Is There A Music/Intelligence Correlation?

I just received this link via twitter from @FanFound.

After reading the short article, my first instinct was to laugh and go on about my day. Then I decided to write about it because I do personally believe there is some truth to it, although it may be a bit exaggerated.

My first issue on credibility has to do with the fact there are no stats on the survey taken to write the article and the link provided for a graphic chart doesn't work. With all that said, I still tend to partially agree with the overall premise.

We all know that music effects each and everyone of us mentally, physically, and emotionally. We all know that kids who learn to play instruments in school and have some kind on music lessons do better in math and science than kids who don't. We all know that music can effect the brain on various levels. So why would it be so hard to believe there may be a correlation between the music you listen to and intelligence?

We've all seen them... the rude, ill-mannered, loud, attention seeking pre-teens, teens, and young adults. And we wonder, WTH is the problem? And then we think, I would have gotten my teeth kicked in if I acted like that in public. And then we suck our teeth and walk away.

The one common denominator in all of these groups of kids is usually the music. Now this article states that "Urban" music listeners are at the bottom along with fans of certain "Rock" bands. So I went a little further and picked out the repetitiveness of the music listened to irregardless of music genre. I think that is a much stronger argument and keeps the focus on the music and doesn't let it bleed into other areas that can dilute the initial statement.

So, when you think about the repetition in the music, there is an argument to be made. When you listen to a 3 minute song, and there are little to no changes in the music it makes the music dull, boring, and mind numbing. Put 10-15 of these songs on an album with lyrics that are just as repetitive and you have the perfect intelligence sucking cocktail. The lyrics don't usually paint a picture, tell a story, or say anything of any importance. This completely allows the listener to disengage and not unconsciously use their brain when listening.

For example, "Single Ladies" by Beyonce. One of the most repetitive songs in the history of recording. Can you remember the verses or just the chorus? When you hear or read the lyrics, can you paint a picture and interpret the words the way you see fit? Does that synth in the background in the entire song drive you batty after 1 min or do you even notice it?

Yes, it's a fun song for clubbing or passing the time away in traffic for most, but imagine 12 more songs just like it on one CD and listening to it 24/7. Now what? You're ready to jump out the nearest high rise window right? Thought so.

Another example, "Lions, Tigers, & Bears" by Jazmine Sullivan. I personally don't care for this song, but it does create unconscious imagery, a feeling of emotion, and it's relatable on multiple levels. If this song does all that and I don't even like the song, which do you think I'll listen to if forced to choose between the two.

Now remember all of the songs you consider classics, songs that will still put a smile on your face and bring back good memories when you are 50, 60, 70, 80 years old. Remember the greats in the music biz. What category do they fall in? Think of songs that are still relevant 30 and 40 years later? Then think of the people who grew up on those songs and listened to those songs and still listen. Are they more intelligent then most people who listen to repetitive music today? For me the answer is more often then not, YES.

Now this again is cross genre. Repetitive music of any kind... metal, punk, dance, rap, r&b, pop, emo, etc. Repetition breeds stupidity. But it is curable. If you like the repetition but want to save your brain cells, read a book, write, do some kind of art, don't ONLY watch reality t.v., become a part of your community.

Not saying repetitive music sucks, which it does, just sayin'... enough already.

Graphic Hacks

I've been a freelance designer for almost 8 years now. Over the years, I've seen my work become more and more devalued by more and more graphic hacks flooding the market.

Now what's a graphic hack you ask? Well this is only my opinion of what a graphic hack is. A graphic hack is someone who knows their way around a computer and various software programs with novice to intermediate skill. Someone with no formal training in design,layout, color theory, and typography. Some who can go to ebay, use the "Buy It Now" function and buy a butt load of web templates and start advertising their services as a graphic artist at slave wages.

However a trained and experienced graphic artist can spot a graphic hack's work a mile away. They are usually cookie cutter templates that the hack has replaced a few images. The fonts are usually over sized and not pleasing to the eyes. The layout is botched and the colors aren't appropriate for the product or message being sent. And when you point these things out, you're called a hater. Really? Seriously?

I run across graphic hacks all day long on Craigslist.org and other freelance marketing sites and I even know some personally.

So here is my problem with graphic hacks. They will build a 5 page site for $200 or design a flyer for $25 or business cards including printing for $40. This has become so rampant that clients now expect these rates as the standard going rate. Well, I'm so sorry to disappoint you cheap ass people who need graphic services,but these are hack rates. These hacks could never be employed in an ad agency, with corporate firms, with movie houses, or any other legitimate company that needs graphic artists because their work is substandard.

Now I went out into the freelance world because I could make more money and have more control over my time and spend more time with my family. But those days are vanishing quickly thanks in part to the graphic hack plague. When I have to spend most of my day bidding on jobs and losing 98% of them because someone says they'll do the job for $10 an hour on a 30 hour job, I start to wonder why am I still doing this.

I've lost the joy I use to have in my profession. I've lost the pride I use to have in calling myself a designer. I'm loosing my creativity cause I spend most of my time trying to compete with low ballers and not enough time creating.

So with this, I'm deciding to find a new career. I won't have my wages undercut because I'm competing with sub par work from sub par wanna be designers who are willing to work for minimum wage. I didn't work my way through school for that.

Have fun graphic hacks and for all the clients using them... you get what you pay for.

I'm just sayin'... OMG WTF, I'm better then minimum wage.