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Be a Troll, Not a Bergen

Shane Hodge • February 4, 2021
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 As we enter into one whole year of Covid lockdown, yep, can you believe it? I am constantly, like I have no doubt zillions in the world are, finding ways and means to get over the Covid blues, Covid exhaustion, Covid fatigue, whatever label you want to call it, but all I do know? It sucks!

Yes my mates, I am a total looking through rose coloured glasses, glass half full, super positive, self-motivated machine, but even me, well my glasses occasionally fade to black, the glass tips over and breaks, and the machine refuses to start in the mornings.

It's tough. I have, of course, like most of the planet that has internet access, fallen in love with what Netflix has to offer and the other day I was scrolling for a movie to help me overcome my blues and boom there she was, “Trolls”. Nothing like a bit of Dreamworks magic to lift you out of the doldrums, and I'm a sucker for a good old musical even if it's a cartoon with cute little people with superpower hair.

There are some great songs in Trolls, and I bet you're thinking that I will use those songs and lyrics to base this blog uplifting content on? Well yes, there are some great songs, like take a listen to “Get Back Up Again” and some of the words.

Looking up at a sunny sky, so shiny and blue and there's a butterfly
Well, isn't that a super fantastic sign
It's gonna be a fantastic day

And what about “Can't Stop The Feeling” 

I got that sunshine in my pocket
Got that good song in my feet

Listening to those two songs alone would make an awesome blog and surely get you up dancing in your chair and casting off the face mask and screaming at the top of your lungs, “Covid ain't gonna get me down”.

Well yes, I did tap my feet and I was pretending I was Justin Timberlake dancing round the house, but the real message, the real breaker of the Covid blues?

The Bergens.

Yes my fellow cartoon connections, Trolls is not just about happy colorful fluffy figures of joy, it also is an equal opportunity movie so has Misery and Depression as part of its plot, and the central figures for that are the Bergens, and what a sorry sad tribe they are.

They are grey, no colour, their goal in life is misery, and they truly believe the only way they will find joy in life is if they eat a Troll. There is a main scene where the Bergens start singing a sad song, shoulders dropped, cutting flowers and I mean the flower, Bergens hitting Bergens, Baby Bergens throwing up on Mummy Bergens, they are miserable.  It reminded so much of how people are walking around today. Yes folks, good old Covid has turned a lot of us into Bergens.

But, high above the Bergen City are two Trolls, watching the sadness below, and what do they do, they start singing and dancing LOL. 
Now it all sounds a little simple I know, but in reality? It's true, this Covid can get us down and turn us all into Bergens or we can give each other a hug, turn on “Can't Stop The Feeling” , start dancing and become Trolls.

I love it. They even set their alarms for HUG TIME and regardless of what drama is going on, they drop tools and hug so they forget about the tough times. The Bergens on the other hand just continue to walk around looking for more and more reasons to be miserable.

So folks, I know it's tough out there, I know it's hard to lift up sometimes. I know you're worried about how this will all pan out, I know you're thinking of how to keep the customers coming in, but, you have to keep going kids as a lot of this depends on you.

So, let me leave you with the greatest motivation I got out of Trolls, above the Bergens, a mantra that I am now saying when the Covid Blues try to turn me all Bergen. Here you go, repeat after me.

I got this feeling inside my bones It goes electric, wavey when I turn it on All through my city, all through my home We're flying up, no ceiling, when we are in our zone.

Enjoy the flight, hugs from TheCamel.Co®.

By Shane Hodge December 3, 2024
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By Shane Hodge November 1, 2024
Ah, the digital agency dream! The freedom to set your own hours, the thrill of building something from scratch, and the joy of staying in bed all day because your motivation decided to take a vacation. We've all been there. One moment you're ready to conquer the world, and the next, you're contemplating if you can run your business from under the covers. Fear not, fellow business warriors! Here’s a guide to reigniting that spark when your get up and go has got up and gone. 1. The Snooze Button Tango First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the snooze button. It's tempting, isn't it? Just one more tap and you can dream a little longer about that tropical island getaway. But here's a tip: place your alarm clock across the room. This way, you'll have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. By the time you've stumbled across the room, you're halfway to being a functioning human. Plus, it's a great way to practice your morning dance moves! 2. Coffee: The Elixir of Life If motivation had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be coffee. There's something magical about that first sip that transforms you from a groggy zombie into a semi-alert human. So, brew yourself a cup of your favorite blend and let the caffeine work its wonders. If you're not a coffee person, tea or a refreshing smoothie can do the trick too. The key is to find your personal elixir that kickstarts your day. 3. Dress for Success (Even if No One Will See You) Working from home has its perks, like wearing pajamas all day. But sometimes, a lack of motivation stems from feeling too comfortable. Try dressing up as if you're heading to an important meeting. It might sound silly, but putting on your "power outfit" can boost your confidence and productivity. Plus, you never know when an impromptu video call might happen! 4. The To-Do List: Your New Best Friend When you're feeling overwhelmed, a to-do list can be your savior. Start with small, manageable tasks and gradually work your way up to the big ones. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing items off your list. It's like a mini celebration each time you do it. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, add "make a to-do list" to your list just so you can cross it off immediately. Instant success! 5. Dance Like Nobody's Watching Sometimes, all you need is a little music to lift your spirits. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and have a dance party in your living room. Not only will it boost your mood, but it's also a fun way to get some exercise. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so let loose and dance like nobody's watching (because they probably aren't). 6. Phone a Friend When motivation is low, reach out to a fellow entrepreneur or a friend who understands the struggle. A quick chat can provide a fresh perspective and remind you that you're not alone. Plus, sharing a laugh or two can work wonders for your mood. Just make sure the conversation doesn't turn into a marathon gossip session! 7. Reward Yourself Set small goals throughout the day and reward yourself when you achieve them. Whether it's a piece of chocolate, a short walk outside, or a few minutes of scrolling through your favorite social media, having something to look forward to can keep you motivated. Just be careful not to let the rewards overshadow the work! 8. Watch TheCamel.co Live Stream Replays Shameless Promotion, LOL, at least you can have a laugh rather than be miserable. In conclusion, when your get up and go has got up and gone, remember that it's perfectly normal to have off days. The key is to find what works for you and embrace the journey with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best motivator. So, get up, get moving, and show the world what you're made of! Hugs from TheCamel
By Shane Hodge September 27, 2024
Yes we have to pay humans (How dare they ask for money some ask) But Folks In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, it's easy to imagine a future where robots are designing our logos, creating our advertisements, and even picking out the perfect shade of blue for our websites. But before we hand over our graphic design tools to our silicon-based friends, let's take a moment to appreciate why humans are still the reigning champions of creativity in the design world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because we can appreciate a good cup of coffee while working! The Human Touch : More Than Just Opposable Thumbs AI might be able to churn out designs faster than you can say "Helvetica," but it lacks the human touch. There's something about the way a human designer can capture emotion, tell a story, and connect with an audience that AI just can't replicate. It's like comparing a hand-knitted sweater from grandma to a mass-produced one from a factory. Sure, they both keep you warm, but only one comes with a side of love and a hint of mothballs. Creativity : The Unpredictable Muse AI is great at following patterns and algorithms, but creativity often thrives on breaking the rules. Human designers have the ability to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and occasionally spill coffee on the canvas, creating a masterpiece by accident. AI, on the other hand, would probably just short-circuit at the sight of a coffee stain. Humor : The Secret Ingredient Let's face it, AI doesn't have a sense of humor. It might be able to generate a pun or two, but it doesn't understand the nuances of wit and sarcasm. Human designers can infuse humor into their work, making it relatable and memorable. After all, who doesn't love a good visual pun? Just imagine an AI trying to design a funny cat meme—it would probably end up with a picture of a toaster. Empathy : Designing with Heart Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about understanding the audience and designing with empathy. Humans have the ability to put themselves in others' shoes (or flip-flops, if that's your thing) and create designs that resonate on a deeper level. AI might be able to analyze data, but it can't feel the joy of a child seeing their favorite cartoon character or the nostalgia of a retro design. The Happy Accidents Some of the best designs come from happy accidents—those unexpected moments of brilliance that occur when a designer is experimenting and playing around. AI is programmed to avoid mistakes, but humans know that sometimes, a little chaos can lead to something extraordinary. It's like the time you accidentally added too much chili to your soup and discovered a new favorite dish. The Human Connection At the end of the day, design is about connecting with people. Human designers have the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and collaborate in ways that AI simply can't. Plus, humans are much better at handling client feedback without overheating or needing a reboot. In conclusion, while AI is a fantastic tool that can assist in the design process, it lacks the creativity, empathy, and humor that make human designers truly exceptional. So, the next time you're admiring a beautifully crafted logo or a cleverly designed ad, remember to thank the human behind the screen. After all, we're the ones who can appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a well-timed joke. Love & Hugs from TheCamel
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