How to Make Personal Connections in a Crowded Room - Matt Ruby

In Chapter 14 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "What Have You Learned About Making Better Individual Connections in Crowded Rooms?"  Ruby learns how and when to share something personal to create a more universal element to reach his audience.  Even if sharing something is not a direct match with the audience, by letting his guard down, he finds common ground with individuals in the audience. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian based in New York City.  He co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and manages a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

How to Create Longer Lasting Comedy Material - Matt Ruby

In Chapter 15 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "What are You Learning About Creating More Sustainable and Durable Comedy Material?"  Ruby prioritizes creating evergreen material that does not get old, contrasting it to temporal material that dies quickly.  As an example, Ruby notes how more personal material has a longer shelf life. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian based in New York City.  He co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and manages a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

How Standup Comedian Learns to Be a Better Storyteller - Matt Ruby

In Chapter 16 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "How Are You Becoming a Better Storyteller?"  Over time, Ruby learns to combine punch line jokes with narrative stories and delight and entertain his audience. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian based in New York City.  He co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and manages a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University. 

How Standup Comedian Creates and Refines Material - Matt Ruby

In Chapter 17 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "How Do You Choose Whether to Refine Existing Material or Develop New Material?"  Performing regularly in New York amongst very competitive peers, Ruby finds incentive to actively evolve his portfolio while improving his delivery.  He does note, however, that this has its limits.  He finds slowly growing comedy pieces allows him to expand them into a larger block of material.   

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian based in New York City.  He co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and manages a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University.

Why Standup Comedians Need a Short and Long Game - Matt Ruby

In Chapter 18 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "Why is It Important Standup Comedians Develop Both a Short Game and a Long Game?"  Ruby notes how the two approaches differ.  Short games get comedians into festivals, contests, and late night programs.  It is essential standup comedians have a short game, however does not necessarily mean they are great comedians. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian based in New York City.  He co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and manages a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University.

Why Writer Enjoys Telling Stories - Scott Gold

In Chapter 8 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "What Do You Enjoy Most About Telling a Good Story?"  Firstly, Gold notes the satisfaction of physically delivering something and receiving the positive response.  He also finds gratification in the storytelling process itself, detailing several ways in which it provides satisfaction.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

What Screenwriters Teach About Storytelling - Scott Gold

In Chapter 10 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "What Have Screenwriters Taught You About Being a More Effective Storyteller?  As a writer, Scott Gold finds value understanding how screenwriters can refine stories draft by draft to translate something from paper into film.  He learns from both their rewriting and revision process as well as the ability to more effectively translate and communicate the story.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How Writing a Book Compares With Recording an Album - Scott Gold

In Chapter 11 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Does Writing a Book Compare and Contrast with Recording an Album?"  Gold notes the respective challenges and rewards associated with each.  He notes how writing a book is less expensive to create and can be done alone at any time.  Conversely, recording albums are typically collaborative efforts that require larger investments.  Gold also takes time to share, compare, and contrast how writers and musicians derive satisfaction from others receiving their art.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Why to Stop Working from Home and Get an Office - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 1 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers "Since We Last Spoke What Has Been the Most Exciting Thing to Happen in Your Life?"  Chen notes how her fashion styling small business is expanding and she has gotten her own office space.  She values separating personal and professional space, especially given she has assistants and has many client meetings.  She finds chemistry with an artistic community in an office space nearby her apartment.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

How to Express Your Style and Create a Look - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 2 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers "What Advice Do You Have for Someone Trying to Develop a Better Sense of Style?"  She notes how developing a style is a life's work, given tastes change and tastes reflect feeling and mood.  She notes how one's best style is when you own it and be yourself.  Chen shares how this is present in the documentary film of New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham and his work capturing expressiveness of his photo subjects.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

How Fashion Stylist Defines Her Own Style - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 3 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers "What Inspires Your Personal Style?"  Chen blends an understated look with a functional one.  Why functional?  As a fashion stylist, her work is very hands on and she is on her feet for long periods of time.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

Transcript:

Erik Michielsen:  What inspires your personal style?

Lulu Chen: I was thinking about that actually earlier.  I thought you might ask me that type of question or something like that. I guess the word I would like to use is understated, easy, you know.  I think it also – for me it has to be functional.  I’m working on set, and where I’m working in the market, and it’s very physical sometimes, you know, and I do try to look my best and be professional, but sometimes you can’t do that in four-inch heels. (laughs)  So, you know, and ultimately – you know, ultimately we’re behind the scenes, so I guess sometimes we have it uniform, which just tends to be understated and easy.

How Wearing Color Helps Boost Confidence - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 4 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers "How Do You Apply Color to Improve Someone's Look and Make Him or Her Feel More Confident?"  She notes how color can help pique someone's spirit and bring out the best in their features.  She shares how designer Jil Sander uses color in her Spring 2011 collection.  Chen notes how neutrals and black can also be used to bring out features too.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

Why Choose Fashion Styling Over Fashion Design Career - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 5 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers "As an Artist, What Informed Your Decision to Choose Fashion Styling Over Fashion Design?"  Chen gravitates toward magazines, stories, and editorials and, after many years working different part of the industry, chooses fashion design.  She enjoys playing with the different designers' clothing and accessories and being able to use their colors, shapes, and textures as an artist uses a palette.  She finds inspiration from designers who continuously produce new work.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

How to Turn Unpaid Internship Into a Paid Entry Level Job - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 6 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers "What Advice Do You Have for Young Fashion Professionals to Stay Encouraged From That Transition of Unpaid Internships to Paid Entry Level Jobs?"  She shares how aspiring fashion professionals working unpaid internships need to stay positive and keep trying and building experience.  She notes if the love is there, opportunities will emerge.  Contacts and relationships matter and Chen shares how they are fundamental to making the transition.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

How Fashion Advertising and Editorial Projects Differ - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 7 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers   "How do Ad or Commercial Jobs Compare and Contrast with Editorial Magazine Jobs?"  She finds magazine jobs are more aspirational and offer greater creative freedom compared to advertising and catalog work.  They also have more freedom to incorporate a wide array of brands.  However, Chen notes how catalogs are catching up creatively, progressively turning to a "magalogue" focus that, while covering only one brand, integrates more of the creative and story elements seen traditionally in editorial or magazine work.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

How to Adapt Creativity From Project to Project - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 8 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers   "How Does Your Creative Freedom Vary from Job to Job?"  Chen notes the challenge of finding balance between structured projects and those offering more creative license and open-endedness.  She compares her outlook to artists who accept commissioned work to pay bills and creative projects with limited financial reward.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

How to Recharge Your Creativity - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 9 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers "What Do You Do to Recharge Your Creativity"  Chen visits galleries often, finding inspiration viewing interior design exhibits.  Whereas Chen dresses models, designers dress rooms.  Chen embraces this parallel interior design shapes, spaces, and textures into her fashion world.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.

Transcript:

Erik Michielsen:  What do you do to recharge your creativity?

Lulu Chen: – I enjoy going to the galleries a lot. We go all over depending on what shows there are.  Most recently, we went to see Tara Donovan.  She had a great installation, with all these Mylar spheres.  It was really cool.  Or just – you know, just to walk around and get outside of your head, and I love interior design, so just to see spaces, you know. There are a lot of textiles and textures.  It’s interesting.  A room is a frame, a canvas, you know.  It’s almost like in replacement of a body, you get to dress the room with different furniture, with different fabrics and colors, you know.

How Feedback Focuses Fashion Stylist Career - Lulu Chen

In Chapter 10 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, fashion stylist Lulu Chen answers "Where and When Has Feedback Been Helpful in Shaping Your Career?"  Chen notes the positive impact she feels when receiving feedback from mentors and clients.  She also shares how more feedback would be helpful, including when not being chosen for jobs when the reason is unclear.  Lulu Chen is a New York City based fashion stylist.  Chen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying design and art history from the University of Michigan.