Software: WordPress

I started my online life on Blogger and lived there for years! When my vision grew, I decided to move to WordPress, primarily so that I could have my own space for my own content.

Hosting: WP Engine

When you use WordPress web software, you need to get your own hosting. After experiencing the pain of a hack and frustrating customer service, I decided to invest in WP Engine, a host that is designed to support WordPress, keeps up-to-date with security issues,  maintains regular backups and even provides a staging area where we can try out changes we’d like for the studio site.

Theme: Make

With the latest iteration of the studio, we moved to a stable but flexible theme called Make. I found it an easy adjustment to make and have loved the possibilities it has opened up.

Membership: Memberpress

After a hair-pulling, tear-inducing experience with Wish List Member, we’re trying Memberpress for creating special areas on the site for classes and for Studio and Academy Members. I’m not sure whether it is more straightforward or whether I am more up to the task but so far <<knockonwood>> I appreciate how it is working!

Genius: Kim LeClair of East Willow

Everything you see around you would not be here if it weren’t for the hard work and brilliance of Kim LeClair. (You’ve probably heard me mention her many times on the Behind the Scenes!) Kim is one of my core creative adventure buddies. She is skilled, creative, intrepid and a ton of fun to work with. She has been a major tech, strategic and creative contributor to the studio. I would recommend her in a heartbeat.

Photography: Canon Rebel T5i

With very few exceptions, all of the photography in the studio is mine. I’ve been learning to use my Canon Rebel T5i  and am so thankful to the kittens for giving me daily inspirations. Some of these photos are also taken with my Samsung Galaxy S6.

On occasion I purchase stock images from iStock or use Creative Commons images from Flickr.

Image Editing: Gimp

Gimp is a free program that you can use to edit your images. I use it to size, crop, colour correct and add layers and text to images for the studio.

Microphone: Blue Microphones Yeti USB mic.

For many years I used a very unremarkable computer headset that I purchased for about $20 from Staples. Recently I started using the Blue Microphones Yeti USB mic. This move was actually inspired by the BTS but ended up working for the podcast too.

Headset: Nothing Special

I do still rely on that unremarkable headset from Staples when I do any audio editing. Since I know you may be listening in your headset, I want to make sure I don’t miss a single thing that might impede your enjoyment pf the show.

Editing: Audacity

From the very first recordings I made for Your Creative Spark, I have used this free software for editing. It has more functionality than I understand but it’s pretty easy to grasp the basics.

Audio Hosting: On-site & Soundcloud

We have recently moved the podcast over to Libsyn (and LOVE it!) while course and coaching content will be hosted directly on the site or transferred via Dropbox.

Show Hosting: iTunes, Stitcher & Soundcloud

For years Creative Living with Jamie has been available on iTunes. You have to go through a bit of a process to have your show accepted to have your show accepted. The show has now also airs on Stitcher. This also requires an application process. And, again, you’ll be able to find the show on Soundcloud.

Computer: PC

I feel like I should mention that unlike most of my colleagues, I use a PC in the studio.

Webcam: Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920

For the Behind the Scenes and any videos I’m filming directly from my spot in the studio, I use the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 and have been very happy with it.

Camera: Canon Rebel T5i

I often use my DSLR for filming videos like the Creative Living Bookshelf and any projects or flip throughs.

Microphone: Blue Yeti USB mic

If I am filming at my desk, I use the same microphone that I use for the podcast, the Blue Yeti USB mic. If I am using the camera, I rely on its internal microphone for sound recording.

Tripod: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Aluminum Alloy Tripod

For making any art-related videos, it’s great to have a tripod, especially one that gives you the opportunity to film from overhead. I am still learning that manoeuvre but it seems like this tripod will do the trick! I also use Velbon LGB-3C that I inherited from my mom.

Editing Software: Windows Movie Maker

This is very basic editing software for PC users that’s available free. I taught myself to use it by simply trying things out.

Music: Audio Jungle

To legitimately use music in my videos, I purchase tracks from Audio Jungle.

Video Hosting: Vimeo & YouTube

I host videos both on Vimeo and YouTube. I use the former for programming intended for a particular audience and the latter for shows with a broader audience.

Training: The Coaches Trianing Institute (CTI)

I am a strong believer in training for coaches. I did my initial training and later my certification at the Coaches Training Institute, often referred to as CTI.