The Simpsons’ Guide to First Impressions

Whether it’s meeting your partner’s parents or sitting down for a job interview, a great first impression is always top priority and, according to science, it should be. Columbia University researcher and author Heidi Grant Halvorson explains that nailing a first impression comes down to displaying two things: warmth and competence. She illustrates this with a handy “The Simpsons” matrix using four characters: Mr Burns, …

Future of StoryTelling 2015 Summit

Workshops hosted by Al Gore, Margaret Atwood, Todd Oldham and more

There is a reawakening in storytelling and Charlie Melcher has been observing it for years. Melcher, founder of the Future of StoryTelling (FoST) summit and content platform, gathers some of the greatest minds in media, technology and communication annually to dig further into these observations. Today, the FoST 2015 Summit speakers—active, engaging communicators who will guide conversation—have been announced and it’s an impressive roster. To …

Telling the Stories of Oaxaca

Artist Snejina Latev raises funds for a documentary that will put cameras into the hands of young artisans

Sofia, Bulgaria-born and NYC-based artist Snejina Latev escaped to Oaxaca at the end of last year, leaving the city (and its mental baggage) for a few months to create work in a new environment. After falling in love with the city of Mexican artisans, Latev will return in July to document their studio practices, the materials they use and the techniques they have developed—but Latev …