GDS 222: The Not-So-Secret Formula

I know this is a graphic design class, and our focus should be on graphic design, but the more times I re-read "Steal Like an Artist," the more I find myself wanting to apply the sub-sections to more than just my graphic design life.  For the past few weeks, I have been doing (in my humble opinion) good work and sharing it with people, and I have been accomplishing this through a play I have been involved in here at Parkland called "You Can't Take It With You."  Some of you might have come to see it, and for those that did, I am honored to have been able to perform my small part for you.  I will refrain from further gushing as I have a lot of feels associated with this play.  If you ever get a chance to see a production, I highly recommend it.

GDS 222: Practice productive procrastination.

I have so many half-finished projects, it's not even funny.  I have overdue presents that I have yet to finish and present to people, a script for a web series that's been hanging over my head for a few years waiting to be written, and a boatload of other things.  I get bored easy.  So, in order to practice productive procrastination, I let my attention span dictate most of my work pattern this week.  I would bounce from one thing to another as I felt like it.  And, honestly, I'm not sure if this one works for me.  It's possible my attention span is just too erratic.  I really got more done when I made myself buckle down.  So...yeah.  Found the first chapter that did not apply.

GDS 222: Don't Throw Any of Yourself Away

I have been a comic book and superhero nut from way back when.  If you offer me a choice between classic literature, like Tom Sawyer, and a graphic novel, chances are I will take both when you aren't looking, but I will read the graphic novel first.  An offshoot of this minor obsession is that I love Saturday morning cartoons!  Specifically, superhero Saturday morning cartoons.  However, since I am now in college and super busy all the time, I often have to use my Saturdays to sleep in, so I miss the cartoons.  It's silly and somewhat stupid, yes, but I miss my cartoons.  So, since the section I chose to emulate this week was about reconnecting with old hobbies and passions, I decided I was going to make it a point to cut some time out of my schedule to watch some cartoons.  I found a channel that still played the old Batman and Superman cartoons from the 90's, and they are even airing old Animaniacs reruns!  It not only made me feel like a kid again, but I swear it charged me creatively in a way that I have not felt in years!  I would highly recommend it for anyone who feels that they need a boost.  Watch some cartoons.  Better than coffee any day.

GDS 222: Save Your Thefts for Later

The subsection of "Steal Like an Artist" that spoke to me this week was "Save Your Thefts for Later."  I've been carrying my sketchpad everywhere, and writing, doodling, and recording everything I want to remember.  Recently, my biggest source of inspiration has been coming from a podcast I discovered not too long ago called "Talkin' Toons with Rob Paulsen."  Mr. Paulsen is a very prolific voice actor who has been in the business since the 80's.  Two years ago, he had an idea to start a podcast where he would talk to other voice actors, and they would tell stories and just have fun.  Every time I listen to an episode, I learn something new, and so much of the advice they give is applicable in multiple aspects of life.  Every time I have learned something, I write it down in my sketchbook.  The best part is, the podcast is FREE!  I could keep gushing about this podcast, but you really should just check it out for yourself. 

I think I'll sign off the way Mr. Paulsen does, by saying that laughter is the very best medicine, and the cool thing is you can't O.D. and the refills are free!