cool...kuler...coolest

if you have not been using KULER, then i advise you to check it out!

A wide variety of color combinations on whatever your heart desires. If you are using Adobe Creative Suite, you'll love it even more! But overall, this little site is the source of our colorful beginnings...I tip my hat to you KULER! visit it...kuler.adobe.com

Till my next post!

multimedia myths

There are a lot of pre-suppositions about the multimedia arts that needs clarification. Sometimes, it is because of these pre-conceived notions that people don't even try to venture the field of graphic arts. I know that in our day and age, everybody can do anything. But going professional and taking multimedia arts seriously is a whole new different level. I believe that more than the skills and innate talent, dedication is what makes someone successful in the arts of multimedia.

So, if you think you are being called to this line of ministry but are hesitating to push through because of some uncertainties, then let me help you! The following things are what I usually hear about the multimedia arts.

"Wala naman akong training sa ganyang bagay" (I have no formal training)

Me neither. I am an undergraduate of a computer science course. My background in computer is in programming. The only thing I can show forth is my willingness to be creative. It all started with a challenge from Rev. Delbert Hooge...and it was the right kind of challenge that has motivated me to move along this line of business.

in this business, I would prefer a little skill but a lot more heart. Skills are something that can be developed through time...but a heart to accomplish his task is a character issue. No matter how good you are at something, if you lack the heart to motivate yourself to do it, you are considered worthless. No...it's not a typo, I did say worthless! Maybe not as a person, but as an artist of the multimedia arts.

"pang mayaman lang yan eh, di para sa katulad ko" (I can't afford it)

A computer unit, inclusive of a printer and scanner (optional), is really a necessity for a dedicated multimedia artist. But then, if you are just training, you don't need it yet. Better if you stick with freehand training. Learn the basics of color combinations and most importantly, angles and perspectives.

Now, if you're finished training, try saving up for even a second hand type of computer. With a budget of Php 10k-12k, you can get a decent unit. Also, don't stress yourself with buying an expensive photo/video editing software...there are a lot of open source programs out there. Try finding one at osalt.com and you'll be amazed with the number of alternative free software. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING A PIRATED COPY or TORRENTING A COPY! There is great blessing in upholding your integrity.

Bottom line is that it's not exclusively for rich people, I did not even have a computer unit of my own until my 3rd year in the multimedia industry.

"lagi namang nagbabago ang industry ng multimedia eh, mahirap sundan"

(The multimedia industry is constantly changing, it's difficult keeping up)

The multimedia arts is not IT. Editing software may change and be enhanced, but the concepts behind every aspect of the arts is the same. It will all boil down to the person's creativity. For me, everything that you see on tv, print, or web came from another idea...the main thing you need to understand is how to infuse different kinds of idea to make your creation unique.

Yes, you may have to keep up with the latest gadget or software but it's not needed. For 5 years I have been using the same old Pentium 4, 2 gig of memory, 256MB video card, rundown, almost obsolete unit. It has served me well till the company blessed us with HP Workstations. I admit that it's much faster to do it in our new units, but the concept of doing things did not change.

"walang pera sa multimedia, marami ka pang competition" (It's hard to make money in multimedia arts, you have lots of competition)

Now, this is not actually a myth because it's partly true. I agree that there are a lot of multimedia artists in the Philippines. If you go to odesk.com, you will see that most of the Graphic artists that are offering their services are Filipinos. But as far as making money, It's not that bad. I signed up at odesk.com in 2009 and my freelancing days with the company got me roughly Php 35K with approximately 12 jobs varying from simple photo manipulation to complicated flash animation.

generally, it's really hard to make money...it's not a new revelation! The Bible even said that if you don't work, you shouldn't eat. With the right amount of motivation and dedication, the arts of multimedia can be your bread and butter. But let me ask you this...is money the only reason why you are in the industry?

LET'S GET DOWN TO MINISTRY

To be honest, being a Christian artist is a challenge...I adhere to a higher set of standards. I always take into consideration the fine line between freedom of expression and plain profanity. This is my ministry and I love what I'm doing. But once in my life, I've been held captive by these kinds of Multimedia Myths...now, I thank God that He has opened my eyes to the wonderful world of designing.

These are just some of the myths that really got a hold of me personally, there are still some Multimedia Myths floating around somewhere, looking for someone to discourage. I tell you, don't lose heart on something God had placed in your heart...may it be multimedia or whatever it is, pursue it with a clear conscience and a willing heart.

Don't believe the myths...believe in God!

video compositing help

www.videocopilot.net

Let's tackle something close to my heart...AFTEREFFECTS!

Now, the company I work with has been blessed to acquire 2 original copies of Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection and me and my staff are enjoying the sweet tricks it can do. So, if you have a copy good for you, if you don't, it's ok...open source programmers are slowly developing competitive software for our designing needs...DON'T BUY PIRATED STUFF...especially if you are going to use it for profit...it's a little like stealing!

anyway...back to our topic! AfterEffects is a video compositing program that digitally enhances video shots to almost anything you want it to be. Before we were blessed with AfterEffects, I've been experimenting video compositing with 3D Studio Max...it was not easy then. But now, with AfterEffects, it's like doing PhotoShop on video clips. You can easily turn your home video shots into hollywood type clips.

I'm still learning the ropes in AfterEffects and thanks to videocopilot.net, it has been one fun journey. Mr. Andrew Kramer is an AfterEffects guru who has decided to impart a little of his knowledge in video compositing for the benefit of aspiring videographers! if you have the time, check out his site at www.videocopilot.net, you'll be amazed on the endless possibilities you can have with AfterEffects.

till my next post!

boundaries of beauty

Ravi Zacharias is one of my favorite Christian apologist/speaker of our day...he takes on every aspect of life with the Holy Bible as his guide. In this particular segment, Ravi talks about the difference between art and profanity. As a Christian artist, where will I draw the line when it comes to artistic freedom?

Enjoy the video.

the action bible

The post title kinda says it all...

The Action Bible is one of the exciting versions of the Word of God that has the potential of reaching young people around the world. The Marvel comics type of illustrations from Angelic Conflict down to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ is one of the main thing to look for in the ACTION BIBLE.

Now, if you're in the ministry of teaching and you are looking for a Bible that can assist you in your lesson planning...well...this is not the right Bible for that! But, if you lack imagination and you want something to assist you on how different events from the Bible happened, then this version is for you.

I believe that this is not new...it has been out in thee market for a while, but I have yet to see one up close and in my hands.

Click on the link above to see the official website of the ACTION BIBLE. Don't forget to look at their sample inages...

'Till my next post!

redeeming the media

The art of multimedia constantly progresses with the changing times, but the content moves on a different downward path. Seldom will you see worthwhile designs with worthwhile meaning. Our society is immersed in multimedia. People all around us are frequently bombarded with visuals after visuals for their entertainment pleasure. Colorful billboards with catchy taglines sometimes seizes us unaware of the garbage we are about to take in. Funny commercials that sometimes undermine Biblical values get through us without even knowing the damage it could cause. Am I scaring you? You should be…because the warfare of Satan just got into a whole different level.

DEFINING THE ARTS

Multimedia is the fusion of different Medias from audio, visual to interactive in content. Multimedia arts include, but are not limited to:

               

•  Graphic Arts Design Conceptualization
• Photo Enhancement & Manipulation 
•  Video Editing & Compositing
• Website Design & Development
• Audio Recording & Mixing
•  2D & 3D Animation

As a believer of Jesus Christ, the goal of multimedia arts takes on a whole new meaning. Our designs or works must always reflect the integrity and character of Jesus Christ. It is our form of witnessing for Him and making evident the skills He has bestowed upon us. We are taking the good fight in to another battlefield.

GOD’S WORD ON MULTIMEDIA

First of all, the word multimedia has not yet been conceptualized before King James ordered a set of Bibles to be translated for the commoner. But, we can look to the scripture and set a standard for ourselves, as Christian Artists (and non-artists alike), in attaining quality Christian artworks. These standards are not mandated to be strictly followed, but bear in mind that we as believers of Jesus Christ should have a higher calling to excellence. We are not going to tackle the technicality of designing but the essence of conceptualizing a design.

Whenever I am tasked to do a project either in video or print design, I always consider Philippians 4:8 when it says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.” Technically, designing is a tedious job, whether doing it by freehand or through a computer takes a lot of skill to achieve a particular look. But in the process of conceptualizing an idea, anyone can do it! All you need is a clear conscience and a whole lot of inspiration. When Apostle Paul told the church in Philippi about having a mentality that is true, honest, just, and pure, I’m sure that it was not intended as a gauge in designing. But as a Christian, everything we do should have Philippians 4:8 in mind! Why? Romans 12:2 explains it  best…”And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Our standards as believers are higher than what the world expects.  So that is why whenever we in the multimedia facet of School of Tomorrow®, Philippines conceptualize a design, we always think about the best interest of God’s Biblical mandates. If our designs would only tease and tickle a person’s senses but not stimulate their spiritual well being, then we are not doing a good job of entreating you to renew you thinking! It is very important that we, as artists, understand that Biblical standards are more important that artistic freedom. Because in the end, true artistic freedom will come as a result of full compliance to God’s standards.

WHEN PEN MEETS PAPER

As a Christian Artist, I’ve viewed the world in a weird way for a long time. At first, I thought it was a defect. But after a lot of painful realizations in my life, I came to a conclusion that it’s just the way God had designed me. Accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Savior gave me a new pair of eyes to see life with. Some things did not change, but my viewpoint did.

If you are blessed by God artistically, don’t waste it in nonsensical things. Give it to God. You see, the seasons are changing but God’s word will never change. It’s the most constant thing you will ever witness in your entire life. Redeem the time…redeem the media!

SUPERBOOK re-imagined in 2011

Now who can forget this show...now if you've been raised in a Christian home back in the late 80's and early 90's then you know what I'm talking about. The SUPERBOOK animated series has given me a basic rundown of the stories in the Bible. Two kids and a robot tries to explore the Holy Book from Genesis to Revelations. Somehow, they are transported into the time where a certain story is happening. This was a hit before since the stories were already written. But this time, the producers outdid themselves!

IT''S IN 3D!

Happy, happy, joy, joy to us...there's something about 3D animation that excites the viewer that is yet to be discovered. Not only do we get a dose of spiritual content but we receive it in quality 3D animation. I applaud the creators and producers of this remake. They have offered up their talents to God (supposing the animators are Christians).

This animation series will serve as a challenge and inspiration to me and my team.

respect for the freehanders

I envy people who can freehand...

Surprisingly, I'm one of the few multimedia artist who has no talent in doing freehand. I can doodle and scribble but that's about it...If stick people can be considered as art, then I'm your man. I can conceptualize clearly in my head but transferring that concept to paper is an ongoing struggle.

That's why I show my respect to true freehand artists! Some of them may not have the luxury of Photoshop or Illustrator, but they have the same passion ( more times even bigger) for the arts.

Last night I was browsing my bible for an artist...a freehand artist. Many musical artists are mentioned, but I have yet to find a Bible character who is a true freehand artist. After an hour of searching, I gave up and decided to just have my devotional (since my Bible and other resources are already there). Then John 8:8 got me excited...

"Then He (Jesus) bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger." (Emphasis added)

At last! My first freehand artist was the Messiah Himself...but what did he write exactly? The succeeding verses did not tell nor did it even give us a clue. For John to include this one verse in there, it has to mean something! All night I was thinking about what the Son of God wrote on the sand...and did anyone even took the time to see what the most intelligent and awe-inspiring man of their time was writing in the sand?

But you see, the timing of Jesus doodling in the sand and the Pharisees bringing in a prostitute to use as props against the Messiah was just perfect. Jesus could not care less with what the Pharisees were babbling about in the previous verses but he struck them with a hard blow after a verse of freehand sand writing. Whatever Jesus was writing on sand could have possibly contributed in how the people reacted to what He said afterwards. (If you don't know the story, I suggest you open the Bible to John 8)

So if you are a Christian freehand artist, be proud and realize the potential God has given you. I just hope and pray that you would use the talent that was given to you to contribute in the preaching of God's word.

welcome to the world of multimedia for Christ

The topic of Christianity and the world of multimedia is not well defined in our world today. People simply do away with morality based on Christian values when it comes to selling a product or principle whether online or on print.

This blog is dedicated to Christian artists out there who are looking for creative freedom that are in line with God's standards, and also to curious people (who claim that they are not so artistic in nature) who wants to understand what the Bible says about concepts in arts.

Yes..I am a believer of Jesus Christ, and the concepts and principles that will be tackled in this blog will be based in the inerrant Word of God...The Holy Bible! But techniques, reviews and other things that are not Spiritual in nature (technical procedures, tips and tricks, software reviews) will come from my own personal preference and taste.

You are welcome to subscribe...

This is it for now...I will resume posting tomorrow!

Ciao!