365 Merit Badge: 365 Days of Tigrikorn

Doug Jennings, who is using my book to create a project based around a character he created called Tigrikorn, created this fun video about his project...

For his efforts I sent him one of the rare remaining 365 Merit Badges! Would you like one of your own? There are still a few left, just follow the directions HERE.

You can also read his initial interview HERE.

And follow his progress HERE.

Snow Globe 365 follow-up

I'm checking back in with  folks who have recently completed their 365 projects...

Amy Whitehurst finished her Snow Globe 365 project on 14, 2011...

What are the biggest lessons/skills you learned from doing your project? The biggest lesson I have learned from a daily project is that I am an artist with newfound confidence.  Picking up my camera each day, not only helped hone my technical skills, it pushed me to learn new things, like painting with light, using an external flash, a soft box, new lenses, double/triple exposures and image overlays.  As my confidence grew towards the middle of the year, I began stopping in stores, getting on floors and shooting mannequins with snow globes and asking strangers to take part.

In what ways did the project change your life? I now acknowledge myself as a photographer, and am grateful for the support from fellow 365 artists and friends that encouraged me to keep going, while sharing the journey with me.  For the first time I won contests, sold my work, continued to exhibit, was featured on CNN's Travel Shots and published twice in a local magazine. I have started freelancing and am now taking professional business head shots.

Now what? I need to keep going, so the first of the year I'm starting a new project where I will be teaching myself Photoshop and sharing what I learned so others may share the lesson daily, if they wish.  I'm hoping through learning this software tool, I can take my images to another creative level.

Read her original 365 interview HERE.

See all of her snow globes HERE.

365 Mashups

João Brasil in London created 365 Mashups over the course of a year, mixing together two or more songs usually featuring music from Brazil, where he is originally from...

Why did you decide to do this project?  My wife gave me this idea three days before the NYE, she was joking, and I took the joke seriously. haha. I made one mashup per day during 2010.


Let it injeção be (João Brasil) by lontramusic


How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I think it changed everything in my life. I got known at the Global mashup scene, I played in Booties (Mashup party) all over the world. Fatboy Slim knows and like me because of this project. I was covered on a lot of press, magazines, blogs, ... All over the world."


Cerol no VCR (João Brasil) by lontramusic

Listen to (and download) all of João's mash-ups HERE.

Cavalo de Praise (João Brasil) by lontramusic

My Daily Nature Photos Follow-Up

I've decided to periodically check back in with some folks who have completed their 365 projects...

My friend Abby Davis finished a year of taking nature photos daily on November 11, 2011...

Day 76 - Reflection of trees in puddle

What are the biggest lessons/skills you learned from doing your project? I learned how to properly use my camera, how to edit photos with Picnik.com and see nature in different ways than I did before the project.

Day 100 - Mallard duck at the James River

In what ways did the project change your life? It made me feel like a child exploring my little area of the world with awe and wonder. The odd thing is obviously, I'm not a child. I do have one though, so it was nice to connect with her and teach her an appreciation of nature. Though my mind appreciates the visual and creative stimulation, my allergies did not. There were many a cold, rainy or scorching hot day where I had to go outside because something captured my eye, even though I knew my body would hate me for that adventure. However, I have thousands of beautiful photos and better photography skills now.

I took the curtains down in the living room after my cat started ripping them. That opened up my world to something I hadn't appreciated in years. We have a huge holly tree behind the house. This is a common meeting place for many types of birds and squirrels. We learned that there is one squirrel that takes the same path several times each day, up the crape myrtle tree, stares at us and then hops along the holly tree. She's our trusty squirrel companion. I took several photos of her during the project, because she interacted with the humans and the cats in our family. I took several photos from inside the house, through our large living room windows. I never realized how many bird types flocked here and it made me have to search the internet for what kind they are. The same thing would happen when I found an unusual flower. It was neat to learn about trees, plants, insects and animals along the way.

I actively made plans to travel more during the project, which was great for my family and to experience nature in a variety of places. During the project, we went to Norfolk, VA, Savannah, GA, St. Augustine, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Orlando, FL, Myrtle Beach, SC, Chincoteague Island, VA and Philadelphia, PA. Part of it was for the adventure, and for a change of scenery photography wise. I love traveling, so it was nice that we could go to so many places.

My dear husband also sweetly upgraded my camera and my lap top during the project. He purchased me new equipment when my old equipment was no longer suiting my needs. My daughter and him are claiming my old camera and lap top for their own usage. I'm glad we don't have to share a computer any more.

Day 148 - Dogwood blooms

Now what? About a week after the project was completed, I made a calendar and started working on a book, using images from the project. I posted about 1971 photos, so it was a huge task to edit them even further for a calendar. I had copies printed as gifts for my family. Noah bought two of them. The book will be a bit different, as it will include more creatures, insects and trees than the calendar did. The calendar was mostly flowers, as that better suited the people who will receive it as a gift. I appreciate the photo of the huge fly, but I'm pretty sure my grandmother won't.

I'm still taking photos, but about once a week now. My allergies appreciate it. Also, as the project was almost ending, I became part of League of Space Pirates. That has been great to do, as it incorporates some very old and very new skills in a new way. It's been a nice transition from one project to another.

Day 176 - Monarch caterpillar on a milk weed stalk

See Abby's original 365 interview HERE.

Day 365 - Full moon

See all of Abby's nature photos on her blog HERE or on Facebook HERE.

Mandala a Day

Susan Jester of Montpelier, Virginia is making a Mandala a Day. She explains, "Mandala is Sanskrit for 'circle.' They are used in Buddhist and Hindu practices as sacred art forms.  They often represent the universe.  I have been fascinated by them for years, and have joined in the spirit of the 365 group to give myself the push to create them."

Why did you decide to do this project? I was so excited to see all of the 365 projects.  I lurked around for a while, like a kid with my nose pressed to a toy store window.  It was way past time for me to participate in the creative world online, and I have been dreaming about having a blog since they were called online diaries. So I closed my eyes and clicked my heels together and started. I wanted to see what would happen in my life if I created something daily and shared it with the world.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I am amazed at how many ideas I have thanks to the process of creating a mandala each day.  I feel such satisfaction every time I post a photo to the blog.  There have been a couple of days when I felt like skipping it, but pushed through and created something nonetheless.  It's like keeping a promise to myself every day.  My family and friends always look forward to seeing my creations and my kids are a great source of ideas. I also find that I am much more accepting of myself because I am making a conscious effort to allow imperfections into my artwork.  Just because one line isn't perfectly placed, I don't toss out the whole mandala.  I post each one, flaws and all.

Another nice side effect of this project is that I am using art supplies that I have been collecting for years and years.  I am also using found objects and seeing the artistic possibilities in everything I look at. 

This is by far one of the best things I have begun.  Thank you for giving us all a big push.

See all of Susan's mandalas HERE.

Mail Art 365 Follow-up

I've decided to periodically check back in with some folks who have completed their 365 projects...

My mother Mim Golub Scalin recently completed her project to create mail art every day for a year! She started on December 1, 2010 inspired by fellow mail artist Andy Hoang who initiated the MailArt365 project.

I just love the sweet face on this one, and use it as an avatar sometimes.

What are the biggest lessons/skills you learned from doing your project? The best thing I learned was that having a daily practice was a very centering/grounding thing. No matter what was going on in the world or my life, it got put on hold, as it were, while I  made Mail Art. It became my meditation practice, my quiet time. Even while traveling.

This was done by covering a board with scraps then cutting the board up. I liked the randomness.

In what ways did the project change your life? This is a difficult question. Perhaps not a change, but an affirmation, that making something daily is important for me, and that I can do it. No excuses, just get in the studio and make something. I think the knowledge now that I can, and did, dedicate myself to that is reassuring.

This just makes me feel happy

Now what? I'll continue to make Mail Art. I was doing it before the project began. I probably won't scan and post it regularly, however. I'm thinking of a new project, something to do with childhood memories of clothing my mother made for me, things I had in my childhood and the memories attached to them, the apartment building I lived in that no longer exists, something along those lines. I'm not sure of the format yet, but this seems to be where I'm headed. Of course, this could change if another idea pops up.

This is an early Tiny Town one & the scale change is perfect for me.

See all of her mail art on her blog HERE.

This was part of a series using water soluble graphite. I loved the way it looks.

Using old photos and negatives was very satisfying.

Cre8ng Alan in 2012

Robert "Alan" Black or Wandering Alan who travels the world, but stores his things in Athens, Georgia has been doing some form of daily creativity for 35 years! His next project is Cre8ng Alan in 2012.


He explains, "Each year for over 35 years I have spent much time most days creating, re-creating, designing, re-designing me, my life, my work.  In 2012 I have chosen to experiment with Noah Scalin's book 365 A Daily Creativity Journal in addition to many other things I choose to day on a daily basis."

Why did you decide to do this project? I have chosen to BE CREATIVE while continually BECOMING MORE CREATIVE every day for over 35 years.  Noah Scalin's two books are my latest tools. Choosing to be creative in as many aspects of my life as I can or choose each day while helping others to discover their own creativity, creativeness and helping them expand their knowledge and skills of creative thinking has been my life mission for many years.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life?
Some of my past 365 Day / year long projects have been...

• drawing
• cartooning
• writing
• reading
• studying
• creating
• helping others to be more creative
• reading daily journals of other people
• writing my own journals
• photographing varied subjects: buildings, doors, flowers, spaces....
• blog surfing

Find out what Alan is up to next year at Cre8ng Alan in 2012.

Shadow A Day

Shadow Leitner in Frederick, Maryland is creating a Shadow A Day...

Why did you decide to do this project? Imagination and creativity are an essential part of me but as a working mom I have very limited time for creative expression. So I wanted to find something that I could actually do every day. While contemplating a yearlong project, I had a chance encounter with a large rabbit shadow [which was cast by my feet propped up on a chair]. I immediately took a picture of the shadow, posted it and declared my yearlong challenge to everyone I knew before I had a chance to be overwhelmed and chicken out.  So shadows it is.  Though thinking back on it, shadows should have been the most obvious choice for me to begin with as I have quite an affinity for them.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I’m early in this challenge but logging my lessons learned on a page titled illuminations. I have found the spontaneity of shadows exhilarating, even the staged ones are with just what I have at hand, a flashlight and my iPhone camera. This daily commitment has also been good oil for my writing and other art. I’m excited about the journey and enjoying the challenge of finding different ways to project my imagination.

See all of Shadow's shadows HERE.

Color 365

Tera Dahlby in Oklahoma is documenting Color 365...

Why did you decide to do this project? Other people's 365 projects intrigue me, and I decided to give it a go myself. I have loved color for as long as I can remember and since I am also trying to learn how to use my camera and take more pictures on a committed basis, it seemed like a good project to try.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? So far it keeps me even more aware of color around me. It broadens my view, while making me notice detail. And I'm using my camera a lot more which I am happy about. On a recent trip I took, it made me look at things a little differently~ from the sites, to the food I was eating, always looking for a great color to post. It is also fun because those around me have started noticing color as well...I will hear, "Hey, this is a great color, Tera!" Its fun to look through a different perspective sometimes.

See all of Tera's colors HERE.

thoughtCONTRA

Sara Mikula in New York is doing a project she calls thoughtCONTRA...

Why did you decide to do this project? I decided to do this project because I wanted to see how creative I could get everyday. I always think of something random somewhere in the day and I say to myself, that would be sick to make! but then I never end up actually doing it... so lets go!

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? So far, the project has been scary thinking about how i'm supposed to make something with every day. But really what am I afraid of? It's just doing something I love!

Follow Sara's thoughts HERE.

Accidental Creative likes Unstuck

I was recently interviewed about my new book Unstuck for the Accidental Creative podcast.

Listen to the entire interview HERE.

Wordy Birds likes Unstuck

I was recently interviewed about my new book Unstuck on the Wordy Birds radio program...

Listen to the entire interview HERE.

You can also listen to my previous interviews about my other books 365: A Daily Creativity Journal HERE and Skulls HERE.

Flower A Day Follow-Up

I've decided to periodically check back in with some folks who have completed their 365 projects...

Jackie started making A Flower A Day on November 27, 2010 and finished 365 days later!...

What are the biggest lessons/skills you learned from doing your project? The biggest lesson I learned was that, seeing something you started all the way through so dedication, determination, and has a fulfilling feeling. The biggest skill I learned what wood burning, I would love to start doing more wood burning projects now.

In what ways did the project change your life? It made me see things differently in terms of art. This project taught me to think outside of the box to find different and unique things to make something with. I also learned how important it is to finish what I started.

Now what? I was thinking of doing another year long project, but I am not sure what I want to do.
Thanks!

See Jackie's original 365 interview HERE.

See all of Jackie's flowers HERE.

365 Strangers/365 Days

Richard Radstone who says he hails from "London, then Las Vegas to Los Angeles and now 'Everywhere I can Travel with 365'" is documenting 365 Strangers/365 Days.

He explains, "The goal, every day for the next year, approach one stranger, photograph them and promptly blog the experience. Rain or shine, hot or cold, healthy or ill, no days missed. I'll do my best to create interesting photos, and for the sake of entertainment, work to get myself into a sticky situation from time to time. It's a huge commitment. I'm sure there will be some hero photographs and some not so magnificent ones. Let's see what happens!"

Why did you decide to do this project? September 9, 2011, sitting at thirty thousand feet, or there about, courtesy of US Airways flight 711 - Philly to LA. Sort of a patriotic and emotional day with it being so close to the 10 year anniversary of 911, a subtext that forces me to truly look at life's priorities and my regard for the world around me.

There is something about flying that is meditative. And surely being crammed into a plane is powerful motivation to understanding fellow man. Sitting across the isle is the smelly sock traveler (sans shoes). I force myself to think beyond the nasal discomfort, and digging deep into my compassion, choose to examine the humanity of the situation.

With eyes watering and mind clear, I realize it's time for me to procrastinate no longer in announcing a grand blog commitment; one that I've been waiting for the right time to launch. Now with the clarity of a man under the influence of smelling salt, I proudly introduce: 365 strangers in 365 days.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? To start, lets get the obvious negatives out of the way, and there are basically two: Lack of sleep and time away from family (luckily my wife and daughter are in strong support of me).

But the positives are endless.

I will be forever changed in the depth of my relationship with the world community. This thing is growing so fast and is exponentially becoming more than just the experiences I'm having with the people I meet, interview and photograph. It is becoming a personal mission and a global movement. One that I cannot stop. It drives me every day to reach out and greet the world. And you know what? The world wants to share. It's awesome!

Not only have I learned more about my fellow humans, I've received comments from all over the globe. It's kind of like traveling without the jet lag, although sleep deprivation has quietly taken it's place. No worries, It's all worth it."

By the way, I call all involved in 365, friends. No matter if an interviewee or follower, there truly is a certain kinship I continually sense. If you become a fan, you'll see what I mean.

Thank you 365, my life will never be the same.

See all of the strangers that Richard has met HERE.

Herman365

Elizabeth McAlhany of North, South Carolina "yep!  it's real!" created Herman365.  She explains, "I used my Chinese Crested-Chihuahua  mutt, Herman, as my inspiration; but about halfway through the year, his brothers and sisters got awfully jealous (so I included them, too).  My daughter (now 6) helped out a ton."...

Why did you decide to do this project? My friend (Richmond chiropractor Dr. Franklin Luke) bought me the book last year and it seemed like just what I needed to jumpstart my creative mind.  I had gotten a bit sluggish in the last few years.  BUT NOW - holy crap!  Baby, I'm baaaack!

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? The projects pushed me out of my comfort zone - even to the point of buying an SLR and learning some basic photography skills in order to preserve the projects.  Also, it was great to spend time with my kid combining our ideas and having fun.  In fact, we're now in the process of painting three murals, hosting an art swap, and auctioning some of our work for an animal charity.

See Elizabeth's top 100 images from her project HERE.

Etsy likes Unstuck

If you missed my recent live interview about getting Unstuck on Etsy's Online Lab, you can now watch it here...

Watch live streaming video from etsy at livestream.com

Inspired By Nature

Charmaine Whitmore in Guelph, Ontario, Canada is using my book 365: A Daily Creativity Journal to create a year of projects she calls Inspired By Nature...

Why did you decide to do this project?  I decided to embark on the project after picking up your book at a local craft store.  My youngest child has started school full time this year and I felt it would be a good way to get back in touch with my creative artistic side, something I have wanted to do but just seem to keep putting off.  I am hoping it will spur me on to do many more creative projects and perhaps even lead to bigger things.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? When I started I felt a little panic, especially about blogging about it.  Could I keep up with this every day, would it just be too much?  After the first week or 2 I settled into a real routine.  I also found that I will usually do the project
of the day first and get on with other things I must do later.  I also decided early on not to put pressure on myself to be "perfect"  I will do my best creatively and if I have to miss a post for whatever reason
(sometimes I am without any computer access) I will double up my posts later.  I am currently only on day 27 but I hope I can keep it up for the whole year.  One other very interesting thing that has happened is that my 11 year old daughter got quite excited and started as well. She has decided to do a project whenever she can (usually a few times a week) and has also blogged about it.  Then to top it off my 6 year old gets very excited about certain projects and wants to work along side me.  She was particularly excited about the dig into the recycling bin project.  While I worked on mine she made an entire town out of boxes etc. after first writing down a plan of all the building she would need in a town.  My three children's enthusiasm, amazement at my abilities and support has been one of the best things to come out of this.

See all of Charmaine's projects HERE.