Heeeeey Everybooody!
GOOD NEWS! I got a new blog space. Its a little more advanced of a blog. I'm still working on it and I obviously dont have many posts yet, but more will come as soon as more free time comes!
Heres the link to the new space. Check it out:
www.anikaholtmagazine.com
Much love,
Kelly
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wanna Get Creative?
I do! I recently downloaded an application on my phone called Zite. Its like Pandora for Magazine/News/Blog articles. It...is... FANTASTIC. All I have to do is pick my favorite categories (global politics, graphic design, science, philosophy, ect.) and it will pull articles from popular blogs, newspapers, and magazines for me! Then I can "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" whatever articles I want to continually filter my personal magazine domain to my liking. Technology... blows my mind sometimes.
I was reading the Psychology & Mind section of my personalized Zite magazine this morning over coffee when I ran across this article:
http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2012/05/features/the-new-rules-of-creativity
Take a few tips to tap into your creative mind from Wired Magazines article.
Con Amor,
Kelly
I was reading the Psychology & Mind section of my personalized Zite magazine this morning over coffee when I ran across this article:
http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2012/05/features/the-new-rules-of-creativity
Take a few tips to tap into your creative mind from Wired Magazines article.
Con Amor,
Kelly
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Digital Sticky Note Inspiration!
I've had this quote sitting on a note on my desktop for MONTHS now as a little inspiring reminder. Now, I post it:
This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you dont like something, change it. If you dont like your job, quit. If you dont have enough time, stop watching tv. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful. Life is simple. Every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people. We are united in our difference. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize the. Life is about hte people you meet, and the things you create with them. So go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.
Hope you enjoy it too!
Kelly
Visual Identity Collages
Ever since I got a new camera I've been playing with photography more, trying to figure out what my personal vision is and what images appeal to me, trying to discover how to have fun with photography and create something meaningful. Turns out, its incredibly difficult to NOT enjoy photography. Its a creative game that you play every time you pick up the camera and the possibilities are always infinite!
For the past two months I've been trying to get all my friends to agree to a photo shoot so I can practice. It feels like I'm in middle school again trying to get my older sister to make a music video with me! However, I did get a friend of mine (Vanessa) to agree to a photo shoot the other day. It was actually an impromptu decision to bring a camera on one of our walks on the trail behind my apartment. So, it wasn't exactly what I planned on (themed, organized with intention) but it was a good start.
Here are the two pictures from that day that I liked the most out of the (ooohh-say) 50 or 55 shots we took:
(Shot 1)
BEFORE:
This one was more or less posed. I told her to look at the flower. But I suppose no pose is ever really JUST a pose. The way one person decides to look at a flower will look different than how another chooses to. The shot itself isn't the best. The top of her head and feet is missing but I decided to photoshop it anyway because, as it turns out, I like the unusual framing of the shot. It adds an element of carelessness and the idea that something's missing... which is similar to the feeling I get from looking at it.
(Shot 2)
See that's the thing I'm learning about photography... I must have taken 50 shots that day, but I only chose two of them to work with. Even though you may not realize it at the time, there are so many aspects of the environment and the model and framing, lighting, colors, that contribute to the overall look. It truly is an art to get it juuuust right!
Anyway, on top of the magazine, I'll be working on a personal photography project now as well. Vanessa handed me the idea the other day out of the blue! She decided she wanted a compilation of photos from different photo shoots to represent all of the different sides of her identity. She called it something like "all the 'hats' of ______ person." Something along those lines.... I don't like the word "hat" though. There is something else to be said about this project: taking different photos from separate photo shoots of one person, picking one from each shoot, and then placing them together like a timeline or collage of their different selves. Love it!!!
For the past two months I've been trying to get all my friends to agree to a photo shoot so I can practice. It feels like I'm in middle school again trying to get my older sister to make a music video with me! However, I did get a friend of mine (Vanessa) to agree to a photo shoot the other day. It was actually an impromptu decision to bring a camera on one of our walks on the trail behind my apartment. So, it wasn't exactly what I planned on (themed, organized with intention) but it was a good start.
Here are the two pictures from that day that I liked the most out of the (ooohh-say) 50 or 55 shots we took:
(Shot 1)
BEFORE:
This one was more or less posed. I told her to look at the flower. But I suppose no pose is ever really JUST a pose. The way one person decides to look at a flower will look different than how another chooses to. The shot itself isn't the best. The top of her head and feet is missing but I decided to photoshop it anyway because, as it turns out, I like the unusual framing of the shot. It adds an element of carelessness and the idea that something's missing... which is similar to the feeling I get from looking at it.AFTER:
(Shot 2)
BEFORE:
I immediately liked this photo because it was one of the few photos that felt completely genuine and free-felt. No posing or acting. It was literally a captured moment.
AFTER:
See that's the thing I'm learning about photography... I must have taken 50 shots that day, but I only chose two of them to work with. Even though you may not realize it at the time, there are so many aspects of the environment and the model and framing, lighting, colors, that contribute to the overall look. It truly is an art to get it juuuust right!
Anyway, on top of the magazine, I'll be working on a personal photography project now as well. Vanessa handed me the idea the other day out of the blue! She decided she wanted a compilation of photos from different photo shoots to represent all of the different sides of her identity. She called it something like "all the 'hats' of ______ person." Something along those lines.... I don't like the word "hat" though. There is something else to be said about this project: taking different photos from separate photo shoots of one person, picking one from each shoot, and then placing them together like a timeline or collage of their different selves. Love it!!!
Cheers everyone! Hope your thursdays are magical!
Kelly
Anika
Friday, March 23, 2012
I've a Rebel Soul
I've a rebel soul. What about you?
There's been a bit of a delay in my blog posts the past 2 weeks due to the very cool South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin. This was my first year at the festival and I will never again miss out on the opportunity. It was phenomenal. I loved walking along the crowded streets, music around every corner, people laughing, networking, expressing themselves, wearing leotards, carrying music equipment, running into friends, making new friends. It felt like all the reasons I love Austin had come vibrantly to life... times 10. It was a blast and I have never felt more inspired pursue my passions and more self-assured that I am exactly where I need to be right now.
On a different note, before my SXSW adventures I was planning on writing about the state of American politics. Lately I've been feeling incredibly perturbed by US politics and it has really led to the resurrection of the rebel inside me. I can't pull myself away from the news feeds and podcasts even though I'm continually disappointed by the absurdity and sheer hostile stupidity of some of our politics. Every passing day I feel less assured that my basic rights are being protected by our political system (especially as a woman), and every time I'm disappointed I feel more personal responsibility to produce change.
Anyway, I was planning on writing a passionate blog entry about all my political opinions and the reasons behind them. However, now in lieu of SXSW I don't feel as inspired to voice all my frustrations. It occurred to me... most people I meet on the streets, even the more conservative folk, are not nearly as radical as some of this years presidential candidates and public figures. Now I find myself asking a rather concerning question: WHY are more and more political figures so radical in their politics? Why aren't they representing the majority of peoples interests? Are they even aware of what the average US citizen wants? Do they know what the average US citizen is? Voting used to be a method of peaceful political expression. Instead of protesting in the name of our opinions outside the White House we could select one person to represent our needs and have him campaign for our political opinions. Is that what everyone thinks is still happening? Occupy protests didn't just illuminate the economic issues we face, it demonstrated the inefficiency of our political system. I for one have lost faith in our systems capacity to represent my convictions and protect my rights. Radicalism, bipolar politics, lack of transparency, economic inequality, regressive political campaigns against women's rights to contraception (the most recent embarrassment to our politics)...
I'm almost ashamed.
Check out THIS article though, I agree with it completely.
NOW, this blog is not normally a political blog... but I thought I'd write about politics because lately I've began to realize the effect politics has on my creative life. It has become a really big motivation for me to do the most I can in my own unique way to live according to my beliefs. It's brought forth what feels like a vintage rebel in me from the 1960's or 70's. It's given my work a whole new layer of significance.
I believe that people are completely capable of living according to their convictions- political, spiritual, artistic... whatever it may be. I think a key ingredient in living a fulfilled life is to have enough courage to do so. Especially if you're a creator, an artist. Why follow by example or shy away from doing something eccentric or "weird" because it's not the common method? Do it anyway. You're more likely to succeed when you create your own structure or method. Progress requires change and we all have the capacity to direct it.
Warm Regards,
Anika
There's been a bit of a delay in my blog posts the past 2 weeks due to the very cool South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin. This was my first year at the festival and I will never again miss out on the opportunity. It was phenomenal. I loved walking along the crowded streets, music around every corner, people laughing, networking, expressing themselves, wearing leotards, carrying music equipment, running into friends, making new friends. It felt like all the reasons I love Austin had come vibrantly to life... times 10. It was a blast and I have never felt more inspired pursue my passions and more self-assured that I am exactly where I need to be right now.
On a different note, before my SXSW adventures I was planning on writing about the state of American politics. Lately I've been feeling incredibly perturbed by US politics and it has really led to the resurrection of the rebel inside me. I can't pull myself away from the news feeds and podcasts even though I'm continually disappointed by the absurdity and sheer hostile stupidity of some of our politics. Every passing day I feel less assured that my basic rights are being protected by our political system (especially as a woman), and every time I'm disappointed I feel more personal responsibility to produce change.
Anyway, I was planning on writing a passionate blog entry about all my political opinions and the reasons behind them. However, now in lieu of SXSW I don't feel as inspired to voice all my frustrations. It occurred to me... most people I meet on the streets, even the more conservative folk, are not nearly as radical as some of this years presidential candidates and public figures. Now I find myself asking a rather concerning question: WHY are more and more political figures so radical in their politics? Why aren't they representing the majority of peoples interests? Are they even aware of what the average US citizen wants? Do they know what the average US citizen is? Voting used to be a method of peaceful political expression. Instead of protesting in the name of our opinions outside the White House we could select one person to represent our needs and have him campaign for our political opinions. Is that what everyone thinks is still happening? Occupy protests didn't just illuminate the economic issues we face, it demonstrated the inefficiency of our political system. I for one have lost faith in our systems capacity to represent my convictions and protect my rights. Radicalism, bipolar politics, lack of transparency, economic inequality, regressive political campaigns against women's rights to contraception (the most recent embarrassment to our politics)...
I'm almost ashamed.
Check out THIS article though, I agree with it completely.
NOW, this blog is not normally a political blog... but I thought I'd write about politics because lately I've began to realize the effect politics has on my creative life. It has become a really big motivation for me to do the most I can in my own unique way to live according to my beliefs. It's brought forth what feels like a vintage rebel in me from the 1960's or 70's. It's given my work a whole new layer of significance.
I believe that people are completely capable of living according to their convictions- political, spiritual, artistic... whatever it may be. I think a key ingredient in living a fulfilled life is to have enough courage to do so. Especially if you're a creator, an artist. Why follow by example or shy away from doing something eccentric or "weird" because it's not the common method? Do it anyway. You're more likely to succeed when you create your own structure or method. Progress requires change and we all have the capacity to direct it.
Warm Regards,
Anika
Monday, March 5, 2012
Let Your Past Inspire You
Speaking of blogs that inspire me, this morning I ran across my old livejournal from high school in Venezuela. Sometimes it's hard to recall how different you actually were 5 years ago until you see it in writing. I don't feel any different but I love stumbling across old photos, reading old journal entries, or- in this case- finding a lost blog. It reminds me to remain as energized, humorous and lighthearted about life as I used to be when I was a bit younger. It's also a really nice reminder of the strength of my old friendships and people I used to share my life with back then. It's also a helpful reminder to continually see the humor in life. I used consciously remember and record all the funny conversations I had with friends and family. It's a playful way to look at life in the present and really uplifting and motivating to read in retrospect. Humor is a great thing to live with, to share with others, and to bond over.
Perhaps I'll resurrect this method of blogging and start writing a weekly funny occurrence on this blog too. More incentive to appreciate and enjoy life despite the busy, hectic schedules!
Some of the funny conversations I recorded on my last blog:
MAY 15th, 2005
Me: Hey dad, can I go over to alexs tomorrow after school?
Dad: I guess I don't mind
Me: Cool, could you write me a note?
Dad: ....what? why?
Me: So that I can ride home with him tomorrow...after school...
(gets paper and pen)
Dad: What am I supposed to say?
Me: Ummm...kelly can go home with alex the 16th, signed Greg
Dad: what?! fine! (starts writing..) Wha-wha....what am I supposed to say!
Me: what?...dad...
Dad: This is ridiculous! this is stupid... Well?
Me: Say kelly can ride home with alex! Why are you mad?
Dad: What?! HOW?! WHEN? WHERE? WHY? Who am I writing to, hmmm?
Me: DAD! its just a note they aren't even going to read intently...just sign it and be done, you dont have to be all formal...are you getting mad because you arent writing formal?
Dad: YES! (crumples up paper)
Me: Dad....(starts laughing) Ahem...
Dad: HERE! (hands me a new paper...)
Me: **cough...So...is it formal??
Dad: YES!
Me: (reads it) Oh yes...very formal...well written, good signature...
Dad: Thank you.
MAY 5TH, 2005
Me: OH! DAD! UGH! Guess what? I found a cockaroach right HERE! (points down)
Dad: Hm.
Me: So...betsy had to come over and take it outside...
Dad: What?
Me: It was hurt...so...I mean...it was going to die...
Dad: You put it outside? Did you kill it?
Me: ...it was hurt...
Dad: Its a cockaroach
Me: I can't kill them...and neither can betsy! It's going to die anyways!
Dad: No! When you see a cockaroach you kill IT!
Alex: Um....yeah
Me: But!
Dad: ITS A COCKAROACH!
Alex: I ate a cockaroach when I was small once, you know?
Me and dad: ....
(pause)
Me: ew
APRIL 24TH, 2005
Jen: "They had no chocolate at the cantina"
Me: "WHat?!? Not even the brown kind??"
DECEMBER 19TH, 2004
i flip wilson: see you around then
i flip wilson: trees and shades and marmolodes
i flip wilson: i dont know what that means
i flip wilson: plus i meant "marmolades"
BabyDoll6070: I dont care
BabyDoll6070: its sounds .....
BabyDoll6070: isnt that jam?
Jessica: If you rub my lower back I'll shake my leg like a dog.
A few moments later....
Me: What?
When playing cards I started to sing...
Me: Shoo bab shoo bab shee dooooo WOO! (pause) ... AAAAAaaaa weem ba wep a weem ba wep a weemba wep....A WEEEEEEEEEE-
Dad: Kelly, would you go put some music on.
OCTOBER 5TH, 2004
Me: the dog is annoying, rude, it has a personality and it gets...(takes a bite of mango)...I lost my words.
Mom: What?!
Dad: She's lost her mind
Me:(frowns and gnaws on mango seed.) I want to be a monkey.
(Pause)
Mom:...What?
Me: I want to be a monkey...
Mom:...anyways...
(Two Days Later After Reading my Blog Chelsea Says)
kokopelli135: kelly?
kokopelli135: ... i want to be monkey too
MORE ways to keep a fun, lighthearted state of mind:
Take and Online Quiz: I'm Gold! Which color are you?
Read the Gapingvoid.com by Hugh MacLeod. He puts a sweet comical spin on his life philosophies about everything from the economy to politics to following your dreams. His humorous displays and articulations of different life philosophies in his book "Evil Plans" is what initially awakened my desire to start Bridge Magazine. Bridge is my personal "Evil Plan."
Warm Regards,
Kelly
Perhaps I'll resurrect this method of blogging and start writing a weekly funny occurrence on this blog too. More incentive to appreciate and enjoy life despite the busy, hectic schedules!
Some of the funny conversations I recorded on my last blog:
MAY 15th, 2005
Me: Hey dad, can I go over to alexs tomorrow after school?
Dad: I guess I don't mind
Me: Cool, could you write me a note?
Dad: ....what? why?
Me: So that I can ride home with him tomorrow...after school...
(gets paper and pen)
Dad: What am I supposed to say?
Me: Ummm...kelly can go home with alex the 16th, signed Greg
Dad: what?! fine! (starts writing..) Wha-wha....what am I supposed to say!
Me: what?...dad...
Dad: This is ridiculous! this is stupid... Well?
Me: Say kelly can ride home with alex! Why are you mad?
Dad: What?! HOW?! WHEN? WHERE? WHY? Who am I writing to, hmmm?
Me: DAD! its just a note they aren't even going to read intently...just sign it and be done, you dont have to be all formal...are you getting mad because you arent writing formal?
Dad: YES! (crumples up paper)
Me: Dad....(starts laughing) Ahem...
Dad: HERE! (hands me a new paper...)
Me: **cough...So...is it formal??
Dad: YES!
Me: (reads it) Oh yes...very formal...well written, good signature...
Dad: Thank you.
MAY 5TH, 2005
Me: OH! DAD! UGH! Guess what? I found a cockaroach right HERE! (points down)
Dad: Hm.
Me: So...betsy had to come over and take it outside...
Dad: What?
Me: It was hurt...so...I mean...it was going to die...
Dad: You put it outside? Did you kill it?
Me: ...it was hurt...
Dad: Its a cockaroach
Me: I can't kill them...and neither can betsy! It's going to die anyways!
Dad: No! When you see a cockaroach you kill IT!
Alex: Um....yeah
Me: But!
Dad: ITS A COCKAROACH!
Alex: I ate a cockaroach when I was small once, you know?
Me and dad: ....
(pause)
Me: ew
APRIL 24TH, 2005
Jen: "They had no chocolate at the cantina"
Me: "WHat?!? Not even the brown kind??"
DECEMBER 19TH, 2004
i flip wilson: see you around then
i flip wilson: trees and shades and marmolodes
i flip wilson: i dont know what that means
i flip wilson: plus i meant "marmolades"
BabyDoll6070: I dont care
BabyDoll6070: its sounds .....
BabyDoll6070: isnt that jam?
Jessica: If you rub my lower back I'll shake my leg like a dog.
A few moments later....
Me: What?
When playing cards I started to sing...
Me: Shoo bab shoo bab shee dooooo WOO! (pause) ... AAAAAaaaa weem ba wep a weem ba wep a weemba wep....A WEEEEEEEEEE-
Dad: Kelly, would you go put some music on.
OCTOBER 5TH, 2004
Me: the dog is annoying, rude, it has a personality and it gets...(takes a bite of mango)...I lost my words.
Mom: What?!
Dad: She's lost her mind
Me:(frowns and gnaws on mango seed.) I want to be a monkey.
(Pause)
Mom:...What?
Me: I want to be a monkey...
Mom:...anyways...
(Two Days Later After Reading my Blog Chelsea Says)
kokopelli135: kelly?
kokopelli135: ... i want to be monkey too
MORE ways to keep a fun, lighthearted state of mind:
Take and Online Quiz: I'm Gold! Which color are you?
Read the Gapingvoid.com by Hugh MacLeod. He puts a sweet comical spin on his life philosophies about everything from the economy to politics to following your dreams. His humorous displays and articulations of different life philosophies in his book "Evil Plans" is what initially awakened my desire to start Bridge Magazine. Bridge is my personal "Evil Plan."
Warm Regards,
Kelly
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Blogging Tidbits and Inspiration
I was once friends with a girl in middle school who I kept up with on Facebook. She now has a GREAT blog set up and is a successful photographer. I keep up with her blog now and then to keep me inspired and motivated. Here are a couple of my favorite links to blogs I've stumbled across today that I found inspiring and motivational.
Here's to internet browsing! Enjoy:
- 12 Things Highly Productive People Do
- Have Camera Will Travel
Love the quote: "Of course one dream that they all have involves the crazy notion that they can build a career and business out of what they are passionate about."
- My 6th grade friends photography blog
Alex Beadon Photography
- Attention Surplus Podcasts on Passion
As Always- Warm Regards,
Kelly
Here's to internet browsing! Enjoy:
- 12 Things Highly Productive People Do
- Have Camera Will Travel
Love the quote: "Of course one dream that they all have involves the crazy notion that they can build a career and business out of what they are passionate about."
- My 6th grade friends photography blog
Alex Beadon Photography
- Attention Surplus Podcasts on Passion
As Always- Warm Regards,
Kelly
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)