Julie R. Neidlinger: Lone Prairie Art Works

You can read my experiences trying to learn to fly here.

Scribd.

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I've written about Scribd before, so you can read that for the background on what it is.

I've been working on uploading all the documents that I have available on my own site into my Scribd account (since they're free here, already, but a little hard to find sometimes). I also made it so you can subscribe to my Scribd feed (even by email, if you want) so that you know when something new is added.

Scribd is an odd place. There are all kinds of crazy documents on there... One thing I like about Scribd is the ability to embed documents into a web site in a way that is less excessive than the behemoth that is Adobe Reader. Scribd uses something called iPaper, and it's pretty cool. Scribd's blog seems to feature different ways people are using iPaper. They also have an app for Facebook, though it's done in a way to appeal to teachers/students.

I'd be curious to know if any of my readers have an account, or what they think of Scribd. In particular, I'd like to hear thoughts on concepts of information sharing, copyright issues, and so on.

Labels: free stuff, internet, links, promotions

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Postcard writing prompt.

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I was recently looking through the graphic novel section of the bookstore when I came upon a book that used old postcards in an intriguing way. The concept consisted of real postcards that had been purchased in antique stores -- postcards that had been written on -- being sent out to a select number of well-known graphic novel artists. Each artist used the postcard in a story of their creation. The only foundational material they had to go one was the brief and completely out-of-context message on the postcard.

I've long been fascinated by old postcards. They weren't so much mere vacation cards, but were often used (at least, the ones I've come across in my grandparent's things) as more of a brief note or card for general occasions.

So, in thinking of the idea behind the graphic novel, and my general curiosity about the stories I've seen hinted at in real postcards, stories summed up in a few words and little explanation, I decided to come up with a worksheet and writing exercise for you. You get a chance to write a back-story for a faux postcard, plus you have three printable postcards that you can write on yourself. The beauty of the postcard, as well as its curse, is that you have to be brief. Your words have to work hard, since there is little space to be flowery. Postcards force the editor in you, and help cut the purple prose.

Get the Postcard Writing Prompt worksheet. (PDF)

Labels: free stuff, writing prompts

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The secret formula.

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My friend Corrine has a secret writer's formula.

Except it's no longer secret.

Labels: free stuff, writing

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When you don't like art anymore.

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"I realized that I don't like art anymore."

A friend and fellow art major from college wrote that in a recent letter.

The things she described in her letter I understood completely. It has a lot to do with what I was trying to express in a post called "Creative Tools."

The clincher was page five of her letter, where she listed all of the things "they" say artists are supposed to be doing if they are "real" artists:

Get my name out there. Teach as many classes as I can.
Please everyone with my magic ninja art skills.
Feel guilty for not having a "body of work" that is all in the same style and centralized idea.
Feel guilty for not making art when I have free time.
Have a studio even though I don't use it because all arteests have studios.

I know each of these five points -- and more -- intimately. They are five vise grips, squishing me not into the form of a better artist, but a creative person unable to create.

I tried to answer back without being trite but instead, writing what I've learned so far that might help. I said that real art, like real friends, should make you happy. That it had nothing to do with:

Any ideas about "cohesive" "bodies" of "work"; these are just so people can label and categorize you and your art for an art show program without taking up too much space. Cohesive bodies of work often end up being monotonous and leave feelings of déjà vu.
You reasons for not quitting [the art teaching job] are valid and have nothing to do with a lack of courage or even you as a person.
Your personal dignity and your ability as an artist have nothing to do with your job.
Your job is teaching art right now. You are not a "failed artist making a living as a teacher." Your job is as a teacher. You are not your job.
I decided that all lists of what artists are expected to do are crap. You are an artist, so whatever you do is what an artist does. Period.
You'll stop liking art if you think you don't meet the list (described above) or if you confuse your job for who you are.

I also spent the evening drawing, painting, and glueing together a little worksheet to send to her that she might enjoy, and might, along with making her smile, even help. I am offering it to all my creative readers who have ever struggled with these things, whether in your art or writing. I hope you enjoy it and that maybe it helps, in some way, spark your creativity again.

Free Download: Worksheet for creative people who are feeling down on themselves. (PDF)

Labels: art life, free stuff, writing life

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Useful tools for writers.

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::Every once in a while I go on a link-collecting mission to see what useful stuff is out there. Here are tools for writers that I think you'll like.::

Stuff I use:

Google Documents: Google's online word processing (and spread sheet, if you're so inclined) is extremely handy. I use it often, writing up short stories, essays, blog post drafts, and other ideas. It's safe, secure, works just like regular word processing software, but the nice thing is that no matter where you are, if you can get to an internet connection, you can access your files. No jump drives, portable drives, disks, etc. It's right there when you need it. Because it's a Google product, you can integrate it with your free Google account, making login easy and convenient.
Yeah Write: A kind of goofy little bit of software I use for writing letters, journals, etc. It's a very different set-up from a typical word processor in that you fill in data blanks and the software takes care of the formatting.

Writing prompts:

CreativeWritingPrompts.com
Writers' Digest writing prompts
WritingFix: Daily writing prompts
Prompt generator: Meant for kids in school, but kind of fun.
Creativity Portal: Prompt generator

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If you're into Manga...

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(which I'm not, really)

...you can find some decent how-to-draw help here. This is provided to you by the creators of the Manga Bible.

Labels: art, free stuff

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Clip art projects.

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Sometimes Martha Stewart's magazine is filled with ideas, foods, recipes and hints that don't apply to anyone but the people who live on...Martha's Vineyard. Or something.

I should think that the address label might spark an alert and the magazine's processing center that no, going sea shell collecting to find shells to decorate a nautical bathroom does not work here in the hinterlands of North Dakota.

However, I do look forward to her section on clip art crafts. In fact, she has a lot of great free stuff on her web site.

Check out Martha Stewart's clip art crafts. Even I can download and print. It doesn't require a sea shore, a well-stocked grocery store, or the handy aspect of free time and loads of friends that want to be invited over and entertained with matching napkin rings and centerpieces..

All you need is the Internet and a printer.

Labels: free stuff

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Scribd.

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Postcard writing prompt.

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The secret formula.

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When you don't like art anymore.

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Useful tools for writers.

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If you're into Manga...

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Clip art projects.

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