Mandylives!com

Drs Deepak Chopra and David Simon take an economy pricing strategy to retailing ‘physical healing’; ’spiritual awakening’ and ‘emotional well being’. The recession’s brutal, but surely “manifesting the life you deserve” is an investment rather than a no frills, low price purchase? Atheists may argue that an investment in delusion is still expensive, even if its free. Critics aside, Chopra should know better. He’s not selling spaghetti or baked beans, but “enlightenment”. Although you’ve got a better chance of actually manifesting baked beans when you buy cheap baked beans.

Influence. Who’s got it? Who’s keeping it? Who’s losing it. Communications expert Clive Simpkins says South Africa has all but forgotten Mbhazima Shilowa (Shilo-who?) and Terror Lekota. That Pravin Gordhan is smokin’ hot in the influence stakes as is Dr Mamphela Ramphele. And, if you want to know how to build influence using social media follow the example of The US Ambassador to SA, Donald Gips.

Who are you?
A marketing and communications strategist and public speaker.

What is your influence?
I truly don’t know. It’s not something I think about or which concerns me. Influence lies in the mind of the beholder.

What is influence?
Credibility, stature, opinion leading or trend-setting. Iconoclasm.

How can business leaders grow in influence?
By not trying to influence but through being authentically who they really are. Being prepared to take a stance, express a view or support a cause – regardless of its unpopularity.

Why do business leaders lose influence?
Because they’re acting and at some point their feet of clay become visible.

Who are the most influential business leaders in South Africa?
Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, Mark Lamberti, Simon Susman (Woolworths CEO), Carol Scott, Wendy Lucas-Bull, among a select group.

How does speaking and presentation affect influence?
At a superficial level – enormously. But the greatest influencers are those who lead by moral and ethical example. They may be unsung in the media.

Can business people grow their media influence? How can they do this?
Emphatically! By becoming the preferred spokesperson for their industry or sector. Through writing. By engaging with their constituency through social media. The US Ambassador to SA, Donald Gips is building an impressive influence through Twitter and giving a heart and face to American diplomats.

Can PR people influence the media? How?
Significantly less than they used to be able to do. Social media has supplanted their role as first-line influencers and opinionistas.

Are there some media in South Africa that are beyond PR influence?
Social media has an inbuilt immunity to fakery and fluff.

Who are the most influential people in South Africa today?
Pravin Gordhan, Trevor Manuel, Justice Richard Goldstone. In a particular niche: Julius Malema. Prof. Loyiso Nongxa (Wits Vice Chancellor). Doesn’t toot his horn but doing a heck of a job. Dr. Glenda Gray, HIV/AIDS guru.

Who has grown in influence. Who has lost influence?
President Jacob Zuma. He’s surprised people with his popularity among the masses. Thabo Mbeki is a shell. Mbhazima Shilowa and Terror Lekota’s stars have waned horribly.

Do professional speakers wield influence?
Too many professional speakers over the years have not walked their talk – so generally low credibility and influence. But in the kingdom of the blind, the cockeyed guy is still king.

Who are the most influential professional speakers in the world, and what can be learned from them?
Anthony Robbins. Deepak Chopra. Tom Peters. What can be learned is that you can build reputations out of all proportion through media exposure.

Who are the most influential professional speakers in South Africa?
Ian Thomas ‘the lion man’ a thorough gentleman. Billy Selekane, smart business-builder and communicator. Roelof Botha (economist).

“If everything in our lives were afforded the design attention that my toothbrush has, we would sit in chairs that floated while tickling our troubled backs, have tables that yielded at our aching elbows while remaining firm on top, walk on floors that tingled like active sand, and sleep on pillows that would never allow our ears to flatten against our heads.” – Marian Bantjies

Walrus Magazine cover

“They wanted me to illustrate the words “We’re Sorry” relating to a story about the Canadian propensity to apologize, and the troubles that ensue from public apologies for past national crimes. I had hoped to trick them into letting me draw snakes, but just as I was relishing the prospect of a triumphant coup in getting snakes on the cover of a magazine, they nixed that idea. Disappointed but not surprised, I switched to string … or the entanglement of yarn.”

Transparent things / Nabokov book cover project

“John Gall at Random House invited me to take part in a project whereby 21 designers are invited to create a cover for reissues of Nabokov’s books … but within the prescribed format of creating a specimen box (Nabokov collected butterflies) with pins and “paper”, to create the cover.

Ten of these new designs are just being issued now, with wonderful covers by Carin Goldberg, Sam Potts, Michael Bierut, Stephen Doyle and the ever-amazing Martin Venezky, among others.

My book was “Transparent Things” so I used the pins to suspend 4 layers of acetate, with dots of transparent ink on each later.”

étapes Design Magazine - 15 Years

“The tiling unit for this piece is a “15”, and the piece then shows how it goes from one little sketch, to a repeated pattern which evolves and changes from left to right. Plus of course, there is a “15” in the larger, resulting image.”

Marian Bantjes

Marian Bantjes illustration and design work has included projects for Saks Fifth Avenue, Stefan Sagmeister, Michael Bierut/Pentagram, the AIGA, Winterhouse, Bruce Mau Design, Rick Valicenti (Thirst), Print Magazine, wired, The New York Times, Wallpaper, The Guardian, seed, FontShop, Houghton-Mifflin, Little, Brown & Co., Knopf Books, Young & Rubicam Chicago, and numerous other publications and companies.

”

I do not know if I am lazy or driven. A little of both. While I tend to work every day, from morning to night (I’m frequently working past midnight), my days are relatively stress free. In the summer I tend to take a lot of breaks and sit in the sun or go for a walk. I spend a lot of time thinking. Just staring into space and thinking. Does this count as work? Sometimes. When I wake up in the morning with the perfect solution to a given problem, have I been working while I was sleeping? Perhaps.

These days I call myself a lapsed Graphic Designer. This is largely untrue, but in my struggle to redefine myself it’s helpful to cast off the old me in the search of the new.

I have a ton of experience in typesetting and design, but it wasn’t until I started doing this other thing in 2004 that I began to find the thing that is me in the act of what I do. Does that make sense?

I am impatient; I’m always about 6 steps ahead of myself, and I get frustrated that it takes me so long to reach where I feel I already am. But I have to remind myself I’ve made a huge amount of progress in the few years that I’ve been doing what I’m doing.

Am I successful? Yes. In terms of how I feel about what I make and why I do it. In terms of the acclaim and attention I feel far more worthwhile than I did when I ran a graphic design firm. Am I rich? No.

I often get mail from people and students asking me “What are your influences; where do your ideas come from.” I will answer that now: “Everything.” Conversations, things I read, things I see around me, books, magazines, old stuff, new stuff, art design, craft, film, music and garbage. I can be inspired at any moment by the strangest things. I am seldom bored. I have more ideas than I will ever be able to produce in my lifetime—some of them are even good ideas.”

With the attention economy reeling in 2010, influence becomes one of the most valuable commodities in Social Media, communities and business. To find out who has influence, what influence is and how it will affect our lives and work, MandyLives!com speaks to some of the most influential people in media, marketing, branding and technology in a series of interviews that seek to reveal who the big guns are, and who’ll be grabbing attention this year.

There’s no better person to kick off the series than writer Ivo Vegter. A man who’s oxygen is argument and debate, Vegter is an independent thinker, writer and libertarian who you’ll find writing for better publications like The Daily Maverick and ITWeb.

MandyLives!com: Who are you?
Ivo Vegter: Ivo Vegter, a columnist on technology, economics, environment, and politics.

What influence do you have?
I derive whatever influence I have from the publications I work for. Maverick (now thedailymaverick.co.za) is read by smart, original people, mostly in the business sector. ITWeb and Brainstorm are dominant in the technology and telecoms sector. Quantifying influence is hard to do, but I’d like to think I make readers think on occasion.

Who are the most influential writers in South Africa?
I’m not sure I want to offer a comprehensive list. (See “what does influence mean to me”). I try to read widely, and who I find convincing depends on the quality of their arguments. Those are the people I believe are most influential. At the risk of leaving out people, names that spring to mind are Tim Cohen and Stephen Grootes (news/politics), as well as Toby Shapshak and Duncan McLeod (tech).

Who were the most influential newsmakers of 2009? How will their influence shift in 2010?
Tough question. The obvious choice is Jacob Zuma himself. He is connected, for good or evil, to almost every major story. Sadly, with few exceptions, the most influence in this country is wielded by government officials.

I’m interested to watch the performance of Pravin Gordhan (finance), Trevor Manuel (planning), and Rob Davies (trade & industry). I worry about the ideological background of the former, which made him an excellent tax collector, but a troubling choice to lead our economy out of stagnation. Manuel might (along with Collins Chabane) make government service delivery more efficient, but what kind of services, and how they will impact on our economy, depends on Gordhan. Davies has an interesting opportunity to whittle away at the dominance of the state and state-owned enterprises, by encouraging private-sector innovation.

His will be a tough job, but he has expressed his willingness to review whatever law and regulation stands as a barrier to a more prosperous South Africa. Davies can unleash the effort, commitment and innovation of individual South Africans, who alone can make this nation great.

Of course, the ANC Deployment Committee wields indecent amounts of influence in large tracts of South Africa’s political, civic and economic life. It will continue to do so in 2010, bolstering the power and influence of the ruling party’s politicians as a result.

Which local media have the most influence over the most influential people in South Africa?
With the demise of the Weekender, the Mail & Guardian stands virtually alone as an influential newspaper. The Financial Mail retains influence in the business sector, and TheDailyMaverick (for which I have the honour of writing) appears to be rapidly gaining a following that could make it very influential in time.

In general terms, however, I think the media, partly due to its own failings, and partly due to historical mistrust in government circles, doesn’t have as much influence on South Africa’s really influential people — the politicians — as it likes to think.

Who are the most influential thinkers in South Africa today?
Hard to say, since I don’t move in government circles. I’m more interested in free-market economics thinkers such as Ayanda Khumalo, Moeletsi Mbeki and Leon Louw.

Which (local or international) writers and columnists influence you?
PJ O’Rourke. Hackneyed, I know, but there you have it. Also, Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, James Taranto, Bjørn Lomborg, and the writers of the Austrian school: Ludwig von Mises, Murray Rothbard, Friedrich Hayek, et al.

Do PR practitioners exert any influence? Could they become more influential?
In my case, no and no. For news reporters they’re much more important, but primarily as facilitators. Facilitating access carries influence, but only implicitly.

Who was the most influential person you interviewed, engaged or wrote about in 2009?
John Maynard Keynes. He’s dead, but his 80-year-old legacy lives on, sadly. I will write about him for a long time to come, I fear.

Which person of influence would you most like to interview and why?
Mohammad Yusuf, the founder of Grameen Bank. All the other names that spring to mind are too dead to talk with, and his venture points to the possibility of a true grassroots solution to poverty in the developing world. I’ve always held that this is possible, and he is proving exactly that. This should be the ultimate aim of all political economics, should it not?

What does influence mean to you?
Ideas. Being able to make points in such a way that people are both encouraged and enabled to begin rethinking common preconceptions. For me, this means startling people out of complacency, presenting them with facts, and offering relentless logic in support of an idea worth promoting. This spreads, to quote the TED slogan, ideas worth spreading.

In my view, influence is not so much about people, as about ideas and arguments. It doesn’t matter who makes the argument, if its premises are sound, its logic convincing

Dion Chang has successfully shaken off his fashion persona to garner significant repute and credibility as South Africa’s preeminent trends forecaster. Here’s his top ten trends for 2010:

1. PEAK EXPERIENCES
The global financial crisis and ensuing recession of 2009 and can be regarded as a global peak experience. Peak experiences refer to these types of events that stand out in our mind, affecting us deeply and in most cases, changing our thoughts and behaviour patterns: 9/11 was a similar global peak experience. What the crisis and recession has done is made us more aware of our actions (their impact and responsibility we need to take), to our business practices, the planet and our fellow human beings. It has shifted our thinking from a self-centred “me” era, to an era of “us” and “we”. As a result, people are looking for deeper life experiences, as well as brand experiences (product and services) that stand out. Brands and corporate companies need to adapt quickly to this changing consumer mindset.

2. SHIFT IN VALUE SYSTEMS
A global economic crisis acted as a catalyst to other important issues. Systems that govern our lives are changing and redirecting. 2009 was a year of tumultuous change, which led to a questioning of personal value systems. With global retrenchments numbering tens of millions (and counting), it would be foolhardy to think that there would be no domino effect. Retrenchments, or threat thereof, have forced people to question their life’s motives, embarking on a search for purpose. As a consequence, even the idea of luxury has been turned on its head, with more and more people valuing the idea of extraordinary thoughtfulness, more time with loved one’s or premium service over material things such as handbags and branded sunglasses, and other logo-splattered commodities. This soul searching has also resulted in a much-needed empathic movement around the world. Whether it is sympathy for a retrenched co-worker, or hostility toward uncaring politicians or greedy corporates, there is a growing civil voice that is calling for a new world order. We are experiencing a broad-spectrum paradigm shift in the way people think, make decisions, and choose to live.

3. A NEW WORLD ORDER
Business will no longer be done as “usual”. The consumer revolution is well and truly underway as more and more consumers take responsibility over their purchase decisions. Despite the downturn, there is an increasing trend towards people spending a little extra and opting for better quality, timeless design and value for money, as well as earth friendly, fair trade versions of their regular products. We have moved from a passive consumer to a very active and vocal consumer who wants to be engaged with, not talked at. For advertisers and marketers this is a dramatic shift from “broadcast” advertising to interactive engagement, and brands that do not deliver on this will ultimately be outperformed. It is now necessary for companies and brands to not only engage with it’s target market, but also embark on multiple conversations to secure loyalty.

4. SHIFT OF POWER TO ETHICS
We are seeing the beginnings of a shift away from a power hungry, greed-based, profit-at-all-cost leadership model, towards a more ethical and responsible style of leadership. This is most evident in the election of Barack Obama in November 2008. It signals a dramatic shift from the head (logical, egoistic, bottom-line approach) to heart (empathetic, care for the planet and for the entire human family) – notable in the attention being given to CSI programmes of late. This same shift of style of governance can be seen in South Africa with the marked difference between the aloof and centralized Mbeki administration, to the more engaging and empathetic style of the Zuma administration.

5. THE START OF THE FEMALE CENTURY
As an extension of the previous point, we can track a move from left-brain, logical thinking, towards a more right-brained, intuitive approach when it comes to leadership and decision-making. Archetypal feminine principles such as caring for the home and the family are coming into play. The only difference being that now the world is seen as our home, and all the global population, our children. How we organise our society is being commanded from the bottom up. Most job losses in 2009 occurred in traditionally male run industries such as the banking sector and manufacturing, and by the start of 2010, there will be more female workers in the USA than men (as reported in Time magazine). This is the most significant social change in a single generation, and sees women gaining more power in terms of their income and spend. Even technology is finding it’s feminine side. Social networks – which are also becoming more and more pivotal to the way in which we operate our lives – tellingly, mimics how women operate: forming communities and engaging in conversations.

6. THE RISE AND RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is responsible for the biggest change in social dynamics in the past few years and is literally “rewiring” our brains to think, act and communicate differently than ever before. People find like-minded friends via cyberspace, and no matter how obscure their interest, there is always a group to support it. Boundaries such as race, geography and culture become less important and shared interests matter more. It has enabled real-time global conversations and given everyone on the planet the ability to publish. Depending on your age group, Facebook may already be old hat, and early adopters are already looking for the next big thing to surpass Twitter. Whatever the format, social media has proven to be not just a passing fad, and has resulted in the most dramatic upheavals in industries such as print media and marketing & advertising. Ignore this space at your peril.

7. NICHE TRIBES
The shotgun approach of one marketing strategy for a mass audience is now not only ineffectual but also hopelessly outdated. Traditional, tried and tested methods of marketing and advertising are being thrown on its head. The idea of “tribes” contests the idea of Lifestyle Standard Measurement (LSM). This model takes into account the unique interests of people, and the ever-splintering niches that define them. You are no longer able to box people in set categories and assume their behavioural patterns are based on an empirical, soulless definition of them as a target market – this understanding (and the types of interaction it presupposes) is moving towards a more organic model that celebrates individuality as a primary factor. Hence the need for multiple consumer conversations. (see trend # 3 – A New World Order)

8. PICK AND MIX SOCIETY
Our new society – buoyed by an increasing number of maturing digital natives (the Net Generation) – has become used to a myriad of information ports, shopping sites and “How to …” blogs. These cyber citizens have grown used to the freedom to customise anything and everything online, and are becoming increasingly frustrated with the limitations of the offline world. They can wear what they want, eat what they want and watch what they want, when they want and how they want. They shun traditional information avenues preferring peer to peer or word of mouth validation of themselves, or a new product that is targeted to their tribe. They are eco aware, techno savvy and distrustful of any voice of authority, be it political or corporate. They demand transparency, accountability and social responsibility as core policies, not badges of honour. They are hesitant in handing over their loyalty to a brand, and will only cede that loyalty if the brand echoes or meets their complex benchmarks of authenticity and integrity.

9. AMBIENT AWARENESS
In an age of information overload, tools are being developed to filter and alert us according to our interests or industry. Thanks to tools like Twitter and RSS feeds, we can filter exactly what information comes to us, according to our preferences. Most young people do not read newspapers or watch televised news; their reason being “If it is important enough, it will come to me”. This is in stark contrast to the pre- Internet generation who were weaned on a one-way, “broadcast” style of learning and information consumption. In 2010, we have all become accustomed to “skimming”: the ability to absorb vast amounts of information, without the yearning (or perhaps time) for in-depth analysis. The downside to this new skill is the growing concern that we have too much information at our fingertips, but not enough knowledge. The knock-on effect is that we are also becoming busier, but less productive.

10. EMPATHETIC ECONOMY
The demand for transparency, authenticity and accountability is getting louder and louder. Civil society demands more ethical traits as we reach a fork in the road concerning the management of our economy. On the one hand, we have a greedy, power-hungry and profit-driven economy where money is wedged at the top, which will always keep the poor and the young at a disadvantage (This essentially is where the problems affecting future of the planet lie). On the other hand, we have a more social, ethical and empathetically driven economy emerging, which is mindful of the planet, rewards philanthropy and spreads wealth and goodwill throughout all levels of society, spreading wealth – and therefore power – from the hands of a few to the hands of many. These are both extreme economies, and repeat the age-old ideological battle between capitalism and socialism, but fought with 21st century hindsight. Only this time round the ideology is not between countries, but a race to find a sustainable solution for mankind. After all, we have proved to ourselves in the last 2 years that, as a species, we have a spectacular ability to self destruct, and will if we don’t find a new way forward.

Want to stay abreast of all the trends that will affect business in 2010? The FLUX Trend Review is a must attend conference for brand marketers that will provide a snapshot of “the state we’re in” across a number of industries that have a direct influence on people’s daily lives, the way people interact with each other, and ultimately, the way people do business with each other. The 2010 Flux Trend Review will track the ripple effect of the global economic meltdown, the consumer revolution that has been sparked off as a result, the technology that has provided the tools for change, as well as the massive shift of social and business dynamics that are altering the journey ahead. An array of top thought leaders will offer insights on topics ranging from politics, advertising and popular culture to cutting edge developments in technology. Speakers include Ferial Haffajee (Editor in Chief, City Press); Geoff Davies (The Green Bishop – SAB, Environmentalist of the Year); Dion Chang (Founder Flux Trends); Sylvester Chauke )Marketing Manager, Nandos SA); Toby Shapshak (Editor of Stuff magazine); Randall Abrahams (Media consultant and TV personality); Mokena Makeka (Creative director and MD of Makeka Designs); and Dr. Craig Nossel (Head of Vitality, Discovery).

The price of R2280 (inclusive of VAT) includes finger lunch, tea break refreshments, goodie bag plus free entry to Digital Lab – book online at www.fluxtrends.co.za.

Charlie Brooker debunks and decodes the evening news

British journalist and satirist Charlie Brooker has long enjoyed fame in his own country for his wry observations and comic exposés, but the man’s take on “How to report the news” will surely catapult him to mega web fame. His funny, frank lampooning of the standard formula that news organisations use, cleverly uncovers the Pavlovian conditioning of content. The piece  is rapidly grabbing global attention, with views screaming up at Youtube as it makes appearance on The Huffington Post and scores of other intelligent news sources and blogs. Brooker – who calls himself a “miserable writerist” – is a Guardian columnist, and presents Screenwipe and Newswipe for the BBC, which expose the guts and other inner workings of the television and news media.

Thanks to Rob Beschizza (BoingBoing), John Biggs, and Sally Hunt for bringing this little beauty to light.  And smart commentary from Beschizza on coverage of SA during the apartheid regime: “It’s remarkable how it differs in small but insignificant ways from the U.S.’s own ‘model.’ It also gave me weird flashbacks of 1980s’ BBC news reports concerning South Africa, every single one of which concluded with stock footage of dancing Zulus, to illustrate whatever Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Inkatha Freedom Party thought about the matter at hand.”

Renowned for ruthlessness when it comes to culling human resources, Naspers gave journalists and other workers at Media24 and Fin24 a rude awakening by telling them they may just have to start looking for other jobs. A communication from Fin24.com Chief Executive Officer, Tim Spira, invited staffers to participate in ‘voluntary retrenchments’. But not before wishing everyone a really good new year.

‘Self elective’ cuts will affect senior editorial staff at Rapport, Beeld, Volksblad and Die Burger. Senior editorial staff from City Press. Editorial staff within FinMedia24 and staff within McGregor BFA are also invited to hand in their notice.

What’s interesting about the cull is its focus on senior staff. This is in line with Koos Bekker’s thinking that young talent will drive digital ’success’ for Naspers. Bekker apparently doesn’t have a fondness for mature talent. Inside sources at Naspers reveal he recently said that people over 35 don’t  understand the internet and can’t embrace the digital age.

“Hello everyone and all the best for a happy and healthy 2010. I hope you have had some quality time out and are returning ready and eager to tackle the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Unfortunately, my first communication to you this year is dominated by some sobering news. As you are all well aware, the media industry – both in South Africa and internationally – is going through one of the toughest periods in living memory. Media24 and FinMedia24 have not been spared. While I am confident that this year will be a turning point in our division’s financial fortunes, performance to date necessitates that we review our cost structures to ensure that we are able to navigate the difficult months ahead and emerge from the current downturn a leaner and more streamlined organisation. This imperative extends beyond FinMedia24 to the broader Media24 Group.

Consequently, a decision has been taken by Media24 management to offer voluntary severance packages to qualifying staff within the following designated groups:
• Senior editorial staff in all the Afrikaans titles (Rapport, Beeld, Volksblad and Die Burger)
• Senior editorial staff from City Press;
• Editorial staff within FinMedia24; and
• All staff within McGregor BFA

Wilson Rooy shall be sending out a communication tomorrow outlining the details of this offer and how the process will work. However, in the meantime, I would like to highlight the following:

• This is strictly a voluntary severance offer: it is entirely up to you whether you want to apply for a package (it should nevertheless be noted that there is no guarantee there will not be mandatory layoffs in the future – possibly on less favourable terms – should financial performance not improve)

• Should applications be received from outside the groups designated above they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

• The decision as to whether an application is accepted will be at the sole discretion of management (including the applicant’s direct manager, the CEO of Media24 newspapers and myself)

Wilson’s email will include details of whom to contact with queries, but please feel free to contact your line manager or myself with any questions.

I must emphasis that this decision is motivated not by any lack of confidence in the long-term prospects of FinMedia24 or any of its operating divisions, but is rather part of an ongoing effort to improve our operating efficiencies and enhance our competitive position as a forward-looking, integrated media business.

Kind regards

Tim“

Set to celebrate it’s twelfth year later in October 2010, VISI has achieved what few other magazines have been able to. VISI consistently delivers editorial excellence showcased by award winning design. Year after year VISI has won awards and innovated to becoming the industry benchmark that sets the standard other consumer magazines in general – and design magazines in particular – seek to emulate. MandyLives!com caught up with VISI editor Johan van Zyl to find out how excellence becomes habit.

What challenges face print media at this time?
Competition  is on many levels: Firstly for advertising revenue in tough economic conditions; secondly for the attention of readers in a media environment where they have so many forms of entertainment and sources of information to choose from; and, for a niche title such as VISI, a highly competitive publishing industry in which more and more general mass-market titles are incorporating “lifestyle” into their editorial mix.

How has VISI built its brand reputation?
By strengthening the editorial focus on three pillars that have driven our content over the past eleven years: design, décor and architecture – with a strong South African focus. Unlike most of our competitors, we don’t buy syndicated copy or photos. When we do feature international homes, it is always because there is a South African connection and we visit and photograph them ourselves. In addition, when reporting on international shows and expos, we interpret the trends for a local audience.

At VISI, we also know that people’s aspirations don’t change in an economic downturn. Often they want more glamour, beauty, creativity and escapism, but backed up with affordable options and practical information. We have adapted content to reflect this balance between aspirational and practical.

What lessons learned?
Traditional brands will survive if they stick to what they are good at. For VISI this means an even stronger focus on our editorial pillars – especially as we know that (according to our 2009 Reader Survey) readers regard us as an authoritative voice on these subjects. They trust our opinion, therefore whatever we feature implies a subtle endorsement: if it is good enough for VISI, it is good enough for us.

We know that, even in tough economic times, it pays to spend time, money and creative energy on generating superb visual productions. VISI has always been celebrated for our cutting-edge design, photos and covers, and this is something we would never compromise on.

We have also learnt that, when it comes to printing a magazine in both English and Afrikaans, certain subtle differences between these markets must be considered. Although the content is 100% identical, slightly different coverlines might be necessary, for example.

What is VISI’s design philosophy?
We are aware that readers regard each issue as a “collector’s item” and we try to come up with something new and different for each issue, particularly regarding cover finishes such as de-embossing and special varnishes. Each issue is approached as a design object in itself and content tends to revolve around the theme of the issue, be it Holiday, Urban or Rural. We aim to constantly interpret our subject matter in a fresh way in order to consolidate VISI’s position as an inspirational benchmark magazine.

How do you guard against complacency?
One cannot afford to be complacent in the current climate. Readers are spoilt for choice and advertisers are guarding their wallets carefully. Ultimately, we are aware of our position as a market shaper rather than follower: Our name always comes up when people talk about the pushing boundaries in the South African magazine industry – whether they’re referring to design, covers, décor trends or architecture. This means we can never rest on our laurels and brand extensions are essential: for example we publish several annual supplements (our 2008 Kitchen and Bathroom Report has just won a Pica Award), and we host our annual Designer of the Year Award, which recognizes top design talent in South Africa.

How are you growing your online community?
Interestingly, our Reader Survey revealed that the magazine’s readers identify primarily with VISI as a printed object – they want something to pick up, touch and engage with. They also keep each copy for reference purposes. The challenge is to encourage these loyal readers to extend their contact with us onto our website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter, by offering them ‘extra’ content and behind-the-scenes photos, a staff blog, and so on. It remains a challenge to transfer the DNA of the brand to the web but the recent appointment of a dedicated online editor to oversee the VISI site and social media presence will have a positive effect. It must also be said that the majority of people who visit our website are not regular readers of the magazine, thus creating a potential new audience for the printed product. It is currently difficult, however, to gauge how the website helps /could help to drive visitors back to the magazine.

What influences VISI’s content?
VISI prides itself on retaining a Proudly South African position with a global sensibility. We have an award-winning, design and decor team who are all recognized as experts in their fields. The team has regular planning meetings in which we discuss local and global trends (long and short-term), and how we can best present or adapt these for our readers. We also actively seek out and recognise South African design talent.

We believe the economic crisis has inspired most people to relook their values. According to international trends guru Li Edelkoort, what most people want (and need) now is to slow down and renew the value placed on old-fashioned quality and craftsmanship, rather than on fleeting trends. Dion Chang also shares this view and it is certainly always at the forefront of our minds when planning each issue.

What’s on your must-read media list?
Vanity Fair, Monocle, the British GQ and the British Esquire (for excellent writing), and Surface, Mark, Plaza, Wallpaper, World of Interiors and Apartamento (for design and trends inspiration). Local magazines: I read absolutely everything I can lay my hands on – from Huisgenoot to Wanted to Finweek and Leadership, as well as SA decor titles. Websites: News24, The Times, Mail&Guardian, Litnet, Kalahari.

Jackie Scala’s smart. A freelance graphic designer, Scala calls herself an artist and not without good cause. Her work screams intelligence.  MandyLives!com caught up with the clever creative to talk simplicity, freedom, inspiration and the trends you’ll be seeing in 2010.

Creativity is about…
…Problem solving. Combining functionality and simplicity to get the message across.
…Inspiration.  It is innate.  I see things that inspire, I then get compelled to mix those ideas and build beautiful things, from illustrations through to motion graphics.
…Feeling. One needs a deep feeling inside to create. But you have to make mistakes to mould and evolve your talent.

The fundamentals of good design are…
… Simplicity , functionality and a great concept. Experimenting with new techniques and pushing a design beyond where it started

The designers that inspire me are…
… Stefan Sagmeister and Marian Bantjes. He is disciplined and acknowledges the importance of taking time out from the mainstream to research proactive work. Then Marian Bantjes is amazing – I am so inspired by her work. It has so much detail yet still the message is meaningful and well thought out with a somewhat simple idea behind it.

My top up and coming designers …
Louis Minnaar (Creative Visual Design)
Whimsy
Green Grass Design

My advice to budding graphic designers…
Take advantage of the freedom to develop your own style. If there is something inside you that gets excited at the idea or thought of design or creating, nurture it, take photos collect resources, experiment a LOT. It takes time to be able to decide to specialize in what you are deeply passionate about.

Before specialising be broad in your thinking and ideas. Try avoid linear thinking. Remember there is something to learn from each experience.  These lessons are priceless and will shape you as a designer and build your confidence.

Design trends for 2010…
Minimalism, using grid based techniques is something I think will be taken to another interesting level. Bright colours borrowed from the 80’s with a style of combining photographic and illustrated elements.

I think for most designers, trying new styles or stepping out of your comfort zone would most likely always reveal something new and exciting and maybe become a new trend in years to come, which may be a step ahead of simply following an existing trend.

SHOWcase – Jackie Scala’s work:

Ad spoof courtesy those fine folks at AdBusters.

Alcohol beverage company, Brandhouse was just looking for a hiding when they threw a legal hissy fit about the Dumisani ad spoof created by Stii. Users on local social media networks almost unanimously took Brandhouse to task telling them to get real, grow a funny bone and to see the satire as a compliment that shows the Windhoek Lager brand’s been adopted by an adoring public.

The next salvo to test Brandhouse’s sense of humour (or lack of it) comes from none other than local legend Zapiro. Highlighting the public spat between Malema and Cronin, Zapiro uses the Windhoek Lager “Keep it real” slogan to tell Julius to get a grip in his latest cartoon on TimesLive.

MandyLives!com waits to see if Brandhouse’s legal eagles will be ordered to unsheath their talons.

(Thanks to ITWeb’s Nicola Mawson for the heads up on the cartoon.)

The idea seems awesome. People from around the world uniting in song to raise awareness and funds for an ostensibly important cause. Others drawing and meditating on love and sending benevolent wishes to a continent in need. Too bad it is such a flawed and badly misguided branding mission that perpetuates an abhorrent myth.

Africa with the begging bowl. Africa the continent where flies collect in the corners of kids eyes.  The continent Bob Geldof desperately tried to save. Unfortunately despite his valiant efforts Geldof didn’t end poverty in Africa (or anywhere else in the world), but did manage to recreate his impoverished career as a pop star. Following BandAid and LiveAid which firmly positioned Ethiopia as the kwashiorkor capital of the world, Geldof became adviser to Bono’s DATA and the ONE Campaign, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II. That paved the way for a tsunami of celebrity ‘do gooders’ like Bono, Oprah, and oh God help us Madonna and Brangelina to make Africa their pet cause project.

But not even that was as terrible as the 2007 celebrity face painting fest which was the Conde Naste “I Am African” campaign.” [A news flash Mischa Barton, Richard Gere, Lucy Liu, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, David Bowie, Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz et al, being born in Africa makes you African, not badly placed paint, curio shop beads and celebrating your celebrity in an insulting advertising campaign.]

Inspired by Geldof&Bono Inc’s sincere efforts to position Africa as the most blighted, hapless continent on the planet, StarBucks has launched the equally appalling “StarBucks Love Project“. In this branding extravaganza StarBucks is the hero that gets the whole world to sing-along to that Beatles classic “all you need is love” in order to save an Africa from dying of Aids. That’s aside from the cutesy social media fun stuff like drawing hearts and other Hallmarkish icons to show how much you care for the aids infested landmass.

Not since Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Paul Young, Culture Club, George Michael, Kool and the Gang, Sting, Phil Collins and Bananarama got together to sing Do They Know It’s Christmas, has a moist eyed world so earnestly sung (and drawn) their collective hearts out for our ailing continent.

MandyLives!com’s message to StarBucks? Next time you want a cause to resurrect your brand keep your idealistic, patronising, condescending, indulgent paws off Africa.

Uzodinma Iweala said it best in an oped in The Washington Post:

“Such campaigns, however well intentioned, promote the stereotype of Africa as a black hole of disease and death. News reports constantly focus on the continent’s corrupt leaders, warlords, “tribal” conflicts, child laborers, and women disfigured by abuse and genital mutilation. These descriptions run under headlines like “Can Bono Save Africa?” or “Will Brangelina Save Africa?” The relationship between the West and Africa is no longer based on openly racist beliefs, but such articles are reminiscent of reports from the heyday of European colonialism, when missionaries were sent to Africa to introduce us to education, Jesus Christ and “civilization.”

“There is no African, myself included, who does not appreciate the help of the wider world, but we do question whether aid is genuine or given in the spirit of affirming one’s cultural superiority. My mood is dampened every time I attend a benefit whose host runs through a litany of African disasters before presenting a (usually) wealthy, white person, who often proceeds to list the things he or she has done for the poor, starving Africans. Every time a well-meaning college student speaks of villagers dancing because they were so grateful for her help, I cringe. Every time a Hollywood director shoots a film about Africa that features a Western protagonist, I shake my head — because Africans, real people though we may be, are used as props in the West’s fantasy of itself. And not only do such depictions tend to ignore the West’s prominent role in creating many of the unfortunate situations on the continent, they also ignore the incredible work Africans have done and continue to do to fix those problems.”

Signature works from emerging local artists make up the final show of 2009 at Cape Town’s Whatiftheworld / Gallery. Titled Holiday, the exhibition explores the problematic issues of nationalism, belonging, hierarchy and consumerism.

Participating artists include: Cameron Platter, Georgina Gratrix, Renee Holleman, Athi-Patra Ruga, Rowan Smith, Peter Eastman, Julia Rosa Clark, Dan Halter, Stuart Bird, and Ed Young. The exhibition runs until Saturday the 23rd of January 2010.

Advertising Agency: Lowe Mena, Dubai, UAE
Creative Director: Mark Lewis
Art Director: Sherif Mokbel
Photographer: Graham Tooby
Copywriter: Wilton Ackeer