Making a logo for a local Community Cafe

I've been asked to make a logo for a local community café. This is what I've got so far. Quite a lot of work to do but I thought someone might like to see it.

Experimenting with Mixed Media Art

 Hey there, friends! Lately, I've been experimenting with mixed media art during my breaks from songwriting, and let me tell you, it's been an exciting and refreshing change of pace.

As a musician, I'm no stranger to the creative process, but I've found that mixing things up and trying something new can really help keep the juices flowing. It's like hitting the reset button on my brain, you know?

I started out by just messing around with some paper, paint, and whatever else I had lying around, but before I knew it, I was hooked. There's just something about the freedom of expression that comes with mixed media art that's incredibly appealing to me.

One of the things I love about mixed media is that there are no real rules. You can combine colours, textures, and materials in any way that speaks to you. It's a wonderful way to let go of perfectionism and just let the creativity flow.

Recently, I've been working on a piece that incorporates paper, paint, and a few old magazine clippings. It's been a fun challenge figuring out how to bring all these different elements together into a cohesive whole. But even if the end result isn't perfect, I know that the process of creating it has been valuable in and of itself.

In fact, I'm already thinking about how I can incorporate some of the techniques and ideas I've learned from mixed media art into my songwriting. Who knows what kind of creative mashups I'll come up with next?

Anyway, I just wanted to share a bit about my latest artistic endeavor. And who knows, maybe some of you will be inspired to try out mixed media art for yourselves! After all, you never know what kind of creative magic might happen when you mix things up a bit.

Last Day of FAWM

 As February draws to a close, I find myself looking back on the past month with a mix of exhaustion and pride. For those who don't know, February is also known as FAWM, or February Album Writing Month. The goal is to write 14 songs in 28 days, and I'm happy to say that I made it, just barely.

It was a wild ride, to say the least. There were days when I had no inspiration, and others when I was bursting with ideas. I wrote about love, loss, hope, and everything in between. Some of the songs flowed easily, while others felt like pulling teeth. But through it all, I kept going, determined to reach the end.

Now that FAWM is over, I'm looking forward to the next step: recording an album. I've decided to call it "672 Hours," after the number of hours in February. It's a fitting title, considering how much time and effort went into creating these songs.

But as proud as I am of my accomplishment, I can't help but reflect on the bigger picture. As someone on the autism spectrum, I know all too well the challenges that come with pursuing creative endeavors. Sensory issues, executive dysfunction, and difficulty with social interaction can all make it harder to stay focused and motivated.

But despite these obstacles, I refused to give up. I found ways to work around my difficulties, whether it was taking breaks when I needed them, using noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions, or asking friends for feedback and support.

And in the end, it was all worth it. The feeling of accomplishment I get from completing a project like this is indescribable. It reminds me that, despite the challenges, I'm capable of achieving great things.

So here's to all the other FAWMers out there who made it to the end, and to anyone else who's pursuing a creative passion. Keep going, even when it feels like you can't. The end result is always worth it.

Autistic Stimming essay

 Stimming is something that's very personal to me as someone with autism. It's the little movements that I make that help me feel calm and focused. Things like rocking back and forth, tapping my fingers, or making odd little noises. These little motions can make such a big difference in how I feel.

For a long time, I didn't know what stimming was or that it was a common trait among autistic people. I just thought that I was weird or that something was wrong with me. So, I tried to suppress my stimming behavior, thinking it would make me more "normal". But the truth is, suppressing my stimming was really harmful to my mental health. It was like trying to hold back a sneeze, and it only made me feel more anxious and overwhelmed.

It wasn't until I learned more about autism and stimming that I realized how important it is to accept this behavior. Stimming is a natural part of who I am, and it's something that helps me regulate my emotions and sensory input. It's a coping mechanism that helps me feel safe and in control.

It's not always easy, though. Sometimes people can be judgemental or misunderstand my stimming behavior. They might think I'm being weird or rude, when really I'm just trying to stay calm and focused. That's why it's so important to educate others about stimming and autism. When people understand why I stim, they're usually more accepting and supportive.

It's been a long journey, but I'm learning to accept and even appreciate my stimming behavior. It's a reminder that I'm different, but that's okay. In fact, it's something to celebrate. Stimming is a part of my identity as an autistic person, and it's just one of the many things that makes me who I am.

Dad Jokes with Thomas Jefferson - made with PrimeVoice AI

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/whrztwOsrGc?feature=share

The Struggles of Being an Independent Musician/Artist

 Being an independent artist sounds amazing on paper, but in reality, it can be a real struggle. Not only do you have to figure out how to make a living from your art, but you also have to build a fanbase. And let me tell you, that's not always easy.

Making a steady income is hard enough, but trying to build a fanbase on top of that? It can feel like a never-ending battle. It can be tough to get your music out there and get people to listen, especially when there's so much competition.

I know what it's like to feel like no one is paying attention to your art. It can be discouraging and make you question whether you're even doing anything right. But here's the thing, building a fanbase takes time and effort. And even the most successful artists have gone through their own struggles.

So, what can you do? Well, for starters, it helps to have a supportive community of fellow artists and fans. Collaborating with other artists and reaching out to your fans can help you get your music heard and grow your following. And even if you're feeling like you're not making any progress, remember that success is a marathon, not a sprint.

Being an independent artist is a journey, and building a fanbase can be one of the biggest challenges. But with persistence, effort, and a little bit of luck, it is possible to overcome these struggles and find success as an independent artist.

Half way through FAWM

 Hello again. I'm midway through the FAWM songwriting challenge, and I have to say, it's been a wild ride. If you're not familiar with FAWM, it's a challenge to write 14 songs in 28 days. And let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart!

At first, I was feeling pretty intimidated. I mean, coming up with 14 songs in 28 days? That's a lot! And to make matters worse, I was struggling to be creative. But as I started writing, something magical happened. The words just started flowing, and before I knew it, I had written a few songs.

One of the best parts of the FAWM challenge is that it encourages you to experiment and be creative. I've tried new songwriting techniques, written songs in different genres, and even pushed my lyrical boundaries. It's been amazing to see what I can come up with when I let go and just let the creativity flow.

Now, I'm halfway through the challenge and I've written seven songs so far. The next seven are going to be just as challenging, but I'm ready for it. Even though it's been tough at times, I'm so grateful for this experience. It's taught me to embrace the unknown and to always keep pushing myself, even when I'm feeling stuck.

The FAWM songwriting challenge has been an amazing experience so far. It's not easy, but it's worth it. And who knows, maybe by the end of the challenge, I'll have written some of my best songs yet!

Autistic Burnout - what it is and how it feels

 Autistic burnout is a real struggle and something that affects me frustratingly often. It's hard to describe how it feels, but it's like a constant, overwhelming exhaustion that just doesn't seem to go away. I often feel physically and mentally drained, and even the simplest tasks can become impossible to complete.

One of the worst parts about experiencing autistic burnout is the embarrassment that comes along with it. I know that people don't understand what I'm going through and often see me as lazy or unmotivated. It's a frustrating feeling because I want so badly to be able to just snap out of it, but it's not that simple.

Autistic burnout is a result of sensory overload and feeling constantly overwhelmed. It's like my brain just can't keep up with the constant stimulation and it crashes. I try my best to avoid situations that trigger it, but sometimes it just sneaks up on me.

It can be really tough, but I've learned to accept that this is just a part of who I am and that it's okay to need a break. I try to make sure I take the time to recharge, whether it's through self-care or just taking a nap.

If you're experiencing autistic burnout, know that you're not alone. It's important to take care of yourself and not be too hard on yourself. Try to find things that help you relax and give you a break from the constant stimulation. And remember, it's okay to need a break. You're not weak for having this experience, you're just human.

Barnaby J. Tremayne.

I Love Coffee - video version

 

https://youtu.be/fo74aJ83Qqs

I experimented with #primevoice AI audio and FakeYou lip sync generator and ended up with an anime character telling us that they love coffee.

A Quick Guide to Surviving FAWM

 Getting started with FAWM: A Guide to the February Album Writing Month Challenge

February Album Writing Month, or FAWM, is an online community of songwriters and musicians who challenge themselves to write and record 14 new songs in the 28 days of February. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting out, FAWM is a great opportunity to stretch your creative muscles, collaborate with other musicians, and build your portfolio.

Here are some tips to help you get started with FAWM:

1. Set your goals.

Before you begin, it's important to know what you want to accomplish with FAWM. Do you want to write a certain number of songs? Do you want to experiment with a new genre? Do you want to improve your recording skills? Whatever your goals are, make sure they are specific, measurable, and achievable.

2. Start early.

FAWM can be a busy time, so it's a good idea to start planning and preparing as early as possible. Make a list of songs you want to write, gather your musical instruments and recording gear, and set up a workspace that is conducive to creativity.

3. Collaborate.

FAWM is a great opportunity to collaborate with other musicians, both online and in person. You can join the FAWM forum to find collaborators, share your songs, and receive feedback. You can also attend FAWM events and participate in songwriting challenges to get inspired and meet other musicians.

4. Be flexible.

Songwriting can be unpredictable, and it's important to be flexible and open to change. Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they're outside of your comfort zone. And if a song isn't working out, don't be afraid to move on and try something else.

5. Keep it simple.

Songwriting is about creativity, not technical proficiency. Don't get bogged down by complicated chord progressions or intricate arrangements. Instead, focus on writing a simple melody and lyrics that tell a story. You can always add more instrumentation later.

6. Stay organized.

With 14 songs to write in 28 days, it's important to stay organized. Keep a notebook or digital document with your lyrics and ideas. And when you're ready to record, make sure to label your files and backups.

7. Celebrate your achievements.

Writing and recording 14 songs in 28 days is no small feat. Take the time to celebrate your achievements and share your songs with others. You can upload your songs to the FAWM website, share them on social media, or perform them at a local open mic.

In conclusion, FAWM is a unique and rewarding challenge for songwriters and musicians of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to improve your songwriting, collaborate with others, or build your portfolio, FAWM is a great opportunity to stretch your creative muscles and have fun. So get started early, set your goals, and have fun!