I didn’t really understand the value of Dribbble when I first got an invitation, but have since started using the service a bit more and am really enjoying it. Dribbble acts as a ‘work-in-progress’ showcase where you upload a little snapshot of what you have on the go to either be a teaser or to acquire valuable feedback from other creative types. It’s a lot of fun, and I’m enjoying getting some behind-the-scenes glimpses at other peoples’ work.

Feel free to check out the Signalnoise Dribbble account. I’ll be experimenting with the service over the next while to show previews and other fun stuff happening at the studio.

Tune into Signalnoise Broadcast 12 this coming Thursday at 3pm EST for a Signalnoise Special Presentation. This week I will be switching up the format from the usual QA session to a more focused discussion broken up into 2 sections.

1. Personal Projects
I field a lot of questions each week dealing with industry stuff and client work, but lets take a break from that area and concentrate on what WE are working on, you know, the things we do on our own time because we love it. Lets talk about your personal blogs, design work, illustrations, whatever you may be working on. Alternatively, what is the project you would like to work on in the future? Think about your plans and questions and lets talk about personal projects.

2. The New Signalnoise Project
Additionally, near the end of the broadcast I will be talking about my new personal Signalnoise project that I’ve been working on for the past month, and I’ll have some things to show you guys. I won’t be recording this segment of the Broadcast I changed my mind and will indeed keep the recording going. Given different timezones, Canada Day obligations and other things, it’s not fair that some will be left out of the loop. Here’s a word straight from the jerk in charge, just ignore the part about the recording halt:

So that’s the scoop, should be a great time. Tune in live on Thursday, July 1st at 3pm EST for A Signalnoise Special Presentation.

PS. Regarding the suit, my original idea was to make that video preview like an awkward news ‘cast. I then lost interest in the idea and decided to do a normal recording, but left the suit on. I’m enjoying the “What’s with the suit?” questions.

Here are some great concept designs by Weta for the film District 9, the same creative company who worked on movies like Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Narnia, Avatar, the list goes on. I love watching all the behind-the-scenes footage on my Lord of the Rings DVDs to get a glimpse of their amazing studio and the people who work there.

Even though I don’t research this kind of work all the time, I’ve always had a fascination with the world of concept design, especially the tech stuff like architecture, weapons, vehicles and so on. The art of creating something completely original yet still maintain some sense of usability and practicality is simply amazing. I have no idea how these guys can create such intricate designs on a blank canvas using nothing but Photoshop and a tablet. Just look at the detail in those gun designs.

Want more? Check out the Weta Workshop website.

Just a little note for all my Twitter pals out there. As of yesterday, my Twitter username has been switched to a much more efficient form. You can now find me via the handle @Signalnoise. As you can well imagine, I’m pretty excited to have my Twitter name sync up properly with my online identity. Now all I need to do is reprint all my business cards.

So if you are using any programs that require you to make the switch manually, make sure you can properly find me in the Twitterverse.

If you missed out on tuning in live yesterday for Signalnoise Broadcast 11, here is the recorded version. I was disappointed when Ustream dropped my recording after 30 minutes or something, so unfortunately this is only the second half of the discussion. A bit of a shorter watch, but still a good time.

Once again we talked about a range of topics, like dealing with a creative block, the importance of drawing, project software like Basecamp, the power of using a tablet, the meaning of “horse hockey”, inspiration vs. imitation, basic design skill-sets and a lot more fun stuff. So if you missed the live version, check it out right here.