We've all been there. Whether you're trying to think of the most elaborate and life-changing idea for an opportunity that just presented itself, or write because it's what you love to do, we always have a bit of a tough time figuring out exactly where to start. Today, I've listed a few little things I've always done to help get the ol' noodle where it needs to be for maximum storytelling. Take a peek below and try a few of these things for yourself if you haven't already!
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This should be every writer's go-to. It's also a fantastic challenge if you allow yourself to truly explore your head and imagination. If you listen to music you don't know, in genres other than pop (I usually recommend Classical, Instrumentals, scores,  or Indie genres) and allow yourself to sit in a nice dark room with a candle lit, or take yourself on a walk, and close your eyes, magical things can truly happen. Letting yourself take in the music emotionally, imagine what you're feeling or where that music is taking you, you can picture yourself as a character discovering a new world. This practice also helps you to dig deeper within your imagination, and gives you the extreme power to develop and hone your emotions in a different space compared to what's happening in your reality. This is especially cool because it creates a world of your own - not a world that you see every day. 

Also - if you have a specific genre in mind, it helps to listen to music with that sort of vibe. If you're trying to write a fantasy, listening to the scores from Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter may help. If you're trying to write a noir, listening to Lana Del Rey or maybe a little bit of Frank Sinatra may help as well. 
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Like I said above, if you're feeling or seeing a certain character, setting, car, window, forest, or really wherever your imagination and heart are telling you, looking up pictures with that sort of subject line always get the imagination jogging a bit. That, or if you're interested in something and want to incorporate it into a story, looking up pictures of that certain subject will help you create characters, a place where they go, different people, they interact with, etc. 

For example, I love fashion photography and the different makeup styles, dresses, settings where people shoot, and the moods they create. If I wanted to incorporate something regarding the magic of fashion photography into my story - or I appreciated the story that a photo already tells, I would look up "fashion photography" on Pinterest and allow what I saw to help create a story in my head that I could build off of. 
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I know this sounds a bit weird, and it definitely can be, but I was researching a few different aspects of my town history at our local library in Rio, Wisconsin, among many other libraries for different research, and along the way, I came across letters between two brothers, a man, and his wife during the war, a thank you note from a local woman to the town mayor, and a postcard between sisters. These letters took me to multiple periods throughout time, telling me stories of strangers I'd never met, but could feel their emotions in their words. These letters painted four different stories in my mind and created a movie within my imagination that consisted of exactly the moment I sat there reading them. 

On top of this, if you go into a used book store or local library, there may be dedications from loved ones or friends for a specific book. When you read the words they wrote, along with the story they attached them to for their loved one, you create a story in your mind about their relationship and boy, it sure can turn into something beautiful. 
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Going off of what I said above if you visit your local library from a town you've grown up in and have been a part of your whole life, reading it's local history can develop new thoughts in your head. You can find old pictures, newspaper clippings, discover buildings, and come across stories that you're able to imagine in the exact place they happened - places you know about! Whether its that one of the first schools in the region of where you live stood exactly where your family's barn does now, that your town was the first to have gravel in the entire county, or the first mayor of your town was best friend's with Thomas Edison! 

With looking into the history of the place you grew up, you already have an emotional connection and a spacial awareness that you can draw from. Why not use it?
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Whether it's a new neighborhood with new houses, a different part of town with a variety of buildings, walking down a busy street with bustling and interesting restaurants, or a village completely on the other side of the world full of people who are so different and so beautiful. Pay attention to which places and which people jump out at you. Maybe there is a menu of a restaurant that serves "Unicorn Blood," or a dance club called, "Watch Me Whip." Think of how they make you feel. Is there a story that comes to your mind when you take them in with all of your senses? If so, while you're walking around, make sure to take a moment to let blood flowing throughout your body really do its job, and stand there to take everything in. 

If you're in a new area and are walking, you observe your surroundings more. Give it a shot for your writing!
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And I mean EVERYTHING! Whether you're walking, sitting, in class, at work, at a restaurant or bar with your friends, in a museum, or anywhere - watch, listen, smell, feel, taste EVERYTHING you can. Let what you take in with your senses soak into an emotional state. If you see a painting that especially resonates with you, take in the people around you at that time, maybe what you're drinking, or what you're listening to, and create a story out of it. All that you experience should be mopped up into your memory and your imagination like a sponge, and utilized if it resonates with you. 

Just let your mind be open and clear wherever you go and it will reward you greatly. 
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As you observe everything, take into account the different people you come across. While you're sitting on the train, in the park, walking through the airport, hanging out by the window at your favorite coffee shop, or just as you live through daily life - pay attention to different people. How they walk, how they talk, what color their hair is, their mannerisms, if they're shy, hiding from someone, looking for someone, what key chains are attached to their backpack, and the clothes they wear - among many other details us humans have. I've brought this point up before, but if someone grabs your attention, grab back every detail you can muster regarding their personality without seeming like a creep. This will create some wicked characters. 
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Look up baby names from all over the world, last names and look into their meaning, as well as google "Random Jobs No One Knows About." Chances are, you'll find something completely crazy and/or unique that helps a story pop into your head, or possibly an insane backstory for your characters - which create stories of their own, really! Doing this creates a realm for your characters to work off of and build upon. I bet whatever you imagine is exactly what the world needs to read. 
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I couldn't stress this enough. When you're within a place that has been untouched and beautifully created by God's hand (or whatever you choose to believe), you are able to absorb a sort of peace that takes your mind to different places. You are all of a sudden not having to think about the stresses of work, potentially running into someone, or protecting yourself from your surroundings. Here, you are safe. Here you are able to expand your mind without limits. Breathe and just take in all you see - what do you feel and how can you create from those things? 

Have your phone on silent or don't have it at all when you're in nature. 
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The best way to truly ignite your imagination and keep it constantly flowing is to read every day. No matter what - no excuses. By reading, you're able to live a thousand lives in one and imagine things that stand the test of time, throughout time. You are truly able to immerse yourself in multiple different stories and allow yourself to see them through your own imagination. That's really the cool thing. No one can imagine a place, a character, how someone talks, a creature, or anything really after reading it as you can. That's the magic of reading. The experience is completely your own, while you share the story with so many others. Based off of what you imagine, it allows the worlds you've seen to intertwine into a world all your own. Write about that world. 
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Maybe you're on a trip by yourself or sit by someone on the subway who you start talking to. Whether they seem a little nutty or completely normal, ask them honest and genuine questions like, "Where are you headed," "Are you having a good day today?" ​or "What brings you here?" If and when they answer you, make sure you listen!! Sometimes the stories they tell and based off of how you imagine what they're explaining to you, create the absolute best fictional stories (make them fictional or else legality may be a thing later on). 

Regardless though, truly LISTEN to them. They will appreciate it as it never happens anymore, whether you get a story or not. 
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Overall, so many people like to write about and are talented at writing different things. Sometimes imagination isn't where you need to focus at all. Think about you and your heart. What lessons have you learned? What experiences have you been through? What do you want to teach the world, and/or what is it that only you can tell them, that you think they need to know? First and foremost, be true to yourself, write the story that comes from your heart, not from what you think other people want to read. That way, none of your work will truly resonate. If you think of the message you want to relay and tie it in with your life story - there is your book or movie right there. It tells itself. Of course, with a message and/or theme, you can create a story from whatever you imagine, but make sure it feels right to you. 
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This is the BIGGEST tip and practice I can stress. If you just start writing from some random perspective, write down how you're feeling that day, explain the dream you had last night, create a character out of thin air who would probably be your best friend if they were real, or just start from a certain person being in a certain place, doing something. Whatever you start, don't stop! Just have fun with it and keep going. Write. Write. Write!!! This is usually where the best stuff comes from. 

Don't think too hard or analyze yourself too much. Just keep going and finish the story you've started. This is always the most difficult part, but doesn't have to be - as writing should be fun all of the time! Heck, you're creating people! You're creating worlds! You have sensational ideas. You better share them, or no one will ever know what goes on in that magical head of yours. 

The coolest part about writing and sharing your work though, are the people who read it and how they imagine and interpret it for themselves. There are people out there who need to experience your ideas, your words, and what you've created. Your stories could save lives. Give so many a sense of belonging, comfort, or friendship. Don't deny those sweet and incredible individuals of that freedom. Give it to them with open arms. All you have to do is pick up a pencil or start typing, and never stop. 

You've thought up your idea, you've written it down. You're proud of what you've created. Now, why not make it into a short film? Nothing should stop you, right? RIGHT! There are a few things you need to know and prepare for though before showing up on set. After four years of film school, trust me, there are more steps to the process than what meets the eye, but by reading below, you'll have a great idea regarding the basics of how to make the best film possible and have it be a smooth experience throughout! 

Photo by: Chandler Kravitz

To make a film, you need a script! One page of a formatted screenplay (see below) translates into a minute per page. You can of course format a Word Document yourself to look like this, but there are also programs like Final Draft (The industry standard and my preference if you're serious about screenwriting) or Celtx - which is fine if you're just beginning, that will format your action, characters, and dialogue for you (we'll talk about formatting scripts and things to think about in a later blog post). You do have to pay for both, though.

​The script is a blueprint of the story you see in your mind for the director to ultimately visualize and put together. With a script, your job it to give your characters a unique voice within a story format that's engaging.  Find links to both Final Draft and Celtx below. 
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Here's a bit of an example of a formatted screenplay. I don't agree with the scene heading (it's usually referred to as a slug line, but obviously scene heading makes sense and works too).  If you're writing a teleplay ( a script for TV) you would need to center align (Cold Open for the first four minutes or so, then ACT ONE, ACT TWO, and ACT THREE with a page break after each is finished - besides act three of course because it's your ending. 

Now look at you! You have your script! You’re on a roll! Now, what is your film going to look like? Who’s going to literally call the shots? You’re going to need a director - someone who has a vision and a way with people. This could be you, or it doesn’t have to be - just as long as the director of your film can make a decision, stick with it, and have a positive attitude along the way. Not only does your director need all of these things, but they also need the skill to communicate their vision with the Producers, Director of Photography, Wardrobe, Production Design,  and most of all, their actors. Your director needs to be able to explain emotions and situations in order to get his or her actors in the right headspace to deliver the performance they envision. The director also needs rehearsals to go over blocking (movement in a scene and what the characters interact with) with the actors before the film and right before it’s time to shoot to ensure efficiency and understanding of what is going to be filmed. Make sure this person is reliable, hardworking, has great communication skills, is creative, and fun to be around. This person could make or break your film.

You'll also need a first assistant director, who is your first in command who whips everyone into shape, is in charge of the schedule, ensures that everyone is safe, and makes sure everyone is on time. I'll dive deeper into these roles with an e-book soon. 

Tarantino is one of my favorite directors. Being that he was an aspiring actor himself, he has the ability to truly communicate with the actors about how they are unique and how they portray their particular voice. Ron Howard is also a great example. 

For starters, holy cow this position can be a handful and is usually ridiculously underrated. The producer locks down your location, your crew, sets up your production meetings, handles legal work and permits, meals for cast and crew, makes sure everyone is accounted for, comfortable, on the same page, and doing their job, calls different companies, etc. to source funding, keeps track of spending, creates the budget, the shooting schedule, and makes sure everything and everyone are safe at all costs. They also decide the time of filming based off the creative needs of the director and director of photography  along with the location's ability to accommodate the shooting. As your production grows, so do the needs and tasks of your producer. This person must be very level-headed, well-organized, a negotiator, timely, responsible, think of every possible thing that could happen imaginable - and be prepared for anything and everything. This person is very innovative and can think on the fly. They can't be shy. They can't be pushovers. They get things done, done well, and at as little cost as humanly possible. 

When it comes to making or breaking your film, actors also play a major role in this as well. The casting process will be different no matter where you are, as will the talent pool. Sometimes your principal actors won’t be actors at all, and they’ll do a better job than most professional actors will. It all comes down to who seems the most natural in their performance. The best acting is when you can’t tell they’re  acting. Also, the best actors are the ones who take their jobs seriously. They get their script. They memorize their lines. They create goals, intentions, objectives, tactics, and they execute them well. They show up on time and give the film everything they can. These actors are hard to find, so it’s best to ask all of the questions you can before you cast them such as - what’s your availability? How committed to this movie would you be if you were cast? Tell me, what is your on-set etiquette? Best of all though, ask them - why do you enjoy acting, and do you take it seriously? Making your movie should be a fun experience for you and everyone - and you can’t do it without actors - so might as well make sure they’re people you trust and that are fun to be around.
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Good golly, this department has so many parts. To keep things simple for now though, let's just stick to the director of photography, who usually on smaller and lower budget productions, handles moving the camera as well. The director of photography (or DP) listens to what the director wants the scene, frame, movement of the camera, tone, atmosphere, and lighting to look like, and the director of photography makes it happen. They tell the gaffer (the chief of lighting on the production) what they need done and where, then the Gaffer has his or her team of "electrics" make it happen. The Best Boy is the assistant to the Gaffer. The DP  also tells his or her team of "Grips," the head being the "Key Grip," what they'll need regarding support of the camera, whether it be building a track for the camera to dolly or rigging anything regarding lights. 

You need lights for your production! If you're indoors especially. If you're using natural light outside, that's a different story, but it doesn't hurt to have a little extra light on your actor or subject's face! If it's night time - then obviously a little light wouldn't hurt either - unless you have a killer aperture on your camera with high optic quality. That brings me to the need of your camera. Obviously to make a movie, you need something to document it with. 

If you have a cell phone, are on a tight budget, and are just beginning to make movies (or not -Tangerine was an Oscar nominated film and shot on an iPhone 5) just use this as your camera. Why spend money on something when you have an incredible camera already in your hands. If you're looking to get more funky and/or have higher resolution on more close up shots, then you can level up to a DSLR and purchase or rent different lenses depending on your preferences, that you can keep switching out based off of the director's vision. 

You also need a shot list - a detailed and scheduled plan of what you will shoot, what frame it will be, if there is movement within the scene, which scene it is, when the scene will be shot in sequence to everything else being shot, in what location, and what is actually happening in the scene. This will usually be created amongst the director, director of photography, first assistant director and the producer. 

I almost forgot! Slating your scenes is necessary as well (this is the clapper thing you see in the movies about movies). This labels what scene it is, what shot, what take, what day of the shoot it is, and when the sticks of the slate clap - that's an indicator of where the editor should sync the audio as that's when the scene starts. The person who usually takes care of the slate is the second assistant camera - who also verbally expresses the take and the scene number as well. For example, they'd say, "Ronnie, Scene 204B(eta), take 4,"with the clappers open, and when they finished their label, would smack the sticks shut to create a peak in the audio .wav file for the editor to see. 

Sound is something so many people forget about when in the midst of pre-production of their movie. It is one of the MOST important aspects of your film. You need at least one person with a shotgun mic on a boom pole getting in there on the scene between actors to catch separate sound levels of their dialogue. What records this sound is an external device, something within the "Zoom" series works well. It will need a separate SD card, and with this device you can adjust the levels of "gain" which ultimately opens up the range of the microphone you're using. If your actor speaks quietly, you will bring up the gain to about a 7 compared to someone who speaks at a normal volume. Their gain would be at about 4 or 5. Also - you can't forget to turn your shotgun mic ON! I've personally done this when my camera didn't run audio automatically...it was a mess and the footage was unusable as a silent film wasn't what was intended of this particular project.

If you're not able to afford a shotgun mic along with a boom pole, using your phone can work as well. You can use your "Voice Memos," app to record separate dialogue. Recording sound is especially important, and making sure it's recorded well is something you should do with every take. If there is a car horn, an airplane flying past, a dark barking, or a cell phone ringing (volume nor vibrate should be on during production), you should wait until the sound is gone to start shooting and rolling sound. Also - make sure that the recording device, whether it be a mic or a phone is not in frame. 

This is the person who makes your set a set! They bring life to it! They pick the furniture, the colors/pallet, the posters, what your character has in their living room, what kind of music they are into, what food they eat, what they drink, what kinds of cigarettes they smoke, if they have a stuffed animal, and/or what their decorative tastes are. this person makes your movie cohesive and gives it style and a heartbeat. Your production designer takes the mood and description from the script and creates it in real life. If your script is about a haunted house that as a sheesh tone of clown paintings - you best bet your production designer will find every clown painting they can scrounge up to make that house creepy as as Hell. If not, they will turn to their art director. 

If there is a specific label or brand involved in your story, or your character is a painter, your art director will create these things for you. In the situation described before, your art director will either paint those clowns photos for your scary house, or they will figure out how to do it so they match the tone that your production designer has set for the film already. 

Usually on smaller sets, the production designer takes care of the props as well. If your character swings a bat, has a special notebook, throws a tomato at a different character or so on, your production designer decides what that thing that your actor interacts with, looks like, and makes sure that it's it in the scene at the time you're shooting it. That's also why it's important to have shot lists, schedules, and locations set - so everyone is prepared on the day that specific scenes are happening. 

No matter what kind of movie yours is, or your budget, you need production design. It will always make your film that much better and tell the story you're trying to tell on a deeper level. If your production design is completely out of line with your story though, it will instead be a distraction, so make sure you and your production designer are on the same page before you shoot. Having mood boards and visual examples of what you're looking for are extremely important and help a ton. 

 What are your characters wearing?!?! Is it a period piece? A sci-fi?! Is your character a robot? Or an alien? Well, if your medieval queen is wearing a sweater from Zara and a pair of hot pants, it's probably not going to be too believable that your movie takes place in 1378 - you know, unless that's what you're going for. Wardrobe is extremely important and having a trustworthy person who's willing to study the characters in your script, what the setting is, what social status each character stands within, paying attention to what kinds of things your characters like, if they're fashionable or not, if they are more of a recluse, or if they're a "nerd," etc., is necessary. 

Like production design, wardrobe brings a movie together in a whole different way. What clothes your character wears helps the audience to get to know who they are a little bit better. Also, it should be cohesive with the color palette of the movie. Your costumer should also make sure to have all of your actor's sizes and measurements, and be innovative if you're on a budget and need specific costumes based on your script. A rack with labeled hangers with already scene-separated wardrobe for your actors should also be on set in order to be efficient and organized for each scene to be shot. 

The wardrobe stylist also ensures that the attire that they put the actors in looks great on camera and is diligent at all times. 

You know when on screen, you must look fabulous...or bloody...dirty...like an alien...have a disease...whatever it may be, whatever the script and director call for, the actors must look accordingly to the imagined character they portray. This type of thing calls for a make artist and hair stylist. If your film includes both beauty makeup and special effects makeup, chances are you'll need two artist who specialize in each on set. Same goes for hair. If you need pigtails, long braids, wigs or hats, helmets, or horns - you're going to need someone who can do those things - these tasks go to the hair stylist...unless you need those horns - those go to the makeup artist - but either way, you're going to need these two or three key crew members to have your actors looking ready for camera. 

These people should usually always have their own kits of the essential items, and if what you need is a bit more specific, that must be communicated with them so they're prepared for the proper look on the right days. They must always have the shooting schedule as well so continuity is also in check. Hair and Makeup should also be on set at all times to be sure that the actors are still looking at their best - whether it be wiping off sweat and reapplying powder to someone's face or fixing a flyaway hair after an actor was running. These people should always be prepared and know which tools/products to use as well as know whether or not the actors are allergic to anything (which the producer and 1st AD should know as well). 

This. THIS is what EVERYONE forgets on set and doesn't truly understand the importance of. Your script supervisor watches every scene like a hawk and analyzes the continuity of everything going on, along with eye lines, details in the script being logical, and ensuring that the scenes that are being shot that day are brought in, compiled together, on small documents called, "sides." Not only that, but they keep logs and photos of what wardrobe, makeup, props, etc., were used in scenes sometimes MONTHS ago to ensure everything makes sense and is fluid, as well as what scene was just shot, what lens it was shot on, the frame of the shot, if there was movement, the time code of each scene, the details of what happened, and which was the best take. An example of this would be if there are twelve background actors moving in a busy street scene behind the principal actor - who is twirling a baton, it would be the script supervisor's job to make sure they are all moving to the exact same places they were in the previous take, doing the exact same things with their bodies and props, and make sure they do what they're supposed to be doing at the proper time. 

An example of failed supervision would be in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are eating breakfast at the table in the hotel room and Julia switches from eating a croissant to a pancake every other shot. It's hard to notice if you're not paying attention, but if you are, it's comical that even at such a high level of filmmaking - continuity errors still happen. This also happens with logistics as well. For example, if your film or pilot is dealing with medicine or doctors, legal work, forensic science or the like - you better do your research to make sure what you're saying is correct - and if you have a good script supervisor - they'll double check for you. That being said - don't forget your Scripty. They can save your lives and your movie. 

Whether you're shooting on a high resolution camera or your cell phone, having a monitor where you can see what you're shooting is necessary. Even if you're shooting film, you can't see everything going on, on screen through your viewfinder. Whether it be the lighting, the hair in your actress's face, the water bottle on the table from a crew member, or the boom pole and mic in frame - a take and time will have been wasted if you're unable to see what's going on. 

My suggestion is to have a separate monitor from camera, that's attached to it, so the crew that needs to be able to pay attention to what's happening on screen - can. The more eyes on frame to spot something off the better - that way every take can be an option - just as it should! 

If your cast and crew are on set for 12 hours or more and are doing their work for free - you have to feed them. It's the least you can do. Besides, food really is the way to so many people's hearts, and if the food on set isn't good and tender love and care don't go into each meal, people aren't really going to want to come back. 

This is also something you want to account for in your budget. If you have twenty people on your cast and crew, that's twenty lunches you need to buy, or a catered meal for twenty, along with coffee in the morning with some sort of breakfast options. 

You also need crafty! Crafty are the snacks your cast and crew can go to between takes to tide them over during the long days on set. Having healthy options will only do you better. If you have chips, cookies, doughnuts, and candy on set - everyone is going to crash and burn, but if you have veggie trays, nuts, fruits, yogurts, and tons of water, you will have a cast and crew who are ready for anything! As long as they have full bellies and are treated right - everyone will be happy. 

That being said, food can get expensive, so just remember its necessary you have it, and the fact that it's a necessity, means you need to budget for it. If you're making a movie at home though, take advantage of pre-cooking everything and making trays of foods yourself. It'll save time and money. 

Permits:
Depending on where you're shooting, you'll need a permit to shoot at the location you're wanting. If you're in Los Angeles or any film-heavy city or state, you will definitely need a permit. If you're in a more relaxed state with small towns or cities where they don't thrive off of getting money from every movie made (especially if you have little to no budget) you can get away with just asking someone if you can shoot at they're property when is most convenient for them and is consistent with your script. Better yet, write for locations you know you can use for free and on your own accord - like your house or your friend's backyard. If you do need a permit though and you're out in LA making your filmmaking dreams come true, go Film LA  to obtain your filming permit if it's a public place, otherwise, if you'd like to save time and have less of a hassle, you can go to shooting space sites like Peerspace or Giggster to pay by the hour for a place and be just fine legally. Using these spaces are always my preference, because Film LA can be a pain and expensive. 

Practical vs. Built:
Like I said above, paying for locations can get expensive, but obviously you need locations to shoot your film. That being said, writing locations into your script you already know you can get for free is really the way to go when you know your budget will be tight. If you have a connection with some amazing, vintage ballroom though that will set your movie apart from all of the student films shot in the living room of some place - you go for it. Using practical places that are already built, available to you, and fit your story are always the way to go, but if you just aren't feeling anywhere you've visited, have a giant shed or garage that's relatively sound proof, and are magically a carpenter or can build things, you can also create your own sets. That's what they do in the big movies or TV shows in sound stages where they need the set to be unique to that particular motion picture and they'll need it for longer than a day or two. These are called standing sets built of wood, wooden flats, styrofoam, chicken wire, and the like! Those these sets can get extremely innovative and creative, they can also get pretty pricey - it just depends on what your director envisions and how to make the story come to life in order to help you choose which you'd rather go with! 

Last but not least, you'll need an editor! Preferably, you choose someone who's edited digital media or film before. This person should know how to format your digital SD cards or Mags that go into your camera, how to upload it onto your hard drives (you should always have two just in case something happens to one of them - that way you have a backup), knows how to label and log each take according to the slate, can sync your audio files with the video files, and can navigate around an editing software so they can splice your movie together in a creative way. 

With that being said, sound design, sound mixing, visual effects (if you need them), and coloring are also giant aspects of editing that need paying attention to. If you are supposed to be in a busy bar in your script, but need everything quiet while shooting to hear your character's dialogue, you're going to need to put those diegetic sounds in to make the atmosphere of the character's believable. This could include murmured voices, glasses clinking, muffled music, etc. - that's part of sound design. Sound mixing would determine the loudness of any of those sounds, where they peak, where they crescendo, when they're super quiet - sound mixing is an art, and also a strategic form of not allowing any of the other sounds to be distracting from the story. 

Visual effects are a whole other ballgame. If you need visual effects, it's best to know someone who can do them after your editor has finished your picture. Visual effects take time and skill - and it's good to know if you'll have them readily available to you or not while you're writing your piece -and if you're not sure you will, nor might you have the budget for them, it's best to leave them out. 

Coloring! All can be done in multiple different softwares, but if you're doing the editing yourself and/or aren't experienced with coloring to an extensive degree and want to give your film that specific look - you can color within Adobe Premiere Pro. They also have speed looks if you're really stuck. Coloring is when you create the tone of what you want people to feel when they watch your movie. You could make it cooler blue tones to make your audience feel more unfeeling and afraid, or warm golds and soft reds if you're looking to inspire. It all depends on what you're going for, but the overall style of your film comes from coloring - take your time with it. It's worth finding someone who can do it well. 

If there is anything you feel I missed, please share and comment below! I would love to hear and add to this list!!! Either way, please, if you have an idea, bring it to life! Make a movie!!!

Happy Filmmaking!!

XOXO

Mary Gabrielle Strause

​When I was fifteen years old, I remember sitting in Homeroom in High School when my advisor expressed that I should look into a leadership program called, "People to People." He was informed that it was an organization developed by Dwight D. Eisenhower back in 1956 after he had experienced and witnessed the tragedy that WWII and the Holocaust had brought the world. With the intention and understanding that the only way fear could be washed away and peace could be made, was for people to understand one another. Mr. Eisenhower expressed that this mission would not be fulfilled by the government, but "...through the hearts of those who yearned for dignity, freedom, and peace. " This involved young adults traveling throughout the world, taking the time to learn about and live through each other's customs and ways, and ultimately share their own while building genuine relationships with those from all around the world. 

Needless to say, my parents agreed and I went on to apply to become a student ambassador of Wisconsin, who would travel to six countries in Europe over the course of one month, at fifteen. As I was going through the process of applying, and throughout the school year before the journey I would take, I was going through depression. I was my own worse enemy for so long, and it felt like nothing could take the pain away. I was wrong. 

Discovering the world through People to People changed my life forever. It is an enormous reason I am where I am at today and am the person who I've become. Actually, now that I think about it, People to People didn't only change my life, it saved it. 
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​At fifteen, everything is very impressionable. I didn't know who I was, and I had no idea where to begin looking. When given the opportunity to venture 4,000 miles away from home with other people my age, though, it was an opportunity I sure didn't want to pass up. And who knows, maybe I'd find myself along the way?

This opportunity meant the chance to begin truly thinking for myself. Upon hearing or seeing something, what made my eyes and soul light up? Would something I read help me to understand what I'm interested in?  What kinds of questions am I asking, and what does that mean about me? Am I brave? Am I willing to get up and go out there in front of everyone? The truest teller of all, though, is throughout the time spent with 29 strangers of the same age group, how will they see me? Which talents and gifts will they see I have? Most of all, what kind of person will they think I am?

Of course, before leaving, I had no idea this journey would do all I said above for me, nor did I know it until after I returned home. Following my acceptance into the program, I found myself in a room at a state-central high school with 28 other high school students, of whom I've never met, from around the state of Wisconsin. I was number 22 (we were assigned numbers to count off by on the trip). In this room, and prior to, via quizzes at home,  we went over the courses in government, culture, geography, architecture, religion, daily life, and a small portion of the history of each of the places we were scheduled to visit. These countries included Belgium, The Netherlands, France, England, Wales, and Ireland. The 29 of us met every two weeks for about six months before our trip, learning different lessons along the way that would prepare us for our journey and the purpose it served. 

​When July 3rd, 2011 rolled around, we all said our goodbyes to our parents at the airport, hopped on a plane and made our way over to Amsterdam. The Netherlands was our first stop on the journey. Here, we learned how to make clogs, visited a local farm where they taught us how to make cheese, the significance of tulips there, and created a giant hay bale maze we were able to crawl through (it was absolutely awesome). We also experienced Anne Frank's Annex and further imagined the tragic life she endured - but found a way to make beautiful, made our way throughout the city of Amsterdam, learning how to speak basic Dutch, meeting locals business owners who told us about their way of life and what living there meant to them. 

We saw the Heineken factory, learned that cycling is the main form of transportation - and that road rage is a very real thing on any form of wheeled transportation, along with the fact that there are 165 canals within the city of Amsterdam, and besides bicycle, traveling by boat is the next highest form traveling from place to place. In fact, Amsterdam is regarded as the "Venice of the North!" I remember as I sat outside the place we were staying, writing underneath a willow tree by the river, and explaining in my journal that I had been opened up and found my true love - learning of new places and people and showing only love and light along the way. It was the first time I was truly happy with knowing who I wanted to be, and what got me to that state of bliss. 

Next stop on our journey was us learning how to make chocolate in Belgium, visiting different WWII war zones there - being told the history of the area and what it meant to their country, as well as being taken to a monument erected in 1950, dedicated to the United States Armed Forces who fought at the Battle of the Bulge during WWII, and there, understanding the true power of working together. 

This lesson further continued when we were taken to the beaches of Normandy, France, where we stood in the ruins of D-Day on Omaha beach, and continued on to visit a cemetery and memorial for those who died there that day. While we were there, there was a tribute to the U.S. soldiers, and because I had expressed my interested and love of singing with those I was on the trip with, I was asked to lead the group in singing the National Anthem, which was such an honor in a place with so much meaning. We also got to go through the Caen Memorial Museum, which touched on the Holocaust and its horrors.  Traveling to Paris was also included in our trip through France, so,  we also tried frog legs, escargot, visited the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Champs D'Elysee, walked through Montmartre, visited Sacre Coeur, along with many other historical landmarks and locations "The city of lights," had to offer. 

​England was next, where we met members of parliament and were able to enter the building and discuss their role in the government. We experienced many of the ventures of London including the Elizabethan Tower (Big Ben), the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, along with Westminster Abbey and saw Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theater. We ventured to Warwick Castle, where we learned how to joust, sword fight, launch a flaming ball from a catapult, and battle with Batons (this was one of my favorite days). Prior to this, we visited the Isle of Wight, where we stayed at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (or UKSA) and learned how to windsurf and sail a dingy boat. Throughout our trip, it was mandatory we kept a journal - one for the organization (which they read), and a personal journal for the things we didn't really want to share with anyone else. After going through and learning all of these opportunities of growth in England, I was absolutely blown away by how much my life had escalated in value, and how my mind had opened at the age of fifteen. Little did I know that where we were headed next, would truly impact my life forever and be the beginning of the paved path leading to who I would become. 
​

​After we were taught how to become medieval warriors, we made our way to Wales, where we learned how to speak Welsh, where I found my new favorite meal - Bangers and Mash, and where I gained the confidence and inner strength to break a board with my bare hand and repel down a castle wall (doing the Bernie). This proved to me that I could do anything I set my mind to as long as I believed in myself. 

The last stop on our journey was Ireland, where the biggest difference was made in my life. This is because Ireland is where we spent the most time with the communities and creating relationships that truly involved being with one another and building on human connection. Here we took boat rides through the lakes between the mountains and horse and buggy rides through them. We made our way to the town of Cahersiveen where we stayed and did chores at a local bed and breakfast, spent time with local teenagers, learning the music of Ireland's past, the Gaelic language, how to jig and dance, and where those who wished could get up and sing in front of the community. I did - I sang Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. The next day, we went out and dug peat for homes in the community, played Gaelic football with a local youth group, and from there, we chose to do different acts of community service throughout the town - a friend of mine and I chose to go to the nearby retirement home and sing the song we learned, " Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears," to a few of the tenants there. To say it was rewarding would be an understatement. 

We ended our journey with a scavenger hunt around the town of Cahersiveen, which under the circumstances of a sudden death round, my team - "Team 15% Off," won. ;) We were each given an "Ireland," hat as a prize. 

After countless bus rides, friends and memories made, and lessons learned, I sat there, within my own world, at the airport waiting for my parents to come to pick me up after my journey. I thought to myself, " I'm not ready to go home yet. I feel like my life has only just begun." And that it had. People to People changed my life in terms of having me discover that connecting with the world, the people in it, understanding who they were, where they came from, and what made them, them - is what I yearned for to take up each and every one of my days. To listen to them, make them smile, create with them, and open their minds as they had in mind, through who I am, is all I could ever want. The promotion of peace through taking the time to understand and be present with another human being from who you differ from (which is everyone besides yourself), without only listening to respond with one's opinion,  is really what this world needs to become stronger and less torn apart. 

Being able to see the world through my own eyes, and myself through the eyes of others and experiences I had over that month, taught me more about myself and this life than I had in those previous fifteen years. That month prepared me for the rest of my life in terms of having an open mind, finding differences beautiful, and taking the time to truly understand and ask questions when something didn't quite make sense to me. That month taught me that a life lived with passion and doing what I truly love is a gift well spent - and the gift of giving it to others as often as I can with as much love as I can is its purpose. Traveling at that young age to places I've never been before with people I had barely talked to, taught me to be brave, have faith in myself and the opportunity at hand, and to never ever give up on something that my gut told me was the right thing to do.

People to People encouraged me to always try new things, even if they scared me because that's what life is all about - constantly discovering who you are and how you can impact the world in the best way, just by being yourself. A daunting thought, that really isn't that daunting at all if you open your arms to it. 

That next summer I traveled with People to People to Harvard University on a week-long leadership summit, where high school students from over 48 different countries were present. While we were here, we did community service, learned to work together, and on our own, build a community service program of our own to take back to our hometowns to implement in areas of need. 

Throughout both of these experiences, I have made friends from all around the world, something not many 16-year-olds could say. These experiences taught me to live my life in love, in service, and in courage - standards I live by each and every day and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. 

So, if you, or if you have a child, is looking for a way to see the world in a new light with learning, peace, and growth beyond measure that will impact the rest of yours or their life - People to People programs are the way to go. I owe them so much for helping me become the human being I am today. 

XOXO

Mary Gabrielle Strause


Click below to find out more information about the People to People programs:

Good Tuesday to you my dear friends and family, worldwide! Today, I'm sharing a re-cap on what my life is looking like nowadays and just what Vagabond et Virtuosa is, and is to me. Tomorrow, January 16th will mark six months since I've launched this blog. Back in July,  this notion was a leap of faith into a place where I would further discover myself. I quit a job at a company that was seemingly "perfect" for me, but just as I left with the intention to create a life that revolved around who I was and what I loved most, that's what I found and continue to develop as each day passes (with the help of some guardian angels I call my family). Now, let me tell you a bit more about what this life consists of and what the future has in store.

In May, I graduated film school with a degree in Film and Digital Content and a concentration in directing and screenwriting, from Studio School LA (formerly known as Relativity School). Being a part of the inaugural class here (which overall was 21 students and seven film majors), with no previous experience in film, was definitely eye-opening and life-changing. I grew up writing and illustrating my own books, drawing and painting, creating and performing fun skits at our school's Cabaret, and from time to time, filming myself singing, "The Phantom of the Opera," on our family's camcorder, alone in my bedroom. That was the closest thing I got to filmmaking growing up. I guess you could say editing together fan videos from the couples in Harry Potter and Twilight on Window's Media Maker would be something I could add to my preliminary skills as a filmmaker as well! ;) Either way, the point is, I grew up in a very small town, where I was able to do so many things and had a lot of opportunity for its size, but never enough opportunity in the area in which I would give my future to. 

I moved to Los Angeles, California from Rio, Wisconsin at the age of 19, to be the underdog of my peers at a school that wasn't even accredited at the time. I left my little town and everything I knew, with the dream of creating these immaculate stories that would engage people's imaginations and minds. I envisioned theaters jam-packed with audiences watching my movies, crying, feeling, allowing themselves to be vulnerable towards their feelings. My largest hope was to create a sense of belonging in something make-believe, creating friendships with the characters on screen, understanding the beauty of being human, and most of all, give those watching the courage and inspiration to create a life for themselves that would consist of them going after their dreams and opening their minds to others. This still stands true for me today, but after growing through the beginning of my adult years of life within the entertainment industry, I've come to understand that I'm not going to give my life to it in the way so many end up losing theirs. 

Through five years of being immersed in many mediums of which this industry is built on - working on sets in multiple positions, working for companies involved with production, sales, distribution, etc., acting, modeling, working to become a writer, the list goes on and on, I've realized that it's a place where magic does happen, but it comes at a price.

The price is losing sight of who you are. It's changing everything from the inside out to be what other people want you to be. It's becoming cold over periods of time so no one can try to manipulate you, so other's know that you're the powerful one, or maybe it's because you haven't had someone genuinely ask you how you are in a matter of years. It's the matter of living a life by a set of check points and expectations that tear you apart inside, in hopes that someone, someday will read your script. The biggest price tag of all, though, is the idea of having to depend on someone else to dictate your future.

​This being said, I have met some incredible, down to earth, talented people who are just bright balls of sunshine ( I love them to death), but ask them how this industry's changed them, and they'll agree. That's why I left. That's why I built and am continuing to build this platform as each moment passes. When it came time for me to leave my industry job, I was told that I was doing the right thing. Coming from someone I look up to, they said they wanted to be a director/producer after they finished college, but then they wound up in an industry job that they still are currently at. Of course, they are executives now and are extremely successful and talented, but they never truly achieved that dream. 
​

I graduated with the same intention as I had going into Studio School, but had a much deeper understanding of who I was and what I truly wanted to do with my life. During my four years there, I had taken so many classes in acting, musical theater, illustration, and concept art on top of my filmmaking and screenwriting classes. Compared to being dedicated to just one of these crafts, I found myself whole when actively doing them all. I became friends with dancers and we shot concept dance videos together. I started taking headshots and editorial photos of my other classmates after a while. I was in musicals, directed "The Wild Party," and pieced together and student directed "Tarantino Night." I was introduced to Tom Southwell, the illustrator behind so many incredible films such as Bladerunner and The Goonies, concept artist for The Sandlot and Star Trek: Nemesis, and storyboard artist for X-Men among many other epics, who became a teacher, a mentor,  a friend, and someone much like family to me. With so many things that were like magic to me, I couldn't choose just one. I wanted my work to mean something, and I knew I wanted to share myself with the world through who I was, not through who people wanted me to be.

I also understood that through screenwriting, there was a chance that my stories might never be made into movies, and if you have read a typical screenplay, they aren't exactly literary masterpieces. Directors usually make what they will with them - they're a blueprint. I realized I didn't want that. I wanted to give the story to the world to imagine for themselves before anything was to be imagined for them. Therefore, I decided I'd go back to my childhood roots and write the book of the stories I've created first - then I'll adapt them into screenplays if the world wanted to see the movie. Also, if I wanted to make a movie, I would write it and make it myself.

With all of these things compiled together along with my love of travel, meeting new people, learning new things from those all around the world, inspiring young women, and the need to constantly create, I decided I'd take matters into my own hands and shape my own opportunity. So, I created Vagabond et Virtuosa. 

The mission of Vagabond et Virtuosa (or V&V), is to inspire female artists to go after their dreams, travel the world, and create wherever they go. This ideal came from so many thinking they had to move to a big city in order to become a successful artist. Of course, it doesn't hurt, but through this platform I've made it my purpose to share my experiences and my journey along the way to prove that needing to bend to the mold isn't necessary. Also, I find it extremely crucial for any artist to go out there and immerse themselves in as many different cultures as they can, as frequently as they can. This allows a chance to grow as a human being, the opportunity to create experiences to build off of in creation of any work of art, and to live a full life. 

This blog is made up of my travel tips, stories, and guides, learning experiences as an artist out in Los Angeles and how to succeed sooner than later, information on how to create a business for yourself and understanding the entertainment industry, analysis on different forms of artwork (mainly films) and how to learn to analyze them for yourself, and of course, healthy doses of inspiration and reminders that you are a gosh darn superstar who needs to share their gifts with the world. 

Yes, Vagabond et Virtuosa is a blog right now, but come the end of this week and into the foreseeable future, V&V is about to be so much more. With currently 10.3K visits to the website and six months of building under my belt, Vagabond et Virtuosa is about to become a community where my lady artists come together, create with one another, and take the leaps they need to in order to get out in the world sharing their gifts with it! 

This will begin with my Youtube Channel, where I will be posting cover videos and hopefully some original music down the road, along with vlog videos about my travel experiences and tips with working in different artistic mediums, behind the scenes to my photography sessions, the different films, concept dance pieces, and music videos I create, and especially videos of me on my different trips around the world, what inspires me while I'm gone, what new things I learn along the way, and of course, me creating while I'm on the road and sharing it as I go. 

From here, I will create different contests and challenges to have everyone be a part of, to inspire them to get their work out there into the world, and maybe join me on a trip or two! I would also love to collaborate with all who are willing! 

What's coming next is extremely exciting for me, and I absolutely cannot wait to start this journey! I hope you come along for the ride! <3 

Here's to making dreams come true!

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Photo by: Johan Erik Lallerstedt

​The unknown can be a scary thing, and I think that's what we fear most. Not knowing where we'll be in five years, five months, five days, heck, even five minutes. How do we get to where we want to be? If we even know where that is? We might have an idea, and man it might sound like a dream come true, but is that possible? Gosh. Where do I go from here?

If I would rather live my life traveling the world and writing books about my adventures, teaching yoga through my own phone application, learning new languages and about people from different places, and sharing my art and soul to those willing to listen...is that practical? Would my family approve? How would I survive? How would I make money? Where do I even start something like that? Worst of all...what if I fail? Do I stop trying to achieve that dream life? Do I instead go for that 9-5 job where I know I'll have a stable living, but never actually having the life I want? The answer is: time isn't guaranteed - life can be taken away from you at any moment, so why wouldn't you use what moments you have doing what excites you compared to doing what you believe others' think is right? Just breath. 

Chances are, they'll be equally as excited for you if you tell them what you want to do, and if you have some sort of idea on how you want to get there. If they're not happy for you, who cares? Find a way to open your mind and go for it anyway. 

The unknown is an exciting place. Each moment into the future is a part of your journey. Who knows what will happen? Maybe you'll meet someone today who will suggest that,  "Hey, have you ever thought of singing?", or perhaps come across an old book in the library that has a forgotten letter inside, which maybe will lead to your next story? What's even more fun though, is that if you spend each of these days doing what makes you happy and spending this time taking one more step towards where you want to be (or where you think you want to be) your life will ultimately be that more fulfilling. If your biggest wish in life is to be happy, it goes along the lines of the saying, "life is a journey, not a destination," - if you're  doing something each day that makes your heart smile, your life will be a happy one compared to the wish of it being a byproduct of what you hope will be a good life. What I mean by this is: don't date that guy just because "he's got the qualities that every other girl would love, he will definitely treat me right and I'll have a happy life" - if it's not what you love, don't force yourself into a relationship where you don't feel something. Same goes for giving your time towards something that truly doesn't speak to you. 

Also, if you're spending your nights home after a long day of work, continuing the work of a job that doesn't fulfill you - quit it. If you'd rather be reading, or writing - painting, or maybe refurbishing that dresser that you found at the dump - do that instead! Create space or a business for yourself that will allow you to take a leap towards what you want your life to become.  Life is made up of the moments and how you spend them - not how you wish you had used them with the outcome you only imagined. Life won't change unless you do. Have an open mind, open heart, and always believe in the possibilities of a better tomorrow. 

The biggest and most important part of this life is to be true to yourself and understand the gifts you've been given. It doesn't matter what others think. Get that out of your head. Listen to yourself. Ask yourself the question, "What is it that I was put on this earth to do? How can I impact just one person at least, through who I am and who I want to be? What am I good at? What absolutely sets my heart on fire to the point of tears? How can I make that my life?" Take into consideration how the things you love make you feel. How do you feel? Picture yourself in that life and understand that it is absolutely a possibility to live that life - just as long as you take action towards it. Be realistic - and with that, I mean be realistic in your goals. You can't become a master chef in a day, or a week - things take time, but understand if you take action every single day, that life is much more possible and a million more times likely to happen - sometimes in a way you wouldn't expect.

Just like the saying, "You miss 100 of the shots you don't take," you're not going to win a Grammy if you never sing your song and put yourself out there. Just like if you have an idea for a book, but never write it. It will always just be an idea if you never sit down and do the work. The universe won't make its magic unless you take action and tell it to.

Take it. Take the life you want, don't expect it to be given to you. 

Don't let fear overcome you, especially the fear of failure. It's one of life's greatest teachers, and it actually moves you forward to where you want to be faster if you think about it. You just have to embrace the friend that failure truly is. It tells you what's not working, and if you ask for feedback - it tells you where you went wrong, so you're able to move forward without making that same mistake - just as long as you keep moving forward. That's the key. Also know, nothing has to to be permanent. If it doesn't feel right, don't stay. That's not to say that if something doesn't work, give up, it means, if you thought something would be one way, and it's doing you more harm than good, or it's not what you were expecting - spend your time trying something else. You won't move forward if you're staying in the same place for no purpose. 

There is never a clear path on how to achieve your dreams, but as long as you lean into opportunity, think of what makes you happy, and truly go for it with all of the confidence in the world - you can never say you didn't try and chances are, you'll be living the life beyond what you dreamed. Everything takes time. Your life is constantly under construction. It may look ugly sometimes, and you're unsure of what's actually underway, but know you have the ability to build something beautiful with it and things aren't always what they seem from an exterior point of view. Don't analyze it too much. Trust your gut, your soul, and just go for it - one building block at a time. You'll thank yourself in the end and see every day was an accomplishment.

Take your time. Breath. Enjoy each moment and take it in as it passes - making the most of it. 

There's nothing to be afraid of besides not allowing yourself the chance to live the life you've always dreamed of.


As Jim Carey said, "I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which, was that you can fail at what you don’t want so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love”

and

“Life opens up opportunities to you, and you either take them or you stay afraid of taking them.”


Go for it, lady Jane. I have faith in you, and you should have faith in you, too. 

Next up on the popular film analysis radar is of course, Netflix's, "Bird Box". I mean, with 45 million views within the first week, how could I not dive in a little bit on this "post apocalyptic" phenomenon starring Sandra Bullock? Obviously, the answer to that is, "You have to," so here she blows, guys! Don't worry, don't worry, it's much shorter than my analysis on The Haunting of Hill House, but if you guys want to check that out too, the link is at the bottom of the page! ;) WARNING: there are spoilers involved in this piece...major spoilers, so if you haven't watched it yet, get out of here... then come back and read it. This film truly blew me away after diving in deeper that what met they eye of the film, so please, without further adieu, let's dive into "Bird Box:"

Photo from Netflix
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"Bird Box" revolves around the story of, at first, a pregnant and emotionally unavailable woman, Malorie, who ultimately finds herself in the midst of an apocalyptic attack. This attack involves "beings" whom when you look at them in plain sight (yet they are invisible until the point of them approaching you - but they are still invisible to those watching), force you to commit suicide...which ultimately causes a mass killing of the human race. From here, Malorie is brought into this house with a group of people, because being indoors with any view of the outside world blocked out, keeps you safe...but not safe enough.

After all but one of her group survives within the house and she has her baby, Malorie flees with her baby boy, the newborn child of another housemate who died, and the one surviving member of the house to find a place where they could be safe together. They ultimately find themselves living in the middle of the woods, having trained themselves with blindfolds on how to survive, and in pursuit of discovering a community of which they could live with permanently. The story continues on with Malorie rafting down the river with the two children, having lost her lover (once housemate) right beforehand, with their blindfolds on, journeying forward against a battle with death in hope of finding a place where they can call home and live in peace. 
​

Though the name "Bird Box," is a curious one at first, if you look into the symbolism of birds along with the underlying message of the film, this flick and name have a much deeper meaning. As you know after watching the film, there is a box of birds that Malorie has kept safe after finding them in the supermarket . She heeded to their warning of danger there and used them as a tool and ally ever since. Though they protect her, and are a common physical importance to her throughout the film - you may wonder why such a small part of the overall story is the title of the movie? Well, my dear friends, let me tell you why. 

​Birds are regarded as messengers of the Gods and Heavens and represent a multitude of incredible things such as freedom and perspective, along with being the connection between the mundane and spiritual life. Their ability to fly is symbolic of the light of the spirit of hope, beauty, and transcendence. Birds are the sign of liberty to the soul and mind. They are full of spirit and are said to be the forecasters of future events, and the soul taking flight - which their flight is a metaphor for human emotions and moods. This brings us to our meaning of "Bird Box."

Do you remember at the beginning of the movie when Malorie is explaining her painting to her sister? All of these people are sitting together in a dark room in the painting, looking at their phones and paying no attention to each other. Her sister explains that, "It looks like a whole bunch of people sitting together, but they all look incredibly lonely." That painting is the base meaning of the film. In the painting, the dark room is representative of the box, and the people within it are representative of the birds. Just as the homes are the boxes that the humans are forced to stay and are able see within, and the humans along the way are liberated within the dark spaces with their emotions. This way, they aren't able to see the "light," or the outside world and it's distractions such as comparison to others through their phones, paying more attention to work instead of family, and failing to relate to people as everyone seems to be emotionally unavailable and unwilling to be vulnerable. By being forced to sit with others, in the darkness of their homes and pay attention to one another, they are able to emotionally progress and feel their feelings, as well as understand who they are, more so.

Just as when they are outside, needing to have their blindfolds on because their fate would rest in the hands of seeing one of those creatures, they base their trust in the box of birds, like I said above,  represent freedom and perspective, to be their eyes for them. This makes them rely on their other senses, such as touch, smell, hearing, taste, and when they can see - their emotions are heightened. I have a lot more to elaborate on regarding this and the meaning within my personal response further down. 
​

"Bird Box," uniquely differs compared to other post-apocalyptic films such as, "The Quiet Place," "It Comes at Night," "I Am Legend," and quite honestly, even, "Zombieland." Within all of these films, you are introduced to the characters in a non-linear fashion, where you meet them in the post apocalyptic world. This forces you to pay attention and pose the question, "How did they get here?" and you keep watching to find out. Just as the the rest of these films, "Bird Box," shares with you the rules of the world, such as, you'll see them if you look into the outside world, or like in "A Quiet Place," if you make a loud enough noise, even while you're inside, they'll come after you. Also, something these films have in common, besides in "I Am Legend," is that there are other survivors with the lead character that could be either enemies or allies throughout the film. 

How "Bird Box" differs, though, is that you cannot see the monsters within this film, nor do you really know how they got there (this is true for A Quiet Place too, actually), or really how the apocalypse even started. There is a deeper meaning behind this that I will flesh out in my personal response as well (for A Quiet Place, I believe the monsters represent the government, but we're not talking about that movie, so let's move on). Also, the lead, Sandra Bullock as Malorie is emotionally unavailable and lacks any form of human connection at first and throughout most of the movie. This kind of makes the audience dislike her and creates the thought that they're not even sure they want her to survive. There is a stronger thought to this as well regarding our society today and how we judge people without even asking them what they've been through, nor what they care about, or who they are. She doesn't say much or reach out, because she's afraid of not being able to connect, but you discover along the way, that she's wrong and she understands how to grow - which ultimately is the point of the movie. 

From a filmmaking perspective, suspense is created through not being able to see what's coming after the characters in the story - meaning that they can strike at any moment for any character. This is also true for using the blindfolds and shooting through them. You don't know where your character is. All you hear is them breathing heavier and heavier - their anxiety rising, probably along with yours as well. Also, they take you through houses and buildings that have previously been untraveled. This is true for most post-apocalyptic films, but arriving there without the sight or energy of knowing what's inside or whether it's safe creates the journey for the audience to join the character in not knowing what's going to happen next. Overall, this film relies heavily on sound design and editing to relay the story in pieces with the answers being laid out before you at just the right time. The cuts are moderately paced, allowing you to spend time with the character and their thoughts and feelings, compared to most of these films where there are fast cuts - which don't allow you to sit and think about what's going on half of the time. With really focusing on Malorie's character throughout the film, you're able to witness and feel her emotional journey, which is really what the movie is all about. 

Like I said above, the film is based off of Malorie's painting that we see in the beginning of the film. Malorie's sister, Jessica, explains that the painting "looks like a whole bunch of people sitting together, but they all look incredibly lonely." Malorie then replies, " Loneliness is just incidental, it's really about people's inability to connect." These two answers are completely relative to the painting, to us as human beings, and the world we live in. 

Many people have been upset about the fact that we can't see the monsters, nor is there any explanation about how the apocalypse even started in the film. Well friends, my answer to that question is that the monsters are our personal demons that only we can see, such as comparing ourselves to strangers on the internet, hurting someone you loved so badly then them passing away, looking at yourself and hating what you see, or really anything under the Sun that could hurt someone. This is why we can't see the monsters. It's the personal demons and pain of the characters following them. This is related to our inability to connect has human beings. This is why we are so lonely. We don't take the time to ask people how they are doing and what's going on in their heads. We don't take the time to care enough or listen. We have become a selfish society, who thinks the world only revolves around ourselves, but if we got off our phones and truly saw the world for what it was and the people in it, and gave reaching out a chance, then possibly we wouldn't be so lonely anymore. This refers to what Charlie was talking about in the movie, that "demons come in all shapes and sizes...that once judged...will be the end of us as humans."

Did you know that by 2020, it's predicted that worldwide, a suicide will be committed every 20 seconds? We put so much pressure on ourselves these days regarding work, a love-life, a social-life, what we need to accomplish, etc., and we never give ourselves enough time to understand that we are growing, along with time to practice self-love, take a walk in the park, eat a proper meal that is healthy and nutritious, and see the beauty of this world for what it simply is. Everyone is so afraid of being alone that they don't open themselves up to be vulnerable, to actually live life - the most beautiful gift we've been given. Therefore, what "Bird Box," is saying is that the apocalypse comes from ourselves - from the human race. Suicide is spreading like wildfire across the globe, and if we have to have that plainly explained to us, there's no wonder we can't connect. We don't look into the deeper meaning of things anymore. It's been expressed to me that "Bird Box," is an "okay" movie, I look at it and say, "wow," the writer really had something important to say, which will take me to my last point. 

The sense of sight is obviously a very important aspect of this film, as well as an extremely important lesson. We depend too much on it. We don't allow ourselves to use our other senses to enhance our lives and emotions, nor do we allow ourselves the time or chance to be introspective and discover who we truly are and how we feel. That was Marlorie's biggest struggle. Though she was an artist and painted her perspective on the world, she didn't have any perspective of herself and didn't share who SHE was with others. This is the point where she is the bird, and her soul takes flight throughout the movie, meaning the perspective of what she needed was not through her sight, it was through her mood and emotions - which eventually helped to free her at the end. This is why the term "Bird," is so important, because she is in her own "box" meaning her own body - seeing herself for who she truly is, to the point where they reach the School of the Blind - the community of hope and a place they can call home - and she gives Boy and Girl names based off emotions she felt for those she named them after, and she called herself their mother - which she was. Being that the place of solace in this world was a school for the blind, and once arriving, Malorie saw everyone talking and sitting by one another - happy, says so much. Most people there didn't and couldn't take an exterior point of view on who they met, they saw with their heart, not their eyes, which is why they survived and aren't lonely. They didn't allow the distractions of life to get in their way, they went with what they felt. 

This is why, at the end of "Bird Box," Malorie looks up while in the courtyard, to the birds flying around the covered terrarium after letting her's go. She has achieved freedom - freedom of emotion, spirit, and journey of finally being able to connect - she was let out of her box, and so were her birds. 


That's it for now, guys. If you want me to analyze another film, comment below! This was a lot of fun for me, as it always is, so keep em' comin'! Also, if you wanted to check out my last analysis on "The Haunting of Hill House," click the button below and it'll take you there!!

Thank you for reading!!! See you next, Monday! <3 

XOXO 


Mary Gabrielle Strause

Guys, the new year is fast approaching, and you know what else is coming in hot? OPPORTUNITY! Yes, that's it, the chance to finally get a grip on figuring out just who you are and what you were put on this Earth to do. It definitely takes some time to soul search, but in doing that, it means being honest with yourself. What does your life look like in your perfect world? What are you doing everyday that makes you happy? Are you spending that time that's normally spent on fulfilling the dreams of others at work, or are you using that time making your own a reality? Really, just take second to envision that life. Breath deeply. Soak it in. Now: make it happen.

This coming year, I promised myself I'd be in charge of my success as an artist. What this means for me, is that instead of sticking to writing screenplays and banking on an agent to land me a meeting with a production company in hopes of selling - I'm switching to writing books instead. Instead meaning - I'm going back to what I did as a child. I wrote and illustrated my own books like nobody's business. I pulled stories out of thin air and I still remember them dearly today. Except for now, the stories I have in my mind are epic, and why should I wait until someone says it's okay to write them? I'll self-publish and keep 70% of the profits. From there, adapt them into movies so either way I'll have the best of both worlds if one doesn't work out and have the rights. Here are a few guidelines I've followed to hold myself accountable for achieving my goals in 2019:
​

This is the key part to making any decision moving forward with your life. What is your purpose on this Earth? Mine is to create a realm for creative young women to expand their imaginations and realize their potential through travel. It's about being specific. With this, like I've said before, find a way to fulfill this purpose in a way only you can do and that will make you happy. From here, understand how it will help people, and discover a way how you can make a living while doing it. For me, it's this blog. I travel the world while creating videos, sharing my experiences, and writing books and creating art along the way - Hoping to eventually sell my work as a I go!
What does this look like to you? Thinking about it, what sets your heart and soul on fire. If you could tell everyone in the world one thing to help them lead better lives - what would you say? Imagine doing this for the rest of your life through your artwork. This is your purpose. 

When you fully understand what your purpose is, moving forward banks on sticking to it. Look into your imagination. You've decided what your purpose is, now, what does it look like? Where are you while you're working towards achieving it. Who is around you? What does it smell like? Are you in a room or are you in the middle of the woods? Are the walls green? Purple? How are you feeling? Butterflies? Are you cold? Are you in front of thousands of people, are you working in an attic on creating your gallery? It's all up to you to sit down, close your eyes, and feel yourself in the space of your success.

Next is seeing yourself achieving your goal. That means seeing the book you wrote on shelves in bookstores worldwide, its seeing over $25,000 in sales from your Etsy shop your first year, it's seeing yourself deliver a statue you created to a wealthy millionaire and having them adore every little bit of it. Visualizing your goal is seeing yourself where you want to be and having the confidence and resilience to know that it will happen. It will just take a little time - but it will take less if you believe in yourself and do something every single day to move you forward.

After you visualize yourself working with this purpose and fulfilling it, make a vision board of it. Illustrate it, print out pictures, cut pages out of magazines, whatever it may be - make something that you can physically touch and see every single day to keep pushing you towards where you need to be. 
​

Once you've decided what this next year will look like for you, choose three (only three) goals that you want to achieve that are related to your purpose and will enhance you as a human being. They can even be personal too. For example, mine are: 1. Finish and Publish Stella and Rooney, 2. Launch and stay Consistent with Vagabond et Virtuosa Vlog and Singing Cover Channel, and 3. Become Fluent in German.  These are all geared towards what kind of life I want to lead and my purpose. With these three goals, you will have three different aspects of your overall purpose to focus on.

With a year, you have twelve months that you can obviously divide into four quarters of three months. With each three month, or 90 day period, create a deadline and a goal within each of these goals to help you progress to where you ultimately want to be in a steady and realistically reachable pace. For example, your quarters should look like this:

First Quarter: January 1st - March 15th
Second Quarter: March 16th - July 1st
Third Quarter: July 2nd - October 16th
Fourth Quarter: October 17th - December 31st

By creating three sub-goals each quarter based off of your three main goals, you set achievable deadlines for yourself that you can actually succeed with. For example, my three goals for my first quarter based of of the larger goals for the year are as follows: 1. Finish first draft of Stella and Rooney 2. Obtain 5K subscribers to Vagabond et Virtuosa Youtube Channel 3. Be able to have basic conversation with my German friend, via FaceTime. These smaller goals to achieve by the deadline of the first quarter will keep the momentum going throughout the year to achieving the bigger goals you have set for yourself. 

Nothing is ever going to get done if you are too easy on yourself and don't stick to the deadlines you set for yourself. Stick to your goals and your quarterly goals so you can start the life you've always dreamed of living. The hardest part is always starting and staying consistent with progress, but it's necessary if you want to get from where you are to where you want to be. Don't cheat yourself out of doing a good job. It's also a great idea to reinforce and reward yourself for successfully completing your goals. This could be a weekend getaway to that cute winery up North, a dinner at your favorite restaurant, or simply a movie marathon with your favorite person. It's important to treat yourself for a job well done...now..keep going!!! Don't give up!

Fast forward 364 days and you've achieved those three, perfect, beautiful goals, and you're that much closer to living a life full of your wildest dreams on a regular basis and as full time job - except it won't feel like a job. Imagine that. A world where you are doing what you love every day, and challenges excite you? I don't know about you, but that's the life I want to lead. I bet that's the life you want to lead too. 

So please, do yourself the favor, put the work in and give yourself the life you deserve. You're in charge of the outcome . Might as well make it worth it! Now go out there and crush this year into the stars and make your marvelous magic happen! I'm so proud of you!!!

I found all of this marvelous goodness with the Classy Career Girl!!! Please, Anna Runyan is a genius!! Soak up everything she has to offer. Chances are, she'll push you towards everything you've ever been hoping and working for!! Check the link below:

https://www.classycareergirl.com/

To all who celebrate Jesus's birthday, Merry Christmas!! May it be filled with joyous memories, laughter, yummy food, Christmas movies and music, and maybe that book you've been wanting. Most of all though, I hope you spend it well with the ones you love and that mean the world to you. If you're not able to be around those you cherish most, give them a call, Facetime them, whatever it may be, let them know you love them and that they're cared about to the ends of the Earth, because who knows what troubles this year has brought them. Give those around you new hope and an extra heap of love this Christmas, because really that's what Christmas truly is all about.

The birth of Jesus was a sign of hope for everyone along with unwavering love. The moment the people of the world and land found out a savior was to be born, they didn't pack up their their belongings, but instead brought the most valuable things to them that they could find as gifts to give to Jesus upon being born. Gold, Frankincense, and Myhr were brought to Jesus's side,  but also think of the little drummer boy who thought he had no gifts that were fit to give a king. This of course wasn't true - because he gave the gift of music to share. This is really where gift giving on Christmas came from, and is symbolic in many ways, but put simply, it represents what I shared above, love, giving, and hope. This is what Christmas reminds us of each year to get us ready for the next. So remember this today, tomorrow, and throughout the weeks to come into the new year. 

Let the hope you have for goodness in the world thrive. Let the hope you have in yourself, and your belief that you can succeed flourish. Understand that the gifts given to you by the Lord were given for a purpose - to give them back to the people of the world so they can embrace it and continue to share it with others - just like the little drummer boy. If you're rich or poor, extremely busy or hanging out all day, when you walk  through the streets, give a smile to those you walk past. Continue to be the shining hope in humanity that love and light still live within us. Carry that passion, brightness, and serendipity wherever you go - because that is what Jesus represents, and why wouldn't you want to follow through with that mission? 

So today, begin the mindset that it's going to be a good day. Do this every day. Think of what makes you happy, smile, because really, what reason is there to frown? Share your gifts, whether it be your singing voice, magic tricks, or your mad hugging skills with those around you, because it truly will mean more and will be more memorable than that new iPhone they wanted. Share the love and light you have in your heart in hopes that good things are here and good things are coming, because that's what Christmas is all about. 

​

Photo by: Johan Erik Lallerstedt

​The unknown can be a scary thing, and I think that's what we fear most. Not knowing where we'll be in five years, five months, five days, heck, even five minutes. How do we get to where we want to be? If we even know where that is? We might have an idea, and man it might sound like a dream come true, but is that possible? Gosh. Where do I go from here?

If I would rather live my life traveling the world and writing books about my adventures, teaching yoga through my own phone application, learning new languages and about people from different places, and sharing my art and soul to those willing to listen...is that practical? Would my family approve? How would I survive? How would I make money? Where do I even start something like that? Worst of all...what if I fail? Do I stop trying to achieve that dream life? Do I instead go for that 9-5 job where I know I'll have a stable living, but never actually having the life I want? The answer is: time isn't guaranteed - life can be taken away from you at any moment, so why wouldn't you use what moments you have doing what excites you compared to doing what you believe others' think is right? Just breath. 

Chances are, they'll be equally as excited for you if you tell them what you want to do, and if you have some sort of idea on how you want to get there. If they're not happy for you, who cares? Find a way to open your mind and go for it anyway. 

The unknown is an exciting place. Each moment into the future is a part of your journey. Who knows what will happen? Maybe you'll meet someone today who will suggest that,  "Hey, have you ever thought of singing?", or perhaps come across an old book in the library that has a forgotten letter inside, which maybe will lead to your next story? What's even more fun though, is that if you spend each of these days doing what makes you happy and spending this time taking one more step towards where you want to be (or where you think you want to be) your life will ultimately be that more fulfilling. If your biggest wish in life is to be happy, it goes along the lines of the saying, "life is a journey, not a destination," - if you're  doing something each day that makes your heart smile, your life will be a happy one compared to the wish of it being a byproduct of what you hope will be a good life. What I mean by this is: don't date that guy just because "he's got the qualities that every other girl would love, he will definitely treat me right and I'll have a happy life" - if it's not what you love, don't force yourself into a relationship where you don't feel something. Same goes for giving your time towards something that truly doesn't speak to you. 

Also, if you're spending your nights home after a long day of work, continuing the work of a job that doesn't fulfill you - quit it. If you'd rather be reading, or writing - painting, or maybe refurbishing that dresser that you found at the dump - do that instead! Create space or a business for yourself that will allow you to take a leap towards what you want your life to become.  Life is made up of the moments and how you spend them - not how you wish you had used them with the outcome you only imagined. Life won't change unless you do. Have an open mind, open heart, and always believe in the possibilities of a better tomorrow. 

The biggest and most important part of this life is to be true to yourself and understand the gifts you've been given. It doesn't matter what others think. Get that out of your head. Listen to yourself. Ask yourself the question, "What is it that I was put on this earth to do? How can I impact just one person at least, through who I am and who I want to be? What am I good at? What absolutely sets my heart on fire to the point of tears? How can I make that my life?" Take into consideration how the things you love make you feel. How do you feel? Picture yourself in that life and understand that it is absolutely a possibility to live that life - just as long as you take action towards it. Be realistic - and with that, I mean be realistic in your goals. You can't become a master chef in a day, or a week - things take time, but understand if you take action every single day, that life is much more possible and a million more times likely to happen - sometimes in a way you wouldn't expect.

Just like the saying, "You miss 100 of the shots you don't take," you're not going to win a Grammy if you never sing your song and put yourself out there. Just like if you have an idea for a book, but never write it. It will always just be an idea if you never sit down and do the work. The universe won't make its magic unless you take action and tell it to.

Take it. Take the life you want, don't expect it to be given to you. 

Don't let fear overcome you, especially the fear of failure. It's one of life's greatest teachers, and it actually moves you forward to where you want to be faster if you think about it. You just have to embrace the friend that failure truly is. It tells you what's not working, and if you ask for feedback - it tells you where you went wrong, so you're able to move forward without making that same mistake - just as long as you keep moving forward. That's the key. Also know, nothing has to to be permanent. If it doesn't feel right, don't stay. That's not to say that if something doesn't work, give up, it means, if you thought something would be one way, and it's doing you more harm than good, or it's not what you were expecting - spend your time trying something else. You won't move forward if you're staying in the same place for no purpose. 

There is never a clear path on how to achieve your dreams, but as long as you lean into opportunity, think of what makes you happy, and truly go for it with all of the confidence in the world - you can never say you didn't try and chances are, you'll be living the life beyond what you dreamed. Everything takes time. Your life is constantly under construction. It may look ugly sometimes, and you're unsure of what's actually underway, but know you have the ability to build something beautiful with it and things aren't always what they seem from an exterior point of view. Don't analyze it too much. Trust your gut, your soul, and just go for it - one building block at a time. You'll thank yourself in the end and see every day was an accomplishment.

Take your time. Breath. Enjoy each moment and take it in as it passes - making the most of it. 

There's nothing to be afraid of besides not allowing yourself the chance to live the life you've always dreamed of.


As Jim Carey said, "I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which, was that you can fail at what you don’t want so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love”

and

“Life opens up opportunities to you, and you either take them or you stay afraid of taking them.”


Go for it, lady Jane. I have faith in you, and you should have faith in you, too. 

Christmas is only a week away!!!! Can you believe it?! Then it will be the new year and you will be setting new and outstanding goals for yourself - which I'm especially excited for! For now though, if you haven't had the chance to get Christmas presents for your family yet and are looking to make it a bit more personal at an affordable price, let me help you out! If you're an artist like me and creating something only you can make is more your style  - here are few simple ideas to jog your imagination when it comes to special gifts for your family this Christmas season:

Of course, you want to give something so darn special to your mumma because you love her so much - and if you're like me, a gift that will make her tear up a little bit. This woman is so important to you, it's hard to think of anything that you could make her that could match her excellence and what she means to you. By creating something though, whether it's to pamper her, celebrate your family, or anything that will make her smile, she will love it no matter what:

Jar Cap Picture Magnets:

I found these little gems from the Unoriginal Mom, and they are a perfect way to take your mom through her most favorite memories every day. Here's how to make them:
 https://www.unoriginalmom.com/upcycled-mason-jar-lid-magnets/

Coffee Mug Holder:

Any busy mom bows down to coffee as if it's their religion, meaning they probably have a mug dedicated to each day of the week. Therefore, they'll need this fine and dandy little coffee mug holder so when they're running late on Monday, they don't have to open those pesky cabinets -  you mum can just grab n' go! Go over to HomeDesign Inspired and get to work on a gift your mom will love!! :

http://www.homedesigninspired.com/top-23-cool-diy-kitchen-pallets-ideas-you-should-not-miss/

Laundry Bin Full of Pampering Goodies:

So, we know mom's do laundry (they taught us everything) so why not go down to the dollar tree, buy some roped whicker, and go to town on making some DIY Soaps, body butters, Scrubs, a Candle, essential oils, etc. to really pamper your mom for all she does! Find out how here:

https://www.busybliss.com/dollar-tree-storage-bins/
https://www.suburbansimplicity.com/vanilla-brown-sugar-scrub/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/542683823832976478/
​https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/DIY-Spa-Kit-36156429?crlt.pid=camp.T0RH49aJ7zxC
​https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4292562120494403/
https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/rose-clay-face-mask/

Chalkboard Serving Tray:

You know those infinite amounts of hot chocolate that you'll be drinking over Christmas time? Well, you're going to want to have somewhere to put them and a way of knowing who's cup is who's! Now your momma has a chalkboard serving tray to write everyone's name on to make them feel as special as she is to you!  Learn how to make them here:

https://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2016/08/diy-chalkboard-serving-tray-tutorial-youtube-video.html

​Favorite Recipe Book:

I know, you might think mom might not want to do any more cooking, but if you put some fun new healthy recipes of all different meal types in there that you think she'd like - she maybe will find her new favorite food! Who knows?! Go get yourself a binder and some fun patterns to type your pages on, and you'll have the perfect present! 
​

For your papa-bear, it's the same thing - you want to get him something special that he will remember forever and really pull on those heart strings. Also, I'm sure he won't be too upset if he gets beer, as sick painting of his favorite NFL team to put in his man cave, or maybe even a soup bowl you made! Whatever it is, if you make it or it comes from you, he will love it. 

Car Travel Kit:

You can never be too careful, especially when it comes to your dad! Make sure he's ready to go when it comes to car travel! Especially if he drives a lot!

NFL Team Crayon Canvas:

Whether you buy a canvas from Michaels and tape over the team's logo, and melt the crayons of the team's colors onto the canvas, or go ahead and paint something regarding his favorite team, there's nothing your dad would love more than your artwork up in his man cave. 

​Picture Frame of You and Dad:

There's something so sentimental about a photo of you and your dad that when he sees it, he tears up just a little bit with that half-smile while trying not to cry. I know this picture says Father's Day...but really, it shares the same love and care you have for one another and your relationship. 

Vintage Book Travel Tech Kit:

Next Memorial Day or Fourth of July, your dad is going to get so many compliments because of the bean bag toss game boards you made him! ( I absolutely refuse to refer to this as corn hole...it sounds gross). Either way - find how to make them here:

http://plan-to-build.com/over-engineered-cornhole-boards-with-twine-measuring-system-and-latches/
​

This guy probably gets on your nerves more often than not, but hey, that doesn't mean you don't love him! Christmas is the time of year where you're able to show him the gratitude you have for him - so let it be known! Lord knows he will always appreciate it and show you how much he loves you too. Here are few ways to ignite the holiday cheer with those you fear:

Shaving Kit:

With his bear-like beard-ness, it can never go unappreciated when your brother receives homemade shaving cream and aftershave! Throw in a razor or two in there, and you'll be loved forever! Find out how to make on Tag & Tibby!:

https://www.tagandtibby.com/blog/2016/6/7/homemade-shaving-cream-kit

Homemade Beer Kit!:
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You know, if your brother is anything like one of mine, he loves his beer (especially if he's from Wisconsin), so why not give him all of the ingredients to make his own! Find out what you need here at Misfit Gardening:

https://www.misfitgardening.com/how-to-make-beer-at-home-step-by-step/

​Neck-Tie Pouch!:

I mean, nothing could look more official and elegant for your brother to put all of his bits and pieces in for when he travels on the road, or just in general! Make him a pouch out of ties you find at Goodwill! It will be fun! Especially if you fill it with a few of his favorite things! Find out how to make it here:

​https://www.polkadotchair.com/diy-necktie-zip-pouch/

Bacon Salt and BBQ Rub!:

Assuming your brother isn't a vegetarian, how couldn't he love some yummy accents to his meat-making adventures?! Give it a go! Find the recipes below!:

http://wishfulchef.com/how-to-make-bacon-salt/
https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/barbecue-rub-0

Leather Cup-Jacket Set!:

I mean, for all of those Rum and Coke's he drinks, might as well make him something that he can put multiple in at a time! Plus, with this stylish and sassy leather cup-jacket, he'll be drinking in elegance and his hand won't get cold! Find out how to make them on the Design Sponge:

​http://www.designsponge.com/2012/10/diy-project-leather-cup-jacket.html

Oh, the sisters...also a relationship that's often a rollercoaster throughout the year - but, I know you know what she likes and what makes her smile, and she of all people will appreciate you taking the time to make something for her instead of only buying her that Amazon Gift Card you were planning on. Take a gander at the ol' peace-maker's gifts listed below:

A Ruffled Clutch:

Nothing makes a girl smile more than a cute little clutch to put her change, lipstick, credit cards, or magic in! With this pattern and DIY help from Cailamade, you'll create the perfect gift that your sister will love! 

http://cailamade.com/ruffled-clutch-sew-along-making-the-pattern/

​Jewelry Box Made From Old Cigar Box:

Chances are you dearest sister has probably accumulated a lot of jewelry from her loved ones over the years, so why not make her a spiffy jewelry box out of an old cigar box just to show you how much you love her and want her to be organized. Who knows, maybe you could throw another piece of jewelry in there as another gift, along with a sweet note and gift card! Also, why not try for a framed jewelry holder? Either/or are beautiful and effective. Here's how to make the box from Annabode!:

http://annabode.com/diy-jewelry-box-cigar-box/

​Bird House Key Holder:

I mean seriously, how cute is this?? You want to know what else is cute? Your sister not losing her keys. So why not go ahead and make her this sensational gift that she can hang by her door when she gets home? Lord knows she won't miss it when coming in from a long night. Here's how to make it from Torie Jayne:

http://toriejayne.com/tutorial/bird-house-key-hooks

Fun Modge Podge Fabric Spoons:

If your sister loves to cook, these fun spoons will be the perfect gift to put some pazazz into her already amazing cooking! Learn how to make them from Alice and Lois below:

http://www.aliceandlois.com/diy-fabric-covered-wooden-spoons-handmade-gift-series/

Fabric Sunglass Case:

Your sis is just a ray of sunshine, you know she needs to protect herself from her own brightness every now and then, so why not make her a snazzy little sunglass case with a new pair possibly inside?! Can't go wrong, that's for sure! See how to make this fun little gift from Positively Splendid below:

https://www.positivelysplendid.com/sunglasses-case-sewing-pattern/


Before you leave, of course you can interchange these gifts and put your own spin on them - as you should - you know your loved ones most!!! Have fun with your gift-giving this holiday season and pack as much love as you can into each and every one of them! Merry Christmas, and cherish each moment with your loved ones!! <3

If you have any more suggestions, please comment below!! 

Love,

Mary XOXO