In this episode side projects shared by Anushka, Julian, and Karis in the Office Hours Side Projects Edition N°267. Anushka explores sketchnoting, Julian introduces Vibewriter for creative writing, and Karis presents a futuristic narrative set in Gabon.
Office Hours Side Projects Edition Recap: Diving into the Future of Creativity
In this session of Office Hours Side Projects Edition, we delve into a thought-provoking Zoom meet-up where three participants, Anushka, Julian, and Karis, showcase their captivating and innovative side projects.
Anushka’s Sketchnoting Revolution
Anushka introduces us to the art of sketchnoting, a powerful method of visual note-taking that transforms complex concepts into intuitive visual representations. By simplifying notes through illustrations, symbols, and structures, Anushka demonstrates how this technique can be a tool for futures thinking and systems design. The discussion highlights its potential in diverse contexts, from conferences to public policy discussions, and even speculates on potential AI integrations to enhance accessibility for non-artists.
Julian’s Vibewriter: Writing in Flow
Julian presents the “Vibewriter,” a creative writing tool designed to stimulate rapid, improvisational writing. Inspired by the concept of morning pages and call-and-response from jazz music, Julian’s tool is all about exercising the writer’s brain. By generating text snippets in distinct literary genres, Vibewriter challenges participants to write spontaneously, making writing feel like a game rather than a chore. Attendees draw parallels to improv techniques and brainstorming, emphasizing the tool’s ability to liberate creativity.
Karis’s Futuristic Narrative: Technology Meets Tradition
Karis shares an exciting narrative project, blending African cultural themes with futuristic technologies. Set in Gabon’s near future, the story follows a shopkeeper’s quest to find his missing daughter using both advanced and traditional technologies. Karis explores world-building through the integration of high-tech security and organic societal elements, creating a rich and dynamic backdrop for storytelling. Participants reflect on the compelling narrative and the potential to showcase African innovation and resilience, sparking ideas for presenting such narratives through both film and digital artifacts.
This session exemplifies the power of collaborative brainstorming in pushing the boundaries of creativity. The diversity of projects underscores the wide scope of artistic exploration, offering participants a fertile ground for developing their ideas and receiving valuable feedback. Whether sketchnoting, writing exercises, or narrative building, these projects inspire and challenge us to think differently about our creative journeys.
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