thisisanother

Piictu included in the The Art of Apps exhibit in NYC

I always felt the real difference between art and design is around the notion of “responsibility”. Basically, artists get to be somewhat “irresponsible” about what they create with the justification of a greater good, message or feeling they want to convey. In “design” that responsibility is usually serving more of an external force like a market, clients, problems… etc

However… they both share the same core challenge: “what to do next”. 

The big dilemma of any creator is constantly answering the “what” the “how” and finally the “why”. Artists and designers are simply people that get accustomed to asking those questions every little step of the way. They live in that question, and by doing so, have access to a constant flow of answers (ideas, forms… etc).

At Piictu design really touches every aspect of our process, from how we think of UX/UI to the metaphors and messaging we borrow to communicate. The easiest way to describe how that process works is “we strive to live and face that question every day”. Because of this practice, as a team, we are lucky to count on that constant flow of fresh ideas and perspectives about what we are working on.

There is a big tendency to shy away from questions as soon as something starts working; but its usually not a good idea. Contrary to how it might feel, that is exactly where you want to be.

We are really excited to be a part of the first “app art” exhibit in NYC called The art of Apps next month. We’ve always considered ourselves a “design driven” company and feel really proud to be included among some of our favorite apps like Path, Paper,  Mixel, Tweetbot.

If you are in NYC this May please stop by the show to see how art, technology and design are opening new opportunities for us to interact and relate to the world.

Jon.

Techstars and why “People are Exponential”

The first and most important thing about building a startup is: just doing it.

Beyond your money, family, friends and career concerns, whatever your story or background is, actually getting started is is most important  (and usually difficult) thing. 

The second most important element is: people.

People make the world, your customers, investors, co-workers, critics and biggest fans. They are the mirror in witch your business will reflect itself in the real world. It’s the hidden secret of building a company.

Nobody can really help you with the first point but to my surprise, it’s not the case with the second.

I applied to Techstars without much hope of hearing back. I remember in my application I wrote something like “we are going for it either way, but would love to count on your support”. My head was filled with all the startup lingo I had read and learned over the past years.

People:

At the core of the program are the people and the community behind it. This community brought real, concrete value in so many unexpected ways. What I learned is far beyond investor intros, the value other human beings can bring your business is exponential (that is the magic of “people”).

From @davetisch and @adamRothenberg (who run the NYC program) to many of the mentors I will avoid mentioning now, the knowledge and support they bring is hard to define with words; but I was amazed to see how our entire team and buisnes transformed and grew during the 3 short months we where “doing more faster”. 

I believe all this goes back to that business secret many entrepreneurs overlook called “people”. Looking back on our choice to join the program, I would do it 100 times over again, specially because of the “people factor” and how it can exponentially affect your business.

My advice to you:

If you want to build a company start with the most important thing: “get started”. But if you are beyond that point, focus on the second most important thing: Surround yourself with the right people, and I cant think of a better way of reaching that goal than applying to Techstarts. If you have the fortune to actually get in; you will completely understand what this post is about.

dont think twice, do it: http://www.techstars.com/