10 Ways to Think Out of the Box

Isn't it easy to tell someone to "just be creative"? Whether you're trying to create something new and revolutionary or just want to come up with a local project, thinking differently is what makes you stand out. But just how does one think differently? Here are 10 simple ways to start now:

1). Relax. Don't forget to take breaks from work and do something that you enjoy. Whatever favorite activities you may have, take some time each day to do something unrelated to any of your projects.

2). Observe. Just as the greatest ideas can be found outdoors, they can also be seen indoors. Go for a walk, visit the mall, but wherever you choose to venture,  remember to scrutinize the smallest details in your surroundings because there is always something new to be found.

3). Dream. When you're not observing or in any situation that requires you attention, don't be afraid to let your mind wander. Purposefully looking for inspiration may not always help, but daydreaming freely may.

4). Listen. Focus on the things you hear, particularly people. Pay extra close attention to what people are telling you and try to understand their point of view. Become more open, ask about their culture, opinions,  ideologies... You'd be surprised as to what you can get even from the people you thought you knew well.

5). Play. What seems like children playing is actually the formation of futur adulthood. Learn to go back in time and entertain yourself just as easily: have a game of baseball, play fetch with your dog, build legos with your kids, bake cookies, build crafts...etc. Give yourself a moment to stop taking life so seriously.

6). Improvise. Spontaneous play can be one of the best forms of relaxation ever. It allows you to take a break and recollect without having to go through all the planning.  Randomly toss a football in the office, have a laugh at your old work, arrange a contest- provided none of this will get you fired. Taking an unplanned break is good for refreshing and getting new ideas.

7). Reminisce. Take a look at your old ideas from as far back as you can. Remember what you did as a child, dig out old drawings you did as a teenager. Not only might you feel inspired but there is also a chance that you may find something new about who you really are.

8). Learn. Wholly embrace knowledge whenever you get the chance. Visit local cultural organizations such as museums, theaters...etc, travel when you get the chance. Take classes, talk to people, watch documentaries, read.

9). Change. Walk the scenic route, bike uphill, go see an obscure 80s film you've never heard of. Find a way to alter your routine even in the slightest and you may be pleasantly surprised.

10). Believe. Always know that one way or another your idea will come. Thinking differently is all relative and relies solely on you: know yourself, seek knowledge and believe you will receive.

Here we come...again!

After a "small" moment of absence from the Backstage blog, we have finally returned. Our main focus has been on the Stick Men Creation website and there wasn't much time for all the tips, tricks, do's and dont's you get here. So, don't be surprised if you see a sudden burst of posts appearing onto the blog. Here's what we've been planning:

- 10 Ways to Think Out of the Box
- Going for an Interview: the basics
- Going for an Interview: dress codes
- Thinking Positive means Better Results

Want to suggest an article? Write to us in the Forums on Stick Men and you could have the answers to your questions featured as a complete post!

Giving constructive criticism

Can anyone give criticism? Anyone can criticize yes, but with proper determination and practice anyone should be able to criticize constructively. Here are a few simple steps on how you too can begin writing proper critiques:

Introduction:  Take a close look at the person's work and list in your head what appears to work well, then what doesn't appear to work well. Critiques are meant to be more or less neutral, but no matter how hard you try this is going to be someone's opinion, whether it's yours or the rule book's. A good tactic is to critique in the person's best interest; reflect on their style and how your suggestions could impact them.


Step 1: Begin your critique
Once you've made your list of what seems to work and what doesn't, it's time to write your critique. Start with the positive side: begin with a phrase praising the author's work, a comment on what they've done well.
- Nice job on the lighting!
- The contrast really brings out the eerie atmosphere!
- What an original idea!


This will encourage the artist and bring about a more relaxed mood before reading any further. 

Gee this sucks!

Interesting idea!

Tell the author about the good aspects of their work. Depending on the media take ideas, "mis en oeuvre", display, atmosphere and composition into account. Next give one or two sentences about the quirks. There's always something to say, and spotting out the little flaws can only help the other person improve. As human beings we're experts at this.

- Is there a message the audience is supposed to get? If so, does it seem most of them would be able to get it?

- Does it trigger any feelings or are you left without emotion?

- Is there too much or too little of something?

The lines are shaky, and there's no dynamic, it doesn't look so good. 

The yellow really brightens the image, but the illustrations are a little shaky and a bit more dynamic wouldn't hurt.

Step 2: Tell them how to improve

After pointing out what doesn't sit too well, you're going to have to say how the person can improve. That's the rule to constructive criticism: if you're going to say what's wrong then tell them how to make it better. If you're not too familiar with the subject, then gather information. It can be a great learning experience! 

Forget it, I don't like this thing.

Try smoothing out the lines on Photoshop and adding some bolder colors.

Step 3: Give inspirational material

There's nothing wrong with adding a few links to something you believe the person might be interested in. You can also give a few pointers to starters as to how to promote their artwork efficiently. You can even add your constructive opinion, this sometimes helps the author to be aware of what the public thinks.

- I think that... 

- I would suggest from personal experience that...

- It seems to me you...

End on a positive note and suggest that the artist go further.

- Your capable of great things, never give up!

- Eager to see more of your work!

- Good job, can't wait to see what comes next!

Step 4: Offer to help again

None of these steps are obligatory but this one is particularly optional. It's always nice to know you have someone to go to for advice on your next project, so by giving the author this option they may just come to you again. Who knows, maybe this time they'll teach you something. 

One of the greatest feelings you could ever have is from helping someone else succeed.

Here are a few handy links:

Critique Week

Metropolis books

For more information on critiques be sure to visit the base website: http://stick-men.webs.com/

Do you have anything to add? Comment below and tell us what you think!

It's about creating something from nothing, spread the message.

Getting around iMovie

Can't stand the new iMovie? Your not the only one. After Apples iLife 08' release, there was a huge uproar coming from the new iMovie: people wanted the old stuff back. iLife 09' has supposedly fixed the problem, combining new and old, but it's still considered unsatisfying. Read more about this here.


  So, not much you can do but reminisce the days you used to have 06'... or is that so? Here are a few helpful ways to work around iMovie's ticks:




1- Importing. You can import iMovie HD files, clips from your (video and still) camera as well as Built-in iSight or Quicktime videos. Apart from that, not many other ways to grab footage. Naming your events is a good idea and makes things easier. If you want to import a file into iMovie that is not Quicktime or any of the above, this can become a pretty handy tool: Squared 5.  Export your videos to Quicktime in a wink, and make importing easier.


2- Effects. First off, take a look at this: right click onto "Export Using Quicktime" then check out "Options" then "Filter".  There, you will find a multitude of settings you could have had in the menu bar to edit your footage like Lens Flare or Noise and you can even load your own.

 Only problem: this will apply to the entire project and not just one clip. How to fix it: If you are making a movie, for example, and only need one scene to be in B&W, just create a new project for that scene. You can then export it, and add it to your complete project later.


3- Audio. There is no way to directly extract audio from an iMovie clip, but you can do it from Garage Band. Simply: Import the video into Garage Band, then delete the video but keep the audio track. Export it to mp3.

  As far as Music goes, Skywalker SFX (Sound Effects) seem to be replaced by iMovie and iLife SFX. If you want to work with these open the iLife SFX folder and click on Jingles. Here are a multitude of soundtracks, but unfortunately, they are very short (they last about 1 min. or two each). As for most things, there is a solution: Select a track and drag it to your project. Click on the "Audio Adjustments" button and  "Fade Out". Next, select the exact same track, drag it next to the previous one. Cut out the intro in the beginning of the second track(if there is one), then "Fade In". Now your soundtrack will be twice as long!


4- Exporting. Using Quicktime to export allows you to choose your video quality and uploading details much more precisely, especially if you click on "Options" as described previously. Streaming and Fast are the lowest quality but upload fastest. If you want top notch quality, use the "Compressor" under "Settings" and drag it towards Best Quality. Exporting via Quicktime probably gives you the best quality you can get with iMovie, and it's really not that bad. Don't forget that you can always enhance your video with Filters or by changing the Size.


  If you'd like to rant and rave a little more on how iMovie pushes your button, take a look here; if not, you may purchase iLife in any Apple Store or your local Mac supplier.


Other links:

Rumors about iLife 10 (iLife 11 just came out!)
Final Cut Express
Avid pro editing
SFX bank

Organizing a working group

How do you get people together in order to work on a project without getting distracted? Where and how do you find the right people? What is the best way to manage a group?


1. Start by getting your group together. Plan out who is going to be a part of it first: friends, family, co-workers...etc. If you do not know who to recruit, consider doing some networking. If your schedule is tight, here are a few places to look out for (but watch out, people are not always the working professionals they claim to be! This is not the safest way to go...)


http://www.monster.com/
http://www.careerbuilder.com/?ff=21
http://synerfac.com/
http://talent.linkedin.com/recruiter/
http://recruiting.jobvite.com/


If you happen to be located in France:
http://www.fusac.fr/en/


  Using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter as a job recruiting tool is also a well known tactic used for finding worthy employees.


2. You are the boss... or are you? Are you looking to be the number one leader or are you mostly into a collective collaboration. In both cases there are the pros and cons. As the boss-


Pros:
- More control over everyone (in a good way). 
- You get to direct and organize what goes on around the company.
- Managing the funds and the company's expenses.
- Being in charge of pretty much everything.


Cons:
- Additional stress.
- Responsible for not only your actions but your employees.
- The financial and paper work is on you.


As a collaboration- 


Pros: 
- The comfort of a small community.
- More inspiration and ideas.
- Easier to work as well as promote unplanned collaborations.


Cons:
- Arguments are more frequent.
- Financial troubles tend to arouse more easily.

3. Find a space. Be on the lookout for places for rent in magazines, real estate stores or simply through word of mouth. It's actually recommended that you do not rent a space especially for you and your co-workers with your own money: instead, collect donations or investments. If possible, get yourself a personal investor who will earn stock shares in return for tending to your company's financial needs. If your group is not planning on making money, consider using whatever available space works best for you, but be sure that it promotes at least a minimum level of concentration for you and your co-workers.


4. It's all about group dynamics. When collaborating or directing a team, always be sure to keep group dynamics in mind:


- People tend to either stick together, or disperse; make sure your group is tight.


- There are often at least two people in conflict; debate and argue constructively, do not fight.


- Personality undermines everything else; know your co-workers.


- Laziness is everywhere; so don't let it happen, to you or anyone else.


- Overworking is a serious problem; be sure to give (or impose) a break every once in a while.


- Sometimes work is shoved all on one person; working in small teams helps.


- Leaders can be misjudged; if you happen to be one, respect your employees and they'll respect you.




  If you're a founder of a family/friend team, you might want to consider double checking their capacities. Yes, this may sound strange seeing that they are probably close to you and you trust them, but that is just another reason why you should. Take the time to notice the traits you had never reflected on and ask yourself a few questions. Is so and so able to handle pressure? Will he/she have the skills to do this particular job? Is he/she truly that motivated? 


  If the answer is yes then proudly march forward and invite them in to work! If not, there are other possibilities. Either you recruit someone else, or point out what it is that's wrong and try to fix it. A "training program" could be a good way to start.


5. Keep it going.  Remain organized, be understanding and energetic, and your team will work out just fine. Of course the main key is to enjoy your work work, and make sure that everyone else is doing so too .  


Getting a worthy group together is one of the hardest things to do. If you are still facing trouble or have any additional information on founding working teams, send us an email or visit the Contact Us page.

Projects: How to manage it all.

I have a lot of personal projects, but it seems most of them never get finished. (paid projects of course take priority but can't I have it all?

What do you do? Make lists? Create a structured timetable? Go to a place where is less distractions? Get people to help (does working with a group promote daily focus)? Create goals and rewards? Only work on a small set number of personal projects at a time so each get more focus? Or are you in the same boat?

I want to know the difference between what just sounds good, and what works.

                                                             by Grommesch, June 22nd 2010 1:06 AM

                                                        Stick Men Creation©  

 Many of us are facing the same problem: we're all on overload. Wether your a successful entrepreneur, or starting a business in your own garage,  projects can take up a lot of space and time. It's a common mistake to get angry and chuck it all down the toilet, or simply abandon everything, and go for something simple. But don't fret! There is always a way to get organized and juggle both life with work. Here's what to do:

1. Write it down. Before doing anything else you must get your ideas down on paper. Find yourself a blank notebook, or diary of some sort that you can carry around with you everywhere you go. Label it, if you like, then make yourself a check list:

☑ Write down one by one, all of your plans and ideas for futur projects. 

☑ Highlite important or urgent ones.

☑ Now stand back and have a look at your list; double check to see if you forgot anything. Once that's over, the rest of the pages can be used for writing, sketching and planning whenever inspiration happens to strike.  

From time to time, you may have to make new lists, so make sure to record everything in your notebook, so nothing gets left behind! 

2. Organise what you already have. Take a look at your closet space...or wherever you keep your stuff and categorize all of your work. Head strait for your local office supplies store, get yourself some folders and categorize  what you have into: Unfinished, Completed, In Production. (In Completed, you may also have sub-branches: Public and Personal) If you have a very wide range of products, label them with specifications and place them on shelves by category.  

   On the other hand, if your projects can't fit in folders, do your best to categorize them as well. (Wether it's on the computer, or in boxes...)  

3. Plan it. Use a calendar and mark off when you are busy. Many people in business already have a schedule but if this is not the case, then it's time you make one. Schedules are very important! Mark off every day your busy and possibly add details: even if you are just going out with friends or planning a day of rest for yourself, use colors (yes, just like in primary!) to recognize your: 

 A) Freetime  B) Outings  C) Work/School/Internship...etc   

Now once that's done, you can move on to this: D) Projects

Tip: Take advantage of waiting time. Whenever your in the metro, waiting in line or at the doctor's office, use that time to get ahead on your work. Alway make sure you have something with you to do. 

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• Working with others: If you are involved in a group project, or are planning to collaborate with others, think twice before doing so. Are these people serious about what they are doing? If they are passionate workers, and love what they are doing then fine. If this is not the case, as hard as it may be to turn someone down, sometimes it's necessary.  But the real dillemma is this: what if your coworkers are souly dedicated to their work, but just lack talent? We will cover this later on a seperate topic. Here's a hint: Music (if played softly) can sometimes help with concentration (except for in some cases such as animation). See what you do with that..

• Don't rush! Do not get so caught up in your projects that you can't handle anything at all! As said above, a calendar is a fantastic tool for organisation, but you must focus on only a few projects at a time. What's most important, and ones with tight deadlines (especially) are top priority. It's not always about what you feel like doing, but also what has to get done. Remember, business is business.

• Distractions: This is a one of the most commonly encountered problems. Some things may seem like distractions when they actually aren't. Such as: windows, music, repetitive noises (ticking clocks, fossets...etc). Others however, are classics: noisy kids, television, very loud music and other noises, and so on. On the other hand, too much quiet and time spent in an enclosed area can in some cases promote distractions! Because of the feeling of being "trapped", you may have the need to get up and get some fresh air. If you work in an office (or house, who knows?) similar to this, get up, stretch, and take a break outside.  If not, try to find a place were you can work that has at least one window, so that you can at least be aware of the fact that there is still a world out there besides you and your desk. To cope with other distractions, put on a little bit of music, or turn on the radio. If it gets to the extreme, you may need headphones. Some activities require that you work in silence. If you happen to be working around kids, you just may have to explain to them that you need some peace and quiet, and find something for them to do (Other than TV...maybe a pencil and paper for a change?). Now if you still can't focus, sadly, you may just have to cope with it, until another solution is found.

• The right stuff: How can you keep up with your projects everywhere you go? Especially if you travel often. Phones are, and have been an excellent solution. But now that technology has advanced I suggest purchasing an iPad...an obvious choice. If your budget is tight, a good quality LG phone is perfectly fine and prices range around more or less 90$. Reminders and calendar notes as well as other features are (although quite mediocre) available.  Now if you really are experiencing money problems, there's nothing wrong with a good old classic Post-it/Sticky note! Some of the best reminders of all time and the ones that clutter your desk up the most! Use colors -again- for what's urgent or not, or if you can't be bothered get yourself a mini notebook to write down each task, and bar it once completed. P.S: Phones can be tricky so be very careful. Although almost no one does it, check the manual before trying out an new features. Those phone companies will rip you off like never seen before!

• Coping with the stress: Once in a while, you will need to wind own. Working non stop with no breaks whatsoever is not always a solution.Find something that helps you relax or expose yourself to something completely different. This doesn't mean you have to go on vacation, just find a small time during the day to wind down and do something different.

• The psycology of it all: If you are truly dedicated to what you are doing, then the true reward is having done it, and done it well. The best results come from those made with the most effort. You may get fustrated from time to time, but if you keep going at a steady pace you will sure not regret it. Don't lose your personal life just to get where you're going, be happy with what you have, and try your best. After you've done that what else is there to say? 

Some helpful links:

http://www.inc.com/ 

For tips on managing and business.

http://stick-men.webs.com/

To view Grommesch's original question on this subject.

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Complete guide to animating on Adobe Flash CS4: By Adobe

Animation Learning Guide for Flash | Adobe Developer Connection
    
       
        

Animating on Flash CS4: By Adobe

Animation Learning Guide for Flash: Overview | Adobe Developer Connection

This tutorial explains briefly what it's like to animate on Adobe Flash CS4. Adobe gives you an overview of the steps you must take to make a successful animation.

Create a video game in less than 15 minutes!

There are numerous ways to create video games using Flash, Codes and special programs. But one way to create an easy, and free game is to use Fyrebug. Of course, their logo is written on the bottom of your game, but it is highly customizable. Choose from a template, create your own elements (from an image, or draw your own),  add music and there you have it!

Take a look here:

Click here to make your own Fyrebug game

Check out the link above to create your own game. Of course, with even the most minimal knowledge of HTML, you can delete that last line there ("Click here to create your own Fyrebug game") As it may be disturbing to have that posted up on your website, it sounds a little more professional without it.

It's a way to pass the time, or a nice little perk for a website/blog, or even your MySpace page! Whatever you decide to do with it, have fun!

Welcome to Stick Men Creations official blog!

  This blog is an extension to the Stick Men Creation website. Here you will find tutorials and tips, most of them related to the "Advice" column in the Forums page of our website. Browse here for further posts and ideas!