Art: When The World Was Blue by @RuthWightman

Ruth Wightman Art: When The World Was Blue

A multidisciplined artist, children's story writer and businesswoman, Ruth has her own studio located in a quaint old mill in Keighley.

Recently Ruth showcased some beautiful dream-like illustrations for her new story When The World Was Blue (pictured).

Jackanory (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

She said in regards to the project: "This story is a picture book illustrated using largish oil paintings that would make an interesting simple animation in the way "Jackanory used to do."

Over the last few years she has built up a strong reputation delivering enjoyable and productive school workshops - in which children learn and have fun creating anything - from masks and mosaics to illustrations and paintings and in regards to her own artwork; she frequently exhibits with other artists.

Ruth is looking to work with film-makers and story-writers. Take a peek at her website, which shows her versatility and we look forward to seeing the collaborations!

​Discover more from Ruth at Art-Star, Twitter: Ruth Wightman and ​Facebook: Ruth Wightman Art

June 2013: Benefits of vlogging

Image via CrunchBase

It was reported this week that Youtube vlogger - musician Charlie McDonnell (who has amassed over 280 million views on his web channel and has more than 2 million subscribers) has become Save the Children's Youtube ambassador to promote the fight against world hunger.

In light of this news, we were reminded of how simple and effective vlogging is.

Here are some reasons to vlog:

You can be as creative as you like without a budget: You don't have to look like you're on a set. While you may feel you're competing with corporations who have online video channels, thousands of people upload videos from their bedroom and gain a following.

Charlie McDonnell at vidcon gathering 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As long as the viewers can see you and the camera's not shaky you're in with a good chance of holding people's interest! (see some tips below).

You can show the world who you are: Whether you want to talk about politics, entertainment or perform in some way; there are categories and tags for your videos  to help share your video. These enable you to get featured and viewed in popular lists. See tagging tips below.

You are in control: Even if you're shy, you can script yourself upload when you're happy with the final product. The possibilities of what you can do are endless and if you have a good idea you can execute it how you like.

You can bring in an income: Having a Youtube channel can make you money, if you set up the function on your account for adverts.

You have a lot to say: There are so many fantastic articles out there and blog posts on current topics. Vlogging is another way to capture someone's attention instantly and build up your reputation and some people might send you requests.

Tips:

There is an art to tagging: It's important to have a couple of keywords in your description box, a relevant title and around 10 relevant tags. If you write i.e. 'beyonce,' as a tag to gain viewership you're likely to be considered spam so be wary!

Decide on a theme: It's not necessary but if you can, your series of vlogs can become a comedy channel for example.

Sensations:

Vlogger Ryan Higa, a Japanese-American comedian from Hawaii, is currently the most subscribed to YouTube channel. He has created a series of vlogs he calls “Off The Pill”, which he records them when he is off his ADHD medication. So he has created a niche.

Some parents have created profiting opportunities for their children:

 

Rosie and Sophia Grace have won awards after endearing videos of them singing won the heart of America's Ellen who gave them a job on her show.

This video which I'm sure you've seen is one of the most successful Youtube videos: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM]

The boys now have a channel which features more of them. If you look at just this one vlog - it's covered in adverts and in the description box they sell merchandise to the fans.

So, vlogging is something to consider, whether you want to be some kind of commentator or want to write scripts, want to showcase graphic skills or skills in music or comedy for example - it's worth jumping in to - what's to be afraid of?

Make it real...

Collaboration: Creating a website turns out top results!

Bee's Buzzing Honeycomb designed by Austrine in association with A Creation

Our good friend, writer Busrah Osmanoglu,  asked us for help in creating an easy-to-read website for her portfolio of work. Check out the results over at Bee's Buzzing Honeycomb, thanks to the design of our wonderful colleagues over at Austrine.

About Busra Osmanoglu: Bee's Buzzing Honeycomb

Get in touch with us for a consultation if you want to upgrade your online presence. Thanks to all the creative contacts we have acquired, we can tailor our packages to suit your needs.

These are the basics of what's on offer:-

PP1​.
Website.​
Let us create your website to sell yourself in the most artistic yet professional way. Busrah got Bee's Buzzing Honeycomb looking just how she wanted it!
£150*

PP2​.
Social Media.​

Not familar with the social media networking? Or familiar with it and too tired to maintain it all? Even if you have some social media profiles already, we will amend them for slick professional results.
£50*

PP3.
​Headshots/Portfolio Shots.​
Photos are so important when applying for any arts industry job (in-front/behind the screens)! We have collaborated with photographers up and down the UK to bring you some fantastic and hard to beat packages, (international photographers also available on request). Don't forget to mention your location!

PP4.
​Show-Reel/Film/Video.​
Our colleagues around the world will create you professional/industry standard products. Quotes are available through our Contact Us page, if you get in touch with us mentioning all your project details and location information.

PP5.
Website and Social Media.​
Discuss your branding with us in a consultation and we can create you a website and link it with professional social networking profiles.
£185*

PP6.
Pro Combo.

The ultimate package includes us creating your website, setting up your social networking professional profiles, arranging your headshots, and putting together your showreels. Together, with our collaborative teams across the UK, we are able to offer this set-up at fantastic prices (depending on your location). Please get in touch 

*Please note:-

• The management have the right to withdraw package offers/promotions at any time.
• All packages/prices above depend on what you require but these will be discussed/agreed at the time of contract.
• Prices will only increase should you be requiring more than the offer we state in our final agreement contract.
• We do offer services of maintaining your website/social media. If this is required, we are more than happy to do so with a charge of £10 p/h, or, if regular maintenance is required (i.e. monthly/yearly), we will be more than happy to arrange a discount.
• Please note you are still able to get a free profile on our site without purchasing any package from us and we will still continue to give you some free promotion, please get in touch with us through our Contact Us page for more information.

Layercake and a cup of tea - Our day out with Lineone Films

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ced1DJ5-xvU&w=420&h=315]

This is a lighthearted vlog on A Creation's journey home last Thursday after meeting Phil Howard, a former bad boy who turned his life around thanks to film-making.

Madness ensued on the late train back to Leeds. Since no trolley came along it was quite a quest to get a cup of tea. We even came up with an advert to pitch to Yorkshire Tea (that may have been the tiredness ) which randomly involved music from R. Kelly - but it made complete sense at the time!

It was a day of travelling, gangsters, film-chat, and bringing the heat!

Phil Howard - Line One Films and Jog on Son Productions

Phil Howard, from Brentwood, Essex found himself on a life support machine two years ago and when given a second chance at life, he decided to put his acquired fortune from a dodgy past in to the craft of film-making.

Mr H - Phil Howard, from Brentwood to Eastenders and beyond

When we arrived at London's Kings Cross we headed to Temple to locate Phil's office on the HMS Service boat on Victoria Embankment.

Those who know the slow-moving Circle tube line can imagine the conditions on that gloriously hot day.

Phil, incognito, took us to the WalkAbout to tell us how he's turning his past life into a film.

We don't want to give too much away about why and how Phil was attacked as it will be in his film, but it was in 2010 that his life changed.

He admits, he's lucky he has money -  but he gives back to those struggling in the industry offering advice and his office to those who reach out.

EastEnders (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

He obtained his Film-making degree from the MetFilm School at Ealing studios and is now a director of scenes consultant for Eastenders at Elstree studios.

He said: "I like to direct gangster scenes in Eastenders as I've had my own dealings".

His outlook on life and the arts is much in tune with us here at A Creation - he is going for his dreams and helping others.

Phil is directing a film based on his own eventful life which he compares to Layercake and Revolver and we are definitely championing his endeavours.

Check out his website, IMDB page and connect with him on Twitter.