Think Act Vote (?!X) by Vicky Fallon

2012 Futures Illustration Calendar

Since early 2010, we have been asking you What’s The Future You Choose? We selected 52 illustrations and invited 50 different artists to bring these words to life. The illustrators responded ...

The Future I Choose - Lauren Currie

How To Make A Collaborative Book (with your help!)

We are making a collaborative book all about the Future and it’s open for you to contribute your thoughts and get involved. We need to raise some cash to make ...

High RES New TAV Logo

How Can We Create The Future That You Choose?

Thank you for visiting us here. Think Act Vote (?!X) a radical think tank that explores the new and creative ways we can and are shaping our future lives and communities. ...

Featured Posts

Ada Zandition's Future - artwork by Kiran Patel

Week 8: 2012 // Futures Illustration – We Are One

Throughout 2012 we are sharing an illustration with you every week to ...
Oliver Moody

Oliver Moody – The Futures Interview

Currently based in Newcastle, Oliver Moody went to school in Bristol, and ...
Creative Jam Prezi

Futures Creative Jam

Last month, we hosted a Futures Creative Jam at the Royal Festival ...
Amisha Ghadiali's Future artwork by Vicky Fallon

Week 7: 2012 // Futures Illustration – Love and Respect

Throughout 2012 we are sharing an illustration with you every week to ...
Kiran Patel

Kiran Patel – The Futures Interview

Kiran Patel is a UK based illustrator working under the name of ...
Katharine Hamnett's Future by Faye West

Week 6: 2012 // Futures Illustration – I Am Not A Party

Throughout 2012 we are sharing an illustration with you every week to ...

Futures Interviews and More!

Week 5: 2012 // Futures Illustration – Wild and Full

Throughout 2012 we are sharing an illustration with you every week to help you to re-imagine the future that you choose. For the fifth week of 2012 (wow it’s going fast!), we are sharing Joy Green’s future. Jo is Strategic Advisor at Forum For The Future.

Joy Green's Future illustrated by Anila Babla

Joy Green’s Future:

The future I choose is one where the cities are full of birds, the oceans are full of fish and the wild areas are coming back. And we all know how to grow vegetables!”

Illustrated by Anila Babla:

I chose this because the idea of having a 3D illustration teeming with life came to me fully formed and I knew I had to go with it! It was a very literal interpretation, but I challenge you (that’s myself too) to find underlying metaphorical/subliminal messages!

Read Anila’’s Futures Interview, here. And, follow her on Twitter @anilababla

Love this illustration? – Help make our very collaborative book by donating to our crowdfunding campaign

Futures Illustration – Illustrating Rain

We thought we would refresh our banner for our Futures Interview series and so asked our illustrator Kiran Patel of Illustrating Rain to create something for us. It is based on an abstract pattern that is ever evolving as the project progresses and the impact it has on more and more people.

artwork by Kiran Patel/Illustrating Rain - www.cargocollective.com/illustratingrain

The illustration below is her interpretation of our Futures Project.

Think Act Vote (?!X) by Kiran Patel/Illustrating Rain

And this one includes all of our questions for The Futures Interview.

Futures Interview Questions by Kiran Patel/Illustrating Rain

You can find out more about Kiran Patel and her work at her website - Illustrating Rain

Follow her on twitter @IllustratingR

Week 4: 2012 // Futures Illustration – Green. Not just a colour.

Throughout 2012 we are sharing an illustration with you every week to help you to re-imagine the future that you choose. For the fourth week of 2012, we are sharing Ed Gillespie’s future. Ed is co-founder of sustainability communications agency, Futerra.

Ed Gillespie's Future, illustrated by Joana Casaca Lemos

Ed Gillespie’s Future:

The Future I Choose is green. Not just a colour. Not just a political party. Not just a term for naivety! It’s a philosophy and a creative, experimental, cutting edge, super-sexy approach to life and lifestyle that is what the 21st century will be all about. Where we live, how we work together, how we get around, what we eat, where it grows, what fuels our fires, warms our hearts and inspires our minds – all are up for grabs… we’re beginning to realise consuming ever vaster quantities of ‘stuff’ ain’t making us happier (and we certainly can’t eat money), and that unequal societies make us sick – physically and mentally. The future I choose is in tune with the earth beneath our feet, recognises us as people not just consumers and celebrates our collective potential to do the right thing. And, I think we might even get there! 

Illustrated by Joana Casaca Lemos:

The reference to color Green and all its different meanings, is what drew me to Ed Gillespie’s future. It allowed me to reflect on why a positive lifestyle is typically associated with just one color – green. Color swatch books are part of the designer’s toolkit. Inspired by Ed’s words, the swatch book has been re-branded to represent the infinite colors and tones that make up this “Green Future”. And, with the thought ‘think global, act local’ in mind, I have proudly used some images taken at home, in Portugal.

Read Joana’s Futures Interview, here. And, follow her on Twitter @joana_cl.

Follow Ed on Twitter @frucool

Love this illustration? – Help make our very collaborative book by donating to our crowdfunding campaign

June Chanpoomidole – The Futures Interview

artwork by Kiran Patel/Illustrating Rain - www.cargocollective.com/illustratingrain

June Chanpoomidole

June Chanpoomidole is a freelance Illustrator currently living in a quaint village in Cheam.  She studied Illustration at the University of Westminster, and found her love of acrylic paints and vibrant colour palette. Since then, her vibrant works is featured in numerous websites and publications such as the latest. Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration. She has illustrated Dan Crossley’s Future, ‘one where people realise what really matters (friends, family, community etc)… maybe like you would be forced to do if a meteorite was going to destroy earth in an hour’s time (like the blockbuster films) but without that really happening of course!’ and hopes her interpretation will make people think differently.

?!X: What’s the Future You Choose?

JC: The Future I choose is where one can safely express their opinions and strive to reach their goals in this life, without suppression, persecution nor fear. To finally accept each individuals has got a voice to communicate their views; whether it be verbally, written or visually. No one should ever suppress it.

?!X: What’s a ‘think’ to create this future?

JC:  As a thoughtful and visual person, I observe those around me; watching the news, at work, travelling and commuting. Not only observe but I also listen. Especially during these recent years I listen to these stories:“I wish I had tried another career,” “I could’ve have done so much better,” “What if I’ve done this,” “I want to leave but I can’t,” etc. It’s the negativity, fear and doubt that halt you down in your tracks. I totally empathise because I can relate to this. This cycle of doubt can turn into bitterness and self hate; can manifest into violence or a defeated existence. A simple act of kindness and compassion doesn’t cost a thing; ultimately it can make someone’s bad day into a good one. I think if compassion and humility were at the forefront of people’s minds, it would change the way we would interact. Therefore, motivated to take the first steps of our goals.

?!X: What’s an ‘act’ to create the future you choose

JC: I will continue to create artwork that shows a window into these everyday stories and hopefully inspire someone. Also the simple act of listening and kindness is enough; and this story is an act of kindness I did, not long ago. I remember a woman sitting across me on the Metropolitan line on my way home during a night out. The woman had a phone call on her mobile. Slowly her brows pierced together as the telephone conversation continues. She quietly put the mobile away. I noticed she was crying, silently sobbing; her face was pained. I debated myself whether to do something; I looked around and no one noticed the woman’s distress. I took out a tissue packet out of my pocket and gave it to the woman. I asked her if she was all right. She nodded and said “Thanks.” I smiled at her, as she cushioned her head onto the seat of the Tube and dried her eyes. No words were exchanged until I got off at my stop. As I walked away from the Platform, glanced at her for a moment wondering if she’s all right. Then I smiled to myself hoping I had made her feel better. Being raised as a Buddhist household; the key principle is not only to be a good person but also be good onto others around us.

?!X: What’s a ‘vote’ to create the future you choose?

JC: Education is important, however I think more focus should be onto life skills in addition to academics. Such as learning to negotiate, debating using the English language (not with knives or guns) and also networking. Inspiring the others and realising their own potential must be a hardest task to do. I applaud the educators and teachers wholeheartedly. But I do think they do not have enough support. I think more investment should be made to Education with support structure of the community, parents, youth centres, local businesses and practices. With an open mind and time: provide hands on experience and advice readily available for everyone. Or at least give the opportunity to say their views and realise their potential. It is about working Smarter not Harder.

?!X: Future Soundtrack – What song would you take with you into the future? 

JC: Cherry Ghost – People Help The People

Tan Dun and Yo Yo Ma- Farewell

?!X: Can you share with us up to 5 weblinks that you find interesting and inspiring?

JC:

Follow June on Twitter @Junesees

How can we Create the Future you Choose? Take part here.

Love the Futures Interviews? Help Create Our Collaborative Book - The Futures Project (donate or get involved!) 

Sarah Ditty – The Futures Interview

 

Think Act Vote (?!X) Futures Interview Artwork by Vicky Fallon

 

Sarah Ditty

Sarah Ditty is a freelance ethical fashion writer and founder of popular ethical fashion blog Launderette. She regularly contributes to magazines such as Grit, Creem, Argon and SOURCE Intelligence. With a background working in the fashion industry and a master’s degree in Globalisation and International Development, Sarah manages to find the most stylish, cutting-edge brands and designers bringing together luxury fashion with environmental and social sustainability.

?!X: What’s the Future You Choose?

SD: The future I choose is one built on values of collaboration and altruism, a future where we respect people and planet in equal measures. The future I choose doesn’t ignore failures but honestly embraces them as important agents for positive change.  The future I choose places higher value over long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains. The future I choose to build is one that is more promising, more just and more beautiful than what came before.

?!X: What’s a ‘think’ to create this future?

SD: As a writer, my “think” is inspired by Slovenian cultural theorist and philosopher, Slavoj Žižek: “Words are never ‘only words’; they matter because they define the contours of what we can do.”

?!X: What’s an ‘act’ to create the future you choose

SD: Standing up for what you believe in. It may sound cliché, but it is needed now more than ever. Over the last three decades, as employment and livelihoods have become increasingly “flexible” and evermore precarious, we have been made to believe that there’s little space for demanding our many of our rights. This is only a perception. We have to demand better from those in power.

?!X: What’s a ‘vote’ to create the future you choose?

SD: Since I work in ethical fashion, my “vote” is to support those in the fashion industry working towards a more environmentally sustainable and socially responsible future. This means buying their products and supporting their efforts in whatever ways possible.

?!X: Future Soundtrack – What song would you take with you into the future? 

SD: Otis Redding – A Change is Gonna Come

?!X: Can you share with us up to 5 weblinks that you find interesting and inspiring?

SD:

dismagazine.com

globalonenessproject.org

curatorsofculture.com

ethicalfashionforum.com

monocle.com

Follow Sarah on Twitter @Launderetteblog

How can we Create the Future you Choose? Take part here.

Love the Futures Interviews? Help Create Our Collaborative Book - The Futures Project (donate or get involved!) 

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