EightPoint3

What a difference a day makes...

2011-02-19T23:51:00.003Z

Who knew that 24 hours could change a persons life so dramatically.

Thursday night i decided to visit the RAF Careers website to see if recruitment had started again for my chosen role, RAF Police. They weren't hiring at the time so i decided to go to the page for RAFP and there it is, a change in entry requirements. This came like a sledgehammer to my head, literally. I stared at it for a few minutes whilst i came to terms with it in my mind that i would no longer be eligible for that role.

Since the GMP recruitment freeze i have resigned myself to not joining the job i would ideally like to do. I had to make decisions, think long and hard about it, came to a conclusion and now this. I don't know whether its anything to do with the cuts, or they just realised that the entry requirements were just a little too low. Now they are high enough to be just out of reach.

Friday morning, i decided to go to the gym, work on my fitness because god knows i need it. I turned my membership to an unlimited monthly deal so i can get into a routine without having to pay each time i go, get to the point where i have no money and then stop my routine. I was getting that motivation to get myself into shape and get to where i need to be.

I have decided to still look for a career within the armed forces, with the Army now looking like my most likely destination, with one career standing out amongst others that i would be qualified for which is a Dog Handler. Its heavily involved with the security aspects of the Royal Military Police e.g. conducting patrols, searches and detection. I was always looking forward to the extra 3 weeks training within the RAFP to be a police dog handler, and was always something i wanted.

Let's hope the entry requirements don't change, at least till i'm in.

Woof.

Fight for your cause...

2010-12-15T00:47:00.005Z

Over the last few weeks we have all seen and heard about the highly publicised rise in tuition fees for university students, potentially tripling students debt in the future. Being a former student myself, currently with around £8,500 debt which slowly climbs each year, i can understand peoples frustration at what seems like an insult to the people who struggle financially each year.

What i don't agree with is the way that the unions and students alike have gone about "protesting" their cause. They are always billed as a peaceful protest and that they will peacefully march along a proposed route agreed by both the police and local authorities and in a perfect world it would all go smoothly.

As we have seen almost all of these "peaceful" protests descended into violence and disorder. Students wanting to fight their cause, and i wont say it was just a small minority because i don't believe it was, damaging and defacing government property and national and historical monuments, most notably the statue of Winston Churchill and our own national flag. This is pure shameful violence that carries no positive message that will possibly change the governments mind regarding the introduction of the higher tuition fees.

Think of it this way. Go to your local high street, find the biggest shiniest bank there, go inside and ask the prettiest woman behind the counter you can find for a loan, for your important university fees, with a microscopic interest rate that they will allow you to defer in times of need, and that after 25 years they will write off. You can try the bank next door but they will probably laugh you out of the door as well.

We should feel privileged that we live in such a developed country where we get free primary, secondary and college education, and that we have such good universities available for us. We don't live in a third world country where education is a luxury that few are blessed with and, contrary to belief, we are actually lucky to have politicians like David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Milliband who don't go round the country chopping peoples hand offs just because we didn't vote for them like Robert Mugabe.

I hope that every single person responsible for the disturbances, violence and damage are arrested and are dealt with severely and may start to think twice about the way they put their points and views across.

As my mother-in-law always says "You catch more bee's with honey than vinegar."

Respect

2010-11-03T21:45:00.003Z

Today we saw the jailing of a muslim woman for attempted murder of her local MP. Roshonara Choudhry was a "stand-out" pupil who was highly respected by her peers and colleagues alike, who dropped out of her english class and apparently became a radicalised muslim, which i believe is a term that is thrown about way too much. She carried out the attack as a retaliation for Stephen Timms apparent involvement in the governments decision to invade Iraq and later Afghanistan. She

After a trial, where she didn't attend in person but by video link, she was jailed for life with a minimum term of 15 years. She has committed a serious and violent crime and the jail term reflects that, maybe a little longer than it would have been if the crime was against a general member of the public, but still a justified sentence.

The one thing that has really annoyed from the trial were the supporters outside the courts claiming that the sentence handed down was unjust and that it was a slight against Islam and Muslims living in the UK. These people are the reasons that their a tensions between our communities, these are the excuse single minded people in this country, like the EDL and BNP, need to cause friction between two communities that could live side by side like anyone else.

ALL of the Muslim people i have ever met have been some of the nicest people you could wish to come across, they cant do enough to make you feel welcome and at ease. There is no doubting that it is a disciplined religion and can could come across as harsh but Abu Dhabi & Dubai were some of the nicest places i have seen and some extremely polite and welcoming people, and you can see the respect the people have for the laws and traditions of the country and religion.

Respect is the name of the game and people need to show a lot more of it, on both sides.

The Age of Coalition.

2010-05-26T00:49:00.003+01:00

On May 6th i did something i had never done before... voted. Politics never inspired me in the past to do anything other than say "My vote wont make a difference". With that in mind, and my new found interest in politics i promised myself i would vote and that i would vote for whoever i felt grabbed my attention during the campaigns.

I liked Gordon Brown. I think he was dealt a shoddy hand but handled himself, Bigot-gate aside, very well and always with a sense of dignity. David Cameron never appealed to me, the Conservatives in my eyes were always the "Richer" party. I was always told of how the working class family disliked Thatcher and the rich got richer and the poorer got poorer. Nick Clegg was always an outsider, never in the spotlight and most people wouldn't have recognised him in a identity parade.

With predictions of a hung parliament months before the elections opened, i felt my vote would now count more than ever, i felt enthralled by the chaos and media frenzy that accompanied the general election. It was something that entertained millions of people and sparked into life some amazing scenes on voting day. The constant coverage on TV made it feel like a life changing moment, one of those "Can you remember where you were?" moments.

With the obvious hung parliament, David Cameron needed to form a coalition with one of the smaller parties, which left the Liberal Democrats in a very powerful position. Nick Clegg who was the under-dog from day one, now had both of the larger parties fighting for his allegiance to form the next government. He was the deal maker, the person who had the say in the next government. He chose the Conservatives, who held the largest share of the votes but fell short of the majority needed for a single party government. Under the terms of the coalition, this would put Nick Clegg as the Deputy PM, the first liberal since David Lloyd George during WW1 to hold any position of power within the british government.

I voted for Nick Clegg on polling day and i am glad he now holds a position within the cabinet because i think he has the attitude a modern politician needs, i think he is approachable and dare i say it, quite honest. Cameron, has endeared me to him a little more with the compromises on key policies.

I liked the whole experience of the live TV debates, campaigning and Media coverage surrounding the election and also the uncertain days after it was declared a hung parliament. It sounded so exciting when a lonely man, in the middle of downing street, declared that "Her Majesty, The Queen, has asked me to form a government and i have accepted". I am also a proud believer in our monarchy. I hate it when people question the "point" of them being around, i think them being here is great for our country and a reminder that what our country was, and still is, like. I am a proud believer in tradition and wouldn't change any of it.

One thing on voting day that really got at me was the people who complained about not being able to exercise their democratic right to vote. The polls were open for 15 hours, 7am - 10pm and one woman that had been to the polling station on 4 different occasions left because the queue was too long. I mean, can someone of your age be that stupid? Stay in the queue. You don't walk round the supermarket, fill your basket, get to the checkouts and because the lines are too long, walk away and leave your shopping do you? Use some common sense and queue up like everyone else. I can understand some peoples frustrations when they have actually stayed in the queue for hours and got nowhere. But when push comes to shove, they are rules that this country has followed for decades, and i wouldn't change them.

So now it is time for David Cameron PM & Nick Clegg D-PM to show the country what they can both do and pull us back up to the heights this country was once at.

Smithead Creative

2010-05-26T00:32:00.003+01:00

Chris Smith (Smithead) is one of the most talented illustrators and designers i have seen in years. He was always producing brilliant pieces even in the beginning of our course and has gone on to secure himself a position at a interactive design agency in Manchester.

Check it out here.

Yes lad...

Chopsy

2010-05-26T00:26:00.003+01:00

One of my extremely good friends, Jon Hannan, has just re-vamped his online portfolio since he graduated from The Manchester School of Art. He's been a good friend for a few years now and i'm sure you'll love the work he has on show. Check out his blog too.

Check his website out here

Update v1.0

2010-05-26T00:16:00.002+01:00

Hi,

I've not updated my blog in a few months so i thought i would keep you informed with happenings in my world.

My wedding preparations are in full swing and we have pretty much sorted everything out with the exception of a photographer, DJ & the rings. I really can't wait to be honest with you, its a long time off and everyone keeps giving me the old adage "It'll be here sooner than you know it!!" but that still doesn't put me at any ease. It's going to be one hell of a day.

As some of you know, i went for my first RAF AST in April and although i did extremely well and received an extremely high score, it wasn't enough to start the ball rolling for the position i want. So i will have to do it all again sometime in or soon after October 2010, unless i am successful with any subsequent applications to the Greater Manchester Police which still to this day remains my ideal employer.

I know have my own car, a 1999 VW Golf 1.4 16v SE in Jazz Blue. I love having my own freedom now, i can get to and from work without having to rely on my friends, its bliss.

Until later....

Ben x

A Path Is Never Set...

2010-03-10T02:34:00.003Z

Since i left university, it hasn't been easy in trying to find my correct career path. I've jumped from idea to idea, thinking of what i would like to do for a living. Like anyone i have ideals and preferences in what i want to do. I have always been interested in Graphic Design, making something aesthetically pleasing and also being able to communicate a message through different mediums has been a focal point in my life for the past 8-9 years now.

Ever since i was a a young boy, 10-11 years old at most, i wanted to be a policeman. Its always been something that appealed to me on a deeper level, i liked the idea of challenging myself both physically and mentally every day. I applied back in December 2008 during a Greater Manchester Police recruitment drive, i even went in late for work to make sure my application was all correct and that i was happy with my answers. I passed the initial paper sift but failed on the second stage, the competence based questions. By failing this application, i was unable to apply for another six months to any force. 6 months passed, i checked the recruitment website each day to see when they were recruiting but to no avail.

It was only recently that i was browsing the usual call center jobs and debt management assistant jobs on various different recruitment websites that i considered the armed forces. I never really felt comfortable on the idea of joining the Army so i automatically looked at both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. I took personality tests, IQ tests and a handful of different questionnaires that gave me a selection of positions i could consider applying for, one of them, happened to be an RAF Policeman. I read the job desription, a little biography by an operational policeman in the RAF and it seems like a job i would love to do. Something to feel enthusiastic about for sure.

It made me think that no matter what you study for or plan for, your path is never set. You have to work at every twist and turn your life can swing in front of you. You always have to think positive and consider all options, no matter how small or inconspicuous they seem to you. The RAF was never at the forefront of my mind when i left school or university , but now it has become the front runner in my career options, its the one that offers me the most optimism about mine and my fiances future. Ultimately that is my goal, to be a provider, a bread winner and have a feeling when i am older that i made the right choices.

But even now, i still don't know that this is the right choice...
and i wont until i do it...

Certain Degree of Dilution?

2010-03-06T01:56:00.002Z

Each year around 80,000 newly graduated people walk out of university with a degree, and venture into the big wide world of work and employment. Or do they?

The question i have been asking recently is "Is a Degree still worth it?"

I left university with my HND (I know its not a degree!) and nearly £12,000 debt. I now work for a video store, earning national minimum wage and not one job that i have applied for has even been courteous enough to send me a rejection reply. I have applied for numerous positions, in different fields, on different websites, from different newspapers and not one has had the decency to get in touch and tell me "Thanks but no thanks".

Being frustrated has then led me to question whether i was right to leave my full time job to return to education? Based on the evidence that has happened over the last 2 years, i can't justify being debt ridden and in a dead end job. I know people who graduated their course, with honours in subjects such as Politics, and they work for national minimum wage and are not even full time. Potential is being wasted in low paid jobs and because 90% of companies are not willing to even consider someone who doesnt have relevant "work" experience, they are becoming dejected and feeling disillusioned.

I have a friend from college who went on to complete a BSc in Games Design at Bolton University. He has been unable to find any work what so ever since he left. Whilst he was at a meeting with his Job Center adviser, they told him his qualification wouldn't get him more than a meat packing job. I mean the guy has done a Bachelor of Science degree and can write program scripts, proficient in Animation techniques amongst other things, and they recommended he attend a basic computer knowledge course to "boost" his chance of bagging an IT job. He is probably more qualified at operating computer systems than anybody working at the Job Center.

I enjoyed every minute of my course at City College Manchester, i met some fantastic friends who i intend to stay in touch with for as long as humanly possible, so for that i am grateful, as for the piece of paper at the end of it? Up to now its the most expensive item i own, currently standing at nearly £12,000, and to other people, it seems worthless.

How can we encourage young people to gain extra qualifications when there are just no jobs available? Not unless you would like to work in an Inbound/Outbound call center, or would like to be a call center debt adviser?

The one thing i believe we need is more proactive careers advisers at all higher education colleges and Universities. I wasn't offered any help in pursing a career in graphic design, and i know it wont happen over night but a helping hand will never be turned away. If that service was there when i left, i was never told nor was i ever nudged towards it. I believe it should be a compulsory service to all leavers, although i understand that they will not be able to help everybody, if they help even 10% more people to find employment in their chosen field, it will have been worth it.

In the words of the mighty Tesco (and a very good copy-writer) "Every Little Helps".

Take Care
x

Blog vs Website

2010-02-26T17:19:00.002Z

When i left university, i had my website eightpoint3.com up and running, i built it and designed it myself. I kept my watchful eye over it for the duration of my course, during my exhibitions, but since i left my course i didn't update it or bother remodeling it when i probably should have.

I also had this blog whilst i was on my course, now while i was studying i never updated it, never bothered with it as i thought "its ok, i have my website". Since then my opinion has changed drastically, i got rid of my site and left myself with this blog, thinking its easier to update, i can do it on the move from my phone. It left me thinking, is there any need for me to have a site? Do i really need to pay each month/year to host something i might not use etc?

I've got to that point in my life where i am beginning to think i have wasted my time at university and didn't do the course i probably should have done. I'm not the sort of person who can sit there and deliver a poster or piece of witty typography because i think in my head it has no purpose or directive. I need an objective or target to aim for, something to drive me along because i don't have the drive to sit down and do it myself. I miss having people to bounce my ideas off, whilst at university i had some great friends who i could sit down with and chat, make fun of each other and still produce something that was worthy of showing off.

I don't know where this ended up but it certainly wasn't the post i set out to write but hey!!

Dont Take This World Away From Me.....

Beer Bottle Designs

2010-02-23T20:37:00.004Z

Through a tweeter which i follow, Jacob Cass, i found this website. It showcases some of the brilliant packaging designs for the alcohol industry i have ever seen. I personally would like one of each bottle on display in my house, although that would make me look like a raging alcoholic.

Its not just designing the label that makes these examples special, its the idea's behind them, heres one fantastic specimen...

If you would like to have a look through 50 beautiful beer can & bottle designs, click here

Few Photo's

2010-02-03T01:25:00.012Z

All Photos ©Eightpoint3 2010. Taken by Eightpoint3, Canon EOS400d & iPhone.

Camerabag

2010-02-02T23:43:00.006Z

Recently i have pretty much turned my iphone into a mobile photo editing suite, thanks to the many apps that are available from the App Store. I've downloaded quite a few and got rid of them straight away but some i have kept, some have their own little niche that i wont get on any other.

The one that stands out from the crowd for me is Camera Bag by Nevercenter (available for PC, Mac & iPhone). This application is extremely simple to use and can make anybodies photographs look professionally edited, with the help of a few filters. You simply choose your photo from your library or take a new one and load it directly into the app, and swipe through the list of previews for each filter and save the one you like the most.

The only drawback from this app is the lack of ability to tweet, facebook or flickr the photo as apposed to some of the other apps on the market, but still has my vote as the best camera app out there. If you have a twitter, flickr or facebook application then it's not so much of a bad thing but would be nice to be able to do it directly from this app.

I strongly suggest that you all check it out and let the camera in your pocket become that little bit more.

Love x.

Revolutionary?

2010-01-27T01:31:00.008Z

Since i was about 15 years of age, i have listened to Blink 182, i am never ashamed to admit that they are, and always have been, my favourite band. I enjoy every single one of their albums and the bands attitude has always been an escape for me, as i imagine it has been for millions of people.

Its never been about songwriting, talent or anything the "critics" would mark them on. It always been a passion, a sense of understanding i have with the way they are. They are a band who talk about stupid stuff on stage, but on the other hand, go on political rallies with presidential candidates.

As you can imagine, when i heard the news that Blink 182 had gone on "an Indefinite Hiatus", i was inconsolable. I was like a teenage girl who favourite boy band had just broke up. The one silver lining to the break had been the formation of two new projects containing the 3 members of Blink, most notably for me, Angels and Airwaves. This isn't to say i didn't enjoy +44, i really did, i even went to see them live and "When Your Heart Stops Beating" is still a fantastic album.

I just anticipated the AVA album more. Maybe it was the "Second coming of christ" style remarks from a very strange, and mouthy, Tom. The first album to come from AVA, was of course "We Don't Need To Whisper", which i really enjoyed but it wasn't quite right. It had the anthemic songs, songs that put pictures in my head, explained a story but not all the songs grabbed me. "The Adventure" was the first song i heard from the album, and i loved it, i played it over and over, start to finish, day in day out.

When the second album "I-Empire" was released a year later, it felt like the missing piece to the puzzle. It felt like the first album was a taster of what they had up their sleeves. This was it, this was what the first album should have been like. I can personally say that "I-Empire" was my album for 2009. I never tire of listening to it, each song has its own sound and feel to it and no song feels out of place. I couldn't even choose a stand out song from it.

The new album comes out on Valentines day this year and is being promoted heavily to coincide with the release of the "Love" motion picture, which was originally mentioned before the first album. For an album titled "Love" then there is no better release day than Valentines day and whats better, its going to be a FREE release. Tom Delonge has said that most kids get their music for free nowadays but still come to gigs, purchase merchandise and therefore still contribute to the bands financial upkeep. They have been given permission from Geffen, to self release the album at an estimated personal cost estimated to be around $500,000.

Now as some of you are probably thinking, "Whats the catch?". Well there is one. You have to sign up to the Modlife website that is owned by AVA at a cost of $6.95 a month, you do get to have webcam chats with the band, member only gigs, merch amongst other things. Is this a good way to promote albums for the future? is it a revolutionary move that other bands will follow?
The revenue generated from customers signing up to the Modlife platform would far exceed any amount they would earn from royalties through a label so why not take the risk.

Personally i think the prospect of signing up for a monthly subscription of $6.95 a month, to get a free album doesn't make sense. Its a backwards logic. The album is going to be sold on digital retailers for around $5-$10 anyway so why not pay the one fee, and get the album anyway?

I think the idea's are all there to produce a method for bands to attract more people to their music, generate more income and make it a level playing field for bands and their fans financially. But charging them for something, and as a reward you get a free album, doesn't strike me as being a good financial decision for any consumer.

I may be proven wrong, only time can tell, but the jury is definitely still out.
The album is out on 14th January. You can see the article that prompted this rant here

Top 100 Fonts of all time.

2010-01-25T01:47:00.002Z

Whilst browsing round the internet, looking at new typefaces and things i can do with them, i came across this site. Its all in german but its a compiled list of the top 100 fonts of all time. I think its pretty obvious which is crowned the best of all time, one of my personal fave's.

Have a look round, you might just find a new favourite. Die 100 Besten Schriften

Inkmonkey Designs

2010-01-24T17:03:00.001Z

Just another quick post, my homie has had to re-do his blog so head on over to InkMonkey's blog here

7 Rules.

2010-01-24T16:47:00.002Z

I saw this on one of my regular design sites i visit, and i just love it. I think the placement of all the "commandments" as it were, are just spot on. I really like this style of layout, somewhere in-between a wanted poster and a boxing poster.

If you want to buy this, its in €'s, then here it is

Wedding Invites

2010-01-22T00:55:00.008Z

As some of you may know, i am getting married in 18 Months time to my fiance Jaime. I have decided to design our wedding invitations, one to keep the costs down a little and two, to give me something graphically to work on. Now i am not one for going with tradition, i want something a little different, and i would like to start getting things together now.

I've been scouring the internet tonight to look for ones i really like, so i can use these as a basis for my own design. Here's what i have managed to find so far that really stood out from the masses!

Location:Mill St,Boothstown,United Kingdom

Abu Dhabi Nov 2009

2010-01-21T02:20:00.002Z

Just a few snaps of my time in Abu Dhabi.

2009

2010-01-08T13:21:00.000Z

Well 2009 was a great year for myself, hope yours was equally as rewarding. A lot can happen in 12 months and it certainly did. 2010 is promising to be a busy and even more rewarding year by the looks of it. My new years resolution is to actively seek out new employment, i have been all over the internet scouring the web for new jobs. My ideal would be for me to apply to the police once again but they are not hiring any time soon, so i have to carry out my contingency plan, Sales or Retail. Fail.

Well its been a while since i managed to get on here and update where i am at. I have moved out of my parents once again, after Jaime and i made the decision to put our Australian expedition on hold for a few years. It just felt a little quick and we need more experience in what our chosen career paths have to offer. The decision came about after we visited Abu Dhabi, we realised that it was extremely hard for everyone to come to terms with family members living 1000's of miles away. We haven't cancelled it altogether, we have postponed it for a few years. Its still on our agenda.

One thing that happened in Abu Dhabi was we got engaged! Yes, thats right, i popped the question. I even got on one knee, how good am i!

We've not set a date in stone yet but we have September 2011 in mind. I'm even going to see a wedding planner in about a weeks time at a prospective venue in worsley.

I'm going to upload some photos of my Abu Dhabi trip very soon.

Bye for now. x

Charisma.

2009-10-30T02:22:00.000Z

Over the last year or so I have been interested in modern politics more than ever. The current climate and global recession have most certainly attributed to my sudden interest, as well my age and responsibility starting to manifest.

The topic at the forefront of my mind is not politicians policies or promises to the nation but the charisma that the person exudes. For instance, in America when Barack Obama was sworn into the White House, people across the globe were hopeful and ambitious about what the future held for all of us. I was rooting for Barack all the way because he was young, bright and a breath of fresh air and exactly what everyone, not just the USA, needed to see.

Now in Britain, it's a completly different situation. I don't feel like any of the three main party leaders have that charisma. Not since Winston Churchill have we had a person in power who, I feel, had a certain appeal to them. I obviously wasn't alive during his time in office but his persona and legacy left me with an idea of a man who lead the country during the second world war and seemed to be a natural leader. Churchill was, obviously, not perfect, he was a drunk but still that aside it doesn't tarnish my perception of him.

I can't honestly sit here and say I would feel ambitious or hopeful if either Gordon Brown, David Cameron or Nick Clegg were voted into Parliment.

Tony Blair is possibly the only leader who I believe had a certain something about him but on the same hand lacked that special something. He took the nation into the war on terror but he was one of the only foreign leaders that I am aware of that convinced a president of the USA to change his mind on a ground invasion in the Kosovan war.

Tony Blair is now being considered for a European Presidential position that hasn't even been created yet. I honestly believe that he is one of the only former leaders from a leading European country that has the political connections that could benefit Europe. His strong connections with America and the far east from his time in power would surely benefit everyone.

I'm no politician or have any in depth knowledge on the subject buts it's just something I have been thinking a lot recently.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Designing Obama

2009-09-17T16:21:00.001+01:00

Everyone has to see this. His presidential election campaign has to be THE best for design work produced by some talented and innovative designers.

Now there is going to be a book. But only if they reach the $65,000 pledge mark. It's a minimum of $10 pledge, for which you receive a digital copy of the book, all the way up to $150+ and you'll receive a special edition gold sleeve with your name printed in the book. Seriously tempting to order a hard copy of it.

If you pledge and they don't make their target by the required date, then you'll keep your pledge but the book won't get made. Can we really afford for that to happen?

Go Here, to pledge before November 4th and get your copy.

Charles Saatchi

2009-09-17T13:58:00.000+01:00

I recently search far and wide for some good design books to sit down and read to try and get my head back into the right place for designing. I found one or two good looking books on Play.com so i thought i would pick them up.

One of them happened to be a collections of questions put to the notorious recluse, Charles Saatchi. If you speak to anyone with even a basic knowledge of Art & Design then they will no doubt know of Saatchi & Saatchi. Formed with his brother at the beginning of the 1970's, it became the worlds largest design agency, with clients including British Airways and the Conservative Party, during Margaret Thatchers time in power.

I didn't really have a preconception of what i thought he would be like. Artist's, Designer's and people in power are generally associated with being either softly spoken, shy and reclusive or being loud, obnoxious and complete wankers, Hence the title of a well known design book "Designers are Wankers".

Charles Saatchi has kind of settled into both of these categories for me. He is an obvious recluse, reluctant to offer any type of interview, even ducking out of the office to speak to massive clients who are more than likely paying his company a hell of a lot of money. On the other hand when he talks he sounds like an obnoxious, "i am Charles Saatchi", i make someones career type of guy.

After reading a few questions, i came up with quite a comparison. He sounds like a typical teenager who is "not conforming" or "being an individual", everytime he was asked something, it was always "I don't do it to leave a mark" or "How can i feel proud?".

It seems like most Graphic Designers are, in fact, wankers.

Book is available here for just £5.49

City of the Sun.

2009-09-07T02:38:00.000+01:00

As some of you may or may not know. I used to run a clothing firm called City of the Sun. I was certain we had a good thing going and that we had what it took to make it a credible success. We had solid ideas, what we thought were great designs and a group mentality that we were friends at the end.

Well that last bit basically attributed to our demise, it shut us down. Out of the 6 involved, i am only in contact with 2. Those 2 i have been friends with for more than a decade so therefore we have a strong relationship. I, once in a blue moon, speak to a third member who i wish i was in more contact more with. As for the last two, i don't know what happened. We were all so close, spent a lot of time together, even had a holiday together which obviously had its good & bad moments but we got on with it.

After a resignation and many arguments later, the group dwindled itself down to 4 members. It's not like i didn't want to speak to the other members but after us all agreeing that we "will have our friendship no matter what"... we learned the hard way that things don't always pan out the way we would like them to be.

You could say we had some success, we were in magazines, our sponsored bands had shared stages with the likes of Lostprophets, Paramore to name a few, but we never really hit the jackpot. Not even with all the help and support we had from a hardcore few (you know who you are) that were at every event we were at, bought every single design that we released and generally spread nothing but love for us.

My verdict of what happened to us was pretty much Accidental Death. We imploded and crashed landed because of our delusions of grandeur . Our internal squabbles would effectively lay the ground work for a failing company. I recently went through EVERY email i ever received from other members of the group regarding decisions, absence from meetings, petulance and everything in-between.

I never knew it could have ended like that. I never knew 6 men, could have had such petty arguments and cause so many issues on such trivial issues. Maybe some of the disagreements were legitimate but we never seemed to find a middle ground. I am not singling anyone out, collectively, we dropped a ball. I am sitting on lost investments, shirts in boxes doing nothing. A constant reminder of a business venture gone down the drain.

But even after i analyze all of this, i still don't regret doing it. I had some great times, seeing some of our hard work actually pay off. I can honestly say that there is no better feeling for a designer or businessman to see your product being worn by someone you don't really know, walking down the street, or when you see a band member on stage doing what they love and choosing to do it in your shirt.

As for future ventures, i am not sure where we will all be in 5 years time. I'd like to think we all took something positive away from this and can build on it to make our lives a little more exciting. I am going to sell off the remaining shirts over the coming weeks on eBay, for pretty much the cost price.

Knowing our luck, we will probably hit the jackpot and demand for our shirts will be higher than it ever was. A boy can dream can't he?

T-Shirts have always been something i enjoyed making, and i am looking into the prospect of doing something along similar lines, to coincide with my portfolio getting updated which is still a work-in-progress.

I think i have gone on for long enough now. Plus its 3:07am and i should be sleeping, so night people.

BTW, go watch District 9, it's actually a really good film!!

Portfolio & Latest News.

2009-08-13T16:49:00.000+01:00

Over the two years i was at City College Manchester, studying towards my HND in Graphic Design, i probably didn't work to the best of my ability. Pre-occupied with doing stupid stuff, too relaxed and laid back. So therefore my briefs were probably not concluded as well as they could have been.

I have decided to revisit my earlier briefs and redo them, and upload them to see what it could have been like if i had applied myself. The only drawback will be that i have no-one to really bounce my ideas off, no tutor pushing that little bit further, no trained eye to spot a lob-sided layer or typeface.

The first one i will be revisiting will be my brief on the essence of Community. A group of people with a common aim, belief structure or location. I will post it as soon as it is ready, with my first attempt for a comparison.

So please bare with me.

On other news, i can now legally drive. I passed my test on the 13th July and its been a massive weight off my shoulders. My theory test certificate was due to expire on the 22nd of this month so i wanted to get it done as soon as possible, so i did and i only got 6 minors!

Take Care.

Holy Ghost

2009-08-10T21:55:00.001+01:00

Went to Urbis today to have a look round at a few exhibitions, including a very good VideoGame show. While we were there we went into a free exhibition called the "State of the Art: New York". This piece was called Holy Ghost by Carolyn Salas & Adam Parker Smith. Quite striking piece of work and was probably the highlight of all the shows. Get down and see it if you can.

Power Grid

2009-06-18T02:31:00.000+01:00

Right, don't actually know how to take this. If it used power from a natural source i.e Solar Panels, then yeah this would be pretty cool.

I reckon it also shows how reliable we are on our in-house entertainment, also the amount of electrical consumption!

Wonderul Wizard of Oz.

2009-06-18T01:47:00.000+01:00

Ok so its been a long time since i posted anything on here to be honest, and it hasnt been through negligence or anything like that. I have just been extremely busy recently with a massive decision that my girlfriend and i have to consider.

We have decided to emigrate to Australia, we're starting the visa application very soon and we have decided to leave our flat to help build up our funds. The process could take upto about 12 months to complete so we are hoping to be over there by summer next year or just after.

I am going to be looking for work about 3 months or so before we get out there, i am going to be looking for design work only to begin with but might have to face the fact that it might not be possible and look for work when i get out there.

My girlfriend, Jaime, is a district nurse therefore has quite a sort after profession in Australia so she will have no problem in getting work i imagine. Its been a massive decision for the both to make, leaving a lot of family behind, including parents, grand parents, sisters and Nieces. Not mention all our friends, who we hope will come and visit us when they can. Also Manchester is where i have always called home and i love it here but i just feel Perth has that little bit more to offer.

Oh well, i'll still be posting my blog when i can, posting random stuff that no one reads.

Anyway, more important news! If you havent seen The Hangover, seriously, go and watch it!
Going to watch the new Transformers flick on friday too.

Welcome Home Gurkha's

2009-05-21T14:53:00.000+01:00

This is a subject i feel really strongly about and i am extremely happy with the decision that has been made. Gurkha's have fought this country for well over 100 years. Most British citizens, especially our youth, wouldn't even know that these people exist and therefore would have no idea of what sacrifices these people have made for our freedom & safety, that everyday a lot of us take for granted.

"If there was a minutes silence for every Gurkha that lost their life during world war 2, we would have to keep silent for two weeks."

These people put their lifes on the line for the freedom of our nation, and therefore they should, no matter how long they have served, be allowed entrance and citizenship into our country, no questions asked. It should never have had to go to a vote.

If i could virtually salute, i would salute every single one of you.
Enjoy the country you have fought so well for.

50cent/Eminem Vs Blink182

2009-05-19T17:04:00.000+01:00

I was searching Youtube for the Blink performance from Jay Leno last night, because i'm in the UK, we don't get leno :( , and came across this. Everything fits soooo well, have a listen.

Retro Vimto Cordial WW2 Style.

2009-05-17T23:30:00.000+01:00

Absolutely love these WW2 style Vimto Cordial Bottles. I showed my Gran the pic and she can actually remember having some bottles like that. Loads of other cool stuff from the Imperial War Museum North below.

Was a really enjoyable day out and its actually free entry to the main exhibition which has an enormous amount of war relics and artifacts. Definately go if you can. Visit the website here

Selfridges Coca Cola Ltd Edition

2009-05-12T23:35:00.000+01:00

Saw these in selfridges whilst doing a bit of retail therapy. Gonna get one to keep in my office as a souvenir. They also had the Pepsi Raw, natural pepsi, got to be tasted. Loving these bottles.

Available in 330ml bottles @ £1.29

Octodrives??

2009-05-07T02:26:00.000+01:00

Don't know what you'd call these other than an Octodrive or an Octopus Drive? Don't know really but what i do know is that i am dieing to get my hands on one just to see whats on the drive? Wonder if it will have the video that Blink-182 shot a few weeks back? Or if it will just be Mark Hoppus related. As soon as someone knows, let me know... Marks Blog

Coca Cola Summer Cans

2009-05-07T02:23:00.001+01:00

Coca Cola released images today of the new can designs for this summer, really simple ideas, done brilliantly. I'm kind of glad they used the silver/aluminum colour for the designs and not white like the current cans. They should release more of the spread over the year, not just summer. Check them out here

Billmund

2009-05-07T02:14:00.000+01:00

Billmund from Sydney, Australia. Some fantastic illustrations, with some extremely familiar faces.

This is the type of work that appeals to me because of the stereotypes that it breaks and how contemporary and well executed it is.

You can view the rest of his portfolio here

My particular favourite is the mix of Mickey Mouse and Jack Skellington. Its now my wallpaper of choice on my phone.

My Place.

2009-05-07T02:06:00.000+01:00

Changed my "Office" around today and got a lot more space from it. Now i got a place, for now, to draw and get my ideas down. I can chill and listen to some tunes, or a can play a bit of bass on my Mark Hoppus Fender.

The Futures definately bright.

President Barack Obama.

2009-05-05T01:44:00.000+01:00

Take an uncompromising look at President Obama, having meetings with his staff and even shooting some hoops at the white house. Theres something about President Obama, he has people in a grip and thats what people need from a leader, someone to show you how its done and then set an example for you to follow. Already the peoples president. Love this offical photo stream from the official white house photographer, Pete Souza. Check them all out here

Update 8.3

2009-04-25T01:23:00.000+01:00

Ok so its been a while since i actually made a post about what i am up to in my world. Well to be honest i've been pretty busy. I've finally got myself a new iMac for my new office which is going to be my base of operations with all my future projects.

Myself and Tony, InkMonkey Designs, are setting up shop under the Eightpoint3 Designs name. Website will follow as will any more details we have to offer. We'll be offering a full design service to anyone who requires a designers touch or influence. Many sleepless nights will ensue but its something that we both want and to be honest we probably both need. We'll be 100% committed to producing work we are proud of and that people will tell their friends or colleagues about.

Recently developed a really unhealthy obsession with Twitter. I don't know what it is but god i love it. If you fancy following me, Kiff182. Thats where its at.

Throw Some Shapes People...

Check out the Octopus!

2009-04-25T01:09:00.000+01:00

Blink182 got together and shot some sort of video, nobody knows what it is exactly what they were doing but i am sure we'll here soon as possible.

As people has been noticing recently Mark's kind of got himself a little logo going on in the form of an Octopus. He Recently did a photo shoot for personal promo shots with a plastic Octopus, and he's had the designed added to his new Bass. Would love a version of that bass!

Head on over here to see all the pics.

New 5* Hotel in London

2009-04-23T13:26:00.000+01:00

Apparently, this has just been approved by the Mayor of London and is going to be situated close to Heathrow airport. If you’re a frequent flier to the UK, you’ll be pleased to know that the Bath Road property will have all the amenities you could ask for—sustainability, energy efficiency, meeting facilities and restaurants, a gym, pool and spa, even a bowling alley.

Looks really nice. 5 Star too so its probably going to be out of my league... for now. You can see more of it here

Lovely Bass Licks

2009-04-22T23:50:00.000+01:00

Mark Hoppus' new signature bass guitar by Fender. Loving the paint job, apparently you can see the wood grain through the paint job. Also, look at the neck of the guitar and you can see the smiley blink182 face. I have the previous model, in egg shell green, love the sounds you can get out of it! This one is lovely!

My Love.

2009-04-21T17:33:00.000+01:00

Just found this in the depths of my external hard drive. Think its a really nice pic. This is my girlfriend Jaime modelling for our clothing company City of the Sun.

Been playing.

2009-04-21T14:30:00.001+01:00

New and updated me. Been playing around with PhotoBooth. That thing is addictive.

Shiny New.

2009-04-21T13:16:00.000+01:00

My new workstation, my place of zen. Ok, i didn't need it but by god i wanted it. So much better than our old crappy PC.
This will be my base of operations for the upcoming colab from myself and INKmonkey, our design service will offer high quality designs for the masses, design isn't exclusive and should be available to Joe Bloggs.

Mail me or call me and get more details.

xx

Wider than Widescreen.

2009-04-19T00:19:00.000+01:00

Great new commercial/short film created for Philips new 21:9 range of LCD TV's.

Phoenix's finest on two wheels...

2009-04-18T01:04:00.000+01:00

Loving this. This isnt going to be easy because the bikes arent the lightest on the road! Got to give credit where credit is due.

The Bastard Child of a Rolls and a Hummer!

2009-04-18T00:50:00.001+01:00

This needs no introduction. All i will say is that this is the ugliest car/truck/SUV i have ever seen. Quite funny really!

The future of motoring??

2009-04-17T00:45:00.001+01:00

This is a new model Tesla. The new sedan version follows on from the roadster that featured on last seasons Top Gear. The Model-S has a 300-mile range, a 30 minute quick charge capability (@ a 480v charging station), can carry up to 7 people and can even do 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds.

Very impressive, but when you consider that the Tesla roadster took around 16 hours to charge to get 200 miles range from it, will it be any better??

You can't knock Tesla for its looks though. With subtle undertones of Aston Martin, Jaguar and, in my opinion, Maserati, its certainly a looker.

Classy Time Piece.

2009-04-16T23:53:00.000+01:00

Lovin this time piece. Blancpain are making this in limited numbers, and each one will have the individual numbers engraved on the back. Limited to 300 pieces and inspired by the Lamborghini Gallardo, Very Very Nice. Bit out of my price range i reckon.

Help... I'm Alive

2009-04-15T16:32:00.000+01:00

Ok so i have decided to not just use my blog for my design work. Its going to be for anything i think i should share and maybe just a few snippets of things i probably shouldn't share. First things first...

Make sure you check this album out. Metric's Fantasies is awesome. Some brilliant tunes on here, you expect nothing less from an album produced by the mighty Mark Hoppus... the only thing missing is a hoppus colab on there.

Grab it from your local store or Itunes.

Check em out here

Gone with the wind...

2009-04-08T01:07:00.000+01:00

Ok the title is a little wierd, its the only thing i could think of due to the current gale thats pounding my windows! Got a few new poster ideas clattering around my mind which i need to try and get down on paper. I need to shop about for a few things for the PC and get my Macbook in for a much needed service.

my boy over @ INKMonkey has his blog up and running now so head over to http://inkmonkeydesigns.blogspot.com and see what he has to offer.

In the meantime, god is love Rev Kiff!

Chasing Tomorrow

2009-03-31T02:08:00.000+01:00

Here are two posters i designed for a band called Chasing Tomorrow. They literally gave me an hour or so to get these designed and sent over to them. I'm happy in a way with them but with a bit more time then the outcome would have been so much better.

In more recent news, i have decided to cancel my eightpoint3.com website. Mainly because i just dont update it that often and its easier and quicker to get my work up here.

Therefore, my contact details will be on here. Mobile, Email... Get in touch.

2009-03-26T00:49:00.001Z

Want to keep up to date, Kiff182 on twitter.

Get on it.

Nice

Its just not happening...

2009-02-20T17:07:00.000Z

Over the last few months i haven't really been up to much in the design scheme of things. I haven't posted a blog, let alone even done any work. I think it has a lot to do with where i am at in my life to be honest. Although graphic design has been a big part of my life for the past 4 years, i have become disillusioned with the industry since graduating back in July 2008, i did a little thinking and decided to follow a certain career path that has always been a dream of mine, and that is to become a police officer.

So on the 10th December 2008, i applied to Greater Manchester Police Force. I passed the initial paper sift and was told i was eligible, but subsequently failed my competence based questions. I was optimistic about joining but also apprehensive of being turned away, which happens to a majority of applicants so it wasn't a massive shock that i was turned down i was still disappointed.

I cannot reapply to any police force in the UK for the next 6 months but fully intend to reapply and make sure i follow what i set out to do. In the mean time i have told myself to actually put my design skills to at least some use while i work and wait for the 6 months countdown to be over. Whether i get a job in an agency, hopefully some of them will eventually return a call or email to me to at least tell me that i have been unsuccessful again, or i just do it for fun. Either way i need to make sure i keep my mind working rather than doing my shifts at the local blockbuster!! I need to start using my time in a more creative way, make the most of it. It's what i want so why not.

I will keep this constantly updated and keep myself posted of what i am supposed to be doing!!

Its Gone.

2008-09-06T20:00:00.000+01:00

Ok, i have had my Macbook in for some work at the Apple shop last week, so i transferred everything to my external hard drive, or at least i thought i had. I've come to it today to get something of it, and its all gone. Don't know how or why but i'm not in the best of moods at the moment.

I'm still looking desperately for a job, but alas to no avail at the moment. I'm having to re-do my CV due to the certain lack of work on my hard drive! and the copy i have, has my old address on it.

I am going to have a look and see if there are any competition briefs rolling round the place and keep my creative cockles warm.

Have Fun

I'm scared...

2008-08-01T22:10:00.000+01:00

Well i have now officially graduated with my HND, was going to turn it into a degree with another two years at MMU but to be honest, i think that design sense is something that you get yourself by doing the work so i decided to join the big world of work!

I'm just looking for some freelance work at the moment, maybe do a few pieces of work for local businesses, music is also a massive part of my life so work in the music industry would suit me just fine. I am really open to suggestions and will do anything from Straplines to Creative solutions for your business.

If you want to get in touch, you can email me on ben@eightpoint3.com or you can give me a call on 07800817940

With Love

Ben

8.3

2008-05-22T16:45:00.001+01:00

Also my website has now gone live with a selection of work on there as well.

www.eightpoint3.com

All my contact details are on there so if you need to get touch, please feel free.

The End Is Nigh...

2008-05-22T16:41:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Well its not long now till i graduate from college and get in the hunt for job. Its gonna be tough but i am gonna try and get some freelance work under my belt, hopefully. Got two more briefs to finish before i graduate as well, got my Pot Noodle advert campaign to do and my typography brief. Everything is done and dusted after that, so we'll see where the wind takes me.

I'll do any work at the moment because its experience so get in touch!

Ben(8.3)

Feel Good Moments

2008-03-27T16:57:00.000Z

These are a series of four posters for a YCN competition i entered. The basic theme was Feel Good Moments, i think the final outcome is quite good.

Submitted to YCN 18/03/08.

2008-03-11T01:17:00.001Z

Thought i might as well make a post on this thing now i have made it. I have recently just got over a very nasty stomach bug, awwww, getting better now but still not 100%. As some people may or may not know i help run a clothing brand called "City of the Sun". We are currently going through a major re-branding phase at the moment and are over hauling everything from the name to the look of our website and other stuff that we do. Its proving to be a harder task than we actually thought it would be. No pain No gain as they say.
Its been bumpy the last couple of months with a number of things but i feel like we will get on the right path soon and get our heads above the sand and make a name for ourselves.

I'm nearing the end of my two years at my current college doing my HND Graphics, currently contemplating the great question, what the hell am i going to do?? Not 100% sure yet, to be honest don't think i will ever know, think i'll just jump into one direction and see how the water is.

Hi

2008-02-19T22:12:00.000Z

Helloooooo,

Welcome to my blog, EightPoint3. I am currently an HND Graphic Design student in the bustling city of Manchester, UK.

I will be using this blog to post some of my portfolio as it gradually grows over the coming years.

Any one interested in contacting me regarding anything at all *cough* Work *cough*, You know where to get hold of me.

Peace and Love
Ben
EightPoint3