You might be bit like me in that you start the new year off super strong. During the first quarter, I feel energized, accomplishing many goals and checking items off my to-do list. However, as the second quarter approaches, my momentum starts to slow down. I look around my desk, and it reflects the chaos that mirrors my declining focus. When this happens, I often find that my productivity decreases. It feels like I've imposed a mental block on myself, knowing that I need to tidy things up in order to regain my efficiency. This month, I want to share some tips that help me get back on track, especially since there’s still plenty of time left in the year to accomplish my goals!
Spring is in the Air... and Your Files Need Freshening Up
As we welcome warmer days and fresh starts, it's time to bring that energy to your creative workspace. Whether you're juggling multiple animated shorts, podcast edits, or game dev experiments, clutter can creep in and slow you down. This spring, let’s tidy things up—digitally and creatively—with a few simple but effective steps.
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🗂️ Step 1: Clean Up Your Files
- Create clearly labeled folders by project, year, or client.
- Ditch the “Final_FINAL_FORREAL.mov” file names—we’ve all been there.
- Backup your work to cloud storage or an external drive.
- Tools to try: Google Drive, Notion, Dropbox, or an SSD.
✅ Pro Tip: Create a “Completed Projects” archive to separate active files from finished work.
📋 Step 2: Review & Prioritize Your Projects
Not every idea needs to stay on your plate. Do a creative audit:
- What’s done, paused, or still exciting?
- Use a Kanban board (like Trello or Notion) to visualize your workload.
- Pick 1–2 focus projects for the next few months.
🧠 Bonus Idea: Give each project a spring “health check” based on time, energy, and creative payoff.
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🎨 Step 3: Refresh Your Portfolio
Now’s a great time to:
- Remove outdated or unfinished work.
- Add your latest projects or test animations.
- Update your bio, resume, and LinkedIn links to reflect your current work.
This keeps you ready for future opportunities and collaborations.
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🛠️ Step 4: Use Tools That Keep You Organized
Looking for help keeping everything in check?
Try these tools:
- Frame.io – for reviewing animation drafts with collaborators
- ShotGrid – for managing assets and timelines (especially for teams)
- Notion or Airtable – to track content, tasks, and deliverables
🎁 Bonus: Download my free Animation Project Organizer Template to stay on track all year.
JUST FOR YOU:
See you in LA!
At the end of this month, I'll be attending LALIFF (Los Angeles Latin International Film Festival) for a special screening of Remember The Rats. This is the second animated short film that I have produced and I'm deeply proud at what we have created.
If you will be in LA you can use this link to buy tickets to one of our screenings. https://laliff2025.eventive.org/films/67f59d73d81e6a969b7f72b4
If you will be buying tickets to the Thursday screening, use this discount code: FILMM20 for 20% off.
Screening Dates
Thursday 5/29 @ 7:45pm
Friday 5/30 @ 6:30pm
Read more about our film below, and let me know if you will be attending!
“What's important to me is offering perspectives into worlds that people don't often get to see. Do you know what I mean? From angles they don't often get to see.”
— Ryan Coogler
