuts and horny conversations :P hehe
I'm giving a talk on Creative Commons organized by Syahrin Aziz this Saturday, 26th of April along with Zainal Abdul Halim & Barzuki from Reuters at KLIUC, Bangi. Something from my end to give more awareness to my crowd about protecting your copyright and your work. More info at Syahrin's Blog.
Heart Broken & Gaining Friendship
Have your heart ever been broken? I have. But when I touch on this topic, it doesn't necessarily have to be love and relationship. Broken heart can also be frustrated for something you, yourself wanted to do so much, but never have the courage to do so, or to find out about someone who’s in trouble and we are not there to offer them a help. On 13th of April, I went to see my old friend, I****m and hang out at his apartment. Before I met him, I went to see Afik (Rafiq), right after a boring typical freelance call by this very awful company which once my friend, Perez, Alvin Seah, Fariz Hanapiah had laised with before as a freelancer. Now most of the Motion / Animation scene here in Malaysia are fully aware of local companies who abuse and taking advantage of freelancers, and believe me, I will be exposing exclusive stories in an article for the upcoming DMP revamp talking about freelance, Intellectual Property, Getting yourself into business and so on.
So, back to ‘old friend story’, I went to hang out at his place and he told me how tough his life is because he and his partner have to struggle to sell their artworks and pitch for projects and even bake cupcakes and cookies just to survive. My visit was worth inspiring and had a slap on my face about reality.
He's a dialog of our conversation:
Old Friend: Muid, mana nak dapat pc murah? Aku tengok kat Low Yatt banyak tapi mahal. Me: Ic, ada jugak komputer second hand jual. Old Friend: Dah, tapi still mahal. Minggu lepas aku gi survey, ada komputer second hand harga around RM600 lebih. Aku rasa tu dah cukup. At least untuk siapkan kerja design aku sebab komputer yang aku pakai ni slow sangat. Me: (I just stared at his computer). Bagus jugak kalau ko boleh dapat harga komputer second hand harga RM600. Old Friend: Aku baru lepas buat projek design untuk kerajaan, tak banyak, buat brochure design. Esok dapat duit tu, so esok nak pegi beli la komputer tu. Me: Ic. Old Friend: Muid, company ko kalau ada projek-projek printing, pass pass la kat kitaorang. kitaorang boleh buat macam-macam, (and explaination goes on and on). Me: Insya'Allah, boleh. Aku cuba carikan dari company-company luar. Ko tak buat web kan? Old Friend: Tak, kalau setakat design tu boleh la kot (what he meant was mock), dan yang 'next - back' button tu ko boleh la buatkan. Me: Oh.. ok. Old Friend: Aku tengah prepare artwork utk art exhibition. Harap work aku boleh jual. Nanti ko datang ya. Me: Insya'Allah, ko inform aku awal-awal, sure aku drop by.
We had more conversation and he had also showed me his artworks. His stroke is more of a 'Pollock'. His partner's artwork is much nicer, but both of their artwork can't be afford by me because I remember that next cheque (check), I will need to help a friend to finish his study project, so I didn't promise him that I want to buy his work. But he was so eager of selling his artwork to me. That night, I got so messed up, again, not because of him, but I'm analyzing my own self.
People around me touch me. Their life, their story somehow made me realized how thankful I am. I'm also glad that my dad taught me to donate to Surau / Mosque every time I drop by to pray. Help people in need. By any means, not just donation, but advices, motivation, support. I know there are things you can't avoid, but I know some thing can be fulfill by doing good deeds in this world. I know that I make things equal.
Outro I felt frustrated with a part of me because I can do so much more. I managed to help people a lot, I see people grow towards their success very little from my motivation and support. And I grow for a better path because of their motivation and people around me who believe in me, who still understand what I stand and fight for. I learn from these few months about myself and I had tone down my ego and my stubborn in order to make myself a better person. It's not an easy step for me, but at least I feel proud. Some people might not change, some will be arrogant and ignorant, believe to hurt people and mute around things that are important to most of them.
There are few who I'm close to, had turn back on me with such hostility (not hospitality). Some will continuously threaten me and disturb my life, friends, family and career because they are evil by born and will never stop until the person fell down and torn apart. Tapi takpa, Tuhan tu Maha Esa, Maha Kaya, Apa yang diaorang buat kat Muid dan keluarga Muid, insya'Allah, takkan kemanalah mereka. I will never give up to achieve my dreams. What I’ve learned, the next time around, I will analyst a person first before I start giving my courtesy and friendship. There are people out there who just want to be with you because they want to enter your circle of professional network of friends, and some who just want to take advantage by your reputation for personal gain. I would rather friends with people who understand the value of life, value of courtesy and respect, and work hard to earn their own dreams and achievement without depending on privileges or your rich-but-discriminated-and-spoiled family background. At least I don't fake my life, I don't have to fake about what I do or who I am, I'm embracing it and living it for real.Thank you God for giving me the chance to see beyond possibility.
Freedom of expression through blog portrays the life of creative artist/illustrator/photographer/designer, Muid Latif, inspiring others through artworks, photos, entries, poetry and others, copyright of Muid Latif unless stated by other owners.
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