Showing posts with label creativity. Show all posts

Monday, November 18, 2024

Reconnecting with Creativity: Embracing the Messiness to Rediscover Your True Self. Moonite1687 Shares...

Monday, November 18, 2024 creativity, culture, emotional well being, explore, moonite1687, second life, self expression, The SL Enquirer, writing No comments

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."

– Thomas Merton

Being in touch with oneself creatively is essential for personal growth and emotional well-being. Creativity allows us to explore our inner worlds, express our deepest thoughts and feelings, and connect with others on a profound level. It serves as a form of self-discovery, helping us understand who we are and what we value.

After being disconnected from this very real portion of my person, I realized how crippling being this disjointed has been for me. I have tried to stuff myself in boxes that are very rigid and structured because I was made to doubt my past decisions to live freely and in technicolor, to live outside of the lines and be expressive. In turn, I forced myself to detach from my emotions as a form of therapy, which is at the core of creativity, which is at the core of being human.

In Second Life in particular, I have written for BUSTed, a now-defunct magazine that focused on the genesis of prim breasts and how it added aesthetic value to the female avatar user and their in-world appearance. It was my foray into the field of magazine journalism and an introduction to a creative outlet; however, I sold myself short chasing the money, seeing writing as a means to an end rather than as a developing passion, so I ran in an attempt to distance myself from the field only to find myself being reeled back.

After the passage of time, I found the Best of Second Life (BOSL) publication, which was a further delving into my creative self as the standards were greater, thus pushing me to my creative limits, breaking a cap I had looming overhead.

I am thankful.

Next, the SL Enquirer takes center stage in my professional life, serving an identical purpose to BOSL as it pushed me even further into the creative sphere. I found myself growing as a writer, a creative writer, as I made mistakes, messes, if you will, that are necessary in the creative space as it leads to a greater sense of self-expression.

Once more, my internal shadow reared its ugly head, standing on my path and forcing me to run again, and again, and again.

I finally decided to stop living inside the confines of self-imposed walls that are supported by societal buttresses. I have decided to break free of these shackles and reacquaint myself with the creative being that dwells in my soul.

I am extending a hand, reaching out and beckoning this creative light to come out of the darkness and shine all over the pages on which I choose to spell my emotions, my opinions, my research as I continue to use the written medium as my outlet until I have found this is not enough.

And you, readership, I invite along this journey to reconnect with your creative self as well. Shed that stale skin you were forced to live in and love your imagination and your humanity—the fuel for the creative fire that burns inside all of us. Embrace the messiness, the imperfections because in these conditions lies the beauty that is within every visionary that has put brush to canvas, hand to clay, or pen to paper.

Nurturing Your Creativity: A Journey Beyond the Ordinary

Thursday, August 22, 2024 career, creativity, Hannah Simpson, inspiration, journaling. fulfillment, mindfulness, personal growth, physical activity No comments

Image: Freepik

Creativity isn’t just an innate talent; it's a skill that you can cultivate and grow with the right practices. This handy SLE News Source guide is dedicated to helping individuals who find themselves at a creative standstill, seeking fresh perspectives and methods to reawaken their inventive spirit. By embracing these approaches, you position yourself to break through barriers, discover new horizons, and infuse creativity into every facet of your life.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Nature has always been a profound source of inspiration. By stepping outside and immersing yourself in the natural environment, you allow the tranquility and beauty of the outdoors to stimulate your senses and spark new ideas. The diversity of landscapes and the sheer wonder of the natural world can shift your perspective, offering fresh angles and concepts to explore in your creative work.

Mindfulness as a Creative Catalyst

Mindfulness practices such as meditation can significantly enhance your focus and clarity of thought. This heightened state of awareness clears the mental clutter, making room for innovative ideas and solutions to surface. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine not only benefits your mental health but also sets a fertile ground for creativity to flourish.

Career Transformation

Reinventing your career path can be a daring move that breathes new life into your creative energies. Pursuing an online degree can usher you into unexplored realms of proficiency and insight. Specifically, learning about cybersecurity not only expands your horizons but also immerses you in problem-solving situations. Considering your cybersecurity degree, this challenges you to apply your creativity in safeguarding digital environments, offering a fresh perspective on innovation and to help with searching for the most fitting educational path.

Journaling Your Thoughts

Maintaining a journal where you can freely express thoughts, ideas, and reflections is invaluable for any creative individual. This practice helps in tracking your progress, understanding your thought patterns, and uncovering insights you might have overlooked. A journal becomes a personal inventory of inspiration, a resource you can turn to when in need of a creative boost.

Pursuing Creative Fulfillment in Your Job

Exploring a more creative job can unlock new talents and passions, bringing fresh inspiration and fulfillment to your professional life. Crafting a resume to showcase your distinct skills and experiences is an essential action in the pursuit of employment that nurtures your creative aspirations. By personalizing your application to meet the particular requirements of a job, you demonstrate to potential employers your commitment and pertinence. This approach enhances your appeal as a candidate. If you’re struggling to get started, this resource could help you learn more about putting together an excellent resume.

Celebrating Small Victories

Acknowledging and celebrating every achievement, no matter its size, is essential for sustaining your creative momentum. These moments of recognition fuel your motivation and bolster your confidence, reminding you of the progress you’re making on your creative path. Such positive reinforcement is crucial in maintaining a resilient and motivated creative mindset.

Leveraging Digital Tools for Creativity

There’s a large array of tools and technologies designed to push the boundaries of creativity. Whether it’s graphic design software, digital music production, or virtual collaboration platforms, these resources provide endless opportunities for creative exploration. Embracing these tools allows you to experiment and innovate, expanding your creative repertoire.

The Power of Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activity is another effective way to stimulate your mind and invigorate your creativity. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance cognitive function and spur creative thinking. Whether it’s a leisurely walk, a yoga session, or a more vigorous workout, physical activity is a potent catalyst for creative energy. Incorporating movement into your routine not only sharpens your mental acuity but also fosters an environment where creative ideas can flourish and grow into something tangible.

Creativity is not a finite resource but a dynamic and evolving force within you. By exploring nature, practicing mindfulness, embracing career changes, and leveraging technology, you unlock new dimensions of creativity. Journaling, celebrating achievements, customizing your professional approach, and staying active are all practices that nourish your creative spirit. Remember, every step you take to expand your creative boundaries is a step toward a more fulfilling and inventive life. Engage with these strategies, let your creativity soar, and watch as new doors of opportunity and expression open before you.

TELLING IN THE DWELLING: INSPIRING CREATIVITY IN SL AND BEYOND – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Sunday, January 08, 2023 business, contest, creativity, dwelling, i-r room, Ikon Room, Ikonroom resident, josh bellic, Moor Noki, Real Estate, rentals, second life, spotlight feature, The SL Enquirer No comments

People come to the Virtual World of Second Life for many and varied reasons. Some come for companionship; to make friends, or to meet that special someone. Others come to explore, dance, or to chill out while they listen to live or recorded music in their genre of choice.

Ikon Room is here for the sheer exhilaration of experiencing and embracing fully the creative process, and he has introduced, through his business model, a way that untold numbers of people can do likewise.

I managed to catch up to Ikon Room one afternoon while he was working on his inworld office spaces, and he graciously agreed to tell me (and our 70,000 viewers) how dreams can become reality in SecondLife.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB: Soooo Ikon. Thank you for agreeing to chat with me. I know how terribly busy you are, so let's just start at the beginning….What is Ikon Room all about?

Ikon Room (IR): Ikon Room is a small real estate business in second life that has as its main focus not only on renting out and selling land but also on stimulating people to be creative in decorating the dwellings we sell inworld via our monthly contest. And with that, give exposure to their artwork to inspire others that are yet uncomfortable with their decorating or building skills. In short, my personal focus is to contribute to a world where people are feeling inspired by what others create and then feel less hesitant to create things themselves. In this case, due to my Ikon Room project I-R. World, a dwelling.

JB: Interesting Name. “Ikonroom” How did you come up with that, and does it have any special significance?

IR: Ikon Room is the name "Moor Noki" reversed. Moor Noki is my artist name in real life. On this artist's name, I am a singer/songwriter/producer. I reversed it as it now sounds like icon. I want us all to be icons! In this case in decorating rooms, given my business in SL. For promotional reasons you'll find Moor Noki's music played on all the lands we rent or sell and you will notice some billboards that state that. Clicking the boards will give you a notecard with all the stores you can buy my music or listen to it for free. Obviously, after the land is sold or rented out the owner can change the stream.

JB: From RL New Age musician to SL Real Estate Mogul. You seem like quite the Renaissance Man

IR: I would not call myself a New Age Musician in RL. The music I create comes in many different styles which are in line with my personality. Making music, writing lyrics, and producing them was therapy to me and in that light it has become more of a diary, which is authentic and personal to the bone, so to say. It's me and at the same time, it isn't me any longer. I'm never my last second but it's good to reflect on the past every now and then. Some check their diary for that, and I check my music for that. I don't shy away from the roller coasters life has put me on, nor do I shy away from addressing issues that we all have to deal with one way or another. Yet often the majority of us are not comfortable enough to speak about it due to shame, guilt, status, culture, and so forth.

JB:Tell me about your properties. How big are your lots, and where are they located?

IR: Currently, since I've only just started, I rent out 1024 sqm plots as they fit the rooms I have created for the monthly contest I hold at i-r.world. That being said, renters and buyers can obviously rent or buy larger plots, I will simply fuse those lands. At the moment they are located on the mainland and come in general moderate maturity ratings. Adult land for rent will follow later on. The plots come with 350 prims and cost L$425 per week. You can also buy the piece of land for L$3000 per 1024 sqm. If you buy more than one parcel at the same time and they are attached (can be joined), prices can be negotiated.

JB: So then, what are you all about? What is the message you are trying to convey here? And what does “Telling in the Dwelling” mean?

IR: It's "A Telling in the Dwelling". When I visit a person's house I step into their story. I step into the past that they live in now. The way they decorate their home is who they have become and currently are. it's their telling in their dwelling. Compare it with how we dress. When we meet someone, we automatically scan them on how they appear, and based on that, we already have a quick idea if we understand this person (read “can connect”) well enough to continue a positive relationship. We are all inspired by others on how we dress – either like it or not. If we like it, we want to create the same but with our own personal touch to it. It's precisely what 'A Telling In The Dwelling" is about. To be inspired, to channel that into your own creativity and make your own telling in the dwelling.

JB: I understand you offer rooms for 1L. What are those for, and how might people get those?

IR: The rooms I sell are obviously on my marketplace store for anyone to buy. That being said. They are nothing more than 4 prim boxes. No windows and no doors only floor, wall, and ceiling texture. The main purpose is for people to buy and decorate them. After they've done so they can participate in i-r.world's monthly contest. We will pick 3 winners each month and each of them will get L$500 as a reward. On top of that, the winners will have visibility on our website and inworld with their names attached to it for 3 months. All participants will get the money they paid for their room on MP refunded.

JB: I see you are promoting something called “I-R.World - The Dwelling Contest”. Tell me more about that, please?

IR: Certainly. Let me share what it says on our website, https://www.i-r.world.

*******************

Monthly Contest!

Find a room at our MP place! - Marketplace Store Ikon Room

Decorate it with a max of 100 prims

We will pick 3 winners at the end of each month and they get each L$500,-

We will refund the L$1,- to those that bought a room on MP and are participating in the contest.

All participants can turn in their applications at contest@i-r.world

Include a screenshot of your dwelling and a landmark. The new competition starts on the 1st of each month! We will come by and visit your land personally to check out the dwelling you've created/furnished/decorated. Winners get placement on this website and in the I-R. World office and a free photograph of your dwelling c/m/t

For more information contact Ikon. resident inworld at “I-R.World HQ

Happy telling in your dwelling!!!

******************

JB: Selling rooms for 1L? How can you hope to make much money that way?

IR: I'm not interested in making money per se. If anything, I'm interested in breaking even. Though I'm absolutely not allergic to financial tips, support, or donations. lol

JB: If people rent or buy one of your lots, are they required to build a 1L room on it, or are they free to add their own houses?

IR: When people rent from us they are allowed to do with it and on it whatever they like. Mainland has an SL covenant (which is usually none when fully rented by i-r.world. We do have our own covenant for those that rent with us.

JB: Where do you hope to go with this project? Do you have plans for expansion? Do you envision entire regions of 1L rooms?

IR: Obviously I look forward to expanding my business and there are already a few new ideas in the making that are not yet ready for publicity. One step at a time is my motto. All at its own time and place.

In previous endeavors, I was eager and wanted too much at once which made the project fail. I've learned my lesson from that.

So, there you have it folks. To learn more about Ikon Room and this uniquely creative opportunity, check out the following amaaaaazing locations:

Website: https://i-r.world
Inworld office: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shempo/150/129/1501
Ikon Room Store: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/247151
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/893096065464626
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088901963370

Website: Moor Noki: https://moornoki.com

GeekSpeak subject for Saturday 25th June at noon SLT: What drives Creativity?

Thursday, June 23, 2022 creativity, driving force, Erik Goff, Geek Speak, second life, SL enquirer No comments

What makes people creative? And what does creativity do for society? Could we manage without it? Can AI be creative?

Do you think of yourself as a creative person? Do you want to explore how creative you actually are? (Hint: much more than you think!) How can we become more creative?

Does being creative make you happy? Or perhaps you think it can make people sad? Or unpleasant? A lot of great artists have been very nasty people.

Join us in GeekSpeak at noon SLT on Saturday to talk about the ups and downs of creativity. Bring a brush, or a cooking pan or a camera, and let us know what your creative ideas are.

IM Vulcan Viper, who teaches a meditation class every Wednesday in the GeekSpeak auditorium, if you have ideas for new subjects.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/143/127/51

POSESION PRODUCTIONS invites you to The Anti Event!!

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Anti-event, creativity, designers, Posesion, press release, second life, SL enquirer No comments

The Anti Event open its doors!!!!!! You can find funny, crazy, and experimental things that you usually don't find on the grid!

Don´t miss the Anti Event just walk around the event and see how our designers let their imagination flow.

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Possession/175/193/25

https://www.flickr.com/groups/14741500@N25/

https://www.facebook.com/theantievent/

https://posesionproduction.wixsite.com/posesion/theantievent

More Than Meets The Eye: The Work Of Vlad Sharktooth- Persia Bravin Reporting...

Tuesday, May 23, 2017 art, creativity, digital artist, persia bravin, photography, second life, spotlight feature, The SL Enquirer, Vlad Sharktooth 2 comments

Vlad Sharktooth is not a man who is afraid of embracing a creative challenge. Over his eight years in Second Life, it’s fair to say that Vlad has gone from being a relatively low key photographer to an exceptionally creative force. A quick look through his flickr account rapidly tells you that this a man with a sharp eye for artistic detail; a creative soul with a penchant for perfectionism and a slightly edgy, self-assured and sensual style. But perhaps Vlad’s most impressive attributes are his less visual aspects, because his phenomenal personality, constant desire to hone his craft and genuine willingness to support other SL Photographers make him one of the most likeable characters in the SL photography community.

So how did Vlad start his photographic journey in Second Life? “Someone I knew a long time ago was starting to take pictures and when I told her I knew some photoshop from work, she asked me if I could help her,” remembers Vlad. “I then realized - when I tried SL photography - that it was a completely different thing, and it was extremely exciting to learn more about it at first…and after that, I discovered that it also allowed me to express myself in ways that I otherwise couldn't.”

That personal creative discovery has since set Vlad on the path of most artistic people: one of constantly trying out ideas, honing technique and developing a unique style - but it hasn’t always been easy for him, as he admits, “I remember starting out in flickr and Photoshop with SL photos and I remember how frustrating it can be at times - that never goes away! - and how clueless I was to some things. I also remember being a bit annoyed at times when I thought that maybe I had reached my peak and that's as good as I would get!”

Vlad’s understanding of the often painful creative process means that he is always responsive to others that are learning the SL photographic ropes. “I've had flickr mail from people that have felt similarly, so I'll always, always, do whatever I can to support people in whatever way I can,” he says generously, so what advice can he give to any fledging SL photographers – or those stuck firmly in a creative funk? “The best artists draw from their own experiences and if you think you just don't have anything exceptional to tell, you're probably wrong! Everyone has things that make them unique, things they have lived, things that they struggle with, maybe even by themselves.”

All artists – whatever their genre – will recognize that sense of struggle, but finding the inspiration for his photos doesn’t appear to be something that Vlad has to fight with. He regularly posts photos to his flickr account and his images always prove popular with his myriad of followers. Other things that make Vlad’s work stand out is the witty and insightful text he produces to accompany each photo (by his own admission – he enjoys a good rant), as well as a ‘soundtrack’ in the form of a YouTube song that he feels best illustrates each photograph.

“Usually I either have Spotify on shuffle all, YouTube on auto run, or one specific song on a loop,” he says, explaining how music motivates his work. “The first lands me on songs I know, which helps mix things up, the second... sometimes gets me to songs I hate or that make me cringe for one reason or another - not that they're bad - so it's always like a little Pandora’s box and the last one is when I’m set on a mood or specific song for a picture.”

As for the future, Vlad intends on creating more of his photos and is enjoying experimenting with creating different photo sets using items found in Second Life rather than created in Photoshop – even if it does cost him a small fortune playing the gacha machines in the hope of winning a specific piece. “If I see some set or furniture in SL that I like that has a theme, and I go and try to build something around it, granted, this method sometimes ends up with me spending a lot to get the set and then never using it because I forgot about it or procrastinated about it!” he says laughing.

None of us can create in isolation, so I ask Vlad if there is anyone he would like to thank for helping him – as he helps others. He thinks for a moment before replying: “I'd thank everyone that I have ever interacted with: from simple conversations, to all that believe in me, to those who trust me, to the people that help me when I need their opinion, to those that have inspired me, to the ones that are always there when I've needed someone, of course, to every victim that has ever had to endure the hardships of posing for and with me, to every person who I owe a picture, and lastly, to everyone that reads my writing or likes my pictures. A tiny little piece of my heart belongs to each one of you.” And that is the essence of Vlad Sharktooth: creative, generous – but always grateful. Long may he continue.

Want to get started in SL photography or improve what you do? Here are Vlad’s top tips:

1: Watch, a lot, be it tutorial videos or SL tuition videos.Check out videos by SL photographers DaeberethwenArbenlow and Katey Coppola and others on YouTube. Also check out tutorials on sl photography, meaning windlights, projector lights, settings for DoF, shadows.

2: Don't compare your work to others, especially don't compare your work to people who have had years of practice, even if they don't keep their old pictures, or if they seemed to be that good from the start, always remember you are only seeing what they are comfortable with sharing, you don't see their failures or struggles, you only see the work they deem 'good enough'.

3: Don't be afraid to reach out if you need help, some will provide it, some won't. I’m always up for helping, but I know others might be less inclined to do so, don't let it phase you, it's not personal.

4: As Carrie Fisher once said: "Take your broken heart, make it into art." This goes for happy feelings as well, take your joy, sorrow, lust, convictions, etc., and explore them in pictures, don't just be someone who takes a random picture of the latest event, there are hundreds of those, and sooner or later, it gets old.

Top 5 places in Second Life for Great Photography Backdrops– Camury Reporting

Thursday, November 19, 2015 art, backdrops, Camury, creativity, culture, photography, second life, The SL Enquirer 1 comment

Photography is a hobby appreciated by many SL residents. With a little effort and patience it is possible to enjoy all the SL graphic resources available, and get quality photos with a variety of lightning, colors, shadows and textures.

If you’re willing to become an SL photographer you should take a little time to configure your SL viewer, to obtain clear photos and graphic quality. Also, you may need some knowledge on photo editing to improve the quality. Take a look at your viewer’s tools, some of them are really helpful.

The Firestorm Viewer, for example, has some really interesting tools. Here’s a few tips to use with that viewer.

url: http://wiki.phoenixviewer.com/video_phototools

You should remember that the final result will depend also on your computer capacity. Yes, processor, RAM memory and your video board may interfere. With good hardware configuration comes great SL photography.

But let’s face it. Some of us just want to have some fun and take some pics. So just choose a great view and go ahead! Explore the artistic beauty of the architectural wonders created by mankind… SL mankind.

There are great destinations to visit in Second Life for photography backdrops. Here are a few:

The Alirium Secret Gardens are amazing, they explore all the four seasons. At each area you will find perfect places for photography. Take your time to meditate and relax. It will inspire you for great photos.