A Few Hot Tips For Making Better Comics
1. Get a ruler.
2. Get a triangle. A triangle is like a ruler, only it’s shaped like a triangle. It costs like a couple of dollars.
3. Draw straight lines for your panel borders. Use right angles for the corners. That’s what a ruler and triangle can do for you.
4. Measure a distance between your first two panels and then keep using the exact same distance between all your panels in that comic. Those spaces between panels are called gutters. Inconsistently sized gutters look bad and amateurish. Consistently sized gutters look better. It’s a super easy thing to make your comics look way cleaner and more professional. After you try it a few times you don’t have to measure anymore but you DO have to measure at first. So try it!!
EDIT TO ADD: straight lines and consistent gutters is like the comics layout equivalent of figure drawing / anatomy — get the basics down solid before you start getting crazy and stylized. Log some hours doing the most straightforward approach before you decide you’re a genius and can do whatever the hell you want.
'Wag ka ma-stress sa college
Ang mga kelangan mo lang eh…
Time management - Kapag may binigay si prof na assignment na next week pa gagawin, gawin mo na ng mas maaga. Like pagkatapos niya ibigay, gawin mo na agad. Ganon kasi ginagawa ko. Binigay ng Monday ng umaga, tapos na agad ng Monday ng gabi. Sa ganong paraan, male-lessen ‘yung cramming stages mo. Kesa naman ipagpa-bukas mo tapos ‘yung ibang prof eh magbibigay ng projects, lalo ka lang matatambakan.
- Planner - Sa pag-aayos ng oras mo sa college, at mga kelangang dates na tandaan kelangan nakalagay lahat ‘yan sa planner mo. Sa daming pinagagawa kelangan alam mo kung kelan mo sisimulan at kelan ang deadline. Pwede rin ang gamitin ang calendaryo sa cellphone mo, useful din. Reminders and notes.
Disiplina sa sarili - Hindi pwede ‘yung isang tawag lang ng mga kaibigan mo na paparty daw kayo eh gora ka agad. Tingnan mo muna kung pwede ka at fit sa schedule mo. Tingnan mo kung wala kang dapat asikasuhin. Tingnan mo kung may quiz bukas, kung may project na hindi pa tapos. Unahin ang pag-aaral. Maraming party pa na darating, madaling kunin lahat ‘yon pabalik, ang grades hindi.
Focus - Lalo na kung mahirap ang course mo, ‘wag ka pa-banjing banjing. Walang maiitulong sa’yo ‘yan. Masarap ang pakiramdam na wala kang problema sa grades. Masarap makipagkwentuhan sa magulang mo na maganda ang lagay ng studies mo. That way, magaan ang loob mo, masaya pa ang parents mo, natututo ka pa.
Pick your friends - May ibang studyante ang madaling ma peer pressure. ‘Yung mga freshmen na ‘di naman talaga naninigarilyo, pag dating sa college, hala sige! Sunog baga na, bakit? Na-impluwensyahan agad ng mga kaibigan. ‘Wag ganon. Hindi makakabuti sa’yo ‘yon, umiikli pa ang buhay mo. Sumama ka sa mga kaibigan na makakabuti sa’yo, ‘yung mahilig mag-aral. Dun ka mahawa at nakakaganda ‘yon. Pati attitude mo towards life maiiba.
Mag-aral ng mabuti. Mahirap ng may naiiwan kang subject. Third year ka na tapos may mga subject ka pa sa 1st year. Sayang oras.
Kapag okay lahat ng ‘to, less stress. Pero aminin natin hindi mo maiiwasang ma-stress kasi marami talagang pinapagawa. Kahit pa umpisahan mo ng maaga nag mga projects mo, may mga times na shit gone mad ang mangyayare, pero handle mo lang. Treat everything as a hurdle na kelangan mong talunan para maka-lagpas ng maayos.
Seryosohin mo ang college dahil hindi biro ang laki ng tuition fee. Maawa ka nalang sa mga magulang mo. Okay.
Cross-Training for Technique: Improve your strength and stamina outside the studio
When San Francisco Ballet soloist Elizabeth Miner found herself huffing and puffing through David Bintley’s The Dance House, she knew it was time to increase her cross-training. “The piece was nonstop,” says Miner. “Just running it was not enough. I needed to build my aerobic capacity.” In addition to Pilates—which she already did—Miner began using the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes three times a week. She noticed a change almost immediately. “I could finish the ballet and not be completely exhausted,” says Miner. “I felt more in control, able to think about other things onstage, like the music and movement. Being tired is the last thing you want to focus on.”
Whether it’s running, yoga, spinning classes or weight lifting, non-dance exercise can help improve your technique. Marika Molnar, director of physical therapy at New York City Ballet, believes cross-training is an essential part of any dancer’s regime. “I don’t just recommend it, I insist on it,” says Molnar, who has been working with NYCB dancers for the past 30 years. “Because dancers perform the same movements using the same muscles all the time, strength, flexibility and motor coordination exercises help to nourish the body.” NYCB apprentices are offered a full wellness program that includes an individualized workout. “Once they experience how great it is, they make time for it,” Molnar adds.
A physical therapist or trainer can help you find the regimen that will be most effective for your body. Generally, exercises should be done two to three times a week, working to the point of fatigue to build strength while making sure your form is correct at all times.
Problem: Low Extensions
According to Molnar, strength at the end range of your flexibility is crucial to developing higher extensions. “Pilates reformer exercises are great,” she says. “One of my favorites is the single leg circle; it helps to improve abdominal stabilization while strengthening the whole leg through the range of motion.”
Athletic trainer Mike Howard and Pilates teacher James Harren, who both work with Houston Ballet dancers, recommend strengthening and stretching the psoas muscle through slow, deep sit-ups with the abdominal muscles contracted both on the way up and down. “Everything is connected, so extensions are easier with a stronger core,” Harren says. “Because the psoas attaches to the inner part of the thigh bone, it rotates the leg and lifts it.” Add the obliques in by twisting slightly to the left and right. Do two sets of ten three times a week.
Don’t leave out the strength of the standing leg. Harren recommends placing one leg on a medium-sized physio ball while lying down, the other leg in the air turned out and in first position, then lifting and lowering the pelvis in this position.
Problem: Low Jumps
Stretching correctly is the first step to improving your jumps. “Hanging out with your leg on the barre while chatting with friends will weaken ligaments and negatively impact your jumps,” warns Molnar. “Ideally, stretches should only be held for two to three minutes.” Molnar also believes plyometric training (which builds muscle power through quick, explosive movements) is essential to improve the strength, elasticity and activation of the muscles you use to jump. Try jumping with a two-pound weight, or jump on and off a six-inch box. “Have someone put their hands on your waist and push down to provide resistance,” Molnar suggests.
Howard advises strengthening the feet to improve your jumping. Try picking up marbles or cotton balls with your toes to engage the muscles in your arch.
Problem: Weak Port De BrasHarren has dancers practice port de bras while lying on a roller. “Balancing on the roller will steady the core and build greater sensory motor coordination,” he says.
To strengthen the shoulder joint, stand up and do small shoulder circles with a dumbbell. Have a trainer determine the appropriate amount of weight. Any exercise where you pull something in front of you backwards, like on a rowing machine, will strengthen the muscles of the shoulder blades, creating a strong back.
Problem: Lack Of Stamina
Elliptical training, swimming and biking all offer low-impact ways to increase your stamina. Be sure to set the elliptical on a smaller incline and use light resistance. If you prefer the treadmill, Molnar recommends walking (both forward and backward), not running. “Running puts extreme force on the joints, especially the knees.” says Molnar. She advises staying away from the StairMaster altogether because it’s stressful on the knees and good form is hard to maintain.
In any aerobic exercise, try to achieve 65 percent of your maximum heart rate (you can determine your MHR by subtracting your age from 211). You need at least 15 to 30 minutes three times a week to see a difference in your endurance. “Make sure you are breathing in the lower lungs and not just the upper chest,” Molnar says. You can continue working on your endurance even while dealing with some injuries. Ask a doctor about low-impact swimming or biking.
Article by: Nancy Wozny
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Why Are Moms So Awesome?
Mother Knows Best
Whether you have your biological mom, your adoptive mom, your stepmother, your grandma, or some other maternal figure (or a very dedicated dad), you’re well aware of how wonderful they are. But let’s discuss the ins and outs of what make moms and maternal figures so awesome!
First of all, they know things that you don’t. They have more life experience under their belts. Sure, you may have learned more about algebra or physics than your parents were ever taught in school, but when you want to know something about your day-to-day life, you know exactly who to call.
They Support You
Almost all mothers have one thing in common: they support their kids, no matter what. If you’re going for a job promotion, getting serious with a significant other, applying for college, or even studying for a test, your mom is there for you 100% of the way. Everyone needs a cheerleader, and moms are the most dedicated ones of all!
They Love Unconditionally
No matter the mistakes you make in your life, moms are built to love you anyway. Even if she disagrees with your choices, deep down she still holds you in the highest regard and would do anything for you. That’s the very definition of unconditional love!
They’re Always Available
If you need your mom at the drop of a hat, she’ll most likely stop whatever she’s doing just to help you. Need someone to talk to? She’s sitting right by the phone, hoping for your call. Want to see the latest chick flick, but can’t find anyone to go with? Ask your mom! She’s free that night.
They Put Your Needs First
From the time you were an infant until today, your mom has probably done her very best to take care of your needs — even if that meant letting her own needs and desires fall by the wayside. That’s just what moms do!
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