Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
A CREATIVE LIFE
There are few rules of creativity. In most case’s it’s whatever works for you. But one of the real rules is that experience expands creativity. Experience and an open mind. The more you know, the larger your world.
You will always need to know the basics and you will always need to keep improving on them. If you can find somewhere to continue practice the better. Life drawing classes, design classes, what ever is available. If your further along in your abilities then a great way to learn is to teach. That will really help sharpen your abilities.
My own specialty is illustration, design and creative thought. But at times I find myself doing sculpting or building bread board prototypes for presentations. Experimenting with lighting design and sound concepts or even stage magic. At times I find myself designing food concepts or candy concepts and end up cooking in the kitchen.
All of this has been made possible by experiencing as much as you can. In my younger days I worked construction, worked as a chef and a pastry chef’s assistant. I taught skiing, was a maintenance man, a plumbers assistant, a volunteer fireman, a bartender and even a wild animal trainer for movie’s.
All of this while attempting to get established as an artist. But All of that contributed to becoming a creative. Being creative just means that you are using all of your experience. The more experience the more that you could draw on.
Work experience is not the only way either. Traveling expands your horizons. Really what I’m saying is that you need to really live life and be open to all of life's lessons.
You will always need to know the basics and you will always need to keep improving on them. If you can find somewhere to continue practice the better. Life drawing classes, design classes, what ever is available. If your further along in your abilities then a great way to learn is to teach. That will really help sharpen your abilities.
My own specialty is illustration, design and creative thought. But at times I find myself doing sculpting or building bread board prototypes for presentations. Experimenting with lighting design and sound concepts or even stage magic. At times I find myself designing food concepts or candy concepts and end up cooking in the kitchen.
All of this has been made possible by experiencing as much as you can. In my younger days I worked construction, worked as a chef and a pastry chef’s assistant. I taught skiing, was a maintenance man, a plumbers assistant, a volunteer fireman, a bartender and even a wild animal trainer for movie’s.
All of this while attempting to get established as an artist. But All of that contributed to becoming a creative. Being creative just means that you are using all of your experience. The more experience the more that you could draw on.
Work experience is not the only way either. Traveling expands your horizons. Really what I’m saying is that you need to really live life and be open to all of life's lessons.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
BRAINSTORMING METHODS
There are so many ways to brainstorm and all of them work. Some work better for certain jobs. But brainstorming even the smallest projects leads to better results. Don't just jump into a project and start on the first idea. The first idea may turn out to be the best even after brainstorming. But you will probably improve it by a little brainstorming.
Some methods of brainstorming are the Descriptive, the Associative, The Smash Up, The Random, Mind Mapping. The list is endless and all are interconnected. All work if you use them and all lead to better concepts. By the way, they're FUN.
Often when you are dealing with clients you will come across the classic person who knows what they want but can't articulate it. Maybe you have an idea but can't quite get a handle on it. Here is a form of Descriptive and Associative Brainstorming to help define projects. Clearly define the end goal whether its a character design, logo, product etc. and what will it be used for and how. Now for the fun part. You play a game with yourself or the client. Begin to ask and write down the answers to a series of questions. What color is is? How big is it? Obvious questions but take it so much further. What kind of mineral is it? What kind of animal is it? Who would it be if it was a current movie star? Who would it be if it was an old time movie star? What book or character in a book would it be?
Seems silly to ask what kind of animal or movie star a logo would be but people already have a mental picture of these things. By having them associate and describe there choices you define the object. If they describe their logo as a crane then you can assume they are looking for a graceful, flowing look. If they describe the logo as a bear or elephant then you can push your designs toward the solid and powerful look. If they describe their logo as Jim Carrey then you know that they want an energetic and fun look. The questions are silly and appear to have no relation to your project but will actually tell you a great deal about their expectations.
Keep going and asking questions until you really have a mental picture of what your client is looking for. What kind of tree would it be?What kind of food? What kind of car? A fast sports car or a solid work truck.
As you do this you will see the clients light up because it defines the concept for them. They will feel as if they were part of the process and it will define the job for you. The more focused you are when you start, the better to do the job. This will also save time and time is money. I assume you are in this for the love and fun of being creative but you also need to make money.
More later, Have Fun! The Director of Nonsense
Some methods of brainstorming are the Descriptive, the Associative, The Smash Up, The Random, Mind Mapping. The list is endless and all are interconnected. All work if you use them and all lead to better concepts. By the way, they're FUN.
Often when you are dealing with clients you will come across the classic person who knows what they want but can't articulate it. Maybe you have an idea but can't quite get a handle on it. Here is a form of Descriptive and Associative Brainstorming to help define projects. Clearly define the end goal whether its a character design, logo, product etc. and what will it be used for and how. Now for the fun part. You play a game with yourself or the client. Begin to ask and write down the answers to a series of questions. What color is is? How big is it? Obvious questions but take it so much further. What kind of mineral is it? What kind of animal is it? Who would it be if it was a current movie star? Who would it be if it was an old time movie star? What book or character in a book would it be?
Seems silly to ask what kind of animal or movie star a logo would be but people already have a mental picture of these things. By having them associate and describe there choices you define the object. If they describe their logo as a crane then you can assume they are looking for a graceful, flowing look. If they describe the logo as a bear or elephant then you can push your designs toward the solid and powerful look. If they describe their logo as Jim Carrey then you know that they want an energetic and fun look. The questions are silly and appear to have no relation to your project but will actually tell you a great deal about their expectations.
Keep going and asking questions until you really have a mental picture of what your client is looking for. What kind of tree would it be?What kind of food? What kind of car? A fast sports car or a solid work truck.
As you do this you will see the clients light up because it defines the concept for them. They will feel as if they were part of the process and it will define the job for you. The more focused you are when you start, the better to do the job. This will also save time and time is money. I assume you are in this for the love and fun of being creative but you also need to make money.
More later, Have Fun! The Director of Nonsense
GOT THE TOOLS?
Every skilled occupation has its tools. The dentist has his special tools, as does a plumber or chef. Why would you think that the creative fields don't need tools? The writer and the artist need tools too. I'm not just talking about the pen or computer for a writer and a pencil or brush for the artist. I'm talking about the real support tools that make doing the jobs simple.
Lets start with a basic, a reference library. Whether a writer or artist a wide ranging library is a must. You will need text and visual, the more the better. The book store is your friend, as is Google text and Google image. Start to compile personnel files on your fields and anything to inspire. I have a large personal library at home and as well as six large file cabinets filled with visual reference on everything. Also learn how to be a good researcher. You never know what kind of projects can come toward you. A secret of life is not how much you know.... but whether you can find the answers you need.
One amazing resource is the Library of Congress. When I was doing educational products everything had to be accurate all the way down to the eye color of the Presidential portraits I was doing. I discovered that the Library has a full time staff to answer any and all questions.
Compile lists! Create word lists or visual lists to use in brainstorming or to inspire. When we design toys I have lists that are pages and pages of toys that can be used as inspiration. Lists of random words can inspire new direction for your projects. Create a list of random questions for your projects.
Get as many creative tools as possible. There are many creativity products out in the market place. One of my favorite programs is called Ideafisher. An exceptional associative brainstorming tool. Another product that I recommend is Roger von Oech's, Creative Whack Pack. The simple card version can stimulate creativity and his computer version is fantastic.
Get a notebook. Far to many good ideas and thoughts are lost because we didn't write them down.
Get a calendar. Nothing motivates like deadlines. Set deadlines for yourself if you don't already have deadlines.
Lets start with a basic, a reference library. Whether a writer or artist a wide ranging library is a must. You will need text and visual, the more the better. The book store is your friend, as is Google text and Google image. Start to compile personnel files on your fields and anything to inspire. I have a large personal library at home and as well as six large file cabinets filled with visual reference on everything. Also learn how to be a good researcher. You never know what kind of projects can come toward you. A secret of life is not how much you know.... but whether you can find the answers you need.
One amazing resource is the Library of Congress. When I was doing educational products everything had to be accurate all the way down to the eye color of the Presidential portraits I was doing. I discovered that the Library has a full time staff to answer any and all questions.
Compile lists! Create word lists or visual lists to use in brainstorming or to inspire. When we design toys I have lists that are pages and pages of toys that can be used as inspiration. Lists of random words can inspire new direction for your projects. Create a list of random questions for your projects.
Get as many creative tools as possible. There are many creativity products out in the market place. One of my favorite programs is called Ideafisher. An exceptional associative brainstorming tool. Another product that I recommend is Roger von Oech's, Creative Whack Pack. The simple card version can stimulate creativity and his computer version is fantastic.
Get a notebook. Far to many good ideas and thoughts are lost because we didn't write them down.
Get a calendar. Nothing motivates like deadlines. Set deadlines for yourself if you don't already have deadlines.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
brainstorming!
I'm surprised at how many people think that brainstorming is just sitting down and coming up with an idea. Brainstorming is an art in itself.
When you think about things your brain makes connections. These electrical connections form paths that then become like little roadways in the brain. People tend to get lazy. The mind tends to get lazy, so it will run along these same pathways. This leads to the same old ideas.
Think of it like the brain is a jello mold and your pouring water down on it. It begins to form channels in the jello. The more hot water, the deeper the channels get. You need to jump your brain out of those channels and into new sections, new pathways and new ideas.
There are lots of excellent techniques for brainstorming and I'll address those later but for now lets talk about how to get started. People ignore some of the basics. Research what your going to brainstorm. Do a quick google search, word and image search. First really identify what it is and what your trying to accomplish before you start. What is your end goal? A new concept? A new product? A new art piece? Whatever!
Also do not edit yourself. In early brainstorming there are NO bad ideas. As my boss says, "These are babies, allow them to grow. You never know what they could grow into."
Now that you have a goal then do a "brain dump!" With a blank piece of paper write down everything you can as quick as you can about your subject. What this does is get all the obvious things out so you can really get a fresh look at your project. This works whether you're trying to create a new slogan or a new image to paint. You may hit something, some "gold" in your brain dump which another reason to write it all down so that it doesn't get lost.
Now you can examen your list to try to make new connections to lead you to new creative concepts. Look at your list to see if there are stand outs. After you identify some of those stand outs ask why do they stand out?
Just the act of doing a brain dump, of describing and quantifying will lead you to new directions and creative concepts. This doesn't need to take a long time but will go a long way to expanding your creativity.
Now you can really begin your Brainstorming. I'll post later with brainstorming techniques to help your expand your creativity.
When you think about things your brain makes connections. These electrical connections form paths that then become like little roadways in the brain. People tend to get lazy. The mind tends to get lazy, so it will run along these same pathways. This leads to the same old ideas.
Think of it like the brain is a jello mold and your pouring water down on it. It begins to form channels in the jello. The more hot water, the deeper the channels get. You need to jump your brain out of those channels and into new sections, new pathways and new ideas.
There are lots of excellent techniques for brainstorming and I'll address those later but for now lets talk about how to get started. People ignore some of the basics. Research what your going to brainstorm. Do a quick google search, word and image search. First really identify what it is and what your trying to accomplish before you start. What is your end goal? A new concept? A new product? A new art piece? Whatever!
Also do not edit yourself. In early brainstorming there are NO bad ideas. As my boss says, "These are babies, allow them to grow. You never know what they could grow into."
Now that you have a goal then do a "brain dump!" With a blank piece of paper write down everything you can as quick as you can about your subject. What this does is get all the obvious things out so you can really get a fresh look at your project. This works whether you're trying to create a new slogan or a new image to paint. You may hit something, some "gold" in your brain dump which another reason to write it all down so that it doesn't get lost.
Now you can examen your list to try to make new connections to lead you to new creative concepts. Look at your list to see if there are stand outs. After you identify some of those stand outs ask why do they stand out?
Just the act of doing a brain dump, of describing and quantifying will lead you to new directions and creative concepts. This doesn't need to take a long time but will go a long way to expanding your creativity.
Now you can really begin your Brainstorming. I'll post later with brainstorming techniques to help your expand your creativity.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
CREATING A PORTFOLIO
I'm showing an old blog that I wrote from last summer because it seems to be necessary. I've seen some really bad portfolios lately. It's not that the work is bad it's that the people don't know how to present the work. If it's sloppy or unfinished, DON"T SHOW IT! It also tells me that If I was to hire you I might have to clean up your mess or alter it to function for business. This is not play. You are in this to be a professional.
This is what you are using to represent you to prospective clients or employers.
Your portfolio should always be professional and clean. Purchase a standard portfolio or if you are inclined, you can make your own. It should contain only your best work. It should start off strong and should end strong. I always like to see a section in the back of a portfolio with life drawing or concept roughs.
What you put in the body of your portfolio is up to you. But do not put in unfinished work. If you like a piece enough to present it then you can finish it. I like to see the work presented in a format. Meaning a consistent border or layout. I would recommend that you have titles and explanations if necessary on each piece. There will be times when you can not present your work in person and the work will have to speak for itself. Have your name and number easily found and consistent in the layout.
Always have a leave behind for clients. They may not have work for you at the moment but maybe later. A handout will keep you in there thought process.
Also as a tip I recommend that you always ask for a recommendation of an associate to show your portfolio to. Even if the showing didn’t go as well as you would like it to they may know someone who could use your work.
I have been speaking of the old school physical portfolios. Now days a professional also has an online portfolio too. But again the same rules apply. Create a format. Keep it clean and easy to use. A mistake of online portfolios is that they do not create a print page. A single sample page that can be printed with a couple of samples and your contact info to go into hard files.
Remember that your portfolio will never be finished and you can always change your portfolio. So get to it!
This is what you are using to represent you to prospective clients or employers.
Your portfolio should always be professional and clean. Purchase a standard portfolio or if you are inclined, you can make your own. It should contain only your best work. It should start off strong and should end strong. I always like to see a section in the back of a portfolio with life drawing or concept roughs.
What you put in the body of your portfolio is up to you. But do not put in unfinished work. If you like a piece enough to present it then you can finish it. I like to see the work presented in a format. Meaning a consistent border or layout. I would recommend that you have titles and explanations if necessary on each piece. There will be times when you can not present your work in person and the work will have to speak for itself. Have your name and number easily found and consistent in the layout.
Always have a leave behind for clients. They may not have work for you at the moment but maybe later. A handout will keep you in there thought process.
Also as a tip I recommend that you always ask for a recommendation of an associate to show your portfolio to. Even if the showing didn’t go as well as you would like it to they may know someone who could use your work.
I have been speaking of the old school physical portfolios. Now days a professional also has an online portfolio too. But again the same rules apply. Create a format. Keep it clean and easy to use. A mistake of online portfolios is that they do not create a print page. A single sample page that can be printed with a couple of samples and your contact info to go into hard files.
Remember that your portfolio will never be finished and you can always change your portfolio. So get to it!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Magic and technology
Their is very little between magic and technology. So I offer this, a place full of creative magicians for you to explore and learn from. A group of innovators who formed TED. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. They have a conference where people are invited to speak and spread new ideas. These talks are filmed and placed on the web for people to view at their leisure.
Looking for inspiration, new concepts, glimpse of the future? This web site is the place. This is true magic and magicians!
Use this link and then have fun exploring!! http://www.ted.com/index.php/
Looking for inspiration, new concepts, glimpse of the future? This web site is the place. This is true magic and magicians!
Use this link and then have fun exploring!! http://www.ted.com/index.php/
A QUOTE FROM THE MASTER!
I just found this quote from one of my hero's. John Lasseter once said " Quality is the best business plan". How true!
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