Magazine
R HODE ISLAN D
vol. 4 issue 6
Saturday, April 9, 2016 7PM - 10PM The Pawtucket Armory 172 Exchange Street Pawtucket, RI
Celebrate great food and fine wine at An Evening Uncorked! It’s our 15th annual party and auction to benefit Rhode Island PBS. Savor small bites prepared by chefs from Southern New England’s top restaurants. Taste fine international and domestic wines from local purveyors and private cellars. Meet celebrity guest chef Sara Moulton, host of the popular public TV series, Sara’s Weeknight Meals. Plus, silent and live auctions offer boutique wines and unique gift packages. It’s an evening of food and fun you won’t want to miss!
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RICM’s Regina Hogan, Kimberly Sherman Leon, Kate Hanley and Lillian Ferranti. Photo taken by RICM’s Jorge Leon.
The
CREATIVE In You
inventive leader imaginative educator innovative visionary experimental The original gifted ingenious productive inspiring motivating daring passionate entrepreneur maker prolific mentor In inventive leader imaginative unique innovative imaginative experimental original educator ingenious productive inspiring motivating daring passionate entrepreneur maker gifted mentor 19 unique inventive leader imaginative
CREATIVE You
Vol. 4 Issue 14 |
The official publication of KS Designs, LLC
from the founder The official publication of KS Designs, LLC As the days get longer, the temperatures get warmer, and in turn, our calendars fill up and the days seem to fly by! Yes it is March, and finally, Spring is upon us! Here in Rhode Island, we all know that as we get more warm hours of daylight, we are eager to do more things, even though there are still only 24 hours in a day! That is why we need to learn “Creative Ways to Find More Time in Your Day,” a little something that our contributor Kristin MacRae knows about and explains in this issue on page 16.
Founder and President Kimberly Sherman Leon Assistant to the President Pnina Pressburger
Kim
One event this month that I am excited to collaborate on and help create more awareness of is The 2nd Annual Arts Exhibition with the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. The new gallery is dedicated solely to the artwork of students, faculty, and alumni, and their work brings some creative energy to the building. “Can Medical Students Be Better Doctors by Practicing Their Art?” Joseph Shansky had the opportunity to do an interview with the gallery founder and co-curator to talk about that and more. Details of the event are included in this article found on page 14. I hope to see you there! Another event I attended with my two interns Sihan and Celia was StyleWeek Northeast, held in downtown Providence. What a great experience for them to witness and enjoy! They had opportunities to interview a few of the designers and really capture each designer’s vision and insight into the design concept. Together they have chosen their favorite designer and outfit of the night, and they showcase their creative writing and illustration skills in this issue on page 17! Along with getting organized and attending events, we have brought you a nice variety of topics, from putting a creative twist on your Easter holiday tradition to great tips on starting a business and protecting it. One of my favorite topics we discuss in this issue speaks about STEM to STEAM on page 10. I encourage all of you to learn more about this movement and take action. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue and the upcoming holidays. And remember to surround yourself with amazing people, warmth, and inspiration.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Sherman Leon KS Designs President & CEO Founder & President, Rhode Island Creative Magazine Connect + Communicate + Collaborate = Create Cross-pollination brings greater awareness, appreciation and understanding of our industry.
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| Rhode Island Creative Magazine
Assistant Editor/Writer Kate Strassel Janet Heffernan Assistant Secretary/Designer Regina Hogan Assistant in Creative Communications/Designer & Writer Joseph Shansky Design Manager Lisa Malm Designers Panhia Lee Kate Hanley Michael Ricci Lillian Ferranti Janet Heffernan Contributing Writers In this Issue Lisy P. Kim Celona Patricia Raskin, M Ed. Devon Landis, Esq. John Prothero Paula Mottshaw Milissa DeFusco Ronald G. Shapiro Ph. D. Interns Sihan Xu - Bayveiw Academy Celia Contreras - Blackstone Academy Rhode Island Creative Magazine Cranston, Rhode Island 401.440.3911 kim@ksdesignsri.com
c 2012-2016 All rights reserved. Rhode Island Creative Magazine is a KS Designs, LLC production. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
facebook Online twitter @ricreativemag ricreativemagazine RICREATIVEMAG.COM
contents 2
From the Founder
3
In This Issue
4
Contributing Team
8
For the Love of Copper
10
STEM, STEAM or STREAM
12
Starting a Business
13
A Vision of Memoirs - DIY Project
16
Creative Ways to Find More Time in Your Day
18
It’s Time to Spread The Word
22
I {heart} Rhody
23
A Creative Twist to an Easter Tradition
24
Teach Others What You Need to Learn
25
Website Design Projects - Step 5: Testing
28
Creative Calendar
featured articles 14
Can Medical Students Be Better Doctors By Practicing Their Art?
17
StyleWeek Day 3
20 Music Defines Self Expression
on the cover Intertwine, created by Larry Kirkland in 2011, located in the atrium of the Warren Alpert Medical School, is a mural that reflects the importance of collaboration in successful medical practice.
Made of Carrara marble, 24-carat gold leaf,
and humanitarian symbols, highlighting the
cast bronze, and etched green, gold, and
communication between doctor and patient,
black granite, Kirkland’s mural embodies the
teacher and student.
Alpert Medical School’s mission of “the pursuit of health to benefit society.” The twenty-six
You can read the full article online here.
foot long piece features a collage of scientific
www.brown.edu
Photos taken by Warren Jagger
Vol. 4 Issue 6 |
3
contributing team writers and designers in this issue
Ron
Kim Kim Celona
Ronald G. Shapiro, Ph.D.
Prolific Artist &Writer
Independent Consultant & Speaker in Human Factors & Ergonomics Writer
a
ci Patri
John John Prothero
Patricia Raskin, M.Ed.
Prothero Press Writer
Award Wining Radio Producer, Coach, Trainer & Author Writer
ssa
Mili Milissa DeFusco
Whimsicial Wishes & Delightful Dreams D.I.Y. Crafter
4
Lisy
| Rhode Island Creative Magazine
n Devo Devon Landis, Esq.
Arts & Entertainment Attorney Writer
Lisy P.
Senior Recruiter with The Creative Group Writer
Paula Paula Mottshaw Writer & Designer
e
Mik Michael Ricci Writer & Designer
“The team of creative contributors. Each and every month, they provide our
Lisa Lisa Malm
Design Manager & Designer
Pnina Pnina Pressburger Assistant to the President
readers with amazing business tips as well as creative and unique articles and designs which perfectly capture the inspiration of our very talented makers here in Rhode Island. Page by page, they take content and bring it to life using their own style of artistic expression, helping to build a stronger foundation and maintain the creative flow from one issue to the next.
Kate Kate Hanley Designer
a Regin Regina Hogan
Assistant Secretary, Designer &Writer
They stand behind me, fully support the hard work this publication entails, and believe in my mission for Rhode Island. I am grateful for all of the new relationships and the positive results that have come from RICM.
Together,
we make this happen…
we bring the vision to life.
Panhia Lee
ia Panh
Kate
- Kimberly Sherman Leon
Kate Strassel
Assistant Editor &Writer
Designer
You can learn more about these amazing and talented individuals on “The Team” page at www.ricreativemag.com.
Lily Lillian Ferranti Designer
Joe Joseph Shansky
ShanskyWorks/Founder & Creative Director Assistant in Creative Communications, Designer &Writer
Vol. 4 Issue 6 |
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SUPPORTING THE
OF Rhode s Island Craftsmen and Artisan
SUPPORTING THE
SAVE THE DATE
RELAX...
Saturday, June 25, 2016 5-10PM Park Theatre
Rolfe Square 848 Park Ave • Cranston, RI
CALL FOR ARTISTS! Submit Your Interest Here
BEING PART OF A COMMUNITY OF MAKERS
Maker & Vendor Booths • Fashion Show Networking • Local Food • Cash Bar • Music Rhode Island Creative Magazine’s Annual Makers Event is brought to you this year in a collaboration with TOJ Design Studio, LLC and Sponsored by Ocean State Printers. Color yourself calm with these sophisticated abstract patterns. Available at www.curlysmojo.com, Barrington Books, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. Search by title.
Untitled-1 1
2/12/16 2:22 PM
SpringInto A This Year...
New Look!
Full-Color 2-sided Business Cards starting at*
40
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*Price is for printing only with artwork supplied. Design services are available for an additional cost.
Screen Printing & Embroidery
New Start-Up or Rebranding
Photography
FREE
Creative Design
Call to make your appointment today and get started on creating your new image!
Consultation
We can help with all your business and creative solution needs from concept to completion. Start the conversation today! www.ksdesignsri.com | kim@ksdesignsri.com | 401.440.3911 KS DESIGNS, LLC IS THE OFFICIAL PRODUCTION COMPANY OF RHODE ISLAND CREATIVE MAGAZINE
for the love of copper By Kim Celona Layout Design By Panhia Lee
This past summer, I rediscovered printmaking in my repertoire of art techniques. For years, I’ve been working in the language of mixed media. It challenged and entranced me with all its layers of information, combining and balancing a multitude of materials, and of course, the mystery and intrigue the layers communicate. It was like getting to know a person, peeling off the layers until the core was revealed and you could finally see what is really there. I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would ever convert to anything else to fulfill my constant desire and love of working with layers. How could any other medium resonate so deeply? Mixed media became my true and only love. It understood me and I understood it. It was so comfortable and easy, that is until copper came along and stole my heart. Truth be told, my mixed media work taught me many great and wonderful things, yet it was time to move on for now at least and experience a new challenge, to push against my artistic boundaries and to enter into a new relationship with another material. I wanted this new material to teach me instead of me teaching it. So, I started searching. I found myself doing more photography and writing, less mixed media. Mixed media
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began to fade into a dim memory. I knew and trusted that the right person, place or thing would present itself and guide me to my salvation. I would begin anew. I put blind trust in this belief. Sure enough, one day it did. An art comrade of mine, Michael Rich; artist, professor and yogi, posted a video of AS220 Industries Printshop on LinkedIn. I was mesmerized. I watched it over and over again. It brought me back to college, at Parsons School of Design, where I studied general printmaking as a mandatory part of the illustration program, along with photography. In retrospect, I realize how integral those initial immersions/experiences were to my artistic development. I was introduced to Intaglio, Lithography and Silkscreen techniques. Intaglio resonated with me most out of the three techniques. It provided depth and mystery, two elements I constantly explore in my art making. Silkscreen was too flat, too graphic for the way I communicate. Lithography was beautiful, but that huge heavy stone. You can’t carry it with you to work on. Intaglio, that shiny surface, reminiscent of a blank canvas, offered endless possibility. The act of carving onto this surface with metal tools, the array of tools and mark making objects you could use, the challenge of the
reverse image, the unknown manifestations of chemical and natural applications, like acid and aquatint. It interested me as an undergrad student, but not to the extent where is would deviate my attention from illustration, the marriage of text to image. But then, almost thirty years later, it did. As fast as I could, I was getting a tour at The Printshop and taking some individual lessons from Carey Good, an amazing printmaker and teacher. I am learning. I am inspired. I am working and challenging myself again. It is art heaven. The Printshop has given me a sense of art community I was lacking and craving. Art creation is a very lonely existence and also being a creative person can be. We need to have other people like us around us. We need that cumulative art energy. It is like food or drink. Some months back, I spoke about ritual and art creation. The role of ritual is critical in any genre of creativity. We all do things as ritual to help us transition into that creative zone where magic happens. I believe we need to embark and use daily ritual to enhance and trigger our creative processes. This ritual even can also be found within the actual components of art creation.
mostly all the early work tends to be of a spiritual nature. Unlike the history of painting, the history of printmaking includes spiritual texts to accompany imagery, bound in book or scroll format. It occurred to me that there is a clear connection between the sacredness of both the content and process. Imagine Buddhists being drawn to the Printmaking process; it makes total sense in the grand scheme of their ideology. Anyone who has any experience in the art of printmaking will tell you the importance of staying present. Not only could you seriously hurt yourself if you didn’t, but also there are so many steps to the process, that it is a necessity. The multitude of steps can be seen as teaching tools for the printmaker. They teach patience, respect and gratitude of the craft, concentration and non-attachment (to the image because it is always evolving and changing). The whole process is like a long meditation, as what the Buddhists call “mind training” in day-to-day activities.
In printmaking, there is much to be learned within the process and oneself. It helps you slow down and reflect, to transition smoothly from one task to another. It gently beckons you to learn patience, progress and process. It teaches the fact that the journey is the most fulfilling, not the destination. The rituals you learn guide Kim Celona, copper plate, “Distressed Buddha” 2015 you to trace and retrace your steps of true understanding of both your art making and yourself. They help you refine and perfect, to take away what is not needed and add Intaglio is a very ancient form of art making. It was used only what is necessary. It forces you to stay present and in 1477 in the form of a Flemish book called, “Il Monte aware, to understand and embrace change and growth. Sancto di Dio.” Most interesting, is the fact that the history of printmaking dates back to China during the This is why I’ve fallen madly in love with T’ang Dynasty of 618-906. It is fascinating that the first copper. It is a love affair that will last a very official prints were created by early Buddhists, depicting long time. spiritual ideas with sutras and imagery. These were relief prints, created on wood and printed on paper. I www.linkedin.com/in/kim-celona discovered that throughout the printmaking timeline,
Vol. 4 Issue 6 |
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STEM, a commonly used acronym, refers to the notion that our nation needs to improve education to better prepare our youth for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM efforts include initiatives to interest students (especially girls) in STEM careers as well as a variety of programs to prepare students academically for the careers. The acronyms STEAM and STREAM by Ronald Shapiro, Ph.D. Layout Design by Joseph Shansky
have also been used to refer to including Arts and Reading in the STEM curricula. Arguments have been made favoring the longer acronyms and discounting them. The arguments in favor include reminders that the arts and reading are critical to preparing students for STEM related careers. The divergent arguments against are a) that the STEM subjects need to be emphasized above all the rest, b) that the arts and reading are being cheapened by being added to STEM because they may be camouflaged when embedded in STEM, and c) that they are already an integral component of every element of STEM so separating them may be meaningless or else tell technology people they don’t need to focus on them because it is someone else’s job to do so (though those people may not exist). One educator I spoke with recently said it’s all just EDUCATION. Regardless of what you, as artists, think about this issue, it is important to highlight a few ways in which the arts may help to prepare students for technology careers.
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Music seems to provide excellent training for software engineers. Indeed, prior to computer science and software engineering becoming college majors, corporations sought out music majors to staff their programming laboratories. The executive in charge of developing one of the most important computer operating systems in the world (MVS) was a music major in college. The discipline of Human Factors/ Ergonomics, which is concerned with designing systems to be safe, easy and fun for people to use, includes combining technology, visual appeal and scientific findings about how people process information.
Technical illustration, industrial design and technical writing are important careers which combine arts, technology, and understanding how people think.
Communication and leadership skills which may be learned in language, arts, theater and similar academic disciplines are critical to effective performance in the technology industry.
Medical disciplines such as dentistry and surgery involve art as well as science.
S
o, regardless of your opinions on the use of acronyms such as STEM,
STEAM and STREAM, keep in mind that the arts are critical to our nation’s being a leader in science and technology. Encourage students with artistic abilities to think about how they might apply these skills professionally in technology disciplines. Encourage students with artistic interest and ability who are interested in technology to pursue their artistic interests, too. I would like to thank Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments. www.linkedin.com/in/drronaldgshapiro
Vol. 4 Issue 6 |
11
Business Structure
Starting
a BUSINESS By Devon Landis, Esquire RI & MA Attorney
Starting a new business is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Creating a new business comes with a whole array of decisions that must be made early on to help the business grow properly, but also keep it protected from legal pitfalls. Having worked with startups previously, here are my recommendations for some general legal and business issues that should be addressed at the outset:
Create a Business Plan
A business plan will outline how your company will grow over the first few years of operation. Typically it will address: organization/management, market analysis, service/product descriptions, financial projections, and marketing/sales.
Choosing the right business structure is essential to establishing your business for legal and tax purposes. Business owners typically choose one of the following: sole proprietorship, limited liability company, corporations (and its variations), or partnerships. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages which are dependent on various factors such as company size, the number of owners, taxes, and risk or liability for lawsuits.
Foundational Agreements
Depending on what business structure is selected, there is a corresponding document that should be drafted by an attorney which outlines the rights and responsibilities of each owner. Typically, if the company is an LLC then it is called an operating agreement; if a partnership has been formed, an articles of partnership is needed; a corporation would require by-laws. In each situation, the document allows owners to establish rights and responsibilities, set out how the business will be run and in some cases alter the default state laws to better suit the business.
Meet With a Tax Accountant
Meeting with an accountant at the outset can help determine what type of tax liabilities a business would have (federal, state, and local) and when and how the owner can expect to pay the bill (when your tax year starts, quarterly payments vs. annual). As a new business owner, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you have made the correct decisions when it comes to taxes so you can avoid penalties and take advantage of deductions.
IP Ownership
Make sure to protect your business assets. Depending on the goods or services the business provides, it may be necessary to copyright the work, file a patent, or trademark a logo.
Hiring
Hiring employees requires you to be compliant with both state and federal laws, which includes various IRS tax requirements.
Determining Whether Someone is an Employee or an Independent Contractor As a new business owner, you must determine whether those you are working with are employees or independent contractors. Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor can have serious ramifications because there is a difference between the two, both legally and for tax purposes. Disclaimer:This is for informational purposes only and not exhaustive of all aspects of the law on this topic and it is not to be considered legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, you should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems. www.devonlandislaw.com www.linkedin.com/in/devon-landis-esq Layout Design by Lillian Ferranti
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by Milissa DeFusco
A Vision of Memoirs
My friends and family know that memories have always been special to me. Being a very sentimental person, it always intrigues me how many vintage family photos I come across at yard sales, antique stores, and estate sales. I purchased many of these treasured photographs this winter, but I was immediately drawn to this particular one I’ve used in my design. Her fashion sense and beauty made me want to create something in honor of this beautiful soul from the past. When I found it, I thought long and hard about how to incorporate it within my next media style.
vintage sheet music. I played around with the layout for a while before the idea of using a clipboard came to mind. Inventor George Henry Hohnsbeen patented the clipboard in 1921. Using something that was created so long ago in combination with this vintage photo signifies a time in life that was simple yet elegant. I display this piece of art in my studio as a reminder to think about these times of the past and to preserve today’s memories whenever I can. Items Used: • Inexpensive clipboard • Vintage sheet music & wallpaper • Bits and pieces of old world findings • Lace, trims & fabric • Spray adhesive and glue gun • Wood initial • Inspirational wording • Sentimental photo
I began digging through every basket and box I have of trims, buttons, wallpaper, and of course, my favorite
1
Prep the clipboard with some distressing. Then attach the wallpaper, cardboard and sheet music by using a spray adhesive in a well-ventilated area.
Layout Design by Kate Hanley
2
Play around with the arrangement of the other materials to find the perfectlayered placement.
3
Attach all the sentimental objects to the board and displayed it on an easel to cherish forever.
www.linkedin.com/in/milissa-esposito-defusco
Can medical students be better doctors by practicing their art? Written and Designed by Joseph Shansky www.linkedin.com/in/shanskyworks
By that we don’t mean smoothing out their bedside manner. We mean “will they become better physicians or researchers if they paint, draw, and sculpt?” Rhode Island Creative Magazine recently spoke with Sam Klein, the founder and co-curator of the Alpert Medical School Art Council who thinks that is just what might happen. Sam: “When I was a 2nd year student, I decided that I wanted to show the community that beyond merely being interested in the sciences and the practice of medicine, medical students are a much more wellrounded group. To my knowledge, medical students have never been solicited previously for their artwork. There had been some day-long humanities courses during the 1st or 2nd year of the curriculum, such as c) modeling with clay or art museum trips, to help the medical students think “outside-the-box,” to approach problem-solving from a different perspective, and to see if the students’ attention to detail would change after such an experience. “But up until 2013, there hadn’t been an art gallery dedicated solely to medical students’ artwork. I also wanted to bring a little more life to the building. The activities here are sometimes a little static. We study, we sit in small groups and listen to lectures. I thought that if we put something different on the walls, it might change how the students think about their studies, break some paradigms, let them think more creatively about what they are doing. I think there are several elements at work here: first, for the artist, they had to make their artwork match one of the themes we devised, such as Gravity & Weightlessness, Partitions or Breakdown. The artists benefit from creative expression. In the process of creative expression, they had to think about what they were about to showcase in a variety of different lights; think about a problem and how they
612 | | Rhode RhodeIsland IslandCreative CreativeMagazine Magazine
a)
b) d)
e)
wanted to express it to communicate that idea. In addition, those who are viewing that artwork (the students) may be undergoing a similar process. They are seeing artwork in a medical building: maybe that changes the way they think about medicine. In some cases, the artwork is directly applicable and topically connected to medicine, for example an anatomical sketch. But some of (the art) is different, some are landscapes, some are more abstract, so I think there are many different levels from which you could view this artwork. The goal of
this exhibit is to provide a vehicle for provocative and creative thought here at the school. “So after broaching the subject with some of my friends and classmates, gauging student support, being respectful of the school’s policies, safety concerns about egress from the building, fire codes, and determining what liabilities, if any, would we be responsible for, we took about six months to make a proposal for the gallery to the student senate and the administration. They were very supportive. We then solicited art work from the medical community. We received submissions from faculty, staff, and even from some alumni. We formed an art council, a group of 10 or 12 students. They convened and voted on the pieces, worked feverishly to make this all possible, and [they] deserve a ton of credit for that. After getting approval from the administration, we went into production process; printing and framing for photography, sketches, and getting pedestals for the sculpture and glassworks. That process took about a month, and we installed within 2-3 nights. We had a nice opening exhibit in May of this year (2015). What was especially meaningful was the community support; we had about 150-200 people that evening at the opening, but we also had musicians (other medical students) who were playing. So we were able to embrace the visual arts and music all at the same time. “Because we had a very tight budget, we had to keep our marketing of the event to email and word of mouth. In the future, we plan to expand our submitting artists to other parts of the Brown community and invite the general public.” Kimberly, Founder of RICM seized this moment of opportunity for a collaboration to help bring more awareness to the new and unique gallery along with educating the use of art in the medical field. Sure enough, it was an idea that could not be refused. Together, Brown
University and RICM bring you the 2nd Annual Arts Exhibition on March 11th from 6-9PM at the Alpert Medical School. And if you are of age, you can enjoy our local craft beer, kindly sponsored by The Narragansett Brewing Company! For tickets and more information, click here. “So will all this mean we will make better doctors and researchers? It’s too early to tell. Only time will borne out my theory.”
A discussion with medical illustrator and 2nd year medical student, Gerald Hefferman. With all the digital medical illustrations available out there (on the web), why are you still doing your own illustrations for the book that you are collaborating on? “This project began when a friend of mine, whom is a physical therapist, and a surgeon who he works very closely with, decided to create a guide for the post-operative physical therapy of hip surgery patients. In that context, there was a serious lack of illustrations that were both helpful and easily available. In general, images that are “Rights free” are hard to get your hands on. If you are at an institution with deep pockets, it may be less of an issue to acquire good images. But for a clinician, particularly in private practice, whether you would be willing to pay the rights holders the amount necessary to have access to their libraries may be a much more difficult consideration.”
So do you look at these illustrations, not from an interpretation point of view, but more from clarity of what the physical objects look like to help you with what… diagnoses or in describing to a patient what issues they are dealing with? “It depends on the circumstance. A major benefit of illustration to a clinician is as another tool to communicate with their patients in a way that can be more easily retained, particularly when even the best verbal description may still be difficult to understand. Alternatively, in the context of this book, which is for clinicians and physical therapists whose understanding of anatomy is strong but who may be less familiar with the specific surgical approaches used, more detailed illustrations can leverage the anatomical understanding they already have.” Photos of the Gallery Event are by David Del Poio Artwork: a) Untitled by Theresa Lii; b) Reclining Figure by Nick Nassikas; c) Words to Water by Rebecca Slotkin; d) Elvis by David Greenky; e) Untitled by Theresa Lii
DO YOU FIND THAT YOU ARE CONSTANTLY TELLING PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE TOO BUSY AND THERE AREN’T ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY? HAVE YOU EVER STOPPED TO THINK THAT YOU MIGHT BE WRONG? Try this exercise for the next 7 days. I want you to evaluate how you function on a day-to-day basis. Keep a small notebook with the day and date. If you have ever kept a food or exercise journal, this will be easy and it will only be for 7 days. Below is a list of things I want you to keep track of during this time.
LOG YOUR TIME ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
CREATIV EW
ARE YOU ORGANIZED? Check your surroundings during this exercise. Do you find that your surroundings are disorganized and chaotic? You won’t be able to become more efficient and productive if you aren’t working in an organized environment. During this exercise, jot down 12 how many times you have to go look for an item 01 you need and how much time is wasted searching for it.
nd More i F Tim to s e ay 11
10
02
09
Whether it is food or clothes shopping, taking the kids to their activities or running out for some necessities, jot it down. Jot down where you went, which part of the state you were in and length of time.
08
03
04
During this exercise you will see where you have spare time and how you are using it. It will be an eye opener to see how you are really spending your time.
Day.
LOG YOUR TIME SPENT RUNNING ERRANDS
Do you lose focus easily? How many unfinished projects do you have lying around your home or at work? Jot down how many times you get distracted and get sidetracked from the task at hand. If you have a task you need to complete, set a time limit.You’ll be more aware of time when you set limits. This will also help you limit distractions because you know you have a task to complete and a time frame to complete it.
r You in
As soon as you log onto any social media outlet, I want you to jot down your beginning time and your end time. Note which social media outlets you visited and jot the time next to it.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET DISTRACTED?
At the end of this exercise, take a minute to evaluate what took place during 07 05 the 7 days. Do you think 06 By: you may have wasted precious Kristin MacRae time? Have you noticed that you don’t have any structure during EVALUATE YOUR EMAIL PROCESS. the week? You’ll be able to manage your At work and at home, sometimes it’s easier to pick up the time better if you plan and prepare your week ahead. phone and call somebody. Have you ever sent an email Evaluate where you are wasting time and where you can back and forth so many times you wished you had picked be more productive. up the phone? Sometimes emails get misinterpreted and more emails have to be sent to clarify what was said. If EVALUATE WHERE YOU ARE WASTING you have to send an email this week, stop to think if calling TIME AND WHERE YOU CAN BE MORE would be a better option. Jot down how many emails you PRODUCTIVE. received that ended up getting unnecessarily bounced back and forth. www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-macrae
Layout Design by Lillian Ferranti
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StyleWeek Day 3 was a success featuring four beautifully crafted collections. Matching the atmosphere, guests were welcome to show off their own unique fashion, and most chose to make a stunning, formal appearance. Although they were showing off some of their own best looks, guests were more focused on the empty runway soon to be filled with graceful models working bold designs. The night did not disappoint; it was opened by Antwan Byrd followed by collections from Carissa Lynne, Janet Howard, and Dylanium Knits, all delivering their own unique approach on the Spring 2016 season.
“Not too much in specific, I draw inspiration from anything vintage, really.” Sihan and I, both high-school interns for RICM, had to pick our favorite design of the night. Sihan works as a designer while I work as a writer, so together we collaborate our creative minds. It was important we picked a design we both fell in love with that Sihan would later be illustrating. It was a tough pick, but we decided to give it to one of Carissa Lynne’s looks of Carissa Lynne Designs. After having the chance to speak with her, we noticed how well her ideas and inspiration were expressed in her collection, from her use of lace, velvet, and satin to the models’ elegant hair and berry-colored makeup look. The designs worked around a fall-inspired color palette featuring rust orange, mustard yellow, and taupe complemented by white, gold, and pastel blue. Our favorite design, as you see in Sihan’s illustration, featured a cropped, pastel blue, oneshoulder top with gold embroidery. Paired with this design was a gold, all-over rose printed maxi skirt and heels. This beautiful design caught our eye as it transitions well to the upcoming Spring season, incorporating color and revealing more skin. We can’t wait to see more from Carissa Lynne Designs and upcoming seasons of StyleWeek Northeast! Written by Celia Contreras Art Illusration by Sihan Xu
Vol. 4 Issue 6 |
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it’s time to spread the word why churches need to market themselves by John Prothero design by Michael Ricci
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We have mega-churches all around us, as well as small, more tight-knit churches that are communities in and of themselves. But no matter whether a church has 100 members or 10,000, marketing is one key to growth and sustainability. Wait...A church marketing itself? Yes. I believe that, in today's environment, churches need to market themselves. So, let's take a look at how they can do just that.
websites With today's tech-savvy public, church "shopping" is done differently. Twenty-five years ago, if I wanted to know more about a church, I'd call to find out when the services were, attend, and then MAYBE come back. Now, when someone church shops, they find the church's website. Keeping a vital, updated, informational website is paramount to engaging those who wish to find out more and possibly attend a service. Websites are also a communication tool for current members to find out about events, staff information, and the online monthly newsletter or weekly bulletin.
social media Having a website is vital, but it requires someone to manage it, and might be inflexible. To complement their websites, many churches today use social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter. Here's what you can do with each: Facebook: have a church page where all events are listed, photographs from church events are posted, and any kind of inspirational meme that you find interesting. Have a page for various groups and/or ministries, such as the music ministry, or the youth group, so that you can post specific information to those pages as well. Finally, have pages for the pastor or pastoral staff so they can post inspirational quotes or scripture.
Twitter: this might be specifically for youth programs, or if you have a preschool onsite, so you can communicate changes or post quick updates without having to wait for people to view the Facebook page or pages.
banners Banners out in the front of church property can advertise services times, upcoming events such as Christmas services, or Easter services, Vacation Bible School - you get the idea. Keep the copy simple so it can be read by cars driving by at 40-50 MPH! For onsite banners, think of them as seasonal, and use retractable banners that can be pulled up, and then stored after services are over.
direct mail + email marketing Direct mail is still the best way to communicate about your church or religious organization, and should be used for all special events. Mailings should be sent not just to the congregation, but to anyone who's visited and provided their address to you. Again, focus on the "big" events, but also send out mailers just to let the area know you're around. For those who have provided their email, use that tool as well, tying it to events on your website. Some churches find email marketing too intrusive, however, so consult your church's leadership to determine whether email is a good tool or not.
printed newsletters There are small print companies that specialize in church newsletters, with templates, and then offer advertising space in the back for ads, which in some cases can cover the cost of the printing. Some churches mail their newsletters; others just leave them at the church to be picked up. Be sure to have your printed newsletter available as a downloadable PDF on the website. Churches these days have to compete with so much, from family soccer games to other churches in the area. Having an effective marketing plan can boost attendance. While the goal is NOT to generate revenue or enhance sales, the goal is to reach people with the message that the church wishes to share with the community. www.linkedin.com/in/johnprothero
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Layout Design by Kate Hanley
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by Lisy P.
Almost everyone has heard that before, but how many people actually understand the powerful impact of music therapy?
Resources: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/natural-standard/201306/music-therapy-health-and-wellness http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/23/health/music-therapy/ www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth15
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collection. I do use a basic knitting pattern to make the body of the sweater but add my own touches to create the different sweater themes. My most favorite sweater is the monkey sweater. I have had many orders for this sweater and received many compliments from my customers when they receive them. My second favorite is the lion sweater. This is a relatively new sweater and I hope will become a popular seller because it is such fun to make. I also like making the fish sweater. No two fishes are alike which makes each one unique.
I {heart} Rhody interviews Cheryl from Bristol
5. What’s your best seller?
Shop name: BabyBeatrini onlinE BabyBeatrini
I think my best seller is my pumpkin sweater set which I get many orders for during the fall. It is a colorful set and fun to make. Customers have sent me photos of their children in the outfits and I am so happy to see the children look so cute.
FacebooK baby beatrini
1. Tell us about your work. I became interested in renewing my knitting skills when one of my daughters announced to me that she and her husband were expecting their first baby.
2. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/ designer? I had always enjoyed knitting but put it aside while I spent many years as a registered nurse and then went to law school to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. I taught law and nursing for several years and then began to knit again in my spare time. When my other daughter became a mother too, I put my knitting skills into full throttle.
3. Where do you draw your inspiration? I have always had a creative streak I think and have come up with different ideas for sweaters and hats many times just on a whim. The ideas just pop up sometimes without me putting much thought into them. The interesting thing about my hats is that I really don’t have a set pattern to follow when I make each hat. When I receive an order I do need to know the age of the child and the circumference of that child’s head so that I can make the correct size. No two hats of mine are exactly alike though. The difference may be subtle but, because I don’t use a set pattern, each hat is unique.
4. What’s your favorite item to create? My most favorite hats to make are the frog hat and the lion hat. They are really fun to create and take me about 7 hours to finish. As far as my sweater sets, I think the strawberry is the cutest with the watermelon close behind. These two outfits I just dreamed up one day trying to make something different to add to my
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My items have sold in Canada, Finland, Norway, Italy, France, England, and almost every state. I love that people from around the world can enjoy my clothes.
6. How long have you been in Rhode Island? I have lived in Rhode Island all my life and just love the smallness of the state.
7. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island? I currently live along the water and wake up each morning to a beautiful body of water in front of me. We laugh about being able to go from one end of the state to the other end in about an hour and there are so many advantages to being able to do that. People in Rhode Island are friendly, helpful, and caring. We have an extraordinary waterfront, second to none. Along the waterfront are some wonderful restaurants and local shops. We can also boast a theater district and sports arena where popular musicals, plays and sporting events take place. The more I travel around the world, the more I appreciate little ole Rhody and getting home to it.
8. Please include anything else you’d like to add: On a funny side, the name of my shop comes from my Boston Terrier named Beatrice. One day my son in law called her Beatrini and from that day on I decided Baby Beatrini would be a cute name for my shop. A man from Italy emailed me once because he was interested in how I got the name Beatrini. His family name is Beatrini and he thought we might be related!
Connect with I {heart} Rhody
Photos courtsey of Baby Beatrini
twitter @iheartrhody
facebook iheartrhody
online iheartrhody.com
Layout Design by Kimberly Sherman Leon
A Creative Twist to an Easter Tradition It’s that time for families to get together and celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. Growing up in a traditional Portuguese family, we always had big dinners consisting of ham, roasted turkey (I was never fond of ham as a kid), and everything that goes with it. What I will never forget is the great sweetbread my mom would make for us and for all of her friends as well. Now that I am older and making the Easter dinners, I’ve tried to add new twists to the Easter celebration.
EASTER EGG HUNTS FOR ADULTS! Who says Easter egg hunts are just for the kids? Have two: One for the children and one for the “bigger kids.” I get hollow eggs filled with written notes and have prizes off to the side, like scratch tickets, gifts cards, and even nip bottles (for those 21 years old and over).
HAVE A SPECIALTY COCKTAIL: This is for the 21-and-over crowd as well. We hear so much about special dinners, but why not a yearly cocktail? I have a great recipe at the end of this article.
NEED A CENTERPIECE FOR THE TABLE? Here is another use for colored M&Ms and marshmallow bunny peeps. In a glass vase, layer the bunny peeps on the bottom standing upright. Pour colored M&Ms or other Easter candies into the vase around the peeps. Then add your favorite flowers to it for a decorative centerpiece.
IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE A SIT-DOWN DINNER: Instead of having a set time to all sit down and munch, you can do a buffet brunch with a little more variety that your guests can enjoy whenever they get there.
Special drink recipe: 2 ounces bourbon 1/2 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce maple syrup Ginger Beer (substitute ginger ale if you don’t have ginger beer) In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, lime juice, and maple syrup. Shake and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Top with ginger beer.
Maybe it’s time to make some new traditions for your Easter holiday. If you need recipes or any ideas, feel free to contact me anytime at ChefRicardoCosta@gmail.com or www.ChefRicardoCosta.com. www.linkedin.com/in/chef-ricardo-costa
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t e a c h
o t h e r s
w h a t
YOU NEED TO LEARN by Patricia Raskin Layout Design by Janet Heffernan
My favorite phrase and my motto come from the book Illusions by Richard Bach who wrote the bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It is “You teach best what you most need to learn.” I have found that to be so true in my own life, and I want to explore the true meaning and relevance of this phrase.
Doing this is not just a learning process. It’s inspirational for you and others, and it can be a lot of fun. Every time I interview an expert in some form of positive living, I get my own questions answered. Be around what it is you want. Swim in that circle of fish. Learn and grow and teach others what you have gained. There is no greater personal satisfaction than knowing what you have passed on, whether through your personal experience or professional expertise, has helped someone or changed their life.
When you really need something that you also want, but are having difficulty motivating yourself to do it, try teaching it. It is the greatest way to reinforce it and make it part of you. As you teach it, you work with others who need and want the same lessons. The better you are at something and the more you There is such power in the group. have perfected it, the better position Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in that The roles often switch; the teacher you are in to pass it on to others circle of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in that becomes the student, and the so that they can then teach what circle of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in student becomes the teacher. they have most needed to learn. that circle of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. Swim It reminds me of the ebb and in that circle of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. A personal example is when my daughter was a child, I Swim in that circle of fish. flow of the tides which goes wanted to be a better parent, Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. in and out in a special rhythm. so I created parenting groups Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in that circle of So as you learn and teach, you fish. Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in that circle are perpetuating this flow and and taught parenting skills as of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in that rhythm of life. part of my job as an elementary circle of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. Swim
school counselor. Later when I You don’t always know in that circle of fish. Swim in that circle wanted to be more positive in my who you are affecting. of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. Swim in that circle of fish. life, I created a cable television show But teaching positive called “Positive People.” Over thirty years, things, things you need to that has evolved into the current radio show I host reinforce in your own life and setting and produce. the example by teaching them, can have I use those examples to ask you to examine what it is profound results. You are “casting your bread you need and want at this time in your life. How can upon the waters.” you teach others at the same time? Can you create a group? Can you teach a class? Can you work with others who want the same thing? The best teachers are the best students of the subject.
John Quincy Adams wrote, “The influence of each human being on others in this life is a kind of immortality.”
Patricia Raskin, M.Ed., is an award-winning producer and host of “The Patricia Raskin Show” on Saturdays at 4 PM on WPRO, AM630/99.7FM, beginning its ninth year on WPRO. She is also an author, speaker, and coach specializing in change and transition. She is a recipient of the 2015 Rhode Island Small Business Administration Award. www.patriciaraskin.com www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-raskin
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MARKETING RAMBLES Paula Mottshaw Website Design Projects Step 5: TESTING Thoroughly testing your site before launch helps to identify any issues prior to launch because this is not the time for any surprises. Here is a checklist of some things that you should have on your radar during your testing phase.
Log in.
Read everything.
If you sell products on your site, test the order process.
• Check spelling, grammar, punctuation. • Reduce the amount of text on each page as much as you can. Break up large paragraphs into sections of text. Use clear headings that make sense (to your audience), and use bullets whenever possible so visitors are better able to scan content. • Remove any leftover placeholder text (eg. Lorem Ipsum or coming soon). • Hide any pages that say ‘coming soon.’ You don’t want to annoy visitors with blank pages. • Review each page with a critical eye. Each page should be able to stand on its own. Ask yourself why a visitor would visit this page and be sure the page addresses those points. Check functionality. Forms. • Fill out forms on your site to be sure they work. • Does the flow of information makes sense? • Are the instructions are clear? • Does the completed form get sent to the right person? • Does it make sense for the form to be on a particular page? Should it appear on multiple (or all) pages? • Are you asking only for the information you need? Adding extra fields may increase the amount of people who don’t complete it. • Complete your contact form and send to yourself. Search box. • Some visitors will navigate your site by searching. Search for something that you know is on your site and view search results.
Does your site have a log in function? Test each different type of login to be sure they all function as expected.
• Review product pages to be sure all information (including the price) is correct. Good photography is important, as this will help visitors to decide whether to purchase your product. • Be sure all placeholder content and images are deleted. • Add an item to the shopping cart. • Check to be sure delivery preferences are working and have been set up correctly. • Check to be sure payment options been set up correctly. • Complete a test order and be sure that it is sent to the correct person. Links. • Do links go to the right pages? Make sure social media icons on the site go to the correct pages. • Make sure your logo links to your home page. • Links should stand out from other text. Don’t underline other text because it will confuse your visitors. • How are visited links displayed? Usability. Ask others to test your website. It’s important for you to get feedback from those people who are part of your target market (potential clients and customers). Watch how they interact with your site. Ask them to find something and then watch to see what they do. Paula Mottshaw specializes in web design and graphic design (print materials) for healthcare and non-profits. She can be reached at pmottshaw@mysimpledesignsolution.com. @pmottshaw
K SS
www.linkedin.com/in/paulamottshaw
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2
nd
Annual
Alpert Medical School Arts Exhibition Please join us for an evening of inspiration and creative expression! March 11, 2016 6:00 - 9:00 PM Admission $7 Purchase here
Alpert Medical School 222 Richmond Street Providence, RI 02903 26
| Rhode Island Creative Magazine
Rhode Island Creative Magazine is excited to partner with The Alpert Medical School Arts Council to bring you the 2nd Annual 2016 AMS Arts Exhibition featuring student, faculty and staff artists from all biomedical divisions within the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. This year’s themes (Impressions; Margins; and Inheritance) will be represented across various media including sculpture, painting, wooden print, photography and laser etchings.
The event will include musical performances from student artists, light hors d’oeuvres and wine for guests 21 years and older. Attendees over 21 must show a Governmentissued ID. Purchase your tickets online here.
Cross-Platform MARKETING with RICM will CONNECT you to your audience.
The official publication of KS Designs, LLC
What's happening creatively in Rhode Island? 3/18/16 WaterFire Providence: Slam Dunk WaterFire Waterplace Park, Providence 6PM; FREE & Open to the Public More Info here
RI’s Comprehensive Arts & Entertainment Calendar
A rtsNowRI.com An easy-to-use calendar that covers all
art related events statewide. You can view the many different artists and events that our creative state has to offer. It’s also where you can submit any events you may be having. Make this your go-to calendar to see what is going on creatively in RI! 3/1/16 Media Smart Webinars Creativity and the 5-Hour Media Production Challenge ON-LINE at 8PM; FREE mediaeducationlab.com/media-smartwebinars-spring-2016 3/4/16 SALON: Poet/Memoirist Reginald Dwayne Betts Providence Athenaeum 251 Benefit Street, Providence 5-7pm (5pm reception; 5:30 program, followed by book sale & signing) FREE & Open to the Public
3/7/16 AMP RI Guest Speaker: Brian Wu Founder of Inside Out Design Red Stripe 465 Angell Street, Providence 5:30-7:00 PM, Appetizers & Cash Bar $5 members, $10 non-members RSVP at ampri.info@gmail.com or call 401.861.7200 Bring a friend and your business cards! 3/9/16 - 4/8/16 ALRI 2016 Associate Members’ Annual Exhibition Warwick Museum of Art 3259 Post Road, Warwick For more info: artleagueri.org
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3/11/16 2nd Annual Arts Exhibition with Rhode Island Creative Magazine and Alpert Medical School of Brown University 222 Richmond Street, Providence 6-9PM; $7 Tickets here or at the door.
3/19/16 The 2nd Annual Providence Tattoo and Music Fest Fete Ballroom 103 Dike Street, Providence Tickets and more info: www.fetemusic.com
3/13/16 Slater Mill JAZZ - The Bobby Keyes Trio Slater Mill 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 7-9:30PM; $12.00 3/22/16 The Artists Loop Memory Quilt-Collage Series “Meet the Curators” 444 Westminster Street, Providence 1st Floor Conference Room 2:30-4PM; FREE & Open to the Public 3/14/16 & 3/28/16 The Artists Loop with TOJ Design, LLC Digitizing Art Rochambeau Community Library 708 Hope Street, Providence 5:30PM; FREE 3/16/16 Blackstone Culinaria Food Tour Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Terrazza Bistro 645 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 6PM; Tickets here 3/17/16 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Presented by City of Providence Office Of The Mayor Providence City Hall 25 Dorrance Street, Providence 12:30PM; FREE & Open to the Public
3/25/16 DesignX RI Open Coffee/Design Olga’s Cup and Saucer 103 Point Street, Providence 8-9:30AM 3/26/16 UPP Arts Community Kick-Off Reservoir Avenue Elementary School 156 Reservoir Avenue, Providence 10AM; FREE Open to the Public www.upparts.org 3/28/16 Girls Night Out EXPO Presented by Stadium Theatre City Side at RiverFalls 74 South Main Street, Woonsocket 6PM; $30 Tickets here or visit www.stadiumtheatre.com
Check out the full calendar online! www.ricreativemag.com
creativeground.org CreativeGround@nefa.org
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What Cheer? Brigade
Photo credits (L to R): Theresa Secord (Penobscot); Ema Peter, Courtesy Studio Echelman; Gene Parulis; Gary Hall Photography; Sean Hafferty
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