Archive for the ‘distractions’ Category

Friday Finds: Xtranormal

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Today’s find is a website called xtranormal.com that makes movie making easy. Their tag line says it all: “If you can type, you can make movies.” With at least 16 ’showpaks’, or themes, to choose from, you can select one or two characters, change your background, and add audio music and sounds with just a few simple clicks. Then you simply type up a script for your characters to read (in a voice of your choosing), and animate them as you see fit. A number of these videos can be created for free, but for advanced options there is a fee.

In the Watch Movies section you can view featured videos by xtranormal, as well as the most recent and most popular user created videos. There is also a Desktop option to avoid the sometimes overwhelmed server issues. Xtranormal is a quick and fun distraction that could also be used as a business tool. Want to join the YouTube craze but are a little camera shy? This site is a great way to do so for cheap. Plus, you can avoid novice camera shaking and other less-than-desirable traits customary of new video producers. If you find yourself escaping the heat indoors this weekend, head over to xtranormal and try your hand at creating videos. Happy Friday!

Photo Essay: Early Spring

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

This year I am starting out on my first ever vegetable garden…which is also my first ever garden, period. I have been taking photos to document this delicate process, and it is quite exciting. I have very few expectations for the outcome of my veggies, but if I get a few good herbs or vegetables of any variety I will be happy. Here are the fragile beginnings of my seedlings (as well as some early spring flowers) in all their photographic glory. Enjoy!

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Distractions

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
During my experience working from home, I have found there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to a home office. One of the biggest pros and cons is the hours: the flexibility is great, but the fact that you never really “leave” work can lead to too many late nights. When I’m feeling overworked, especially if I’ve been focusing on one large project, I welcome a certain amount of distraction to clear my head before I revisit a design.
As with any creative field, I think that taking your mind off a project for a brief time can make the editing process more effective once you return to the task at hand. I find that editing improves with this method not only for design layouts, but also with photography and especially copy writing. Ideally I like to have multiple clients at varying stages of the design process, so that I do not spend 3 days straight designing logos. But, when business is slow or monotonous I have a collection of sites that I visit to keep me from burning out. So, without further ado here are a few of my favorite distractions. (Bonus: Some of these “distractions” can actually lead to productivity on another level!)

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