3 Things to Help You Stay Positive

Here are 3 things that you can do to help stay positive.


1. Take a breath and give thanks!

If you and the family are ok, practice safe social distancing and be thankful.

2. Be connected and show courtesy and empathy!

Social distancing is just physical distancing. A phone call, skype or facetime can make all the difference to someone who may feel or be alone. See how friends an family are doing.  Get what you need from the store but don't horde. Be polite and respectful. We are all in this together. How we treat each other will determine if we can make it through this crisis.

3. Be creative & think outside the box!
 
Use this time constructively to look within. Where do you see yourself moving forward? Where would you like to be? What would you like to do? This may be the perfect time to reinvent yourself or work on your personal development journey. Make a to-do list like this..


- Work on improving on your art skills and transition to using an electronic drawing tablet. Update the art portfolio.

- Get a handle on that piece of software you always wanted to use but had no time to explore. Check out using open source software instead of spending money on the subscriptionware.

- Looking into online classes to bone up on your skill set. Note that if you don't need credits for college, classes can be free.

- Organize your current computer. Update the old desktop / laptop. Set up a space for working remotely. Clear out the clutter of the things you don't need to maximize your space.

- Start writing that story you had on the backburner. Design the comic book idea you never got around to.

-  Analyze your favorite films and try creating your own. Do character designs / storyboards for that film project you always wanted to do.

- Do sound design experimentation with VST synths and effects plugin's

- Listen to some new music to get inspiration. Open up that DAW and create some cool new music.  Record some tracks and post to Soundcloud. Is this the start of an album concept? 


The sky is the limit. Be creative, be safe and remember that this is a new chapter unfolding in your life journey. Stay positive, create and see where it takes you. Best  wishes.


Here are some resources to get you started - 

Drawing and Character Design:

Being a Better Artist ,  Artistic Inspiration Links Part I  &  Part II,

Top 30 Drawing Tutorials,  Clean Line Art Techniques,

Bucci Character Design I,   Bucci Character Design II,
Character Design Drawing Tips,  Our Pinterest Page



Online Courses / Programming:

Students - Studio Code.org,  Khan Academy

Adults - Free Course Listings,   Coursera,   EDX.org


Tech & Business Resources



Storyboard & Storytelling:

Visual Composition & Storyboarding,  Pixar's 22 rules of Storytelling,

Ridley Scott on Storyboarding,  Visual Development Tips From Sony Pictures Animation,

Storytelling and Productivity Mind Hacks



Comic Creation:

Comic Creation Resources Part I,   Part II,   Part III,

Disney's Comic Art Tips



Filmmaking:

85 Movies Filmmakers Need to Know,  Videomaker Short Filmmaking Course (free),

Brad Bird Cinematography Techniques



Software:

Animation, art and film editing software (free)


Music creation / Audio:

Audio Resources,  10 Tips for Writing Better Music