Weekly
Digest
#24
Model Citizen
Among rising distrust of companies and governments, an unlikely player is tipping the needle in the other direction. Estonia is using technology and blockchain to make life a little bit easier for everyone.
Thanks to its state-issued digital identity cards, citizens are able to automate a host of services: passwords for online signatures, easy access to medical records, and filing taxes are all possible with one piece of documentation. There are also plans to develop a national cryptocurrency called “the estcoin.” These are all giant steps forward for Estonia and a good example to other European countries with notoriously complex and antiquated processes.
Estonia’s e-residency program has even opened up the strict borders of EU citizenship. Foreigners wishing to be digital Estonian citizens can apply through an entirely digitized system, a radical innovation and welcomed change for anyone who has navigated any visa-application process.
Despite setbacks, Estonia has created a digital society with considerable benefits that could be duplicated in other countries. Aside from the obvious perk of convenience, Estonia saves 2% of its GDP thanks to its tech-forward ways. In addition, decisions like moving to an online voting system have increased participation and have lead to greater democracy. Former Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas has also spoken about the efficiency and superior care that come from digitized medical records and the gratification of filing taxes from your smartphone in about three minutes.
It’s not just that it’s the “wave of the future,” there is value and reason behind Estonia’s technological implementations. While the advantages of the system are already great, there’s a world of possibility yet to discover should more countries join in on creating digital nations. Estonia’s status as a digital nation has former President Barack Obama’s approval, and it certainly has ours.
All-Around Creative
There are many ways in which creatives keep their juices flowing. Besides frequent breaks and online inspiration, one of the biggest avenues are side projects. For copywriters and art directors alike, side hustles can serve as creative outlets or sources of additional income. The same creatives cracking client briefs are also the minds behind cool, alternative content. Here’s some of what we’re loving:
If you haven’t already discovered her uber-popular Instagram account, you can catch up with her book. Samantha Jayne, a 25-year-old freelance art director at MullenLowe in LA, started the four-line poetry series describing the sometimes funny, sometimes aggravating experience of being a millennial. Also an actress, she starred in and co-wrote four highly snackable, autobiographical book trailers that are just as fun to watch as the poetry is to read.
With the daily deluge of news and cringeworthy tweets, it’s no surprise we’ve all taken to some form of coping mechanism during the Trump administration. For one anonymous art director, it was a special combination of vector art and food. Quirky puns and Trump’s face hidden in food (think anything orange that lends itself to the shape of his iconically bad hair) became her outlet on her oddly satisfying @trumpasfood Instagram account.
Is anything more important - and still as highly stigmatized - as mental health? According to the World Health Organization, one in four adults suffers from mental illness and yet, it remains a taboo topic. Art director Veronica Padilla created Gentle Mentals to raise awareness and provide a safe online space for learning about mental illnesses in a light-hearted way. Colorful animals called “Mentals” each represent a mental illness and provide a positive outlook on its symptoms. With names like Depressed Dolphin, Anxiety Alli and OCD Otter, they’re as cute as they are approachable.
Artist Emanuele Abrate has cracked the code to the typefaces behind some of the biggest brands in the world. Whether a direct usage or slight modification, this clever execution reimagines famous logos with font names in place of the brand names.
French creatives Nicolas Damiens and Julien Sens are the masterminds behind this inspired project that turned Kurt Cobain, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Serge Gainsbourg’s handwriting into downloadable fonts. Sadly, due to intellectual property threats, the website was eventually shut down.
Photo credits: Patrik Gothe (top post) and Eloise Ambursley (bottom post)
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