Hi Everybody,

I’ve noticed that there’s been a lot of tweeting recently about my installation at the upcoming World Market Center (Las Vegas) at the end of the month. Any of you who heard the recent podcast (see last blog) got a bit of a preview of what we’re doing there. I know that I will probably run into many in the biz whom I’ve been tweeting with recently. If you see me in the halls, please say hello. While many of you know what I look like, I many not recognize you from your postage-stamp-sized twitter avatar. So please, please do not be offended if you don’t immediately register on contact.

The installation we’re doing (at the request of the Mart) is for specialty light stores who often have a hard time connecting with their consumer. Anyone who’s ever been to a conventional lighting store knows that it’s often floor to ceiling ‘fixture-overload.’ As a matter of fact it’s an outlet that many consumers say builds more anxiety then even being at Home Depot on a weekend – LOL.

In struggling economic times these retailers need a way to connect with their audience—not by offering more product, but by placing edited product into a context that will inspire a new consumer rather than confuse them. Teaming with the accessory and furniture venues, we want to show lighting retailers that simple display and use of color will help them make that consumer connection – and that the new visual aid tools that we encourage can become brand extensions for sale to boost their bottom-line too.

However, when sales are down, money to overhaul a space-challenged showroom is simply out of the question. So our job is to show these (often Mom & Pop) retailers how to create pre-coordinated displays using primarily what they ALREADY have on a very tight budget.

I will confess, when my team first heard about designing a lighting showroom, we got very excited and threw around a lot of futuristic ideas about what a showroom of the future could look like. But in the end we realized that our job was not to indulge ourselves, but to serve the local economically challenged retailer, who often have little ‘display’ expertise. So we too had to edit. Gone where the groovy ‘space odyssey’ concepts we’d imagined in favor of teaching basic merchandizing techniques that really could help these struggling merchants.

So, for those who might be expecting a typical Christopher Lowell no-holds-barred extravaganza, I just what to remind ‘non-lighting attendees’ that that’s not the point. It’s not a Rose Bowl float, it’s a hardworking tool for these folks to duplicate no matter what budget they have. But you’ll be surprised at what a little color, texture and accessorizing can do to really put the spotlight on the great lighting designs available today by editing and pre-coordinating into a more recognizable home décor context. It can really change the whole dynamic.

A final note: I’ve received many invitations from industry folk via Twitter. Currently my press obligations are filling up, changing everyday and still in the process of being finalized. So while I would truly love to attend some of these cool events and hang with my peeps, I simply do not know whether I’ll have the luxury to do so, but we will do the very best we can.

Later,
CL

Hey Everyone,

We have a busy rest of the month coming up. Getting our little showcase home in Santa Fe ready for filming next month has been a great process. I say ‘little’ because I’ve always believed that principles done right in small spaces can easily be enlarged and reinterpreted to bigger ones versus the other way around. If you can meet a great pampered living standard in a small home and defy square footage by being clever, then going bigger is a breeze. Plus, smaller spaces look bigger on camera and work better.

So, we’re loading the filming location with not just furniture but the everyday things in pantries, drawers, closets—you name it. This is really where my years of being in other people’s homes, while designing sets for plays, movies and commercials have really paid off. It’s always been a fact (to those of us who have done character-driven set design) that what the camera sees when a character opens a drawer is often more revealing then ten pages of spoken dialogue. In truth, what every good set designer knows is that it’s harder to do “real” and really make it look real, then anything done for the cover of Met Home.

I remember doing the sets for a live TV revival of The Odd Couple in Boston during my theater days. I thought it would be a piece o’ cake to show Oscar Madison’s sloppy apartment. So I focused more on how the place would look once the fastidious Felix Unger moved in. Oscar’s a slob – how hard can that be? Just throw a bunch of stuff around, right? WRONG! Not only was it way harder then I’d ever imagined, but it also had to be recreated during shooting several times from various camera positions – the prop master was nervous and I didn’t know why? But I soon did!

What I learned in short order was that believable chaos and authentic mess happens out of one’s habits and over a course of time. And if that slow, layered process is not evident, the chaos looks stylized and fake. So I had to literally place myself into the characters shoes 24/7 to finally get it right—and re-produce-able, a lesson I never forgot. In past series where we’ve had to recreate a ‘before’, JB my art director (also a set designer like me) would cringe and plop her head down on the table. And we all knew why.

While our show and house will not be presenting “befores” per se, it will be our home for the first season in every respect. And it must accommodate everything most people own and need.

So, from the Band Aids and shoe polish to vitamins and Post-its it’s been a real job to create a home that looks personal, collected over time and authentically down sized—or should I say right-sized. So it’s a place where I myself would actually be able to live, entertain, cook and chill while also answering many of your questions. In short, teach the basics and the real along with the bold and the beautiful.

More Later!
CL

PS: Here’s a link to a recent web cast I was interview for. It’s self-explanatory. Enjoy!

http://bit.ly/dkKHgp

Hi Everybody,

Firstly, thanks for the torrent of reactions (both here and on Twitter) to my dissertation about ‘Flirting.’ There were as many from men as women BTW. It just proves what a smart and interesting group we are. Fundamentally, we all agreed. And many of you added even more subtle aspects as well.

Secondly, thanks for all your nice comments on the Office Depot videos we produced. We had fun making them. Because of your visits you helped us discover that Office Depot had not added the all important “place your order” links. They have been working on it and I believe have solved the problem. So I’m sorry if it drove you crazy — while we supply and edit the content, the rest (mapping logistics) is in Office Depot’s hands. Whoops!

The Ask Christopher web series is moving along. Much of our efforts have been in creating the right architecture for the multiple platforms required but we’re still gearing up for the cameras to roll mid August. While the internet/sponsorship balls are spinning, I, in the meantime, am writing segments every day. The goal of course is that once we start airing, we do it right and keep it going and running the way it’s suppose to. We’re not just doing a video blog. It’s a full series that is even more complicated then doing a TV series. Several of you have asked about that too. Yes, we do plan to do more TV and have some interesting meetings in the works but none will be more galvanizing then the development of this new web series. Here’s a recent entry from my production journal….

Series Development log June 14th:
…So much has surfaced while creating this new web series. Already, I could write a book! Keeping old TV production history, fan & business expectations at bay is a constant battle. Creating without those often-catalytic constraints has been a journey. Making sure I’m doing it for all the right reasons has gotten very personal—hey isn’t this suppose to be fun? Gee, forging a new more intimate style that would have never cut it with network dictum’s seemed so freeing in thought. But while guarding to keep the content simple and pure and honest I’ve found myself re-examining my motives at every turn—really putting me through my paces as it should be with anything new. I used to write an entire episode in my dressing room between shows. Now, more often an entire 6 paragraphs often gets highlighted then deleted leaving only four important sentences on the page in which to build a segment around. Then I say to myself, is this enough? Thank God I’ve been through this creative process enough times to trust the core instincts. What are the new perimeters that one must not step over? Where’s the line between compelling and well, creepy—between holding back and TMI? Thank God for editing…

SEE? LOL, it’s been a very strange process where one’s history does not necessarily serve one’s future.

And we all evolve as humans too. I know most certainly that I’m not the same guy I was even 2 years ago either. While my design philosophies are the same, I feel even deeper about what ‘home’ means then I ever have before. When I stopped living by ‘other’s’ celebrity standards and returned to living with really careful thought here in Santa Fe, my home meant so much more to me again. It’s only strengthened my resolve that it’s not about creating gorgeous spaces it’s about creating harmony in thoughtful environments that defy all social economic bases and most of all square footage. WHY is that there? WHY does that work, in and of itself, so much more importantly than (camera pan) “isn’t this a groovy room?” I can decorate a cardboard box, but that’s not the point. Does it really work on all the other levels? Am I happy I invested in that thing? Anyhooooo…

Lastly, the recent podcast, which we linked on Twitter got some very nice comments from many of you who only read my tweets or hadn’t heard my voice in awhile—and I thank you for that. It was evidently apparent to many of you that my passion and energy is still uncontainable – LOL – what can I say? That podcast represents only one of many interviews (along with radio and magazine) that I do on a weekly basis. So I’m happy you had a chance to hear one of them via web. We will be doing more linking here and through social network as time permits.

That’s it for now folks. Live, laugh, learn!

Later,
CL

Hello everyone!

I’m off to NYC next week for yet another round of press stuff—the last for a while. I’m gearing up for desk-side interviews with editors, doing Martha Stewart radio, meeting with new product vendors and awarding some prizes (and a brief design consultation to a deserving small business) in the greater NY area…and who knows what else they have me booked for. I keep telling myself “it’s all good” and a small price to pay for living here in Santa Fe. So far the balance of extremes (solitude and spotlight) are working just fine.

We’re building the new production sites as we speak for “Ask CL” so I’ll let you know when we’re up and running. In the meantime, I’m trying to learn how to work these very expensive cameras I brought with me to SF from LA. I keep loaning ‘em out to production crews but have never taken them out of the cases for myself. I know—he writes, produces and stars—and now films? LOL, well I wouldn’t if I didn’t have to—but here’s why…

As part of the new series, I’d like cameras set up 24/7 in my home so that when the mood strikes me, I can sit and communicate with you all without having a full crew in my home breathing down my neck. I often get inspiration at the end of a long day, having decompressed. That’s often when I’m thinking, “Gee, I should have taped that,” or “Gee, that’s what I really wanted to say!” Plus, I know many of you on Twitter have been asking that I offer some of the recipes from my “killer” (as you put it) dinner menus which I often tweet about nightly.  I somehow never feel up to ‘demo cooking’ (step-outs require that you make the meal three times in various preparation stages) but, if cameras are already set and I can run ‘em by remote, perhaps I’ll get some of these fine, quick and easy dishes in the can for you all—meals I’m actually cooking for myself.

In addition, we’re thinking about adding a few features on the show that are clearly not “produced” but evident that they’re shot on the fly just between me and you. Kind of like Justine Bateman’s YouTube videos that my sister sends me from time to time—except not done directly on the computer. Check this installment out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAKlyMtjVmQ&feature=player_embedded#

I will however be a bit less colorful with my language! However, I love her message and hope her swearing doesn’t offend anyone. So, after 15 years of production there’s always something else to learn!

I know many of you have communicated that you’re trying to get up the nerve to reinvent yourselves. Some of you I’ve been directly advising and encouraging to move forward with your great ideas. Often hard times become the catalyst to birthing new ideas and this economic downturn is no exception. Entrepreneurialism is actually up a whopping 10% from only 2% in the last five years—staggering!  But it shows that when we lose trust in what we thought would be done for us, we then take matter back into our own hands—which is how it should always be. And, BTW, most of the folks who are sharing ideas and really making a dent have no capital either—just strong ideas and belief in their voices and points of view. With the internet we can all now find audiences we could not have before.   But it takes work and pushing through all the “I can’ts” too. It’s all you folks willing to put yourselves outside your old comfort zones that will shape the thinking of tomorrow.

You can do it!

Later,

CL

Hi Everyone,

Well, at my Twitter follower’s request, I did my first tweeting from the road on my iPhone otherwise you’d not have heard from me for about ten days. Fat fingers on a tiny keyboard? Not good. But I muddled through and you all were great in tracking me stop to stop. I am getting the hang of it and it’s nice being to chat with you all while I’m sitting in hotel rooms and green rooms waiting to “meet the press.”

Press…

Speaking of which, here’s a sample article from press tour part one! http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2010/06/07/story5.html?t=printable

Design Contest…

This week I’m also the lead judge for www.homeworkshop.com and a company called Alluminare www.alluminare.com. Artists from all over the world designed fabric pattern ideas. All very interesting submissions (475) with great concepts and global influences. My job is to narrow the final thirty designs down to only ten. Then, like American Idol, you all get to select the winner. So check it out!

World Market Center, Las Vegas…

I flew to Vegas to meet World Market center team. They’ve asked me to design an event installation for the August market show. It will be a glimpse into the future of retailing complete with all sorts of groovy elements that I’ll share when we get closer to the opening. I’ve been asked to keep a lid on it till then LOL.

http://www.lvdesigncenter.com/

Ask Christopher Series Update…

As many of you know, we’re getting ready to launch our new web series (see previous blogs below) and are submerged in the world of internet right now. Much like the early days of cable TV, there’s so much ground work to be laid to assure that once we’re up and running, that everyone everywhere can download our segments both on their various computers and on their mobile devices. This is no easy feat! Technology is changing SOOOO fast that we’re constantly updating and revamping code, trying to anticipate brewing formats, what new sponsor needs and all the production structure required for this brave new world. There’s no question that the new boom in internet programming is on and we’re part of the new regime of web warriors trail blazing the new media and all the legalities that come with it. So please be patient (that goes for me too). I’ve done a great deal of script writing in the meantime based on many of your past questions and new questions I’ve been asking via Twitter.

As we move forward it’s important to me that we offer something fresh and new and not try to duplicate the past six TV series formats. One of the ways I’m approaching the web format is to offer the kind of transparent one-on-one intimacy that was not always feasible on network television, especially with their business and format agendas. We’re not going to be doing big splashy makeovers of the past, beautifully lit like magazine covers. I want to get back to the real basics based on how we honestly live (or should be living) today. A home that really pampers requires a lot of thought. Having helped thousands of people create spaces that are often life changing I know for sure that it has far more to do with honest re-prioritizing and clarity then just style. So I want you all to be able to learn from my years of being (as it were) a house psychic –LOL– helping people look for harmony in both function as well as design. I can’t tell you how many times an objective eye and a small tweak has changed the very dynamic of a home without spending a dime. So even I have to put my years of playing Cecil B. DeMille aside to create the proper pace and set the right mood to teach, inspire and, yes, have fun with you in a way that has real meaning eye-to-eye, soul-to-soul. In the words of the masters, “Keep it simple stupid.”

I might spend an entire module just showing you one classic versatile, affordable piece of furniture available at mass market that can be used in any room in a variety of ways. Another segment might be all about the dynamic of simply rearranging ones furniture and another about easy ways to take existing furniture and increase their surface size. The underlining message being, “Use what you’ve got but change the dynamic.” In hard economic times these important designer tricks and simple a-ha moments can have you looking at your home in a whole new way no matter where you live.

So a lot of time and energy off the screen will make what we put on the screen innovative and just that much better.

Later,

CL

Hello everyone!

I hope you’ve had a good week. Between constructing a solid infrastructure, flushing out segments and establishing the tone of this new web series, it’s been a busy week for me.

Be my guest:

One of the production elements we’re developing for our Ask Christopher series is the inclusion of guests from the web itself. I know from this site, snail mail, Twitter, and phone inquiries to our corporate and production offices, that there are many of you who have great products, sites, services, projects ideas and voices. I know for sure that many of you are knowledgeable and can contribute. I also know many of you are out there doing great video clips or filming great content for your own sites. Good lifestyle stuff that many others might not have the opportunity to see, especially in a credible entertainment medium in the lifestyle category. So we’re starting to put an A.P.B. out for those who want to be considered as guest contributors.

The Intent

Our goal, of course is to make this series web-centric in as many ways as we can. To also drive millions of our viewers (from the multi-media platforms we participate in) to the sites we feel offer them more great voices and resources. Sites and voices that complement our educational platforms and also inspire our audience will be welcome.

Can’t fool us pros…

But, just like my TV series, those who wish to be under consideration must go through the same vetting process as guests do on my various television series. It’s to protect the guest and us and assure that where we direct our viewers is a safe, legal and responsible place for them to be.

By the book…

Potential guests will be asked to sign the normal releases and adhere to the standards and practices set down by the FCC and my 15 year old very seasoned Christopher Lowell Productions company.

Submitting forms…

We will be posting the submission pitch sheet forms here shortly. It will tell you how to pitch to us and how to stay focused. It’s these pitch sheets, and only these pitch sheets, that we will soon be reviewing for show consideration.

But, I wanted to give you all an early heads up. Invariably, as soon as the production is listed in the trades, we get an avalanche of submissions, which we go through with the anal-retentiveness of a Federal CPA—LOL!

Once you’re in the running, you will be contacted by one of the producers from my team. Invariably you’ll be asked to tweak here and there so your pitch works with the particular show you’re being considered for. Selections are not based on the size of your company, the number of readers you have or even whether you’ve been professionally paid for your services before. It’s based on compelling thoughtful voices, personalities and content by those with the kind of spirit and points of view that can engage, inspire and motivate others. So no pitch is outside the realm of possibility but no stone will be left unturned from a production side either.

So start thinking now!

Hope you have a great day!

Later,

CL

Hey Everyone!

A Few New CL Products You Should Know About:

My new Office Depot line is about to debut. I’ve done a series of web videos for you which will be posted soon. When they’re up I’ll send you a link both here and on Twitter. Our first collection was one on the most successful ever in mass market and the new line, we hope, will hit the nail on the head for today’s multi-taskers.

Fabrics Ready for Summer… I’ve introduced some great new outdoor fabrics at JoAnn Fabric and Craft stores. All my fabrics (indoor and out) coordinate with each other so you can’t make a mistake. More importantly, now the transition between indoor and out can be visually seamless—which is how it should be.

My current TV series, “Work That Room With Christopher Lowell“,  is now available both on iTunes and on Yahoo TV. So if you wanted to see the programs but couldn’t, you can view it now. Enjoy!

Ask Christopher Polling:

Polls will remain open for your suggestions concerning our new web series and soon you’ll be able to see my advice column here too, by the same name.

New Ask CL Web Series:

It’s interesting to see the comments between three audiences. The first audience dates back to the beginning, “Interior Motives”, series (1998). They have seen many incarnations of our various series’ over the years. The recent audience are those dating back to our fifth series, “It’s Christopher” (filmed in front of a live audience) and the recent show, “Work that Room”.  The newest audiences are comprised of a group who’ve seen web clips of “Work That Room”, bought my books and also communicate with me on Twitter. However, they have never seen any of my full shows! So, it’s quite a broad span of multi-generational opinions across the board. ALL comments have been great and very helpful, so keep ‘em coming both here and on Twitter, which is where many of them are streaming.

To all of you, I feel I need to tell you that I’m not one to move backwards, especially when transitioning from network TV.  The immediacy of the web, my 15 years in TV production and the past five years entrenched in the internet world has taught me much. Sure, there willl be plenty of educational consistency and carry over, but “Ask Christopher”, the web series, will not resemble any of the past TV shows or try in any way to recreate or recapture them. My goal is to deliver a far more transparent, intimate, one-on-one show than ever before, shot in a more documentary style in real rooms that resemble your homes. And I will be reminding myself of that everyday.

We won’t be bringing an entire lighting crew with trucks of equipment to make our room makeovers look like the cover of Met Home—been there, done that and it was very appropriate for TV. But on this new web series we’ll deal with existing real light so that you have an even more realistic expectation for your finished room once complete! We won’t ‘dress’ to camera and we won’t gloss over function to honor form. Maintenance will be a real focus too – it might look grand but some one’s gotta clean it too—usually you!

Instead, projects will be smaller–focusing on your questions and on various aspects of design that are universal tricks of the trade and which everyone can use. I’ll cover quieter, more compelling and thoughtful aspects of creating a home that don’t just look great, but function incredibly well too. These kinds of segments were hard to get on national TV because of the mandates and formula of that medium. But while, say, the correct night stands, for example, are important, it’s also what goes on them and in the drawers that’s critical too. If you have to use the night stands you have, how can you increase the size of the surfaces so you don’t have to get out of bed to get what you need? Many, I have found, do not spend the time to really think out the ‘what,’ ‘where’, ‘how’ and most importantly the WHY of truly pampering home. Well, I have. I’ve learned to live just as well in small spaces as in grand homes. Frankly, I prefer smaller well-appointed and well organized homes, than the mansions with rooms I never used and stuff that looked great but didn’t add to the quality of life.

So I want you to ask the tough questions and together we’ll solve them.

Much more later!

‘Til then, we can do it!

CL