Creative Arts @ PLC

...

2008-08-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

can spiritual warfare come in the disguise of massive rendering times?

Empty

2008-07-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have the closet...

...ahem

I mean...

..office

ALL TO MYSELF!

mwaahaahahahahaaaa!

You're my only hope

2008-07-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Help yourself to a healthy tasting of my research and development

venture into hilarity.

2008-05-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

I think he was kidding.

Final Cut Pro Timeline of Pain

2008-05-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Into the Home Stretch

Whatcha Doing?

2008-04-26T09:56:00.001-07:00

Today I'm at the CF public library, desperately trying to convince myself to study. Since I'm blogging, it is safe to say that this may not be going the best at all. Oh well.

Anyways, a moment ago a little boy wandered over to me and asked, "Whatcha doing?" This poor little boy has patiently tried to stand next to his mother who seems to be taking forever in selecting her book from the shelves. He's resorted at times to running laps around the shelves--only to be scolded by his mother.

"Whatcha doing?" the little boy asked.

"Doing some homework," I responded.

"Gerald*, get back over here. Don't talk to strangers," his mother sternly warned.

Poor little buddy. He's just curious. And I'm not that strange. Its safe to say that we were all like that little boy once. Curious about the world, and unashamed to try to figure it out. Too soon, however, we learn that talking to busy strangers is not culturally appropriate. We should mind our own business, be quiet, and not run in the library.

I'd hate to be so bold, but perhaps a little bit of that boy's creativity died today. Now there were new rules that he needs to obey in order to 'act appropriately'. Sure, I think that society does need order, guidelines, and limitations. But I sure hope that this little boy learns to flourish within them and bend them when safe and appropriate.

(Cue rant that we need to rise beyond simply following rules, being quiet, and minding our own business.)

*Little boy's name has been changed for his protection.

Happy Birthday Sara

2008-04-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

The empty spot where Sara used to reside with three other people in her shared office space:

Sara's new "own" personal office space:

Bitter sweet Sara Fitzy Pants. Bitter. Sweet. You're so my favorite.

Intern for the Intern

2008-04-07T14:56:00.001-07:00

So...

what if we got an intern for the intern?

They could do all the things that YOU don't wanna do, that you give to me, that I don't wanna do, for free! It would be perfect! Well, not for them. They might hate it, but how else will we ever properly organize all our old recoding tapes?

I call NOT IT!

It smells like boy in here

2008-03-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, spring break's practically over.

The ladies of the office discovered that they were cool enough to not have to stay in Cedar Falls for the week. Needless to say, Spenc and I have been having quite a bit of bounding time.

Piper's still alive and flippin'

And it probably now smells like boy in the office.

Come back ladies.

We Are Awesome

2008-03-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

The Lost Island in Waterloo just had a commercial on TV and used the same background music that we put in the Date Expert videos! Ha! Hilarious.

"Give Me My Penny!"

2008-02-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! It's AJ!

Hi!

I'm ready for Spring Break! Hi!

Okay, seriously though. I know snow is pretty, and fluffy, and didn't do anything to me, but come on. I have this strange feeling that some people are just gonna start going stir-crazy! They're gonna freak out with cabin-fever, and start doing crazy things. All over Iowa. It'll be on the National News channels, ya know?

"Man demands penny from cashier! No hostages were harmed."

Or people will just start protesting. "I don't care if it's only 10 degrees! I'm wearing my shorts! Give me my flip-flops! It's Spring!"

People are just gonna flip out pretty soon over nothing...And they're all gonna blame it on the snowfall records in Iowa. Rabid parents will be running down the sidewalks in swimsuits, teenagers will gather at the pool and swim laps across the ice. If things don't start melting, this IS our future. Pray for warmth. For the sake of Iowanian sanity.

And mine.

inspired by artists.

2008-02-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

tonight was the showcase for artists in our midst at prairie lakes.

these people inspire me. singers, video, lights....many other things under the surface. this is going to be so fun to be in the front row to see these artists come to the surface in the next few months!

*sigh*

Some Days it's Hard to be like Jesus

2008-02-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

I have a secret place. This secret place is in the University library. It's a little hidden cove that has a couple tables and some couches in it. I like to study here because usually I'm all alone.

Yet today, as I am trying to work on my totally not cool paper, two yahoos thought they could come share my special place. Didn't they know this is my secret area? Isn't there like a million other places for them to go?

Jesus, grant me grace.

Sign me up for that class

2008-02-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

Ok guys. I have an idea.

Didn't Sara graduate with an Art Education degree? Yet she isn't educating!

Sooo.. I think that she should teach an art 101 class sometime for free. I'd take that class.

I hope I'd pass.

hi?

2008-02-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

hello people.

Studying= Destruction of Creativity

2008-02-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

Come to me summer days

when i lay out under the bright, warm sun

i hold on to the hope

that soon i will graduate and learn to write poetry

for alas, all creativity has left me.

Why I'm not in iPod Commercials

2008-01-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

ode to creativity.

2008-01-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

here's to you...members of the creative arts office. where caffeine-drinks flow freely. random outbursts are welcome. and where creativity comes to life.

i appreciate you guys...peace.

2008.

2008-01-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

So...

It's not Christmas time anymore, most people took down their lights, I just put mine up in my room, and Wal-Mart redecorated that candy aisle the day after to make room for Valentine's Day. I think Wal-Mart is really insecure about that aisle being empty. They always jump the gun on holidays, "Oh my gosh! St. Patrick's Day is over! Put out the sparklers! Red white and blue!"

Things around the office [for me] have been quiet, and for everyone else, they've been slightly hectic. Sara's taking some much needed time off, Matt and I are working on some videos, Spencer's writing things and playing guitar, and we're probably gonna have a dance party when we're all back in session again. Or a Nerf war.

2008 is kind of like the middle-child of New Year's. People got really excited about 2000 because it was really "new" and now the excitement has faded a little. We went from "Oh my gosh! The year 2000! Party like it's 199--WAIT! It ain't! Woo!" To this year, "Oh crap. I did it again. How can I make this seven look like an eight?"

I suppose there is a lot to be excited about with the start of a new year, it seems to mean a lot to people that they have a "clean slate" of sorts to start over on all those things they "meant to do" in 2007. I guess that's something a lot of people look for in life, a chance to make-up for things, or do better at life. Seeing all those sad people who really just want another chance to be great. It makes me really glad I'm already awesome.

Well, not really. It took a lot of pain before I could become awesome, so...

Seriously though, it makes me extremely thankful to God for every part of my life, and the moments I know he has planned for this next year. "Living" in the new year is my number one goal, and there are so many ways to get that done. One of those ways starts right here at the PLC Creative Arts Office, where creativity meets functionality and purpose, head-on. Apply directly to the forehead.

Christmas

2007-12-12T09:52:00.001-08:00

In the busy parts of the holiday season, I almost forget that it's Christmas time at all. I rush and rush to finish schoolwork, projects, and tidy up my schedule, but I hardly ever take time to appreciate the season and all it has to offer. I wonder what would happen if I stopped? Just for a moment, to take a look? Long enough to breathe, and remember the good things in my life...

I think I'm afraid that if I stop, I won't want to start again...

sneak.peek

2007-12-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

Baby Jesus= Creepy

2007-12-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Why did the world have a strange fascination with making baby Jesus rather creepy? Honestly, if I were Joseph, and this came upon a midnight clear, I'd be pretty frightened. Needless to say, I can't imagine either that images like this would have scored big on converting heathens.

To me, Baby Jesus was just that. A baby, named Jesus, who would one day save the world. He didn't need to look like a little man who wore a crown. Why? Because his actions, message, and kindness were enough to stick out in the world. In fact, it is this by which we remember him by, not his actual looks or figure.

So maybe our representations of Christ should not be images, either. Perhaps the best way to introduce Christ to the world is through our kindness, message, and actions. Let's not focus on looking fancy or all grown up. Yes, this can help, but it's not what is going to save anyone. Let's show Christ in action and deed.

thank[s]

2007-11-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

in the spirit of the thanksgiving season...

i am so thankful for all of you on the creative arts team. "thanks" doesn't seem enough, so i have enrolled all of you in the jelly of the month club. because one doesn't have enough jelly.

Advent Series

2007-11-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

This is from highwayvideo.com. It's an Advent series of videos that I found very interesting and well-filmed. Thought you guys might wanna take a look. You can click the different videos on the right. I think it's interesting that they use the same song each time, except a different verse I believe. Beautiful shots though, check it out:

http://www.highwayvideo.com/?seriesID=43&volumeID=1224&videoID=1310

Fonts

2007-11-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

I'm trying to decide on a font for the upcoming Christmas series videos, and I thought they should probably all be consistent, so I thought we could vote on some.

Here's a few I found today [feel free to add your own] let me know what you like!

St. Nicholas
http://www.dafont.com/st-nicholas.font

Santa's Sleigh
http://www.dafont.com/santas-sleigh.font

Olho de Boi
http://www.dafont.com/olho-de-boi.font

Fely
http://www.dafont.com/fely.font?text=wWaAiItTiInNgG

all is said and done

2007-11-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

Well, my birthday is over. As with the flames from my birthday candles, my youth has faded from my eyes. I'm a grown man now. No longer shall my thoughts linger on warm summer days, playing catch in the backyard, or staying up all night playing video games. Now, I must work. Work work work.

Well, maybe not quite yet. Twenty-two isn't the end of the world. You're as young as you feel, right? And I feel pretty spunky at times. Yet, if being another year older allows me to feel no guilt about making life-changing decisions instead of having to call my mommy or daddy- I'm game!

So hears to you, my twenty-second year! Enjoy it while it lasts, for it only comes once in a lifetime.

2007-11-06T13:13:00.002-08:00

found this image. in a strange way, it makes Jesus more human to me. like He really WAS a baby...and i want to think that He was a baby with some "gusto"...like He came into the world, knowing even as a little baby that He was going to shake things up. this image just makes me think really good things. *sigh*

Dear Music Industry,

2007-11-04T18:30:00.001-08:00

Soo....I like invented copyrights.......

...just made them... a long time ago....

...sooo.....I just know them a little bit better...just better...

...gave birth to them....little copyright babies....

...if you want a copyright you have to ask me...i just own them all...nine-hundred-thousand....

...just....probably ten-million of them...all over the world...

...Spain....soo....just Portugal....Arabia....

...I have copyrights on countries...music...people....I have people copyrights...on people...

...Brad Pitt......just mine...they're all mine...everything....just......mine.

...soo...

What's better...

2007-11-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

...than www.prairielakeschurch.org?

Not much.

But, I really like this church's website:

http://www.canyonridge.org/

Yeah?

leo.pard

2007-10-30T22:27:00.001-07:00

we will have to do another family photo with amy in it!

Advice From the Dr.

2007-10-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Writer's can develop a disease called "Writer's Block", where they're mind is temporarily blocked of creative writing thoughts, and they have to cease from writing temporarily because they JUST cannot get a good diea. Recently, Creative Arts employees across the nation have experienced similar symptoms in their own fields. This has resulted in different outcomes, and consequences, and I've named this new discovery the "Creative Cube".

Similar to "Writer's Block", suffering from "Creative Cube" can impair your ability to continue working, but with "Creative Cube" most ideas are still present, they simply bounce all over the place and are almost impossible to catch. If you, or someone you love seems to be suffering from any of the following symptoms, please consult the nearest recreation facility* in hopes of restoring freedom from the "Cube": itchy, watery eyes; dry mouth; loss of interest in any of their electronic equipment [mac, mouse, etc.]; blank stares; quiet weeping under their breath; dramatic outbursts in the workplace; uncontrollable laughter about things that just aren't that funny; sudden Photoshop creations containing the words "die", "death", or "Xtreme"; childlike giggles while rendering files; or uncontrollable urges to redecorate the office.

"Creative Cube" can be treated effectively, and most sufferer's regain normal behaviors within 24 hours of treatment. There have been cases of permanent "Creative Cube", but most long-term sufferer's convert to Left-Brain-ism, and experience no further diffculties. Do not treat "Creative Cube" with recreational activty if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant; Treatment should not last longer than 24 hours, as this will result in job-loss; Do not attempt to operate heavy machinery, especially Adobe products while suffering severe symptoms.

For any further questions, talk to your doctor, or join a Mac-user forum online.

*If the patient does not respond to a page filled with the Comic Sans typeface wth disapproval, you may wish to induce recovery breathing techniques.

Toys

2007-10-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

So, If you could have anything you want/need [money is no object] for our office, what would you get?

[Please leave links or pics along with your description.]

Don't Worry. It's only up for a day...

2007-10-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

Did my flattened-out self scare you, O Creative Arts Office?

When one isn't enough

2007-10-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hello friends

Here's a 'Green Screen' practice shot that I did a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't find anyone to be my 'subject' for the shots, so here I am all by my lonesome. So I decided to make myself a couple of friends, however, they bear the uncanny resemblance of myself. Just when I feel like I truly have no friends, AJ brings in skinny sugarless hazelnut lattes for all of us in the office. I no longer need these artificial friends, so here they are if you are feeling lonely.

Pheew.

2007-10-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Creative Arts Department,

All I have to say is, after watching The Office tonight, I'm really glad we haven't resorted to kidnapping people in our workplace, but if we don't get plants soon, I can't guarentee my sanity.

Sincerely,
The Intern

Costumes

2007-10-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

What should Sara dress up as for "Office Party, Festive, Dress-Up for Fall Days" day?

Leave your ideas.

Then we might vote or something...

Aha Suckers!

2007-10-05T14:42:00.001-07:00

Lampost is all mine!

I like Lampost because of the friends that are here. They warm your tummy with a latte and your soul with a hug!

Empty Office

2007-10-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

You wanna know what one of the most frightening things in the world is?

When everyone leaves you all alone in the office, except they leave their phone on their desk, so it rings on HIGH and scares all the crap out of you. Mmmhmm.

mice

2007-10-05T08:43:00.001-07:00

so the discussion is.....what kind of mouse you have. but not just that, but WHO'S mouse is BETTER? it was a heated discussion. but all i have to say is I win, so.....just better than the other ones. it's lighter, so....just lighter than the other ones, so......and it has a retractable cord, so....for easy storage so....just better........

Funknee!

2007-10-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

So I have a funny story!

Okay, I have been known to sleep talk, sleep dress, or sleep walk- a lot.

Anyways, back-story first: Hilary is very particular about her yummy treats. So naturally she gets upset when I finish off her Wheat Thins or drink all of her pomegranate juice. This particular week she had pomegranate juice, and she said I could have some if I didn't drink it all. So I had a little glass for breakfast yesterday, being sure to save plenty for my darling. Anyways, yesterday evening we discovered that that the juice was mysteriously missing. Completely gone! No container either. Weird.

Ok. So last night, I was pretty certain that Hilary asked for a glass of wine or something at about 3:00 in the morning. So, being the awesome husband I am I went to the kitchen (however, she doesn't remember ever asking for something, but I know she did!). I open up the cupboard where we keep our juice glasses and guess what? The juice was in there!

Okay, so maybe not so funny, yet it made me laugh. Haha

Disky Sleeves

2007-10-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

For future reference, where do we keep the disc sleeves for DVD's? I looked everywhere...Except for, not in your desks, or anything...snoopy, like that. Sort of. Except, I looked everywhere.

lampostGOODNESS

2007-10-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

the joys of having a portable computer, is that you can be portable with it! this afternoon i sat in lampost to stimulate some creativity. let me just describe some reasons why i love this place, and love working here, in the fashion of a list:

1. free wifi
2. great music such as sigur ros, derek webb, and indy bands
3. posters that say things such as, "the edge of the imagination is where the mind is free to soar."
4. a chalkboard that notes, "we got cider, yo"
5. caffeinated beverages
6. tables that are topped with collage.

the end.

Creative Genius vs. OCD

2007-10-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Fact: I subconsciously count my steps when I walk, especially on stairs. Occasionally, I snap out of it and realize I'm at 256 in my head and I don't know why, but recently I've made the discovery that I simply count things. All the time. Without thinking about it.

Does this make me awesome? Or does this make me Obsessive-Compulsive?

Sometimes You Just Need to Play

2007-10-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Well, I'm not so sure how many people everyone exactly is yet, but for all of you who have stumbled upon this site, I must say, "Hello."

Part of the process of creating videos is learning new techniques that you can use in future projects. Every now and then I sit down and try to mimic something I've seen on TV, or create something new altogether. In this video, I used a process called 'Rotoscoping'. Specifically, this is what I used to make the orange pen 'pop' out from the video. I particularly liked this one, and since I haven't found a practical use for this technique yet, I'm sharing it with you here...

enjoy

Screen Questions

2007-10-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Matt, the most creative video-man, with the most points,

On the Trekman video, or any video, the screen size looks great on my Mac screen, then, once burned to a DVD, and played on a television, the edges are sliced off, and it doesn't seem to fit the formatting of a TV screen. Words are dropped off the bottom, and the entire picture on the TV seems as if it doesn't fit right. Is this normal? is this fixable? Do you know? I checked online, and people wrote dumb things that didn't help.

Thanks,
aj.

PS- I voted for the change-counter, then "changed my vote" to plants under peer pressure to be cool. And, I want plants.

PSS- That pic is for Sara.

Old School

2007-10-02T16:28:00.001-07:00

Old School
Originally uploaded by creativematt

Welcome everyone to what will always be a work in progress. This is a place where we, the 'creative' can share with you. A lot happens in our little office which we find humorous, valuable, or just plain random. Creative Arts is a funny thing. One minute you're on a roll with great ideas- the next your yelling at your computer for crashing an unsaved document.

Many times, what I personally do in the video editing realm is wait. I click to make a simple change in my project I'm working on, and then I wait for minutes at a time for the computer to 'process' my genius work. The problem comes in when the computer doesn't agree with what I consider to be 'genius' though. Thus I find myself having to readjust my work again and again just to get something right.

Sounds like I could go into a theological point or discussion here, but it looks as if my computer is done 'processing'...

Baptism

2007-10-02T15:54:00.001-07:00

Baptism
Originally uploaded by creativematt

this is the first 'unofficial' post of the 'official' creative arts blog! yippee!