Founded in 2017, GIGIL, an independent Filipino advertising agency, has rapidly made a name for itself under the leadership of co-founders Herbert Hernandez and Badong Abesamis. In just six years, the agency has achieved remarkable success, winning over 180 awards. In 2020, Campaign Philippines honored GIGIL with the titles of Independent Agency of the Year and Creative Agency of the Year. The following year, Ad Age recognized GIGIL Advertising Group Inc. as the International Small Agency of the Year.

As GIGIL looks to expand into the North American market, establishing offices in both the United States and Canada, Herbert Hernandez is on the brink of fulfilling some of his most ambitious dreams.

Hernandez is a gifted multihyphenate whose talents extend beyond advertising; he also has a flair for mathematics and plays the guitar. He has been pursuing a rockstar lifestyle since his college days, serving as the lead guitarist for popular Filipino bands Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind. Despite his impressive accomplishments in advertising and over 20 years of mainstream musical experience, Hernandez remains humble and takes pride in what he and GIGIL represent for the Philippines.

A Supportive Network of Talent

While Hernandez possesses a unique talent for the visual arts, he recognizes that he is surrounded by numerous Filipinos with diverse skills. To provide a platform for ad independents, he founded The Indierectory, connecting talent directly with hiring agencies and companies. The platform serves a wide range of professionals, including account managers, art directors, copywriters, film directors, illustrators, motion graphics designers, music producers, photographers, production designers, strategists, planners, video editors, web developers, and others, creating opportunities that previously didn’t exist.

Yet Hernandez seeks to do even more. He is committed to showcasing Filipino talent on the global stage and continuously looks for ways to collaborate with Filipino brands, talents, and communities. With new GIGIL offices opening in Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles, and a metaverse division named Metama already servicing clients, Hernandez and GIGIL are ready to demonstrate that Filipino advertising stands alongside the best in the world.

GIGIL Managing Partner Jake Yrastorza envisions the agency rising to become one of the top 10 advertising firms globally in the coming years, which would fulfill one of Hernandez’s biggest dreams. Yrastorza summed it up well: “We believe in the Filipino talent and see that it is gaining global recognition.”

GIGIL is a Growth Powerhouse

Even before formalizing plans for expansion into North America and the metaverse, GIGIL was experiencing remarkable growth. The agency debuted in the Financial Times annual ranking of the top 500 high-growth Asia Pacific companies at #30. This ranking considers revenue growth from 2018 to 2021, a challenging period for businesses. GIGIL is proud to be the highest-ranking ad agency on the list.

Additionally, Statista, an international research firm, recognized GIGIL as a Philippine Growth Champion, placing it second among 25 national winners, with a 155.1% compound annual growth rate since 2018, resulting in over $6.5 million USD in revenue.

GIGIL may have started small, but it has evolved into a full-service advertising agency, providing services such as media strategy and buying, event management, public relations, and innovative creative technologies like filter creation, extended reality, and 3D billboards. Hernandez and Abesamis are meticulous in their hiring process, seeking talented individuals who are also hard-working and “good people,” which they believe is a crucial yet underrated quality.

Their intentional hiring strategy has paid off. Campaign Brief’s 20th-anniversary edition of The Work, which showcases the most creative advertising from Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, featured GIGIL prominently. The agency maintained its position as the #5 ad agency of the year, with every employee contributing to at least one accepted entry. With 36 entries accepted into The Work, GIGIL’s team was well-represented.

Hernandez’s Strong Foundation

Although GIGIL seems like an overnight success, both Hernandez and Abesamis have built careers spanning more than two decades. An overachiever from an early age, Hernandez always envisioned a future in the visual arts and advertising. He graduated Magna Cum Laude, finishing first in his Advertising class at the University of Santo Tomas before landing his first job at JWT Manila.

Despite wishing he had taken more time to experience both success and failure, Hernandez progressed steadily from Art Director to Creative Director to Executive Creative Director, moving from JWT to DM9 and then to Young & Rubicam. It was at Y&R that he and Abesamis decided to establish their own agency.

Growing up as the child of a Mechanical Engineer and a top insurance sales agent, Hernandez had strong role models who instilled resilience, analytical thinking, and proactivity in him. Balancing his education with a variety of interests, he has consistently aimed for the sky. With GIGIL ready to tackle new challenges, Hernandez is a leader to watch.

GIGIL is Embracing Risk-Takers

Hernandez and Abesamis understand that GIGIL owes its success to its clients; without companies willing to take risks, the agency’s ability to create memorable campaigns would be limited. As they bring the Philippines’ unique blend of quirky humor to international markets, they are eager to collaborate with clients who appreciate what makes GIGIL different from other agencies.

Armed with extensive experience, a stellar team, and a vision to spread Filipino advertising brilliance worldwide, GIGIL, along with Hernandez and Abesamis, is set for the next exciting chapter in their already remarkable journey to the top. Just like their campaigns, GIGIL “begs to be talked about,” ensuring there will be plenty to discuss in the years ahead.

Portrait photography is much more than just taking pictures of people; it’s about capturing their essence, personality, and emotions in a single image. The best portrait photographers don’t just focus on the technical aspects of their craft—they develop an intuitive understanding of their subjects, allowing them to reveal the story behind the face. As both an art and a science, portrait photography combines creativity, technical expertise, and human connection, creating images that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.

The Art of Portrait Photography

The artistic side of portrait photography is what makes it truly unique. Every person has a distinct look, mood, and story to tell, and a skilled portrait photographer brings that individuality to life. They know how to play with light, angles, and composition to highlight the subject’s best features while also hinting at their inner world. This requires an understanding of the subtle cues that define who someone is—their body language, facial expressions, and even the way they dress or pose.

One of the key artistic tools in portrait photography is lighting. Whether it’s the soft, natural light of golden hour or the dramatic shadows cast in a studio setting, light can profoundly affect the tone of a photograph. A skilled portrait photographer knows how to manipulate lighting to create mood—whether it’s using soft lighting to evoke warmth and tenderness or strong, directional light to add drama and intensity.

Equally important is the background. The right backdrop can complement a subject, adding layers to their story, while the wrong one can distract from the central focus. Portrait photographers often choose minimalist backgrounds to let the subject shine, but they might also incorporate specific locations or elements that reflect the subject’s personality or profession, subtly enhancing the narrative of the photo.

The Science Behind the Lens

While the artistic side of portrait photography might be the most visible, the science of photography is equally crucial. Mastering the technical aspects, such as exposure, shutter speed, aperture, and lens choice, is essential to creating high-quality portraits. A portrait photographer needs to understand how to control these settings to get the sharpest images, the right depth of field, and perfect lighting every time.

For example, choosing the right lens can dramatically impact how a portrait turns out. A wide-angle lens may distort the subject’s features, while a telephoto lens compresses the scene, creating a more flattering, intimate look. Most portrait photographers opt for lenses in the 85mm to 135mm range, as these provide the ideal balance between subject isolation and background compression.

Post-processing is another scientific aspect of portrait photography. Modern portrait photographers often use photo-editing software to enhance images. This could involve subtle adjustments to brightness and contrast or more advanced techniques like skin retouching or color grading. The key is to enhance the portrait while preserving the authenticity of the subject, ensuring the final image reflects the true person behind the lens.

The Human Connection

One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of portrait photography is working with people. A portrait photographer must connect with their subject, often within a short time, to create a sense of ease and comfort. This connection is vital to capturing genuine expressions and emotions. People are not always comfortable in front of a camera, and it’s the photographer’s job to make them feel relaxed, guiding them through poses and ensuring they look and feel their best.

Communication is essential. A portrait photographer must be able to direct their subject confidently while also listening to their preferences and ideas. Some photographers engage in conversation to distract their subjects from the camera, encouraging more natural expressions. Others may ask their subjects to think about specific memories or feelings, using emotion to draw out a more candid expression.

Capturing the Timeless

A well-executed portrait has the power to transcend time, capturing a moment and preserving it for future generations. Whether it’s a family portrait, a professional headshot, or a more artistic interpretation, each photograph serves as a lasting testament to the subject’s unique personality and spirit.

Portrait photographers have the rare ability to see beyond the surface and capture the essence of who someone truly is. It’s a combination of artistry, technical skill, and a deep understanding of human nature that makes this form of photography so powerful. By mastering both the art and the science of portraiture, these photographers create more than just images—they create timeless stories in visual form.

In today’s digital age, where everyone has access to cameras, the role of a professional portrait photographer is more important than ever. With their skill, experience, and vision, they can elevate a simple photo into a work of art that not only reflects a moment in time but also captures the soul behind the smile.

La pulizia della casa è un aspetto fondamentale per mantenere un ambiente confortevole e salubre. Tra i vari strumenti utilizzati, l’aspirapolvere è senza dubbio uno dei più diffusi. Tuttavia, molte persone si trovano a dover affrontare il problema degli odori sgradevoli che possono emergere durante o dopo l’uso dell’aspirapolvere. 

Questo problema è spesso causato dall’accumulo di polvere, detriti e sporco all’interno dell’apparecchio. Una soluzione efficace per ridurre questo inconveniente è l’utilizzo di filtri a carboni attivi, che riescono a neutralizzare gli odori e a migliorare l’aria domestica.

Gli aspirapolvere moderni, come gli aspirapolvere robot, rappresentano una soluzione innovativa per la pulizia. Questi dispositivi, oltre a rendere meno faticosa la pulizia, possono essere dotati di filtri speciali che aiutano a eliminare cattivi odori. 

I filtri a carboni attivi, in particolare, funzionano trattenendo le particelle odorose grazie alla loro struttura porosa, che assorbe le molecole responsabili dei cattivi odori.

Come Funzionano i Filtri a Carboni Attivi?

I filtri a carboni attivi sono composti da carbone attivo, un materiale che possiede una superficie estremamente porosa. Questa porosità permette al filtro di catturare e trattenere le molecole presenti nell’aria, comprese quelle responsabili degli odori sgradevoli. 

Oltre a essere efficaci nel neutralizzare gli odori, i filtri a carboni attivi sono utili anche per trattenere particelle di polvere, peli di animali e altri allergeni, migliorando così la qualità dell’aria in casa.

Un altro vantaggio significativo è che questi filtri possono prolungare la vita del tuo aspirapolvere, prevenendo l’accumulo di polvere e sporco all’interno del motore e delle parti meccaniche. In particolare, se si utilizza un aspirapolvere robot, l’integrazione di filtri a carboni attivi garantisce un ambiente più pulito e profumato senza richiedere un intervento costante.

Manutenzione dei Filtri a Carboni Attivi

Per mantenere efficiente il tuo aspirapolvere e assicurarti che i filtri a carboni attivi continuino a funzionare correttamente, è importante seguire alcune regole di manutenzione. Innanzitutto, i filtri devono essere puliti regolarmente. 

Anche se sono progettati per trattenere particelle minuscole, l’accumulo di sporco può ridurre la loro efficacia nel tempo. Alcuni filtri possono essere lavati, mentre altri devono essere sostituiti dopo un certo numero di utilizzi.

La durata dei filtri a carboni attivi dipende molto dall’uso che si fa dell’aspirapolvere. In una casa con animali domestici, ad esempio, i filtri potrebbero dover essere sostituiti più spesso rispetto a una casa senza animali. Controllare le istruzioni del produttore e seguire le raccomandazioni per la sostituzione dei filtri è fondamentale per mantenere il tuo aspirapolvere al massimo della sua efficienza.

Vantaggi degli Aspirapolvere con Filtri a Carboni Attivi

L’utilizzo di un aspirapolvere dotato di filtri a carboni attivi offre numerosi benefici. Non solo aiuta a mantenere la casa pulita e libera da polvere, ma migliora anche la qualità dell’aria, riducendo la presenza di allergeni e neutralizzando i cattivi odori. Questo è particolarmente utile in case con animali domestici, dove i peli e gli odori possono accumularsi rapidamente.

Inoltre, grazie all’automazione dei moderni aspirapolvere robot, è possibile mantenere costantemente puliti i pavimenti senza doversi preoccupare degli odori che possono emergere dopo ogni passata. I filtri a carboni attivi integrati assicurano un’aria fresca e un ambiente più salubre in tutta la casa.

Conclusione

Gli aspirapolvere con filtri a carboni attivi rappresentano una scelta eccellente per chi desidera eliminare gli odori sgradevoli e migliorare la qualità dell’aria in casa. Investire in un aspirapolvere moderno e ben equipaggiato, come un aspirapolvere robot, è una decisione che può facilitare notevolmente le attività domestiche e garantire un ambiente più confortevole per tutti.

Sports aren’t just for kids. Playing sports as an adult has many benefits that go beyond physical fitness. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, here are five great reasons why you should consider joining a sport as an adult.

1. Improves Physical Health

One of the most obvious reasons to play sports is to improve your physical health. Engaging in sports helps keep your body fit and active. Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

For example, playing sports can be a fun way to get your daily exercise. You don’t need to spend hours in the gym. Instead, you can enjoy activities like basketball, soccer, or tennis. If you’re into archery, using pro archery equipment can enhance your experience and effectiveness.

2. Enhances Mental Well-being

Sports aren’t just good for your body; they’re also great for your mind. Playing sports can help reduce stress and anxiety. When you’re active, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that make you feel happier.

Moreover, sports can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Achieving a personal goal or winning a game can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. For many adults, this mental boost is a powerful reason to get involved in sports.

3. Builds Social Connections

One of the best parts about playing sports is the opportunity to make new friends. Joining a sports team or club provides a social network and a sense of community. You meet people with similar interests and can form lasting friendships.

Whether you’re playing in a local league or just picking up a game at the park, sports offer a chance to connect with others. This social interaction can be especially valuable if you’ve recently moved to a new city or are looking to expand your circle of friends.

4. Provides a Fun Way to Relieve Stress

Life can be stressful, and finding ways to unwind is essential. Sports offer a fun and effective way to blow off steam. Engaging in physical activity helps you shift your focus from everyday worries to enjoying the game.

For instance, hitting a baseball, kicking a soccer ball, or even practicing archery can be incredibly relaxing. If you’re looking for a way to escape the pressures of work or daily life, participating in a sport can provide the perfect outlet.

5. Offers Opportunities for Skill Development

Playing sports as an adult also gives you the chance to learn new skills or improve existing ones. Whether you’re mastering a new sport or honing your techniques in one you already enjoy, sports provide ongoing challenges and goals.

If you’re interested in shooting sports, for instance, finding the Cheapest guns for sale online can help you get started. Investing in the right equipment can make a big difference in your performance and enjoyment.

Conclusion

Playing sports as an adult offers many benefits, from improving your physical health to providing a fun way to relieve stress. It also helps build social connections and offers opportunities for personal growth. Getting involved in sports can be a rewarding experience.

Don’t let age hold you back—embrace the joys of sports and enjoy the many positive impacts they can have on your life.

In the thrilling realm of travel, there’s a vital companion that often gets overlooked until it’s absolutely needed flight insurance, online travel insurance, and trip insurance for international travel. Yes, we’re talking about travel insurance. It’s the unsung hero that can save your trip from unforeseen mishaps, ensuring peace of mind as you traverse the globe.

Understanding Travel Insurance Basics

Let’s break it down: What exactly is travel insurance? In essence, it’s a protective shield against the unexpected. When you plan a trip, you’re investing time, money, and anticipation. Travel insurance acts as a safety net, covering financial losses due to cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or other travel-related issues.

Types of Travel Insurance Coverage

1. Flight Insurance: This subset of travel insurance specifically hones in on flight-related issues. It can cover flight cancellations, delays, or even unexpected changes in itinerary.
2. Online Travel Insurance: As the name suggests, this is typically purchased online and provides a comprehensive range of coverage for various aspects of your trip.
3. Trip Insurance for International Travel: Crucial for international adventures, this type of insurance extends coverage across borders, offering protection against unique challenges that can arise abroad.

Why You Need Travel Insurance

Imagine this: You’ve meticulously planned a dream vacation to a distant land. Suddenly, your flight gets cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Without flight insurance, you could be facing substantial losses, not to mention the stress and disappointment of a disrupted journey.

Similarly, medical emergencies during international travel can be financially crippling without proper coverage. Trip insurance for international travel steps in here, ensuring that you receive medical attention without draining your savings.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for travel insurance, keep an eye out for these essential features:

• Coverage Limits: Understand the maximum amount the insurance will pay out for different scenarios.
• Medical Coverage: Verify what medical expenses are covered, especially important for international trips where healthcare costs can vary significantly.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Ensure you’re covered if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons.
• Baggage and Personal Belongings: Protection against lost, stolen, or damaged luggage is a must for hassle-free travel.

Selecting the Right Policy

Now that you grasp the importance of travel insurance, how do you choose the right policy? Here are some tips:

• Compare Plans: Don’t settle for the first option you find. Compare multiple plans to find one that aligns with your specific needs and budget.
• Read the Fine Print: Pay attention to exclusions and limitations. Not all policies cover every possible scenario.
• Consult with Experts: If unsure, seek advice from insurance professionals who specialize in travel coverage.

Making a Claim

In the unfortunate event that you need to make a claim, follow these steps:

1. Notify Your Insurer: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and provide all necessary documentation.
2. Document Everything: Keep records of expenses, receipts, and any relevant communications for your claim.
3. Follow Up: Stay proactive. If your claim is delayed or denied, inquire about the reasons and escalate if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, travel insurance is not just an optional add-on—it’s a fundamental aspect of responsible travel planning. Whether you’re embarking on a short domestic getaway or a grand international expedition, having flight insurance, online travel insurance, and trip insurance for international travel in place can make all the difference.

Remember, the goal of travel is to explore, discover, and create lasting memories. With the right insurance coverage, you can navigate the uncertainties of travel with confidence, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure ahead. So, before you set off on your next journey, ensure you have the protection you need to make it truly unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Renting or buying equipment is a key decision when embarking on video production projects. Renting versus purchasing video equipment has its own pros and cons, depending on factors such as budget, frequency, project requirements, and long-term goals. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve listed some of the pros and con of each option.

You Have Options for Renting Video Equipment

Pros:

Renting video equipment is often more cost-effective than buying it. You can save money by paying only the monthly rental fees and not a large sum up front.

Renting Gives You Access to High-End Gear: Renting gives you access to expensive equipment or specialized gear that would otherwise be too expensive or time-consuming to buy outright. This can be especially beneficial for projects that need specific lenses, cameras or accessories to achieve professional results.

Renting gives you greater flexibility and variety when choosing equipment for your project. Renting allows you to quickly change between lenses, cameras, lighting setups, and other equipment depending on the shoot.

Rental Companies take pride in maintaining their equipment and servicing it to make sure that they are in top condition at all times. This eliminates the need to spend time and resources on maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

Cons:

Renting equipment may appear cheaper in the short term, but over time it can become more expensive if you need to rent identical equipment for multiple projects. Eventually this will cost more than buying that same piece of equipment.

Schedule and limited equipment availability: During busy periods or seasons, popular or in-demand items may be unavailable. This could force you to rent equipment in advance or adhere to rental agreements that limit your flexibility and timeline.

Rental Companies Dependence: Relying solely on rental companies to provide equipment can present logistical challenges, especially if they have last-minute issues or changes. Delays or equipment failures could hamper production plans and reduce quality standards in your work.

The Pros of Video Equipment

Long-Term Investment:

Own and control your gear:

Video equipment is a great investment. It can be used for a variety of projects, and its value will increase over time.

Ownership offers you convenience and accessibility. You can access the equipment instantly whenever needed, without having to wait for rental availability, or adjust your project timelines based on rental periods.

Customization and familiarity: Owning equipment allows you the freedom to customize it to your preferences and workflow. You can experiment with different settings and accessories. In order to achieve desired results. Moreover, it increases efficiency and productivity.

Ownership of video equipment may result in long-term savings. This is especially true if the equipment is used often or over a longer period. Renting is avoided, and you can recover some of the initial cost through renting or project fees.

Cons:

Video equipment costs more upfront. Especially high-end and specialized products that require careful planning, budgeting, and financial planning.

Maintenance and Depreciation – As an owner, you have many responsibilities. These include maintenance and depreciation over time. Budget for regular maintenance, servicing, upgrades, or other modifications in order to keep your gear in good shape and maintain its value.

Technology Obsolescence – Video technology is constantly evolving, with new lenses, cameras, and accessories being released on the market. You run the risk that your equipment will become obsolete if you buy it outright. Newer gear could be released soon.

Renting or buying video equipment is entirely dependent on your needs, budget, and long-term goals. Renting video equipment can be a cost-effective and flexible option for short-term projects, while buying it gives you ownership and control as well as the potential to save money over time. Consider your project needs and potential future growth when deciding which option is best. You should select an approach that aligns with your production goals and maximizes the investment value of video equipment.

This post was written by a professional at CineView. CineView Studios is a full-service video production and photography company based in the Tampa Bay Area on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and creativity, we take pride in providing the best services to clients throughout the entire Southeast region. Whether you need corporate video production near you, production trailer rentals, lighting packages, camera crew for hire, or mobile DIT kits near you, CineView Studios has you covered. Whether you’re based in Florida’s Gulf Coast or anywhere in the Southeast, we’re here to serve you. Contact us today to discuss your corporate video production service Miami needs, and let us take your vision to the next level.

In the intricate realm of vehicular protection within Malaysia, drivers embark on a journey where navigating the contours of car insurance quotes, the annual dance of motoring road tax, and the bespoke offering of AIA car insurance form a symphony of safeguarding against the unpredictable orchestration of the open road.

The Prelude: Car Insurance Quotes as the Overture of Prudence

Initiating the journey into vehicular protection often commences with the overture of car insurance quotes. Like a financial symphony, these quotes reverberate with nuances that demand a discerning ear. Each quote, a musical note in the composition of coverage, requires careful consideration. In this intricate prelude, the driver orchestrates a strategic approach, choosing harmonies that resonate with fiscal prudence and comprehensive protection.

The Regulatory Sonata: Motoring Road Tax and the Bureaucratic Composition

Amidst the vehicular symphony, the annual renewal of motoring road tax is a regulatory sonata, a composition entwined with fiscal obligation and bureaucratic harmony. It is not merely a financial chord struck; it’s an annual ritual ensuring adherence to the meticulous regulatory framework. Navigating this bureaucratic composition demands precision, where every note played represents a commitment to vehicular legality and compliance.

The Crescendo: Beyond Conventional Coverage with AIA Car Insurance

In the crescendo of vehicular protection, AIA car insurance emerges as a distinctive melody, transcending conventional paradigms. It’s not merely about indemnity; it’s a tailored composition adapting to the individual driver’s journey. This bespoke offering goes beyond the ordinary, fortifying itself with an analytical understanding of unique risk profiles. AIA car insurance is not a static note; it’s a dynamic crescendo, offering comprehensive protection in the ever-evolving landscape of driving risks.

Synthesis of Safeguarding: A Harmonious Intersection

As the driver navigates the symphonic landscape of vehicular protection in Malaysia, the synthesis of car insurance quotes, motoring road tax, and AIA car insurance emerges as a harmonious intersection—a roadmap to comprehensive safeguarding.

The overture of car insurance quotes sets the tone, where fiscal prudence and policy comprehension dance in tandem. The regulatory sonata of motoring road tax follows, ensuring the vehicular journey remains in harmonious compliance with regulations. Finally, AIA car insurance takes center stage, offering a crescendo of protection where analytical understanding becomes the key to a comprehensive shield.

In this orchestrated journey, where each keyword represents a distinct note in the vehicular symphony, the synthesis isn’t just a transaction; it’s a strategic alignment with the multifaceted demands of safeguarding one’s journey on Malaysian roads. The tapestry of car insurance unfolds, revealing a composition of fiscal prudence, regulatory compliance, and dynamic protection—a harmonious safeguard against the uncertainties of the open road.

First, positive space is the shape you cut out of the paper. Negative space is the shape left behind.

You will need one sheet of background paper 8.5″ x 11″ and a color rectangle of paper that is half that size 4.25″ x 11″, scissors and a glue stick.

Start by cutting out a shape from the yellow sheet of paper.

Continue cutting shapes from all sides of the yellow piece of paper.

Line up the yellow “negative space” paper evenly on one side of the black paper. Put all the pieces back together like a puzzle. Glue each of the positive shapes down to the black paper. Don’t glue the large negative space sheet.

Flip over the negative space sheet to the other side, so it is opposite of all of the other shapes. Glue this sheet down.

Here are some more examples.

I haven’t come across a book or video that would go along with this lesson, but if you know of something, please comment to share!

Another similar lesson, but for older kids is the Notan designs. These turn out really cool! You might want to check out this lesson too.

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Matt Robinson | Episode 924

Matt Robinson’s love of yoga leads to his introduction to clay. A friend and fellow yogi (who has a BFA in ceramics) teaches wheel-throwing classes at a local community studio. After hearing her mention it off-hand at the yoga studio over the years, Matt was finally intrigued enough to give it a shot in 2019. It was love at first spin! A few years later, now with a tiny basement laundry room/pottery studio combo, Matt still finds ceramics just as intriguing and delightful.

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This interview has been edited for ease of reading 

A lot of your reels are of you sitting at your wheel. Do you look for ideas on how to make it more interesting by taking ideas from other makers? Tell me your process for how you get  your idea for a piece. 

Yes, a little bit for sure. I will definitely give a shout out to Matthew Kelly Pottery. He makes some amazing reels. He is actually a talented videographer I would say. He does some serious reels where he will play with the speed, like speed things up and slow it down. He comes up with some really cool, really creative stuff. And there’s definitely been some others that I can’t think of off the top of my head but yes, for sure, I am inspired by other content. And not necessarily other ceramicists because I follow other accounts from other realms in the art world as well.

Do you ever cross pollinate between TikTok and Instagram?

I do not have the TikTok app downloaded. I’ve never been on it. So no, yeah, I have no idea.

Do you find the music component to be a big part of it? Is that a big component for you finding the right music?

First of all, I only use music that is noted as trending. It has the little up arrow that is in the shape of a little lighting bolt and that definitely makes a difference. The algorithm  has an internal bias towards stuff that uses audio that tons of other people are using at the same time. I never use any audio that is just like, Oh I love this song, I am going to search for it and pick it. Very, very early on I used to do that, and that’s great to do if you like to do that but if you are specifically trying to grow, the trending audio I would say makes a difference.

You have a long term goal to convert followers to sales, is that accurate?

Yeah, for sure, I would love to be able to produce more work, to have more sales, but I would say that is definitely a goal. And something I have learned form you in this podcast is to start an email list. That’s on the top of my to do list. I just did some research over the last two weeks and kind of figured out which platform I am going to go with.

What platform for email management are you going to be using?

I chose Mailchimp. But if after this podcast you want to give me some of your thoughts and recommendations…(laughter) I would totally take them. Because I haven’t actraully done anything yet, so.

As your account has grown do you still feel like you are able to connect with your people?

Yeah, that’s a good question. I feel like I have that core group of people that followed me when I was still small and of course I followed them back because at that point I followed almost any artist that had an account that was devoted to art. And I love seeing those people, seeing them grow, seeing their work in my feed. There’s those people that I will comment on their work and they comment on my work and it’s just great to have that sense of community. Once you start to grown you just can’t keep up. But I love the fact that there are those people that I do have and we kind of maintain an internet relationship.

Book

The Warm of  Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

Contact

Instagram: @mattmakesmugs

Related

Artist Diane Sanborn presents a collection of colorful and engaging paintings that are a visual delight. Enjoy her portfolio and find more by visiting her website.

“Magic Lanterns” oil and cold wax, 36″ x 48″

Originally from Chicago, now living and working in Arizona, my artistic journey started at age five on the floor with a piece of newsprint and a red crayon. To me, it was pure magic to make lines appear and move across the paper.

“Green Gold” oil and cold wax, 24″ x 24″

I learned that painting is about two simple things: the paint, and the materials. I’m a risk-taker without a comfort zone. I move in and out of themes, media, and series. However, my work has been described as always staying true to my palette and to genuine instincts.

“Monsoon Diptych” mixed media, 24″ x 36″ each panel

My world is my imagination and I push it to the limits of my creativity. When I work, I not only ask myself questions about how I can make the work better, but I also listen to what the painting is telling me. I’m engaged in a visual and vital dialogue. However, what is not simple is the patience and knowledge, and years of skill-building that come from this.

“Connections” acrylic, 24″ x 36″

Now, many years later, but on the same journey, my art has evolved in many ways. My process includes plenty of “what ifs” using non-traditional materials from house paint to orbital sanders.

“Herd Mentality” mixed media, 24″ x 24″

I am not an artist who has a body of work with any common denominator, and yet my collectors say that they can recognize it as uniquely mine.

“Enchanted Garden” oil, 30″ x 36″

I’m very fortunate to have a studio that calls to me and to understand that the first touch of a brush on the surface is never the last. Now it is time to share what I have learned from many years of experimentation. When I get stuck, I reach out by consulting the images of Henri Matisse and Richard Diebenkorn. They never let me down.

“Aflame” acrylic, 23″ x 40″

My degrees include an M.F.A. in Drawing and Painting, from Governors State University IL, a BS in Art Education from Illinois State University, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Art Transfer Studies, from Triton College, IL.

“Window” oil, 36″ x 36″

I’m the recipient of an Ox-Bow residency through the School of the Art Institute and have been nominated by the Arizona Governors Best in Arts Education. In 2018, I was awarded an artist residency at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Diane Sanborn invites you to follow her on LinkedIn.

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