Parenting Tip: 7 Ways to Complement Computer Games and Unleash Your Child’s Creative Genius

Even though we may enjoy playing them ourselves, many parents worry about the impact of computer games on their child’s development. We fear that letting our kids play computer games for more than an hour or so per day will turn them into anti-social, obese couch potatoes. It would be better to have our children read or to read child stories to them, we think. Yet, computer games are here to stay, so rather than fighting them, why not use them? This article shows you how you can let your child play computer games yet still foster the development of their creativity.

The issue that many parents have with computer games is that, compared with reading a child story, they don’t require the use of a great deal of imagination. Here are seven ways in which you can complement computer games to foster the development of your child’s creativity:

#1 Develop character profiles

Some computer games have characters. With the Harry Potter games these characters are already well-known and well-developed. With other games, however, the characters may be more “shallow”. This is a perfect opportunity for your child to develop the characters further. They can invent a profile for the character, imagining who their family is, where they come from, where they go/went to school, what hobbies they like to do, how they feel, etc. Your child can then make sketches or drawings of the character and scenes from their life: past, present and future. Finally, your child can create profiles of the other people in the character’s life: friends, family, pets, colleagues, droids, etc.

#2 Create Storyboards

If you think about it, a lot of computer games are nothing more than interactive stories. So, your child can create their own stories using the characters from their favorite computer games. Think of this as an extension of the computer game. You could even pretend that you work for the computer game company and are creating a new version of the computer game.

There are several ways you can approach this depending upon you and your child’s preferences. You can write a script, create cartoon-like illustrations, create illustrated scenes (i.e. pictures) only, or create pictures with accompanying text.

#3 Write a Diary

It could be interesting for your child to get inside the head of some of the characters. Incidentally, this is also a good way to develop a child’s empathy. Have your child write a diary as if they were one of the characters.

#4 Develop a Virtual World

One of my sons has developed his own virtual world. He’s created detailed maps, descriptions of all the creatures, plants (more than 100 in all, fully illustrated) and lands in it, and a complete history of this imaginary world. Your child can create a virtual world that is either an extension from an existing computer game or something completely new.

#5 What’s Cooking?

If your child likes to cook, why not develop some special recipes of what people eat in the computer game’s virtual world? What’s their favorite food? What is the national dish? These “recipes” could be from real, edible foods or other non-edible materials (make sure your kid doesn’t eat the latter!).

#6 Get Hands On

Some children are kinesthetic learners; they learn by doing. If your child is one of these, they can create 3D models from clay or papier mâché of the characters from a computer game. You can even create life-sized models in your garden/backyard. For example, you can carve a character from an old tree stump or log.

#7 Create Your Own Computer Game

In the area of computer games, what could be more creative than creating your own game? When they create a game, computer game companies go through a process similar to some of the steps described here so you might be able to use the results of your fun work to create an actual computer game.

There are hundreds or thousands of software tools you can use to create your own games. However, unless you’re a “techie”, it’s probably easiest to use one that doesn’t require any programming or advanced computer skills.

Software tools such as “The 3D Gamemaker”,* for example, allow you to create games simply by pointing and clicking. The 3D Gamemaker has a library of scenes, sounds and 3D objects that you can combine into your own games. Obviously, this is a bit less creative then making a game from scratch, but you can also scan in your own images, record your own personal sound effects and import your own 3D models to make your game more original.

The Multi-Choice Creation System (MuCeS) lets you create Multichoice adventures in which the game player chooses one option out of a number of given options depending on what she thinks will be best for a given situation.

The above are only two examples of the possibilities. The point is that you don’t need to be a “rocket scientist” in order to create your own computer games. Imagine how thrilled your kids will be to create their own games. Playing computer games will never be the same again!

Conclusion

Some parents regard computer games as an “unhealthy” influence on their children, but when you combine computer games with some of the “offline” child story creation activities described here, you’ll not only unleash your child’s creative genius, you’ll have a lot of fun doing it.

* Note: I have not (yet) used any of the software described here. The products mentioned are provided purely as examples.

How to Make your Computer your Personal ATM

Do you think that ATM’s are only available at banks and credit unions?  Think again.  Your computer can become your own personal ATM machine.  How can you turn your computer into a money making machine?  Jump into the world of internet marketing.  An Internet marketing business is not only profitable, but can be started quickly and affordably.  

What should you do first to help you start an Internet marketing business?  You need to create a website that reaches millions of potential customers all over the globe.  There are hundreds of software programs, companies, and offerings out there.  If you are not familiar with Internet infrastructure then you may have a difficult time trying to find the right company to host your website.  We have taken the confusion out of this situation for you by providing references for the best software tools to help get you started.

First, you will need a domain name.  Domain names are the text that users will type into the Internet to access you website.  Think carefully about your domain name so that it is relevant to your product or service.  Once you have a domain name in mind, you need to make sure that it is not taken.  You can type it into your Internet browser and see if anything comes up.  However, it is good to check this through the domain provider we recommend which is www.godaddy.com.

When you purchase a domain name at www.godaddy.com, make sure that you only purchase the domain name and none of the extra services.  Godaddy has a tendency to jack up the prices on these services when you can find them much more affordably at www.frontierpowerhosting.com.

Frontierpowerhosting.com will be your web hosting service.  This web hosting Service Company is top notch because you receive your OWN IP address.  It is critical to have your own IP address so that your emails are never blocked due to an email spammer that has the same IP address.  Frontierpowerhosting.com also has excellent customer service phone support.  In addition, Frontierpowerhosting.com provides an “Email Tracker” feature which enables you to track your emails.  Frontierpowerhosting.com also will provide you with information regarding the deliverability rate for any emails you send.  This information will help you tailor your marketing efforts.

Next you will need to setup a “smart Autoresponder”.  A smart Autoresponder is one that automatically sends emails or forms to users in order to capture their personal information.  Make sure that your Autoresponder captures the following information:  first name, last name, email address, time and date stamp.

An effective smart Autoresponder is called “Auto Responder Plus” which you can find at www.arp3.com.  Auto Responder Plus is software that you can download on your web hosting account.

Once you have these tools in place, you are ready to create your website.  Change your personal computer into a cash cow today!

Library Closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

 

Grab and Go: Self Care for Teens (or Anyone)

Stop by the south side front doors of the Library and pick up
a Self Care "Grab and Go" bag. 

 You can pick up a bag from
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The Library is OPEN - Schedule Your Appointment Today!

For Additional Information 

>>CLICK HERE<<

Online Activies and Resources for Kids

 

Click HERE to find a collection of free online sites to keep children engaged
and learning during this continued period of social distancing.

Virtual Story Time @ Your Library

eBooks, eMagazines, and Digital Audio Books

As a library patron living in Mahaska County, you have access to FREE downloadable
eBooks, eMagazines and Digital Audio Books through BRIDGES,
 a county based service provided by the State Library of Iowa. 

An active library card from the Oskaloosa Public Library and
a device connected to the Internet is all you need to get started.

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Free Hands-on Computer Classes

The library offers a variety of computer classes. Classes are taught by our knowledgeable staff who have years of experience working with patrons and assisting with technology.



 
Class Booklet Exercises
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A schedule of upcoming classes
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Programs for Adults

All programming will be virtual until further notice.

Please check our social media for virtual activities. 

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Apa Kabar?

Hi, semua! Apa kabar?

It’s been a while banget ya (udah berapa abad) Geetha nggak update dan maintain blog ini lagi. Sorry yah for neglecting this blog, Geetha disibukkan dengan kehidupan pribadi dan kawan-kawannya, jadi blog ini betul-betul tidak terpegang sama sekali. Padahal udah beberapa kali di DM di socmed pada nyariin bahkan sampe menawarkan diri untuk jadi contributor segala demi blog-nya bisa tetap jalan.

Soooo, what I’m going to say is.. as you can see blog ini sekarang tampilannya udah nggak banget yah. Lalu Photobucket tempat biasa Geetha simpan gambar-gambar di blog ini udah nggak bisa nongol lagi karena mereka udah nggak free hosting lagi. Now it’s time for a change. Untuk rapih-rapihin isi blog ini, bisa makan waktu. Sepertinya Geetha akan dibantu untuk redesain tampilan blog dan postingan-postingannya biar lebih enak dilihat. Terhitung dari minggu depan, blog Tips Graph Design akan di close sementara. Doakan supaya tidak banyak kendala dan bisa segera selesai ya! I can’t wait to start posting again :)


Terima kasih semua untuk kalian para Geether yang selama ini selalu support blog Tips Graph Design. I guess I’ll see you soon!

7 Free Lettering Video Tutorials 2015

Siapa di sini yang suka dengan lettering seperti Geetha? Geetha baru aja abis kepoin dan menemukan 7 tutorial video cara lettering yang gratisan nih! Memang sih tutorialnya tidak benar-benar dijelaskan secara detail atau perlahan, tapi setidaknya kita bisa jadi mendapat gambaran sebagai pemula, lumayan kan :)

Link: Hand Lettering Tutorial for Beginners.

Link: Hand lettering Tutorial 1 - Let's Do This.

Link: Tips for Lettering Using a Waterbrush.

Link: Digitize Your Hand Lettering Easily Using Image Trace in Illustrator.

Link: How To Vector Hand Lettering | Adobe Illustrator Tutorial - Pen Tool.

Link: Lettering: From Sketch to Vector (time lapse).

Link: Brush Script Lettering Basics.

Terarik untuk belajar lebih serius dan dalam dengan berbagai teknik lettering? Kamu bisa pertimbangkan untuk ambil online course di: Hand Lettering Tutorial atau Skillshare misalnya. Ada harga ada kualitas, pilihannya ada banyak sekaliii. Bisa disesuaikan dan dapat dipastikan ini salah satu aset yang berguna. Good luck!

Untuk post tutorial yang seperti ini, please check here ~

Inspiration: HAWKERS & WOLFNOIR LTD. EDITION by Rock Roice & David Sanden

CREDIT:
Illustration by by Rock Roice. Lettering design, monogram and ornaments by David Sanden. More details here.

We were asked to design the packaging for a limited edition collaboration
between Hawkers and Wolfnoir, two sunglasses companies.

We developed a lettering, monogram and some illustrations to dress the packaging, trying to achieve a handmade - victorian engraved look. Illustrations by Rock Roice. Lettering design, monogram and ornaments by David Sanden.

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Untuk post inspiration yang seperti ini, please check here ~

6 Kebiasaan Desainer Grafis Sukses

Tanya: Selamat siang Geetha, saya penasaran. Gimana cara para desainer grafis yang namanya udah besar itu bisa sukses dalam industri ini? Apa saja yang mesti dilakukan selain punya desain yang 'keren'?

Jawab: Sukses kaya gimana dulu nih? Sukses terkenalnya apa sukses menghasilkan banyak uang dari desain? Hehehe. Geetha asumsi sukses dari segi keuangan yang banyak ya. Obviously lah kita butuh uang untuk bertahan hidup, alangkah senangnya jika bisa menghasilkan banyak uang dari passion yang kita sukai yaitu: desain grafis. Berikut 6 kebiasaan yang bisa kita terapkan dari kebanyakan desainer grafis sukses:

01. STAY CREATIVE
Sense kreatif tiap orang beda-beda. Ada orang yang kayanya di saat kesempatan adaaa aja ide dan konsepnya kreatif semua tanpa perlu usaha apa-apa, sedangkan kita boro-boro... Alasannya? Nunggu mood dulu lah, alhasil pas udah detik-detik terakhir last minute baru kelabakan. Hasil akhir desain pun jadinya seadanya saja. Sayang banget, kalo udah gini yang rugi siapa? Kalo kerja nunggu mood dulu wah duit nggak bisa nunggu lho.

Ingat: Mood bisa diciptakan dan dibiasakan. Jangan cuma ngedesain pas lagi ada job aja, pancing sense kreatifitasmu disaat lagi lowong dengan membuat desain fiktif. Seiring waktu, nanti skill, sense dan taste design kamu semakin terasah dan 'matang'. Jadi kapan pun ada kerjaan desain lagi, kamu akan lebih well-prepared. Nggak ada lagi deh kerja mesti nunggu mood dulu. Schedule lebih terstruktur, nggak perlu kelabakan last minute lagi.

02. BUAT SCHEDULE
Mau hidup lebih terorganisir? Ya buat schedule. Ada schedule aja masih suka melenceng dari rencana, gimana kalo nggak ada. Ngerti sih, punya jiwa seni maunya suka-suka gue tapi kan, kamu seorang desainer grafis = berkarya buat nyari duit. Schedule ideal tiap individu beda-beda ya, silakan coba beberapa cara untuk menentukan yang paling ngefek di kamu.

Kalo Geetha, sebelum memulai bekerja di pagi hari, Geetha biasanya membalas semua e-mail (biasanya memakan 15-20 menit). Lalu Geetha berlanjut ke social media terlebih dahulu (FB, Twitter, Pinterest dan Instagram). Tidak semua post akan di publish saat itu juga, sebagian Geetha set publish on schedule pada jam-jam tertentu sehingga tidak akan mengganggu konsentrasi kerja nantinya. Ini memakan maksimum 30 menit. Lalu, baru deh mulai bekerja. Walo Geetha kerja sendiri, Geetha sudah fixed menentukan jam kerja dari jam 09.00-17.00. Lewat dari itu, semua pekerjaan dan e-mail akan dilanjutkan keesokan harinya.

Karena sudah terbiasa punya jam kerja seperti ini, otomatis otak juga sudah terbiasa untuk 'dipaksa' mikir pada jam kerja. Dulu sih sebelum nikah jam kerja suka-suka, sejak jadi istri mana bisa begitu lagi hehehe. Karena itulah Geetha buat schedule biar hidup teratur dan rumah tangga juga terurus. So, dalam membuat schedule jangan sampai kamu mengorbankan kehidupan pribadimu juga ya!

03. RAJIN MENYICIL
Saatnya pisah sama SKS (Sistem Kebut Semalam) dan multitasking sekarang juga! SKS dan multitasking mungkin memang shortcut biar cepat kelar tapi sayangnya tidak bisa menghaislkan desain yang berkualitas. Mau fokus juga susah di jebret dan nyambi ini-itu. Dalam membuat schedule (point no. 2 di atas), penting bagimu untuk memecah beberapa bagian dari kerjaanmu. Let's say: hari ini kamu fokus research dan sketsa saja. Jadi kamu betul-betul bisa maksimal tanpa gangguan, tanpa terburu-buru dan panik dalam menyelesaikan task ini. Besok atau lusanya baru kamu move on to ke laptop/komputer untuk scan sketsa desain misalnya. Dijamin, kualitas desainmu jadi poll maksimal dan berkualitas jika dicicil begini karena kamu bisa FOKUS.

Jangan pernah ngerjain proyek yang paling gampang dulu. Simpan yang gampang-gampang untuk jam siang sampai sore nanti, yang di mana mood udah mulai ngedrop/capek. Karena kalo nggak gitu, berat banget dong pas lagi nggak mood ngerjain task yang paling berat kan...

04. KONSISTEN
Wajar saja kalo kamu moody mengerjakan sesuatu, ujung-ujungnya kariermu 'gitu-gitu' aja. Sukses nggak jadi dalam semalam, nggak akan jadi kalo kamu ngerjain sesuatu cuma setengah-setengah/sekali-sekali aja. Seperti yang udah Geetha bahas di point no. 2 dan 3 di atas barusan, konsisten itu paling susah karena suka banyak gangguan/godaan. Nah dengan menyicil task dan membuat schedule, seharunya akan lebih membuat mudah to stay on track.

05. SERING REFRESHING
Loh kalo sering refreshing kapan kelarnya? Haha, maksud refreshing di sini ialah, kamu jangan mengerjakan sesuatu non stop berjam-jam depan layar komputer/laptop tanpa jeda sekali pun. Percuma.. nggak akan efektif juga. Mata capek, otak 'berasap', punggung pegal. Nggak sehat juga. Buat apa nyari uang banyak dari lembur-lembur atau kerja non stop tapi ujung-ujungnya uangnya habis dipakai untuk berobat juga?

Selain itu, kalo nggak ada jeda kamu bisa rentan mentok/mandek ide nantinya. Wajar juga kalo nanti ada rasa bosan. Suntuk dan mentok ide? Tinggal ngabur ke kafe, atau ketemu teman-teman supaya tidak jenuh. Gadget aja bisa panas dipakai terus-terusan apalagi tubuh kita. Justru dengan kamu menjauh sementara dari komputer/laptop/buku gambar, kreatifitas dalam otakmu jadi ada kesempatan untuk berkembang.

06. PRODUKTIF
Desainer grafis sukses, mereka tidak hanya sibuk di saat dapat kerja saja. Mereka meluangkan waktu untuk hobi atau minat yang lain. Skill, taste dan kreatifitas itu bisa terjadi karena terbiasa di asah di saat santai juga, tidak melulu di bawah tekanan (deadline). Apalagi sekarang desainer grafis kalo cuma bisa di bidang branding, print gitu aja... ya susah lah karena saingan ada ribuan hingga ratusan ribuan, unless kalo desain kamu buaguuuuussssss banget boleh lah sombong sedikit cuma mau bertahan di satu bidang (di desain). Kalo mau survive mesti ada kelebihan yang lain juga.

Memang blog ini mainly focused on desain grafis, tapi Geetha sangat merekomendasikan kamu untuk mengasah skill lain di luar ini misal: packaging, website, aplikasi, game, illustrasi, fotografi atau sejenisnya. Take it easy, jangan terlalu membebani diri sendiri harus jago ini, jago itu. Let it flow, fokus 1 atau 2 kelebihan lain tapi betul-betul berkualitas daripada kamu jebret semua dan nggak ada yang bagus. Kualitas mengalahkan kuantitas. Dan, ingat: juga mesti sabar dan banyak berdoa. Karena campur tangan Tuhan-lah yang membuat ini semua berhasil. Geetha sendiri juga masih struggle untuk bisa jadi desainer grafis yang sukses. Tidak ada kata terlambat kok. So... See you on top! ^^

Siapakah desainer grafis favoritmu saat ini? Apakah kamu jadi termotivasi ingin seperti dia? Yuk kita saling share pada komen di bawah ini!

Free Font: Monthoers

CREDIT:
Designed by: by Agga Swist'blnk.

Monthoers is the latest version of Rochoes typeface that I have made almost a year ago. Monthoers is Free for Personal / Commercial use.

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Ingin mengunduh resources lainnya? Please check here ~

Inspiration: Teavana Packaging By Melia Tandiono

CREDIT:
Designed by: by Melia Tandiono.

The new Teavana will provide quality at your fingertips. By integrating simple design, this new approach will highlight Teavana's ingredients, while keeping convenience in mind. The product is designed to ease the lengthy tea making process, therefore making it possible for busy individuals to enjoy a healthy loose-leaf tea and experience instant quality

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Untuk post inspiration yang seperti ini, please check here ~

Friday Faves: 2.10.15

Cara mendesain yang menggunakan rumus golden ratio.

Berapa sih gaji seorang fresh grad di bidang kreatif?

Ini dia pendapat para desainer grafis tentang logo Google yang baru.

Ini lho kenapa tiap proses desain bisa memakan waktu yang nggak sebentar.

Butuh bantuan dalam memilih font? Klik di sini cara membedakannya.

27 app favorite desainer.

10 hal yang desainer grafis benci dengar dari client.

Apa yang telah saya pelajari di saat mendirikan desain studio.

Tertarik untuk membuat blog dengan niche desain grafis? Pastikan kamu udah baca 10 tipsnya sebelum memulainya.

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IMAGE:
Still life photography by The Taable

Baca juga kumpulan link-link inspiratif pada kolom Friday Faves di sini.