Our first podcast dealing with the quarantine situation. Like you, we are struggling with our new normal and are seeking ways to find joy in our daily life. We are sharing a list of the things that are creating light, laughter and comfort. We hope that one or two of these might help you as well. Mentioned: The app Roben-Marie mentioned is Marco Polo.  The Instagram account Sandi mentioned is @goodnews_movement  The 100 Day Project can be found HERE. LINKS Roben-Marie: Website Courses Maker's Tech U Sandi Keene: Website Popup Art Classes Coaching ..read more

Let's talk about technology disaster! Roben-Marie is dealing with a dysfunctional hard drive on her computer. There are lessons here for all of us on how to protect our valuable memories and art pieces. Make sure your backup is larger than your hard drive. Back up your files in several places Have a back up that is not in your home Consider a backup service like BackBlaze  Think about this before disaster strikes! LINKS Roben-Marie: Website Courses Maker's Tech U Sandi Keene: Website Popup Art Classes Coaching ..read more

In this episode, Sandi and Roben-Marie chat about their top places to find inspiration - back and forth ping-ponging about their favorite, and sometimes unusual, places they find inspiration.  They share where they go when they need a creative jolt! Mentioned in this episode: The 100 Day Project Roben-Marie's 100 Day Project Sandi Keene's 100 Day Project Tricia Guild on Color & Trica Guild on Pattern Tricia Guild on Instagram Roger's Gardens Newport Beach, CA Catalogs:  Anthropologie, Ballard Design, Gudrun Sjoden LINKS Roben-Marie: Website Courses Maker's Tech U Sandi Keene ..read more

Want to get your Instagram profile working for you?  Check out this episode where Roben-Marie and Sandi share five things you can easily do to improve your profile today! 1. Your Profile Name: Choose a "name" that is searchable and relevant to what you do and who you are.  If you want to use your name, be sure to add a little more to clarify what you do or who you serve. 2. Something Personal: Add in one or two "personal" things about yourself.  For example: coffee lover, world traveler, food bank volunteer, avid reader, etc. Sprinkle one or two more after step 3 or 4. 3. Who a ..read more

 In this episode of the Creatives Get Real podcast, Sandi & Roben-Marie take a look at the ways to impact your community. - First, find your community and be present! - Post! It does not matter where you are in your journey - you are inspiring someone just be posting - Join in conversations - Support and encourage everyone not matter if they have 3 followers or 100K - they need your support - Do scary things - join a challenge, comment, ask for a collaboration, post WIPs - Show up for each other - buy from small businesses, share posts, talk about the class, product, tutorial you saw ..read more

Thinking about hosting your own podcast?  In this episode of the Creatives Get Real podcast, Roben-Marie and Sandi share things to consider to see if it is right for you. Points -what is your theme/subject? - are you going it alone? - will you be booking guests each week? - do you have the technical skills to create one? - What equipment do you need? - how often will you do it? Sandi & Roben-Marie talk about their own experiences podcasting.  - What did they love? - What did they not like? - What surprised them? We mentioned Garage Band, Audacity, Trello, & Canva. Podcas ..read more

Sandi & Roben-Marie each take a common art/crafting item and find 5 creative uses that perhaps you had not considered. This is another episode in our quarantine sessions during the COVID-19 2020 lockdown.  OUR LINKS Sandi Keene: Website Popup Art Classes Coaching Instagram Roben-Marie: Website Courses Maker's Tech U Instagram ..read more

Voice in written word is a very misunderstood topic that we are taking on with tips to help you. We share our own experiences with voice, confidence and fears. - Rely on your speaking voice - see the corollary between writing and speaking. - Create a simple daily writing practice (10 minutes/day) - Write to one person rather than the masses - Understanding your purpose or goals with the writing - Work from an outline or notes - Talk it out with a friend taking notes We will be taking June off and will be back in July with a new season of topics. OUR LINKS Sandi Keene: Website Popup Art Cla ..read more

How do you know if you are inspired or copying? It's a controversial topic! In this episode, Sandi and Roben-Marie share their thoughts on this subject. Highlights: Is it ever OK to copy someone else's art? What is being inspired by another artist? When can you share "inspired" art? How to credit your inspiration piece Online class rules - what can you post? LINKS Sandi Keene: Website Popup Art Classes Coaching Roben-Marie: Website Courses Maker's Tech U ..read more

Roben-Marie Smith & Sandi Keene talk about their very different approaches to motivations and organization.  We both agree that Trello.com has changed our lives. How do you maintain discipline (or structure) when you are your own boss? What motivations work and don't? How do you meet deadlines? How do you prevent overworking? How do you make yourself accountable? Take-aways: •Forcing yourself into someone else's idea of productivity can be frustrating and detrimental. •Cherry picking from the approaches you research and tweaking it to match your personality works well. •Overworking ..read more