Blog

Work

Finding a full-time job in a country where I can legally work is proving challenging. This is not something I could ever have anticipated, given my experience. I feel I do my best work within a full-time role, as it allows me to focus on the team and projects more effectively. However, all signs are pointing to me going it alone.

I’m focused on the following areas, which fall into my expertise:
• Consulting as a Design Director, helping creative teams and design teams build projects in the most efficient way.
• Coaching creative and design leaders who want to develop their skills in leading, building, and directing their teams.
• Content Creating for social platforms to drive positive brand experiences, either for individual creators who need a hand or organisations requiring a strategic framework to deliver content effectively and consistently.

Personal

I had to leave Thailand due to no longer having a work visa. I was planning to go to the UK, but at the last minute, I needed to head to South Africa. Here, I hope to spend time with my son, connect with friends, and leverage my network while rebuilding my life. I’m not sure how permanent this will be, as I am open to working anywhere, really.

Adapting to new locations has impacted my health a bit, which makes trying to sort out my life that much more of a struggle. I am still training as hard as I can and doing my best not to stray from the healthy eating routine I followed during my last few weeks in Bangkok. It’s tough when all your favourite foods are so accessible.

Watching

Secret Level on Amazon Prime
Yellowstone
Lioness
Landman
Dune Prophecy

Creating

I’ve been working hard on producing regular builds and growing my Lego Mech Builds channel. I recently changed the name from Lego Mech Design as I felt it was more fitting for the content I create. I’ve updated most other channels to drive traffic to YouTube, and I’ve seen some positive growth.

I’m hoping to turn this into a source of income over the next year, so I really do appreciate your support.

Work

I have still not made much progress applying for jobs, mostly on LinkedIn. So I decided this week to make a recruitment post for a recruiter to assist me. It’s certainly increased eyeballs and let to a few more recruiters reaching out.

Made more progress refining my portfolio, slowly crafting each case study a little more. Still have a way to go, but every bit helps.

Personal

Was preparing to leave Bangkok, but it looks like it’s in my interest to return, after I spend some time in Bali.

Accommodation in Bali is proving challenging, I want to be able to walk around as I know that if I have to drive far to do things, I won’t do them. But the places close to restaurants, gyms and beaches are in the noisier populated areas.

Went back to my old Gym, Muscle Factory. Enjoyed the grittier facilities, with no air conditioning more than I thought I would, so will continue to train there over the next few days.

Undecided on which gym to to train at in Bali, in recommendations are welcomed. I think I will spend a day touring a few gyms around the area and the commit. Looking for more than just good equipment, given Bali rooms don’t really have comfortable couches etc, I will spend a lot more time outside and want all the recovery perks Bali gyms have to offer.

I’m feeling a bit of a shift for the positive, so enjoying the rise. Welcoming the positive change I need in my life. It’s been a tough few months.

Finds

2Advanced were pioneering in the early Flash days, so it was great to see they released one of their earlier sites rebuilt in Rive. I had never heard of the app, but now that I have, I think it could be the beginning of a richer, Flash-like experience the web is missing.

Work

Still looking for a job which is just not getting any easier.

I have now made different CV’s for the country I am applying to and the different roles. As an example I have UK and US english, and then I have Creative Director and Design Director CV’s.

My portfolio site is still ongoing. Every day I iterate on it more and more. This week I have started preparing a few more case studies which I will hopefully reveal soon.

Personal

I have to leave Thailand at the beginning of October as my work visa has expired.

I considered doing a border run and also just returning to the UK, but don’t seem to make financial sense.

I have decided to go to Bali for a month, flights are booked, just finalising accommodation.

I’m still not as motivated as I should be to go to gym, I struggle to even go to the gym in my apartment. Thats partly why I have decided to make the trip to bali, so I am forced to get outside more and get back into a healthy routine.

Watching

Started watching SEE again on Apple TV, one of the most underrated series I’ve ever watched.

Apply keynote which was a little underwhelming.

Directors cut of Napoleon which is more the movie I would have expected vs the romance story they originally released.

Listening

Been leaving a lot of Burning Man 2024 sessions in the background while I work.

Reading

Haven’t read anything in a while, I plan on actually finding good book swap shops in Bali and reading a few physical books.

Making

I have actually been breaking down my Lego collection ready to be put in storage until I return to Thailand.

Finally filmed a new YouTube video which I am trying to finish editing so I have some thing up and I can continue making more in the coming weeks.

Started planning a few eBooks I want to write and sell on Amazon and Google books to try and share my experience and earn a little passive income.

Work

Still looking for a new job opportunity.

Personal

I turned 49 this week

I celebrated my birthday with a short trip to the beach in Hua Hin. It was not the best weather to go to the beach, and it was rather quiet, but still enjoyed a change of scenery.

I have really been struggling to train for a while now. I go to gym, but get bored. Given. it’s been over 30 years of training, it’s understandable. But not going to gym at my age, you lose it a lot quicker.

My work visa will expire, so might be retuning to the UK at the end of the month.

Work

I’ve been exploring new opportunities and surprised how low the response rate is from companies who are recruiting. It’s clear theres a lot of automation, but it seems recruitment is not an industry that cares much for their reputation.

Pulling my portfolio together for people who don’t seem to accept that I’ve been doing this for over 25 years and the places that I’ve been leading teams is not good enough. It’s seriously challenged me. It feels lame having to put screens of products into devices. Then writing case studies feels dumb, because lets be honest, who reads case studies?

Personal

The uncertainty of my visa situation has me all stressed out. I love living here in Thailand and I had not anticipated leaving so soon.

I’ve struggled to enjoy going to gym for the past few weeks. I go, but not daily and I get bored so quickly I barely do 30 minute workouts. I don’t feel any weaker, but I just don;t enjoy it anymore. I know I have to do it, but I’m doing it reluctantly.

My nutrition is suffering too. I haven’t had much of an appetite, probably the stress. But I’m feeling it. I know these are times when you need to take better care. But I am not. I’m need to do better.

Watching

Those about to die is a great series about the workings of ancient Rome.

Reading

The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business by Josh Kaufman

Making

I built the Lego City Burger Truck, set #60404 just because it was there. I did not record it,I just did it for fun and it really was a pleasant build.

Work

My break flew by and I barely recall what I did, but I am more energised to work through the tasks I need to complete.

Completed another MO_PRO design lesson last week and I managed to do it in an hour. Huge achievement because I can talk design and lose track of time rather easily. I am starting to develop a more advanced design for non-designers add-on course.

We had a Bangkok away weekend which was really fun and great to do some team building activities, painting, bonsai tree making and general celebrating!

Personal

I decided to kick my coffee habit. Not the first time I’ve done this and I miss the ritual every day, but I’ve saved a lot of money and my sleep is improving.

ChatGPT now has memory, so I’ve been using it to track some of my nutritional data. I’m struggling to get enough protein into my body, but it’s gives me something to work towards and now track.

I’ve saved so much money from not drinking as much coffee that I bought myself an iPad so I can start doing digital drawing, illustration and animation.

Went to a great little diner called Fats & Angry in Ari which was just cute.

Today marks 2 years since my dad left us – RIP

Watching

There have been so many really great movies and series and I’ve watched so much it would be impossible to list them all. But I’ll mention some of my current favourites.

Dune Part Two has to be my favourite movie this year so far, I honestly don’t know how they will top it. Roadhouse and Bob Marley: One Love we’re not on the same level, but entertaining non the less.

Shogun and The Gentlemen have been my favourite series, but nice to see new seasons of Halo and Tokyo Vice.

Reading

I haven’t read much, but started currently reading an eBook Success at Scale today.

Hopefully my iPad will help me start actually reading more, not just listening to audiobooks.

Listening

I’ve not listened to much, but the MOHARA mixtapes are continuing to be released weekly.

Making

For the longest time I’ve been struggling to find a format for my design YouTube videos, but I’ve noticed something with a few creators than suits me perfectly and will help me get a few more videos done.

Haven’t done a lot with Lego videos. The editing process is really long and I have lost interest. I haven’t been building Mechs either, I simply can’t get the parts I need. But I’m sure inspiration will strike again and I’ll get back into it.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t be a dick!