It’s time for another edition of our favourite slice of internet fun time here at Artisan - our Fast Five! We’ve scoured the web looking for helpful/funny/smart links of interest and compiled the best of the best right here for your viewing pleasure. This week's links include a report on the decline of the internet startup, the typography of rock 'n' roll, and the best TV shows of 2017 (so far). Enjoy, pals!
THE END OF THE INTERNET START UP
Silicon Valley has the reputation of a place where anyone with a good idea and the drive to succeed can create a startup and take over the world - some of the biggest companies in the world like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Facebook got their start there. But Vox asks - is the time of the really big startup success finally over? Sure, for a while there it looked as though Uber was going to be counted amongst the greats but after a turbulent and controversial 12 months it doesn't look as though it is going to hit the same heights as the startups that came before it. This is a really interesting read for anyone with a curiosity about Silicon Valley and the tech giants growing within it.
MEET THE CEO WHOSE COMMENTS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE WENT VIRAL
It's so important to reduce the stigma around mental health issues, and the best way for that to happen is for people to be open, honest, and empathetic with one another about our mental health. Here's an amazing example of a boss getting it right - an employee sent an email to her work explaining she needed to take a few days off to focus on her mental health, and when she got an incredibly supportive reply from her boss, she shared it on Twitter and it went viral. Take a look for yourself and see why.
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE TYPOGRAPHY OF ROCK 'N' ROLL?
Here's a great little design idea - a poster celebrating the typography of rock! You'd be surprised how recognisable the typefaces used on a band's album covers or merchandise can be - test yourself by heading over to graphic design studio Dorothy's website and see how many you can spot! You're also able to purchase a poster online so you can add a little rock and roll charm to your home or office.
MESSY DESKS COULD BE A SIGN OF GENIUS, SAY RESEARCHERS
Good news for all of you who have a reputation for being a little on the "messy" side. Researchers at the University of Minnesota recently completed a study that shows that creative geniuses favour a chaotic workspace, and that "disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free od tradition, which can produce fresh insights" - which is exactly what I'm going to quote next time a co-worker remarks on that dirty coffee mug that's been sitting on my desk for the last month.
THE BEST TV SHOWS OF 2017 SO FAR
Look, life can’t be all about work now can it? Sometimes it’s nice to just switch off your professional brain for a little while and instead switch on the telly and relax by enjoying some of the best telly the world has to offer at the moment. Check out this list from Junkee full of ace suggestions of new shows for you to binge on, although it should be noted that perhaps ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, Hulu’s critically acclaimed hit adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian classic novel, probably doesn’t count as relaxing viewing, but it’s really excellent nevertheless. We personally endorse Big Little Lies, Glow, The Good Fight, The Keepers, and Twin Peaks but go take a look at their whole list for tv viewing inspiration!
We hope that’s enough internet goodness to tide you over until the next edition of the Artisan Fast Five. Until then, take care and may your frolics across the world wide web be utterly delightful.