Author: Contributor

Active Hobby Guide

new-years-eve-sparkler

Ninja warrior obstacle course events transform routine workouts into adrenaline‑charged adventures that spark instant camaraderie. Opening a fresh stack of Pokémon card packs invites collectors to chase rare finds while flexing creativity and strategy. A well‑balanced snooker cue glides through the fingers, ready to translate physics into a graceful break on the green baize. Whether you’re leaping, trading, or lining up a precision shot, each pursuit offers its brand of fun time and a chance to level up your mind and body.

Why Diverse Hobbies Matter

Our brains crave novelty and challenge, yet modern life often funnels us into repetitive screens or sedentary routines. Adopting a mix of active pastimes—physical, collectible, and tactical—benefits mental agility, emotional balance, and overall resilience. Neuroscientists highlight that engaging in varied activities stimulates neuroplasticity; you rewire synapses to adapt faster across unrelated tasks. From a psychological standpoint, the shift between kinetic movement and cerebral strategy prevents burnout, because each hobby taps different motivational circuits. The result is a holistic skill set that transfers into professional problem‑solving, social confidence, and stress management.

Building Functional Strength Through Play

Obstacle‑themed training has surged far beyond televised competitions. Community parks now feature modular rigs with rings, salmon ladders, and warped walls. The beauty lies in scalable difficulty: a beginner might practice foot placement on balance beams while seasoned athletes attempt mezzanine‑height cliffhangers. To maximize gains, alternate technique drills—like precision landing or grip endurance—with full‑run sprints that link multiple elements in the sequence. Tracking small victories, such as shaving two seconds off a course section, reinforces intrinsic motivation and keeps plateaus at bay. More than calories burned, you gain coordination, proprioception, and the mental toughness to tackle unexpected hurdles of the course.

Strategic Collecting as Cognitive Training

Trading‑card culture marries nostalgia with sharp analytical thinking. Draft formats force players to evaluate probability on limited information, strengthening decision‑making under uncertainty. Building a competitive deck also exercises financial literacy: you weigh short‑term pack openings against long‑term single investment while managing a budget. For newcomers, start with thematic goals like assembling a type‑specific collection or completing a particular expansion. Use digital cataloguing apps to track conditions, values, and gaps. Periodic market research—following release schedules, print runs, and tournament meta shifts—refines predictive skills that can spill over into more serious investment arenas.

Precision, Patience, and the Art of Cue Sports

Cue games blend geometry, psychology, and motor finesse. Mastery begins long before the first stroke: stance width, shoulder alignment, and eye focus set the stage for consistency. Seasoned players rehearse a pre‑shot routine—visualizing angles, selecting spin, and breathing away tension. Practice sessions often divide into micro‑skills: straight‑line drills to engrain a pure cue path, followed by pattern play that rehearses positional sequences. Crucially, cue sports cultivate patience. The best shot is sometimes a safety, nudging the cue ball into a fortress of defensive snookers that frustrate opponents into errors. Learning when not to attack carries lessons in restraint applicable to boardrooms and personal relationships.

Balancing Multiple Pursuits Without Overload

Juggling diverse hobbies can seem daunting, but structure transforms chaos into synergy. Adopt a weekly rhythm: dedicate two nights to high‑intensity movement, one to collectible strategy, and snatch shorter blocks—ten‑minute cue‑swing shadow practice—during breaks. Cross‑training benefits emerge organically. Dynamic grip strength from obstacle rigs translates into a steadier bridge hand on the billiards table. Deck‑building sharpens pattern recognition, which accelerates obstacle route‑reading. Use digital planners to log mini‑goals and reflect on progress, ensuring each pastime remains fulfilling rather than burdensome.

Community: The Ultimate Accelerator

Skills grow fastest in supportive circles. Local fitness centres host obstacle meet‑ups where veterans share callus‑saving tips and beginners swap fails for laughs. Card‑gaming cafés schedule draft nights that welcome newcomers with loaner decks and coaching. Billiards clubs often feature ladder systems pairing you with slightly stronger opponents, fostering incremental improvement. Online forums broaden reach, but in‑person engagement adds accountability and deepens friendships. Volunteer roles—judging a tournament and coaching a junior league—further embed you in the ecosystem while honing leadership skills transferable to any workplace.

Mindfulness in Motion and Stillness

Each hobby offers a doorway to flow, that immersive state where self‑consciousness falls away. Obstacle athletes describe a moment‑to‑moment awareness of bar, limb, and air trajectory. Card strategists lose track of time calculating risk‑reward matrices. Cue players sync breath with back‑swing, hearing only the soft thunk of chalk meeting leather. Cultivating these experiences trains mindfulness, boosting emotional regulation long after the session ends. Incorporate short post‑practice reflections: jot sensations, breakthroughs, or sticking points. Over weeks, patterns surface—tight shoulders on stressful days, sharper strategy after good sleep—informing lifestyle tweaks that optimize performance across all arenas.

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Enthusiasm can morph into obsession if unchecked. Watch for warning signs: skipping meals to grind challenges, compulsive pack purchases chasing scarce collectibles, or frustration eclipsing enjoyment after a misplaced stroke. Counter these by setting the intention before each session—“I’m here to learn foot placement,” or “I’ll open only three packs, catalogue, and review.” Periodic rest weeks prevent overuse injuries and financial overreach. Rotate focus among hobbies to keep novelty fresh and ensure no single pursuit dominates identity or bank account.

Leveraging Technology for Growth

Wearable sensors now record bar‑swing velocity and landing forces, offering data‑driven feedback to obstacle enthusiasts. Card gamers harness spreadsheet trackers and AI‑powered price alerts to navigate volatile markets. High‑speed cameras reveal micro‑deviations in cue alignment invisible to the naked eye. While gadgets can accelerate learning, use them as complements, not crutches. A phone battery might die mid‑run, but body awareness and pattern intuition remain reliable. The highest return comes from pairing tech insights with traditional mentorship and deliberate practice.

Crafting Your Personal Mastery Roadmap

Start by defining a compelling “why” for each hobby—adventure, camaraderie, mental acuity, or relaxation. Break the year into quarters with themed milestones: conquer a specific obstacle combination by winter, achieve a favourable win‑loss ratio in card league by spring, and pot a strict triple‑cannon sequence by summer. Celebrate with symbolic rewards—a new grip trainer, a custom deck box, a handcrafted chalk holder—items that elevate utility and sentiment. Revisit goals quarterly, adjusting for life changes and newly discovered interests.

Conclusion: Designing a Life Rich in Play

An active hobby life is an ecosystem where varied pursuits feed the mind, body, and spirit. Conquering physical challenges builds tenacity; strategic collecting sharpens foresight; cue artistry teaches precision and poise. Together, they cultivate versatility—the capacity to switch gears, solve unfamiliar problems, and relish each moment. Approach every session with curiosity, measure progress with kindness and share victories loudly within your community. In doing so, you transform leisure into a lifelong apprenticeship in adaptability and joy, ensuring that fun time remains a cornerstone of a balanced, resilient life.

Why Normal Makeup Just Won’t Cut It on Camera

Leica cameras

In the age of smartphones and social media, it’s no secret that makeup plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. We use it to enhance our features, boost our confidence, and present our best selves to the world. However, there’s a significant difference between the makeup we wear for everyday life and the makeup required for the unforgiving scrutiny of the camera lens. Here, we’ll delve into the reasons why normal makeup just won’t cut it on camera and explore the specialized techniques and products needed to achieve a flawless on-screen look.

The Lens Doesn’t Lie

It’s often said that the camera adds ten pounds, but in reality, it adds something even more challenging to contend with – extreme detail. Unlike our naked eye, a camera lens can capture every imperfection, texture, and blemish on our skin. What may appear as a slight blemish in the mirror can become a glaring flaw on camera. Normal makeup, which is designed for in-person interactions, simply cannot meet the demands of high-definition photography and videography.

The Harsh Realities of High-Definition

colored contact lenses Halloween

With the advent of high-definition (HD) technology, the stakes for makeup artists and individuals have been raised significantly. HD cameras can capture the tiniest nuances, making it essential to have a makeup routine that not only conceals flaws but also enhances your features without looking overly heavy or unnatural. The same goes for Leica cameras. When using a Leica digital camera to take photos for marketing, make sure to tell the artists that you’ll be using these cameras so that they can dress up and put on makeup accordingly.

This is because normal makeup products often contain ingredients that work well for everyday wear but can pose challenges when viewed under the scrutiny of an HD camera. For instance, some foundations contain ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which can create a ghostly white cast when exposed to flash photography. This is the dreaded “flashback” effect that can ruin otherwise perfect photos. Professional makeup artists are well aware of these pitfalls and use specialized products to avoid them.

The Importance of Color Matching

One of the fundamental differences between normal makeup and camera-ready makeup is the importance of precise color matching. In everyday life, we often have some flexibility in matching our foundation shade to our skin tone. However, on camera, even a slight mismatch can become glaringly obvious.

Camera makeup artists are skilled at selecting the perfect foundation shade to ensure that it seamlessly blends with the individual’s skin. They also consider the type of lighting that will be used during the shoot, as different lighting conditions can affect how makeup appears on camera. Using professional tools like color charts and color-correcting products, they can achieve the perfect match that looks flawless in any lighting situation.

Always remember – When taking photographs for special occasions such as Halloween, one can not afford to wear cheap colored contacts as they might not look beautiful on camera. It is best to put on colored contact lenses for Halloween, specially designed for the season and have special effects as they can add a mysterious touch to your photos.

Contouring for Dimension

Contouring is another area where camera makeup differs significantly from normal makeup. In everyday makeup, contouring is often done to add depth and dimension to the face subtly. However, on camera, the makeup artist needs to exaggerate these contours to ensure that the features don’t appear flat under the bright lights and high-definition lenses.

Professional makeup artists use contouring techniques that involve shading and highlighting with precision to create the illusion of well-defined cheekbones, a sculpted jawline, and a more chiselled appearance. These techniques can seem heavy-handed in person but translate beautifully on camera.

The Role of Setting Powders

The setting powders are essential for locking makeup in place and preventing shine, but they can be a double-edged sword when it comes to photography and videography. Many setting powders contain reflective particles that can bounce light off the skin, creating unwanted glare or a “cakey” appearance on camera.

Camera-ready setting powders are designed to be finely milled and completely matte to ensure that the makeup stays put without causing any unwanted reflections. They are a crucial tool in the camera makeup artist’s kit to maintain a flawless look throughout a shoot.

The Impact of Lighting

Lighting is a crucial factor in how makeup appears on camera. Different types of lighting, such as natural light, studio lighting, and flash photography, can all affect how makeup looks. Professional makeup artists are trained to work with various lighting conditions and adjust makeup accordingly.

For instance, they may use different highlighters and illuminating products for outdoor shoots compared to indoor studio settings. They also pay close attention to how the lighting enhances or diminishes certain features, ensuring that the individual’s best angles are highlighted.

The Longevity Factor

Normal makeup is designed to last throughout a typical day, which may involve a few hours of wear. In contrast, camera makeup needs to withstand long hours of shooting, often under hot studio lights. This requires specialized products like long-wearing foundations, setting sprays, and touch-up solutions that can withstand the rigors of an extended shoot.

Professional makeup artists are skilled at ensuring that makeup looks as fresh at the end of the day as it did at the beginning, even in challenging conditions.

Whether you’re a professional makeup artist or someone preparing for a special photoshoot, recognizing the importance of camera-ready makeup is essential for achieving stunning on-screen results. So, the next time you’re in front of the camera, consider the expertise and specialized products that go into creating that flawless, picture-perfect look.

The Art of Lens Bargains

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Photography, often considered an expensive hobby or profession, doesn’t always have to break the bank. One area where savvy photographers can save significantly is by exploring the world of second-hand camera lenses. These pre-owned optical gems not only offer excellent value for money but can also unlock new creative possibilities. In this article, we’ll delve into the advantages and considerations of purchasing second-hand camera lenses, helping you discover how to find lens bargains that can elevate your photography without emptying your wallet.

The Allure of Second-Hand Camera Lenses

In today’s world of rapidly advancing technology, camera manufacturers release new lens models frequently, each boasting the latest features and improvements. As a result, many photographers are quick to upgrade, leaving behind perfectly functional and high-quality lenses in search of the next best thing. This creates a thriving market for second-hand camera lenses, making it possible for budget-conscious photographers to access premium glass at a fraction of the cost.

Advantages of Second-Hand Camera Lenses

1. Cost Savings: The most apparent advantage of buying camera lenses is the significant cost savings. You can often find lenses that are barely used or in excellent condition at prices considerably lower than their brand-new counterparts.

2. Access to Premium Glass: High-end lenses from renowned manufacturers can be quite expensive when purchased new. Opting for a second-hand lens allows you to access professional-quality glass that might have otherwise been out of your budget.

3. Vintage and Unique Options: The second-hand market is a treasure trove for vintage and discontinued lenses. These unique pieces can add character and distinctiveness to your photography.

4. Tested and Proven: Other photographers have thoroughly tested and reviewed many second-hand lenses. You can benefit from their experiences and insights before making a purchase.

5. Less Depreciation: Unlike camera bodies, which lose value rapidly, good-quality lenses often retain their value over time. This means you can resell your second-hand lens later with less depreciation.

Considerations When Buying Second-Hand Camera Lenses

second hand camera lenses

While the advantages of second-hand camera lenses are compelling, there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure a successful purchase:

1. Condition: Always inquire about the condition of the lens. Ask for detailed photos of the lens, including the glass, focusing ring, and any scratches or marks. A well-maintained lens should have clean, scratch-free optics.

2. Compatibility: Ensure the lens you’re interested in is compatible with your camera body. Different camera manufacturers have their lens mounts, so be sure they match.

3. Research the Seller: If buying from an individual seller, do your due diligence. Check their reputation, read reviews, and ask for references if needed. When purchasing from online marketplaces, use trusted platforms with buyer protection.

4. Test Before You Buy: Try out the lens before purchasing it whenever possible. Check its autofocus, image stabilization, and overall performance. Many camera stores offer this service.

5. Ask About the Warranty: Some sellers may offer a limited warranty or return policy for their second-hand lenses. It’s worth asking about this and understanding the terms.

Where to Find Second-Hand Camera Lenses

Several avenues can lead you to quality second-hand camera lenses:

1. Camera Stores: Many camera stores sell second-hand equipment and often provide warranties or guarantees on their products.

2. Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and dedicated camera gear marketplaces offer a wide selection of second-hand lenses. Be sure to check the seller’s ratings and reviews.

3. Photography Forums and Communities: Online forums and social media groups dedicated to photography are excellent places to find camera gear for sale. Members are often photographers and may offer valuable insights into the equipment they sell.

4. Camera Shows and Swap Meets: If you have local camera shows or swap meets, attending these events can be a great way to find second-hand lenses in person.

Caring for Your Second-Hand Camera Lenses

Once you’ve acquired your second-hand lens, it’s essential to take good care of it to ensure longevity and optimal performance:

1. Keep It Clean: Regularly clean the lens elements using a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.

2. Use Lens Caps and Hoods: Always use lens caps to protect it from dust and scratches when the lens is not in use. Lens hoods can also help reduce flare and protect the front element.

3. Store Properly: Store your lenses in a cool, dry place, ideally in a padded camera bag or case to prevent damage.

4. Protect Against Moisture: If you shoot in damp or humid conditions, consider using a lens pouch with desiccant packs to prevent moisture buildup inside the lens.

Second-hand camera lenses offer an excellent opportunity for photographers to access high-quality glass without breaking the bank. With proper research, caution, and care, you can find lens bargains that enhance your photography and help you explore new creative horizons. So, whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your lens collection or a seasoned pro searching for a unique vintage piece, the world of second-hand camera lenses holds a treasure trove of opportunities to capture stunning images without a hefty price tag.

How To Get Dirt Out Of Your Contacts Safely

Clean Contact Lenses

Hygiene is an essential factor in preventing germs and infections. Caring for lenses is vital to keep your eyes healthy and fit. Not maintaining hygiene would affect not only the health of your eyes but also your long-term vision. Proper lens care involves much lesser time and effort. It is recommended to clean your contacts with a lens cleaner solution. Do not forget to wash your hands with hand soap and water.

This article will assist you in solving your lens cleaning issue and recommend following the following steps.

Clean Your Hands

Wash your hands to help prevent transferring dirt from your hands to contact lenses. Avoid using moisturizing soaps and oil or lotion-based soaps to soil your lenses, as they are not suitable for contact lenses. To wash your hands before cleaning contacts, you can use antibacterial soaps. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel after that. The best way to stop germs spreading is to be hygienic at all times when putting in your contact lenses.   

Fresh Cleaning Solution

Always use a fresh, contact lens cleaning solution every time. Avoid using tap or sterilized water, saliva, and saline solution. These do not help clean your lenses properly. Clean lens with the recommended solution. Cleaning removes eye-produced build-up that diminishes comfort.

Rubbing and Rinsing

Rubbing and Rinsing are the two most essential and unskippable steps. It is the best way to keep your lens clean. Apply a cleaning solution on your lens and rub it on your palm. You can also use the ‘no-rub’ solution. Make sure to avoid using your fingernails on your lens because it is a giant germ and dirt source. Rinsing is necessary to remove the loosened debris. Follow the directions as specified in the package.

Case Cleaning

Water contains impurities and microorganisms, so it is not recommended to clean the case just with water. Disinfecting kills microorganisms. Do not place a case holder in any place that has germs. Check the package details to know how to rinse the lens as per the type of contact lens. For example, if you wear beautiful coloured contact lenses make sure you read the instruction to how to clean their case.

These are the above points that will help you to keep your lenses safe and clean. But here are more other tips to follow. Have a look at the following points.

  • Try to replace your contact lens every three months at least to reduce the risk of infection.
  •  Do not transfer the cleaning solution to the other container for travel or storage. This can cause contamination of the solution.
  • Keep the solution bottle tightly capped to avoid the germs present in the external environment.
  • Avoid going to polluted places wearing contact lenses, as it will cause irritation and infection in your eyes. You do not want people think you are wearing coloured contact lenses for Halloween when you are not but rather sporting an eye infection.
  • Use contact lens eye drop to oil your eyes and rewet your lenses.
  • Contact wearers develop eye allergies because of the chemicals present in them. In this case, better to switch your cleaning regime.
  • After removing your extended contact lens, try to clean and disinfect as soon as you remove them.
  • You can also use cleaning/disinfecting devices to disinfect your contacts.
  • Some other solutions to keep your contacts safe and clean are a saline solution for Rinsing, daily cleaner, and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and disinfecting.

Finally, it is instructed to take the proper guidance of an eye doctor, as your doctor is your friend in keeping your eyes protected and vision at their peak. Talk with him to make sure your care system is in check or needs some improvements.

Tips for those having high powered contact lenses

Putting on lenses

Wearing contact lenses for your eye power is very common and those who wear them regularly and every day would know what to do to keep their eyes and contact lenses safe.

Tip 1: Contact lenses are soft, and are really fragile. You might wonder if there are chances for the contact lenses to turn upside down, for this question the and answer is that, if you contact lenses are correct and not inside out, then they are in a U shape and if not, they have their flaring outwards with a U shape. If they are coloured contact lens, you can easily find the difference. The colours side would be very colourful, however, having the inverted side with the colour directly in contact with your eyes can be dangerous. The laser marking in your contact lens can also help you find the correct side of your lens. Also if you wear the lens in an inverted way, you can feel mild discomfort in your effort and this ould let you know that you have worn them in the inverted ways.

Tip 2: Keep your hands clean while wearing your contact lens in your eyes: It is very important that you keep your hands clean while wearing or applying your contact lenses into your eyes. Wash your hands clean, your hands must not any chemicals, soaps or cosmetics remnants when you trying to apply contact lenses int your eyes, otherwise, you might get a burning sensation or discomfort in your eyes after applying your lenses. When applying lenses, especially power lenses, always start with the same eye and make it a practice. This would avoid any confusion applying the wrong lens to the wrong eye and there is no mixing up. Make sure you have sufficient lens solution in your hands an your lenses are soaked up in them when you are applying them in your eyes. Use your fingertips to place them in your eyes and after applying them in your eyes, close eyes and feel them in place, roll your eyes a bit, thus making lene get its place in the eyes. Always stand in front of a mirror when you do this, so you have visual support of what is happening and you can easily guide your finger to reach the eyes with the lens at its tip.

Tip 3: Be very careful when you are removing the contact lenses from your eyes: Contact lenses are very fragile and are made of soft polymers that stay in your eyes without causing any discomfort. Therefore when you are trying to remove the contact lenses from your eyes, use a paper towel in front of the mirror, carefully open your eyes, look down and use your thumb and index fingers to apply gentle pinch to pull the contact lenses off your eyes. This is not a very hard procedure, but make sure you look dow to make this easy. After removing power contact lenses wash them with a lot of lens solution or not the regular water, and store them carefully. Even a small scratch or damage to the lens can impair you’re the efficiency of the contact lens to alter your power in your eyes, thereby making your vision poor. Always have your back up glasses ready, and one your lenses are removed, used glasses to have your vision perfect.

  • Contact lenses in a box

Tip 4: Avoid eye makes before wearing contact lenses: Eye makeup makes your eyes look great, so wear them then start applying your eye make up. This is a precautionary measure specifically recommended during festive seasons like Halloween where one would prefer finishing their creepy costume with scary Halloween contact lenses. This will prevent any of the cosmetic material from sticking on your eyes and keeps your lenses clean. Always choose to make up which are water-based and they are less irritant to your eyes. Also, make sure, your make up is not too old, as they can cause additional irritation to your eyes and can create an infection. Remember, if your make-up smells odd, then it is old. Also, don’t share your eye makeup with others.

Finding your Interior Design Niche

Before you can begin any design job, you must have some inspiration. If you are fully conscious of which design fashions you are always drawn to, developing ideas should be rather simple. Otherwise, it can be tough to even find out where to get started. If that’s the circumstance, the question becomes: how can you go about locating your interior design style?

In this article you will come across a couple queries. Ask yourself everyone, in turn, and look over each one of the corresponding choices. You will probably discover some tips in your answers. In the conclusion, research whichever fashion catches your attention often and see how you’re feeling.

Past or current?

If you are about the PAST, you might want to think about:

  • Contemporary: Slick lines and ’60s flair, modern style will make you feel abstract.
  • French: French country design is filled with love. Its curved furniture and lavish décor can remind you of royalty.
  • Conventional: Conventional layout is the personification of “old world” with classic lines, comfy furniture and orderly lines taking the fore.

If you would rather enjoy the PRESENT, then you might like:

  • Modern: Ultra-clean lines and minimalism are the secrets to the top design tendencies.
  • Scandinavian: Using warm forests and snug armadillo area rugs, this style is a combination of contemporary and rustic.
  • Eclectic: Described as the diversion away from conventional, eclectic provides an opportunity to produce your very own casual aesthetic.

Total of colour or neutral?

If you are into glowing, daring Colours, you may like:

  • Contemporary: Contemporary layout is filled with bold, saturated colours such as burnt orange, peach yellow and navy blue.
  • Eclectic: The make-your-own facet of diverse layout means you can essentially use whichever mixture of colours grabs your attention.
  • Conventional: Conventional design is about invoking richness. It entails a whole lot of deep, dark colours such as reds, greens and blues.

Should you rely on NEUTRALS, then you will favour:

  • Modern: Modern seems are usually constructed around monochromatic colours.
  • Scandinavian: The foundation of a colour palette relies on whites and greys. Occasionally you will find pops of vibrant colours such as blue and pink.
  • Coastal home interiors: Blunt whites and dusty sandy tones are the backbone of true coastal fashion and design. As you may imagine, blues and whites are the dominant accent shade.

Less is more v More is more

Should you think LESS IS MORE, you may enjoy:

  • Contemporary: Contemporary spaces have a fresh feel. There are normally few accessories, the majority of which are work forward.
  • Modern: Modern style is about minimalism and including lots of simplicity where possible.
  • Scandinavian: Scandinavians focus on a theory named hype, a part of that concentrates on being comfy without becoming too lavish or extra.

If you are a lover of a MORE IS MORE doctrine, try:

  • Eclectic: When putting together an eclectic layout, it is very important to balance the space with lots of special accessories.
  • Conventional: Conventional is always all about developing the feeling and sensation of cosiness. These rooms are designed with loads of accessories, typically heirlooms and antiques or bits with a background story.
  • French: French styles are characterised by opulence. Gold and silver embroidery are typical.

City or country?

Should you belong at home in the CITY, you will like:

  • Modern: Cities are hubs for contemporary layout and new ideas.
  • Contemporary: Contemporary design could possibly be from years past, but it was quite modern for the day. It has managed to endure the test of time without feeling out of date.
  • Scandinavian: Scandinavian appearances are dearest to contemporary design. They follow the very same principles using a European twist.

If you would rather focus on RURAL style, you might feel attracted to:

  • Rustic: As its name implies this design is constructed around the notion of living in a cottage in the woods.
  • Coastal: even though it might not be woodsy, coastal designs are a fantastic selection for people who love spending time on the coast.
  • French: Once again, it is in the title. French designs are a variant on a similar European rustic.

Finding your interior design style for the very first time can be rough. After all, how can you know where to begin, not nearly how to place a whole space together? You do not need to go through this process alone. Allow the questions above to supply you with a way for finding your layout inspiration.

Do you understand what your unique interior décor and design style is? How can you go about this? Discovering it in the first location?

How to Get Your Dream Job in the Art Industry

By fabricators into mummy conservators to personal collection supervisors, the art world is filled with fascinating businesses you might not have understood even existed. In Artnet News’s column “How I received My Art Job,” we delve into these coveted art-world jobs, requesting insiders to discuss their career route and guidance to others who want to follow in their footsteps and find solutions for your business in the world of art. This week we talked with the head conservator for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Instructor: As an undergrad, I studied Italian and ancient history at the University of Colorado Boulder. I got my Masters in fashion and fabric studies at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. At this time, I am a Ph.D. student in material culture and design history at Bard Graduate Center. It is a lot additional effort, but it enables me to approach my job with a new eye on the concept, which is quite enlightening.

The way I got to the area: After college, I worked in an instruction non-profit for approximately five decades. I had been taking continuing e.d courses in pattern-making, dressmaking, and glancing at FIT. I finally made a decision to use for the master’s program. As fortune had it, they needed applicants to have taken classes in chemistry, art history, and a foreign language. Serendipitously, I had three.

Ongoing into the museum world: Since I was graduating, I understood the probability of obtaining a fulltime permanent job wasn’t super large. I knew I needed to make my chances: performing vogue archiving for designers, carrying on temporary contracts at museums such as museum display installations and exhibition display services, updating storage, along with other work. Finally, I must know the mind conservator in New York’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. She hired me to get a long-term contract position and there was an opening in her laboratory. Regrettably, now students must take on tens of thousands of hours of unpaid internships to operate within the area. I am blessed I came to conservation in a stage when that was not yet regular practice!

The way I got the job that I have currently: When this place opened up in the Costume Institute I did not apply straight away. I had about half an expertise as they were searching for, but individuals who worked there kept telling me I had a shot. So, I said why not, this could be a dream job! I met with everyone from the former Costume Institute main curator into the present Costume Institute mind all the way up into the manager’s office. They offered me the place following four interviews. The biggest adjustment I had to make: The largest change was that the exceptionally fast pace, higher volume, and enormous scope of the jobs here. Additionally, the Cooper Hewitt is a style museum. The work I completed was aligned with preventative conservation, instead of restoration. It was fine for items to possess aesthetic flaws so long as they still exemplified the design storyline. In the Costume Institute, there is more of a focus on presenting style as art. As a conservator, I need to handle lengthier treatments targeted at recovery. We need to foreground aesthetic quality.

The best thing I have done recently: A couple weeks ago, for our “Visitors to Versailles” exhibition, I had been analysing Marie Antoinette’s apparel and helping with the law suit Benjamin Franklin wore into the Treaty of Amity at 1778 [on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC]. Additionally, I must visit the sacristy of the Sistine Chapel to observe the bits in the Vatican to get [the forthcoming exhibition on Catholic style] “Heavenly Bodies.”

My main challenge: I considered looking for a business management specialist for advice on how to manage my new job position and how to proceed with certain tasks. It is an oxymoron, attempting to conserve style, which is in nature ephemeral and secular. To be able to exhibit style as art, you need to make certain that you’re producing the proper shape, with the ideal accessories and hair. I realised it requires time and ability putting garments on a mannequin, since mannequins are not soft like the human body, and also may stress the thing. I really took a mannequin-dressing course for a necessity at FIT!

Advice for people who desire my job: I joke; however, I really do believe that New York City rewards the hustle. If you visit New York to work in the art services, provided that you work together with this in mind, it is going to occur. Take every chance that comes up, even if it is not precisely where you wish to be since you never know who you could meet. And in the event that you cannot find your work, then make it. 1 thing that I wish I can inform my 22-year-old self: Each one of your pursuits makes you who you are. You will someday discover a career which unites them all. I didn’t even understand what conservation was at 22!

How to Make Art from Wood

Recycling offers tons of advantages. Not only are you helping save the environment, it is also really fun and creative. Reclaimed wood can be used in many fascinating ways. Some tree services offer the chance to buy cut up wood to use for your next upcoming project such as wall art. Check out some wall art designs that are all created using recycled wood. Each one is considered unique and can be customized to your liking. Making wall art out made of recycled wood is an easy process. For example, to create a piece, you’ll need to collect scrap wood pieces and paint in many colors. You can use recycled wood to craft the frame or simply use a premade frame. After you cut the wood into smaller pieces, you can now arrange them into pieces like some sort of puzzle.  This way you can think of a great color combination to compliment it easily. Then after painting the pieces of wood with your chosen color, you can now glue them onto the piece of plywood that will serve as the base of the frame.

An identical project can feature a simpler design. You just cut them in straight angles instead of cutting the wood pieces diagonally (just make sure they are symmetrical). The colors and combinations of shades can depend on personal preference or on the image you’re trying to convey.

Gather scrap wood in the form of thin boards or any wood board which you can cut into your desired shape and size. Once that is done you can paint the boards using different colors and then attach them to some plywood. Then you can have some fun by adding finishing touches, which involves using paint and a stencil.

Architectural timbers used to be an art in themselves, now using only a few elements of timber for a casual décor is the way to go. You can collect a few scrap wood boards and construct a simple frame. Then get some plywood slats and glue them to a frame. Then, prepare your stencil, apply a primer and paint them onto the plywood boards. When you peel off the letters, you’ll see how the entire design fits into place.

You can also use other methods if you want your wall art to stand out. You can try bright color if you’d like. There is more to this design than its color, to make this constellation wall display you need a wood slice, gold paint pen, colored pencils and a drill.  Pick any constellation you like.

If you are after an arrow sign, using a bunch of wood pieces cut at a 45 degree angle and a few others that have right angles. Your arrow can be shaped anyway you like, you can be creative with the paint too.

Whether it’s on a slab of wood or many, drawing your own silhouettes atop a fresh wood piece can create a fantastic piece of wood art in your living room, above the mantle or in your home office or study. Flowers, landscapes, city skylines.. you have so many options! Your creativity is the limit!

Make your own timber products such as a Thrifty Decor Chick with recycled wood pieces. Keep them in their original look or paint them yourself to match the motif of your home. Sure, this piece might look old but with color and design it’s quite eclectic, cultural piece also.  This is perfect if you are trying out a look in your home. You can check different patterns, colors or try different cultures in design.

Make mini posters using wood scraps. Cover them with fabric and put a phrase in it. You may even add your name, initials or something cute. You can also cover up the wood or paint it. Then take the quotes to a new level. The wood can also be turned into a word. Create a something old school and retro for the kitchen. As long as you have all the tools you need, you’ll have fun creating this.

Reclaimed wood scraps can also be used to craft frames for your own original wall art. Each wall art uses four pieces of scrap wood, a piece of twine or rope, and an image you can create on your own or something you can print out.

Recycled wood is not limited to wall art but can be turned into tree wood furniture. This allows the cut down trees to be reused and recycled into something useful and practical after they have been cut down.

Marketing a Photographer Online

A photography business isn’t easy to sustain, especially once you feel as though you’re doing everything that’s required of you. Your portfolio is the beginning place. In addition to putting together a body of work that reflects your aesthetics as well as your specialization, and then you have got advertising to worry about.

Suppose your portfolio is filled with your best wedding photos and is ideal as it is. What are the next steps to promoting your own work? Photographers need to have go-to instruments and channels to really have the ability to talk about their artwork with the world, get opinions, connect to a broader community of photographers and expand their business.

Successful Photography Business Essentials

Let’s break down your tasks into bite sized pieces. There are a couple things you need to be careful off before you go off promoting your job. If you do not have your essentials ready to go and presentable, promoting yourself and your job will be time down the drain.

A well curated portfolio. Your portfolio can not only be a dumpster of your pictures that you think are excellent. A nicely curated portfolio takes customers on a journey so that they have a better comprehension of your personality and your specialization.

A personal craft web site. This is an important element for any business, however small. A personal website is another way to publicize your work beyond your portfolio and reach customers so that they can contact you if they are interested in your services.

A blog (optional). A site can be a time-consuming part of your company and is certainly not a necessity. But having a website helps drive traffic to your site and is another means to reach out to prospective clients and give them an opportunity to get to know you, your style and keep up with your work, it is most definitely something you should consider in your digital strategy.

A general idea of your marketing objectives. You need to come prepared if you would like to dominate the internet space. Understanding your goals can allow you to take the necessary actions to progress and grow your business.

What to Consider in a Photography Website for Sharing and Promotion

A good photography promotion website may also act as a cloud management platform to store photos. This means that you can upload your best images and have them safely stored on a stage. Below are a few basic things you must remember when picking a website.

  • It is really important that the site you select makes it effortless for you to share your work if you will need to send some of it to customers. You need to have the options of sharing your collection on popular media like Facebook, Google +, Instagram and many others.
  • You will need to have the ability to store your photographs based on the size of your portfolio through cloud management. Various sites have different storage allowances so get acquainted with the basics before you upload your work.
  • You need to be able to upload photos, edit them and curate your portfolio as you desire. Pay attention to what every site provides you concerning accessibility and utility.
  • Quality controller. That’s right, you are your very best quality control. Make sure that the website you choose permits you to keep the high-resolution quality of your photos, otherwise there’s absolutely not any point in promoting sub-par work.
  • The website you pick must provide you the right to ‘spread the word’ on your photography business. Choose a website which has a community of creatives that may help further boost your work within the site and out of it, they’ll be knowledgeable on the area if they’ve been around for a while and could act as an online small business coach for you. Locate a platform which attracts the sort of people you want to reach and decide on a web site that can allow you to build a credible reputation.

10 Places to Promote Your Photography Online

There are hundreds of potential places to promote your work online. We will not go into the social media where you are able to market your work like Instagram, Google +, Facebook and other popular social networking sites with your digital content. We’ll be taking a look at alternative options so you can tap into the creative business and market your work within communities that are creative.

1. SmugMug

SmugMug is a site focused on the creative community that also provides an easy and trendy platform to host your own work. It’s not a completely free site, it costs about $5.99/month or $39.99/year to host your own images. It isn’t an expensive option thinking about the fact that you could have unlimited storage for videos and photos and a couple of useful and simplified editing tools.

2. PhotoShelter

PhotoShelter is among the most popular photography sites and reaches out to a very large, global photography community showcasing some of the best wedding photographers. You can upload your pictures and even offer them on the site.

3. Flickr

Millions of individuals are using Flickr for inspiration and professional targets. Photographers and other creatives use it to market their functions within the community and outside. This site also has some innovative features that others don’t have. It’s a very active and engaged community and individuals visit to research pictures and even rate them.

4. Pinterest

Pinterest is only growing in popularity and is still one of the go-to sites for inspiration for creatives all over the world. It is a social networking website in its own so that you can produce boards and pin your pictures to make them discoverable. Ensure that you link back to your site or portfolio so customers can find you without the need to engage a web agency for SEO or AdWords.

5. Behance

If you’re looking to become part of a community of creatives, Behance is an excellent option. Behance is an online community of professionals and creatives from a number of industries from the arts through to small business coaching. For those who have photography projects which you want to discuss separately, you can make folders and present your works on a project basis.

6. Photography Talk

Photography Talk is a major site with thousands of people on a daily basis. The photography community hangs out on important platforms such as this one and gives you the option of learning from other musicians and receiving feedback on your job.

7. Pixpa

 

Pixpa is a website that helps you create an online portfolio and discuss your work with other creatives and traffic to the site.

8. Exposure

As the name has it, here is where you get your vulnerability. Talented photographers have the chance to showcase their work. It is a relatively new site but has attracted plenty of photography professionals and artists who share a common interest of displaying their work.

9. About Me

About me was not initially designed for photographers but it will make it really simple for people to find out more about you, your specialization and see your work on the site. About Me provides you statistics about your site visitors, what they click on and their place. This is a superb place to include links to your site.

10. Depositphotos

Once you upload your portfolio to Depositphotos and become a contributor, you are able to share links to your portfolio with your prospective customers. Depositphotos is a large photographer network, it is a terrific way to make a name for yourself in the photography community. You can create your own collections of pictures and share them with fellow photographers and customers.

The Technological Art of Smart Homes

Controlling your house with a smartphone or tablet computer has been possible for a while. It is becoming more of an art form integrating the latest technology into your home and this is not an uncommon sight in house extensions. But over recent years there’s been a wave of new technology that provides anyone the opportunity to produce their own bespoke smart house controlled in their mobile without needing a diploma in digital design. From smart remote controls to safety, you can maintain full control of your house regardless of where you are. Just like technology has progressed, so has art and the way it is viewed and perceived, where a smart home can now be considered a type of art in itself.

Developments like Apple’s HomeKit can indicate a future of linked devices that communicate with one another to create an ecosystem in your house that all smart devices relate to. Right now there are no universal criteria, which can be hindering faster take-up of the technologies, however, this is changing quickly. Cloud computing security may be of concern to you, but with the correct system, software and support your mind can be put at ease.

Nest has its own smoke heating and alarm control, but you will find half a dozen additional programs to pick from, neither of which will communicate with one another. British Gas, for example, is going big guns at the moment using its Hive system, however, there are three others to select from such as Lyric, Tado, and Passive Systems, all of which are aimed at your house’s heating system.

It is only when you stop focusing on the smart charge of your heating that matters become a whole lot more interesting. We’re still some time way away from getting houses full of smart devices and appliances as the internet has assured, but we do not need to wait around for those technologies to arrive in the PC World. We can select technologies today to make smart surroundings in the home. Already we’ve got smart kettles and coffee makers, smart detectors to maintain our Petunias alive as well as the Samsung Washer App to restrain our washers with any Android apparatus, all which exemplify how devices have become smarter. Builders in extensions are also employing the latest in technology to create a smart place of residence.

Launched in 1975 that the X10 home automation standard has lately become the only method to make an intelligent residential environment. Using your home’s existing electrical wiring system as the system to control the many varying devices, the standard has been ever evolving and growing since its beginning. The energy lines in your house can nevertheless be utilized as a stage for a networked home utilizing systems like UPB. You might already use your house’s power lines to make Wi-Fi hotspots all around your home but there are different technologies which are offering a great deal more flexibility.

For example, Wink which allows you to construct a smart house that may connect to many leading manufacturers of smart appliances and apparatus. The heart that Wink has developed empowers other top smart devices to link to it and communicate with the program in your smartphone. Lighting out of GE and Philips, or the likes of Nest thermostats, light broadcasts from Quirky and Tapt all commanded by a program, or through the Wink Relay Controller, you mount onto your wall.

Additionally available is Z-Wave, a wireless automation protocol employing the 908.42MHz frequency band. There are now more than a million products which will connect with Z-Wave. One great benefit of this method is that it utilizes what’s known as ‘mesh networking’ so every attached device will pass along a control to each of the others attached to the Z-Wave network till it reaches its destination. In case you’ve got a large house, this could provide excellent automation and with reduced power you won’t find a huge hit on your energy bills. Devices that utilize battery power are perfect candidates for this particular system.

ZigBee relies on the 802 wireless communications standard you’ll be acquainted with as it is the foundation for most Wi-Fi linked apparatus. Additionally a very low power system, ZigBee was making itself felt within the past few decades, as home automation has increased in popularity. In the past year that the ZigBee 3.0 standard was published, which moved interoperability on a measure to make a worldwide system which devices from several manufacturers can connect to.

ZigBee 3.0 enables product developers to make the most of ZigBee’s unique features like mesh networking and Green Power to provide highly reliable, safe, low-power, low-cost solutions to almost any marketplace.

Insteon is also quickly growing its product range. Mentioned in the current Apple WWDC, the Insteon hub today ships with Apple’s HomeKit built in. The release of the Insteon+ mobile app allows the mass consumer market to live in a universe where all of their connected devices operate together in perfect harmony. HomeKit streamlines house automation for customers brings together multiple producers and provides innovative features like remote management and voice management through integrations with Siri.

Choosing what type of smart home you wish to have is like an artist choosing what colour palette to paint in. It is an art in itself and takes great time and design to create the perfect masterpiece. If you do struggle with the new wave of technology that is ever-evolving, consider seeking it consulting support to aid you into the future.

Make Your Apartment into an Ultra-Cool Resort

Nothing is quite as relaxing as the moment you walk into a sparkly clean, well-appointed hotel room – partially because it is typically a super-aspirational variant of what we would want our own bedrooms to look like someday. When it’s the perfectly-made bed, the locally sourced mini bar, or the kind of mid-century furniture which makes most twentysomething hearts palpitate, luxury resorts often leave us wishing we could pack up just a bit of the style and take it home in our luggage. From Barcelona to Portland, five designers of the trendiest hotels we understand have shared their tips for how to bring a small amount of hospitality to your dwelling.

  1. Limit the amount of bits per room

An opulent 19th-century neo-classical mansion might not look like the first stop for nominal design inspiration, but Brooklyn’s ever-hip Studio Tack (the masterminds behind Scribner’s Catskill Lounge) relied on the building’s bones to set the air at Casa Bonay, their new hotel in Barcelona.

Their tip? The cozy guest rooms in Casa Bonay just have five pieces of furniture and decor within them, including beach coastal furniture or bohemian rugs. Small rooms can sense intentional, composed, and open by restricting the amount of bits in a room and giving the furniture room to breathe.

  1. Original artwork does not have to be costly

The Nines is a relatively luxurious Refuge for Portland, Ore., town better known for kombucha, fixed-gear bicycles, and handlebar mustaches, but the art-adorned land has retained it local, right down to the canvases in their guestrooms. No stale Monet Water Lilies prints here – all guestrooms feature original artwork from students at the Pacific Northwest College of Art.

If you are ready to upgrade your Ikea published canvases and art.com prints of Starry Night, have a look at the art department at a local university or college. Many have earnings throughout the year where students can sell their work. You get to support a local artist, which Endless Summer poster you snagged freshman year can eventually retire.

  1. Insert a lounge chair to your bedroom

When designing the slick new Thompson Nashville, commercial realestate designers Jeremy Levitt and Danu Hassik of Parts and Labor specifically wanted guests to take inspiration back to their own homes. The duo stated that their expectation was that visitors that are building new homes or renovating existing houses would be inspired by their stay in the resort.

The property is rife with details and comfort items which are easy to replicate in your own place, such as textured throw blankets and soft pillows, but there is one element you do not always see in a house: a lounge chair in the bedroom. Levitt said it is something commonly found in your hotel room but not always located in residential flats. It is not just a place to throw your jeans at the end of the night, but also a fantastic place to decompress and undoubtedly adds style.

  1. Use something unexpected for a structural pop of curiosity

If artwork on canvas is not something, look to your hobbies and environment. At New Orleans’ Henry Howard Hotel, designer Lauren Mabry desired to make a space with an underlying theme of tributes to the Big Easy. Mabry ended up paying homage to the city’s strong jazz culture by using structural brass instruments on the walls, rather than classic art.

Want to try it at home but do not have a spare saxophone lying about? An assortment old timey tennis rackets, coastal home decor or even well designed wall planters (if you are into that type of thing), are great places to begin. But really: go with whatever you would like. Blending modern and traditional design elements and displaying pops of interest make the room so much more fun and interesting to be in. A gorgeous area becomes that much more unique once personalized.

  1. Make the most of every square inch

City dwellers understand just how vital a space-saving hack could be – and no resort does this better than the new Moxy Times Square in New York. Design team Yabu Pushelberg is famous for cushy properties such as Ian Schrager’s London Edition and the Four Seasons Downtown in Manhattan, but their latest project channels a cozy boat’s quarters with cleverly-designed furniture which maximizes the chambers’ minimal footprint.

Many people live quite fluidly, and our houses need to be equally flexible when we sell a commercial property, according to Glenn Pushelberg. High-quality foldable furniture in solid wood makes it effortless to host friends at a moment’s notice without compromising aesthetics.

Other things in the area do double-duty: side tables function as extra seating if needed, and the beds against the wall can double as couches, with throw cushions hanging on the adjacent peg wall. Multi-purpose furniture that matches our lives’ is a terrific solution for smaller spaces.

Integrating Art Into Your Home

Here are my favourite tips for using art to set the mood of each area and make your friends jealous of your amazing house design.

Hang low or not at all

Guess what? You don’t really have to hang your artwork. It’s 2017–don’t hesitate to lean that poor boy from a wall.

But if you do need to hang the piece, let’s get down to basics. The base of the artwork (or its framework) should just be 8-16 inches above your couch or table. Yep, hang low. You need to place the work so that the core of the piece is at eye level, and unless you are Michael Jordan, you are going to need to lower your hanging expectations.

If you are planning to hang multiple smaller artworks in rows or columns, stick to the exact same principle: begin the lowest row just 8-16 inches over your item of furniture. This can help create a unified design statement.

If you’re prepared to take the dip and sit rather than hang, fireplaces and shelves are a wonderful focal point in any room, but occasionally floors are great also! Yup, you heard me, put the art on the ground, (framed of course). This is a superb way to dress down a space and create a relaxed and welcoming vibe.

A colour for every mood

Choose colours dependent on the mood you need to create in each room. For instance, grey is calming, so consider highlighting your bedroom layout or theme on various gradients of grey. Yellow sets a welcoming, cheerful disposition, so a bit of artwork which has a bright yellow hue is ideal for the living area. And functions that shout with orange or red are amazing from the dining area, and will spark lively discussions between dinner guests.

Lastly, most of us remember from science class that white is the presence of all colours, but it does not mean white will bring character to a room. Quite the opposite! There is a reason gallery spaces have white walls–to allow you to ignore the walls and concentrate on the artwork. So, in case you purchase white art, be sure that the wall it hangs on is brilliant.

Design a room around an artwork

To start, locate your focal point: Walk in the area and determine where your eyes land first; this is the best place for a piece of statement art, and you can base the rest of the area’s layout on it. This may be as simple as picking out among the secondary colours on your central piece of art and flowing it throughout the room–an accent pillow here, a lampshade there. The theme does not have to take over the layout, but it is going to help the eye join all of the pieces in the room, and make a unifying statement on your décor and design.

One of my favourite ways to construct a theme is via texture. You can have as many colours or patterns as you like, but when they’re in precisely the identical fabric or feel, it truly brings the room together in a subliminal yet powerful manner.

Bear in mind, you can always use your artwork to mimic the life span of the room. Put simply: If the art is of food, hang it in the kitchen, if it is of a bunch of friends laughing, hang it in the living area. But do not take this too literally or else it may get weird fast from the toilet…

Don’t forget your bathroom!

Think about your bathroom for a gallery–the ideal place to hang your quirkiest art pieces. Get a little crazy and show your character. Some of the greatest art can be somewhat uncomfortable at first glance, but when you really see it, you won’t have the ability to stop admiring it. The extra bonus here is that your guests will find a kick out of the functions in a private setting (and they could stare for as long as they need!).

The Fundamentals of Shoe Design

The shoe design sector is interesting, exceptionally creative, and demanding. Since the industry is also highly competitive, it’s necessary that those entering this career path have a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry.

The role of a shoe designer sounds simple; it’s to produce kids, men’s and women’s shoes. It can be seen as accessory, they may also be viewed as original and innovative works of art. A shoe designer should use their understanding of various fashion styles, different kinds of materials and design methods to conceptualise and develop their own footwear designs.

Since the shoe design career route is multifaceted, designers are required to also have a comprehensive understanding of the fashion market. They have to know how to draw, how to design their pieces, the way to cut and sew fabric, and how to use certain design applications and other applications on the computer so as to develop their designs digitally.

Creating close contacts within the industry through internships or other programs such as networking with small business advisors in the field can also help shoe designers achieve success. Furthermore, a degree from a fashion design school isn’t essential to become a thriving shoe designer, but it may be beneficial when applying for internships and securing employment in the industry. In actuality, most employers prefer designers who have a comprehensive understanding of footwear design from a respectable school.

There are degrees, diplomas and other courses out there that concentrate especially on shoe design, while other programs may focus on both shoe layout and accessories design. Topics covered frequently include computer-aided design (CAD), footwear advertising strategies, collection development, and implemented footwear design, drawing, pattern drafting and other relevant courses. And, although getting an education is important, work experience is crucial. Therefore, participating in internships and apprenticeships through high quality advisors, retailers and shoe makers while at school or after finishing your education can help earn the respect and attention of potential employers.

Develop Industry Specific Skills

While anyone can try their hands in shoe design, investing your time in learning more about the craft and developing your skill set is the ideal way to make your mark within the industry. It’s necessary that a shoe designer has a clear comprehension of colours, lines, shapes, textures, and motion, and how these concepts interact with the human body in movement.

While it’s important that you have artistic ability, learning to conceptualise your eyesight can be necessary; how your designs will look with several distinct wardrobes like going out shoes may be women’s pumps compared to hanging out shoes would be women’s sneakers, styles of hair, and makeup. The shoe design process requires plenty of research, ideation, and prototyping before you’re able to present a whole collection. Prior to, starting a collection, a shoe designer needs to first ask themselves a few fundamental questions:

  • Who are you designing for?
  • What do they want?
  • Where will your designs be worn?

When you have the answer to these questions, you can begin to execute your designs. While the design process might vary based upon your customer and your final vision, this simple process is one which needs to be followed.

It’s also very common for shoe designers to work in collaboration with other designers and artists to acquire knowledge and experience. This is a superb way to find out more about different design procedures and gain expertise by forming design concepts as a team. As a shoe designer, developing your skill set is paramount. Whether you decide to practice with a hands-on strategy, through independent research or through an accredited bachelor’s degree program is your choice.

The shoe design industry is one that is ever-changing, requiring those who enter this field to maintain a particular set of skills which are adaptable. At a minimum, it’s essential for shoe designers to understand colour concept, have a fundamental understanding of cutting and sewing, pattern making, and fashion sketching. Designers must also be knowledgeable about the fashion business, have a broad understanding of fabrics and materials used in creating different sorts of men’s and women’s shoes, and comprehension of shoe engineering, illustration skills, proficiency with CAD software applications, and modelling software, powerful marketing abilities, knowledge of trends within the business, and of all of the differs types of footwear on the market today. Designers might also opt to specialise in one kind of footwear, such as women’s sandals, or they might decide to design various kinds of shoes, sandals, sneakers, etc. they may opt to design for ladies, men, kids, or enter the functional and developing field of orthopaedic footwear design.

Build Your Portfolio & Pursue Professional Development

To achieve success in the shoe design business, it’s important that potential designers learn how to construct a strong portfolio, their own private brand, and business connections.

Whether you chose to build your portfolio online or with bodily prototypes, this is a vitally important first step on your shoe design career. With a strong portfolio, you have a higher probability of being approved for an internship application. You also increase the possibility of selling your footwear designs. This is also a wonderful way to begin building your reputation within the market, as insiders have a reference point when considering your layouts, and how you’ve progressed overtime.

With the invention of the web, social networking, as well as the 24-hour news cycle, it is more important today than ever before to create a personal brand. Therefore, success within the fashion industry depends heavily on your personal brand. Although it’s always important to keep in mind who you’re designing for, it’s also a fantastic idea to have a clear brand identity in your mind to distinguish yourself from other shoe designers. Your individuality and exceptional design style are what people will remember, and what will finally land your first job.

The fashion design industry is highly competitive and because of this, making the correct connections is among the best ways to be certain that your shoe designs are seen. While it may be hard to know where to begin, applying for an Internship or apprenticeship, studying under performers that are already successful in the market, and investing in continuing education are all great Ways to create lasting connections in the business. It should also be mentioned that New York and California employ most shoe designers, so designers that Want to have the best chance of gaining employment and getting well-known may want to consider relocating.

Remembering the Art of Robert Rooney

The art of Robert Rooney’s first stood out in a 1968 Exhibition titled ‘The Field’ for the introduction of the new St Kilda Road construction of Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria, later it toured to the Art Gallery of NSW.

Its colour-field and hard-edge abstraction comprised Australia’s plunge to a new global movement following the messiness of abstract expressionism.

But, Rooney’s Kind-Hearted Kitchen-Gardens were distinct from the majority of The Field: much less dull, more private, more regional. (A bookish humour, he discovered those titles by opportunity, headers of facing pages in a dictionary.) Indirectly motivated by a Melbourne hardware front display; placed next to a clothing store on the left and a fresh food store on the right, it consisted of gaudy paint cans backed with a painted cut-out home and backyard, they weren’t satirical, he stated, but felt the absurdity. They were subjective in appearance, however the tough colour, seriality and common-object vision and contours (locate the clothing pins) aligned them with anti-abstract pop artwork.

After the NGV exhibition and Popism, recognized that Rooney was a significant contributor to this substantial 20th-century movement. Rene Block, European curator of this 1990 Biennale of Sydney, The Readymade Boomerang, recognized Rooney’s indebtedness to dadaism along with Marcel Duchamp’s ready-made items and graphics, the origin of pop and conceptual artwork. On the other hand, in 1983 at Canberra, the National Gallery of Australia exhibited A Melbourne Mood: Cool Contemporary Art emphasised Rooney’s regionalism. His job was a voice for what he called “the secret life of the suburbs”.

His own suburban foundation was Broomfield Road, Hawthorn East, in which his Parents settled in 1939 when he was two, and he stayed there nearly until his death, which happened only a couple weeks following his mother’s at a nursing home where she’d been because Rooney was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Rooney never went abroad, and possibly only once interstate, but was likely better educated about new artwork than anybody in Australia; the entire world came to him through magazines and books. For 20 years from 1959, he was employed as a salesman at Melbourne bookshops; for 18 years before 1999 he was the Melbourne art critic for The Australian. In addition, he worked as a critic for The Age.

Rooney neglected a Swinburne Technical College commercial artwork diploma course in design and illustration, however he didn’t squander the experience.

“There’s not one self-invented image,” he said, “To me, creativity is choosing something and structuring it.” He became a connoisseur of marketing, technical diagrams, comic strip pictures, noting their occasional odd potency, and many years later will rework them as higher art canvases.

The top gallerists took him on — Bruce Pollard in Pinacotheca, Jan Minchin in Tolarno — and most of significant Australian art museums have extensive holdings of the job. In 2013 his closing exhibition of new work was The Box Brownie Years 1956-58, that included reworkings of his own Swinburne-period photos of young drama, ambiguously dangerous and innocent. In true Rooney fashion, this last display was famously Melbourne with the opening night having catering from hawthorn, the alcohol from yarra valley wineries and of course, all the works inspired by the only place he had ever called home; Melbourne

Familiarity with children’s publications made a particular interest in the Strangeness of youth. Back in 1990, for a retrospective at Monash University, he recalled artwork he’d made aged five, “encouraged by his mother to cut up photos in the Australian Women’s Weekly and glue unique heads on bodies”, an ancient taste for contradiction and violence.

Rooney’s father, Patrick, was a maintenance engineer with the national air force; as a youngster, Robert posed for a garden photo in a flying ensemble with a gun. War was a part of life in Melbourne; even decades after the great conflict had finished. Back in 1983 Rooney gave an exhibition of wartime-imagery paintings that the army named ‘As You Are’.

When I saw his Broomfield Road studio in 1979, to pick a Kind-Hearted Kitchen-Garden along with also a Superknit for the National Gallery (both works are now on display in Canberra) Rooney explained his parental circumstance: “My father built the kitchen himself, an addition: there was a bit of a garden there, a lemon tree. Added in the mid-1950s. Yes, the 1967-68 paintings were given characteristically 1950s colours.” He showed me a shrub by the entrance: “My mother (Beatrice) once painted that,” then with a well-timed pause. “No, not a picture; she painted directly on to the leaves, some with pointillist dots, some with abstract-expressionist gestures. With my leftover acrylics at the time of the Kitchen-Garden paintings.” The mature kid and his parentals got on well, appreciating each other’s eccentricities and humour.

Self-observation, also, was a part of Rooney’s artwork. Within my 1979, I presume he staged a bogus display of the following day’s garments neatly folded awaiting the afternoon, as noticed in his Garments 3 December 1972-19 March 1973. This was a conceptual job I’d obtained for the Art Gallery of NSW from the 1973 survey exhibition of recent Australian art, and it included 107 little black commercially published photos taken each evening for more than four years, all looking much the same, largely centred on short underpants — that the triangular shape of that supported a reading of those structures as cubist still-lifes.

Through the 1970s Rooney created similar landscape and inside photoworks. Following the return to painting in 1980 he favored human-interest figure topics, and subtly suggested that contemporary “Australian” art and lifestyle (such as Holden motor vehicles, BBQ’s and Wineries in the Yarra Valley and other regions) were often more American than we cared to think.

Rooney’s work has a freshness of youthful discovery but also the elegance and intelligence of adulthood. It’s worn exceptionally well. Before Ron Radford abandoned the NGA he’d Rooney in head for its collection of mature artist retrospective exhibitions. It is high time for somebody to have the job.

Australian Artists Take the Global Design Award 2017

Taking the prestigious Athenaeum and European Centre’s Design Award for International Architecture is Australia’s very first engineered wood commercial building. International House Sydney, made by Tzannes within this Barangaroo redevelopment, gained recognition from among the world’s top design institutions: the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. Here is the sixth major global design award Tzannes has obtained in the previous couple of decades.

The LendLease-developed International House Sydney opened its doors before this calendar year, as the ‘front door’ into Barangaroo South. The project is constructed entirely of cross-laminated wood (CLT) and glue-laminated wood (GLT), such as flooring, columns, walls, roofing, laminated architectural timbers, elevator shafts, egress stairs and bracing bays. The six above-ground industrial degrees are supported by one ground-level retail flooring of conventional concrete.

‘Tzannes’ layout turns the constraints of structural engineered mass wood and recycled hardwood to advantage, establishing a powerful visual presence and legible load route through the construction column and beam structure, so mesmerizing, you’d think it was part of some exhibition installations . A statement issued by Tzannes in reaction to this award explained that the double-height colonnade bracing columns, made from recycled iron bark, evoke memories of this forests’ origins of timber, these early trees admired in their brand new industrial usage to further differentiate the structure and its own particular contribution to the design of the public domain.

Absolutely, approximately 3,500 cubic metres of sustainably grown and recycled wood were utilized in the building of International House Sydney. This conscious choice to not utilize concrete supposed that “thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases” were averted. International House Sydney is an exemplar of placemaking structure that reduces adverse environmental impacts from the constructed environment by using glue laminated architectural trusses. Tzannes states that it provides an ongoing store for carbon monoxidedioxide towards the potential of industrial building construction across the world.

Seven jobs by Australian architects have also received awards in the world’s most extensive architecture awards application. The International Architecture awards for 2017 were organised by the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies and the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design at Dallas, Texas to 75 jobs from a listing of 300. One of the granted Australian jobs involving various immense equipment including slab cranes and frannas was, as above, International House at Sydney’s Barangaroo by Tzannes, the biggest commercial construction made of engineered wood on earth.

Also getting an Award were John Wardle Architects and Boston-based clinic NADAAA at the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne School of Design. Finished in 2014, the building includes four different facades that sew a light-filled atrium in the middle of the school meant to foster collaborative action. John Wardle described the building as an area for research and learning that alone exemplifies plenty of possibilities for pupils to take into consideration when reacting to needs of complex issues.

Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, president of the Chicago Athaeneum, stated that the 2017 prizes demonstrate a devotion to the greatest standards in building design which affect contemporary design now. These new buildings reveal the wonderful quality of architectural talent running across the world, in addition to the vision and determination of their visionary customers who commission them.

The awards set a spotlight on a number of the bigger and exceptional, but not as ambitious, endeavors. They reveal that funding, place, low loader and crane hire or a number of different challenges are no limitations to the creation of excellent quality structure as long as you have the dedication of an ingenious and competent architect working with a wonderful customer.

An all-male panel of jurors was convened in Dallas, Texas composed of architects out of a combination of Texas-based clinics and federal clinics with Texan offices. The panel included Bang Dang (Fang and Dang), Rick Del Monte (The Beck Group), Daniel Dupuis (Kendall/Heaton Associates), Mattia Flabiano III (Page Southerland Page), Brian Kuper (GFF), Heath May (HKS), Ricardo Muñoz (Page Southerland Page), Tom Reisenbichler (Perkins and Will) and Tom Philippi (Smithgroup JJR).

An awards presentation will take place in Athens, adjoining to the Acropolis, on 8. September. Selected projects will be modeled and displayed in a glass showcase in Athens in September, prior to being toured through Europe over 2018.

The World’s Most Exciting Fossil Museum

When he is not fixing people’s pipes as part of regular residential plumbing services, Steve Etches enjoys nothing better than scanning the seas down in Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset, awaiting ancient lifeforms to show themselves.

For more than 35 years, the 67-year-old, who runs a plumbing and heating company, has spent his spare time carefully finding, cleaning and exploring a mind-blowing selection of over 2,000 marine fossils, from up to 150 million years back, including several world-firsts.

Incredibly, only 10 percent of Steve’s discoveries in the late Jurassic Kimmeridgian period are on display in the carbon-neutral Etches Collection museum, which opened late last year in the village of Kimmeridge, a brief walk from Steve’s house, where he once placed everything in the garage.

All shiny and wooden, the memorial is shaped somewhat like the hull of a ship, With the exhibits in glass cases at the lower half, over which the fossils are brought to life with giant screens showing CGI versions of monsters that once swam in our oceans, giving the effect of being in an aquarium.

Here are a few of Steve’s most important finds…

The impressive one

Bear in mind the giant mosasaur which jumps from the water in Jurassic Earth? Steve’s collection includes this striking jaw of an equally powerful aquatic monster: the pliosaur.

It was a hard-won fossil, since it did not come out in one hit. Steve, who found that the hinge part and then, over four decades, collected and stuck pieces back together, with the tooth-bearing section tantalisingly staying put in the cliff.

Before his wife was going to have their last child and before his day job in hot water service repairs, he went around there very early one morning and there was a massive great hole in the cliff, about 40-foot long and this terrific heap of sand, rubble and grass at the foot of it.

He remembers pulling the top of the shale debris back and the tip of the jaw stuck out and he knew he had got it! There are two pieces he never found and a few teeth missing, but after that week they had a very severe storm and it removed all the debris, so he considers themselves lucky.

The young one

Ichthyosaurs are now in vogue with palaeontologists after several recent discoveries, and Steve’s juvenile specimen, the most complete Kimmeridgian ichthyosaur thus far, is of special interest.

Apart from having a full stomach, showing this marine reptile had eaten squid and fish before it expired, there is also a section of skin over its ribs, which shows lines which might have helped streamline the animal.

After Steve and a friend spotted what looked like fish bones sticking out of the base of a cliff, it was another bold mission to recoup the fossil. They cut a massive great gap in the cliff, it took all day – but it was a justifiable threat we were ready to take.

The stomach segment came out and they worked in the dark to find the skull, digging out an enormous slab, not actually able to find out what it was. They carried it back a mile and a half – it took them about three and a half hours to clean it up and discover the tip of the jaw. It was then he knew he had the whole lot.

Those Darwin did not find

Steve has a collection of goose barnacles (nicknamed Darwin’s Missing Barnacles) on display in the museum’s exhibition display services. Charles Darwin was enthusiastic about those arthropods and analyzed several living specimens off the coast of Japan, but could never prove they’d originated in the Jurassic period.

A few years ago, a professor came to see Steve’s barnacles and was quite excited. He had said, ‘I don’t know if you realise, but I’m pretty sure this complete goose barnacle is the best I’ve ever seen’.

Steve’s find proved something Darwin had just been able to hypothesise, and therefore he has been given deserved recognition from the scientific community. Since that time, he discovered a 2.8 metre [fossilised] log, covered in thousands of Barnacles – and they are the most beautiful, best maintained Jurassic barnacles anybody’s ever seen.

The egg hunt

Another world first for Steve was his discovery of ammonite eggs. He found what seemed like two sacks of eggs, but without a reference book on little fossil eggs to consult, he compared them to modern-day cuttlefish eggs.

The form of the cuttlefish eggs is like those, so he thought that if they are not cuttlefish eggs, the other common cephalopod we have got are ammonites. There are over 8,000 species of ammonites, but nobody found the eggs.

After discovering that they were near real ammonite fossils, he teamed up with A world-famous ammonite palaeontologist to write a joint paper on his fossils and whether they were really ammonite eggs. And he’s since found more that are going to be taken out of their modular exhibition spaces to be CAT scanned to determine if they have miniature ammonite embryos inside.

Advice for Final Year Arts Students

year 11 tutor, art, math tutor, high school, stress

As an arts student, I really struggled with my last few years of study. When you think about creating art compared to the demands of educational institutions it becomes quickly apparent why many very intelligent, super creative people don’t do well. For me, I was lucky my parents insisted I initially get a year 11 tutor and then a year 12 tutor for the harder subjects I was taking, I know this isn’t an easily available option for everyone so here’s some general advice for getting through your final schooling years

The final year of secondary school is significant, but it will not be the most significant year of your lifetime. Keep things in perspective since you are much more than your ATAR score.

Your performance at Year 12 is just an indication of your skill at a test or exam at the same point in time, it’s more about mastering mindset and acing exams more than anything else. It doesn’t restrain your potential success or enjoyment in the future.

 

If you believe that the time is not right for you to finish Year 12, or you have a burning passion to do something aside from educational studies, then discuss this with your professional development counsellor and learn what your choices are (TAFE, an apprenticeship, full-time employment, volunteering, or part-time employment). Keep in mind you have several means to achieve your objectives.

Look after yourself

Your mind and body are tightly connected – caring for your own body has good rewards for your brain and increases your possibility mindset. Tasks like games, dancing, yoga or walking can boost your performance by increasing oxygen to your brain. It’s also good at reducing overall stress from tensions in other parts in your life and the demand/pressures of school and/or work.

Some anxiety may be useful in keeping us inspired — without it we’d find it really hard to stay alert! But during Year 12, and particularly during test time, you might locate your stress levels climbing high into the ‘crucial zone’, resulting in a dramatic reduction in functionality. Proven strategies for beating anxiety include:

Comfort: Smartphone programs such as Smiling Mind can help

Time management: Try making a record of actions and prioritise

Connecting with other people: Discuss your concerns, laugh, be positive!

Remember to be kind to yourself: Take time out to perform the things you like or help you keep your wellbeing

 

Get a Great night’s sleep

Sleep is very important to our bodies to recoup and recharge. Without it, it can be tough to focus and remember things. It may make it tough to maintain your energy levels. Sleep is food for the mind and is crucial to your health, the same as the air you breathe, the water you drink and the food that you consume.

To Help You to Get a Fantastic night’s sleep, it is helpful to:

  • Get up at precisely the exact same time every morning
  • Avoid too much alcohol or caffeine in the afternoon
  • Write down your worries before going to bed so that you may get the job done on a few solutions another day
  • Do something relaxing for approximately 30 minutes prior to visiting Mattress
  • Prevent fractures in the daytime
  • Get active daily.

If you can’t sleep: Get up for around 15-20 minutes in the event that you cannot sleep instead of staying in bed feeling stressed — return to bed if you are feeling more relaxed and tired

Managing your Study Load

stress, study, year 11 tutorAfter finishing your school evaluations and other long-term Commitments, recall your targets and motives for finishing these landmarks by writing them down and putting them someplace where you may see them frequently, such as close to your PC.

It’s also very important to study clever, by eliminating distractions like social websites. Research proves that students using social websites while learning (even if just from the background) earn 20 percent lower marks than students who do not!

If You’re struggling to stay on focus, There’s some applications that could help by temporarily preventing you from social networking websites, addictive apps and games. Attempt Cold Turkey for PCs or even Self-Control on Macs.

Obtaining support

We all know sometimes life does obstruct our ability to study. Matters Like depression, issues at school or home, body image problems, binge drinking and medication are things that could block you from staying focused.

These issues can occur in almost any year of school and may be overly large to handle alone. Speak to your student welfare officer, a trustworthy adult, online or telephone services for some guidance and alternative solutions.

If You Would like to encourage your buddy but you are concerned about saying the incorrect thing or making the problem worse, the beyondblue Check-in program takes you through four simple, quick actions to decide what you may state and how you may support your buddy.

Remember too that you can also use your friends as support to study. One of my long-time friends practically became my math tutor throughout year 12, every week me and a few other friends would meet to study, but it was also a great way to check-in with everyone and a good productive social event

In Summary

It’s not worth putting yourself through hell for what should be some of the best years of your life. Remember school isn’t everything and never let it kill your creative vibe. There’s so many ways to become an artist and get involved in the art world besides the traditional route. Take school seriously but never so seriously that it’s detrimental to your health, relationships and life

Different Styles of Painting

Throughout history, painting has been used to communicate a variety of social and political ideals. As different movements have emerged and disbanded different reactions have evoked new styles to represent these ideals. Although a lot of deep thought has often gone into developing these new styles it doesn’t take much thought to appreciate and enjoy these pieces.

Abstract

In painting and art in general abstract is a term used to describe pieces that do not depict conventional objects, people or settings. In abstract art, people use color and shape to reflect their ideas or statement.

The term first started to gain widespread use during the early nineteenth century. Abstract was used to describe works from cubist and futurist movements where the subject would be portrayed in a new light.

Abstract works would focus on the values and properties of their subject rather than the external appearance to produce an image truly abstract in form from other works of the era. Famous artists of abstract works include Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso amongst much more.

Expressionism

Expressionism is an art form which encompasses works of literature, music, and films as well as paintings and other forms of art.

In expressionist paintings, the artist visually changes their subject to evoke an emotional response. These emotional reactions are usually showing negative emotions such as tension, angst, and fear.

One of the most iconic examples of expressionist painting is The Scream by Munch. Other noted artists include Kandinsky, Greco, and Kubin.

Cubism

Cubism emerged during the early twentieth century and was originally deemed as abstract art. Although the two are connected and share creative influences there are enough differences to differentiate them as separate styles.

Cubism formed part of a new wave movement of avant-garde arts that not only effected painting but also writing, music and all creative arts. The avant-garde movement inspired people and brought change by challenging existing forms and conceptions by creating new works seemingly of another era further ahead in time.

How cubism differs from abstract works is that cubism features traditional objects and people as subjects in a new form. While abstract would focus on using unrelated colors and shapes to present a perception of the subject cubism would take segments of the subject and rearrange them into new forms. The subject will often be shown from multiple viewpoints and angles in the same piece to demonstrate its roles and context in order to challenge our perception.

The finished pieces often have a jagged, somewhat haphazard look as the surfaces and textures become entwined with the subject leaving trademark open spaces that are left open to interpretation.

A classic demonstration would be Picasso’s series of portraits where the subjects face would be distorted and rearranged into a blocky, misshapen form. Other notable artists of the Cubist movement include Fernand Leger and Georges Braque.