Category: Musings

Explanations, thoughts, experiences and everything else that is not based on hard facts and evidence…

SARS-CoV-2 vs. technology

The Covid–19 pandemic has hit most European countries, some of them very, very hard. While the Chinese provinces and cities that were the first to succumb to this unforgiving virus are now slowly getting back on their feet, the hot spots are now Italy and Spain, with Germany, France, and countries like Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and others following. Only a week ago I saw some British tourists at a beer drinking party in Spain laughing it off. Now Britain is about to become the third hardest hit country.… Read More SARS-CoV-2 vs. technology

Erik Vlietinck

Benefits and disadvantages of cloud backup and the alternatives

While backup strategists will tell you that a good strategy requires you to have a backup off-site, there is an alternative for freelancers and small office owners. It involves storing your backup in a different room, on location, in a safe enclosure. This is a feasible strategy for freelance photographers, filmmakers and audio producers.… Read More Benefits and disadvantages of cloud backup and the alternatives

Erik Vlietinck

How important are pencil sharpeners in the digital age?

pencil sharpener – Visuals Producer review

How many of us still draw by hand? Graphic designers nor architects work with pencil and paper these days, but fine art artists still do. The tools of the trade include high-quality pencils, sharpeners, brushes, palette knives and more. And, if we’re to believe the many Youtube channels on the subject, artists lie awake at… Read More How important are pencil sharpeners in the digital age?

Erik Vlietinck

Painting with Liquitex Soft Body Acrylic paint on Hahnemühle Leonardo paper

hahnemuehle Leonardo paper watercolour and liquitex acrylic gouache paint bottle

My second and probably last review of physical art medium covers Liquitex Soft Body painting on Hahnemühle’s hot-pressed Leonardo watercolour paper. Liquitex Soft Body can be used as a pouring medium but can also behave as a watercolour medium by adding Flow-Aid to it, while Leonardo is a lush 600gsm watercolour medium that you can literally soak. Leonardo is hot pressed and has a very smooth, satin finish.… Read More Painting with Liquitex Soft Body Acrylic paint on Hahnemühle Leonardo paper

Erik Vlietinck

Painting with Liquitex Acrylic Gouache on Hahnemühle Anniversary Edition Aquarelle

Hahnemuehle anniversary aquarelle paper and liquitex acrylic gouache

Producing visuals doesn’t always have to be digital. A lot of art and indeed, some graphics design, is still done the old-fashioned way – with paint on either canvas or paper. We tend to forget that modern art materials can just be as innovative as digital apps, tablets and computing platforms. And if you’re good enough to have your work on display in Tate Modern or other prestigious galleries, you’re bound to earn a lot more than what you can ever make from creating digital art.… Read More Painting with Liquitex Acrylic Gouache on Hahnemühle Anniversary Edition Aquarelle

Erik Vlietinck

The EU Copyright Directive and its impact

EU flag with copyright symbol

The EU Parliament has given its blessing to the new Copyright Directive which aims to strengthen the position of EU-based creators – filmmakers, actors, musicians, journalists and writers – when negotiating with publishers and producers. It should lead to a fairer system of exploitation of their works and performances, but a lot of people, including academics who have reported on this issue, seem to believe the Directive will actually lead to less available content, legal confusion that can be taken advantage of, and more censorship within Europe.… Read More The EU Copyright Directive and its impact

Erik Vlietinck