Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Teaching Your Kids While You Work



Teaching Your Kids While You Work

Coronavirus (COVID-19) shut down your office and your kid's school along with everything else.  It's been chaos with 50 states having 50 different policies.  And over 13,000 school districts seemingly having 13,000+ different ideas for how to continue your child's education.  As if you weren't concerned about the stability of your job and the stress of working at your dining room table; you're being told to teach your kids at the same time.  

 Let's acknowledge a few things first.  Everyone's situation is different solutions will require infinite patience and incredible flexibility.  That our haphazard, uncoordinated patchwork of school districts have various plans (including complete closure) with a wide range of success and failure.  Finally, that this is causing anxiety for everyone involved.  So, let's try to find some solutions.
1) Sync Your Schedules - Homeschooling one-on-one tends to be quicker than classroom learning.  What takes 6 hours at school can only take 2-4 hours at home.  Review the requirements for your kid/kids learning.  Now, compare your mandatory tasks for working from home.

2) HELP PLEASE! - Divide the subjects and kids between you and your partner.  Ask for help from friends, family, and other parents.  Does your school district provide any tools?  Look for online resources.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  We all need it.

3) Schedule and Routine - Find a schedule that works for you and your child.  Be flexible and patient your kids and yourself.  Is it possible to do some work a little earlier in the morning while your kids are asleep?  Math and science can be taught anytime after 3pm until bedtime as well.  Weekends can also be opportunities for learning.  This may be necessary for using limited resources like computers.

Make a schedule, write it down, and display it someone prominently.  This will help provide work time for your and your child.  Here's an example:

Family Schedule
7am – 10am
Adult 1: Work
Adult 2: Watch children
Kid 1: Breakfast and school work
Kid 2: Breakfast and school work

 10am – 11am
Adult 1: Watch children
Adult 2: Check work messages
Kid 1: Online class
Kid 2: Zoom with friends

 11am – Noon
Adult 1: Check work messages
Adult 2: Help children with homework
Kid 1: homework
Kid 2: homework

 Noon – 1pm
Lunch for everyone.  Extra time to play outside or walk around neighborhood

 1pm – 1:30pm
Adult 1: Help children with homework
Adult 2: Check work messages
Kid 1: homework
Kid 2: homework

 1:30pm – 4pm
Adult 1 and 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Free time

 4pm – 5pm
Adult 1: Chores and errands
Adult 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Chores 

 5pm – 7pm
Dinner.  Extra time for own activities.

 7pm – 10pm
Adult 1: Spend time with kids
Adult 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Theme night activities (Movie Night, Game Night, etc).  Free time.  Bed.



4) Use Everything - Allow open access to every board game, book, art supply, toy, or whatever for your children.  Allow them independence so you can work.  Be honest with your children about your job.  When you are working, you're not to be interrupted unless it's burning or bleeding.  Also, there are millions of educational videos available for on streaming services.  Is your kid freaking out and you need to be in a Zoom meeting?  Let them watch Cartoon Network if it keeps them quiet.  We're in a State of Emergency.  No one will judge you for doing what you need to for survival.

 5) Improv - With many school districts providing little to no guidance, it's good to employ the tactics of shortform improv theater.  The "structure" is education and it is driven by audience/student.  If your kid is really into roller coasters, make that a full day project.  Have them spend a couple hours researching the 10 best roller coasters in the world.  Write a report on why those are the best roller coasters.  What is the science and math behind roller coasters?  What is their history?  Create a design and build a model of your own roller coaster.  Use the techniques of Montessori education.  Let your student own their education by having fun.  

 My grandpa was a master at this.  He'd teach me through every day experience.  It'd always start with, "Hey Mike, would you like to learn how to..." and end with me doing chores.  This is how I learned how to change light fixtures, write checks, read schematics, fix a leaky toilet, change the oil, cook a meal and so much more.  By college, I was completely independent and able to run my own household.  

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6) Communicating With Others - It's good for your child to talk with their friends and play online games.  So, let them do it.  In fact, encourage them to use Zoom with their grandparents, mail a letter to a cousin, leave a note to a neighbor in need, or host an online party.    

 7) Be Patient, Flexible, and Relax - This has been a big change for you, your kids, your boss, and everyone else.  Sometimes, the homework isn't going to be finished.  It's not going to prevent your kid from going to college.  It's okay and shouldn't interrupt your work.

 There are nearly 50 million families in America experiencing the same problems you are right now.  So call, text, email, Zoom, group chat at least one of them.  Share your successes.  Laugh at your failures.  And remember to take care of yourself.  Everything is going to be fine.  



Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

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Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Take a Break


Take a Break

 Working from home IS stressful. Being forced to work from home because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is WAY more stressful. Am I going to get sick? Will my friends and family stay healthy? How secure is my job? How and when will I be able to school my children? And what am I going to do now that my office is in my dining room?

 Let's start off acknowledging our anxiety. Close your eyes and take a deep breathe. When I started working from home 6+ years ago, I made a lot of mistakes. I understand everyone's situation is unique and difficult. But, let me share my experience to help avoid the pitfalls of working from home.

1) Why we need breaks - Isn't it just a waste of time? Absolutely not. Working without breaks causes you to burnout with stress and exhaustion. A break allows you to recharge and stay motivated. You're just like a race car, you need to take a pit stop to change your tires and refuel if you want to win the race. Time for yourself will improve your productivity.

 2) When to take breaks - This can be different for everyone. What works for me is a 15-minute break at mid-morning. A 30-minute lunch. And another 15-minute break in the mid-afternoon. Are you stuck on a project; take it earlier. Maybe something amazing is happening; then delay your break.

3) Take the full break - It's important to recharge your battery so you'll last through the day. Bored? Take the dog for a walk. Bake cookies. Practice the guitar. Do some light yard work. Do your bi-weekly grocery shopping. Do yoga, exercise, or meditation. Check-in with family. Power nap. Read a book. Find what works best for you.




4) What to avoid - Turn off the TV, especially 24-hour cable news. "It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life" https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp

 Avoid social media like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Not only is is a black hole of time, but has many psychological negative impacts because they are designed to create conflict and controversy. Usage has also been connected to sleep disorders and addiction. You need to relax; not find more stress.

 Also, having a refrigerator so close can lead to mindless boredom snacking. I don't keep junk food in the house for that reason.

 5) Teaching Your Kids - Coordinate your schedules and make a routine. Try eating your meals together, schedule online classes, share breaks, time to read and work on assignments, online social time with friends, and reviewing homework together. Easier said than done. So, be flexible and patient with your kids and yourself.


6) Celebrate successes - Find small ways to celebrate your successes. It can be disappointing making a sale, closing a deal, or whatever and not being able to tell someone. It can be a snack, taking a bit of a longer break to play a game, or breaking open a nip bottle of alcohol.

 7) When you can't take breaks - Let's admit it: sometimes we can't take breaks. But, there are a couple things we can do: a) alternate between solitary work and partnering with a colleague over Zoom/MS Teams, b) rotate logical work (writing, math, spreadsheets) and creative tasks (presentation design, team meeting, anything visual). While a poor substitute for breaks, it does have some benefits.

 8) Nights and weekends - Close the door to your temporary office (if you have one). At least put a towel over your work space in the corner of the living room. This is your time to be with your family. Stay-at-Home orders can add stress to boredom. We all need something to look forward to after work and school. I suggest selecting "theme nights." Here are some of my favorites: pizza night, B-movie night, wino weekend, ice cream Sunday, backyard camping night, evening nature walk, family Zoom night, game night, driveway chalking, and countless others. Are your kids or roommates musical? Then have a "band night." DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!!!

 Have any questions? Please feel free to contact me.


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.
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Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Setting Office Hours


Setting Office Hours


Coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought chaos to our lives.  You, your significant other, children, roommates, or other family are home all...  day...  long...  together...  When I started working from home 6+ years ago, I made a lot of mistakes.  And, I understand we all have different jobs, living situations, and other circumstances.  Many of my friends and family have struggled with their temporary transition to working from home.  So, I'm sharing my experience to help you find success.  Here are my suggestions.


1) Set Working Hours - Too many people believe working from home isn't really work.  Family assume that you'll be free to babysit.  Friends just expect you're available for day-drinking.  So, it is up to you to establish your time to work.  From 9am-5pm, they'll have to get use to hearing "sorry, I can't until after work..."


2) What Hours To Choose? - What do you need to do every day?  What tasks work well?  What do you do before work, for the kids, during the day?  When do you exercise?  How do you get healthy meals?  When do you tend to your home?  Don't remember?  Make a list in a notebook for a week.

Working from home makes every day the same.  Time, dates, and hours evaporate without set markers.  These markers are regular activities.  Are you a morning person or night owl?  Schedule the activities that take the most time and energy at that time of day.


For example, I start the day with mundane routine activities of checking emails and administrative tasks.  Late morning, I start painting.  I'll take my lunch and may use some of that time for chores around the house.  I paint through the afternoon.  I use the last 45 minutes of the day for emails, social media, and any "cleaning up" of assignments.  After 5pm, it's my personal time with my wife and dog.


3) Stick With Them - Coronavirus has made this extremely difficult because we don't know the duration of our temporary working from home situation.  And, it usually takes 2 months to establish a habit that sticks.  So, this needs LOTS of discipline.  Set a routine.  Adjust what doesn't work and expand what does.  Write it down.  Following the schedule will help you, your boss, clients, family, and friends know what to expect.


4) Actually Work - Seems obvious, but there's so many distractions.  The lawn needs mowing.  The kids are screaming.  The laundry is piling up, etc., etc., etc...  Once 9am hits, you need to remove the distractions.  I highly encourage using a space where you can close the door.  And when the door is closed, you are not to be interrupted.


5) Teaching School - Obviously, this is a new and strange situation for everyone.  But, what you need to be successful at work has a lot of similarities to what your kids need to be flourishing at school.
a) Set time aside for school and establish routine
b) Have breaks and recess 
c) Set up a work space
d) Make sure they have a computer, books, pencils, paper and other necessary tools.  
e) Set boundaries and expectations for assignments and interactions with friends and family
f) Plan time for social activities over Zoom or other platforms
g) Allow them to be kids when homework is done
h) Be flexible and allow it to be fun. 



6) Splitting Responsibilities - This is too much for you to handle by yourself.  Admit it and don't be shy to ask for help.  Let your boss know that you may need some time to teach your kid math in the mornings.  Ask your spouse to pick up groceries during the week.  Divide up the chores of cooking, cleaning, lawn work with everyone in the household.  Maybe it's a solid list where you will always do the laundry every day.  Maybe it's a rotating list where you have a new responsibility every week.  Whatever works for you as look as everyone participates.


7) Taking Breaks - You need to plan "me time" because your job suddenly took over your home.  It's always there nagging you to just finish one more project.  Begging you to work just a couple more hours.  Making you compromise your nights and weekends with family.  


Your boss and clients need to know when they can reach you. More importantly, they need to know when you're unavailable. This is necessary to keep your work life and home life separate. If a client calls after hours, let it go to voicemail. If no one is going to die, it's not an emergency.  Again, I suggest having an office with a door. This time so your job doesn't interrupt your family.


What has really helped in my house is making nights and weekends "special."  For example, maybe Monday is "pizza night" and Thursday is "board game night."  On Saturdays, my wife and I like to watch "B" movies with an adult beverage.  I'll wear my driving cap only on weekends.  Give yourself something to look forward to during the day and week.  Just because you're home, doesn't mean you can't have fun.
Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Your Work Space




Your Work Space



Coronavirus (COVID-19) has forced you to work at home temporarily.  And we don't know for how long.  About 6 years ago, I made a lot of mistakes when I started working from home.  A significant problem was creating a dedicated work space.  I understand that many have small apartments, families, equipment issues and countless other problems due to the nature of this event.  But, let's find ways to improve your work space and minimize the problems.  Here are my suggestions.


1) Where To Work? - When I started working from home, I moved quite a bit.  I started in the corner of the family room.  Then, for a while, I was in the basement.  Now, I have a dedicated studio upstairs.  But, ask yourself, how much space do you need and where does it need to be located?  Convert a room with a door into your office to keep pets, friends, and family from being a distraction.  In fact, try to remove all distractions like TV, laundry, and video games from area.  This may need some creativity to convert a garage, shed, or patio into a necessary work space.

2) Make A Task List - My space is organized by my process.  I have raw materials at the start.  There's an area for making my pieces.  There's storage for the finished product.  A space for my shipping supplies.  And an administrative area for my computer, paperwork, and other necessities.  Figure out your process and what you need for success.  While this is temporary, don't hesitate to ask your employer for necessary supplies and equipment.  It helps them make a profit and it's a tax write off.  Save your receipts.



3) Fixing Up Your Space - Clear it out and start from scratch.  Put your desk where there's light.  Run extension cords to where they need to be.  Buy a wireless router.  If that $4 tape dispenser makes your life easier and more productive; get it.  Think about a laptop stand, and external keyboard and mouse.  



For example, when my wife was told to work from home she used our kitchen table while we made a plan.  She was told to expect to be back in the office in two weeks.  So, we re-purposed an antique makeup vanity into a desk and used an old office chair.  But, as weeks turns into months, it's become necessary to purchase an office desk and a comfortable chair.  

4) Fixing Up Your Space - What is your budget, business needs, and level of personal comfort?  Ask your employer for a budget to equip your space.  A little can still go a long way.  Maybe they can redirect pens, paper clips, printer ink and other supplies to your home instead of the office?  If possible, visit your office and bring home computer monitors, printers, and other equipment.  I highly recommend a good chair.  Your dining room chair may be fine for dinner, but it will break your back after 8 hours a day for an indefinite amount of time.  Obviously, we need to be flexible.  So, it's okay to stack your computer on books for online meetings, use the ugly lamp in the garage, and convert that end table into an assembly station.

5) Safety First! - At a former job on a dangerous site, a boss frequently told us, "a good day on the job is when everyone goes home healthy and alive."  So, please review your work space for any hazards.  Are there any frayed electrical cords near flammable liquids?  Is there cash or expensive equipment that needs to be locked up from burglary?  Do you need a first aid kit?  Are there any toxic materials that need ventilation or special storage?  We're all home to protect our health.

6) Be Flexible - We're all in this together.  Sometimes, the best place to work is the kitchen table in spite of the needy cat and the screaming kids.  Maybe your supplies have to be stored in the garage even though you work in the spare bedroom.  It's okay if things aren't perfect.  But, it'll makes us all much more grateful when life returns to normal.  



Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Mental Health and Making a Routine



Mental Health and Making a Routine

Are you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and/or bored because of Coronavirus?  Your life has been upended with no end in sight.  So, let's create a routine that can help you find happiness and success.

1) Make a List - What do you need to do every day?  What tasks work well?  What do you do before work, for the kids, during the day?  When do you exercise?  How do you get healthy meals?  When do you tend to your home?  Don't remember, make a list in a notebook for a week.

2) Create a Schedule - Working at home makes every day the same.  Time, dates, and hours evaporate without set markers.  These markers are regular activities.  Are you a morning person or night owl?  Schedule the activities that take the most time and energy at that time of day.


3) Staying Informed - Working from home during a pandemic is stressful.  What are your co-workers doing?  Who's getting sick?  What's happening outside my house?  Plan some time to gather and share information.  Set up regular meetings with your boss and co-workers to discuss various projects.  Also, make time for the news to be aware of current events.  Just as important, set a time limit for watching, reading, or listening to the news.  Repetitive information about a crisis can be upsetting and counterproductive.  You want to be knowledgeable; not terrified.

4) Separate Work Space - Have a place dedicated to only work.  From Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, you and your family know that you are not to be bothered in your spare bedroom, basement, or other space.  This is true if it's in the corner of your living room too.  But, after hours you need to avoid using your work space to focus on friends and family.  If that work space is in your living room, disconnect the phone and unplug the computer after work hours.


5) Mornings - Find something you enjoy especially if you're not a morning person.  It could be as simple as coffee and/or a snack.  Maybe taking the dog for a walk.  Improving your attitude at this time of day can determine your enjoyment in the evening.

6) Grooming - At home, it's so easy to stay in my pajamas, avoid shaving, and just shower tomorrow.  Changing into different clothes is a marker of regular activity that you are "working."  And shaving, showering, combing, brushing teeth not only puts you in a "professional" mindset, but your significant other will appreciate it too...

7) Mundane Activity - Around midday, your energy tends to go down.  This is a perfect time for boring chores like social media, running errands, answering emails, appointments, paperwork, the black hole of more social media, etc.  

8) Break Time - Nonstop work isn't just unhealthy; it's unproductive.  Taking regular breaks improves concentration, performance, and output.  My wife and I have a standing date at noon to eat together in a different room than we work.  It's 30 minutes to talk about the day and enjoy each other's company before going back to the grind.

9) Evening - Coronavirus brought the office into your home.  But, you need to leave your job at your work space after 5pm.  This is time for your friends, family, and yourself.  

Prepare for the next day by laying out clothes, making lunches, and cleaning.  Other regular activities to consider is talking with friends and family, medicines, relaxation/meditation, and calming activities before bed.  

10) Physical Health - Are you eating nutritious meals, exercising, and getting enough sleep?  Are you using excessive tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs?  Take care of your body.



11) Weekends - Just because Coronavirus forced your office into your home doesn't mean it steals your weekends too.  Make weekends special.  Maintain healthy relationships and build a strong support system, even if it's just Facetime, Zoom, Skype, etc.  Maybe this is the only time of the week you drink wine?  Or make every Sunday night "game night" with the kids.  Working from home and being isolated from Coronavirus means we have to be actively creative at making weekends special.    



12) Flexibility - It's okay if schedules change.  Just be yourself.  Take on challenges when you have the most energy.

13) Try and Adjust - Write down your new routine and try it for week.  Change what doesn't work.  Add to things that are working great.  You should feel good because the routine works for you.

14) Expectations Based on Reality - It takes about 2 months for activities to turn into habits.  Honestly, Coronavirus makes this investment difficult.  Will this be all over in a few days or is this going to last much, much longer?  Either way, find a good routine for you and seriously stick with it.  It's an investment in you that can be changed when life returns to normal.


15) Ask For Help - The Coronavirus has put a lot of fear and distress in our lives.  I worry about the health and well-being of many of my loved ones.  There are concerns about the impacts of social distancing on my business.  Most likely, my 10-year anniversary celebration trip with my wife is cancelled.  Yet, I realize this are minor issues and I am beyond fortunate to be in my personal situation.  So, there's a bit of "survivors guilt" that I'm adjusting well while others are losing their jobs, unable to find food, and contracting a deadly disease.  Don't be afraid to talk about your feelings and ask for help.  




Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, April 6, 2020

Better Together

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The world seems to have changed overnight.  You know these are challenging times because we are all isolated in our homes.  We share the same concerns about the health of our loved ones, the stability of our jobs, and other uncertainty.

We will be stronger because of this confrontation.  The grapes that struggle the most will produce the best wine.  We will face the Coronavirus with truth, fairness, kindness and put our words into action.  Know the facts: CDC Coronavirus.  Donate to medical efforts, your local food bank, or other areas impacted by the pandemic.  Seek ways, big and small, to bring joy to your neighbors.  We will get through this better together. 

Stay Home and Wash Your Hands,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com



This Is How We Roll #352


Sneeze Dab #353

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.



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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Staging Your Virtual Office




Staging Your Virtual Office



The Coronavirus has forced many of us to work from home.  And this poses some serious issues when it comes to appearing professional to your clients and boss.  Especially when you're using Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video calling system.  Here are some suggestions I have from helping set up my wife's temporary work space.



1) The background should not be distracting.  Preferably a flat wall with minimal decor.  All clutter should be removed.  Or use Zoom Virtual/Microsoft virtual backgrounds (https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/04/virtual-backgrounds-for-zoom-and.html  


2) Have camera parallel to wall and avoid corners, which makes space look small and strange.

3) Don't have camera facing high traffic areas of the home like a hallway, doors, playroom, etc.  Make sure you are able to separate from pets, children, and other interference.


4) Have a light source (window, lamp, etc) in front of you to remove shadows from your face.

5) Set camera at eye level.  You don't want to literally be "looked down on" and you don't want people looking up your nose the entire meeting.  Stack books or a cardboard box under computer if necessary.  This applies if you use a smartphone too.  Don't wander around your house making breakfast or doing chores.  The movement can be nauseating.  You don't want people to avoid contacting you because it looks like you're on a roller coaster every time you talk.  

6) Wear solid color shirts instead of patterns, which cause agitation and camera distortions.

7) Be aware of your facial expressions.  Do you turn up your nose when you hear something you don't like?  Are your eyes starting to glaze over from boredom?  Take notes or have a drink to break monotony. 

8) Prepare and practice.  If you are sharing materials, look at them ahead of time and make sure they look good.  Don't feel comfortable with the technology, practice with a co-worker, friend, or spouse.

9) Hide your video display.  It diverts your attention.  Now, you look great, so have confidence.


Obviously, we need to be flexible.  There are going to be limitations and exceptions.  You may not have extra space in an apartment.  There might not be a plug on a wall with good lighting.  The goal is to minimize any problems and amplify the successes.



Hope this helps. And, if you have any questions, please let me know. We're all in this together. 
Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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