World of Rynaga - iPhone Wallpapers

Here's some nifty wallpaper images for your iPhone. Just download them and store them wherever you keep your iPhone pictures and there you go.

Finding Inspiration

Like most people I have a day job.

I'm a graphic designer for an in-house marketing team here in Phoenix. Most of my work is pretty straight forward. It's corporate work with corporate clients. Many times it can be cut and dry.

So, I've written up ideas I try to remind myself of when I need inspiration. Maybe one or two might spark an idea for you.

Play - Explore new directions for the brand or products you're representing, even if they are just concepts. Experiment with new colors, type treatments and patterns. Think of possible messages and strategies. Make note of the business reasons for your ideas, you never know when they may come in handy.

Volunteer - Start doing something with a professional organization such as AIGA. Volunteer your time or donate work to a cause that benefits students or those in need.

Teach something - Help someone who needs assistance in your field of study. Perhaps you have a relative or know a student that might have questions about your line of work. Be there for them. Educate your clients and team members as well. Offer guidance in a sincere, non-egotistical manner.

Learn something - Being a life-learner is vital to finding satisfaction both in our careers and personal lives. Take a class, start a new DIY project or perfect a signature dish.

Read something - Not everyone loves reading, but reading can open up TONS of opportunities. Whether it's books or blogs, seek out expert advice that can help you grow. Read, read, read. (Just remember to watch who you're taking advice from.)

Freelance - Unless it's completely against your employers policies, take on a freelance job once and a while. Not only can this provide you with more experience, you have the opportunity to be more selective about the work you take on. (Just don't forget the tax man!)

Get Out of the Office - If at all possible, change your work environment on occasion. We innovate by looking at the world differently, not behaving like corporate robots! Right? My employers understand this and it has helped me many times when faced with a challenging creative problem. It's amazing how adjusting ones work environment can lead to breakthroughs.

Embrace the Cube - If you have to work in a cubicle, make it as lively as possible. Hang your art, color swatches, posters, anything that will inspire you. Turn your cubicle into a space that represents your vision, goals and persona. Build a library of magazines and books at your desk. Be a resource for others.

Do Good - No matter what, don't sacrifice your personal values. Be determined to see every project succeed, no matter if it's for yourself, your boss or your clients. Be kind to others, but don't compromise high standards. Be firm, but respectful when disagreements arise. Collaborate, yet advocate for what is best for the brand and your client, not yourself. All of this will increase your sense of satisfaction in your work.

Love - It's an emotional word, but that's the point. Show others that you love what you do. If you have a talent or a skill, let it be known and help others. I believe that success born from pure motives is the most satisfactory. (That's why we run into people these days who have lots of money, but aren't happy. It's something to remind ourselves of.)

Don't expect rainbows and butterflies all the time. Office politics, tough customers, tight deadlines and stress will more than likely continue. The bottom line is that success comes with time and only if you work at seeking out and holding on to what inspires you personally.

-Safe travels

Iconica Update

Ok, the Iconica 2-Player Starter set is available on my store now. Next is to get all of the individual Iconica cards up on Etsy as well.

I've had some questions lately about Iconica:

1. "Are you still creating cards?" - Yes, definitely. The Iconica project has only just begun. Being an indie creator gives me great control over my content, yet sometimes this means longer development times. I'm trying to be smart about which cards are released and when. This has an impact on game balancing.
2. "When can we expect new cards?" - Three new cards will be released within the next 60 days. I'll give you a preview on my blog here very shortly.
3. "How many cards are there in the first series of Iconica cards?" - The first series of Iconica cards, called "Prelude," just like my book, contains 21 cards in all. This series will wrap up at Phoenix Comicon in May. There might be some other Iconica surprises at the Con, so save the date if you can!

Here's some more Iconica game images. Let me know if you have more questions!

Product Photography

It's not easy, but the results can really raise the profile and charisma of your work. I'm spending the day taking lots of product shots of the Iconica game and game pieces as well.

Admittedly this is something I should have done a while ago. Whatever, I'm doing it now, right?!

Take a look at some more photos of Prelude.

Etsy Shop

Today and tomorrow I'll be working on getting my Etsy shop up and running. Books, prints and cards for the game I've created called Iconica.

Why Etsy? All of my products are made by me. (I do everything except run the printing press.) It's secure, easy to use and most of all - I don't have to code/edit shopping cart code! Etsy makes it easy to incorporate Google Analytics too.

Ultimately, I need to my spend time writing, illustrating and designing. I need to focus on creating new content. Even though I'm currently expanding more of my CSS, HTML and XHTML knowledge, I can't afford to get heavily involved in coding.

There are some cool WordPress shopping carts out there, but they're just not easy for me to incorporate into the kind of Website experience I want to offer visitors.

Well, time for me to get crackin!

Now That Star Has Passed

We were two vibrant stars with an hours time,
revolving towards a moment with fate.
We were holding our hopes high in our prime,
held down by no force that earth could create.

Our children grew wild as beautiful weeds,
making their roots in the folds between us.
Our years together passed as white light speeds,
from mornings birth to nights asleep in dust.

You gave me your youth and placed me ahead,
all too soon came our fragile golden years.
You were less my Star and the sun instead,
when the fog-filled days of my mind appeared.

We spent our lives as a mist in the glade.
I sit here alone, I'll not be afraid.

- © Eric Torres

The Elusive Sonnet

I've been writing poetry in sonnet form for some time now. I woke up with this sonnet running around in my head today. If I can catch it and make it presentable, I'll post it today.