Friday, April 17, 2020

Sleeping Fox

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sleeping Fox #361
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202004021
© copyright Mike Kraus
Take the following steps to cope with a Coronavirus:
Take care of your body– Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 
Connect with others– Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships, and build a strong support system.
Take breaks– Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Try to do activities you usually enjoy.
Stay informed– When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like your local government authorities.
Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.
Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Yoga Is For Posers

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Yoga Is For Posers #360
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202004020
© copyright Mike Kraus
Take the following steps to cope with a Coronavirus:
Take care of your body– Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 
Connect with others– Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships, and build a strong support system.
Take breaks– Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Try to do activities you usually enjoy.
Stay informed– When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information.
Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.
Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

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.

at No comments:

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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Monday, April 13, 2020

Virtual Backgrounds for Zoom and Microsoft Teams

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Virtual Backgrounds for Zoom and Microsoft Teams
(and countless other uses too!)
To view options, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?section_id=16654398

You want to look professional, but the spare bedroom is boring.  Or worse, it's a mess.  And you and your kids still have to live in your work space.  Zoom, MS Teams and Mike Kraus Art can help.  The virtual background feature allows you to display an image as your background during a Zoom/Teams Meeting.  It's easy to set up and over 200 options to choose from.   

More information at Zoom Virtual Background Help Center:
More Tips For Working At Home
Communication:
Be You!: 



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.

at No comments:

Friday, April 10, 2020

Avo' Good Day

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Avo' Good Day #359
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202004019
© copyright Mike Kraus
Take the following steps to cope with a Coronavirus:
Take care of your body– Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 
Connect with others– Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships, and build a strong support system.
Take breaks– Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Try to do activities you usually enjoy.
Stay informed– When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like your local government authorities.
Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.
Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Yoga Is For Posers

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Yoga Is For Posers #358
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202004018
© copyright Mike Kraus
Take the following steps to cope with a Coronavirus:
Take care of your body– Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 
Connect with others– Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships, and build a strong support system.
Take breaks– Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Try to do activities you usually enjoy.
Stay informed– When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like your local government authorities.
Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.
Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

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.

at No comments:

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:
at 11 comments:
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