Author: creativecircle

As COVID has upended life as we know it and the Delta variant rages, tension abounds. What’s the antidote to processing the news, heading to the office wherever that may be and trying to stay safe? Taking in some lighthearted entertainment could do our soul and temperament good. Our heads and hearts could benefit. If you’re going to watch something on your TV, computer or phone anyway, why not make it a refreshing experience with uplifting themes and even rip roaring fun? Here are 10 suggestions to take your mind off the outside world and smile.  

Schitt’s Creek

“Terrible name, terrific sitcom: how Schitt’s Creek became a surprise hit.” The title of a post in The Guardian about this series says it all. Well, not all, but a lot. This Canadian TV product from the Levy boys – son Dan and father Eugene – tells the riches-to-rags story of the Rose family. The patriarch, Johnny, who once reigned over a video store empire, loses all of his money thanks to his unscrupulous business manager. Left destitute after an elaborate embezzlement scheme, the Roses find themselves without hearth and home. They relocate to Schitt’s Creek, a rural town, the deed to which the dad bought for his son as a gag gift years back. This extravagant and avant garde family doesn’t mesh with the town residents, at least not initially and pretty much for the 80 episodes over six seasons. But they give it a go in their own most unusual ways. The concept for the series came from Dan Levy’s musings about what life could be like if wealthy people hit rock bottom. Although the reception to this show was middling for the first two seasons, it hit the heights when production moved to Netflix. “The Rise of Schitt’s Creek” explains: “Thanks for a daffy charm – a winning combination of its characters’ caustic wit and the show’s fundamental warmth… the series rose from humble origins to the pinnacle of TV acclaim.” It “set a new record for most Emmy wins by a comedy series in a single season.” Watch it on Netflix; it’s also on Amazon Video and syndicated TV at times.       

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

The TV program Seinfeld was supposed to be “a show about nothing.” Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which started as a web series, masters that theme via the directorial and hosting skills of Jerry Seinfeld himself. The 84 episodes over 11 seasons follow the same basic formula. Seinfeld, a fan of vintage cars, selects one just right to ferry a particular guest to and from a café. They talk and talk some more in the vehicle and the restaurant. No, that’s not exactly right. They enjoy one another’s company and engage in banter, repartee and musings of the very funny kind. That’s better. Most of the segments last between 12 and 20 minutes. They move quickly as jokes and laughter whizz by. Get ready for a star-studded line up, which includes comedy greats Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks together in one show. There are many others, such as Aziz Ansari, Stephen Colbert, Larry David, Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Silverman and Garry Shandling. In one of the top-rated installments, Alec Baldwin “steals the show and makes an appearance as Jack Nicholson.” In a mirthful moment, Baldwin says to the host: “Your life has been one unbroken boulevard of green lights, hasn’t it?” You’ll see why Screenrant.com says: “The idea of the show that is nothing more than two people driving around and getting coffee doesn’t sound like entertaining television. However… Jerry Seinfeld… turned Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee into a truly great talk show.” Suggestion: don’t watch this series on an empty stomach when streaming it on Netflix.     

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

It’s “a sitcom with one of the most outlandish premises one would ever see. Yet it manages to strike a universal chord with viewers, making almost anyone relate to the show’s characters.” That’s how TheCinemaholic characterizes Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This series, which ran on network TV and transitioned to Netflix, where it is now, is about rebirth. Why? Kimmy and three other women were kidnapped and held captive by a doomsday cult in a town in Indiana for 15 years. These were not pleasant times for these victims. They lived in an underground bunker, brainwashed that an apocalypse was in the offing. As the series starts, the authorities rescue the group. They open the doors to the bunker and the ladies emerge to see the light of day. But now what? Do these “mole women,” as the media refers to them, go back to their roots and resume their former lives? Not Kimmy. She decides to venture to New York City to start anew. There she quickly meets an eccentric landlady and an equally unconventional roommate and employer. These three form and ensemble cast that is, in a word, zany. “It’s a Miracle!” is a phrase in the catchy theme song, which frames the upbeat nature of the show. Rolling Stone says that this “off-kilter comedy remains true to its roots as an always absurd, often poignant show that survived, like its title character, against the odds.” And TheCinemaholilc adds that Kimmy’s “optimistic attitude proves to be infectious and makes the show one of the best feel-good productions of recent times.”    

Nailed It!

This madcap streaming series has perfected the recipe for great laughter. Recruit a pleasant, yet pointed comic host and a world-class pastry chef who oozes easygoing charm. Add a roster of happily self-effacing amateur contestants to collaborate as daring duos and assign them amped-up baking projects to recreate from intricate models. Then, after too short a time, ask those aspiring to win the $10,000 grand prize to reveal their entries. When they do, they shout “Nailed It!” in more than a bit of hopeful jest. Do their works resemble the masterpieces? A hilarious judge who knows nothing about baking, similar to the emcee of the show – not a clue – also weighs in on the verdict. Oh, the decision makers have to not only view the pastries, but also sample them. The winners of the first of the two challenges in every episode receive giant golden chef hats, which they wear on air. Everyone gets along and has a blast for all 46 episodes – no sore losers here. Netflix, which airs Nailed It! describes it as: “Part reality contest, part hot mess.” By the way, the phrase “nailed it” refers to “the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. It’s often used sarcastically in reference to efforts that comically failed.” How has this series fared? It received “critical acclaim and was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, including twice for Outstanding Competition Program and once for Outstanding Host for a Reality of Competition Program.” The celebrity chef took this role because other cooking shows “are too serious.” This one is not! 

Kim’s Convenience

Warning: Beware of belly laughing! Humorous and heartwarming, Kim’s Convenience will delight you. Every 25-minute episode opens with a brief sketch, which pokes fun at the incongruities of life. Appa, Korean for dad, who appears in all of them, is shrewd most of the time and a pawn for social commentary at others. He is Mr. Kim, owner of a neighborhood general store in Moss Park in Toronto. He and his wife, who their children call Umma, or mom, left their Asian homeland for greater opportunity in Canada. But this series does not focus on the Kims exclusively; there’s more to it. Vanity Fair on “Why Kim’s Convenience Matters,” claims this is “a show about an Asian family that isn’t just about an Asian family.” It tackles a cross-section of social, business and other issues in mainly a cheerful way. The series originated as a play written by a co-creator of it, who wasn’t getting acting roles at the time. He based it on his own experience, which parallels the main plot. How do influencers regard Kim’s Convenience? The first season, which aired on CBC TV in Canada in 2016, received “100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 12 critics’ reviews.” One called it “a clever, generally engaging screwball comedy with an eye on entertainment.” Another said “the dialogue is sharp, on point and borderline subversive,” and added “it has the potential to be a future classic. It has bite. It’s funny and true, but not a reality we typically see reflected on television.” Watch all five seasons on Netflix.  

Doc Martin

“Make an appointment with the brilliant but socially awkward and neurotic Doc Martin,” suggests Amazon. To that it adds the plot line. “When Martin develops an aversion to blood, he abandons his career as a celebrated London surgeon and becomes the only doctor in a sleepy small town where his tactless manner soon has the whole town in an uproar.” This description covers some of the bases; but It doesn’t cite the strong comedic pull of the series, which stems from the doc himself and the villagers. This brilliant medical practitioner has no filter. He tells his patients – and everyone for that matter – exactly what he thinks. Gasp! It’s shocking, refreshing and a source of wonderment and perhaps envy. As for the denizens of Port Wenn, they have eccentricities in the nicest and most amusing of ways. Put it together and it’s an Rx for a streaming experience that is sure to capture your attention and likely your devotion. What’s more, you may even learn something about medicine and maladies in the process. Doc Martin aired originally on British TV before being picked up by Public Broadcasting in the U.S. The New York Times celebrated its arrival in a post on “Small-Town Crank Finds His Following” and refers to it as a “fish-out-of-water comedy.” A post on “3 Reasons Why We Love Doc Martin” sites countless ways but highlights: “he’s socially awkward; despite his lack of warmth, he’s always honest; the good doctor does have a soft-spot.” So will you for this series. Watch it on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Acorn.  

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

In real life, aspiring comics hang out on the stand-up circuit for years until – or, more likely, if – they make it. In this series, the lead character Midge Maisel, who starts out as a housewife, performs a spontaneous set on stage in a drunken state after her husband leaves her. He, by the way, is the one who desires a career in comedy. And she, by the way, is good. Make that “marvelous.” Oh, that’s just the beginning of this witty series, which provides a cultural tour of the 1950’s/’60’s, complete with couture galore. Other regulars in the cast form a tightly knit ensemble of the most sidesplitting type, e.g., Midge’s theatrical agent and Midge’s dad. The creator of the series, Amy Sherman-Palladino, is known for her “caffeine-powered dialogue that’s laced with pop culture references aplenty.” Her father, by the way, did stand-up initially in New York City. All of this comes through clearly and happily in this “effervescent comedy.” The pilot episode, which aired in 2017 on Amazon Video, was one of its most successful ever; the average viewer rating achieved 4.9 on a 5-point scale. The A.V. Club ranked the production design as “outstanding” and noted: “this is a series that’s as confident as its heroine – and what a heroine she is.” In its three seasons – with one more in the works — the series won award upon award. Examples include Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Emmys for directing, writing, lead actress, supporting actress and actor – just about everything. Watch it on Amazon.  

Cobra Kai

Remember The Karate Kid movie? It’s back in the form of this comedy-drama series. It features the same main characters and those who portrayed them – Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence. Only it’s 34 years later and they have gone onto other pursuits, well at least one has successfully. Both have not forgotten the fateful All-Valley Karate Tournament playoffs; their bitter rivalry festers and continues to sear. Oh, it’s intense and a test of good against evil. Karate proves to be a path for underdogs to pursue to find their inner strength, protection against bullying, friends and especially babes. It’s all reminiscent of the Rocky Balboa saga and entertaining to the hilt. “’Cobra Kai’ is not good, but it is awesome,” declares The Washington Post. What’s the appeal? This piece cites “solid retconning and generational satire.” Retconning is short for “retroactive continuity.” That refers to picking up from where a fictional work left off with enough creative freedom to make it work. The latter – satire – is superb. “The premise is good, but the show’s humor is better.” The main characters are middle age and often lack the savvy to immediately pick up cultural cues and changes. This comes across in how they relate to teenagers, to the world at large and definitely to each other. If you grew up in the 1980’s or admire the music from that era, this series is for you, but not limited to you alone. It launched on YouTube in 2018 and has moved to Netflix. It’s sure to move you too!  

The Good Place

“If you like your sitcoms surreal, thought-provoking and generally warm, this one’s for you.” That’s the word from The New York Times in its post entitled “Comforting Streaming TV Shows for Stressful Times.” The series revolves around an engaging main character and her cohorts. The woman in the starring role finds herself in an unlikely predicament with a curious outcome. After living a life of mixed behaviors, this recently-deceased person has been sent to “the good place” rather than the bad one. However, her destination is supposed to be for those on the highest end of the ethical scale. It’s a utopian-like environment, idyllic and the best after-life alternative versus the underworld. How did this mistake happen? Or did it? What’s the point? What should she do? Are others there like her too? And how can she – and they – stay true to the principles of The Good Place, such as not using profanity and adhering to other saintly rules? Each resident has a soulmate assigned, so it’s not as easy as it seems to toe the line. There’s plenty of banter and good versus evil jokes, such as “If you’re a devil, how come you’re not wearing Prada?” As the plot evolves, the characters are kept off balance and viewers are too, over the course of the series’ four-year run of 53 episodes. It’s fun and absorbing. The show received “critical acclaim for its writing, acting, originality, setting and tone.” It ran on network TV from 2016 to 2020. It’s now a Netflix property, where you can watch it in its entirety.  

Atypical

This series is among “The best 9 under-the-radar sitcoms you can stream on Netflix right now.” It’s unlikely and truly atypical. Why? The plot revolves around an 18-year old boy from Connecticut, who is on the autism spectrum. Make no mistake about it – it is a comedy, an endearing one at that. Here’s what the same Insider post said about Atypical: “Told with heart, it’s an elongated coming of age story, and moreover, it’s downright hilarious.” The comedic touches span the gamut, from outright clowning to dark humor; this continuum is emblematic of the tenor of the entire show. Sam, the subject of Atypical, longs to be typical in many ways. At the beginning of the show’s four-season run in 2017, he wants to get a girlfriend. He strives to achieve his wish list with the help of a therapist, who counsels him on deciphering social cues and bridging how to interact and communicate effectively with others. As the series unfolds, so too do his goals, such as attending college and moving out of his parents’ home. As for the parents and other members of the family, the series delves into how autism affects all of them. They are lovingly supportive but coping with their own battles. TV Guide proclaimed: “Atypical Remains the Most Surprising Family Comedy on TV.” It’s more than likely you will agree with that statement. To find out, go to Netflix and start viewing it. Atypical is trying and touching, quirky and elevating. The series is set to wrap up in 2021 with the final episodes in production.  

More…. You may also wish to check out Grace and Frankie, Great News, The Kominsky Method, Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Queer Eye. And the parting message no matter if or what you watch is: Enjoy! 

About the author. 
You name it, she covers it. That’s the can-do attitude Sherry M. Adler brings to the craft of writing. A polished marketing and communications professional, she has a passion for learning and the world at large. She uses it plus the power of words to inform and energize stakeholders of all kinds. And to show how all of this can make a difference, she calls her business WriteResults NY, LLC. 

Confusing data, industry jargon, lack of prior knowledge — ALL these things can make it feel impossible to glean the information we need from various sources. So, when companies have something important to communicate, it is vital they cut through any confusing or unfamiliar information. 

Technical Writers are charged with taking complicated, technical, industry-specific information and presenting it in a streamlined and digestible format.

Think everything from user manuals to online courses to C-suite presentations — anything that explains detailed information to audiences that are not technical experts. They are also in demand in every industry, so it is an excellent option for folks that want to make writing their full-time career choice. 

While this all might seem straightforward, the skills required to be a good Technical Writer can be hard to come by. It is a job that requires high-level processing of information and the ability to parse out the crucial elements and present them in a helpful way for the intended audience. 

What does a Technical Writer do?  

Technical Writers do more than writing. To develop documents that serve their purpose, they need to be designed from the ground up, which means there is more to the process than just crafting content. 

Define The Project

Technical Writers develop all different types of documents, so clarifying the details of each project with the client is an essential first step to make sure you deliver what is being asked. Necessary specifications include document type, subject area/content, goal, scope, and audience.

Audience Analysis  

The next step is to take a careful look at the audience for whom you are writing. Facts may need to be conveyed differently based on who is reading. For example, are you writing for folks with background knowledge on the topic or someone completely unfamiliar with the information? 

Instructional Solutions offers some questions to think about when identifying your audience:

  • Who are they?
  • What do they need?
  • Where will they be reading?
  • When will they be reading?
  • Why will they reading?
  • How will they be reading?

Document Planning & User Experience

How is your reader going to interact with your document? What design choices can help make it most useful to them? As a Technical Writer, you need to design your documents in a way that conveys the information most clearly to a specific audience, so it is crucial to think about how they will navigate the content you are giving them. Therefore, every choice made should consider the question: “How does this serve the reader?”

Technical Research & Writing

And now we finally get to content! This step includes studying a slew of sources for the information that fits the brief of your project and then translating that to a more accessible format and language. While it is helpful for the Technical Writer to be well versed in the subject matter they are working with; it is also good practice to consult directly with technical subject matter experts. They can be an invaluable resource to clarify anything confusing, consult on what key points to include, and provide additional clarifying information. 

Technical Writing Principles 

For the most part, technical writing is relatively straightforward, but specific strategies can help maximize the usability and user experience of technical documents. 

Active Voice 

People find it much easier to read sentences written in the active voice, so use this technique whenever you can. The subject of your sentence should be the doer of the action. 

Accurate, Plain Language

Technical writing is not the space to show off your creative prose. Use the correct terms for anything technically specific while avoiding jargon that may not be common knowledge. If needed, define a potentially unfamiliar term. When writing instruction, precision is key — you want to eliminate any room for misinterpretation, so include as much detail as necessary, but not too much that it distracts.

Logical Sequencing

To make your writing clear and direct, consider how it will flow. Sequence your copy in a way that corresponds to the points in the process the reader will need specific pieces of information. They should not have to jump around to look for what they need.

You Need These Attributes and Characteristics to Succeed at Being a Technical Writer 

Unsurprisingly, writing and editing skills are necessary to thrive as a Technical Writer—  and a keen eye for detail. But, possibly even more important than that is a commitment to being a lifelong learner since you will consistently be engaging with new, potentially unfamiliar material. The ability to absorb, process, and effectively share large quantities of information is at the core of this role. Additionally, taking a user-centered approach to projects will also yield the most successful technical writing. 

Qualifications 

Almost all Technical Writer jobs will require at least a Bachelor’s degree, but qualifications can vary significantly between industries beyond that. For example, some software companies will look for a technical writer with coding experience, but that is not always the case. A lot of the specific subject-area training happens on the job, so a demonstrated ability to quickly pick up on new skills will set you up for success in an interview. 

There are many resources and courses available for folks interested in diving into the field of technical writing. If you think it might be for you, check this out. 

Salary 

The salary for a Technical Writer can vary based on location, experience, industry, and whether you are working full time or freelance. As of May 2020, the average salary for a Technical Writer in the United States was $74,650. 

About the author.
An award-winning creator and digital health, wellness, and lifestyle content strategist—Karina writes, produces, and edits compelling content across multiple platforms—including articles, video, interactive tools, and documentary film. Her work has been featured on MSN Lifestyle, Apartment Therapy, Goop, Psycom, Yahoo News, Pregnancy & Newborn, Eat This Not That, thirdAGE, and Remedy Health Media digital properties and has spanned insight pieces on psychedelic toad medicine to forecasting the future of work to why sustainability needs to become more sustainable. 

Bridging design and development, Quality Assurance, or QA processes ensure that the product that consumers see is executed as the designers intended — free of bugs, crashes, or frustrations. Of course, that’s easier said than done, making Quality Assurance Managers an invaluable link in the chain for developing digital products.

The user experience or UX design process aims to offer a product or service that is an easy, efficient, and satisfying experience for the user — which requires teams of designers, developers, testers, and more to take a concept from an idea to a usable product. 

To guarantee that the user will have the intended experience with that product, Quality Assurance (or QA) is a necessary part of the development process. Not only do UX QA Managers ensure that a user can complete all the tasks they need to without any bugs or glitches, but they are also central to maintaining the integrity of the design.  

Vive Le Difference: UX Design + Quality Assurance 

UX design refers to any interaction a person has with a product or service; it considers each and every component that shapes a person’s interaction with a product or service. This encompasses a wide array of experiences — from how it makes a user feel to how simple it is for a user to accomplish their desired task to how the product feels in their hands to how easy it is to complete a transaction (particularly online). 

QA Managers take the vision for that design and see it through the development process. They work closely with the UX designer to get a comprehensive plan for the design and then work directly with the development team to ensure that vision makes its way into the final product. While not in charge of creating the design, QA Managers are a critical link in the chain of bringing the intended experience from a starting concept to the users’ fingertips. 

Why is Quality Assurance Important to Digital Design? 

Quality Assurance processes are necessary to ensure both the usability and the design consistency of any digital product — and the earlier in the process QA is included, the less work will be necessary to fix any issues that arise. Unforeseen ripple effects caused by recoding an error could lead to a whole host of new problems popping up that need to be addressed, which can throw the development team into a situation where they have a massive amount of work to do just before the deadline. That can be avoided by more proactive QA practices starting much earlier in development. Fixing any bugs early on can prevent more significant issues from emerging down the line. 

 At the core of a QA Manager’s job is ensuring the usability of the product or service. They make sure that the customer can successfully complete the tasks they need to in a way that feels intuitive. One can do usability testing in various ways, but it ought to be done often throughout the development process. 

 Usability can be broken down into five different quality components: 

  • Learnability: Is it easy for users to accomplish simple tasks the first time they encounter the design? 
  • Efficiency: Once users have used and navigated the design, how quickly are they able to perform tasks? 
  • Memorability: When users return to the design after not using it for a period of time, how quickly are they able to reestablish proficiency? 
  • Errors: How many errors do users make? How severe are these errors — and how easily can they recover from the errors? 
  • Satisfaction: How pleasant an experience is it to use the design? 

Usability QA, described above, is one form of QA. In addition, there is the process of design QA, through which the team ensures that design elements have been implemented as planned. Incorporating design QA throughout the development process means that everything is getting executed according to the design or very quickly corrected as you go, rather than having to fix a colossal error right before the deadline retroactively. 

Design QA is often overlooked by development teams that see usability alone as “good enough,” but quality user experiences are rooted in well-executed design. Design features like animations, color palettes, fonts, and information layouts can become inconsistent, negatively affecting user experience. A comprehensive Style Guide and active QA practices can help bridge that risky divide between design and development. The clearer that line of communication, the more likely the correct interaction will be developed the first time. 

Quality Assurance Hurdles

QA Managers face the complicated task of ensuring that designs are implemented in accurate and usable ways and can run necessary fixes at almost any point in the process. 

Miscommunication

Suppose coders and developers don’t have an accurate or comprehensive understanding of what the design is supposed to be or the intended function of a given feature. In that case, things are not going to be built according to the UX Designer’s specifications. Developers may sometimes misinterpret or accidentally alter design components, which can become a problem when certain design choices are disregarded that significantly impact usability and function. Quality Assurance testing helps prevent these snafus. 

Misaligned Priorities 

When time and resources start to run thin, people can sometimes work in the mindset of making something “good enough,” and different team members might define that threshold differently. While designers may prioritize visual elements looking and behaving correctly, the development team may primarily focus on streamlining code and processes. 

Design Debt

With a constantly changing and evolving product, maintaining a consistent design can become complicated, which can lead to Design Debt, the issue that arises when “a bunch of incremental changes collect over time and yield a disjointed, inconsistent, and patched-together experience.” Design QA audits can point out these issues as they emerge, and this can help avoid accruing a large design debt that would become a massive project to address at some later point. 

You Need These Attributes and Characteristics to Succeed at Being a QA Manager

Successful QA Managers have a keen eye for detail and can give useful, constructive feedback. Also critical is a user-centered approach to the development process because understanding how the user will interact with the product leads to better testing and analysis. 

 For highly collaborative UX roles, companies are looking for folks with: 

  • Empathy  
  • Creative problem-solving skills 
  • Critical thinking skills 
  • Curiosity 

Above all, this role is about communication and teamwork, so group problem-solving and mediation skills are necessary to prevent building an “us vs. them” culture in the development process. 

Qualifications 

QA Managers require an intimate understanding of the design process and all the necessary technical features to bridge design and development successfully. Experience in software testing and coding languages is essential, along with understanding product functionality and design concepts. 

QA Managers require a balance of hard skills and soft skills, especially if you’re managing a team of testers. You may be juggling many projects at once, so time management and prioritization skills are also going to be necessary tools in your back pocket.  

Salary

The average salary for a UX QA Manager varies by experience, sector, and location. According to data on Glassdoor, UX QA Managers in the United States typically make a base salary of $85,778. 

About the author. 

An award-winning creator and digital health, wellness, and lifestyle content strategist—Karina writes, produces, and edits compelling content across multiple platforms—including articles, video, interactive tools, and documentary film. Her work has been featured on MSN Lifestyle, Apartment Therapy, Goop, Psycom, Yahoo News, Pregnancy & Newborn, Eat This Not That, thirdAGE, and Remedy Health Media digital properties and has spanned insight pieces on psychedelic toad medicine to forecasting the future of work to why sustainability needs to become more sustainable. 

The more screens we have in our life, the more important jobs like motion graphics designer and video editor become, and therefore, the more lucrative these roles are. Both roles are essential for creating eye-catching, attention-grabbing media across industries, whether it’s the loading screen of an app, bringing a video game character to life, or getting your followers to stop scrolling through the feed with a dope animation. Video editing and motion graphics go hand in hand—after all, they are both rooted in storytelling. But they are two fundamentally separate roles with two different needs.  

Video editor 

Video editing is one of the most crucial roles when it comes to any kind of video media. As Philip Seymour Hoffman said, “The film is made in the editing room.” Editors may not have written the script, but they tell the story by setting the pace, creating the rhythm, and playing with the drama and tension. Now, you may not be editing the next Citizen Kane, but nonetheless, as a video editor you wield a lot of power.  

Video editing is more accessible than it’s ever been before. Apps like TikTok allow for efficient, seamlessly integrated, and creative editing, helping more folks take control of their own content. Still, with various companies increasing their emphasis on video, the role of the video editor has still never been more important. 

Qualifications: What Does it Take To Be a Video Editor? 

Video editing requires a lot of organizational skill—with potentially hours of footage to upload, transfer, and save, so much of editing comes down to keeping track of files. It also requires being able to follow a script—literally. Editors must assemble the footage and create the energy and flow of the project according to how the script is written.  

While it’s typical for video editors to have a degree in communication, film studies, production, or even visual arts, it’s not mandatory. What is mandatory, however, is being able to use software (video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X is standard) and be able to handle various equipment to ensure optimal video and audio quality. Being able to incorporate graphics across formats—yes, including motion graphics, which we’ll get to later—is crucial. 

As with so many creative fields, editing requires an immense amount of communication. Video editing is unique because it’s both a pretty solitary, independent role, but it also requires being able to communicate and collaborate with others, namely the director or project manager. Sometimes you’ll have a lot of creative freedom, and other times, the director or manager may be more vocal. It’s all about striking that balance of being able to interpret the vision of the director and script authentically while also making your own creative decisions in service of that vision.  

Level Up: How to become a better video editor 

In the same way that reading makes you a better writer, watching makes you a better editor. Watch films, videos, or even how-tos to pick up on techniques and styles other editors use. Taking those techniques and incorporating them into your own work will hone your skill and your style. Of course, practice is key here, especially because editing software and tech is constantly evolving and changing.  

Motion Graphic Design 

Of course there is plenty of overlap between video editing and motion graphics design. Videos are chock full of motion graphics, and many motion graphics designers have a background in video editing. But the work is completely different. Motion graphic designers create digital animations that bring still images, whether a logo or illustration, to life. Think of the way the Netflix logo moves when you fire up the app, or the MGM lion roaring before a movie, or any of those explainer videos that are fully animated. Motion graphics are everywhere, and motion graphic design is becoming a more and more popular career to embark on. 

Qualifications: What Does it Take To Be a Motion Graphics Designer? 

Motion Graphics Designers often have degrees or backgrounds in graphic design, digital media, animation, or other visual art fields, although it’s completely doable to become a motion graphics designer by taking courses or even teaching yourself if you have the drive.  

While you may not have to create a graphic from scratch, having strong drawing skills is very important in terms of communicating the animation and then actually animating it. Of course, software is key: being able to use programs like Adobe After Effects (although Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro are important too), Blender, and Cinema 4D, is crucial. Note: 2D art and animation is still popular, but 3D modeling is a particularly worthwhile skill to have these days.  

Motion graphics bring meaning to an image by incorporating motion, which means timing is everything, as is a strong understanding of animation perspective and lighting.  

Like video editing and so many other creative pursuits, motion graphics is all about collaboration and interpreting a vision. Also similar to other creative pursuits? Having a strong portfolio. Keep your portfolio fresh with plenty of strong examples of your work, whether from client projects  or your personal designs, so you can showcase your work and score the job.  

Level Up: How to be a Better Motion Graphics Designer 

Animation technology changes quick—just think about how rudimentary the CGI animation even 10 years ago feels—so stay on top of tech. In the same vein, stay updated on animation trends as they come and go. Keep track of other motion design artists that inspire you, and keep practicing both your graphic design skills and your motion graphic skills to flex your creative muscles.  

About the author.
Sam Mani writes about work, creativity, wellness, and equity — when she’s not cooking, binging television, or annoying her cat. 

 

 

 

Happy Pride! It’s been a month of rainbows and outdoor celebrations that seem a far stone’s throw away (pun intended) from the riots that inspired this month-long commemoration. Awareness of the Stonewall Riots and the trans women of color that spearheaded the movement has never been higher, but neither has the number of corporations jumping on the rainbow bandwagon to promote and perform their progressiveness. This little phenomenon, known as rainbow capitalism, comes with a big bag of complex pros and cons. Let’s dig in.

What is rainbow capitalism?

To put it bluntly, rainbow capitalism is the thing where, in June, companies start dropping rainbow colored paraphernalia for Pride month in order to capitalize on the social recognition of progressiveness and target the purchasing power of the LGBTQIA community and its allies. Or, as author and USC professor Karen Tongsen puts it, the “commodification of things related to LGBT culture, especially the concept of gay pride.” That means hopping on the pride bandwagon with multicolored marketing, and targeting the several trillion dollars of purchasing power that the LGBTQ+ demographic controls.

Is that bad?

Well, not necessarily… but it’s complicated.

The way in which companies might capitalize on performing support can fall short of providing any sort of meaningful change for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly along lines of intersectionality. However, for those of us who grew up in a time where visibility and acceptance of queer identities was minimal, the recognition of the queer experience can feel like a big deal.

The co-chairs of Creative Circle’s own LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, PRISM, hold a more optimistic view of the corporate rainbow parade. “Anyone that wants to be an ally and wants to celebrate the community, I want to encourage that and not make them feel like [they] have to earn the right to have a rainbow,” explained Kateland Gough, Talent Sourcing Specialist and PRISM co-chair. “I don’t like that mindset, that’s very exclusive which is the opposite of what we’re trying to be which is very inclusive.”

David Spake, fellow PRISM co-chair and Business Analyst, echoed these sentiments stating, “Any showing up and any public facing support of Pride has value.” Spake elaborates: “I think it’s important to remember that in many instances corporate policy leads our nation in cultural change. It’s because corporations really embraced domestic partnership benefits that so many Americans were able to have that protection — before there were legal protections in place. That alone shows how many corporations stepped up for their LGBTQ+ employees, even when they didn’t have to.”

Normalizing LGBTQ+ identities has a massive impact on society and social structures, creating a safer place for young people to grow up and question their identity without the confusion and fear that was once commonplace. How could that be a bad thing?

Well, some find the exploitative nature of marketing during Pride brushes over the issues of the most vulnerable. While many companies have improved their DEI initiatives, healthcare plans, and non-discrimination policies, there are other places where flags are waved while employee struggles are kept in the dark.

In a personal essay, professor and social psychologist, Dr. Devon Price exposes the contradictions of their Jesuit University celebrating pride by highlighting LGBTQ+ authors in the library while denying trans inclusive healthcare:

“While my university bills itself as a tolerant place, it all too often feels to me like its tolerance is simply convenient for its branding. Blue and pink flags and feel-good teaching awards can offer a pleasant scrim to hide the often discriminatory policies lurking beneath. Throughout my time here, I’ve witnessed the school invoke its status as a religious institution in order to discriminate against transgender employees, deny birth control to those that need it, and even use it to block employees from unionizing. I’ve also seen the school position itself as open to all students of all faiths and identities at the exact same time.”

Queer community and resource website LGBTQ and All published an article by Billie Olsen that explores the harm of Rainbow Capitalism:

“By not acknowledging the roots of queer oppression or the history of Pride, there can be devastating consequences. For instance, rainbow capitalism ignores the core of Pride and the continual violence enacted against different intersections of the queer community,”

While companies can reap profits from rainbow swag, those dollars and attention could be going towards organizations that actually help LGBTQ+ youth, or AIDS resource centers. If everything becomes glitter and rainbows, then the work that needs to be done is lost from focus, while the more “acceptable” forms of queerness take center stage.

A lot of companies that support the rainbow “have a lot of conflicting actions beyond the month of June,” explains Creative Circle Associate HR Business Partner, Denise Romero. Specifically, with regards to corporate spending and PAC donations. “Money talks and it really matters where these companies are putting their money.”

For example, there are companies that will rainbow their logos, while donating millions of dollars to anti-gay politicians. According to this investigation by Popular Information, since 2019, over 20 companies with solid LGBTQ+ engagement and publicity, as well as immaculate scores in the HRC index, have donated millions to anti-LGBT+ politicians.

Of course, this doesn’t factor in that many of these companies (or rather their PAC funds) donated more money to pro-gay politicians. Companies are lobbying for their bottom line for their industry. Can they support the LGBTQ+ community while supporting policymakers that will likely vote against meaningful change?

Pride, Intersectionality & Performative Allyship

The most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community are those with intersectional identities — namely, trans, Black, Indigenous, and other queer people of color. Gay liberation feels safe as long as it stays within the binary of the dominant culture. So while defending gay marriage is something corporations are willing to champion, police and prison reform might be a step too far.

Senior Vice President of Talent Delivery and Operations, Lauren Schellenbach, wrote an internal piece for Creative Circle centering on trans people of color and intersectionality in their discussion of Pride. “Pride seems safe for companies,” they explained. “Juneteenth is still controversial, and I do think about this intersectionality where we come together.”

Last year, at the height of BLM protests, some companies were showing solidarity and openly stating Black Lives Matter, after years of diversity pandering with no real systemic support (through actionable items like bias trainings, education, donations, and anti-discrimination policies). Experts acknowledge that gauging whether that support becomes action will take time. Will promises be fulfilled?

Not always, like in Ferguson where companies pledged to invest, but have taken that investment into the affluent (and predominantly white) part of town. Y-Vonne Hutchinson, chief executive and founder of diversity consulting firm ReadySet, told the Washington Post: “There’s a lot of performative allyship going around. Nobody’s asking for a CEO to take a knee. You take the knee after you change your policies.”

When all you see is a logo, or a pledge, or a party, it’s hard to know what’s a pandering performance, and what’s a real conscious undertaking of what can actually help.

Do something. Like what?

A non-discrimination policy is the bare minimum. Transgender inclusive healthcare is even better. Employers are stepping up and offering benefits in record numbers according to HRC’s annual report and making sure those rainbow profits get to organizations that support at-risk LGBTQ+ communities from unhoused youth to those fighting HIV/AIDS.

“The one thing I would feel is more important throughout all of this is education,” said Romero. “There’s a lot of ignorance out there regardless of what side you’re on. Educate yourself and those around you. Hopefully that will one day come full circle. As many wins as we have, we still have a long road ahead. It’s amazing that kids can see that there are a lot of people that support Pride. Our youth has such a high suicide rate and at the end of the day we have a long way to go with that.”

Insurance that includes IVF treatment and adoption would also go a long way not just for LGBTQ+ partners, but straight partners who may have a hard time conceiving. Bringing a child into the world is already expensive. The steps some families have to take to get there add another burden, according to Romero.

Romero also shared with me that “Creative Circle is probably the first company I’ve worked for that I’ve felt really comfortable being out.” Queer leadership and fellow out employees help create a safe culture. Lauren Schellenbach’s visibility as an SVP is huge. But beyond that, open conversations, training and education initiatives play a big part in creating a culture on inclusivity.

Questioning all our binary biases — from assuming pronouns and identification, opposite sex partnership, and focusing on a baby’s gender — can all add up and push the conversation toward inclusion and help us all understand our own actual preferences rather than what’s expected.

“I’m always ambivalent at this point about participating in Pride events because they seem more like parties, and I’m old so I don’t go to the parties.” Schellenbach half joked. They continued exploring the complexity of this celebration: “I wish there was more ritual around celebrating your community and your history. I think there is more of that now, but I also think if we really want to celebrate, we probably should be protesting. And if we’re protesting, we should find the intersectionality. That’s where it is. It’s with our community of folks who are POC and even more marginalized because of the number of things that are going on for them. I think that’s where everyone can do a better job. Don’t just put a progressive flag on your logo, but actually do something.”

That something, can range from the points mentioned above to deeper systemic intervention in real communities, like San Francisco. For example, they explained, companies based in Silicon Valley could be doing more to preserve local queer and BIPOC communities that have been priced out of their homes. “Are they going into the community and going into places where people live, and saying ‘I’m going to preserve this area so it doesn’t break down into ridiculous prices, not just for LGBTQ+, but also BIPOC [residents]?” They also ask, “Why are you not giving back to the community in a way so our queer brothers and sisters don’t feel they have to move to Portland?”

As Canadian reporter Aimee Langer puts it in the CBC opinion section, rainbow capitalism is pandering, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t help the big picture. “You can be frustrated about irresponsible and disingenuous pandering, but still acknowledge the inevitability of capitalist participation,” Langer wrote in an article published earlier this month. “Real change necessitates that companies do their pandering in good faith. This means consequential engagement, support, and policies not just during Pride Month, but year-round.”

Some action items Langer suggests include demanding inclusive workplace politics, hiring LGBTQ+ individuals at all levels of management, running community events, creating partnerships and mentorship initiatives, and creating internships and capital grant programs available to LGBTQ+ youth and entrepreneurs.

Spake and Gough shared that through PRISM, they have now established a pipeline for queer voices to be heard at every level of management that is recognized by the company. They’re even asked to approve of externally facing Pride-related graphics. It’s a process of building something and building on that ethos of education. “Every speck of dust adds up,” said Spake. “There are so many different ways to get involved. I think you just need to see what works for yours a person or a company,” added Gough.

So, where’s the line?

Well, there isn’t one. As much as we may want to point fingers at “bad guys” and celebrate “good guys,” the reality is much more complicated. There are things some companies are getting right. There are things some companies are getting wrong. Capitalism requires money to take the lead decision making in order for companies to turn a profit and thrive. Our humanity requires we hold people accountable for what they do. Democracy encourages us to make the policies and donations and education that happens behind closed doors more transparent to the public.

So perhaps the takeaway here is that we keep the celebration going beyond the month of June by encouraging education through an intersectional lens and taking a look at how deep corporate support goes. I don’t need every company to wave a flag, but if they’re offering comprehensive healthcare and having the tough conversations, that’s a step in the right direction, and it helps us all.

About the author.
Alessandra is the mentor, educator, and writer behind Boneseed, a private practice devoted to deep self-inquiry through a range of physical, energetic, and mental modalities. She has over 500 hours of yoga, mentorship, and facilitation training and can be found slinging knowledge on her website, newsletter, and @bone.seed.

Posted in DEI

This past year, we’ve seen individuals and organizations alike using their voices to speak their values. But such moves are not without controversy. Only a few years ago, the Kellogg Foundation drew ire for funding support of BLM and an ad for Cheerios featuring a mixed-race family faced a deluge of hate comments. Advertising that depicts LGBTQ folks has also garnered criticism. This comes from both detractors and the communities represented themselves.

Advertising can play a role in advancing social justice. Through greater public representation and funding support for strategic initiatives, businesses can help.

Gay Money Talks

LGBTQ purchasing power in the US hovers around $1 trillion. Globally, that number is around $3.7 trillion. Yes, the advantage of affluence in the community disproportionately benefits white cis gay men. But we are undeniably a huge market segment. Queer folks want to see messages of support and representation in advertising.

On the flip side, it was widely publicized in 2012 that Chick-fil-A Foundation donated to two anti-gay organizations. Their mostly conservative fanbase doubled down on their support. They were met with kiss-ins and ridicule. Perhaps it was their expansion into more liberal cities — rather than protests and education efforts — that led to an end of that funding support. Right wing pundits criticized the switch.

When social movements reach a tipping point of public support, advertising can make what was once radical into something mainstream and apolitical. Activists routinely criticize corporate sponsorships at pride events for creating a sanitized “corporate pride.” In the landmark book, The Revolution Will Not Be Funded, the authors caution that social movements for liberation can be co-opted by nonprofits, foundations, and corporations in support of the status quo.

The shift in public perception can lull people into complacency. Those at the margins of the LGBTQ community — people of color, trans folks, the poor — are too often left out of the conversation. While advertising featuring the gay community continues to grow, devastating policy can seem to undo the incremental changes made.

That said, representation does matter. Seeing our relationships and families represented in commercials, rainbow flags splashed in storefronts everywhere, gender fluidity in fashion ads, and countless other examples, does play a part in shifting the public narrative. And it can sometimes lead to positive political change.

The Early Adopter: Absolut

Absolut, the Swedish vodka sold by Pernod Ricard, is not afraid to take risks in their advertising strategy. Absolut began promoting the brand in gay publications back in 1981! The vodka, sold at Studio 54 in the 80s, led to an encounter with Andy Warhol. That initiated their legendary print advertising collaborations with artists. Here’s a sample of 10 of those ads speaking to the LGBTQ community, created by the ad agency TBWA Worldwide.

The Quiet Supporter: Subaru

Lesbians love to joke about our affinity for Subarus. But before the targeted ads of the 1990s, the company’s marketers identified lesbians (as well as hikers, teachers, and others) as fans of their all-wheel-drive vehicles. Those marketers took a risk at a time when other companies were pulling their ads from the Ellen sitcom (after she came out). Subaru promoted the brand to gays and lesbians in ads created by Mulryan/Nash. Sometimes the messages were “coded” to the community. That gamble paid off. The unassuming car manufacturer won lifelong dedication from the tribe.

The Turnaround: Target

Long before boycotts for “promoting gay lifestyles,” a former Target CEO made a sizeable donation to an anti-gay politician. But we’re a forgiving bunch. Target made strides as allies by standing up for marriage equality (see this ad featuring gay dads). They publicly came out to welcome trans employees and shoppers. These days, we love their campy aesthetic, their Pride clothing section, their inexpensive housewares, and their open support for the community.

In Our Own Words: It Gets Better Project

The LGBTQ community has long wielded the power of advertising approaches to lobby for change to policy and to shift public consciousness. The “Kissing Doesn’t Kill” campaign for ACT UP during the height of the AIDS epidemic was unprecedented. It was politically charged, clever, and wildly influential.

The “It Gets Better” Project was launched in 2010 by columnist Dan Savage and his husband Terry Miller. It features videos made in response to high rates of death by suicide of gay teens and youth perceived to be gay. It is strategic storytelling at its finest. Google Creative Lab created a spot highlighting the campaign the following year and leveraged it to show the power of the web for good.

Trans/Genderqueer Visibility: Secret

It’s not the first ad or product geared towards the trans community. But this spot for Secret deodorant features androgynous queer model Karis Wilde. Ending with the tagline, “there’s no wrong way to be a woman,” it’s understated and sweet. Parent company Proctor and Gamble (P&G) has garnered criticism, however. The spot affirms the right to use a bathroom aligned with one’s gender identity. But the company doesn’t defend those rights for their own employees or more broadly.

LGBTQ POC Visibility: Spotify

The 2014 “Can’t Find the Words?” commercial from Spotify is a sweet, subtle take on that feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you’re interested in someone. This time, the characters are two Black men and we watch as those three dots indicate waiting for a response. LGBTQ people have always been well represented in the arts, so it’s only fitting that a music streaming app would take this approach.

It’s hard to deny the role that advertising can play in social change, whether it leads the way for other brands or simply follows the trend. It can show support for our communities, advance our causes, and help shift culture. Companies that take those risks show support for their own diverse workplace, earn social capital, and cultivate brand loyalty. Happy Pride!

About the author.
Jess Powers writes about marketing, food, and wellness. She has experience in nonprofit communications and emergency management. Follow her @foodandfury.

 

After a year filled with strife, protest, and conflict, people across the nation are asking if change will ever come. The fact that we can spend June celebrating the LGBTQ+ community — despite the first Pride being a riot, not a parade or celebration — is a beacon of hope that change is possible with persistence and protest.

These 12 films allow us to celebrate LGBTQ+ social movement contributions from the comfort of home.

Before Stonewall (1984)

These days, it’s hard to conceive of a time when a person could be arrested for not wearing articles of clothing deemed specific to their gender assigned at birth. This documentary features appearances from cultural heavyweights Audre Lorde and Allen Ginsberg, and is narrated by Rita Mae Brown. The incredible archival footage led to Emmy Awards for Best Historical or Cultural Program and Best Research. (For a short, ahistorical account of the hours leading up to the Stonewall riots made by queer and trans artists, check out Happy Birthday, Marsha!)

Born In Flames (1983)

This radical lesbian feminist film tells the story of an imagined queer future, shot documentary style. Even though it’s fictional, it depicts direct action, organizing, and explores issues of race, policing, and socialist democracy. A “film of resistance,” this sci-fi wonderland influenced generations of queer filmmakers and thinkers and is somehow both historical and ahead of its time.

BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017)

This French drama about the Paris chapter of ACT UP (the grassroots direct-action group AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) in the 1990s is drawn from the director and screenwriter’s real-life experiences. Expect protests against a slow responding government, direct action against Big Pharma, and heart-wrenching character stories.

Brother Outsider (2003)

This film tells the story of Bayard Rustin, a “troublemaker,” pacifist, and one of the key strategists of the civil rights movement. Although he was openly gay, he largely remained in the background so his sexuality wouldn’t derail the struggle (much as the mostly white, mainstream gay organizations during the fight for gay marriage later distanced themselves from the struggles of trans people, immigrants, and people of color).

The Celluloid Closet (1995)

Based on Vito Russo’s book of the same name, this documentary wrestles with the topics of representation, sexuality, and subtext in the cinema. As a film historian, Russo was troubled by negative stereotypes and how culture impacts political rights. He co-founded the media watchdog group, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and was active in ACT UP.

Paris is Burning (1990)

Despite controversies about voyeurism and being produced by a white director, this film remains a stunning cultural document of the queer, trans, black, and Latinx ball circuit in Harlem. Movement and dance is a powerful way to support one another and build community and financial support — and has historical roots in survival and resistance to the dehumanization of slavery.

Pride (2014)

Based on a true story, this heartwarming comedy depicts lesbian and gay activists who built unlikely alliances during the 1984 UK coal miner’s strikes. Having their own experiences of police harassment, the activists decide to raise money and go to a Welsh town, eventually winning over hearts and building solidarity.

Queercore: How to Punk a Revolution (2018)

Growing out of the political punk subculture, queercore (or homocore) celebrates all of the messy, loud, rebellion of punk rock and queerness. It’s a rejection of normative gay culture. The filmmaker interviews band members, zine makers, filmmakers, and other scenesters.

Quiet Heroes (2018)

Another tearjerker, this documentary presents an intimate portrait of two women — Dr. Kristen Ries and physician assistant Maggie Snyder — who treated AIDS patients in the 1980s and 90s in conservative Salt Lake City, Utah. They served with love and compassion at a time when their patients were ostracized, defying the church and the law, in order to do the right thing.

The Times of Harvey Milk (1975)

Now part of the Criterion Collection and preserved by the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, this documentary pioneered featuring gay life in America. As the first openly gay man elected to public office (as a Supervisor in San Francisco), Milk was an inspiring civic leader who was later assassinated. (Gus Van Sant’s biopic, Milk, is also worth watching.)

Trembling Before G-d (2001)

Orthodox Jews — many of whom are obscured from view — are interviewed about their experiences growing up both religious and gay. It’s a tender depiction of people who are living their lives in the closet or are denounced by their close-knit community and how they cope and support each other.

United in Anger (2012)

This powerful documentary chronicles the ACT UP through oral histories of its members. Fighting during the epidemic against government indifference, corporate greed, and entrenched homophobia, we see how civil disobedience and organizing power led to policy and attitudinal changes.

About the author.
Jess Powers writes about marketing, food, and wellness. She has experience in nonprofit communications and emergency management. Follow her @foodandfury.

 

Posted in DEI

George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. Christian Cooper.

Conversations and imagery surrounding police brutality and Black suffering may be prevalent now, but the attention to the matter is long overdue. While this is a step toward a more equitable future in this nation, this emotional conversation can be exhausting, traumatic, triggering, and distressing.

Creative Circle’s Employee Assistance Program, provided by UnitedHealthcare and Optum, is open to all of our candidates and includes a free 24/7 emotional support line (866-342-6892), staffed by professionally-trained mental health experts.

We’ve also gathered mental health and self-care resources to support our Black candidates and the Black creative community during this time, and moving forward.

Apps, Podcasts, Websites

Publications, Articles, Toolkits

Therapist Directories

Ways to Connect With Other Black People

Here are a few of the many groups out there that facilitate connections and conversations with other Black people:

Below are some resources to support the local, national, and global community now and moving forward. Click here for mental health resources for Black candidates.

 

Make a Donation

If you’re able, below are some organizations you can contribute to in order to help fund racial justice.

Sign a Petition

This is of the easiest ways to use the power of your voice in this country.

Read & Share Articles

Below is a handful of articles that can help you — and your personal and professional networks — learn more and begin making an impact.

Educate Yourself

Learn more about Black history and the Black experience in the US by reading the following books. (And simultaneously support local small businesses by purchasing these books from Black-owned bookstores.)

Watch & Listen

Educational videos, documentaries, and podcasts that document the Black experience.

Use These Tools

Resources to help you take action now.

Follow These Accounts

For continued awareness and education, stay up-to-date by following these Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Instagram
Twitter
Posted in DEI