Maria's Arts & Designs

Mixing some Marvel superheroes with a DC one. I made these baby heroes in cross stitch for my brother AJ, AJ & The Happy Family.
Who’s your favorite hero or what universe do you prefer?

To continue to show case my cross stitching, I’ve done a couple of butterflies. I had bought them both years ago; had only finished the pink one and started the purple one. I decided to pick it back up, still had the string and the pattern, and finish it. I’m pretty happy with how they came out.

I love butterflies and I love pink and purple! So these are perfect for me!
What’s your favorite animal and color? 🤔

When you find something that has instructions but has enough creativity still, it’s calming and soothing even though it can have frustrating moments, and you find it at the dollar store! Can’t beat that price!

A small cross stitch of an M, in some sort of serif-esque font, with a rose and leaves that I finished back on August 25th.

A very simple jump back into cross stitching for me, and it has been a way for me to do something crafty, slightly creative, and calming for my anxiety.

Also, I found out this is a common way Millenials are adulting 😅.
Anyone else? 👀
What do you think? 🤔

Love being part of the Hello PLATO team at InTech Ideas! Thank you Class Tech Tips for this article!

An Invitation: Join Hello PLATO to Make Online Learning Personal - Class Tech Tips Learn how you can make online learning more personal this school year by using Hello PLATO to customize learning experiences for students.

Today was the last . It was a great gathering at the also with the hosts of .Productions!

It had been way too long since I had sketched out anything. So I doodled an earring idea and a leaf I took a picture of earlier. I need to get more practice in!

Also, as a going away present gave me two of his prints and some stickers! 😍😭 how awesome is that?!

April 2 🧩

I want to thank Suzanne Ricci for doing this episode with me. I had fun covering many important topics for job seekers with her, including how much things have changed during the pandemic. Give it a listen and check out the links in the show notes!
ComputerCoach

For episode 3 of our second season, we have Suzanne Ricci, founder and Chief Success Officer of ComputerCoach, discussing what she has done to help local job seekers.

You can listen to it here: https://zcu.io/Gxqy

Question: What is one thing you have the most trouble with when looking for a new job?

Tomorrow morning I will be part of a panel discussion talking about the Hidden Job Market. You can register through Eventbrite to join us, link in bio.

Happy New Year! I want to start with being thankful for my health, for the new job that I started this year, which kept me busy, and for my loved ones both near and far.

This past year, because of the pandemic, I could not travel and see family as I would have liked to. I know it will still be difficult this year, but I will take more time to call, and even facetime, if possible, with my family. Making time for family is still important, especially for those who don't live with us.

Also, hoping to create some traditional art this year that I can post!

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
-Oprah Winfrey

What do you wish you had a chance to do last year?
Maybe take the time to do it this year!

Ready to close this year and open a new one!
Wishing you all a safe happy new year!

From all of us at InTech Ideas, we’d like to wish you a Happy and Safe New Year! Thank you to everyone who was part of our growth this year and to our many supporters. We look forward to the upcoming year with new projects, new guests on our podcast, new connections, and innovation for the .

What are you looking forward to this new year?

#2021

Happy holidays!
Merry Christmas!
Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to the InTech Ideas community!

No matter how your holidays look this year, we hope you spend it safe and enjoy the last week of the year.

That’s a wrap! I loved being a part of this project! Thank you to everyone who supported our podcast and participated as a guest! I had fun and can’t wait to see what next year’s season brings! If you still haven’t checked it out, you can listen to all of the episodes here:
https://podcast.intechideas.com/

That's a wrap! Season 1 of Empowering The Future Of Work has come to a close with the end of 2020.

Skip and Maria Vanessa speak about the wonderful guests we had and what's to come.

https://zcu.io/khjn

What topics or guests would you like to hear from next season? If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who should be, comment below or send us a DM.

Thank you to our Season 1 Guests:
Jessica Noble, Magnetic Experiences
Matt Cowell, QuantHub
James Ringrose, RCP Learning
Ben Pauluhn, Optimus Solar
Christi Bowen, Creations-Christi Bowen VO
Tiffany Ellis, Pods_and_PR
Om Patel, ClearlyAgile
Ingrid Harb, Nota Inclusion
Lauren Mabra, Blubird Marketing
Johnny Crowder, Cope Notes

Something GOOD to hold on to: My job 👩🏻‍💻

Something BAD to let go of: Not being able to get married this year 👰🏻

2020 was a unique year, to say the least. I'm glad it's coming to a close, but at the same time, I am grateful for the opportunities I had to grow under these circumstances. 🙏🏼

You?

"As we look to the new year, hold on to what is good. Let go of what is bad. It really is that simple."
– Mandy Hale

What is something good from this year you are holding on to, and something bad you are letting go of?

"Yes, stability and education are important -- I'm not taking anything away from that -- but innovation is the real driver of progress."
-Bill Gates

How does your company drive innovation?

Mental health is for everyone. But the keep it healthy is different way to for everyone. 🧠

What’s a way you improve your mental health?

I like to listen to music when I'm stressed or anxious. 🎶

Stretch or do yoga (need to do it more often) when I'm tense or too stressed. 🧘‍♀️

Sometimes a nap is what both my mind and body needs! 😴 🤷🏻‍♀️

Attitudes, treatments for mental health shift from baby boomers to Gen Z
“What we’re seeing is a cultural shift toward acknowledging the most basic and widespread mental health concerns.”

https://zcu.io/AXo3

What have you noticed about the cultural shift around mental health?

I hope to step forward into growth when possible, but I do know that in some situations I might have to step back into safety in order to be ready for the following moment or challenge.

What are your thoughts on this quote?

"In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth... or to step back into safety."
- Abraham Maslow

What will you choose when your next challenge happens?

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁

Happy Thanksgiving to the InTech Ideas community!

We're so grateful for each of you. While this won't be the traditional Thanksgiving we've come to expect, we hope you take the time to celebrate the little things and show appreciation for each other.

To paraphrase a quote from Charles Dickenson...be thankful for your current blessings; we all have many. Let go of your past misfortunes; we all have some.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is true. We must grab the highlights, even if it’s just one or two, and celebrate. Especially after this year, anything positive we can concentrate on will help us move forward more successfully.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
- Oprah Winfrey

This is a time to praise, celebrate, and be thankful. Even 2020 has a highlights reel.

Another way of and bringing a approach using marketing and social media! Thank you, Lauren Mabra, for sharing with us some of your ! Check out InTech Ideas's new podcast episode with Blubird Marketing!

Episode 10 of 'Empowering The Future Of Work' is now out with Lauren Mabra, from Blubird Marketing, discussing marketing strategies and the future of work.

You can listen to it here: https://zcu.io/SADd

Question: With the shift to remote work, and the limitations on in-person events, how has marketing changed in your organization?

A great article by the lovely Lauren Mabra from Blubird Marketing, sharing what she learned! I had to take some notes!!

14 LESSONS I STOLE FROM MARKETERS SMARTER THAN ME
"I’m sorry to break it to you, but… Everyone can’t be your target customer."
https://zcu.io/mabZ

How do you decide who your target customer is?

Keeping it simple and consistent are 2 that I like and have to focus on.

"Simple and to the point is always the best way to get your point across."
-Guy Kawasaki

What is your marketing strategy?

Listen to Skip Marshall talk to the lovely Ingrid Harb on the importance of and what they are doing through Nota Inclusion! Go listen!

Episode 9 of 'Empowering The Future Of Work' is now out with Ingrid Harb, from NOTA Inclusion, discussing what leaders and organizations can do to make DEI a differentiator for them.

You can listen to it here: https://zcu.io/6zto

Question: What are you doing to improve DEI within your organization?

I love having people’s inputs because everyone sees things differently. Having diversity means that I’ll have a range of views, ideas and responses when I work with others.

"Diversity is not how we differ.
Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness."
-Ola Joseph

What do you think is the best thing about having diversity in the workplace?

It’s Monday! Whether it’s a good one, or maybe still working up to it, make sure you take a moment...
And listen 👂.

“Listen, really listen to people who disagree with you in order to fight confirmation bias.”
- Linda Rising.

I present to you my first podcast episode as a host with the lovely Tiffany Ellis from Pods_and_PR!

Episode 7 of 'Empowering The Future Of Work' is now out with Tiffany Ellis of Pods_and_PR discussing community, leadership, and mental health.

You can listen to it here: https://zcu.io/B77c

Question: How are you showing up as a leader to support your team working from home?

:
When was the last time you revamped your bio?

On here or any site you use to market yourself. I am currently in the process of updating my profiles. These should probably be changed every year, as you, your brand, product or potential client can change over time. There are many great resources out there on how to optimize your bio and profile to get your ideal audience.
I have found great guidance and tips from .

:
For creatives:
Try to recreate something you made at the beginning of your journey to see your improvement.

I know I've seen improvements in my work, but sometimes recreating something helps show how much you have improved. I know people who draw or create in some way that will recreate an artwork or app they did a year or two prior and show the before and after. I think it’s also great practice! I, for example, want to recreate my website using react once my react lessons come to an end.

What project do you wish you could redo with the knowledge and skills you currently have?

I studied for a couple of years at the continuing my studies in art and graphic design. I took several traditional and digital art classes and still worked on personal projects on the side. I was amazed by the minarets from its oldest building, Plant Hall, formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel! I created a painting of a minaret, chosen to be the cover of a booklet of poems and art on campus, and I drew one on a door we were decorating for an event. I admired this architectural artwork very much, and it was great to live amongst them for a couple of years.

“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒷𝑜𝓇𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁, 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒻𝑒𝒸𝓉.”
The point is for you to try and not give up, but you don’t have to change who you are. Stay true to yourself, and your truth will help you succeed. Perfect isn’t ideal in today’s society; we want people that are real, genuine.

I want to highlight who is ran by the lovely Tiffany Ellis. I met Tiffany late February before the shutdown happened in Tampa, and it was the greatest connection made that day. She has been a great leader and support in her community during these times and that is how came to be. Go check her profile out and go find on YouTube.
with

:
Do you know there’s a new algorithm on Instagram for business pages to be seen?
It’s not so much about likes or comments anymore, but all about shares and saves. We are all used to seeing the likes flow in and responding to comments. But now, shares and saves have more weight on whether more people will see your page.
I am still getting used to this myself and have gone back to check older posts to see which are being shared and saved (you will see the number below the icon). Check out the next image to see how to view your insights and see how many of each interaction you have for each post.

:
For everyone:
Make sure you’re doing what you love, but that you are also valued, being paid well, and you’re able to have family time and self-care time still.
With this year's events, many people have lost their jobs or have had to continue their job working from home with their spouse, kids, parents, or even alone. It has been hard on many, but it has made many consider what is essential and how to balance having work integrated into our personal lives. I had the pleasure to start working at the beginning of the shutdown with a great local, small company doing what I love as a part-time job and still have time to have family time and time for my personal projects.
Do you currently have a job, and is it something you love? Or does it just pay the bills?

Last year, from the beginning of September, all the way to the week before Christmas, I participated in the first all-female cohort of Tampa’s LaunchCode Codecamp, doing a fully immersive (Monday through Friday, 9 am - 5 pm for 14 weeks) Full-stack curriculum. We learned Python, HTML, CSS, MySQL, and Java. After just 2.5 months, we had the last month to create an app from scratch using all of these languages, plus many tools we also learned how to use.

I made a to-do list styled calendar with three working user-stories:
1. Register or Login
2. Add Event to Calendar
3. Search for Event

Check out the screenshots to see the different views and user-stories.

“𝐼 𝒶𝓂 𝒶𝒹𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓈. 𝐼 𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒷𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂𝓈.”
I haven’t always been adventurous when it comes to trying new things. But at the beginning of this year I said I would. Whether it’s food or taking a chance in my career. Sometimes I just have to remind myself that things will be ok, because if I don’t try I won’t know!
𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓃𝑒𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝓇𝒾𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓎𝑒𝒶𝓇?

Do you have a drawing that you want to make into a digital design but don’t know how? I can take a picture of your drawing and create a digital version of it. I can leave it in black and white or color it in for you! This can be used for a logo or for branding so you can print it on something. This mug was a sketch given to me by another artist and was printed on coffee cups for the University of Tampa’s Student Productions. Message me for a quote.

:
As a creative, do you still sketch on paper or do you prefer to do it digitally?
For me it depends on what it is, but I do prefer if can go straight to digital.

:
For Graphic and Digital Designers...
No matter what program, software, or app you use...
Make sure you are constantly learning how to do new things, or how to use new tools. Look up videos online for a quick lesson.
I have done this to learn new things on Photoshop and Illustrator all the time. With every upgrade there’s always new tools and tricks to learn.
What’s program do you use to design?

After graduating the University of Tampa back in 2010, I had my first commission for a logo design. It was a great learning and growing experience being able to work with the client until it was just right. I have made many logos since and been able to develop my design skills.

💖🤍”𝐼 𝒶𝓂 𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽”🤍💖
This affirmation I did today will be my daily reminder for the upcoming week.
This week I had a very vivid and frustrating dream where I felt like I kept having to prove myself, where, no matter what I did, it was never enough. As I work, study, create, and live... I need to remind myself I do not owe anyone (except maybe my mom) anything. I don’t have to prove my worth, because I know I am enough and they are the ones missing out.
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕕𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕘𝕘𝕝𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙?