I'm NOT a Gentleman, this is why...

 

There is a humongous amount of information on the web about being a gentleman, and when writing an article this becomes a bit of a problem, however after reading quite a bit I managed to summarize the general conception in four categories and came with my personal description of what a gentleman is and how he should behave.

Sad thing is... I discovered that I am NOT a gentleman (yet), there are various things I have to improve in order to earn that title, Is it worth it? It is for me, it's a modus vivendi, a way of living and doing things gracefully. 

Do you consider yourself a gentleman? Check out this list and find out. Remember, you have to score ALL things on this list: 

 

 1. Social skills and behavior: A gentleman...
 
- has not good but great manners on the table.
- keeps a PG-13 language.
- takes success humbly and defeat gracefully. 
- offers to help when help is needed.
- is always punctual.
- treats bosses and subordinates with the same respect.
- returns the favor.
- pays his debts.
- knows that there is always an exception to a rule.


2. Appearance: A gentleman...

- cleans up after himself.
- wears flattering clothes (Regardless his fashion style).
- possesses at least one well-made dark suit.
- smells good.
- never slouches.

3. Personal relationships: A gentleman...

- is esplendid with his signicant other.
- makes plans with his significant other.
- always keeps his word.
- never kiss and tells.
- pays for a round of beers when out with his friends. 
- knows when to speak his mind and when to remain silent.
- gives advices only when they are requested. 
- gives compliments sincerely and often.
- listens. 

4. Tradition:

Now, before looking at this last segment, keep in mind that the statements here may sound sexist and/or outdated, but some of the things described are THE "trademarks" of  Gentlemanhood and they have endured throughout time and are also aknowlegded by almost EVERYONE, regardless, age, gender  or sexual preference.

A gentleman...

- opens the door.

- has a firm handshake.
- gives his jacket.
- gives up his seat.

And finally.. A gentleman always pays on a first date.

So, this I considered as the most "universal" list of gentlemenhood, 90% of them are merely attitude and few of them required money. I wish I would ellaborate on every single one of the points exposed, maybe in the future I will!

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to check my sites!

http://alekseidesign.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/alekseidesigncr/
https://www.instagram.com/alekseidesign/

 

Skull Symbolism: Why do people like skulls so much?

Have you ever wonder why the human skull is so vastly used? Not only in the modern world in fashion trends, jewelry, street art, tattoos a rock bands and such but also throughout the entire human history.

Hamlet, Shakespeare 

Skull symbolism is present in every culture, you can find that it in literature, major plays such as Hamlet, used in several art works by world class known artists like Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí, and even pre-colombian cultures managed to carve beautiful unique quartz skulls in a way we can not replicate today.

Salvador Dalí

Frida Kahlo

Crystal Skull

Skull meaning is beyond its aesthetics, it´s a symbol of our mortality, a visual connection of how fragile is our life and how certain and imminent death is, hell! even the most popular depiction of death is a skeleton in a black cloak, most commonly know as the "Grim Reaper".

Grim Reaper

So it's not about looking badass, it's about the fragility of our humanity and our fascination with death, when we die, only our bones remain, it is the last thing that time manages to fade...

Thanks for reading!

Don't forget to check out my stuff at: www.alekseidesign.com

2016 Resolutions: Blog is back!

Long Time no Blog!

I'm not sure why it is so hard for me to blog! I mean once a week is totally doable. This year I am completely dedicated to succeed in all my New Year's resolutions! they are few, but they are IMPORTANT!

Here they are:

1. Read more: for education and enjoyment, wether it is ASOIF or the Entrepreneurial Myth. I will be committed to reading at least six books this year. I know six it is not a lot, but last year I read just one (and a half)...

2. Workout once a week: I have no excuse for this! Maria Laura is not a toddler anymore, we are completely accommodated to having a small child in the house. My wife's spa is thriving and I work from home three freaking times a week! It is a reasonable goal, and also, I need that in my life, not for health reasons or aesthetic ones, just because I like it and I miss it!

3. Aleksei Design must grow 33% this year: Last year, my small business had a 66% growth, so I thought that If I grow half of that this year, I will be more than satisfied.

4. Improve Tech Skills at work: more code, more front end more everything!

And That's it! just 3 goals, but significant ones!

2015 was the hardest year of my life by far, if I could travel in time and meet myself like 8 years ago, I would kick myself to ground for being such a pussy and sucking at life so hard! (LOL).

Fortunately now I have today the tools, support, motivation and emotional intelligence to succeed! I have the love of my life next to me every day, she is the reason I feel that everything is possible, and I have three daughters, so basically that means that nothing scares me anymore!

This year will rock! Happy New Year!

Custom Made Bead Bracelet

After putting a lot of work hours, this project has finally come to an end. I have learned a lot in the process and had lots of fun doing every single thing about it.

The customer wanted a rustic look for the silver, so I added a little bite of ammonia to darken the natural tone of the silver, then I sand it leaving some areas a little brigther than other, this will give a great volume and depth effect to the bead.

Here is the final result:

silver foxes, literally!

This will be heading to California this week in two awesome and very fashionable bracelets:

silver fox bracelets

The whole process of making beads is enchanting, and next week I will have my first Aleksei Skull Bracelet, I would probably make another post about it next week!

Casting process

Still have tons of work to do, but since time is precious I have to do it wisely, life has open me some doors with great opportunities, all of this is telling me that I am on the right path to succeed!

What is success? 

I will talk all about it on my next post :)

Free for All

It has been a while since the last time I posted, but I have a good reason, my office job has changed it's way of work so these past days have been very time consuming.

I started this week with some cool shots from Finland! It is so rewarding when customers show their love!

facing dragons

custom made spartan bracelet

Meanwhile at the jewelry workshop, tons of stuff are happening, good stuff!

Brass anchors and silver skull

New rubber molds are coming and new designs with them! Making my own beads it's what will eventually set me apart from others bracelet makers, what will make my brand special and unique.

But... workshop work is not the only work! (I wish!) showing the products is a great part of it, share them on all social media and make sure to reach as many people as possible. That's why it is so important to have a little fun!

 

"Don't let any part of your dream job to be boring or dull"

Much work is coming, ideas are materializing, organizing is the key, everyone says, and I thing it's true! Time is precious!

Casting for my Dreams and Legacy

So I finished casting some new stuff, the fox bead, the skull and the clasp, all of them in silver. I didn`t have a lot of time this weekend but I made a lot of progress!

anchor bracelets

I added a whole new section on my site dedicated exclusively to my signature anchor bracelets, that was something that I should have done a long time ago! you can check this section here!

These past few week I have thought a lot about Legacy, something that honestly I have never thought before. I guess this come in hand with parenthood.

What will my legacy be in this world? For what will I be remembered? What good I have done in this Earth, and what am I doing now to make it better?

Good things always come when I start overthinking, I guess it is life´s way of telling me to keep going!

Growing Pains

This week was all about growing, my Instagram Official Page reached 3000 followers this week, I feel blessed and humbled for the support I have!

My skills carving wax have been improving and growing as well, I can work faster and more confident, my fox bead turned out great, the surface is nice and smooth, and it will be ready for casting next week.

 And I managed to make some anchors as well!

 It is not easy to make a business grow when you have a full time job and a family, it´s all about mastering the art of timing.  I am passionate about jewelry, and also good at it, that´s why I have to make an effort, give the extra mile, see the big picture, work harder, make smart choices and above all... endure!