CreativeJourney - Tumblr Posts

"From Renaissance to the Viking Age – that's the title of my short film. In this project, I act out scenes from my screenplay The Rise of the Fairhair Dynasty, which is a concept for a potential third season of the Vikings series. To present my screenplay and the concept, I film these scenes myself and take on various characters. Although I’m unsure if it will ever be produced, this is my creative way of bringing it to life.

In this video, I journey from the Renaissance back to the Viking Age, which is my favorite historical period."

To summarize:

Through my creative work, I paint pictures, write songs and screenplays, make films, and act in them myself. To stay organized, I have created separate YouTube channels for my music and films.

The current plan is to paint a portrait of Leonardo da Vinci next. After that, I will present the third part of my short trilogy, which is part of the series concept. Following that, the mixer should be ready so that I can record my songs for the album as I envision them.

Currently, I have songs on Spotify, but it is not yet the final album. These songs only show the development process of my album.

Embracing Creativity: The New Frontier of Productivity Shaina Tranquilino May 23, 2024

In a world that seemingly operates at the speed of light, where productivity is often measured by the number of tasks completed or the volume of emails answered, there's a growing realization that a different approach might be not only beneficial but necessary. Enter creativity—the new frontier of productivity.

Traditionally, productivity has been synonymous with efficiency, with an emphasis on doing more in less time. However, this mindset often neglects the importance of innovation, problem-solving, and the cultivation of new ideas—the very essence of creativity. As we navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, the ability to think creatively has become a vital skill for individuals and organizations alike.

So, what exactly does it mean for creativity to be the new productivity?

First and foremost, it's about redefining our understanding of what it means to be productive. Rather than simply focusing on output and outcomes, we should place greater value on the process—the journey of exploration, experimentation, and discovery that leads to breakthrough ideas and solutions. This shift in perspective encourages a more holistic approach to productivity—one that acknowledges the importance of imagination, intuition, and ingenuity.

Creativity is not a luxury reserved for artists and innovators; it's a fundamental aspect of human cognition that can be cultivated and harnessed by anyone willing to embrace it. By encouraging creativity in the workplace, organizations can foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that are increasingly valuable in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Moreover, prioritizing creativity can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling work experiences. When individuals are given the freedom to explore their ideas and express themselves creatively, they're more likely to feel engaged, motivated, and fulfilled in their roles. This sense of purpose and passion can have a ripple effect, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction, employee retention, and overall organizational success.

But fostering creativity requires more than just lip service—it requires a fundamental shift in mindset and behavior. Leaders must create environments that support and encourage experimentation, risk-taking, and collaboration. This might involve providing dedicated time and resources for creative pursuits, offering opportunities for skill development and training, and recognizing and rewarding innovative thinking.

Furthermore, individuals must be willing to embrace discomfort and uncertainty—to step outside of their comfort zones and challenge the status quo. This requires a willingness to fail and learn from mistakes, as well as a commitment to continuous growth and development.

In essence, creativity is not a panacea for all productivity woes, nor is it a magic bullet that guarantees success. However, by embracing creativity as the new frontier of productivity, we can unlock new possibilities, unleash untapped potential, and ultimately, create a more vibrant and sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

So, the next time you find yourself caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, take a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your creative spirit. You might just discover that the key to productivity lies not in doing more, but in thinking differently.

Celebrating a Creative Milestone: 1000 Designs on Canva! Shaina Tranquilino July 31, 2024

I am beyond excited to share a fantastic milestone with all of you today! 🎉 I recently received a notification from Canva, awarding me a cute milestone badge for creating 1000 designs! This achievement feels incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue my creative journey.

Canva: My Go-To Design Tool

For those of you who might not be familiar with Canva, it is a powerful, user-friendly design platform that caters to everyone—from beginners to professional designers. I use Canva extensively for my Etsy shop, Tumblr, blogging, and social media. Its versatility and ease of use make it an indispensable tool in my creative toolkit.

Why I Love Canva

User-Friendly Interface: Canva’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes designing easy and fun. Even if you’re a novice, you can create professional-looking designs with minimal effort.

Extensive Template Library: Canva offers a vast array of templates for every occasion and purpose, whether it’s for social media posts, marketing materials, or personal projects.

Free and Paid Options: Canva is free to use, with an optional membership (Canva Pro) for those who want to access more advanced features and a broader range of assets. The free version is incredibly robust, but the Pro version offers additional perks that are worth considering.

Collaboration Features: Canva allows you to collaborate with others on your designs, making it perfect for team projects or getting feedback from friends and colleagues.

Access Anywhere: Whether you’re on your computer or mobile device, Canva’s cloud-based platform ensures that your designs are always accessible.

How I Use Canva

Etsy Shop: I design product listings, promotional materials, and shop banners using Canva. The professional templates and customization options help me create eye-catching visuals that attract clients.

Tumblr: Canva helps me create engaging posts and blog headers that stand out in the Tumblr feed. The ability to customize each element means my Tumblr page always reflects my unique style.

Blogging: From blog post graphics to Pinterest pins, Canva provides all the tools I need to make my blog visually appealing. High-quality images and infographics make my content more engaging and shareable.

Social Media: Canva’s social media templates save me so much time. Whether I’m designing Instagram stories, Facebook posts, or Twitter headers, Canva has me covered with perfectly sized templates and a wealth of creative options.

Encouraging Creativity

If you haven’t tried Canva yet, I highly encourage you to give it a shot. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone looking to enhance their creative projects without the steep learning curve of more complex design software. And remember, it’s free to start, so there’s no risk in trying it out!

Reaching 1000 designs feels like a significant milestone, and I’m grateful for the journey so far. Each design has been a step towards honing my skills and expressing my creativity. Here’s to many more designs and milestones ahead!

Thank you for being part of my creative journey. Whether you’re an Etsy seller, a blogger, or just someone who loves to create, I hope Canva becomes as valuable a resource for you as it has been for me.

Happy designing! 🌟

Feel free to share your own Canva creations and milestones in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to keep creating!

Second Chance Shaina Tranquilino August 4, 2024

Lena had always been an artist at heart, though the world had dulled her once-bright spark. After years of struggling in the bustling city, she decided to retreat to her grandmother's old house in the countryside. The house, now hers after her grandmother’s passing, was a creaky, nostalgic haven filled with memories of childhood summers and the warm scent of baking bread. One rainy afternoon, in a quest for something to occupy her restless mind, Lena ventured into the attic. The wooden stairs groaned under her weight, and the musty air clung to her as she entered the dimly lit space. Dust motes floated lazily in the beams of light that pierced through the small, grimy window. She had come here before, but this time felt different—this time, she was searching for something she couldn’t quite name.

Rummaging through boxes of old clothes and forgotten knick-knacks, Lena’s hand brushed against something smooth and solid. Pulling it out, she uncovered a large canvas, covered in a protective cloth. Her heart quickened as she unveiled it.

The painting was half-finished, its vibrant strokes frozen in time. It depicted a serene, sunlit forest, but one side was incomplete, the colours fading into blankness. She immediately recognized her grandmother’s style—bold, expressive, and full of life. Her grandmother, also an artist, had been Lena’s greatest inspiration, always encouraging her to find beauty in the world.

A note was tucked into the corner of the frame, yellowed with age. Lena unfolded it carefully and read the elegant, familiar script:

"My dearest Lena,

I started this painting long ago, but never found the right way to finish it. Perhaps it is meant for you. Trust your heart and let your creativity flow.

With all my love, Grandma"

Tears welled in Lena’s eyes as she held the note close. Her grandmother had always believed in her, even when Lena had lost faith in herself. The unfinished painting felt like a bridge between the past and her uncertain future, a second chance to reconnect with her passion.

Determined, Lena set up her easel and gathered her paints. The next few days were a blur of colour and emotion. As she worked, memories of her grandmother filled her mind—her gentle guidance, her laughter, and the way her eyes sparkled with joy when she created something beautiful. Lena let these memories guide her brush, blending her own style with the remnants of her grandmother’s.

Each stroke of the brush was a revelation, not just of the painting, but of herself. She poured her soul into the canvas, finding new inspiration in the process. The forest scene came alive under her hand, the once-blank side blossoming into a riot of colours and textures. She added elements from her own life—a distant mountain, a winding path, a vibrant sunset—merging her journey with her grandmother’s vision.

When she finally stepped back, Lena was breathless. The painting was complete, a harmonious blend of past and present. It was a testament to her grandmother’s legacy and her own rediscovered passion. In finishing the painting, Lena had found her way back to the joy of creation, and in doing so, had grown in ways she hadn’t thought possible.

The Unexpected Artist Shaina Tranquilino August 19, 2024

Arthur Benson had spent over forty years as an engineer, his days filled with blueprints, equations, and precision. After retiring, he found himself restless. The meticulous world of engineering had defined him, but now, he was adrift, searching for a new purpose. One afternoon, as he was rummaging through old boxes in the attic, Arthur came across an old set of oil paints, brushes, and a canvas. The set had been a forgotten gift from his late wife, who had always encouraged him to explore his creative side. Arthur had never found the time back then, but now, with endless days stretching before him, he decided to give it a try.

At first, painting was just a way to pass the time. Arthur approached it like he had everything else in life—with methodical precision. But soon, he found that painting allowed him to express something deeper, something he hadn’t known was within him. His brushstrokes, initially rigid and controlled, began to loosen. The colours he chose grew bolder, more vibrant, each piece reflecting a part of his inner world that had never seen the light.

Arthur painted landscapes, but not the ones you'd find in a postcard. His scenes were surreal, bending the laws of nature, merging his technical knowledge with a newfound sense of freedom. Trees twisted into spirals, rivers flowed upward, and skies bled into the earth. There was a strange harmony in the chaos, a balance that only someone with Arthur’s mind could achieve.

He painted every day, lost in the flow of creativity. His small studio, once just a dusty corner of the house, became a sanctuary. Soon, the walls were covered in canvases, each one more daring than the last. His children, visiting one weekend, were stunned by the transformation. They urged him to show his work to the world, but Arthur shrugged it off. "I’m just an old man dabbling in something new," he said.

But his daughter, ever persistent, secretly submitted a few of his paintings to a local art fair. When the acceptance letter arrived, Arthur was dumbfounded. Hesitant but curious, he agreed to display his work. To his surprise, his paintings drew a crowd. People were fascinated by the fusion of precision and imagination, the way his work seemed to defy both logic and expectation.

A gallery owner approached him at the fair, praising his unique style and offering him a solo exhibition. Arthur couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The engineer who had once solved complex equations was now being lauded as an artist. It was surreal, yet exhilarating.

The exhibition was a success. Art critics raved about the "architect of the surreal," as they dubbed him, and soon, Arthur’s work was in demand. Commissions poured in, and what had started as a hobby became a second career.

Arthur found a joy in painting that he had never known in engineering. It wasn’t just the acclaim or the financial gain; it was the discovery of a new way to express himself. In his paintings, Arthur found freedom, and in that freedom, he found a renewed sense of purpose.

He still approached his art with the discipline of an engineer, but now, there was a spark, a creativity that could never be contained within the lines of a blueprint. Arthur Benson, once a man defined by structure, had learned to embrace the beauty of the unpredictable. In doing so, he had found a whole new way to build a life worth living.

Writers' Retreat Shaina Tranquilino August 21, 2024

Julia had always dreamed of becoming an author, but her life in the city felt like a series of distractions. Between her job at the marketing firm, the endless stream of social obligations, and the constant buzz of urban life, she rarely found the time—or the courage—to pursue her passion seriously.

So when she stumbled upon an ad for a writers’ retreat in the remote mountains, it felt like a sign. “Discover your voice, find your story,” the brochure promised. It was exactly what she needed. Without hesitation, she signed up, packed her bags, and embarked on the journey.

The retreat was nestled deep in the woods, far from any town. As Julia drove up the winding road, the city slowly faded from her mind, replaced by towering pines, misty peaks, and the soothing sound of a nearby river. The retreat itself was a cozy lodge, surrounded by cabins where the participants would stay. It was the perfect setting for reflection and creativity.

Upon arrival, Julia was greeted by Anna, the retreat’s founder. A seasoned author with a gentle demeanor, Anna radiated warmth and wisdom. “Welcome, Julia,” she said with a smile. “We’re here to help you find the story that’s been waiting inside you.”

The retreat brought together a small group of aspiring writers, each with their own struggles and dreams. Over the next week, they shared their works-in-progress, received feedback, and participated in workshops designed to hone their skills. Julia was initially nervous about sharing her writing, fearing judgment or rejection. But the group’s encouragement surprised her. They saw potential in her words, in the characters she’d crafted and the emotions she’d woven into her narrative.

One evening, after a particularly moving session, Anna took Julia aside. “You have a gift, Julia,” she said softly. “But more than that, you have a voice that deserves to be heard. I think you’ve been holding back, afraid of what others might think. But here, in this space, you’re free to explore, to take risks. Trust yourself.”

Those words lingered in Julia’s mind as she sat by the fire that night, the crackling logs filling the silence. She thought about the stories she had always wanted to tell, the ideas she had tucked away, thinking they weren’t good enough. Slowly, she began to realize that she wasn’t just at the retreat to learn the craft of writing—she was there to discover herself.

The next day, Julia approached her writing with a newfound sense of purpose. She allowed herself to be vulnerable on the page, to pour her heart into her story without reservation. As the words flowed, she felt a shift within her, as if the barriers she had built over the years were crumbling away. She wrote about love, loss, hope, and resilience, drawing from deep within her soul.

When it was time to share her new work with the group, Julia was filled with nervous excitement. As she read aloud, the room was silent, each listener absorbed in her tale. When she finished, the room erupted in applause, not just polite, but genuine. Julia’s heart swelled with pride and a sense of belonging.

Anna approached her again after the session, her eyes filled with pride. “You’ve found your voice, Julia. Now it’s time to let the world hear it.”

By the end of the retreat, Julia had not only developed her writing skills but also forged deep connections with the other writers. They had become her community, her support system. They exchanged contact information, promising to keep in touch, to continue supporting each other on their creative journeys.

As Julia drove away from the retreat, the mountains fading in the distance, she felt a profound sense of peace. She had come to the retreat seeking direction, and she was leaving with something far greater—a new sense of purpose, a community of fellow writers, and the belief that she could, and would, write the stories that mattered most to her.

For the first time in a long time, Julia felt like an author, not just in title, but in spirit. And she knew that this was only the beginning of her journey.