learn to paint like a child

All children love to draw or paint.  It matters little whether the result is an exact copy of reality because at that very moment reality is in the mind of the artist.  As they draw they are creators and each will stand back to admire what they have accomplished.  It is not their desire to become an artist, they are there already!

There is that small child in all of us – an artist inside that holds a perception of the world as expressed by our feelings and thoughts.  It differs from everyone else; it is unique.  But during the years of maturity we became self-conscious about our abilities.

Unfortunately, we might have been criticized and decided that our talents lay somewhere else.   Because it was met with some form of disapproval, we stopped being so free with our expressions.

Picasso once said, "All of my life I have been learning to paint like a child".  Did he succeed?  I think he did, because he never let go of his child-like images.  He was the master of innocence.  Today his artworks are priceless, but at the time they were created I'm sure some judged them harshly.



My first recollection of drawing or painting was around the age of ten.  By high school I spent my meager earnings on oil paints and canvas.  My passion was nature – animals in particular and that was my subject material at the time.  Talent has two definitions--a natural ability or a developed skill.  My parents couldn't send me to art school, so I depended on the former.

I am still painting in my senior years without the benefit of schooling.  There were times when I thought I should have learned the basics of form, reflective light, color-wheel importance, composition, etc.  Still, not everyone can deal with the pressure of grades or a structured format.  I paint from my heart, expressing what my mind dictates, and there are no schools that teach that.  I give myself new challenges, just to see if I can produce this vision on canvas to my own satisfaction.  You don't have to have a certificate to do that.

Often we look at things without really seeing them.  After all, our eyes are merely lenses; they have no knowledge, no memories and no experiences.  To see well we must open our minds as well as our eyes.  Perhaps for that reason I like to paint the less-than-perfect subject material.



A broken sea-shell has more character than any perfect specimen.  Models, just short of perfect beauty leave a little 'yet to be desired'.  My choice for portraits would be in the facial structure itself, eye or skin color and character lines.  It's been said that there are two times when a boy can be called beautiful -- at puberty, and when felled by the sword.  I see in each of these a child-like perception and I am driven, at times, to put these images on canvas.

Henri Matisse put it this way:  "Creation begins with vision. The artist has to look at everything as though seeing it for the first time, like a child".

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learning to draw you are gonna need a pencil

If you're going to be doing any pencil drawing you're going to need a pencil. I know, I know, thank you captain obvious.... But, in this article I want to talk about some of the different options available.

Here are some of the options:
Mechanical Pencils, Lead Holders, Woodless Graphite, And ofcourse traditional wooden pencils

Mechanical Pencils: You're probably familiar with these. They're the ones that hold the lead (graphite actually) inside and when you push on the eraser more lead comes out. What you may not know is that, like traditional wooden pencils, the leads are available in various degrees of hardness which can be used to achieve lighter or darker tones as needed. We'll talk more about that later.

Lead Holders: These are somewhat similar to mechanical pencils in that you can use various leads with them. But rather than push a button to release more lead, these pencils actually have sort of a claw that grabs onto and holds the lead. Hence the term "lead holder".

Woodless Graphite: These pencils are basically a piece of graphite in the shape of a pencil. There are also some woodless graphite pencils that are encased in a laquer coating rather than wood.

Wooden Pencils: Okay. We all know what a wooden pencil is. It's the yellow one with a pink eraser on top and a number 2 on it. You know, the ones we used to fill in the little circles on our multiple choice tests in school.

Well yes, those are pencils, but a set of good quality drawing pencils comes with a lot more variety than that.

All of the pencil types mentioned above come in varying degrees of hardness and are labled with a number and the letter H or B. The pencils labled H are on the hard side and the ones labled with a B are the soft ones. I don't know where the "B" comes from but that's the way it is. Pencils range from 9H (the hardest) to 9B (the softest).

The number 2 pencils we're so familiar with are right in the middle in terms of hardness. They're equivalent to an HB pencil. If you're just starting out drawing or you're just doing some doodling or sketching an HB or #2 will work just fine for you. But, if you want to get a much more interesting drawing you'll have to have some contrast between lights and darks. If all you've ever drawn with before is a number 2 pencil, the way you achieve your darker tones is simply to press down harder.

But there is a better way. That's where the softer pencils come in. After #2 in terms of softness comes B then 2B, 3B ect. all the way up to 9B. Although many artists never use anything softer than a 6B. With a 6B you can get some very dark tones and it's not going to be as soft and thus crumbly as a 9B.
For the harder pencils, I rarely use anything harder than a 2H and that's usually just for the initial line drawing before any shading takes place. Doing the initial line drawing very lightly allows you to erase any mistakes you might have made. Once your line drawing is acurate, it's time to get the softer pencils out and start shading.

So to wrap this up, if you're planning on getting a little more serious with your drawing you'll want to get a set of pencils. There are some sets out there that have just 4 pencils in them. So if you're strapped for cash this is an option. Pencils are also available individually so you can pick and choose whichever number / letter combo you need.

I prefer traditional wooden pencils for my drawings and my brand of choice is Derwent. They make sets of 12 pencils that range from 4H to 6B or from H all the way up to 9B. And, you can get a set of 12 pencils for about $12 - $15 so it's not terribly expensive to get into drawing.

So now go out, get yourself some good pencils, and start drawing....

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Learn How to Paint, Draw or Write Like a Pro with Continuing Education Classes

Have you ever wanted to be an artist? Most of us have at one point of our lives or another. However, in school, the focus
was more on reading, writing and arithmetic instead of honing our artistic or musical skills. Now that you are an adult and
can make your own decisions, you'd like to try and learn these things and take up a new hobby. But how? Do you read a book
or ask your friend who paints?

Well, you can, but it won't help you get the know-how that taking a continuing education
course can give you.

Continuing education courses can be anything from an accredited degree program (one where you earn a degree to use in your
career at the end) to a simple day-long course at the local community college. However, it's those simple courses that can
give the students amazing experience in areas they never had a chance to learn about previously.


A student can take painting classes, learn to sew or knit, learn to arrange flowers or research your family tree-all by
taking a few courses for a few weeks. You can learn how to create the next big piece of artwork or sew your daughter's
wedding dress. Or, you can do something simple. Continuing education courses have something for everyone.

Because the topics can range so widely, these continuing education courses are a great way for retirees to keep their minds
sharp in their senior years. It also gives them a way to meet people with similar backgrounds and interests.



So, if you are itching to get started on that painting you've always dreamed of creating, now is the time to get started.
Why now? Because, well, why not now? There is no better time than the present to start living your dreams, no matter your
financial background or martial status. You will also find that pursuing your interests will help you with your
self-confidence, self-esteem and general happiness in your life.

Where can you find continuing education courses like these?

Well, first start by calling your local community college or
recreation center. Nearly ever town or city has at least one and they are sure to offer a few each month that will serve
your interests.

If you can't find continuing education courses at your local community college, head online. Search on your favorite search
engine for continuing education courses in your city or region. You are sure to find a great selection to choose from,
probably in places you weren't aware of before. Then, all you have to do is register, attend class and let your mind soak
up the new information. It can be that easy!

Living your dreams of becoming an artist or clothing designer doesn't have to be only a dream. You can make it a reality
with only the tuition payment and some imagination. Just think, maybe someday you can pass on your knowledge to others and
help them start living their very own artistic dreams too.

Is it ART instant drawing and the digital darkroom

Henri Cartier-Bresson is reported to have said after he had given up photography. "All I care about these days is painting—photography has never been more than a way into painting, a sort of instant drawing."

No one disagrees that painting is art, albeit the quality may vary but it is always considered art. Why isn't this the case with photography? It is agreed that there is an art to photography but this means it is a craft but photography of the highest order is referred to as "photographic art". Likewise images created on or enhanced by a computer are labelled as "digital art" or "computer art". Whereas painting is just art, be it water colour, oil or acrylic.



In part the problem lies with the artist. The discussion about photography is littered knee deep with technique and coloured with technical jargon. Seldom if ever is the art discussed. I have yet to find a discussion about a painter's work where the types and sizes of the brushes scores a mention. And quite frankly who really cares? If I was to twiddle the knobs like Ansel Adams would I make an Adam's photograph? The simple answer is no, I'm not Ansel Adams.



The photographer makes the photograph with their attitudes, opinions, experience and aesthetic. The very same attributes that the painter brings to their work, as does the sculptor, the writer or the composer. Technical ability only makes technically correct work. The most interesting work is that which is out there pushing the boundaries, ignoring the rules and making it up as they go along, finding new forms of expression.



The development of the digital darkroom heralds a new age for photography. Gone are the days of mechanical drawing, now full blown paintings are as accessible as the artist's ability to imagine them. With attitude, opinion, experience and aesthetic being the guiding principles not the recipes of those who have gone before.

It is a play ground, don't worry about mistakes it is through them that we learn. As one of the greatest artist's of the 20th Century, Pablo Picasso, said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up".

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introduction to pencil drawing supplies and techniques

Drawing is a wonderful art form in itself, but it is also an excellent exercise for other forms of art, like painting for instance. Learning how to draw will truly open your mind to your surroundings enabling you to really see what is before you.

Choosing your drawing supplies there are a variety of different drawing tools available for today's artists and what you choose to work with is based on your own preference. It comes to down to experimentation. You have to work with a number of different things before you find the tools that fit your style of drawing.

Don't go out and spend a ton of money on your drawing supplies in the beginning. You can really get started with a beginner pencil set and some newsprint paper. When you become more experienced, you can then venture out and spend money on better supplies.

Graphite pencils - Graphite pencils range in hardness and are labeled from 9H to 9B. The H pencils are the hardest. The higher the number in front of the H the lighter the mark. The B pencils are softest. The higher the number in front of the B the darker the mark. The H pencils are generally used for detailed lines where the B pencils will produce rich dark lines great for bold expressive drawings.

Charcoal Pencils - Charcoal pencils also come in a range of hardness and are labeled either from H to B like graphite, or simply as "soft", "medium" or "hard". They have a noticeably different feel to them and produce a rich dark line. Charcoal pencils tend to wear pretty fast because of their softness.



Blending Tortillions - Tightly wound stumps of paper with a point used to blend in your drawings.

Erasers - You may want to have a few different types of erasers on hand to fit every occasion.

Kneaded Eraser - A soft pliable eraser that can be kneaded into any shape to pick up and remove pencil and charcoal. May not be the best for erasing smaller details. The SANFORD Kneaded Rubber Erasers are very popular.

Eraser Pencil - These are wonderful for getting into small areas of your drawings. They can also be sharpened like ordinary pencils.

Fixatives - Fixatives protect your drawings from being smudged or ruined. There are two types of fixatives: permanent and workable. Permanent fixatives are used on a finished drawing to protect, where a workable fixative is used during the drawing process as you are working. Use great care while working with fixatives by only using in a well ventilated area. When spraying the fixative, make sure you do not spray any one section for too long and only spray a light mist standing about 3 feet away from the drawing. You should probably experiment on a few practice drawings first to determine if a fixative is right for you. There appears to be a difference of opinion amongst artists when it comes to fixatives. Some artists love to work with them and swear by them, while others feel they may actually alter the quality of a drawing. Again, you have to experiment yourself to see if fixatives are a good choice for you.



Paper - In the beginning, for the purpose of practice, you may want to consider purchasing some inexpensive newsprint paper. You should be able to get this at any local art store or online. When you are ready to purchase a more expensive grade paper, choose something that will work best with the medium you use. Paper comes in a variety of different textures from smooth to rough, often referred to as its "tooth". A really smooth paper may not work well for some mediums as the surface lacks texture, and will not grab certain drawing mediums very well. If the paper is too rough, the medium may simply slide across the surface. You have to experiment with different papers to find the one you are most comfortable with. Strathmore Brand makes excellent paper that is very popular amongst artists.

Horse Hair Drafting Brush - You should be able to purchase a horse hair drafting brush at any local art supply store or online store. This is a really helpful tool for brushing away unwanted eraser scraps from your drawing.

Basic Drawing Techniques:

There are two basic ways to approach a drawing: linear and tonal. The linear approach to a drawing focuses on line and outlines of shapes. In tonal drawing, you make use of gradations to indicate the various planes of your subject.

You should try to avoid smudging and blending in the beginning so that you force yourself to use your pencil more to achieve value in your drawings.

Avoid looking at your drawing too often. Make sure you are constantly focusing on the subject and only glancing at your drawing. By doing so, you won't constantly judge your drawing, or think something is
wrong or out of place. Focus on the subject and draw what you see.

Never throw out any of your drawings. Keep a neat portfolio of everything you draw. This is an excellent way to see your progress over time.

Holding the pencil - Hold your pencil in a way that is most comfortable for you. Some hold the pencil just as you would hold a pen or pencil if you were writing. Others hold a pencil with the pencil between the thumb and index finger, with the rest of the pencil resting under the palm of your hand. Whichever method you use for holding your pencil, make certain that you do not hold the pencil too tightly.

Contour Drawing - This very basic technique is simply drawing the outline of your subject without any shading to indicate form.

Blind Contour Drawing - Similar to contour drawing, only you do not look at the paper. The point of this exercise is to force you to better observe what it is you are drawing. You should have no concern over the outcome of your drawing so it is important not to peek.

Hatching - This drawing technique uses a series of parallel lines drawn close together, in the same direction, which gives the appearance of value.

Crosshatching - Similar to hatching only you draw multiple layers of hatch lines at different angles that overlap one another.

Tonal or Value Drawing - In this approach to drawing we are indicating the various changes of light and shade in our picture without the use of strong edges and lines.



Upside Down Drawing - Drawing upside down is a wonderful exercise to awaken the right side of your brain. When you turn an image upside down, you are making it somewhat abstract and unrecognizable. This forces you to draw what you see as opposed to relying on your memory to draw something.

Negative Drawing Technique - This technique teaches you how to properly see the "white" or "negative" space in your picture. This is the area that surrounds your subject or "positive" space. Instead of drawing out the positive part of the drawing with line, you draw in the shapes that surround the positive part of your drawing.

Dry Wash Technique - This technique works quite well if you want to cover large areas of your drawing. It creates a nice soft tone. You begin by adding marks with a pencil or apply some graphite powder to the desired area on your paper. Then using a tissue or soft cloth pick up some of the graphite and gently rub it across the paper, almost as if you were painting.

drawing the human figure tips for beginner

Figure drawing is challenging. The act of rendering the human form accurately on paper can be intimidating and frustrating if you try to tackle everything all at once. It is for this reason that you should take things one-step at a time and most importantly, practice! The following article will provide you with some of the basics for understanding how to approach your next figure drawing project.

The very first thing you will need obviously is your drawing supplies. Drawing does not have to be a very expensive art form. You can get started with a pencil and paper if you so desire, but there are certain supplies that will produce better results. It is quite difficult to recommend the perfect materials as every artist is different and therefore will have different preferences. Only time and experience will tell you what materials work best for your particular style. Your choice of materials will also depend on the chosen subject matter.



The best advice would be to get a variety of different pencils and papers and simply experiment. You will eventually come to like certain materials over others. Get your self a pad of newsprint paper. Newsprint paper is fairly inexpensive and excellent for practice drawings, although you should not expect these drawing to last very long. They will more than likely yellow over time. For your permanent drawings, a good quality paper is recommended. Strathmore is a good brand to look into. You may want to start with a medium textured paper as it has enough "tooth" to hold a fair amount of medium, but smooth enough to allow for detailed work. You will also need a good size drawing board that is smooth and flat for your drawing surface.

Before you even lift a pencil, you should have a basic understanding of human anatomy. When you study anatomy, you will learn more about the construction of the human body and its proportions. You will also have a basic understanding of the muscles and tendons and how they direct and control the body. There is no need to get carried away and memorize every muscle, bone, and tendon in the human body; just a fundamental understanding should suffice.



Getting the proportions correct in your figure drawing is one of the biggest challenges you will face as a beginner. It is for this reason that a unit of measurement was established using the models head. This is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin. 7 ½ to 8 heads is the standard measurement that has been developed for the height of an erect figure. This measurement can vary depending on the subject so you may have to make adjustments to your figure drawing. You should realize that the measurement of 7 ½ heads corresponds to the figure when it is standing erect. If the pose of your figure changes, adjustments will obviously have to be made.

Artists will often use a pencil to take the head measurement. Stand a reasonable distance from your subject. Grab your pencil from the bottom as if you were holding a hammer and extend your arm out fully in front of you toward the subject. Try and keep your head as still as possible. Make certain that you are standing in the same spot each time you take measurements. Now closing one eye match the tip of the pencil with the top of the subjects head. Place your thumb on the pencil and slide it down until it matches with the bottom of the subjects chin. You now have taken the "head" measurement of your subject, which will now serve as a reference for measuring the rest of your subject.



When deciding on the type of pose for your figure drawing make sure you choose one that looks natural. Your model will be holding his or her pose for a long period of time and should be comfortable and relaxed. Give your model adequate time to move around and get settled. The more relaxed and natural the pose, the more believable the final drawing or painting will be. If your model looks uncomfortable or awkward, your painting or drawing will reflect that as well.

There are number of different lighting situations that you can create for your figure drawing or painting. Will you be working indoors or outdoors? If indoors, will you be working in a room that has natural sunlight or will you be using artificial light? What direction will the light source come from? Will there be multiple light sources? If you are a beginner, you may want to create a lighting effect that strikes your model from only one direction and illuminates your figure only partially, thereby creating more shadow. This will make for a much easier figure drawing. As you gain more experience, you can then move on to more complex lighting effects.



When you begin your drawing, you should not be overly concerned with getting every detail correct in your figure or other objects that make up your drawing. Many beginners fall into this trap and ultimately wind up with a drawing that is out of proportion or that just looks wrong. Study your subject, squint your eyes and try to locate the basic shapes that make up your subject.

Figure drawing and painting is a vast subject and this article only touches on some of the basics. You should definitely take classes or workshops and practice your figure drawing with live models. Purchase a few good books on figure drawing and anatomy. Join discussion groups and ask questions. Most importantly though, keep practicing and never give up.

comic book art

With the variety of comic books on the market today no wonder so many young people have decided to enter the comic book art market.  There are never ending opportunities in this field and you do not have to be a natural to make it happen.

Artist's workshops

Comic Book artist workshops are designed for anyone that would like to get into the market for comic book art.  They will have the chance to learn the secret language of chronological story telling in comics.

While having the opportunity to create characters and tell stories through pictures, they can grow in a direction that will teach them about the many forms of communication.  Learning to draw from imagination or from real life experiences, you can turn these experiences into comic book stories and learn to express those ideas in the very best ways. 

Online comic book art workshops

The best way to attend a workshop is online, as the workshop is completed in the comfort of your home and you will be able to find one that suits your needs. Workshops can be found by searching keywords, such as online comic workshops, workshops for artists, etc.

Offline comic book art workshops.



There are also many offline workshops, offered through local universities and art schools.  The best ways to locate these are to contact those places and ask when the next comic book art workshop is available.

Teach yourself comic book art

There are also pdf courses you can download to teach yourself how to create comic books and art.  The six-lesson course is a great way to start if you do not have the funds to go take a comic book art class or workshop.

cartoon drawing tips for kid

Cartoons are fun. Well almost. If you are like me you certainly love to watch cartoon figures. But drawing cartoons is another story particularly if you are not aware of the basics.

If the thought of creating beautiful cartoon characters gives you high, read on, here you will find some tips that you can readily use to improve your skills and reduce the time taken to create beautiful cartoon characters.

There are certain things that are same for every style of drawing, be it realistic drawing or cartoony, now we will go quickly through the basics before getting specific to cartoony style.

1. Select your tools wisely. Clean your hands before starting your drawing. The paper you use for your work should be of good quality. Low grade, off colored paper will make your drawing look pale. Your first sketch should be made with light lines and for finalizing you should use deep-colored and prominent lines --so choose your pencils carefully.

2. Many times beginners find drawing a smooth line difficult. Remember drawing smooth lines will be easier if you do not support your hand on your wrist like we are used to do while writing. Doodling and drawing some circular shapes just before you start will also help you to draw smoothly.

3. Learn to draw facial features and hand carefully. Hands are more difficult. Experts often judge a person’s drawing ability from how well he can draw human hands. So practice drawing hands with care.

4. Study about basic forms and proportions of human body. Learn about basics of human anatomy and various ratios of human figures.

As a cartoon creator you will have certain liberties, you do not need to bind yourself with strict body proportions rules. You can draw four fingered (Thumb + Three) hand that makes your work a bit easier.

But one challenge you will face while drawing cartoons --cartoon characters needs to be more expressive and certainly you have to create this expressiveness with some lines drawn with your pencil.

Keep in mind that three areas of human face that play major role to express emotions are

1. Eyelids (wide open, half closed, almost fully closed etc.),

2. Eyebrows (raised, normal, crooked etc.) and

3. Lips (forming downward bow, upward bow etc.).

Other than these you can also use, hair (properly combed or ruffled), garments (well kept or torn) to create characters that tells a story.

Hope you find this tips useful. Coupled with some practice these tips will help you to take your cartoon drawing skills to a new level. Enjoy the fun of drawing beautiful and expressive cartoon characters.

7 drawing tips for beginner

A child's first scribbling is something which it tries to express if you give a pencil in his hand.  Drawing is relatively very simple and an easy skill and is something with which you can have great fun. It is also relatively not a very expensive hobby and can start with paper and a pencil.  It can go on till acquiring costly pen and tablets - a computer hardware through which you can draw on your computer.  It is very costly; however the precision for perfection is very high.

Unlike earlier days, getting information on drawing and sketching is very easy and inexpensive.  You can search information on Google and get various sites which teach drawing.  Also, nowadays this art form is liked by many youngsters.  Like all other art forms, with constant and systematic practice one can become a great artist.

Listed below are few drawing tips which can help anyone improve their skill and become an artist. Reading and practicing these in your daily routine will improve your skill.

1. If you are drawing and you are right handed person, ensure that the light is from your left side. This will prevent your hand shadow falling on your paper.

2. First step when you practice drawing - you should practice drawing line, straight line, curved line, scribbled lines, and your hand should obey the command of your thoughts and visions. You should control your hand and you should be able to bring out what you want.

3. You should further develop drawing circles, oval shapes, crossed lines and bold and thick lines.  Just like how a baby develops from crawling stage to walking stage, your art should also develop step by step.

4. These lines and curves are like pillars to a building. The foundation should be strong enough to have a good building; similarly these initial small lines and curves will go a long way in your career. You should also start controlling the stress on your pencil. You should be able to bring the correct darkness and thickness in the lines what you draw.

5. Initially you will not be able to draw a circle or an oval shape correctly, nevertheless don't get discouraged. You should practice and practice until you get perfection.  You should also keep all your drawings carefully from the start to know how you are improving. You could also date your sketches and preserve it for the future.

6. You should concentrate in the area where you feel you are weak.  If you are not able to shade properly then learn more to do that.  You can try out your own style of shading.  Build your own individuality, never copy from another artist. 

7. Last but not the least, use good quality materials. 4B and 6B pencils and good chart paper or note book with good quality paper should be sufficient to start with.  Quality definitely matters hence never compromise on quality.

If you are a person who is interested in learning to draw you will be interested to check these Free Drawing Tutorials and also can search for tutorials from drawing search engine.

3 top cartoon drawing tips for beginner

Cartooning is not about drawing it is about telling stories. Yes, even when you are drawing a single illustration you are telling a story. Cartooning is about expressing your thoughts. And it is your thoughts expressed beautifully through your cartoon characters that make you different from other average cartoon makers.

But as in every other field of life here also you must learn to walk first before you try running. To express your thoughts and ideas through your cartoon characters, you need to master the skill of cartoon drawing first. Then of course you can use your cartoon drawing skills to tell story to your liking.

To be skilled in cartoon drawing you have to face a learning curve. You just can’t decide to be a cartoonist then copy some popular cartoon figures and become an accomplished cartoonist who is rich and famous. If you are lucky and talented with keen sense of observation you may pickup one or two tricks by making copy of popular cartoon figures. But that is too inadequate to be of any use.

There are various ways that you can take to learn cartoon drawing --you can join cartooning school or take a home study course or follow a book of an expert cartoonist -- the bottom line is you have to follow the steps. Like you should first teach yourself drawing 3d shapes, then learn to stretch, squash those 3d shapes in your drawing. Next you need to practice things like drawing hands and head before moving on to motion and emotion and advanced things like that.

If it sounds like lot of work, you are right. But what you achieve at the end is worth working for. If you are smart however you can use the tips you are going to discover here to make the whole learning process fast and painless.

1. Do not start with computers. I agree I run the risk of sounding backdated. But here I am not opposing usage of computer altogether, no sane person can do that. But for beginners there is no alternative to using paper and pencil.

There are various software that help you so much that you can go ahead even without learning how to draw a smooth line. This kind of over dependency on computers from the very beginning always backfires down the road.

2. Nail the fact in your mind that construction of human, animal, cars and most of the things that that we see around us are complex 3d structures though we draw them on paper which is 2D. So when drawing you must mentally analyze your model in terms of 3d shapes like spheres and boxes and not in terms of 2d shapes like circles and rectangles.

Also when you draw something from paper (i.e. 2D), look for and find out the 3d shapes that make up the character.

3. Most of the cartoon drawing or figure drawing tutorials always start with some basic 3d shapes and after a number of steps end up in a complete and beautiful figure. This technique is very effective in learning how we can draw complex figures starting with simple shapes. But what I am going to tell you will make your pace of learning even faster. It is in fact very simple way of using the same tutorial. Just a lot more effective.

What you need to do is start where the tutorial ends and go backward from there. See the completed figure and try to recognize the ingredient basic shapes. And compare your analysis with the exact shapes that are used in the tutorial.

This will give you a very through exercise in recognizing the basic shapes. And after some time you will be analyzing the real life around you like an expert. Just take your time and practice this technique, and see how fast it will improve your skill in cartoon drawing.

Cartoon drawing is pure fun both for professionals who earn their living through cartooning and hobbyists who draw cartoon only for personal pleasure. I do not know what you goal is but hope the tips here will be helpful for you. Never stop learning: there are a whole lot to learn and even more fun to have in the process. Happy journey!

win your ex back with a text

 A new way to win back you ex, that is becoming increasingly popular, is that of texting back your ex. More and more heart broken singles are trying their luck at texting in a bid to relight the flame of a broken relationship.

When all else fails and you can't pluck up the courage to make a call then why not try sending a text. It doesn't have to be anything long winded, just a few words in a short and simple text that shows your ex that yes you are thinking of them, yes you still love them and yes you want them back.

Of course, knowing what to text and when to text can be a problem but it doesn't have to be a dilemma. As long as you give yourself enough time to really think about what you want to say and what message you want to get across to your ex then you will have tried with the best of intentions. A well thought out first text could make all the difference and rekindle the romance you thought was lost.

For those who are not used to the text medium, there is no need to despair as there are now many books available on how to text your ex back.  Such books provide an insight on how to compose a successful text without appearing desperate. They teach you how to pace your texts and reel in your ex by using the appropriate wording that has maximum effect.

So, when you are a loss for words verbally why not give texting a go and win back your text with the click of a button? Texting back your ex has worked for others, surely it is worth seeing if it might work for you.
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THE TEXT YOUR EX BACK PROCESS

 More and more exes are using the texting formula in a bid to win back their loved one and start over a new relationship. With so many eBooks appearing about what you need to do and how and when you should start texting your ex, it is no wonder that the mere act of sending a text has become something of a skill. To text back your ex is not just a simple message send from your mobile phone, it is a process that takes time and planning.

The text your ex back process consists of a few planned steps that allow you to say all the right things and send your carefully selected words via text messages. The process starts with a time out period which gives both you and you ex time, ideally at least 4 weeks, in which to reflect over where you went wrong and surmise your feelings for each other. The time out period is a crucial part of the text your ex back process as it prevents a lot of pent up anger, frustrations and hurt from spilling out in frantic text messages.

Once you and your ex have had time out and time to reflect, emotions can be analysed and it is in this part of the process that you can carefully plan your first text. You'll need to avoid anything too heavy or direct so a good place to start is by asking how you ex is doing and wrap it up in a subtle compliment. This, at the very least will not go unnoticed and leave the pathway clear for a response or for you to compose a follow up text message.  Remember, texting back your ex will either be a good or bad thing, so don't rush in but rather allow the step by step process to slowly unfold and help you win back your ex.
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Text your ex back with good first message

Despite much controversy over the whole concept of using text messages to reconnect or rebuild a relationship with your ex, text messages are seen as a powerful means of communication. Moreover, the author of the downloadable PDF eBook, Michael Fiore, has become something of an expert in the text message world. His book provides detailed steps on what you should text and what you should not text when it comes to texting back your ex. However, it really is up to the individual to discover the power of text messages and decide whether they are good or bad.

Perhaps the first thing to take in to account when texting your ex is that you might not necessarily get an immediate response. The main thing you can really hope for it that at the very least your text with be seen and read. It is important that you think about what you want to say as it is possible to go about it all wrong and end up pushing your ex further away.

If you want positive results from your text messages then you need to come up with some good first messages. So you'll need to avoid coming across as needy, desperate or insecure. Here are a few key points you might like to consider. Avoid nothing texts that lead to a dead end in terms of receiving a response or reply.  Try to keep your text light hearted and open ended as this with create a positive experience. Maybe include a subtle compliment, again nothing too overpowering as you don't want to create the wrong impression.  And most important of all, do not expect a response straight away and text back demanding why they haven't replied. Pressure texts are bad texts so keep those first messages good ones and see how you could actually text your ex back into your life.

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Text Your ex Back with CLASS

 If you plan on using the text medium as a way to get back with your ex then you need to plan your messages carefully and text your ex back with class.

Once you have had time to get your head around the initial break up you can spend some time reflecting over what went wrong and how you could change the things that obviously weren't working. Try to put yourself in your ex's shoes and understand how they might be feeling.

Of course, as with any breakup they are a lot of emotions at play and sometimes we just need to take time out to work out exactly how we are feeling. Are we still angry? Do we miss our ex? Are we able to forgive? And forget in order to move on and start afresh? Once you have a clear understanding of how you are feeling and what you want to do, you are ready to start texting your ex.

When it comes to that very first text message you want to make an impact, stir up an emotion and get your ex hooked. It might not lead to an immediate response, if even a response at all. But it give you time to work on a second text and follow on with another message that indicates you are still there thinking about your ex.

Try not to rush into sending a second text if you have not heard back. Give your ex time to respond or even just accept you have made contact. It may be that they are still raw so you need to show you are sensitive and this in turn will show you have not only feeling but also an element of class.
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text your ex back with a good first text

 If you're planning to text your ex in a bid to win them back then it's important that you get that very first text just right. Knowing what to say can be a dilemma as you will not want to compose anything that might push them further away.  Dealing with emotions, coping with fear and rejection and worrying about if you are doing the right thing all play a part in how you might be feeling at the time you may send a text.

Knowing exactly what to write and what words to text will all play a part in whether or not you can in fact text your ex back. Do you type something short and sweet? Keep it simple? Show them you still care? Do you apologize? Find out how they are? These are perhaps just some of the many questions stirring round in your head. But when it comes to actually texting your ex, you will need to know the answers or at the very least what you might choose to text. After all, that very first text could be the be all and end all to your relationship so it is important to get it right. Therefore you will need to text your e back with a good first text.

What you should be aiming for is to make an impact and allow that first text to open up your ex's mind to the idea of getting back together. Here are a few pointers that you might like to consider.

Try not to text your ex too soon after the break up, give it a couple of week. This will give you plenty of time to reflect back over the relationship and think about where you went wrong. You will have lots of emotions going on so you'll need time to process your feelings and not act on impulse. It could cost you if you rush in!

Avoid mentioning the relationship and how or why it ended. You need to focus on why you want to be back with your ex and hope they feel they same way too.

Don't beg or use terms that are overpowering. This will look desperate and you want to appear mature and that you are willing to start afresh.

And finally, keep it short and send various texts that follow on. It may be you don't get an immediate response to the first text so you'll need to word your texts so they follow on.
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text that wont get your ex back

 Text messages composed correctly can be very powerful. Choosing the right words can have a significant impact and stir up passion and mystery in the ex you still love. Texts can help bridge the gap that has grown between you and help forge a new path that draws you both together.  Using texts as a means to get your ex back can work to your advantage. All you need to know is what and when is best to text and of course what not to text and what could be detrimental.

Choosing the right words is crucial and knowing how much time to give before sending a second text is all important. The wrong types of texts can lead to something much more painful that the initial break up so it is always a good idea to give yourself time to compose yourself as well as the message you would like to put across.

When it comes to texts that won't get your ex back there are 3 main types you need to know about and should avoid at all costs. Firstly there is the Nothing Text. These texts might start with a 'Hi' or 'what's up?' At first glance they may not appear offensive but on reflection what they actually do is lead to a one word answer that can close down the conversation.

Next is the Needy Text. These often start with 'What are you up to?', 'Are you seeing someone else yet?', 'Why don't you text me back?' or 'Don't you love me anymore? Although these may be questions you want answers for they are not appropriate in a text. They will make you appear insecure and desperate and if anything put your ex right off and remind them of the reason why you broke up.

Then there is the Begging and Pleading Text.  These texts are way too desperate sounding and may start with 'I'll do anything just to get you back', 'Tell me what I did wrong', 'I can't live without you'.

Before sending any text remember why you are texting; because you want to get back with your ex and not push them further away.
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Texting Your Ex Back can WORK

 It's hard to believe that a simple text can be the olive branch that reunites you with the ex you still love and want to get back with. There are so many myths surrounding text messaging and how effective it can actually be that it's no wonder many of us are sceptical about using this form of communication as a means to get back with the ex.

Texting is generally used as a quick and easy means to pass on information. The younger mobile users are known to text over 200 times a day. But a text message not matter what words are used can be a double edged sword. What the written word doesn't have is intonation and volume and often the sentiment behind the words can be lost in the way the text is read. It is of course all relevant to how the recipient is feeling at the time he/she receives the text.

Studies have shown that if you plan to reply on a text to get back you ex, then you must leave a period of time between the first actual text you send and the day of the break up. The suggested period is 3-4 weeks. This will not only give you yourself time to reflect back on the relationship but also allow further emotions, hopefully that of remorse, to enter into your ex's heart.

Then you need to think about what exactly you are going to text. Again, texts with some amount of depth and meaning have proved to be far more effective than one which reads as senseless or desperate. It is also worthwhile trying to think of a follow on text in case you do not get a response.

But remember than even if you do not get a reply, the odds that your text has been seen and read are must more in your favour than a phone call which is clearly left unanswered.
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Text Your ex Back..Does it work?

 Breaking up with a loved one can be devastating and in a bid to help us cope with the pain, many will go to any great lengths and try just about anything if it means a chance to get back with our ex.

So does this new concept and theory of text messaging actually work and win our ex round? For some yes it does, it really does work. But there are also those who have failed as far as texting their ex back goes. So what went wrong?

Without doubt there is a process to it all and a few simple steps that you really should take when it comes to trying your hand at texting back your ex. It's normal that after splitting up our emotions are still quite raw, so maybe sending a text the day after the break up is not quite a good idea. Surely it would be a lot more effective if we play it cool and give ourselves some time in which to do just that and cool down.

Taking some time to think about what we want to achieve will pay off and prevent you from writing off a possible reunion. The first text messages need to be well thought out and leave a positive impression. The last thing you need is to come over desperate and insecure as this will only result in your message going straight to the delete message option. If you want your texts to work you need to read up on the information out there about how to text back your ex. It has been tried and tested that text messaging can work but in order to get anywhere you need to make sure you are doing all the right things and ultimately texting all the right words.
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HOW YOU CAN TEXT YOUR EX BACK

Thinking of what you could do to win back you ex? Too scared to pick up the phone for fear it will be ignored or even worse slammed down on you. Then why not try your hand at texting? If you own a mobile phone then all you need to text your ex back is a bit of time, credit and the courage to press all the right buttons.

That's right. Forget calling your ex, forget turning up at the door. Give yourself some time in which to reflect and then take action in the form of a simple text message. With a few simple words you could open the way to the start of the rest of your life. You could just change the train of thought your ex is thinking. That's right, a text message could have the all the power behind it you need to get back with your ex and live happily ever after.

All you need to know when it comes to texting back your ex is a few simple steps that will lead you in the right direction. Firstly you must learn how to take time out and give both you and your ex the time to reflect about what just happened and why you broke up. Secondly, you need to think about the reason or reasons why you have split up and what you could do to change things. Once you have done this all that remains is what you are actually going to type in a text.

When it comes to the actual text, all you need to remember is that you want to encourage a response. To do this, you will need to compose a text that evokes interest, emotion and above all desire. Avoid irrelevant text and the conversation open ended. This way you will be able to follow up with additional texts if you fail to get a response first time round. 

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How Effective is it to TEXT Back Your EX

Texting is perhaps one of the most popular ways in which we communicate. If we have a mobile phone the odds are we send out and receive text messages pretty much every day. Because texting is so easy and quick it is no wonder that it has become a powerful means of communication. Texts are appealing for many reasons but the main tick boxes they check are that a text message can be intimate, direct, concise and instant.

Because of the increase use of text messages, texting has become a popular form of reconnecting with an ex.  All you need is a mobile phone with credits that allows you to send and receive texts. Where a phone call fails a text to your ex succeeds. And why? Because of access. Phone calls can be missed, unanswered are cut off. Texts on the other hand are more likely to be read, even if your ex chooses not to respond. Your message will have been seen and hopefully the impact of its content will have done enough to cause a positive reaction that could lead to you getting back with your ex.

Texting can lead to a whole lot more and from the initial text message send you could find a conversation merging into a new beginning. Knowing when to text and what word to write are highly important when it comes to regaining the interest and trust of your ex. Short phrases that make an impression or a simple single word could have your ex eager to rekindle your relationship.

As more and more people revert to texting as way of getting back with their ex, a new trend has developed. The more you text the better you become at knowing what to type and ultimately the more effective your text messages become. Before you know it you could be like many others who have tried the text you ex back formula and return their status to "in a relationship" from "single".
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what can you do when disaster strike somewhere els

Several of the largest natural disasters have occurred recently. These include the earthquake and tsunami in South East Asia and Hurricane Katrina in the Southern United States. Thousands of disasters occur every year. They all don't affect thousands of people, but the impact is as dire for each one that has to experience it. Each time a disaster occurs our hearts go out to those affected. However, what can we do when we are many miles away?



The following are some of the ways you might contribute to others affected by a disaster:



1. Pray. If you believe that miracles happen every day, as I do, then prayer should be at the top of your list.



2. Give Blood. There is always a need for blood. Especially when major disasters occur. Contact the Red Cross to learn about giving blood and schedule a time to donate at 1-800-GIVELIFE.



3. Send Notes. Give hope to the victims of the disaster as well as the relief workers by sending an encouraging note. If you do not have specific individuals to send to, send your notes to the local area through relief agencies, churches, schools and newspapers.



4. Volunteer. Go with a group to the location of the disaster to be a part of the rebuilding process. This could be with a local church or organization. You can also donate your time to volunteer organizations that respond to disasters. One of the first to respond is the Salvation Army. You can register your desire to volunteer by contacting your local Salvation Army office.



5. Donate Funds. Make a financial contribution to organizations that support the victims of the disaster. The Red Cross responds to thousands of disasters each year. You can donate at 1-800-HELP-NOW.



6. Donate Items. When disaster strikes, people can be without necessities for a long time. You can help by donating some of these items. If you want to support relief efforts by providing items, one of the best ways is to build and send relief kits. The United Methodist Committee on Relief and Operation Blessing are two organizations that teach you how to make the relief kits and where to send them. You can contact these organizations at 1-800-814-8765 and 1-757-226-3401, respectively.



7. Provide Shelter. If you are a property owner with vacant rental housing, you might help those driven from their home. Contact Disaster Housing Resources Online to learn more and register your available space.



8. Have a Fundraiser. If you cannot afford to donate funds, conduct a fundraising event. The event does not need to be extravagant. I am aware of adults and kids that raised money for a cause by having a yard sale and selling lemonade.



9. Purchase Items. Shop at stores and eat at restaurants that donate a portion of their profits to support disaster relief efforts. You will discover several businesses making this kind of contribution following major disasters.

This list is a sample of things you could do. I challenge you to identify two or more ways you plan to contribute to disaster relief efforts. Act on them starting today.

SURVIVAL CLOTHING FOR OUTDOOR EMERGENCIES

Maybe you don't need to learn about survival clothing. Maybe you always hike with a spare jacket. Perhaps you never go out into the wilderness overnight, but just for day hikes. Or you bring lots of warm clothing when you do go backpacking.

Nonetheless, hundreds of people die or come close to dying every year from exposure. They thought they were prepared. They didn't expect their clothes to get wet from falling in a stream, they didn't think they'd be out there for the night, or they get lost for days.



Coming down from Mount Whitney I met several young men in t-shirts on their way up, determined to get to the top. They had no gear, and not enough time, but they probably made it there by sunset anyhow. They also certainly didn't make it the eleven miles back to their car before dark. It was below freezing that night, so I imagine they were uncomfortable at best.



Quick Survival Clothing

What survival clothing could they have made in that situation? One of them did have a light jacket. He could have used his t-shirt as a hat (a lot of heat is lost through the head) and filled his jacket with the fluff from the cattail seedheads for insulation. (Cattail down was once used to fill those old orange life preservers.)



Insulation is the important principle here. You can stuff a jacket, shirt, sweater or pants with dry leaves, milkweed down, bracken ferns or almost anything that creates a lot of "dead air space." It's better if you have two layers to sandwich it between, but being itchy is better than being frozen in any case.

In a jam, you can also use the flat leaves of cattail plants to weave a vest that will block the wind and some rain. Two bread bags full of milkweed down or other silky plant fibers make warm mittens (tie them at the wrists). A plastic bag full of the same could be tied onto your head as a hat.



Usually, you'll do better to look first at what you have, before looking to kill animals for their skins, or weave grass skirts. If you have a sleeping bag, it can double as a coat - just wrap it around you. Socks can be mittens, and garbage bags can be made into snow pants.

A garbage bag can also be a raincoat. Otherwise, tie bunches of grass tightly together along a string or strip of cloth, and then wrap it around your shoulders. This will repel a light rain. You can fashion a rain hood of birchbark as well.



In the desert you can make a sun-hat of large leaves, like those from a fan palm. String some together to wrap around your shoulders to prevent sunburn.



You'll probably never have to use animal skins for survival clothing. You might never lose your shoes and need to glue tree bark to your feet with pine sap, for hiking. Still, knowing how to improvise a few basic pieces of survival clothing can make you more comfortable, and possibly save your life.

Putting Together a Home Earthquake Kit

If you live in an area prone to seismic activity, it's vitally important that you have an earthquake kit in your house or in your car so that you'll have emergency supplies if you need them.  Even if you don't live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, you might want to create a basic disaster survival kit to be used in case of tornados or other types of natural disasters.

Ideally, your earthquake kit should contain enough supplies for you and your family to survive for a period of up to three days.  Beyond the basic considerations of food and water that are physically necessary for survival, you will also need a few additional items to help you make it through the aftermath of an earthquake.

One of the first things that you'll need is some sort of light source in case the electricity has been knocked out in your area.  Since you're going to want to make sure that your light will work when needed, your best bet is to choose an LED flashlight or lantern since they have a drastically reduced energy usage and will keep a charge longer in storage than most standard flashlights.  Test any LED flashlight that you have every few months to make sure that it still works, and if you're using an LED lantern that has multiple lighting modes then you should take the time to test every one of its modes.

Another essential piece of equipment is a multi-purpose tool that has knife blades, pliers, screwdrivers, and even saw blades and can openers in it.  Be sure to store your multi-purpose tool with your LED lantern or LED flashlights so that you can find it quickly once you've located your light source.  You'd be amazed at how useful a multi-purpose tool can be after an earthquake, and you may even find uses for it that you've never considered.

Also in your earthquake kit should be a fully-stocked first aid kit so that you can treat any injuries that might have occurred during the earthquake.  Make sure that you have common items such as blankets, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer with your first aid kit so that you can cover basic needs and provide warmth and sanitation for anyone who is suffering from shock as well.

Other useful things to include in your earthquake kit include enough money or traveler's checks to be able to meet any monetary needs that you might have in case the banks are closed due to the earthquake.  You should also have a safe with copies of any important documents that you don't want to be lost or damaged in an earthquake, as well as clean clothes for both warm and cold weather so that you and your family won't be forced to wear the same clothes for several days in a row.

Make sure that you check the expiration dates on any food or medicine that you keep in your earthquake kit, and change out any stored water that you have every few months.  This will prevent you or your family members from getting sick due to expired food or stale water.

Preparing an earthquake kit is an important activity that should be done as a family to ensure that everyone knows how to use the items inside and where to find it if an earthquake occurs.  Being prepared for a disaster may very well save a person's life.

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR WHATEVER COMES YOUR WAY

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home.

What would you do if basic services-water, gas, electricity or telephones-were cut off? Local officials and first responders will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes.

Here are some tips for preparing for natural disasters:



** Get to know the types of disasters that can occur in your community.
** Make a family communications plan that includes an evacuation plan and coordinates with your school, work and community communication plans. Practice this plan with your entire family.
** Create a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for at least three days. Remember to check your kit every six months.
** Make sure your child knows what smoke alarms, fire alarms and local community warning systems (horns, sirens) sound like and how to respond.
** Teach your child how and, equally important, when to call for help. Even very young children can be taught how and when to call for emergency assistance.
** Children should memorize their family name, address and phone number. They should also know where to meet in case of an emergency. Some children may not be old enough to memorize the information. They could carry a small index card that lists emergency information to give to an adult or babysitter.
** If you commute to work, make sure you know alternative routes and carry appropriate supplies, such as a disaster supplies kit in your car and a compact kit with bare essential items such as a flashlight and whistle on public transportation.

Being prepared helps you and your family minimize the impact of a disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake or an emergency such as a fire or a broken leg.

The Red Cross has tips and tactics to help you prepare. The time to get ready for unexpected situations is now-while you have time to plan.

prepare for a flood the best way you could

Believe it or not, floods are the natural disasters that are most common in America.
According to statistics, more than a hundred people are killed by floods every year. Also, more than four billion dollars are the cost damages caused by floods.

All this is according to the Red Cross of the United States.

The following are few tips and advice you could do in order to prepare yourself for any flood inevitability.

Expect the expected

It is important that you clearly understand and that you are aware of any damages that a flood could cause. Some of these inevitabilities include boulders that are rolling, trees that are ripped right out from the ground, buildings that are destroyed as well as bridges, sliding debris.

Do not be afraid to ask

It is also vital that you ask around your local zoning and planning office as to whether the property you are on is below the level of the flood or above it. Also, it is always good to know if the area you are in has had a history of being flooded.

This knowledge helps a lot in the preparation of activities and tasks to do in case if a flood does hit.

Familiarize yourself

In your own community, it is best that you familiarize yourself in any or all of the warning signals or signs whenever a flood does occur.

Learn, learn, learn

Know what are your community’s plan for evacuation. This helps you prepare yourself as well as your family and friends as on what to do as well as the step by step drill.

Have an insurance

It helps if you have insurance that is tailored particularly when a flood occurs. Believe it or not, the insurance usually associated with home owners will really not be able to reimburse any damages you may have that are caused by floods.

Keep all vital documents

These documents include any policies for insurance, passports, birth certificates, etc.
All these papers should – as much as possible – be kept in a box that is waterproof and one which could be accessed easily.

Move, move, move

If in case your fireplace, furnace, electricity panel or water heater is in the basement or 1st floor of your house, you could consider moving it up the attic.

In that way it will be a lot less probable for these to be damaged by raging floodwaters.

Plug it all

Plugging all trap sewers you have in your house using check valves actually prevent any floodwater from going into the drains of your house. During emergencies, using large stoppers or corks is also a good idea to plug tubs and sinks.

Check and build

Checking with the local codes of buildings is a good idea as this will let you know whether it is okay to build walls for floods and to be used as barriers around your own house in order to prevent any floodwater from getting in your premises.

Waterproof it all

In order to protect walls of basements, seal them using waterproof compounds so that floodwaters would be unable to get in through any cracks.

Have a radio and some supplies

As much as possible, keep a radio that is operated by batteries if in case the power goes off.

Having supplies such as canned goods is a must as well as first aid kits. Do not forget a can opener of course.

All in all, preparation is always the best defence against floods.

IS THE END NEAR?

During the past year, hundreds of thousands have perished at the hands of a mother nature run amok. Tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, and torrential rains have served us notice that for all our brilliant achievements, we are not masters of the earth.

Those who adhere to the prophecies of the past suggest that the cataclysm of world destruction is coming, that the rapture is at hand, the end is near.

Certainly, the recent natural disasters have been extreme, eclipsing anything in living memory, but do they signify a terrible end?



The human race is now enormous, exceeding by a thousand percent the world inhabitants of the not-too-distant past. Communication is instantaneous: a boulder falls on a house and a picture is flashed around the world before the dust settles.

Consider the news in historical context, a far vaster landscape than human memory. And consider that until 100 years ago, news of events traveled slowly, if at all.



The earthquake in Kashmir claimed perhaps 40,000 valuable lives out of a planetary population of 6.4 billion souls. An earthquake in Shaanxi, China in 1556 claimed over 800,000 lives out of a contemporary population of only a few million, most of them totally unaware of the disaster.



The horrors of AIDS and the looming threat of 'flu pandemics may kill a few million of us. In 1347-1350, the Black Death wiped out over a third of Europe's population and it took 400 years to grow back to its former level. There were no news flashes or video coverage, just the word of straggling strangers of the terrors they had seen.



Think of the Ice Ages that have periodically crept across the earth's surface, wiping out hundred of species each time and forever leaving the mark of their ravages on the continents. Envision an enormous meteor crashing into our planet, leaving a killing residue of dust that blotted out the sun's rays for decades, destroying the dinosaurs that had dominated the landscape for 100,000 years of endless summer.

Our spaceship earth is a living, breathing and highly unstable vessel. It explodes, erupts, and trembles on its own timetable, far removed from the brief memories of mankind.



The forces of nature are doing what they have always done. There are just so many more of us to get in the way and so many more to bear witness to the recurring catastrophes.

heroes needed in times of need

Natural disasters have devastated natural landscapes and the lives of millions in recent years. While technology is aiding us in keeping proactive in avoiding our presence in times of these traumatic events, many people are being seriously injured. The aftermath of these events has raised the need for professionals such as emergency medical technicians and trained nurses.

Extreme times call for extraordinary training and measures. Local communities cannot rely on a 'normal' chain of events to follow in the wake of a natural disaster. Trained Disaster Management professionals are needed in exigent times at the local, national, and international level.

Professionals are needed for analyzing risks, implementing strategies to reduce risks, planning and instilling public education, response to crisis events, coordinating with pertinent agencies, etc.

Disaster Management professionals organize medical relief as well as search and rescue operations, provide water and food supplies, set up emergency shelter, etc. They work closely with organizations like the Red Cross to provide optimal care for emergency situations. Hospital based professionals plan, train, direct doctor efforts, educate nurses, and help all other health care providers.

There is a great deal of opportunity available to those who study disaster management and emergency management. Classes are available online for those interested. Well paid jobs are available in hospitals, police agencies, fire departments, and in local and government agencies. Many private companies that deal with hazardous chemicals, industrial machinery, or are engaged in other exigent situations need educated professionals for consultants or on-site jobs.

Disaster Management demands the dedication of knowledgeable and noble professionals and is a most rewarding duty to fulfill. Those interested should seek out available training courses at local schools or online.

Nurses and EMTs are much needed in all parts of the world because of the vital nature of their jobs and the chance of disaster striking at any time and place. The advances of technology has only increased the need for more medical professionals to develop, implement, and teach others to use the technology.

Do You Have A Skills To Survive?Camping?Outdoor?

As our society becomes more and more technological, cold and urban, ever more people are starting to feel the urge to get away from it all, take a break from modern life and go back to the way things were for our ancestors. Perhaps this explains the rising popularity of camping holidays, the ultimate experience of going back to nature and living in the wild, with only a basic structure for shelter and a fire for cooking.

Of course, lots of people don't exactly do it that way. Camper vans are popular, as is 'car camping', and all sorts of electrical appliances have been adapted for camping – there are even camp microwaves.

Most people consider at least modern toilets and showers to be a campsite necessity, regardless of whether it's really true to the spirit of the activity. Camping doesn't really have to be an outdoors thing if you don't want it to be, as many camper vans aren't that much different to houses on wheels, and many families stay in them for a large part of their holiday. It's all about doing what you feel comfortable with.



For hardcore campers, though, the truest form of camping is camping which teaches survival skills, such as eating-wild caught food, finding your way around by the position of the sun and making fire. You would have to be very hungry to eat the animals that can be found in the woods of most countries, however, and for this reason camping with facilities and packed food is far more popular.

Most campsites are in woods or open fields, and are often publically-owned – if you want to find one, they should be clearly marked on maps for walkers and on road signs for cars. It's up to you what you take with you, but most people will prefer to have at least a tent, sleeping bags, torches, and either a tool for making firewood or portable oven where campfires aren't allowed.

Are You Prepared For Natural Disaster?

With the various types of natural disasters that have taken place in recent years, many people have started to realize that they may not be prepared for such events to take place. While no one wants to think it can happen to them, we have all seen the footage of Hurricane Katrina and it was a reality that this type of natural disaster is something that does happen to real people. Even the fires spreading out of control in California remind us of the types of natural disasters that can take place.

It is important to pay close attention to the warnings that hopefully will be broadcast on TV and the internet if a natural disaster is possible. It is unbelievable the number of people that ignore this information. If you are asked to evacuate the area do so as quickly and calmly as you can. Rescue efforts may not be available for those that remain behind. It is a good idea to have a battery powered radio that you can carry with you to continue listening to the instructions as you are traveling.

You should have an emergency supply kit on hand at all times just in case you do happen to be in a location where a natural disaster happens. Bottled water and canned foods can be stored for long periods of time. You want enough for each family member for at least five days.

Should you have to remain on your own for a few days until rescue teams can reach you these items will help you to survive. The food in your refrigerator can spoil if the power goes down which is common after a natural disaster. Make sure you keep medications on hand for those that need them on a regular basis.

If you have small children in the home make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand for them. Stocking up on personal items such as diapers, toilet paper, and toothpaste can help you to stay healthy during a natural disaster. Since you may be without power for several days you will want to have lanterns and flashlights readily available.

A small first aid kit with essential items can be useful because you never know when someone will be injured as a result of a natural disaster. Do your best to clean the injury and prevent infection until proper medical care can be received for the individual. Many people worry about their pets during a natural disaster but you may not be able to keep them with you during that time. If possible though store food for them as well so that you won't be sharing the food you stored for your family with them.

A natural disaster can be very scary for everyone, but especially for children. Make sure that everyone is able to get plenty of rest and that children are allowed to openly share their feelings. Too many parents think it is best not to tell them what is going on but that tends to make them more afraid as they definitely know something is taking place around them.

Hopefully you will never have to experience a natural disaster but it is wise to be prepared. Having the essential items in place that your will need can make the difference between your survival after the event takes place. It is a good idea to practice emergency procedures for natural disasters with your family as well.