EI Year One
Here to grow.
Some reflections on my first year as a full-time business owner.
Back in the 90s, I thought 2024 was gonna be awesome. For lots of reasons that didn’t include me working for myself. Well, here I am. No flying cars or personal robot sandwich makers. But super-appreciative for what I have been able to accomplish.
Here’s five areas I invested in this year:
1 - Flip Doodle Deluxe
The success of Flip Doodle back in 2020, which was released as a resource for creatives, teachers and parents, led me to create Flip Doodle Deluxe (FDD). There are 72 cards, 528 words, 50 kinds of challenges and pretty much infinite combinations of creative prompts possible. All in one solid little carrying case that’s ready to travel wherever you go.
Overall, this project took two years to complete. I worked from the original Flip Doodle PDFs I released and elaborated on them. This involved adding new word prompts, removing some, thinking about how different word mashups would play off each other, etc. It’s so satisfying to have completed this one!
2 - Bugchums – Mini-Mart Merchant
Bugchums – Mini-Mart Merchant (BCMMM) is a dice game you print on your home printer or at local print shop. Download all the files from my shop, grab some dice and a pen and go! I grew up playing dice games like Yahtzee, so drew a little inspiration from those experiences. The result is a snappy roll-and-write game that can be played solo or with lots of chums.
Game design is a true design discipline, on par with environmental design, industrial design, graphic design, etc. Taking things like gameplay rules, probabilities, chance happenings, visual elements, physical components and more, and converting all these things into fun is a true challenge. I’m getting better by doing it.
3 - Bugruckus – Game Companion
I created the Bugruckus Game Companion as a world-building reference to help keep me organized as I create the upcoming Bugruckus card game. This 64 page ebook is like an almanac for the world of Bugchums. It includes lots of artwork, all sorts of bug facts, info about the Bumble Isles and tons of information for folks who want to bee-come bugologists. (That’s a real job, I checked. And pun = 100% intentional!)
Book-making is something I’ve loved for a long time. Book covers, page structure, layout – all of it scratches a design itch for me. But I also want to create content that shows how committed I am to the intellectual properties I author. And as for writing as a craft, again the only way to get better is by doing it and embracing a continuous learning mindset.
4 - Ramp Up Client Commissions
Client commissions this year included some logo / identity design, t-shirt illustrations for Verrado High School and some animation packages. While I don’t post client work on my site, I do have a portfolio of those samples I share directly with potential clients when I meet with them. I also have a list of clients I’ve worked with here.
My goal in 2025 is to increase illustration commissions. I’d really like to create more artwork for textiles, clothing lines, decorator art, postcard sets, social media content, books and identity work for entrepreneurs. If you or anyone you know is looking to hire out such work, have them talk to me. My rates are affordable and I pride myself on being easy to work with.
5 - Attending / Hosting Events
During 2024 I did two main events – Family Fun Day at Phoenix Art Museum and Phoenix Design Week’s OASIS Conference. Both were really engaging and were great opportunities to meet the public, answer questions and connect with other creatives.
During 2025 I have at least two events I’m involved with and I’ll have some announcements coming regarding events I’ll be hosting in person and online!
Thank you to everyone who supported my studio in some way this year – with commissions, purchases from my shop and encouragement at events. It means a lot.
So what’s next? 2025 = time to think about what to work on next year! A quick sneak peak below. More to come soon.
–E
A Light in Dark Times
It’s about what’s right, not who’s right
It all seems… all-consuming. Here’s a few ways to keep going as creatives.
A couple things before you read this. While I’m a spiritual person, I’m not impressed by religiosity. Second, I do not involve myself in politics. Lastly, I believe that most people are capable of doing what’s right.
Why mention these things?
Because you’re here, reading this. It’s important to me that you know where I’m coming from. I strive to live my life without harming others, while at the same time holding to my principles. It takes constant effort to keep balanced. Especially since I want to maintain my creative energy.
In view of all that’s concerning us these days, I thought I’d capture where I’m at right now. I say this often: my blog is mostly for me. Through it, I’m able to revisit my thoughts. And perhaps be reminded of what’s important to me.
Silence news outlets
The “news” has changed. Most big box news outlets are biased sensationalism. Meanwhile, a charismatic 20-something sitting in a midwest basement has a million+ people on YouTube who say he’s a trusted news channel. Ok, cool.
Here’s the thing, I don’t need a daily drip feed of bad news to know things are bad everywhere. After all, this is Earth, so we already assume things are critical. All of it is out of our control anyway. There’s no psychological benefit to dwelling on how horrible things are.
That said, I stay plugged in to my local community using a couple apps and by getting involved with neighborhood events. I look for ways to strike up conversations with my neighbors. And I visit the NPR and Associate Press websites for broader world updates.
My main focus remains creative education and information gathering. There are a few Twitch channels, YouTube profiles and smaller Zoom meet ups that keep me connected to relevant topics, such as growing my creative skills, game design trends and strategies for operating a creative businesses.
Unsubscribe at will
I took an afternoon the other day and reconsidered the various social media accounts I follow. You know what surprises me? How many people use their business profiles to spread lies and disparage others. Isn’t business about serving customers? Sharing resources? Delivering on promises we make?
Anyway, I no longer trust social media companies to do what’s right by people. I used to think they would, but I was naive. Social media is primarily a source of entertainment drenched in ads. That’s it. I know, social media is “crucial to business success,” right? For me, it’s not. Creating useful content, products and services is crucial.
All told, what’s important about life and doing great work, isn’t found online. It’s found within. It comes down to how we use our time. That limited, non-renewable resource we all have – time. Who are you giving it to? Who deserves the gift of our time? How will you spend what you can’t earn back?
Ignore the ignorant
When we make a conscious decision to ignore narcissists, bigots and zealots, we get something amazing – more peace of mind! These individuals are lost to themselves, stuck in their malcontent and bitterness. Don’t get baited into joining them. There’s no growth to be found in vulgar rants, name-calling and posting more vitriol online. It only kills our creative energy and wastes time.
A colleague I used to work with used to be very active on Twitter (X). “We have to call these racists out on their bull*&^$ Eric,” she’d say. After years of such effort, she told me all it did was make her more tired and more depressed. Meanwhile those she challenged, just kept river-dancing on the backs of the people they triggered.
When we encounter ignorance, it is good to offer perspective if someone’s really interested in growing as a person. But when people show us who they are deep down – close-minded, selfish, not open to reason – believe them. That’s when we take a deep breath. And we journey on.
Build creative muscle
I’m the first person to admit to needing more time in the gym for physical fitness. But creatively speaking, I am a powerhouse! It’s not cause of any inborn magic, but constant effort. The “darkness” drains all the joy from our creative pursuits if we let it. We all get down or depressed. Have a pity party. Then bounce back.
Have a little tea or coffee in the morning. Clear your mind. Think of all the little and big ways you’ve grown as an artist.
Doodle something when you sit down at your desk as a way of starting the day. Something goofy or funny, on a sticky note.
Each morning decide on one small or large project to move forward. Choose to feel good about whatever progress you make.
When you’re stuck creatively, ask a friend for help or DM another creative online for perspective. Don’t stay in your own head.
At lunch, watch an episode of a show you grew up with. Sometimes returning to stuff we loved as kids helps us in unexpected ways.
On occasion, ditch Google searches and ask prior employers, mentors or work mates how they accomplish things or approach creative problems. These are people who you know and who know you. And that advice can be worth lots more than a random person’s online.
Prioritize your health. Without it, there’s nothing else.
What are you doing to keep yourself well? What perspectives would you share? Leave a comment some time or share your thoughts with me.
It’s frightening to see corrupt, hurtful and arrogant people in society being supported and even deified. All we can do is hold to what’s right.
Keep your light on.
–E
PHXDW + Doodles
Flip Doodle Deluxe for Designers!
Flip Doodle Deluxe lands at Phoenix Design Week for the first time!
It was an awesome time with lots of drawing, laughing and getting to know other creatives. The organizers of Phoenix Design Week 2024 invited me to lead a Flip Doodle event prior to this year’s two-day conference, which was themed as “OASIS”. It was everything I was expecting – reinvigorating, informative and fun.
On June 25, 2024, Flip Doodle Deluxe released to the public. It’s a card deck I created that’s all about flipping cards, cooking ideas and serving doodles. Creative blocks? Squashed! Fear of failure? Haha, yeah right!
When we view creativity as a source of entertainment, the possibilities get cosmic real quick. Thanks to everyone that supported the event. And super special thanks to Larissa (my wife) and Nikki (our dear friend) for their assistance! I’m looking forward to many more chances to connect with people at future events here in the valley as well.
Here’s some images from the event and some thoughts that come to mind.
Three things to ponder
The audience at this event was mostly creative professionals, some of whom already draw but also those who don’t usually find the time. The event was open to conference attendees as well as their friends, family and the public. I’m always amazed at how once given the chance, many people reconnect with drawing quickly.
The artists we were, still exist – At these events I’ve met accountants, engineers, carpenters and other professionals who never doodle, but have such a great time reconnecting with the artist they used to be. Picasso said, “We’re all born artists.” So don’t say, “I’m not an artist.” Say “I know I’ll be an artist again if I try.”
Being creative is human - If you’re suspicious of AI, it’s likely because you understand the potential it has to damage our humanity. It’s serious. I mean, our “phones” already command most of our attention and we all know what it’s doing to our children. But we creatives will never be replaced. We are not robots, using algorithms to tell ourselves we’ve made art. We are the music makers, the dreamers of dreams. And we make those dreams come to life.
People value what’s real - Being seen. Being heard. Being together. True, it may not always be easy to put ourselves out there or want to be creative with others. But once people do, they experience good things in return. A sense that they matter, that their ideas are worth something and that they are part of a collective human experience.
The profound nature of doodles
Ages ago, people drew in caves. They made symbols for places, creatures, people and ideas. In time, they transferred those images to giant leaves, carved stones and bound parchments. They documented their lives through images and taught young ones about where they came from. Long before the printing press.
Well, skipping, skipping – here we are. We’re in an age of image creation that might as well be magic. We draw underwater, with light, with code and even with our eyes. We exist in an optical world where all we imagine can become something real.
If you never think about doodling in everyday life, you’re the perfect person to rediscover the meaning behind it. Who knows, maybe be reconnecting with your creative side you might get closer to a friend / family member, find new ways to manage stress and / or turn a small bit of nonsense into someone’s lasting treasure.
And when you make those first new lines, pause. Feel the moment. Perhaps that goofy doodle will say: “Keep going. Return to the artist you once were.”
:D
—
To schedule a Flip Doodle Deluxe workshop or team-building event, contact me for more information!
–E
The Only Way
Dwelling on good things helps.
Our troubled reality is too big for us to solve as creatives. But we can come together.
Ok, what I’m about to say may feel bad in its realism.
No matter the country, citizens feel lost and neglected by rulership. Candidates present shiny, yet hollow promises. Political rhetoric is lofty, but power corrupts as it always has. And division seems to come standard in so much of our culture. As long as peace, dignity, justice and security for all elude humanity, there will always be those who are marginalized and oppressed.
So, how does a good soul survive? Give up on creative pursuits? Live out angry, bitter lives? We come together. Because it’s the only way left for reasoning, thinking people.
Questions for humans
Let’s ponder some things, just for a minute.
Can we agree harming another person through words and/or deeds is wrong? That projecting hurt only breeds hate and causes us more hurt in turn? And that it’s a show of strength when we seek forgiveness for our mistakes? We agree on that.
Can we agree disagreement isn’t hate? Having differing views is part of the live-and-let-live values most claim to have. So how then does disagreeing with someone become a reason to wish others ill, incite violence or worse? Does it have to be that way? It doesn’t.
And, can we agree any extreme view is likely harmful to ourselves, our families, our communities? We live in a world of subtlety and nuance. Just as the natural world is diverse, complex and mysterious, people are equally so. At times we’re all insecure and vulnerable even in our most confident moments. Can we pursue more balance in our views? We can.
Everyone has their own answers to these questions. Most would agree bringing good into the world is important. For our families and children. But it takes conviction and patience to champion this. That’s why so it’s difficult.
Reasons to believe
People are mostly good. When a neighbor’s house is on fire, even the grumpiest guy on the block will act to help someone. Most want to do what’s right, even if that’s not the message online. Not everyone in our neighborhood is a rage monster.
Perspective helps a ton. Just because vocal minorities scream, shout and demean others online, doesn’t mean we have to buy-in to their approach or spend time viewing their “content.” We choose what’s important to us.
Listening still helps. Letting a neighbor vent may be tough in the moment, but what if it makes them feel listened to? Ask questions. Ask them how they feel things might be better right here, in your community, on your street. Let them speak.
Creatives support each other. As creative individuals, think about the talents and skills we have. Isn’t it awesome to get to make our ideas happen? No matter how big or small? Encouraging fellow artists of all ages spreads goodwill.
We aren’t born bullies. Someone once said “hurt people, hurt people.” It’s true. It’s also true that not all those who mock and intimidate others will listen to reason. But some will. Can we be a force for reason in our community?
Most want peace. We all know living a life dominated by rage and conflict contributes to bad health, broken relationships, lost wages, unrealized dreams and ultimately an untimely end. (Research* it.) Help someone breathe easier when possible.
Words heal too. Much of online culture is about toxicity, hurtful gossip and words used to tear down. But the time we spend with people in search of common ground and understanding, is golden. Think of your favorite person as a kid. It was likely someone who helped you and made you feel better. What if we could be that person for someone?
I think a lot about these things, but don’t have all the answers. And with the way things are, I’m trying to remember others don’t have all the answers either. I just know we’re all in need of something we can only get by coming together and seeking to humanize each other. And we need it now.
The days ahead
What does “coming together” look like? Practically speaking, it means doing more in-person events. Such as the recent Family Funday I participated in at Phoenix Art Museum. It was great getting to talk to others while drawing and hearing their stories. It also means hosting some free and ticketed events of my own. Virtually too. Making chances to chat and connect with others for real.
You see, the days ahead will be what we make of them. (Mostly.) Sure, good and not-good things will continue to happen. Socially. Politically. Economically. Those things aren’t us, but they do happen around us and to us. ALL of us.
So let’s keep giving others some grace. Let’s smile once and a while for what we have as creatives. Let’s go out of our way for someone now and then. Our communities need it. And together is the only way we’re gonna make it.
–E
*BTW – This 2006 article about anger is helpful when it comes to outlining the damage anger does. “The hostile heart, is a vulnerable one.”
Let’s Doodle
“Doodle” is a doing word.
The Flip Doodle Deluxe adventure is just getting started. And everyone’s invited.
This is an overview of an event I was invited to participate in at Phoenix Art Museum on Sunday, June 30, 2024 – Family Funday. These events feature art activities, access to galleries, food trucks and much more.
Flip Doodle Deluxe released to the public on my website on June 25, 2024. It was the culmination of three and a half years of work from 2020–2024. I’ve written about how the project started as a way I could give back to the creative community during difficult times.
Now, Flip Doodle Deluxe is a fully developed product. And it’s not just inspiring creativity. It’s spreading smiles, conversations and a sense of togetherness. Thank you to all who attended, played along and gave me doodles.
My fave = Comet / Sheep!
Fire / Face = Web comic hero? Totally!
Thanks to my creative friend Bobby for helping me demo Flip Doodle Deluxe AND the doodles!
A spider, ant, ladybug, caterpillar and worm live on a leaf. Leaf / Bug.
Jellyfish / Drink + Cloud / School
Maybe Starfish / Island is a great place for a tiny kingdom?
Mystery / Monster + Martian / Dynamite
Don’t underestimate (y)our power
So often in our divisive world, empowerment is talked about as something we must gain through conflict. Well, sometimes empowerment is a result of creative play. I’m talking about the power to help heal, comfort and encourage others. All of us have the potential to do this. And I witnessed it at the art museum during the event. Here’s some brief examples:
A rather timid girl and her mom sit down at my table to demo Flip Doodle Deluxe (FDD). The girl immediately connects with the cards and encourages her mom to draw with her. At first, mom doesn’t want to. But as she looks through the prompts she does. They spend the next two hours at my table. We chat and laugh.
A little girl asks what Flip Doodle is all about. I explain. She seems apprehensive and insists “I can’t do it.” Her father kindly compels her to try. She sits at my table for an hour, lost in lines and having a great time. She ends up giving me three drawings.
An experienced photographer gives FDD a try. She draws. We start chatting. Over the next hour and a half we relate about creative pursuits. Doodling all the while. She encourages me to keep believing in myself. Says we need more people who create these moments for others.
A large family sits down with their one grandchild who loves to draw. For almost an hour they’re transfixed by her creations. Some of them didn’t know she could do what she’s doing. Their grand-daughter beams with pride.
At one point, a young boy and his aunt come up. I show them FDD. The boy indicates some embarrassment about drawing in front of others. In the afternoon, he’s back with the courage to draw at a table full of doodlers.
I meet a woman who’s worked as an educator for years. In her eyes I see joy, commitment and patience. She’s very complementary and speaks about the importance of humanity in creativity.
A sweet Unicorn / Bear
Mystery creature team-up
Turtle / Money
Bees in space? Uh, yeah!
Swan / Taco + Dragonfly
That cup!
Seahorse / Dragon = worked on this critter thru the day here and there
It’s all happening, now
They say we need to move on from the past few years. That we need do-overs, undos and redos. I can relate. And all of that: the soldiering on, the healing and the forgetting – it’s all happening. But there’s something else. Coping. Some of us are coping with hardships. Day after day. And may always be. But how we cope is a choice.
Do you think art can help? If so, we might as well be friends! From a young age drawing was my imaginative outlet, an escape from bullies, a skill to develop, a source of entertainment and… a potent medicine. An elixir brewed with lines, colors, shapes and stories. Through my creations I discovered my individuality, purpose and meaning.
It’s no different now.
Monsta-attack! (Thanks for scaring me Sydney)
Proud of you Livia ;D
Really cool masked Peacock by Faith
My Snail / Clown + Trout / Chocolatier, heheh
Long live King / Marshmallow!
Required reading I think
To infinity…
We don’t need roads
Flip Doodle Deluxe is the beginning of a creative voyage. And the most exciting thing is, it’s one we can take together. Through real connection. The kind not found in an app or by suffering through ads. I’ll be talking with new folks. Listening to their stories. Understanding where they’re coming from. With doodling to connect us and guide us.
When I’m drawing, I try to relax. I breathe and get comfortable. Looking down I see a plain white landscape. I imagine the possibilities and start with some lines. I might mess up. Whatever. I might change my mind. It’s ok. And somehow, I get closer to the idea of being here on this planet for a reason. A feeling I’m going somewhere.
Hey, maybe doodling is like flying. We soar across reality from a high place. With complete freedom. Down below our fears reach out, but they can’t catch us.
Ready? Let’s go!
Lily’s solution for drawing butterfly wings gives me an idea for making hands easier to draw :D!
Fluffy / Hammer by my Larissa! (<3)
Mermaid / Shell by Alonzo
I lol’d with this Tree / Robot combo by Autumn!
When a doodle makes us laugh, it’s something more than a doodle
Ooze / Blanket :P
Next stop: Phoenix Design Week – “OASIS”
The crew organizing Phoenix Design Week 2024 has invited me to present a Flip Doodle Deluxe workshop at this year’s event in October! More to come soon!
More about Flip Doodle Deluxe.
–E
It Starts, Again
2024 = Starting year one of Eric Imagines full-time!
Frank Herbert said “beginnings are fragile things.” But there’s strength too.
2024. The future. Well, it was the future when I was walking home from school in the 80-90s. With all those Stranger Things, small-town vibes I just regarded as everyday life. On TV, the commercials dripped with optimism about the future. In 2024, everything would fly and or be wireless. Clean lines and slick threads would dominate fashion. Food would taste better and be better for us!
So, what do you think about where we are? Right.
Strength to begin
If you’re starting something new this year, give yourself some credit. It’s tough to start stuff. Especially the things that matter a lot. On October 31st 2023, I waved bye to my day job to focus on my creative studio. Who knows what 2024 will bring. I’m feeling strong so far and have reasons to be optimistic about my business.
But I also know some days will be better than others. Cause that’s life. Here’s what I’m doing to stay ready for opportunities and make some of my own.
1. Invest time
When I don’t have a client project on the desk, I’m actively developing and making products of my own. Digital products, tabletop game experiences and print-making are key areas of focus. I’m also recalibrating my time to minimize social media distractions.
2. Promote connection
Speaking of which, social media is not connection. I truly believe most people know this, but we’ve got to come to terms with the time we’re giving away to Instagrub, Facebark and all the other channels. So, curating is in order. Virtual calls can work, but I’m favoring experiences that bring us together. In-person collaborations, in-person chats with clients and friends and tabletop gaming too!
3. Build community
As creatives we need to encourage each other to keep growing and keep going. Mentally, we’ve all been through “extra” these past few years. Listening to others tell their stories, being a resource for them and offering perspectives is top of mind for me.
4. Make ideas happen
In prior years, I allowed distractions and procrastination to sneak into my mindset. I struggled with taking on too much stress and falling prey to myths around “multi-tasking” as a creative. No more. Getting anything done that matters to us, is a choice involving work.
We have now
Real quick, I tried running my business full-time before. Yup. In 2009. It went ok, but not well. After a couple years, I accepted another in-house design job. What happened? Well frankly, I still needed time to collaborate and learn from others in a business setting. I needed to pay off more debts and establish a greater network as well.
It’s 15 years later. The future is here. Now. It’s a sorta strange, upside down or inside out world. But regardless, we can’t spend time being too concerned about the future. Or the past. We have now. And that’s the best time to start again.
–E
EI vs AI
We are not the robots we’ve created for ourselves.
Artificial. Intelligence. Take a moment. Just think about those two words.
Running Eric Imagines as a business owner and doer, I’ve been watching and learning about AI. And I’ve been asked lots of questions lately about it too.
Examples: “What do you think of AI? Do you use AI? Have you added AI to your workflows? Oh you’re an artist / designer, that means you use AI right? Why aren’t you using AI for X, Y, or Z tasks yet?” I don’t have all the answers, but I have my answers.
Dueling truths
In the broad context of “art” AI is positioned as “enabling more people to express themselves creatively.” (Words from the Adobe MAX 2023 conference keynotes.) Further, AI is useful for “removing mundane tasks from creative workflows.” For instance with photo-editing in Photoshop. Why would any of these things be bad? Right?
But there’s another side. AI welcomes new levels of mediocrity and laziness into product development. It enables more piracy of others work. And for some, it’s just a way to make a quick buck. And yes, I hear the “those things have always existed argument.” But never before has something held the potential to permanently damage our view of creativity as the human gift it is. The implications are deep.
So far, my instincts tell me to walk carefully next to AI. Doing enough research to understand its capabilities, but using enough caution to remain balanced in my views. To me, the champions of AI often come across as icy opportunists. Some use grandiose rhetoric about AI elevating us to god-tier levels of productivity. It’s not surprising. After all, there’s big money to be made and stakeholders to please.
But where does this new reality leave the gentle artist? Or the eager creative, who’s perhaps just starting to ponder a body of work? Or the designer who still believes their work is the gift?
Drawing lines
Each of us in the creative professions must decide how deeply we will allow AI to influence our creativity. It’s a personal decision. Here’s where I’m at overall:
I’ll use AI to edit, not author – One example is writing. I do all the writing for the fictions I create. Whatever measure of good I achieve as a writer, it’s my work. AI comes in at the copy editing stage to help me scrub for errors and refine grammar. Additionally, I work with copy editors when it comes to getting perspectives on style and overall writing spirit.
I do not use AI to generate final art assets – Not for my clients. Not for the products I create. If a company or individual uses AI to generate a final product for sale, they promote goodwill by disclosing their use of AI and passing on any savings to supporters. As an example, if a tabletop game company uses AI-generated art to save money, being transparent and reducing retail prices shows respect for customers.
I put in the work – I create things from scratch. Whether it’s illustration, design, writing, or other, I’m the author. The work is me. AI comes in when I want to color-correct a piece, explore color variations and edit photos. However, I don’t type searches into online AI tools to help me generate ideas, create derivative images or help me draw vectors.
All work performed by owner
I saw that phrase on a painter’s truck once and it stuck with me. What a sincere and honest way of saying to the world: “Hey, when you hire me, you’re hiring me.” It bears repeating – as an artist and creative for hire, I do the work! I don’t see AI as a stand-in for my process or thinking ability.
The main concern I have with AI is organizations and individuals who see it as a replacement for art, for thought, for imaginative effort. This mindset represents a new enemy of creativity. Those who would replace human creativity with AI, demonstrate a belief that art is merely an expense to them. They see the process of creating compelling art as a waste of resources, rather than an investment in our collective creative culture. While it can be a useful tool, AI does not promote our humanity.
To sum things up, beauty has always been about more than the colors, forms or compositions present in a creative work. It’s about the perseverance, thought and imagination of someone. The commitments and sacrifices we make to bring good things into the world.
––––
UPDATE as of 12/20/23
Regarding #1 above – language translations are another area where using AI would be very beneficial! Especially as I develop new products to share. I’m researching options with the help of experts in the field.
–E
Tabletop Alchemy
Games are pretty much magic. You knew that. But we forget sometimes.
Games – transforming goof-off time into lasting memories since forever.
If you’re anything like me you grew up with tabletop games. Losing games. Winning sometimes. And thinking about playing again. You wondered how you could get better, be more clever and/or compete at a higher level. It was fun. Then we stopped playing. (Well, some of us did!)
Born into it
Picasso famously said “All children are born artists…”. It’s true. And I think we’re all born gamers too. Games are pretty much our first experiences with resource management and cooperation. They show children how to be gracious losers and decent winners too. Children invent games. Some littles downright ignore game rules just to have more fun. Adults who welcome this have more fun too.
But if gaming comes natural to us, why do we do so little of it sometimes? Sure, time can be tough to find. But I think we mostly just forget about the benefits. There’s nothing better than waking up on the weekend, easing into the morning, and then catching a board/card game with friends or family in a relaxed setting. It’s how we escape the nonsense of reality and how we make memories with those we love. It’s healing. (At least as long as no one turns into a rage goblin if they lose!)
For social well-being
Champion tabletop games as a source of well-being.
Win or lose – have fun! Both outcomes can be fun when we keep a sense of humor and cheer each other on. Keeping things light-hearted lowers blood pressure and promotes positivity. Competition is good as long as it doesn’t make others uncomfortable.
Bonding with friends over games is natural. Ditch the mobile devices, but embrace the side convos. Linger in a conversation for a bit, then get back to taking a turn. That’s how connections are made and talking only serves to humanize others. And that never hurts.
Team up sometimes. Cooperative games have never been more popular. If you’re new to gaming or returning to it, they’re a good place to start. There are so many types of co-op games – strategy, puzzle, escapes, etc. Games that keep the focus on player interaction and collaboration are some of my favorites.
A couple notes for gaming with children.
Bend the rules. When the children in your life want to break game rules or explore random ways of playing the game, let em’. If it means more fun in the moment, your time will mean more to them. There will be time to play “for real” as they grow. But for now, encourage having fun.
Follow the rules. On the other hand, game rules exist for a reason. Do acknowledge them as you play, especially with those who lack attention or seem distracted. If the rules don’t make sense to a child, try inventing some house rules everyone can agree to. Consider it an experiment! Still, showing a child the reason why the rules exist can help them grow.
Make gaming an event. When possible liven things up with background music, or special snacks, or wearing funky hats. Anything to help kids embrace the time together. It may seem goofy in the moment, but someday those memories will be everything.
Long live the tabletop
Kitchen tables, patio tables, folding tables – they’ve always brought people together. And most people have access to one. Tabletop games provide all sorts of possibilities for shared experiences that are positive. And we need that right now. More than ever.
–E
Nonsense as a Path
I have some thoughts about nonsense. That may or may not make sense.
If you walk this way, you’ll see some stuff.
Remember that time in Wonderland when Alice said: “If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense.” We live in that world. Everything is nonsense. Examples:
Commuting an hour to work on-site and “connect with others”, only to type away at a keyboard with headphones on. In a cozy little work silo. With only an occasional chat about movies or whatev with Ken from accounting.
Having our biases confirmed about everything and ignoring anything factual that challenges those biases. And smiling through it all. With glazed over eyes.
Eating durian fruit when we could be eating perfectly good seedless grapes! Durian? Really?
Warring with other countries to take their resources to pollute the world further to build things that generate more waste to bring all the problems of the world to our phones. So we can read about how the world is on fire every morning.
“Reality” TV. (Imagine two sets of semi-truck sized air quotes there.)
We are made of molecules. Yeah. It’s crazy.
Many other things. You get it.
Embracing nonsense
All of that, is why things like writing fiction, doodling, and dreaming up random worlds to explore are not so nonsensical to me. Tabletop games are another favorite of mine. The thing is truth is stranger than fiction. Still. After all these years of people saying that. That’s why at some point in my growth, I’m guessing around 4th grade, I decided to go all-in on nonsense.
So you’re creative. You want more nonsense in your life. The kind of creative nonsense that might come in handy for your business OR that just might make you a happier person. A few things:
Smile and wave – Especially when someone doesn’t get your art or your stories or that ironically-meta sticker collection you’re working on. You’re you. You’re a bit weird. You’ve probably always been. No one should be surprised.
Focus on your unique perspective – Walking the path of nonsense is about what you can bring to the table. You know, that Mad Hatter tea-party table in Wonderland? Where everything was just bonkers? Being yourself will not make sense to some. That’s the goal.
Have some tea – Speaking of tea parties, meet up with other friends of nonsense. For real or imaginary tea! Discuss how nonsense can be of help to others – children, students and the young at heart. How can nonsense bring a smile or a bit of joy to someone? Then do those things. Collaborate on them. Who knows what might happen.
Reality is nonsense
If true creativity is about the absence of fear, we can be unafraid of having our work labelled as “nonsense”. All our oddities or goofimisims as I like to call them, only serve to make us more unique. What makes us unique grants us freedom. And we can use that freedom to push ourselves and the tools we use to be more creative. I guess it’s like this ecosystem we can make for ourselves.
Kinda makes sense. Right?
–E
PHXDW – Unite
Things to remember from Phoenix Design Week 2023!
These things happened at the Ph0enix Design Week 2023 conference. Good things. Funny things. Creative things.
I drove to the conference feeling a little anxious, also hopeful
My friend Sheila said hi to me from the stage in Whitehall, with a microphone, I waved
Melissa said some things that made me feel truly appreciated
Bob and I shared some grouch-isms, laughed and caught up
I had an idea for a game, I sat outside for a bit to write all my ideas down
Rebekah gave me a hug and expressed interest in how I’d been
I learned I’m one of Amy’s “cousins”, we all are, which is cool
Nikita said: “people desire comfort, community and connection”, it’s true
I tripped in the hallway, I looked around to see if anyone noticed
Scott reminded us of the importance of “play”, so glad to hear him reinforce this
Kaitlyn smiled and we recalled other creative events we’d been at
I reconnected with my long-time creative friend Jen, we talked about in-house design
I met Jen’s colleague Shelby, we also talked about in-house design
A museum-goer asked me what the conference was about, I felt lucky to tell ‘em
At one point, I wondered where I’d be a year from now
I heard someone say to another “I’ve missed you, it’s been so long”
My buddy Bobby and I ended up having lunch and getting cosmic about art
Garren asked “What does success mean to you?” I think about that a lot
I decided to start meeting up with others once a week to co-work
On 10/7 at approximately 10:17am while eating a snack, I felt confident
While waiting for a session to start I thought about what serving others means
Always cool Justin won a prize, sometimes I think he coulda been the fourth Beastie Boy
At lunch one day I saw a bird fly off with a potato chip
I ate a turkey wrap that had mayo in it, which for me is a big deal
Chris talked about artists making the unseen be seen, I like that idea
On the second day of the conference I gave some zines away, giving felt good
I listened to Mack and thought more about community and working with good people
Saw a shy person trying to talk to someone new, I felt compassion
I made up my mind to care less about being validated by others
Safwat’s story and art exhibit moved me to tears, two times
Fellow designer and teacher Matt said I should come chat with his students
Chad thanked me for the Daft Punk screenprint I sent him, I’m grateful for music
Julie and I encouraged each other as fellow parents
I let go of some things to make room for new things
I thought about an AR event I hosted at Phx Art Museum in 01/23 and had new ideas
Adele gave a presentation about each of us being a treasure, it helped me
Carissa’s keynote got me to sing for the first time in years
My friend Brian and I laughed, we should hang out more
I decided I still really hate mayonnaise
Kathy got emotional, then I got emotional, again (See #30)
Bob won two “Best of” awards, so deserving that guy
I saw myself in a mirror and I looked… happy
Someone said to me: “Nooo, you’re not to old for TikTok”, that was… reassuring?
I was so proud of Yuxin winning a “Best of” award, such sincerity and humility
Seandean made me feel more assured
Steffan’s work inspired me as a fellow vector artist
I made some realistic goals for 2024
One of my goals = Collaborate on three projects with local creative / agency friends
This year I missed seein’ Will and Michelle and Jon and the Monomyth team…
I left the conference feeling excited about what I learned and the possibilities
If you read this far, thanks for reading. I made this list for me. Lists tend to be useful in my world. One day I’ll look back at this post and I know it will help me!
Be well.
–E