Digital vs. Print: Which is better?

Recently, I received an email from a company called 'Page Turn Pro' – an online digital publication solution that uses PDF-to-Flash software conversion technologies to turn static, print-ready PDF files into digital publications, digital magazines, digital catalogs and more.

According to their site and demo, you can add video, links and motion to your digital publications which are hosted solutions – meaning there is nothing you need to do to your existing web site to integrate a PageTurnPro digital publication. There is no software to buy and install. All you do is paste a link on your web site, email or newsletter campaigns and you're ready to go. Your readers don't have to worry about needing to download any third-party software or plug-ins, either.

Their site continues to mention that a PageTurnPro digital publication is much lighter and more flexible than downloading a static PDF file and they include a demo but I found it to be exactly what they claimed not to be: clunky, slow and heavy.

But getting readers to your digital publication takes marketing, advertising and lots of links and referrals. I totally get the whole online marketing thing and I am a strong believer in word of mouth, but without something tangible to set the tone of your publication, how else will you get your readers to your digital pub?

My point is not to underestimate the power of a printed piece. Whether it's a postcard, an invite or announcement, a printed piece can say a lot about your site or digital publication with one touch and/or glance. A digital publication is a great thing to have online for people to access anywhere in the world. But, unless they know it's there to look at in the first place there is no use having it.

To view a sample of a FREE digital publication format, please check out my latest portfolio on YUDU.com.

Life Happens: Out of control

Bronze by D. Michael Thomas

If you are reading this, there are lots of things happening in the world right now that are out of your control. The state of our economy; the environment; a decade of war; the foreclosure rate; the unemployment rate; and, so on – despite some beliefs, these things are out of your control.

Life happens and you are forced to roll with the punches. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get on with it already. Life's too short to be worried about what was or what should have been. You should be focused on what is going to happen tomorrow or the next day or the next month. The possibilities are endless but it is up to you to accept them and welcome them into your heart, your soul and your life. Are you available for a more prosperous and successful tomorrow? Or, are you waiting for the perfect situation to roll around and you will deal with it when it happens?

Part of living your life, as a creative or otherwise, is taking opportunities that may present themselves in other ways, perhaps in disguise. But, don't be afraid. Let the moment take you where ever it leads. Surprise is the spice of life. If you are prepared and ready for change it will lead you down a positive path.

The reality is that things are going to happen around you no matter what you do to help steer the course – shit happens. Life happens. What are you going to make with your leftovers? That is the question.

I recently had a conversation with my friend, Steve Reaves, about a book he read called Rollback – a science-fiction story by Robert J. Sawyer –  about humans communicating with aliens and receiving information from the aliens on how to stop the aging process in the DNA chain, rollback time and be 25 forever. I only bring this up because who wants to be 25 forever?

For now, we have but one opportunity to experience life, to feel emotions and to teach others what we know. Legacies are made by sharing ones knowledge and expertise with the world. Let go of insecure feelings of doubt and fear, step up, and share what you know with the world. I think you might be surprised at the positive outcome.

Weekend DVD Review

KICK-ASS!

What can I say that isn't good about the film, Kick-Ass!? Nothing. We didn't go to the theater to see it but we were sure glad we rented the DVD. Wow, did this film surprise me... in a good way.

The acting and the writing are honest, real and smart as you continue to follow the story. The action sequences were intense and well directed, and the comedy is in all the right places. Think Spiderman meets Kill Bill and you have Kick-Ass.

The story is about an average geeky teenager, Dave Lizewski, whose obsession with comic books drives him to create his own superhero, Kick-Ass, despite his lack of superpowers. So, Dave gets to work and begins his training. Before long, his services are needed but his attempt at being a superhero ends in disaster. Until one day, in the process of rescuing a cat his luck changes, and suddenly, he's on the news and now everyone knows who he is. Good guys and bad guys, alike.

Although this film appears to be a kid-friendly film, it is not. The c-word is used and the violence is intense so I recommend that parents use caution when viewing around young children. However, the film is a fun ride for adults that will definitely get your adrenaline running.

UN PROPHÈTE (A Prophet)

This is a French film that is masterfully conceptualized, written, directed and acted that you are compelled to watch even as the violence escalates.

The story is about a young man, only 19 years old, being admitted into prison. The scars on his face tell us of his violent past. He can barely read or write. Out on the courtyard, he is recruited by the ruthless Corsican César to kill a rival passing through their prison. The young man, Malik, is beaten into submission and realizes that he has no choice but to comply with César's orders. He is now César's bitch.

But, Malik has the common sense and the ability to follow-thru with whatever César asks of him, and soon, he is the 'go-to' man in prison and he creates his own new order.

Un Prophéte is not easy to watch – the violence is in-your-face and without moral restraint – but the story telling and the journey you go on with young Malik, is intense. I dare you to stop watching but you will want to go on his journey to find out how it ends for him.

We loved both films and highly recommend them for you to watch, especially Kick-Ass. A Prophete is really intense, also, so be prepared.

Personal Growth Proclamation

This is a subject that can affect us all if we choose – personal growth. By the time you reach a certain stage in your life, hopefully you will have gained knowledge; compassion and the ability to know when to exercise it; understanding; compromise, and self-awareness. Some people never hope for those things in their life and so they never achieve them.

I am writing this post to proclaim my own personal growth and to outline the ways in which I have grown – as a man, as a friend, as an artist and as a son. There were those in my life at one point that could not see any growth in me at all – which was unfortunate because those people were some of the closest people to me at the time. Today, however, I only surround myself with those who can see growth in me and are striving for personal growth, as well.

You see, personal growth is what every parent wishes for their child. It's what every professional wishes from their careers. Personal growth is the voice inside of us all, telling us what is right and what is wrong. It's the voice that tells you when to call your friend just to check-in on them to see how they are doing. Or, it can be the voice of reason that tells you to put up with something you may not like at work.

Overall, personal growth is becoming the best YOU you can be. It means, you've changed. You've grown up to be a caring, loving individual and are open to ideas different than your own. It means you are calmer, more patient and more tolerant of things than you were before.

How I Think I Have Changed

There was a time in my life when friendships came before relationships and having fun came before everything else. If you looked up the word 'narcissist' in the dictionary in 1990 you would have seen my photo. I was only ever concerned about myself, about money, about having a fabulous career and lots of friends to share the wealth and accomplishments.

Today, I am humbled by events that have taken place in the world over the past ten years. I am humbled by the crash of the economy and how easily ones career can become obsolete. I am humbled by the attitudes of people who are not self-aware and who do not wish for personal growth. I am humbled by age and by watching myself grow older. I am humbled by things that are out of my control and will happen, anyway.

I am self-aware and responsible for my being. I try and recycle whenever possible (I even remove labels and caps), and I always try and communicate my thoughts, feelings and ideas in a manner that is pleasing and friendly. When and if there is a problem, I will always approach it with an open mind and an open heart in order to find a solution – whether personal or professional.

There is a song from Madonna that goes, "I'm not religious, but I feel so moved it makes me wanna pray." That's how I feel today. Right now.

Money and wealth are no longer conditions for my happiness. Loyalty, compassion, trust and love, are. As I continue on my quest for personal growth and well-being, I commit to always be open to what other have to say and to be willing to absorb their ideas and philosophies before making my own conclusion.  In short, I commit to being the best ME I can be, and hopefully, I will gain more knowledge, trust and patience for the things I do not understand.

This is my proclamation.

Have you seen Chelsea Lately?

If you don't know that the coolest, hippest, funniest show on late night is 'Chelsea Lately,' then you don't know what you're missing. Not since Joan Rivers use to substitute for Johnny Carson has a woman been able to pull off a late night show with such success. I proudly admit to being a fan of the show and all its comedians for more than a year now and I can't wait to see more.

Chelsea Handler – comedienne, best-selling author and host of her own late-night show on E! Entertainment – Chelsea has the kool-aid everyone wants to drink. And, it's called Belvedere. Ms. Handler writes a column for Cosmopolitan and for the UK celebrity magazine NOW. She grew up the youngest of six children (wow, that's a lot considering I am an only child), her mother was Mormon and her father is Jewish.

The show is funny for many reasons, including Ms. Handler's ability to laugh at herself. But the real success of the show is also due in part to the many comedians that co-host the show with Ms. Handler at her nightly roundtable. From the always hilarious Black Panther herself Ms. Loni Love to the lovable and adorable Ms. Ross Matthews, the straight tokens Josh Wolf and John Caparulo, the metrosexuals Jo Koy and Chris Franjola, and the other funny ladies that I love Ms. Sarah Colonna, Ms. Whitney Cummings and Ms. Natasha Leggero, Chelsea Handler has the right formula for making comedy work on tv.

The show is based on comedians who give their POVs on relevant pop culture and its icons but once the panel gets going there's no stopping them – or the laughter. It's hard to watch an entire episode of 'Chelsea Lately' without laughing out loud at some point. The show has done so well, her stable of comedians have their own show on E!, 'The Comedians of Chelsea Lately,' and sold out live shows around the country.

I've been wanting to write about this show for SO long and I don't know why I waited this long. So, if you are not watching 'Chelsea Lately,' you're stupid.

See what you've been missing weeknights on E! Entertainment Television 11p.m. or go to ChelseaHandler.com. I promise you won't be disappointed. (Okay to set your DVRs, too.) You can also visit Chelsea Lately at E! online.

Changing Careers: How late is too late?

Based on research I did online, changing ones career later in life can either be a blessing or a curse. Lots of things factor in to whether or not your transition will be an easy one or a difficult one. But one thing is for sure: changing careers is never easy.

Before you jump the gun and change your career, first decide if it's your career you don't like or if it's just a job you are unhappy with. There is a difference between dissatisfaction with your career and dissatisfaction with your job. If you like the work you do, but you feel restricted or unhappy at work, that doesn't necessarily mean you need a career change. That's more indicative of someone who needs to change jobs.

On the other hand, if the work itself is dissatisfying, unchallenging or just hard to get then it might be time to consider a new career. If you don't ever see yourself being fulfilled or happy in your current field or if there just aren't enough jobs available in your field, then a career change could be best for you.

Learning a new job or trade is never a bad thing and it doesn't have to be permanent. For example, I plan on freelancing while I am doing something else to pay bills. Then, when things start to get better – and they will – I will have an up-to-date portfolio of work to show if and when I decide to get back into the art director job market. Whatever it is you decide to do, make sure it is something you will enjoy. Life is too short to do something that makes you miserable.

One of the things I am very big on is having a plan. Even if it's just the start of a plan, an idea, it is born. You can change it to suit your individual needs and lifestyle as you go along, but have an idea of what direction you will be going in and how you plan on getting back into your previous career, if you so choose.

Understand your talents and strengths. What you're good at should guide you into your next career. If you're a successful businessman but have always wanted to be a professional surfer, it's good if you can actually surf. The same goes with a career change. Simply dropping your current career and heading tio professional territory unknown is setting yourself up for failure. Ask yourself what your strengths are and where your talents lie. A successful career change will be built on your strengths, so when choosing a new career look for one where those strengths are applicable.

A 2009 article posted on USAToday.com by Nanci Hellmich says that at least 5.3 million people ages 44 to 70 in the USA have 'encore careers' – careers that combine income, personal meaning and social impact. Frank Farley, a psychologist at Temple University in Philadelphia and former President of the American Psychological Association, says, 'Success in life equals self-knowledge plus motivation.'

Ms. Hellmich talks to several people who are in their second careers and loving it. Some people had lots of money saved for a cushion and some did not, but overall, everyone she spoke to who had a career change were happy with their new jobs and with their decisions to make a change.

However, Farley is quick to point out that not all of the people who change careers are success stories so he warns to proceed cautiously, especially if you need to support yourself, a spouse and a/or a family.  If you do decide to try a new career, consider 'auditioning' for it first. Get a part-time job in that field or volunteer or take some college classes to see if this is an area you would enjoy.

Featured Artists: ANDREW SCOTT THOMAS and ADAM JUNOD

'Pregnant Minds' Founders and Co-Creators Andrew Scott Thomas
and Adam (Atom) Junod

PREGNANT MINDS

This month's featured artists are a couple of talented, smart, energetic and ambititious young men who have paired to create and produce their vision – a collective pursuit of birthing ideas they call, 'Pregnant Minds.' I had the pleasure of sitting down with the artists at a two-on-one lunch last week in the valley.

Andrew Scott Thomas, 29, and Adam Junod, 27, are both graphic designers and artists by trade. But, their love and respect for our planet coexists with their ideas for design in a new quarterly zine, blog and ideology. In fact, for them 'sustainable' is more than a popular word – it's a way of life.  Andrew grows his own vegetables and has drip irrigation installed in his garden. Adam is officially off the grid with a new solar-energy system he can take with him where ever he lives. To make matters better, Adam (who is better known as 'Atom') is an avid bike rider and enjoys cycling and riding around the city.

One of my first questions was, 'What is Pregnant Minds?' Pregnant Minds is a collective of ideas, thoughts and feelings that are interpreted into art – photography, design, graffiti and crafts, to name a few, collected then published on their blog and in print. The first-ever issue of the Pregnant Minds zine is due out this month. Each issue will have a theme and the theme for the first issue is 'Endless Summer.'

These guys are the real deal. I've known Andrew for a few years now and we even worked together at an entertainment agency. It was at a different agency that Adam met Andrew – and the rest, as they say, is history.

'Technology, in combination with conserving the planet, is what my life is all about' said Adam during our lunch.

One thing is for sure, these guys mean serious business when it comes conserving energy and our planet. Not to mention they are both pretty good designers, too.

Pregnant Minds is a showcase of ideas, creations and anything that inspires creativity. Be sure to check out the blog at PregnantMindzine.blogspot.com.

To view samples of Adam's design work, please visit his website at AtomFarm.com.