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Making It Up
Making It Up177: The MAEKAN Shop launchesIn a different format to the usual Making It Up episodes, Eugene and Charis announce the launch of the online MAEKAN Shop. They discuss the process that lead to this point and talk about the products that are available. 00:01:52 MAEKAN Shop MAEKAN Shop MAEKAN Patreon supporters receive exclusive discounts on online products as well as access to the members exclusive tee. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maekanitup/message
2021-07-2828 minMAEKAN
MAEKANBuilding the Brand — Adam StudiosAfter a long hiatus, we’re back with another episode of Building The Brand. Most crucially, this episode is hosted by MAEKAN founders Eugene Kan and Alex Maeland, who talk about the inception of Adam Studios, the creative agency they founded that ties into and supports MAEKAN as a company and independent publication. See the whole episode and transcript over at MAEKAN.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maekan/support
2020-07-0933 minMaking It Up
Making It Up121: Signaling as a service and the new MAEKAN membership strategyEugene and Charis talk about how our unconscious motives result in behaving in ways that revolve around signaling messages, distribution, and amplification. They also discuss the new MAEKAN membership strategy. 00:01:50 Signaling 00:25:23 MAEKAN membership Signaling as a Service by Julian Lehr MAEKAN Patreon www.maekan.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maekanitup/message
2020-04-1648 minMaking It Up
Making It Up087: The VICE Philip Morris partnership and overflowing museum collectionsEugene and Charis talk about the partnership between the big tobacco company Philip Morris and the media platform VICE in relation to the idea of whether good things can come from bad money. They also discuss the issue of increasingly large museum collections and what museums might do collectively to make art more accessible. 00:01:48 VICE Philip Morris 00:27:15 Overflowing museums Links: https://notvice.com/vice-and-philip-morris-international-partnership-c0cd977738df https://maekan.com/2019/03/museum-artwork-full/ What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based...
2019-04-0745 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN & BYBORRE — Redefining Comfort: Céline PhamComfort. It’s something essential to our lives. The degree of comfort we experience can impact how we view the world around us. Comfort can take shape in a practical sense. Are we dry? Are we able to move freely? Are we confident about how we look? Comfort can also apply psychologically. Are we comfortable with the challenge ahead and the uncertainty of not knowing what’s next? Interview & Photos by Eugene Kan Video by Ralph Sarmo See the full story here: http...
2019-04-0216 minMaking It Up
Making It Up086: Mega-influencers and taxing luxury goodsCharis and Eugene discuss whether it’s possible to become a mega-influencer anymore. They also talk about the reasons China might tax luxury goods and how that might affect consumerism in the country. 00:00:54 Mega-influencers 00:24:32 Luxury tax Links: https://fashionista.com/2019/03/top-instagram-social-media-influencers-marketing-success https://jingdaily.com/china-luxury-debt/   What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the  sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning,  participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level  that social media just doesn't provid...
2019-03-2645 minMAEKAN
MAEKAN502 Bad Gateway — An Antidote to Online Fast Fashion 502 Bad Gateway is the best life decision Seth Footring has made in  recent years. By day, Seth works in the photo and eCommerce department  of ASOS in London, by night—and in all other spare waking hours—he  focuses his efforts on being the creator and Editor-in-Chief of a brand  new men’s fashion publication. The first issue of 502 Bad Gateway  was released in January this year and contains long articles about  Tender, Olubiyi Thomas, the Massimo Osti Archive, and Sampaix Studio,  plus graphic elements that are decidedly in the opposite direct...
2019-03-2234 minMaking It Up
Making It Up085: Losing the suit and vegan designEugene and Charis talk about Goldman Sachs telling employees that they can start dressing more casually and how that might affect the fashion landscape. They also discuss an argument for veganizing design and the counter-argument against applying that ideology. 00:18:40 Losing the suit 00:35:14 Vegan design Links: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/06/business/dealbook/goldman-sachs-dress-code.html https://www.dezeen.com/2019/03/01/sebastian-cox-vegan-design-sustainable-opinion/ What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative...
2019-03-1550 minMAEKAN
MAEKANUnderstanding Our World Through Objects — Johanna Agerman RossThe value of an object is different for everyone. If you’re practical above all else, an object’s function, efficiency, and affordability are probably the most important aspects. If you’re drawn to beautiful things, the way an object looks and fits within an environment are more appealing. If you’re curious how the puzzle pieces of geography, politics, and history fit together, you might find an object’s inspiration, fabrication, and evolution of the most interest. Someone who is a combination of all of the above plus interested in telling the stories of objects to better enable society is...
2019-03-1423 minMAEKAN
MAEKANRemembering Triple X — Hong Kong's Underground Mecca Gone before its time, XXX (known popularly as “Triple X”) was a club not  far from the MAEKAN Office that was a hotspot for underground culture  and music on Hong Kong’s Kowloon side. The venue of choice for acts like  OKOKOK, Yeti Out and Eric Lau,  among many others, it closed in late 2018 amid a background of public  noise complaints, sky high rents and lack of official support from the  city. When street culture meccas like this one go down, it deals a  serious blow to the independent commun...
2019-03-0747 minMaking It Up
Making It Up084: Being successful but miserable and a Nike ad on women in sportsCharis and Eugene talk about the latest video ad for Nike titled Dream Crazier that features women in sports and a voiceover encouraging women to attempt even more. They also discuss the phenomenon of being professionally successful on paper but miserable in actuality. 00:10:17 Women in sports 00:28:55 Miserable at work Links: https://news.nike.com/featured_video/dream-crazier https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/02/21/magazine/elite-professionals-jobs-happiness.html What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on...
2019-03-0650 minMaking It Up
Making It Up083: Healthy skepticism and artist-endowed foundationsEugene and Charis discuss when skepticism is good and when more trust is needed. They also talk about the increase in artist-endowed foundations and the work that these foundations are doing in terms of cultural philanthropy. 00:20:20 Healthy skepticism 00:33:58 Art philanthropy Links: https://medium.com/s/reasonable-doubt/when-healthy-skepticism-really-isn-t-e95594d1e380 https://news.artnet.com/art-world/ongoing-artist-as-philanthropist-report-tracks-the-rise-of-endowed-foundations-1463578   What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global c...
2019-02-2743 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN & BYBORRE — Redefining Comfort: Rebecca KelleyComfort. It’s something essential to our lives. The degree of comfort we experience can impact how we view the world around us. Comfort can take shape in a practical sense. Are we dry? Are we able to move freely? Are we confident about how we look? Comfort can also apply psychologically. Are we comfortable with the challenge ahead and the uncertainty of not knowing what’s next? In abundance, some would say too much of it creates complacency. Too little of it, and you’re unable to settle into a rhythm, because you’re...
2019-02-1819 minMaking It Up
Making It Up082: NOAH on consumer power and Reddit accepting Tencent fundingCharis and Eugene talk about consumer power and the responsibility that comes with spending money on anything. They also discuss the potential funding Reddit might be accepting from Chinese tech giant Tencent and how that could shape the Internet in the States, in China, and globally. This episode attempts to unpack what it means to follow the origins and effect of each dollar. 00:11:55 Consumer power 00:41:53 Chinese investment money Links: https://noahny.com/blogs/news/consumer-power https://gizmodo.com/reddit-banned-in-china-is-reportedly-set-to-land-150-1832375439
2019-02-1459 minMaking It Up
Making It Up081: Nardwuar’s influence on hip-hop and the evolution of CAPTCHAEugene and Charis discuss the influence of Nardwuar on the hip-hop world and how his persona plus interview style gets great results. They also talk about why CAPTCHA exists, what the future of CAPTCHA looks like, and what the progress of CAPTCHA says about our pursuit to find the universal quality of humanness. 00:13:58 Nardwuar’s influence 00:30:35 Evolution of CAPTCHA Links: https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/nardwuar-hip-hop-significance/ https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/1/18205610/google-captcha-ai-robot-human-difficult-artificial-intelligence What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and co...
2019-02-0945 minMaking It Up
Making It Up080: Personality in websites and the responsibility of billionairesCharis and Eugene talk about how restaurant websites are being visited less and losing personality, and therefore are in need of a purpose and identity overhaul. They also discuss how billionaires are being critically panned and what the responsibility of the wealthy is to the world. 00:09:50 Website personality 00:22:36 Billionaires’ responsibility Links https://www.are.na/blog/restaurant-websites https://www.axios.com/billionaires-economic-inequality-davos-world-economic-forum-85d51f38-6a7f-4017-9566-169cb6732f83.html What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is...
2019-02-0436 minMAEKAN
MAEKANFloating in Time — Daniel Arsham Brings Us Static Mythologies“Looking back at it, it feels like I’m jumping around a lot, but all  of the different types of work, whether it’s an installation or in the  architecture studio that I have, they’re all in service of the same  goal—which is to take our everyday experience, things that we know, and,  sort of, make them do things or make them act in ways we don’t expect.  And that subtle shift outside of our everyday experience is a kind of  invitation to explore that region outside of our everyday.” A rack o...
2019-02-0411 minMaking It Up
Making It Up079: A planetary health diet and creating while cleanEugene and Charis talk about the newly proposed “flexitarian” diet configured by 37 scientists to not only be healthy for humans, but to take care of our planet. They also discuss what it looks like to be creative while clean as described by nine musicians interviewed by GQ regarding all aspects of their journey through substance abuse into sobriety. 00:16:22 Flexitarian diet 00:33:42 Creating while clean Links: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46865204 https://www.gq.com/story/clean-musicians What is M...
2019-01-2850 minMaking It Up
Making It Up078: Pizza could save the world and millennial burnoutCharis and Eugene discuss Don Norman’s concept of how pizza could save the world—metaphorically speaking—as pizza is a way to view and solve problems. They also talk about millennial burnout and why the generation born between the early 1980’s and late 1990’s experiences errand paralysis, engages in self-destructive behaviors, and have tough mental battles to wage. 00:07:57 Pizza solution 00:20:47 Millennial burnout Links: https://www.fastcompany.com/90288282/how-pizza-could-save-the-world https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/millennials-burnout-generation-debt-work What is MAEKAN?
2019-01-2244 minMaking It Up
Making It Up077: Virtual influencers and big tech growthEugene and Charis discuss the new hit app Zepeto and how the virtual avatar platform can lead to the continued rise of virtual influencers and digital exclusives in consumer goods. They also talk about the non-stop growth of big tech and the ongoing relationship individuals must navigate with technology. 00:09:45 Virtual influencers 00:23:41 Big tech Links: https://jingdaily.com/virtual-avatar-china-luxury-brands/ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/01/technology/big-tech-troubled-just-getting-started.html What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused...
2019-01-1437 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN Session — The Need for CriticismThe growth of social media gives off the perception that the world’s smaller and more connected, but conversely, this doesn’t necessarily make the world easier to understand. In our MAEKAN Session titled The Need for Criticism, we focused on the concept of critique in a social-media dominated creative landscape. This session was our most globally expansive to date, with a panel dialing in from Australia, Asia, and America. The panel members originally met through a WhatsApp group centered around film photography. Through this connection, the speakers often spoke about critique and how that...
2019-01-091h 02Making It Up
Making It Up076: The future book and the comeback of physical booksEugene and Charis talk about how the future book is already here even though its form may be different from what we expected. They also discuss the comeback of physical books, in part thanks to social media. 00:15:57 The future book 00:30:03 Book resurgence Links: https://www.wired.com/story/future-book-is-here-but-not-what-we-expected/ https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/12/19/18146500/independent-bookstores-instagram-social-media-growth What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a...
2019-01-0947 minMaking It Up
Making It Up075: Creating projects inspired by heritage and airlines for millennialsEugene and Charis talk about a Nike football shirt created in collaboration with The NATIVE and use that subject as a launching point for discussing projects done well that are inspired by heritage. They also discuss why Air France’s airline Joon, which targets millennials, isn’t working and what could possibly make airlines more appealing when you control for price and schedule.  00:17:13 Heritage projects 00:33:25 Millennial airlines Links: https://news.nike.com/news/native-lagos-football-jersey https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/12/13/18138423/millennial-airline-air-france-joon Wha...
2019-01-0253 minMaking It Up
Making It Up074: Better native advertising in podcasts and the Tumblr NSFW content banEugene and Charis discuss how advertising on podcasts can be done well and what makes an ad work particularly well for specific podcasts. They also talk about the effects of the recent Tumblr ban of NSFW adult content and how the internet is continuing to shrink—to the detriment of all of us. 00:11:34 Podcast advertising 00:33:05 Tumblr’s NSFW ban Links: https://medium.com/that-good-you-need/malcolm-gladwell-and-exceptional-advertising-198a21af8fba https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/catesish/internet-is-getting-small-and-boring-long-live-tumblr What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with...
2018-12-1953 minMaking It Up
Making It Up073: Fashion profiling in Cambridge Analytica data and Amazon HQ2 gentrificationEugene and Charis talk about how Cambridge Analytica data found that fashion profiling reliably showed political leanings and what that means for fashion brands. They also discuss Amazon HQ2 being built in Queens, New York and Crystal City, Virginia and what that means for those neighborhoods in the context of gentrification. 00:11:42 Fashion profiling 00:29:41 Ethics of gentrification Links: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/29/style/cambridge-analytica-fashion-data.html https://www.fastcompany.com/90274295/is-gentrification-ever-ethical What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a...
2018-12-1342 minMaking It Up
Making It Up072: Craigslist decreases waste generation and Rookie Mag closesThis week the discussion revolves around the impact of Craigslist on decreasing waste production and the possibilities for encouraging a wider culture of reusing and sharing items. Tavi Gevinson writes a heartfelt Editor’s Letter to explain the end of Rookie Mag. Eugene and Charis discuss how to stay true to personal interests while remaining responsible to others. Links https://www.fastcompany.com/90272357/craigslist-is-quietly-changing-how-much-americans-throw-away http://www.rookiemag.com/2018/11/editors-letter-86/ What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a de...
2018-12-0450 minMAEKAN
MAEKANTo Be a Member of a Club You Never Wanted to Join — Conversing with Mike ShinodaStudies suggest that mental illness just may be the new normal—with an overwhelming amount of the population suffering from depression, anxiety, or a deep rooted sadness at one point or another in their lives. While some may attempt to ignore symptoms, it’s important we don’t isolate ourselves and these feelings, but rather, remove the stigma attached to mental health by speaking openly. Mike Shinoda wants to promote this narrative, and ensure that we are checking in with ourselves, and others. Interview, Narration, and Text by Samantha Goretski Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Christina Choi See the full s...
2018-12-0242 minMaking It Up
Making It Up071: Forbes 30 Under 30 and NASA-inspired productsEugene brings up the subject of the annual Forbes 30 Under 30 in relation to the feeling of envy. He and Charis talk about under what circumstances envy can be good and bad. Charis points out the constant stream of NASA-inspired apparel and considers whether more can be done for women in STEM. Links https://slate.com/human-interest/2018/11/30-under-30-millennials-in-congress-envy.html https://www.history.com/news/human-computers-women-at-nasa What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social...
2018-11-2833 minMAEKAN
MAEKANBuilding the Brand — Community GovernanceIn this Building the Brand, Eugene sits down with Scott to talk about the role of community governance in a brand strategy. It's never been easier to start and build a brand today, but a side effect of this is building loyalty has become that much harder. Instead of freely providing what the brand has to offer up front—or even simply dictating it to your audience—how about building a community that has some say in how things are run? Hosted by Eugene Kan & Scott Mascek Text & Transcript by Nate Kan Audio by Elphick Wo See the full story here...
2018-11-2726 minMAEKAN
MAEKANObservations Abroad with Joan Wong — Part IIJoan Wong worked at Penguin Random House in New York for the past five years as a book cover designer. Her more well-known work includes the paperback covers of the Crazy Rich Asians series by Kevin Kwan, Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists. She could easily have stayed at her job indefinitely and followed a fairly predictable path of success as a designer. However, in evaluating her next steps, this plan sounded a little too safe. She decided to leave her full time job in order to em...
2018-11-2521 minMaking It Up
Making It Up070: The business of background music and nanoinfluencer marketingThis week Eugene looks into the business of background music and the art of curating audio qualities that’s appropriate for brands and spaces. Charis discusses the shifts in the influencer economy towards nanoinfluencers and considers how this changes the prospects of influencers at various levels plus the actual overall effectiveness of these tactics. Links https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/nov/06/inside-the-booming-business-of-background-music https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/11/business/media/nanoinfluencers-instagram-influencers.html What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a...
2018-11-2134 minMAEKAN
MAEKANCelebrating and Evaluating — A Recap of Unexpected ConnectionsI have a trick for when I meet new people in order to get more quickly into a substantiative conversation. I resist, for the entire meeting if possible, asking the person that I’ve just met what they do for a living. I’m not always able to swerve clear of what’s considered small talk—I still tend to talk about the weather more than is advisable—but I try to be honest and ask open questions that leave room for the conversation to develop in many possible ways. The artist David Choe, in his 45-minute session on stage at the Une...
2018-11-1930 minMAEKAN
MAEKANGood Earth for Good Herb — Summerland and the Perfect Ceramic BongAn eternal summer on a coast of smooth white sand represented in ceramics. Liam Kaczmar set out to make what he couldn’t find elsewhere when he dreamed up Summerland. His one-man operation in San Francisco has allowed him to escape the dissatisfaction he found in: having to put in 70-hour weeks for bosses, having to settle for poorly designed bongs, having to put his design and art direction skills to work making other brands look better. Summerland as Liam envisions it brings access to imagining something better for those firmly engrained in stoner culture and those who are intrigued by...
2018-11-1933 minMaking It Up
Making It Up069: Special episode recap of the Unexpected Connections conferenceUnexpected Connections was a conference hosted by Imprint and MAEKAN which happened November 7, 2018 in Long Beach, California. In this episode, Eugene and Charis discuss what went well, what could be improved on, and what lessons they’ve learned. Unexpected connections are the simplest way of describing creativity. In its most basic form, it’s pattern recognition, and at its most complex, it’s a tangled web that humans have become surprisingly great at deconstructing. The conference brought together people from disparate walks of life to speak in conversation with each other on stage. Speakers included John Maeda, Julia Huang, John C Jay...
2018-11-1430 minMAEKAN
MAEKANFrom the Portfolio of Guillaume FerrandGuillaume Ferrand is an illustrator who approaches his work with careful research, deliberate intentions, and a willingness to experiment. He draws inspiration from literature, old movies, classical paintings, architecture, fashion collections, tiles—anything and everything he comes across can feed into his creative output. Besides being an illustrator who is able to draw on many resources, Guillaume uses his artistic series as ways to think about who he is and question his own behavior and prejudices. Illustrations by Guillaume Ferrand Audio by Elphick Wo Follow this podcast with the visuals for the full story here: https://www.maekan.com/article/fr...
2018-11-1314 minMaking It Up
Making It Up068: Studying the impact of design on business and an algorithm for making fragranceCharis expresses interest in a McKinsey study that analyzed copious amounts of data over the past 5 years to determine what impact design decisions have on business performance. Eugene wants to talk about the algorithm IBM and Symrise, a major fragrance company, developed specifically for making new fragrances. 00:13:23 Design impact study 00:27:30 AI-created scents Links: https://www.fastcompany.com/90255363/this-mckinsey-study-of-300-companies-reveals-what-every-business-needs-to-know-about-design-for-2019 https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/10/24/18019918/ibm-artificial-intelligence-perfume-symrise-philyra What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social...
2018-11-0543 minMaking It Up
Making It Up067: Photoshop on the iPad and myths about the Chinese art marketEugene is interested in considering whether the new full version of Adobe Photoshop on the iPad with cloud syncing capabilities might change the ways people create. Charis wants to talk about the Chinese art market and how what it looks like on the surface isn’t a good indicator of what’s really happening. 00:23:19 Photoshop on the iPad 00:35:05 The Chinese art market Links: https://www.dpreview.com/news/0367513073/a-fully-featured-photoshop-is-finally-coming-to-the-ipad https://news.artnet.com/market/5-biggest-myths-chinese-art-market-1371619 What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with...
2018-10-2945 minMaking It Up
Making It Up066: How to fix fashion and giving entrepreneurs moneyThis week Eugene looks into the current state of fashion as described by 36 industry people in an article published by Elle. He and Charis dive into the perception of fashion as a superficial area of interest and discuss the possibilities of fashion with regards to identity and depth. Charis describes the competitions being organized by African governments that award money to entrepreneurs. These competitions are intended to encourage business innovation and to create jobs. 00:12:40 Fixing fashion 00:26:30 Money for entrepreneurs Links: https://www.elle.com/fashion/a23568834/how-to-fix-fashion https://qz.com/africa/1327833/kenya-is-following-nigeria-in-running-a-massive-business-plan-competition What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication...
2018-10-2434 minMAEKAN
MAEKANAn Hour with Tan Dun — Master Composer and Force of CultureRecently, MAEKAN teamed with Hong Kong’s most renowned publication SCMP to produce a story on Tan Dun, a master composer and living Chinese national treasure. Most familiar to international audiences for his work scoring Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, he amassed a great body of work that combines Western and traditional Chinese theatrical conventions before finding more mainstream success with film scores and composing for China’s milestone events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Script, Narration & Text by Nate Kan Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Christopher Lim See the full story here: https://www.maekan.com/articl...
2018-10-1716 minMaking It Up
Making It Up065: Low-Tech Magazine’s low-tech website and Banksy’s self-destructing artEugene is interested in talking about the efforts of Low-Tech Magazine to reduce the energy use required to access their content by building a low-tech, self-hosted, and solar-powered website for themselves. Charis comes to the podcast wanting to talk about Banksy trolling (or possibly being in complicity with) the art world by orchestrating the self-destruction of his painting right after it had been sold at auction by Sotheyby’s for $1.4 million USD. 00:12:40 Low-tech websites 00:26:30 Self-destructing Banksy Links: https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2018/09/how-to-build-a-lowtech-website https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/06/arts/design/uk-banksy-painting-sothebys.html What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community fo...
2018-10-1536 minMaking It Up
Making It Up064: Too many video games and in praise of mediocrityThis week Charis discusses the landscape of video games and how many more new games have come into being over the past four years. How has this affected the video game industry and what does the future of it look like? Eugene wants to talk about an opinion piece written by Tim Wu that praises the pursuit of mediocrity in certain areas of life and the practice of having hobbies. 00:12:28 Indiepocalypse 00:28:38 Hobbies and mediocrity Links: https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/28/17911372/there-are-too-many-video-games-what-now-indiepocalypse https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/opinion/sunday/in-praise-of-mediocrity.html What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on...
2018-10-0840 minMAEKAN
MAEKANShochu & Soju — Yardbird's Elliot Faber Breaks Down The World's Favorite Rice WinesAs the distilled spirit of choice in South Korea, soju has quickly gained popularity alongside the country’s cultural exports. No stranger to the different spirits of the world, especially those in Asia, Yardbird beverage director, and Sake Samurai Elliot Faber knows a thing or two about soju and its Japanese cousin, shochu. We sat down with him in Seoul to hear the differences and similarities between the two spirits in terms of their production, consumption, and culture. Interview by Tara Babbins Narration by Nate Kan Photos by Jason Schlabach & Jung Jaiuk See the full story here: https://www.maekan.co...
2018-10-0712 minMAEKAN
MAEKANAuthenticity and Transparency in Fashion Media — The Fashion Law with Julie ZerboJulie Zerbo began The Fashion Law while she was still in law school, using it as a way to ground the theory that she was learning in something concrete. Julie’s website originates around the explosion in popularity of fashion blogging. Those who were not formally part of the industry could attempt to carve their own path inwards. Many of these platforms faded into obscurity just as quickly as they began. But the refreshing candor of The Fashion Law, alongside an intense level of rigor for the craft, gained her a significant following who want to see beneath the surface. Th...
2018-09-3028 minMaking It Up
Making It Up062: Defining authenticity and social credit systemsEugene and Charis discuss what "authenticity" means. They take a look at authenticity in food culture specifically and then expand on the subject to look at authenticity more broadly. Charis and Eugene also discuss the social credit system being adopted in China and the implications of it on real people. 00:11:49 Authentically What? 00:26:00 China's social credit system Links: https://www.thecleaverquarterly.com/stories/hybridized-chinese-food http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-18/china-social-credit-a-model-citizen-in-a-digital-dictatorship/10200278 What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global...
2018-09-2744 minMAEKAN
MAEKANThere is No Handbook — Chapter-by-Chapter with Director Decatur DanRarely do creatives start their careers with a particular defined path. It requires a few bumps and bruises, and wrong turns to find the right path. Decatur Dan, otherwise known as Daniel Hall, has come up through the ranks in a way that’s almost a requisite for success… your own way. His initial start creating content began as the streetwear boutique in Atlanta known as Standard. Regular meetings with Atlanta’s vibrant hip-hop scene allowed a new chapter to emerge as a music video director for the likes of 2Chains, Future, and more. Script & Narration by Eugene Kan Transcript by Ale...
2018-09-2451 minMAEKAN
MAEKANProduct Research Through Culture — Behzod Sirjani and How Slack Humanizes WorkResearcher and photographer Behzod Sirjani has dedicated his career towards the understanding of culture. It has come through the lens of both social media, at Facebook and more recently with remote and digital work at Slack. The interactions we’ve engaged in online have changed significantly from our face-to-face communications of the past, and as such, we now see our peers much differently. Our access to their interests, their views, and how they interact is on full display. These cultural nuances, through Sirjani’s role as Senior Researcher at Slack, present themselves as key determinants of how digital work culture move...
2018-09-2152 minMaking It Up
Making It Up061: What analytical media can teach and an online museum cataloguing analog soundsAnother long intro in part because Charis is moving to London. Feel free to skip ahead to the middle point of this episode when Eugene discusses the importance of analytical media in connection to an op-ed written by Lawrence Ware about The Source magazine. Charis' topic this week is about the online museum called Conserve the Sound which carefully catalogs images and audio snippets of analog items. This topic leads into a larger discussion about what is conceptually lost when new technology replaces older items. 00:19:22 Analytical media 00:31:24 Conserve the Sound Links: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/13/opinion/what-the-source-taught-me.html https://www...
2018-09-1944 minMaking It Up
Making It Up060: Community-driven publications and the Kaepernick Nike campaignAn eventful week of news leads to an eventful (and long) series of discussions. This episode covers three things that happened: The Outline’s most recent round of layoffs leads to a freelancer boycott of the publication, The New Yorker announces Steve Bannon as a speaker at their upcoming Festival and then rescinds their invite after Twitter outrage, and Colin Kaepernick is revealed as the face of the 30th Anniversary “Just Do It” Nike campaign. 00:03:11 Recent The Outline layoffs 00:16:48 Steve Bannon uninvited from The New Yorker Festival 00:26:00 Colin Kaepernick in 30th Anniversary Nike Campaign Links: https://observer.com/2018/09/media-layoffs-the-outline-freelancers-study-hall/ https://www.ny...
2018-09-1358 minMaking It Up
Making It Up059: Art in space and better cybersecurityThis week’s intro is a long one and covers Kindles, reflections on death, and some discussion of what’s recently been published on MAEKAN. The main topics for discussion are the purpose of art in space and ways for companies to incentivize better cybersecurity. 00:16:48 Art in space 00:26:00 Fortnite encourages cybersecurity Links: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/08/orbital-reflector-trevor-paglen-space-art-humanity-star/568858/ https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/23/epic-games-just-gave-a-perk-for-folks-to-turn-on-2fa-every-other-big-company-should-too/ What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just...
2018-09-1039 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN Travel Diary — Conversing through Football in EgyptHey, everyone. My name is Umar Issa. I’m from Los Angeles, California and recently I took a trip to Egypt for a few weeks. Egypt is a place I’ve wanted to visit for so long. It’s known in Arabic as Umm al-Dunya which means “mother of the world”. And I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to spend some time this summer exploring the land of our ancestors. Narrated and text by Umar Issa Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Umar Issa See the full story here: https://www.maekan.com/article/maekan-travel-diary-conversing-through-football-in-egypt What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is...
2018-09-0803 minMaking It Up
Making It Up058: The Nike balaclava controversy, acknowledging luck, and the linguistic heritageThis week Eugene and Charis talk about reckoning with luck, the circumstances we have no control over, in our lives and how that affects our perception of others. In relation to this first topic, the second half of their conversation discusses the origins of different parts of language and how the way we speak is both uncontrollable and can result in differing opinions on us. 00:10:05 Nike balaclava controversy 00:15:12 Acknowledging luck 00:35:37 Linguistic heritage Links: https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/nike-balaclava-gang-culture https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/8/21/17687402/kylie-jenner-luck-human-life-moral-privilege https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2018/08/17/606002607/ready-for-a-linguistic-controversy-say-mhmm What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication...
2018-09-0547 minMAEKAN
MAEKANAnything Can be Fascinating — Avery Trufelman of 99% Invisible on Telling Stories WellAvery Trufelman is a producer at 99% Invisible, an extremely popular podcast created by Roman Mars. She crafts stories about things overlooked and believes anything can be a good story when told correctly. “If you go far enough away and zoom out and look at larger pictures everything is fascinating; if you zoom in and in and in closer and closer and deep into histories and linguistics of anything everything is fascinating. Like everything has a context, everything has a person behind it, everything has some sort of conflict.” Listen to Avery and Charis untangle what it means to be a podc...
2018-09-0144 minMaking It Up
Making It Up057: Intrusive Upwork monitoring and Advisory Board Crystals Wikipedia collaborationCharis and Eugene discuss whether a time-tracking feature utilized by Upwork that takes screenshots of a freelancer's screen and logs keystrokes is too intrusive and what leads to healthy freelancer client relationships. The also talk about a t-shirt released by Advisory Board Crystals that raises funds to support the Wikimedia Foundation 00:11:12 Intrusive Upwork feature 00:27:06 Advisory Board Crystals x Wikipedia Links: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolineodonovan/upwork-freelancers-work-diary-keystrokes-screenshot https://www.advisoryboardcrystals.com/wikipedia/abc-x-wikipedia What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a...
2018-08-3050 minMAEKAN
MAEKANSights & Sounds — Chris da CanhaChris da Canha is a skateboarder and photographer who hails from Durban, South Africa, but currently calls South Korea home. A regular contributing photographer for MAEKAN, he has shot many of our stories in Seoul, where he is currently based. These include our stories on RYSE, Cody Hudson and most recently Kang Seunghyuk of WORKSOUT. Photos by Chris da Canha Audio by Elphick Wo See the whole story: https://www.maekan.com/article/sights-sounds-chris-da-canha What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with...
2018-08-3013 minMaking It Up
Making It Up056: Narcissism in the West and the censoring of fake newsThis week Eugene and Charis go live on Hong Kong Community Radio. They talk about the misperception of narcissism being newly on the rise in Western culture and the handling of Alex Jones and Infowars by various companies and publishing platforms. 00:14:12 Narcissism in the West 00:24:40 Censoring fake news Links: https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/7/19/17518086/selfie-will-storr-book-psychology-west https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/07/technology/tech-companies-online-speech.html What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't...
2018-08-2048 minMAEKAN
MAEKANBuilding A True Cannabis Lifestyle Brand — Ariel Stark-Benz of Mister GreenWeed. Marijuana. Bud. Pot. Reefer. Dope. Herb. Mary Jane. Chronic. Broccoli. Every region, person, and demographic seemingly have their own preferred definition for cannabis. Mind you, the short list above only spans the English language. The universal nature of cannabis has made it a particular interesting part of popular culture fabric. The fact that so many differing perspectives exist mean that the resulting experiences we create for them also have the likehood to change and adapt whether it be a user, grower, storyteller, or in the case of Ariel Stark-Benz, the retailer. Hosted by Alex Maeland Transcript by Alek Rose ...
2018-08-181h 23MAEKAN
MAEKANStraight Outta Saigon — Jenni Trang Le Talks Vietnam's Film IndustryIn this first story to come out of Saigon, Elphick recalls his chat with film producer Jenni Trang Le. A near 10-year veteran of the Vietnamese film industry, her work has continued to push the envelope of cinema in Vietnam overcoming obstacles that include tight budgets, fickle box offices and government censorship. Script by Nate Kan Transcript by Charis Poon Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Christopher Lim See the whole story: https://www.maekan.com/article/straight-outta-saigon-jenni-trang-le-talks-vietnams-film-industry What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning...
2018-08-1628 minMAEKAN
MAEKANCalming the Freelance Rollercoaster — Cushion App Built by Jonnie HallmanJonnie Hallman has dedicated the past four years to building an app called Cushion to help ease the minds of freelancers. A long time freelancer himself, he meets the needs of freelancers with useful, smart features and also through giving a digital tool personality and warmth. Interview by Eugene Kan Text, Narration & Illustrations by Charis Poon Audio by Elphick Wo See the whole story: https://www.maekan.com/article/calming-the-freelance-rollercoaster-jonnie-hallmans-cushion-app What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on...
2018-08-1020 minMaking It Up
Making It Up055: Controversy around the Netflix Originals show Insatiable and what rich people fThis week Eugene and Charis talk about the controversy surrounding the new Netflix Originals show Insatiable and discuss whether it promotes fat-shaming. The show’s creators state that their intention is to deconstruct unhealthy thinking and behaviors. Also discussed on this episode is the way the perception of expensive food for rich people has changed. 00:12:45 Netflix Originals Insatiable controversy 00:24:40 Rich people food Links: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/08/insatiable-netflix-controversy-fatty-patty-petition-creator-lauren-gussis https://qz.com/quartzy/1335095/the-expensive-food-that-rich-people-eat-has-evolved-over-the-years/ What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a...
2018-08-0936 minMaking It Up
Making It Up054: Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% and Jonah Hill in connection to origin storiesEugene brings up a New York Times article that looks into the Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% to see if the shoe really does improve running times. Eugene considers the wider affects of the rise in technical performance apparel and footwear. Charis talks about a Jonah Hill interview published in 52 Insights that connected with her recent thinking about the idea of origin stories. 00:11:05 Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% 00:27:36 Jonah Hill and origin stories Links: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/07/18/upshot/nike-vaporfly-shoe-strava.html https://www.52-insights.com/interview-film-jonah-hill-its-not-like-i-enjoy-being-famous-very-much/ What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of...
2018-08-0539 minMAEKAN
MAEKANBuilding the Brand — 28 Days with Alek RoseIn this Building the Brand, Eugene and Charis sit down with Alek Rose, MAEKAN's second full-time apprentice who we had the pleasure of working with these past 28 days. Half debriefing, half feedback session, this episode examines some of the insights the soon-to-be graduate Alek has gained, as well as challenges he faced in his short few weeks in Hong Kong. Hosted by Eugene Kan, Charis Poon & Alek Rose Text by Nate Kan Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Christopher Lim & Nate Kan See the whole story: https://www.maekan.com/article/building-the-brand-alek-rose What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication...
2018-08-0125 minMaking It Up
Making It Up053: Emotional help from AI and the Nike App at RetailCharis Poon is joined by MAEKAN summer apprentice Alek Rose while Eugene Kan is out of town. Alek is interested in discussing the aftermath of a viral series of screenshots comparing a Russian AI assistant and the Google assistant. The article from Aeon on the subject suggests that the increasing reliance of humans on AI and technology for help with emotional health issues is something to be cautious about. Charis wants to talk about the new Nike App at Retail and whether there are better ways to merge digital technology and physical spaces. 00:05:43 Emotional help from AI 00:22:45 Nike App at...
2018-07-3134 minMAEKAN
MAEKANRooted in Californian Nostalgia — 40s and Shorties Grows UpCharis Poon interviewed Adem Niazi and Drewbyrd from 40s and Shorties during their short trip to Hong Kong. Listen as the two co-founders speak about building the brand and how it has enabled them to share their own story of being rooted deep in California's culture. Text, Interview & Narration by Charis Poon Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Christopher Lim See the whole story: https://www.maekan.com/article/rooted-in-californian-nostalgia-40s-and-shorties-grows-up What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community...
2018-07-3130 minMaking It Up
Making It Up052: Social media’s impact on empathy and advancements in surveillance technologyAlek Rose, MAEKAN summer apprentice, discusses the news of the death of 3 Canadian vloggers in connection to how social media has warped our perception of others. Charis brings up the subject of increasingly advanced surveillance technology and how this impacts privacy and societal norms. 00:13:26 Social media’s erosion of empathy 00:22:40 Surveillance technology Instagram’s Facade of the Perfect Life Has Made Us Lose Our Empathy by Dan Ginn https://petapixel.com/2018/07/09/instagrams-facade-of-the-perfect-life-has-made-us-lose-our-empathy/ ‘Big Brother’ surveillance state? As facial recognition use grows, so do privacy fears by Rob Lever https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/07/08/big-brother-surveillance-state-facial-recognition-use-grows-privacy-fears/ Inside China’s Dystopian Dreams: A.I., Shame and...
2018-07-2437 minMAEKAN
MAEKANSights & Sounds — Gideon de KockGideon De Kock is a Hong Kong based street photographer originally from Cape Town, South Africa. He used to work as a full time musician while in South Africa, has a background in sound engineering, and still occasionally plays guitar and bass and mixes audio. After moving to Hong Kong, Gideon cut his teeth as a photographer shooting the streets and back-alleys of the city. His approach to photography is loose, with a focus on details and salt-of-the-earth subjects. Gideon currently works at a boutique creative agency and will be releasing a solo photo book this August. Photos by Gideon...
2018-07-2209 minMaking It Up
Making It Up051: Fashion’s inconsistent support of #MeToo and the purpose of the Michelin GuideCharis discusses her disappointment in the fashion industry’s inconsistent attitude towards the #MeToo movement by talking through the issues brought up by Julie Zerbo in a recent The Fashion Law article. Eugene brings up the subject of the Michelin Guide having recently covered Guangzhou and how the mission of the guide doesn’t include reviewing street food. Alek Rose, MAEKAN summer apprentice, joins as a guest on this episode. 00:11:42 Fashion industry and #MeToo 00:31:53 Michelin Guide Paris Fashion Week's Front Rows Speak to Fashion's Complicated Stance on #MeToo by Julie Zerbo http://www.thefashionlaw.com/home/paris-fashion-weeks-front-rows-speak-to-fashions-stance-on-metoo How Would the Mich...
2018-07-1840 minMAEKAN
MAEKANThe Golden Years — Detroit Techno's Warehouse Scene“See you at the Packard” was what Detroit youth would say as they parted ways at the city’s coffee shops, before regrouping after sunset. Opened in 1903, the Packard Plant was a grand statement of the booming American car industry. Yet the mid-century recession meant the 3,500,000-square-foot plant was left abandoned. In 1957, the plant closed its doors to the auto business, and in its replacement laid the foundation to a musical subculture that shaped electronic music today: techno. See the whole story: https://www.maekan.com/article/the-golden-years-detroit-technos-warehouse-scene What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the si...
2018-07-171h 06MAEKAN
MAEKANDepression is Like Anything Else — Neal Brennan Mic'd UpDepression is Like Anything Else — Neal Brennan Mic'd Up Comedian and Chapelle's Show co-creator Neal Brennan opens up on how culture and society need to change perceptions of depression. Script, Narration & Audio by Kevin Chau Photos by Christopher Lim & Eugene Kan Illustrations by Jeremy Leung See the whole story: https://www.maekan.com/article/depression-is-like-anything-else-neal-brennan-micd-up What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of crea...
2018-07-1525 minMAEKAN
MAEKANShedding Vanity — Establishing Purpose with Alex Valdman of RaphaAlex Valdman has worked dilligently and embraced the bumps and bruises of innovating in fashion and design. His early path in fashion was driven by the vanity of working with the likes of Kanye West and Nike, but in time he recognized vanity's detrimental effects on a creator's ultimate path. Hosted by Eugene Kan Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Mia Haggi See the whole story: https://www.maekan.com/article/shedding-vanity-establishing-purpose-with-alex-valdman-of-rapha What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global...
2018-07-1340 minMaking It Up
Making It Up050: The potential challenges for Grailed and what makes a good CVMAEKAN It Up — #050: The potential challenges for Grailed and what makes a good CV Eugene has some concerns as to the future of Grailed in light of their recent investment round of $15 million. Charis wants to talk about what makes a good CV, but it turns out that the answer to that question is very context-dependent. 00:11:42 Grailed 00:31:53 Good CVs Missed the Latest Supreme Drop? Head to Grailed by Matthew Schneier https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/20/style/grailed-ebay-for-hypebeasts.html “Even if you cover a shit in glitter it’s still a shit”: top creatives show us their CVs by Lucy Bourton Lecture in Progr...
2018-07-1345 minMAEKAN
MAEKANWar Machine David Kenji Chang spoke with Brendon Babenzien, creator of the apparel brand Noah, about taking a stand, not pulling punches, and balancing contradictions. Continue reading for the full story or listen to a condensed version of the interview above. Text and interview by David Kenji Chang Audio mixing by Elphick Wo Photos by Heather Sten See the whole story here. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on...
2018-07-0147 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #027: Preserving food culture amongst tribes and the future of dining in the sky. NOTE: This will be the last podcast we upload on this feed. Please subscribe to the new "MAEKAN It Up" feed. On MAEKAN It Up #027, we try to take a non-tech approach to the week's topic and land on how one lady is fighting to preserve her tribe's cuisine. It somehow ended up being a food-focused episode as we explored the future of airplane food.  How One Restaurant Owner Is Fighting for Her Tribe’s Cuisine Airline Food Conundrum – Paid Meals Winning Out Over Freebies Wikipedia: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall
2017-12-0842 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #026: The FCC's steps towards eradicating net neutrality, and giving kids slack for what they say on social media. NOTE: We're migrating MAEKAN It Up to its own show feed. Search for the new feed "MAEKAN It Up" on your favorite podcast apps.  On MAEKAN It Up #026, we take an deep look into the recent FCC movements around Net Neutrality. At its core who will this affect and in what capacity? We also acknowledge a piece of #fakenews they inadvertently highlighted. Our second topic discusses whether kids and the youth deserve a pass for some of the ignorant things they say online. Shouldn't our youth be about making mistakes and learning?  Net Neutrality II: La...
2017-12-0438 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #025: Why do we need to touch things at museums, and what are the factors behind critical thought and analysis? NOTE: We're migrating MAEKAN It Up to its own show feed. Search for the new feed "MAEKAN It Up" on your favorite podcast apps.  On MAEKAN It Up #025, we examine why we feel so compelled to put our hands on the artifacts at the museum and the purpose of touch in learning. Another topic we explore focuses on the factors that go into critical thought and the role of analysis and motivation.  Why Can’t People Stop Touching Museum Exhibits? To think critically, you have to be both analytical and motivated Could eating lik ...
2017-12-0439 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #024: Have we hit peak merchandise? The dark world of Children's YouTube. On MAEKAN It Up #024, we go in-depth into what merchandise means for "non-fashion" brands such as apps, journalists, magazines and more. Is merchandise the key towards unlocking a new and potent revenue stream? We also look at the dark and twisted world of YouTube for children and what responsibilities YouTube has in the space. New York Magazine rolls out apparel with ONLY NY Narduwar's T-shirt Overcast the podcast app drops merch line Thrasher Mag's Jake Phelps and his Interview with H --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maekan/support
2017-11-2438 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #023: ComplexCon 2017 and media's future at the hands of billionaires  On MAEKAN It Up #023, look at some of the industry insights into ComplexCon 2017, a direct-to-consumer tradeshow around street culture. After a great debut in 2016, a series of incidents overshadowed an otherwise fascinating real-world insight into a culture that's been defined by what happens online. We also look into the recent news behind the shuttering of DNAinfo and Gothamist after its billionaire owner rejected a plea to unionize. What does this mean for the future of media when rich, powerful individuals can withdraw support at the drop of a hat?  Bobby Hundreds' reflections on ComplexCon 2017 Je...
2017-11-1547 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN Tools — Cody's Editorial Tools Original stories, produced and driven entirely by MAEKAN, typically start with an editorial team on the ground capturing audio and visuals as they unfold. Our editors wear many hats on set, and when push comes to shove, they're called upon to record broadcast-quality audio and capture additional images that enrich the story. In this instalment of Tools, Cody from the editorial team walks us through three personal items he relies on out in the field: a camera bag, a notebook, and a rangefinder film camera. Narration by Cody Horne Audio by Elphick Wo...
2017-11-1508 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #022: Our first-ever guest, video games as a military tool, and the relevance of Barbara Kruger's subway ticket art.  On MAEKAN It Up #022, we invite our first-ever guest, Mikey Scott to chop it up over the US military's adoption of video games as a high-level training tool. We also examine the relevance and meaning of iconic graphic designer Barbara Kruger's art project with the New York Mass Transit Authority (MTA).  The Video Game That Could Shape the Future of War There's a Better Way to Board Planes Hey, quick question: Why are models so bad at planking?
2017-11-0945 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN Tools — Charis' Illustration Tools Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. If you listen to our MAEKAN It Up podcast series, you’ll undoubtedly have noticed some sketches to accompany the story and no, we’re not talking about Eugene’s stick figures. Charis Poon is MAEKAN’s Community Manager, but she’s also a freelance designer and illustrator. In this Tools, she shares three of her go-to drawing implements that have seen her through many projects over the past decade. Narration by Charis Poon Audio by Elphick...
2017-11-0703 minMAEKAN
MAEKANCommunity Spotlight — Yannick Hits Cuba Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. In this inaugural Community Spotlight, a recurring series that focuses on members from MAEKAN's Slack community by highlighting their experiences, we catch up with Paris-based MAEKAN Member Yannick Louis-Fernand who recently travelled halfway across the world—over 4,600 miles (approximately 7,500 kilometers)—for a two-week vacation in Cuba. Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Yannick Louis-Fernand What is MAEKAN?
2017-11-0406 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #021: China starts rating its citizens to increase trust and AI becomes increasingly common On MAEKAN It Up #021 Charis co-hosts with special guest Nathan Kan. Nathan is an editor at MAEKAN and together with Charis they make it an episode all about dystopia. Charis talks about the Social Credit System in China that will soon assign ratings to all Chinese citizens. Nathan brings up the increased use of AI and hypothesizes about when robots might takeover creative jobs. Big data meets Big Brother as China moves to rate its citizens Black Mirror Season 3 Episode 1 "Nosedive" 
2017-10-3041 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN Tools — Nate's Writing Tools Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. Often before a MAEKAN story becomes the sounds you hear and the pictures you see, it starts out as a script—and that means a lot of words. While writing or typing every day is a great habit to develop creativity, it’s also a good way to get achy fingers and eyes too if you’re not careful. In this latest MAEKAN Tools, Nate shares three uncommon tools that help make his day-to-day writing work smoother and more ma...
2017-10-2403 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #020: The case for adding sneaker culture into the curriculum, and the current state of push notifications? On MAEKAN It Up #020 (we made it to episode 20 somehow), Eugene and Charis discuss the case for adding sneaker culture to the school curriculum based on its importance within youth and popular culture. Eugene manages to show how out of the loop he is when it comes to memes. Also, we explore how media companies currently strategize their push notifications and what are things we should be aware of. Why Sneaker Culture Should Be Taught in Schools Bella Hadid Goes Sneaker Shopping With Complex Hey, quick question: Why are models so bad at planking?
2017-10-2049 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #019: The encroachment of AR into our public spaces, and Dropbox's controversial rebranding. On MAEKAN It Up #019, Eugene and Charis discuss the future of "corporate" geo-tagging based on a recent project between Snapchat, and Jeff Koons' balloon dog sculpture. It incorporates insights from Sebastian Errazuriz, a Chilean artist and a designer based in New York City who's been outspoken on the role of brands in our digital public spaces. We also discuss the big picture behind Dropbox's colorful rebranding and the suggestion that Dropbox is losing its focus on product. Jeff Koons’ augmented reality Snapchat artwork gets ‘vandalized’ Watch: Sebastian Errazuriz on corporate geo-tagging
2017-10-1343 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN Tools — Chris' Cameras Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. At MAEKAN, we're always open to different mediums if they help enhance a story, and while we do shoot a lot in digital, we've definitely all got a special place in our hearts for film. The texture and colors produced by film have been instrumental in capturing both the rich emotions of our stories and the candid memories on our trips. In this MAEKAN Tools, Chris Lim shares the two analog film cameras he shoots with to produce i...
2017-10-1202 minMAEKAN
MAEKANHands — One Night At Sushi Shin Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. A lot of people like trying new things, especially if it involves something delicious. But how much of the experience is coming from your five senses and how much is created or even distorted by your own mind? In this edition of Hands, MAEKAN’s editor, Nate, recalls the team’s visit to Michelin one-star Sushi Shin in Minato, Tokyo. There, everyone didn’t just end up with stomachs full of great food, but heads full of great insights too.
2017-10-1123 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #018: How Apple is tackling streaming music, and PUMA & Daily Paper's trip to Africa to build a football pitch. On MAEKAN It Up #018, Eugene and Charis discuss an Apple Music interview that featured Jimmy Iovine, Zane Lowe, and Larry Jackson. Some interesting insights led them to dig deeper into how the future of streaming music will play out and Apple's positioning. Furthermore, we highlight a really great project that featured Daily Paper, a streetwear brand out of Amsterdam, and PUMA. The project focused on the creation of a football pitch in Ghana at an all-girls school as part of the 20th anniversary of sponsorship between PUMA and various African nations.  Apple Music's Long Game: Why J...
2017-10-0641 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #017: Coca-Cola sponsors a video game character and how tech and social media has changed food reviews.  On MAEKAN It Up #017, Eugene and Charis discuss the what it means for Coca-Cola to sponsor a video game character and how social media and technology has changed and normalized food reviews. Coca-Cola nets its first ever virtual athlete in Fifa 18’s rising star Alex Hunter What Coca-Cola's sponsorship of Fifa 18 virtual footballer Alex Hunter means for the future of influen --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maekan/support
2017-09-2942 minMAEKAN
MAEKANDamned Ikebana — AMKK Transforms MAEKAN into Floral Art Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. At the end of our visit to Tokyo-based floral art collective AMKK, head botanist Makoto Azuma graciously created three pieces exclusively for MAEKAN. Incorporating MAEKAN's signature blue and "unexpected connections" as his theme, Makoto created a piece titled "Damned Ikebana," a unique take on the traditional Japanese flower arrangement art. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, p --- S...
2017-09-2709 minMAEKAN
MAEKANNot Your Childhood Toy — The World of Custom LEGO Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. While LEGO has been a creative building block—pun very much intended —in every childhood, there are plenty of "kids at heart" who just can't let go of them, even after their imaginations have grown beyond what's featured on the colorful box. In this MAEKAN BEAT, we look at how one Hong Kong-based store and studio makes custom LEGO pieces that are definitely not for ages 4-7! What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based public...
2017-09-2603 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #016: Improving photographic diversity in media and the emergence of Polaroid Originals  On MAEKAN It Up #016, Eugene and Charis discuss the efforts by The Undefeated's photo editor Brent Lewis on improving diversity amongst photographers and the return of a familiar classic with Polaroid Originals.  Diversity in Photojournalism: ‘Talk Is Cheap’ (4:37) Chicago Sun-Times fires photographers, gives reporters iPhone camera training
2017-09-2242 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #015: The value of a New Yorker magazine tote bag as cultural currency, and what it means for Detroit to have a "chief storyteller." On MAEKAN It Up #015, Eugene and Charis examine the cultural currency of objects, starting with a New Yorker magazine tote bag, and how Detroit's hiring of a Chief Storyteller makes us wonder about the idea of who can tell what stories amongst different demographics. How a free canvas tote became a bigger status symbol than a $10,000 Hermès bag (5:45) A Birkin Might Be a Better Investment Than the Stock Market (6:00)
2017-09-1551 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #014: How can blockchain and cryptocurrencies change social media? Can you achieve greatness on a 40-hour work week? On MAEKAN It Up #014, Eugene and Charis debut a new "collaborative" drawing and start the podcast off with some good news. Then they delve into what it means to decentralize social media with blockchain and cryptocurrencies. They cap things off by discussing the idea of "hard work" and what is the line drawn with working too hard.  Decentralized social media is peer-to-peering into the future (5:45) steemit What is Blockchain and why are we exploring it at This Place?
2017-09-0858 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #013: Black Girls Code turns down $125K from Uber and how creatives should look at money Illustration by Charis Poon On MAEKAN It Up #013, Eugene and Charis discuss the bold move by Black Girls Code to say no to a $125K USD donation from Uber, and how creatives should look at their relationship with money thanks to a 2Bobs podcast (shout out to Myke for putting us onto it).  Eugene talks about the anxiety doing MAEKAN It Up (1:51) Black Girls Code says it turned down $125,000 from Uber (3:43) Black Girls Code Reflecting On One Very, Very Strange Year At Uber by Susan J. Fowler (4:45) Would you take money from somebo --- S...
2017-09-0142 minMAEKAN
MAEKANFRANCHISE & MUNDIAL for MAEKAN: What's Happened to Our Sports Icons? Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. Why are sports media outlets obsessed with statistics and numbers? How hard is it to tell a good sports-related story? What value does print offer to today's publishers? We brought FRANCHISE and Mundial together to tackle these sorts of questions head on in a 90-minute roundtable conversation. These respected print titles shed light on pertinent topics such as social media's influence on sports journalism, how commer --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maekan/support
2017-08-261h 35MAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #012: How aging affects our creative process and PR agency Derris' new investment fund. Illustration by Charis Poon On MAEKAN It Up #012, Eugene and Charis discuss the idea of creativity as we age and why a child-like approach to problem solving embraces psychedelic drugs and what does it mean for a PR agency like Derris to simultaneously invest and provide services for?  Typhoon Hato talk in Hong Kong(1:00) Changes in cognitive flexibility and hypothesis search across human life history from childhood to adolescence to adulthood (2:45) What Happens to Creativity as we Age? (3:00) Exploitation vs. Exploration thinking (4:53)
2017-08-2439 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMundial for MAEKAN: On Their Skin Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. Kits change, managers change, players are sold, shadowy billionaire owners come in, stadiums close, communities are destroyed… Shops that have relied on fan footfall close overnight as football (soccer) clubs vacate spots they've occupied for over a century. But this is the sport we chose, the sport we love. And a calf tattoo of a Chelsea bulldog in a Lampard shirt? Well, that lasts forever. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and com...
2017-08-1913 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN It Up — #011: Is church-based streetwear the next big thing? Can a tech-minded approach to food work in the face of regulation? On MAEKAN It Up #011, Eugene and Charis look into the different sides of streetwear released by churches, and what does it mean when a tech-based mindset that focuses on innovation over regulation enters food with the Impossible Burger? Recap of Alex and Eugene's presentations at the Taku & Dropbox 823 event in Tokyo (0:45) The results of the speed listening experiment (2:07) Slowing down audio during emotional moments (3:33) This American Life Episode (clip heard) When's the best time to speed listen? (4:40) Is church merch the next big thing in streetwear? (7:07)
2017-08-1830 minMAEKAN
MAEKANBuilding the Brand — Our Fabric Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. With MAEKAN’s ongoing effort to bring a sense of tangibility to the digital experience, the team commissioned the talents of the multi-talented Jordan Sowers to create an original brand pattern referred to as the “fabric.” But of course, it’s never just plugging in a set of requirements and ideas and then receiving the finished product. With every artist we work with, we always jump at the opportunity to connect with like-minded people who can define MAEKAN in unexpe...
2017-08-1511 minMAEKAN
MAEKANMAEKAN Tools – The Audio Rig Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. As an audio-focused publication, MAEKAN wouldn’t be what it is without an amazing sound engineer, and like any professional photographer or videographer in the field, ours relies on quality equipment suited for the job. But like gear for taking pictures or video, there is no one best option. Depending on the style or needs of the artist, it could take a handful—or packful—of equipment pieces to capture the visual world around us in each way, but try...
2017-08-1302 min