You know, it seems like most people in my life are having working crises. Either their jobs are changing, or their job is turning into something that they didn't expect.
I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that most of us are into 'career' style jobs, and the question that always comes after a certain amount of time, is 'what am I doing here?' Is this really the life I want?
I think we all feel the ticking of the clock, and most of us wonder, what more could we do? Are we making the mark we want to make?
I often wonder, too, am I making the mark that I am meant to be making? Is there more good I could be doing in the world, and if so, in what way?
I think all we can do is muddle through, and look for those bright spots. Life never goes the way we plan it to go. We all wish we could be billion-dollar successes, most of us won't be. Those of us who will be probably never expected to be. Heck, most of us just want a steady paycheck and a smile on our face 3/4 of the year. Most of us would settle for that and a bit of peace of mind.
Life is hard.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Vancouver!
So many good times, some highlights:
- Seeing my cousin Lisa again after 13 years apart, and getting to know her kids
- Surprising my soon to be step-sister Kristine that I was in Kelowna
- Meeting Warren, Renee's husband, who's really swell
- Eating at Forage and buying myself a really expensive meal
- Spending time with Derek, who hasn't changed at all
- Reconnecting with Eva, my university friend who I haven't seen for almost 10 years
- Visiting my grandmother's old trailer in Vernon
- Seeing the lake and the mountains in Kelowna and Vancouver....it was just THE BEST
It was a great trip overall. I must go back, and bring Alex!
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
There's a lot of love in the world
And I just feel good lately. Work is busier than ever, but I'm feeling good about life in general.
I have been working really hard lately, and I guess I just hope it all pays off soon. ^_^
I have been working really hard lately, and I guess I just hope it all pays off soon. ^_^
Monday, September 12, 2016
Birthday goals
So last year my birthday was disappointing.
Not because of what anyone did. In fact, several of my friends and Alex did was really sweet and they tried to put something together for me so I enjoyed myself. And I did....sorta! But in the end, it felt a bit like a pity attempt. And there's no party that's worse than a pity party. And I don't know that everyone had such a great time.
I realized, I think, the only way that I would have a good birthday, the kind I LOVE, the kind that says 'this is worthy of good memories' is for me to be really clear about what I want to do, and invite people along to do what 'I' want..because I realized the problem was me, not other people!
This year, here's some highlights:
I wonder what next year will bring. I hope it's just as good as this year!
Not because of what anyone did. In fact, several of my friends and Alex did was really sweet and they tried to put something together for me so I enjoyed myself. And I did....sorta! But in the end, it felt a bit like a pity attempt. And there's no party that's worse than a pity party. And I don't know that everyone had such a great time.
I realized, I think, the only way that I would have a good birthday, the kind I LOVE, the kind that says 'this is worthy of good memories' is for me to be really clear about what I want to do, and invite people along to do what 'I' want..because I realized the problem was me, not other people!
This year, here's some highlights:
- Alex got me a really, really nice present....he's improving! :)
- I got to go to Dolly Parton with my mentor, Barry...a good deed and a great time with someone I admire
- Played an escape game! Was so fun!!! :)
- I had two amazing meals....mexican on my actual birthday, and duck fat fries on Saturday
- Went to my favourite martini place
- Got some cute and amazing cards
- Had laughs and saw people I loved, I felt very, very loved
I wonder what next year will bring. I hope it's just as good as this year!
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Oppression
I am currently reading The Gay Revolution by Lillian Faderman. It's a harrowing read for me, as it mirrors so much of what happened to me as a young kid, and so much I got to avoid because this revolution happened for me, and in many ways, without me.
I often wondered if I would be a activist when I grew up. Growing up in a rural place (and trust me, Saskatoon in the 90s was a rural place), being gay meant being oppressed. You grew up with two choices: be an accidental activist or be in the closet for life.
Many times, when having fights with my mom about my sexuality, I wondered if I should leave home. If push came to shove, I would have left without a second thought. Because I knew if people weren't going to accept me for me, then I needed to accept me, and that was more important than anything else. Nothing else mattered to me at that age.
The idea of freedom didn't seem that important to me as a young man; I was free because I thought I was free. But you can only be free if you can imagine a world that accepts you. In 1950-70, being a homosexual meant poverty, loss of job, friends, everything. You couldn't count on the police, they were the ones beating you in the street. Religious people (and religions) said you were going to hell. Parents were expected to abandon and forsake you. I can only imagine where many of those people are now.
In this day and age, you wonder: how can we be so far from unity, and yet we profess progress? How can people believe that some people are inferior to others, just because they are different. I think it's very understandable that sometimes, you'll feel uncomfortable around people that are different than you. But that doesn't mean you're bad; it just means it's hard to be around things that are different.
Somewhere along the way people began to show courage. There began a new idea; an exciting idea that people could be proud of who they are. Pride is a term you don't understand until you realize what you have to lose, walking in broad daylight.
Gay people, and many minority communities, don't want special rights. They want to feel like they have a place in the world. It doesn't have to be a special place, a better place. It just needs to be a place where they don't feel hurt, just to exist.
I often wondered if I would be a activist when I grew up. Growing up in a rural place (and trust me, Saskatoon in the 90s was a rural place), being gay meant being oppressed. You grew up with two choices: be an accidental activist or be in the closet for life.
Many times, when having fights with my mom about my sexuality, I wondered if I should leave home. If push came to shove, I would have left without a second thought. Because I knew if people weren't going to accept me for me, then I needed to accept me, and that was more important than anything else. Nothing else mattered to me at that age.
The idea of freedom didn't seem that important to me as a young man; I was free because I thought I was free. But you can only be free if you can imagine a world that accepts you. In 1950-70, being a homosexual meant poverty, loss of job, friends, everything. You couldn't count on the police, they were the ones beating you in the street. Religious people (and religions) said you were going to hell. Parents were expected to abandon and forsake you. I can only imagine where many of those people are now.
In this day and age, you wonder: how can we be so far from unity, and yet we profess progress? How can people believe that some people are inferior to others, just because they are different. I think it's very understandable that sometimes, you'll feel uncomfortable around people that are different than you. But that doesn't mean you're bad; it just means it's hard to be around things that are different.
Somewhere along the way people began to show courage. There began a new idea; an exciting idea that people could be proud of who they are. Pride is a term you don't understand until you realize what you have to lose, walking in broad daylight.
Gay people, and many minority communities, don't want special rights. They want to feel like they have a place in the world. It doesn't have to be a special place, a better place. It just needs to be a place where they don't feel hurt, just to exist.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Negativity
I was reading this article today about Negative Habits That Stop People from Being Happy, and it definitely hit a note or two for people in my life. Quite a few, actually.
I just think the kind of life we in Canada get to experience is so rare, so unexpectedly special, it often causes me to stop, to watch the sun set, to really look at the people passinng me on the street. From the shape of a leaf on a tree, to shared laughter between friends, to reaching an important goal...I just think it's so easy to love life and love it well.
I hope for people who are struggling...that they might find their way. For those that are afraid, they find courage. For those in despair, may they find a way to start again, to renew themselves.
For me, I wish for only the wisdom to be able to say the truth without harming, to create change without destroying, to make connections where there were none; to create something out of nothing, every day, with creativity, good intention and faith. (And maybe a dose of laughter, as well.)
Life is not long. This seems to me unfair. I wish I could experience more, see more, and feel more of everything there is in human life. There's so much good in the world. I truly believe that, even if the worst were to come, there's still so much good in life to experience.
I just think the kind of life we in Canada get to experience is so rare, so unexpectedly special, it often causes me to stop, to watch the sun set, to really look at the people passinng me on the street. From the shape of a leaf on a tree, to shared laughter between friends, to reaching an important goal...I just think it's so easy to love life and love it well.
I hope for people who are struggling...that they might find their way. For those that are afraid, they find courage. For those in despair, may they find a way to start again, to renew themselves.
For me, I wish for only the wisdom to be able to say the truth without harming, to create change without destroying, to make connections where there were none; to create something out of nothing, every day, with creativity, good intention and faith. (And maybe a dose of laughter, as well.)
Life is not long. This seems to me unfair. I wish I could experience more, see more, and feel more of everything there is in human life. There's so much good in the world. I truly believe that, even if the worst were to come, there's still so much good in life to experience.
Sunday, August 07, 2016
A tribute to a friend
Bruce Hunter had a rapier wit, and wasn't afraid to speak his mind. I remember sitting in meetings with him, saying things to our boss that I never thought anyone said to anyone's boss. But he said them with such charm that he got away with it, nearly every time. This endeared him to me, and told me that he was my kind of person, the kind I liked in a workplace. Honest, professional, in touch with reality and not afraid to speak his mind.
I could go on with quite a few stories, but I have three things that I would like to note:
After he retired from my workplace, we had a couple messages on Facebook here and there, but I never had the chance to go have a drink with him, or see him again after that. It leaves somewhat of a sad feeling with me, of an opportunity missed.
Going to his funeral this week was hard. It's harder still to realize this will happen more and more as I get older. I myself am not afraid of dying, not in the usual way. I am afraid of all the amazing things in life I will miss, but not of dying. It's moments like this where I think that some people are born with great souls, and that those great people are the beacons in our lives. Bruce was one of them for me, even if it was only for a very short time.
Bruce, thank you for being in my life. So many people at your funeral, I could tell, felt very similarly to me. You touched people in ways you probably didn't even realize. Thank you for being who you were....I wish more people could have known how wonderful you were.
I could go on with quite a few stories, but I have three things that I would like to note:
- He was my mentor. He taught me the principles of design and how to to create things that are beautiful and functional just through talking it through with me. He stood up for me in ways I didn't expect, and I am forever grateful for.
- He was someone who changed the world in his own way. He was a big part of the MAC Aids fund for a very long time, and he was part of the movement to revolutionize and change the face of LGBT communities....he did a lot of good through that foundation.
- He had joie de vivre. He was a truly happy and to my eyes, a very full and complete person who knew who he was and knew how to enjoy life to the best of his ability.
After he retired from my workplace, we had a couple messages on Facebook here and there, but I never had the chance to go have a drink with him, or see him again after that. It leaves somewhat of a sad feeling with me, of an opportunity missed.
Going to his funeral this week was hard. It's harder still to realize this will happen more and more as I get older. I myself am not afraid of dying, not in the usual way. I am afraid of all the amazing things in life I will miss, but not of dying. It's moments like this where I think that some people are born with great souls, and that those great people are the beacons in our lives. Bruce was one of them for me, even if it was only for a very short time.
Bruce, thank you for being in my life. So many people at your funeral, I could tell, felt very similarly to me. You touched people in ways you probably didn't even realize. Thank you for being who you were....I wish more people could have known how wonderful you were.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Wedding!
Martin's wedding is finally done! Whew!
All I have to say is that it was a lot of work. I'm glad it's over, and everyone seemed happy with how it went.
All I have to say is that it was a lot of work. I'm glad it's over, and everyone seemed happy with how it went.
Tyler and I MC's the wedding. At first, I thought it was going to be not fun, and a lot of work, but I was only right on one account!
Tyler and I did a great job, probably better than both of us expected, since we didn't have much time to practice and we had to sort of come up with 'appropriate jokes.' It's tough when it's about family! ;)
Overall, it was a lot of fun, but wow I was tired every day! The good thing is that I got to visit with a lot of great relatives that I haven't seen in a while....it was really awesome. Especially seeing my Uncle Martin and Auntie Marg and my Uncle Brian....it's been years!
It was the best time....great family time spending it with everyone.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Delicious Dinner
Went out with Liz and her parents tonight...what an amazing meal! We'll have to go there again.
Friday, July 01, 2016
Sunday, June 26, 2016
My Strengths and Weaknesses test
I took this very fun test....and here are my results!
Your Top 5 Strengths Are:
Faith (94%):
* Make efforts to discover your true passion and tie it to your work, no matter what you do.
* Align, but don't compromise, your values to that of your organization.
* You respect others for learning about your family and community - give them the opportunity.
* You give more value to greater levels of service than more money - let others know this.
* People may not share your beliefs, but you feel they need to understand & respect - let them.
Self Motivation (88%):
* You don't need your hand-held; help others understand you need space to make meaningful decisions.
* Seek to take on a role where persistence is essential to success.
* Continually take on roles that demand an aura of certainty and stability.
* You have a strong self-concept that you are an agent of action - nurture it.
* You are most effective when you feel you are in control of your world - be aware and help others understand this.
* You need clear feedback to develop your instincts - review your failures and successes for lessons learned.
Curiosity (88%):
* Actively take on roles that require you to stay current in a fast moving field.
* Always stay hunting for a richer learning environment - the process keeps you energized.
* Track your learning progress and celebrate milestones along the way.
* Challenge yourself to be a resident expert or master of trade on a subject.
* Request to work beside someone who will continuously push you to learn more.
* Learn by teaching others - do discussion groups and presentations at work and in your community.
* Set aside money to support continued education, training, seminars, and e-learning.
Resourcefulness (88%):
* You thrive on responsibility - sign up for opportunities that foster it.
* Capitalize on your talent to be a manager or supervisor.
* You are good at figuring out how to fit others' strengths into the team - help them.
* You thrive in situations where many things are happening at same time - seek them.
* Make efforts to figure out other ways to do things - you enjoy this.
* Reject working with someone who you believe is dishonest or shoddy worker.
Strategic Thinking (81%):
* Be on the leading edge of your organization, groups, and strategic plans.
* Be involved in organizational planning and risk management efforts.
* Always give yourself plenty of time to think through a situation.
* Read books, take a training course, or attend a seminar in strategic planning and futurism.
* Seek chances to share your ideas in writing and presentations.
* Seek solutions that worked in other places, learn from them, and try to apply them to your life and work.
Your Remaining Results Are:
Adaptability (81%):
Visionary (81%):
Communication (81%):
Innovation (81%):
Focus (81%):
Ambition (81%):
Salesmanship (75%):
Teamwork (75%):
Leadership (75%):
Problem Solving (75%):
Integrity (75%):
Purpose (75%):
Optimism (69%):
Risk Taking (63%):
Determination (44%):
Your Bottom 1 Weakness Is:
Balance (38%):
* You bring structure to chaotic situations - you don't rest until order restored. Seek teams that need your help.
* Clutter will greatly annoy you - make every effort to enhance your organizational and planning systems.
* Always seek advance notice of deadlines, meetings, and project milestones.
* Surprises are distressing to you and can ruin your day - help others understand the way you operate.
* Actively take time out to prioritize your tasks and goals.
* Offer to help with time management and department processes.
* Continually work out possible outcome paths ahead of time to prepare for the unknowns.
My summer reading challenge!
I have challenged several people on THE FACEBOOK to read along with me, and I will read any book that they are trying to accomplish to read this summer. I let them pick from this list (or suggest a good alternative!)
So far I am reading:
Visit From The Goon Squad with Anita
Armada with Desirae
and I assume more as the week goes on! ^_^
Join me, if you dare! Yarr!
So far I am reading:
Visit From The Goon Squad with Anita
Armada with Desirae
and I assume more as the week goes on! ^_^
Join me, if you dare! Yarr!
Tuesday, May 03, 2016
What a long day!
Work was busy, new diet, watched Working Girl for the first time...made me remember what made movies great in the 80s!
Tuesday, April 05, 2016
Goals!
It's been so busy...I haven't even had time to write on here!
More importantly, I've been so busy accomplishing things on my list that I hadn't really had time to record a lot of them. So here's a little personal report!
Total planned goals for Dec-March 2016: 75
Total completed goals: (drumroll please) 46
Completed goals:
I got a lot done, and part of that had to do with giving up video games for Lent. You don't realize how much time you do certain things until you remove them and have to replace them with other things. For me, that was reading books. I ended up reading almost 25 books over Lent. It was almost a book a day.
There were also some surprises. One of my goals was to text my brothers more. Doing so has been really fruitful for me...I've gotten a lot closer to them considering that I don't see them very often.
Practicing drawing has also been really good for me. I had forgotten how much I liked learning to draw. It's been a good investment.
The biggest surprise for me has been has some goals completed themselves without too much work from me. I ended up having a party at my house...but it was me and Celine planning it, not just me. Some goals are better with others!
Not completed goals:
A lot of the small goals I didn't complete. Some were really silly. (eg. make a milkshake) But I did want to do them. Some of them wouldn't really let me complete them in the timeframe I wanted. (e.g. My PR website had huge problems in the back end. I still plan to redesign it and invest more in it, but well, it needs a major overhaul!)
Some were things that weren't that important but would have been nice (get a new curtain rod and curtains)
The one I'm sad I didn't complete is taking a french class. I just couldn't seem to find the time required for investing in a language class.
Overall:
I think I'm getting better and making lists of things I want to do and working towards them, even when they're difficult, multi-stepped items. (Like finishing two online courses in the past couple months!)
Time to make a new list!
More importantly, I've been so busy accomplishing things on my list that I hadn't really had time to record a lot of them. So here's a little personal report!
Total planned goals for Dec-March 2016: 75
Total completed goals: (drumroll please) 46
Completed goals:
I got a lot done, and part of that had to do with giving up video games for Lent. You don't realize how much time you do certain things until you remove them and have to replace them with other things. For me, that was reading books. I ended up reading almost 25 books over Lent. It was almost a book a day.
There were also some surprises. One of my goals was to text my brothers more. Doing so has been really fruitful for me...I've gotten a lot closer to them considering that I don't see them very often.
Practicing drawing has also been really good for me. I had forgotten how much I liked learning to draw. It's been a good investment.
The biggest surprise for me has been has some goals completed themselves without too much work from me. I ended up having a party at my house...but it was me and Celine planning it, not just me. Some goals are better with others!
Not completed goals:
A lot of the small goals I didn't complete. Some were really silly. (eg. make a milkshake) But I did want to do them. Some of them wouldn't really let me complete them in the timeframe I wanted. (e.g. My PR website had huge problems in the back end. I still plan to redesign it and invest more in it, but well, it needs a major overhaul!)
Some were things that weren't that important but would have been nice (get a new curtain rod and curtains)
The one I'm sad I didn't complete is taking a french class. I just couldn't seem to find the time required for investing in a language class.
Overall:
I think I'm getting better and making lists of things I want to do and working towards them, even when they're difficult, multi-stepped items. (Like finishing two online courses in the past couple months!)
Time to make a new list!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Goal #53: Go to a classical music concert
I went to not one, but THREE classical music concerts this week as part of the TSO's New Creations festival. Great, sometimes weird music. I enjoyed a lot of it, and I got to all of them with different people. Lots of great cultural learning! I had a blast.
Goals update!
I've managed to cross quite a few off the list!
Goal #3: Go to a networking event
Met several young entrepreneurs this weekend. Next!
Goal #13: Volunteer for something
Taught a social media class to said young entrepreneurs.
Goal #19: Write 10 Blog posts
This is 10. Next!
Goal #22: Go to a job interview.
Just interviewed for my permanent position this Thursday at CAMH. Next!
Goal #23: Take a Marketing or PR course
This week I'm finishing my SEO online course.
Goal #25: Hold a HUGE Party!
Roommate brunch: Spring edition was 8 people. So much fun! Laughed, caught up, had nice food.
Goal #37: Make someone's day
Bought a cupcake for a coworker on her birthday and sang her happy birthday.
Goal #57: Volunteer somewhere new
I'll be starting to volunteer with RISE in the fall.
Goal #66: Learn a little Russian
Paka means goodbye, and Zdravstvvuyte means hello. Mehn-yeh zau-voot Brennan!
Goal #71: Brainstorm content ideas
I'm currently working on a new little side writing project. Excited about this little secret 'o mine!
Goal #3: Go to a networking event
Met several young entrepreneurs this weekend. Next!
Goal #13: Volunteer for something
Taught a social media class to said young entrepreneurs.
Goal #19: Write 10 Blog posts
This is 10. Next!
Goal #22: Go to a job interview.
Just interviewed for my permanent position this Thursday at CAMH. Next!
Goal #23: Take a Marketing or PR course
This week I'm finishing my SEO online course.
Goal #25: Hold a HUGE Party!
Roommate brunch: Spring edition was 8 people. So much fun! Laughed, caught up, had nice food.
Goal #37: Make someone's day
Bought a cupcake for a coworker on her birthday and sang her happy birthday.
Goal #57: Volunteer somewhere new
I'll be starting to volunteer with RISE in the fall.
Goal #66: Learn a little Russian
Paka means goodbye, and Zdravstvvuyte means hello. Mehn-yeh zau-voot Brennan!
Goal #71: Brainstorm content ideas
I'm currently working on a new little side writing project. Excited about this little secret 'o mine!
Saturday, March 05, 2016
Goal 26: Read 10 books
This goal turned out to be seriously easy. Sometimes I forget how much a read on a regular basis.
More than that, I gave up video games for Lent. I can't sit still for too long, so instead of movies, it left me with books. And I've always loved reading, and I read quite a few books per year, usually 20-60, depending on the year. I picked most of them from top lists in 2015 in fantasy and sci-fi, since I have been in the mood for things from my fav genres. Here's the list of books I read:
1. The Great Gatsby
2. The Five People You Meet in Heaven
3. Mort(e)
4. The Shadow Revolution
5. Prince of Fools
6. Throne of Glass
7. The Queen of Tearling
8. Iron Axe
9. The Knight of Swords
10. A Spell for Chameleon
I read a few other random books, but these are the ones so far that I enjoyed the most. I read about a book every two days, which tells you how I've been spending my free time lately! \
I highly recommend 1, 3, and 7.
More than that, I gave up video games for Lent. I can't sit still for too long, so instead of movies, it left me with books. And I've always loved reading, and I read quite a few books per year, usually 20-60, depending on the year. I picked most of them from top lists in 2015 in fantasy and sci-fi, since I have been in the mood for things from my fav genres. Here's the list of books I read:
1. The Great Gatsby
2. The Five People You Meet in Heaven
3. Mort(e)
4. The Shadow Revolution
5. Prince of Fools
6. Throne of Glass
7. The Queen of Tearling
8. Iron Axe
9. The Knight of Swords
10. A Spell for Chameleon
I read a few other random books, but these are the ones so far that I enjoyed the most. I read about a book every two days, which tells you how I've been spending my free time lately! \
I highly recommend 1, 3, and 7.
Goal 29: Text brothers 20 times
I noticed I wasn't connecting with my brothers as much as I used to....and I realized I didn't put a lot of work into contacting them, which is probably part of the problem. So, I made extra efforts to reach out to them.
And lo, and behold, it was one of the best things I could have done.
I send ridiculous Snapchats back and forth with Tyler. I would ask Clayton about trips him and his girlfriend were taking. I asked Martin and his fiancee about their upcoming wedding. Adam and I texted back and forth about when I had a one-hit wonder punk band in high school. (Me, in a punk band!)
I am glad I got back in touch...but I also think it was good I waited.....I'm not sure that I would have been in a good position to explain to my brothers what I was trying to do with my life for the last couple years.
But now that everyone's growing up, it's a little nicer.
And lo, and behold, it was one of the best things I could have done.
I send ridiculous Snapchats back and forth with Tyler. I would ask Clayton about trips him and his girlfriend were taking. I asked Martin and his fiancee about their upcoming wedding. Adam and I texted back and forth about when I had a one-hit wonder punk band in high school. (Me, in a punk band!)
I am glad I got back in touch...but I also think it was good I waited.....I'm not sure that I would have been in a good position to explain to my brothers what I was trying to do with my life for the last couple years.
But now that everyone's growing up, it's a little nicer.
I've been listening to a lot of Celine Dion lately
And I've decided if I ever get married, maybe I'll choose this song as my wedding song....I can imagine myself slow dancing to this song.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Goal #74: Go Skating
So I wanted to go skating. And it's been beautiful this weekend, so I managed to drag Karl skating with me.
Little did I know Karl did not know how to skate. I mean, he said he wasn't very good. but that was a GRAND exaggeration. He couldn't skate to save his life.
However, with the small lessons from Brennan-the-mighty teacher, he learned and learned well! By the time he finished, he could skate without falling flat! It was a really fun moment!
I had such a nice night with Karl....it's been a while since he and I have had that much fun. And it was good to be able to help him get better at something as well.
Monday, February 01, 2016
Goal 69: Finish After Effects Course
So I have been working on an Adobe After Effects course for the last two years or so. It was 8-10 hours of coursework, and I finally finished it! Woo!
After Effects is one of the hardest programs for a creative professional (imo) to master, since it's better if you have a strong understanding of both vector graphics (Illustrator) and layered documents (Photoshop) as well as understanding video composition (Premiere) to really get some of the full effects out of the program.
Needless to say, working in this program, which while the industry standard, is still a piece of garbage, made me take longer than I normally would have to complete this course. I'm waiting for the day when the industry standard for a pro-sumer is something not only more user-friendly, but less prone to crashing, or waiting to load previews, and has the capability of integrating sound properly.
Anyways.
I'm a lot more confident with AE than before, and it's only going to help my editing skills in the future.
After Effects is one of the hardest programs for a creative professional (imo) to master, since it's better if you have a strong understanding of both vector graphics (Illustrator) and layered documents (Photoshop) as well as understanding video composition (Premiere) to really get some of the full effects out of the program.
Needless to say, working in this program, which while the industry standard, is still a piece of garbage, made me take longer than I normally would have to complete this course. I'm waiting for the day when the industry standard for a pro-sumer is something not only more user-friendly, but less prone to crashing, or waiting to load previews, and has the capability of integrating sound properly.
Anyways.
I'm a lot more confident with AE than before, and it's only going to help my editing skills in the future.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
TOW: Learning from mistakes
Fast forward to today, when I was part of a planning committee that helped launch Portico Network in a 'media ready' kind of way, life is a lot different. I am surrounded by interesting, intelligent people. And I managed to fix similar errors before they blew way out of control. I would like to say I've learned from my mistakes, but I think it's more accurate to say that I know what to look for, and to look for it constantly when under tight timelines and pressures.
One of the videos I created for this event is a culmination of work between me and very overworked, top-tier graphic designer. I storyboarded the entire thing, scripted it, she animated and designed the look and feel, and I hired the narrator and cut the video as well as did all the timing and music. It was an extremely collaborative effort.
I'm really proud of being able to do things like this in my career path. It's moments like this that make me super happy....creating things that are fun....at least fun for me....and well received by people who want products like these.
I will probably make many more mistakes in the future..but I'm looking forward to gaining experience in my industry of choice, and doing my best to provide the best possible to those around me. =)
Friday, January 01, 2016
New list!
I have a new list of 100 goals for this year. Here's what's been accomplished so far
14) Get a new cell phone: It was time! I now have a giant phone.
17) Spend some quality time with Graham:
This is me trying to look like we're having the best time in the world!!! In reality, we just ate a lot of sushi. I think Graham was calling Kendal back.
33) Buy a new suit: Now in alterations!
42) Do a painting workshop: This painting is only $400! Buy now! =)
I'll keep going with my list of updates here....one of the was also 'finish Christmas shopping' which definitely happened!
14) Get a new cell phone: It was time! I now have a giant phone.
17) Spend some quality time with Graham:
33) Buy a new suit: Now in alterations!
42) Do a painting workshop: This painting is only $400! Buy now! =)
I'll keep going with my list of updates here....one of the was also 'finish Christmas shopping' which definitely happened!
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