It took me a while, but I've learned that it's much easier to be CREATE if I don't check headlines (including Trending Topics in Bluesky) first thing in the morning...especially

It took me a while, but I've learned that it's much easier to be CREATE if I don't check headlines (including Trending Topics in Bluesky) first thing in the morning...especially these days! Because of an ongoing family issue behind-the-scenes these days, I'm already finding it much more challenging to carve

For those not familiar with the term, the Pomodoro technique is a time management technique that breaks work down into intervals (traditionally 25 minutes), separated by short breaks. Goal: to

For those not familiar with the term, the Pomodoro technique is a time management technique that breaks work down into intervals (traditionally 25 minutes), separated by short breaks. Goal: to maintain high focus, and prevent mental fatigue. I started using this technique during the pandemic, when I was finding it

I've been using the Paprika Recipe Manager app as my main tool for collecting recipes because: Lots of other features I like, but one of the most attractive for me:

I've been using the Paprika Recipe Manager app as my main tool for collecting recipes because: Lots of other features I like, but one of the most attractive for me: NO SUBSCRIPTION MODEL. I just paid once for the app. However, with the ongoing open beta for Paprika 4, I

I used to think that any photo I found online was fair game when it came to using it as reference when I was drawing. What I've learned, however: that

I used to think that any photo I found online was fair game when it came to using it as reference when I was drawing. What I've learned, however: that translating a photo into another medium (e.g. pencil sketch, digital illustration, etc) may still be classified as an unauthorized derivative

I'm a longtime fan of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) art kits that I can take with me when on the road. Yes, I do still have commercial travel art kits as well....but

I'm a longtime fan of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) art kits that I can take with me when on the road. Yes, I do still have commercial travel art kits as well....but I find that just like expensive art supplies, I tend to put these aside to save them for special occasions,

It's amazing how much a walk outside can help me regain perspective, especially when I've been spending a little too much time on my computer. It doesn't have to be

It's amazing how much a walk outside can help me regain perspective, especially when I've been spending a little too much time on my computer. It doesn't have to be an autumnal forest - it can just be around the block. What I also find helps: sometimes purposely NOT taking

Everyone has their own preference for work music. Some writer friends prefer silence. If I'm writing, I can't listen to any music that has English lyrics because I get too

Everyone has their own preference for work music. Some writer friends prefer silence. If I'm writing, I can't listen to any music that has English lyrics because I get too distracted. If I'm illustrating, anything is fine. And when I'm trying to write in a rented apartment when it sounds

What would advice would my future self give me now? And will I take that advice? It's always an interesting exercise to answer the question: I would tell my younger

What would advice would my future self give me now? And will I take that advice? It's always an interesting exercise to answer the question: I would tell my younger self a LOT of things, though I'm not sure how much of it I'd pay attention to (shut up, old

I used to be much more spontaneous in jumping into new apps because they just looked too cool or useful or amazing. Now I tend to be more cautious and

I used to be much more spontaneous in jumping into new apps because they just looked too cool or useful or amazing. Now I tend to be more cautious and try to look under the hood first. Why? Because I've been burned way too often, spending a lot of energy

On being kind to yourself as well to the other person

On being kind to yourself as well to the other person

And why I no longer believe that covering banana stems makes bananas last longer

And why I no longer believe that covering banana stems makes bananas last longer

Open-source video transcoder available for Linux, Mac, and Windows.

Open-source video transcoder available for Linux, Mac, and Windows.

Also, physical limitations helped me learn how NOT to be a format snob.

Also, physical limitations helped me learn how NOT to be a format snob.

I have learned that pushing through the tough bits often helps me build skills that will come in handy for other projects or goals...including perseverance when I make mistakes or

I have learned that pushing through the tough bits often helps me build skills that will come in handy for other projects or goals...including perseverance when I make mistakes or missteps.

Also has meanings in model-making, cooking/gardening, manufacturing, and medicine!

Also has meanings in model-making, cooking/gardening, manufacturing, and medicine!

I will never say I know exactly how you feel.

I will never say I know exactly how you feel.

When you are with someone you care about, be fully present. Don't multitask, don't be thinking ahead about other things you need to do. Give them and the moment your

When you are with someone you care about, be fully present. Don't multitask, don't be thinking ahead about other things you need to do. Give them and the moment your full attention.

Also a handy of way of clearing my head when I'm work-stressed

Also a handy of way of clearing my head when I'm work-stressed

Applies just as much to illustrators as well as writers, of course!

Applies just as much to illustrators as well as writers, of course!

A comic especially for fellow writers and illustrators out there.

A comic especially for fellow writers and illustrators out there.