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The Works and Life of Cherangelry

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 12 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #4388 in People, #60978 overall

Donates to Society for Orphaned Children in Canada

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Who is Cherangelry?

 

If you have been wondering about this writer who goes by the pen name of cherangelry, you are not alone. Several people have questioned, and so I created this lens to address those questions and to have a single home on the web to link to all of my work which is growing every week. Another reason I decided to take the plunge into what some may call creating a vanity lensography is because as a growing literary artist, I want feedback on my work. Many people who read my stuff might not want to comment on my style of writing or improper grammar directly on the article I have written since it appears rude, but here is your forum to do just that. If you click on an article or lens I created and have some constructive criticism (or just want to give me a pat on the back because that's cool too), just come back here and leave your comments in one of the several guestbook sections.

Cherangelry Trivia 

Did You Know that Cherangelry:

-writes partially because she loves it, but also to earn money for grad school?
-wants to go to grad school to become an occupational therapist?
-is absolutely hooked on LOST and several other ABC hit dramas?
-only began her writing career a little while ago in November of 2007?
-was writing for years before her career started? Actually, she started college as an English major with a concentration in Creative Writing!
-is right handed?
-loves children? (In fact, most of her undergraduate career was focused on child development!)
-absolutely loves to learn? (even when she isn't in school, she sometimes teaches herself whatever she is interested in learning!)
-is an alumni member of the Christian sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega?

That's all for now. If you have further questions, leave it in the guestbook and when I update next, I might include the answer!

Cherangelry Online 

There are tons of places you can find me and my work online. Here is a list of links provided for you to peruse. Be sure to drop me a line, become a fan, ask me to be a friend, etc. if you see one you also visit often.

Associated Content

Raempage Blog

R.W. Designs on Zazzle

My Lensmaster Page

Blog: Exciting Life News 

For the last year or so, in my life offline, I have been taking pre-requisite courses at community colleges, hoping to be accepted into a masters program in occupational therapy. This has been a trying process since the pre-reqs include Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, and all the supporting labs. And yes, I have taken classes or in some way received credit for each one of those topics within the previous 10 months or so. Crazy, huh? But worth every bit of the headache and stress because about two weeks ago, I received the news that I have been accepted into my first choice grad school- East Carolina University! YAY!

What does this mean for my online endeavors? Honestly, I still do not know. I'm unsure how much time I will have to dedicate to my studies yet, but I hope to continue creating lenses, writing occasionally for Associated Content, and designing products for Zazzle as time allows. It also means that I have three more classes this summer I have to take to wrap up my pre-reqs just in time for fall. No matter what, though, I am very excited about the possibilities that lie in my future in North Carolina.

Below is a quick reference guide to articles and lenses cherangelry has created by topic.

Parenting 

As an undergraduate psychology major, my concentration was in Developmental Psychology. I not only took classes in the theory of child development, but I also participated in a year of research with one of the top researchers in the field. The following links are articles or lenses I have written specifically on parenting or child development in general.
Motivating Your Child to Reach Their Full Potential
As a parent, you want you child to do the best he or she can. You want them to achieve what you never thought you could. But could your best efforts be hindering them? Read more to find out the difference between external motivators, internal motivators, which is best and why.
Top Parental Cliches and How to Avoid Using Them On Your Own Children
Do you remember those phrases your parents used on you that made your skin crawl? And worse, have you caught yourself using those same phrases with your child? If so, you need this article.
7 Most Common Bedtime Mistakes Parents Make
Do you find yourself fighting the dreaded bedtime battles? You might be committing one of the 7 most common mistakes. Read on to find out how to correct them and help your child go to bed without as much fuss.
5 Fantastic Bath Toys That Will Have Your Child Jumping in the Tub
Chances are bath time is another struggle. These fun toys can help change that. (Shh! Some of them are even educational!)
Why Every Parent Should Apologize to Their Child
Some parents have this terribly mis-guided notion that an apology makes them appear weak in the eyes of their child. This article de-bunks that myth and offers valid reasoning in support of parental apologies and when they are needed.

Mental Health 

As a psychology major, I learned a great deal about mental health. The following list of links are to articles or lenses I have created as mental health resources.
How to Conquer Test Stress
Tests can be scary and anxiety can easily make you freeze up. I wrote this article to help people perform at their best possible level under the pressure of the testing environment.
Motivating Your Child to Reach Their Full Potential
This link includes information about internal and external motivation, which is best, and why.
Maintaining a Friendship with a Depressed Friend
Being friends with a depressed person is tough. Choosing to maintain the friendship is even more draining. Yet with depression on the rise, it is becoming a more than necessary social skill to understand how to relate and interact with people suffering from depression. This article has lots of tips on how to do just that.
How to Overcome Social Awkwardness
While this is far from being the definitive authority on the subject and cannot "cure" you instantly of social awkwardness, it does offer some tips and tricks for coping.
Mind Matters
There are so many exciting things going on in psychological research. Sadly, these results are not very well publicized. The purpose of this lens is to publicize the latest breakthroughs in mental health. Because this is happening on a very regular basis, be sure to check back often, or better yet add it to your RSS feed! You'll get all the latest updates in your inbox everyday!
I Want to be an Occupational Therapist!
This lens is dedicated to the wonderful healthcare profession of occupational therapy. Essentially, OT's are in the business of helping people live life regardless of mental, physical or environmental disadvantages.
Organized Chaos
Your environment can play a large role in your mental health. It's the age-old nature vs. nurture debate. This lens offers tips on keeping your environment organized which might, in turn, help you maintain good mental health.
Big Bang Theory, A CBS Sit-com
If you love social psychology, you need to check out this lens and the television show it pays tribute to. It investigates what happens when a group of four uber-geeks have their little world interrupted by the cute social butterfly girl-next-door.

General Health 

I have always had an interest in health. I was the kind of girl that might be scarfing down a BK Whopper, but I knew exactly why it was bad for me and all the reasons not to eat it. (I just wasn't very good at communicating that to my tastebuds!) Nonetheless, my years of interest in health has translated to several interesting articles and lenses on the subject. I hope you have the self control to apply your knowledge better than I usually do.
A Diabetic's Guide to Enjoying Your Favorite Foods Without Sacrificing Your Health
With Diabetes on the rise, this article is worth checking out because even if you do not suffer, I bet you know at least know a couple of people with the disease. This article is also riddled with tidbits of info you might enjoy even if you don't have Diabetes.
Your Meat May Be Wrapped in a Cancer-Causing Chemical
This article does not tell you to never eat meat again, it just explains that there some packaging problems, and gives tips for avoiding the carcinogenic chemical.
I Want to be an Occupational Therapist!
Occupational Therapists help people do the activities of daily living. For children with developmental disorders, people with reduced mobility because of age, injury, or a pre-existing disorder, this is a field of health care that helps to improve the quality of life.
Seven Great Reasons to Consider a Career in Occupational Therapy
This article provides seven convincing reasons you should consider a career in OT from an insider's perspective. This is definitely a must-read for anyone considering a future in the field!

Seasonal 

Origin of White Elephant Gifts
Ever wonder about the origin of the silly game you typically play at Christmas parties? So did I, so I researched it and wrote about it.
Helpful Tips for Thoughtful Gift Giving this Year
While I fully admit that it is not my most amazing piece of writing, if you are completely stuck for gift ideas, perhaps something in here will trigger your imagination.
Little Known Facts About St. Patrick
This is another favorite of mine! I say that because I had no idea who St. Patrick really was until I decided to write this and did the research. He was an incredible guy! The article talks about his life, the myths surrounding him, and all the stuff you never knew was true.
Saint Patrick
I was so inspired by my article for AC about St. Patrick that I created this lens to help spread the news about the truth of the saint celebrated on March 17th.
Overcoming Your Fear of Houseguests
Millions of people suffer from a debilitating fear of houseguests. How do you know if you are suffering? Does the sound of the doorbell sends chills down your spine? The minute a friend or family member suggests getting together to catch up, do you immediately chime in to suggest a public place? No matter how severe your fear is, this guide will help walk you through some quick and painless steps to overcoming your fear.

Education 

It may reveal my inner-geek by admitting this, but I love to learn. I enjoy observing, analyzing and communicating about the world around me. It may not be "cool" to like science or enjoy reading and analyzing literature, but I think this has helped to make me the writer I am today. Here is a list of the articles and lenses I have created on the subject of education, at all levels and in many forms.
How to Conquer Test Stress
Let's face it, the way the educational system is set up in most of the world today focuses more on test scores than acquisition of skills and knowledge. While I do not agree with the system, though, I have developed several tips and tricks to learning to function within it. You do not have to be a genius to make good grades, all you need to do is know what is expected of you and perform at a satisfactory level. This article explains in more detail how to do just that under pressure.
Write Out of the Box
Whether your literary ambitions include penning a unique, creative, inspired piece of word art or a guide to pruning your bushes or a letter to your Congressman, you still need a toolbox of writing resources. If you can manage to provide the words, I will do my best to provide you with resources to help you organize, edit, elaborate, and finish your work.
Occupational Therapy
Traditionally, the ultimate goal of formal education is to apply it in a setting where you are compensated for your abilities and expertise in the field. As someone with a love of learning in general, I was slightly resistant to crossing over to the workforce. But this lens is in honor of the career I finally settled on that takes advantage of my educational background and allows me to keep on learning!
Decoding Dickinson: A Reader's Guide to Analyzing the Classic Poet
At some point in your academic career, you will hopefully have the opportunity to discover the treasures hidden inside Dickinson's poetry. And when that time comes, you will probably need a guide to help make the journey meaningful.
Community College vs. State College
All educational pursuits are not inherently equal. Here is a guide to understanding the pros and cons of each academic environment with tips on how to thrive in each one.
Profile of an Occupational Therapist
If you are considering a career in OT, this is a must-read article. It explains the typical character and personality of those who thrive as occupational therapists.
Study Tips for Non-Traditional Students
Non-traditional students face a different set of challenges. This article addresses those challenges and offers advice on how to study and fit in as a non-traditional student.

Entertainment 

While intellectual pursuits are admirable, every genius needs a break. While I do not encourage becoming a braindead couch potato, I do enjoy my fair share of entertainment! Here's a list of my articles and lenses related to the entertainment inudustry.
Jeremy Davies
You probably would recognize this actor from his recent role as Daniel Faraday on LOST, but this lens gives tribute to the history of his career as well as really cool tidbits you probably didn't know about him.
Doris Day
This talented cutie pie, girl next door actress/singer of yesteryear stole the hearts of Americans when she first debuted in Romance on the High Seas in 1948. That movie launched a very productive career. Her prolific movies have continued to attract fans in every generation since. Her specialty genre was the romantic comedy musical. She made the kind of movies that would leave the viewer feeling like everything was right in the world.
Dominic Monaghan
Most recently known for his role as Charlie on ABC's hit tv drama LOST and as a hobbit named Merry on Lord of the Rings, Dominic is an up and coming star worth keeping an eye on. This lens aims to inform you about his life and work as his career develops.
Jack Shephard
Matthew Fox plays Jack Shephard, one of the male leads on the hit ABC television show LOST. His save-the-world complex and drive to control has put him in some interesting predicaments over the years. It is also no doubt one of the reasons he is counted as one of the Oceanic Six. During his time on the island, he seems to develop feelings both for Kate Austen, a fugitive wanted for murder with girl next door charm, and Juliet Burke, a fertility doctor who was brought to the island to work for The Others.
Big Bang Theory
In this CBS Sit-Com, two physicists, Sheldon and Leonard, live together and often have their similarly scholarly friends, Wolowitz and Rajesh over for Halo tournaments, Superman marathons and other zany scientific endeavors. They have a very comfortable world going when all of a sudden, a cute blond girl named Penny moves in next door. Humor and awkwardness ensues!

Writing 

Obviously writing has a special place in my heart. While I do not proclaim to be an expert on the subject, I love sharing the tips, tools, and tricks I have learned along the way.
Write Out of the Box
Whether your literary ambitions include penning a unique, creative, inspired piece of word art or a guide to pruning your bushes or a letter to your Congressman, you still need a toolbox of writing resources. If you can manage to provide the words, I will do my best to provide you with resources to help you organize, edit, elaborate, and finish your work.
Emily Dickinson
Dickinson's life and poetry has inspired me and comforted my spirit in many rough spots throughout my life. I created this lens in honor of her and her contribution to American Literature.
Decoding Dickinson: A Readers Guide to Analyzing the Classic Poet
While Dickinson has been a noted poetess for hundreds of years, lots of readers need help understanding how to decode her work. This article explains the basics you need to know to appreciate her great writing.
Zora Neale Hurston
As a confident black female folklorist and writer, Hurston broke many molds and was sadly not fully appreciated until after her death. This lens celebrates her unique voice and pays tribute to the special role she played in paving the way for upcoming underdog writers.
Effective Ways to Promote Your Squidoo Lens
While it may not fall strictly under the heading of "writing", if no one reads your work, how valuable is it? Thus, promotion of your work as a writer has become part of the business of writing.
10 Reasons to Become a Lensmaster on Squidoo
Squidoo is a unique place where writers can showcase their talent by creating content-laden lenses. It offers a plethora of unique opportunities for new and experienced writers of all ages and abilities. If you want to know more, definitely check out this article!
AC vs. Squidoo: A Comparative Analysis of Two Content-Driven Sites
Knowing which format works best with your writing and where your specific audience can best be reached is part of being an effective writer. I compiled my experiences with both of these content-driven sites to offer you a comparative analysis which might help you determine which site might be more beneficial to you in the long run.

Make Money Online 

Making money online is a trend it seems everyone is interested in pursuing. Unfortunately, there are lots of difficult and confusing hurdles in trying to weed out the good opportunities that are worth the time and effort in attempting. Here is a list of all the articles and lenses I have created to address several of these issues.
How to Create Digital Stock Photographs that Sell
Selling stock photography online is more than just snapping a bunch of digital pictures. If you want to learn about what customers are looking for, check out this article. (Bonus: This article includes another more detailed resource at the end of the article that could be even more beneficial!)
Marketable Online Skills: Useful Knowledge to Help You Make Money Online
Online jobs often require a specific set of marketable skills just like any other job in the "real world". It can be difficult to weed through all the things that you could learn to find the ones which will be most beneficial in the long run. Here is a short top 5 list of things you could learn to increase your marketability online.
10 Reasons to Become a Lensmaster on Squidoo
If you have always wondered about some of the perks of being a lensmaster on Squidoo, check this article out! It is a quick top ten list of my own reasons I love being a lensmaster. If you are already a lensmaster, be sure to drop a comment at the bottom with your favorite reason(s) you love being a lensmaster!
AC vs Squidoo: A Comparative Analysis of Two Content-Driven Sites
As a writer, knowing your audience and finding your niche is essential. If you have considered AC and/or Squidoo, here is a quick and dry overview of the strengths and weaknesses of both.

R.W. Designs on Zazzle 

In the last couple of months, I have really gotten into digital design, mostly abstract. Almost all of my work includes vibrant colors that seem to exude energy. I guess that is just my own positive outlook on life bleeding through my work. Below is just a few of some items that are available for sale through my Zazzle Gallery. Be sure to stop by to check out the rest. I am adding more all the time and almost every item is customizable!

Below are several samples of my works on different products. If anything catches your eye, just click on the image to get a better view and find out purchase options. This is just a few of the hundreds of products available in my store, so feel free to go rummage around. You might be surprised at what all you find there!

T-Shirts from R.W. Designs 

Sarcasm Warning T-Shirt shirt

Facebook T-shirt shirt

Freelance Writer T-Shirt shirt

Coffee Mugs from R.W. Designs 

Spring Polka Dot Mug mugWinged Texture Mug mugBearclaw Mug mug

Mousepads from R.W. Designs 

Themepark Mousepad mousepadIntersect Mousepad mousepadLuminescent Teardrop Mousepad mousepad

Postcards from R.W. Designs 

Side Street Postcard postcardFractal Heart Postcard postcardTangled Heart Postcard postcard

Magnets from R.W. Designs 

Grapefruit Magnet magnetStained Glass Magnet magnetNavy Pride Magnet magnet

Ties from R.W. Designs 

Teal Ovals Tie tieSpace Flower Tie tie70S Fun Tie tie

More options 

The products above are just a few of my favorites. I also offer posters, greeting cards, business cards, postage stamps, stickers, buttons, and keychains. Just about any image found on my site can be put on any product, so if you see an image you like, but it isn't available in the product you want, let me know and I will do whatever I can to make it just the way you want it. Furthermore, almost every product comes with several customizable features.

Available for Work

If you want to hire cherangelry for a freelance job, click on the "contact the lensmaster" button at the top of the page and submit any relevant details.

Associated Content 

When I first decided to try my hand at writing articles online for money, Associated Content was the first site I submitted work to. AC remains my absolute favorite to write for because they offer several methods of payment and are by far the best site any amateur could hope to write for in my opinion! You can write about whatever you want and, if it meets their qualifications, they may pay you a certain amount (typically around $4 starting out) AND you receive money for every person who VIEWS your content, whether they click on an advertisement or not. And can you guess when those royalties stop?! Never! That means ten years from now I will still be making money off of the articles I publish for AC this week! If you write online and have been giving your good stuff away for free, perhaps you need to check them out!

AC Articles by Cherangelry 

Which is your favorite?

This is a list of all of my articles to date that have been published on AC. Which ones catch your attention? Which ones will you read? Skim over it and let me know what you think. For any constructive criticism or "dude, you're awesome!" comments, feel free to leave me a message in the guestbook and make my day!

Seven Great Reasons to Consider a Career in Occupational Therapy - Associated Content

OT is a booming subsection of the medical field. T more...1 point

Marketable Online Skills: Useful Knowledge to Help You Make Money Online - Associated Content

Job hunting gets much easier if you know how to ma more...0 points

10 Reasons to Become a Lensmaster on Squidoo - Associated Content

There are many more, but here is my top 10 list of more...0 points

AC vs. Squidoo: A Comparative Analysis of Two Content-Driven Sites - Associated Content

Have you always wanted a comparison of these two s more...0 points

Squidoo 

Well, if you are here, you probably know what Squidoo is, but if you came in on the illustrious Google ship and have never been here before, allow me to explain. Squidoo is a place were anyone can become a "lensmaster", create a one-page website called a "lens", and potentially earn money for themselves or their favorite charity. If this description has you still confused, check out this link that explains it much better.

As for my Squidoo lenses, I do these more for fun and inspiration for AC articles than I do actual revenue. But I am trying to improve my lenses and get to where earning money with them is not a pie-in-the-sky dream. So, check out some of my lenses linked below, vote on your favorite(s) and leave me some love or constructive criticism below in my guestbook! I love feedback!

Cherangelry's Squidoo Lenses 

Which is your favorite?

I want to be an Occupational Therapist!

While the name at first may suggest something alon more...2 points

Write Out of the Box

Whether your literary ambitions include penning a more...1 point

Mind Matters

There are so many exciting things going on in psyc more...1 point

Jeremy Davies

This gorgeous actor is known most recently for his more...1 point

R.W. Designs: Fractal Art on Zazzle

As a nearly broke college student with a busy sche more...1 point

White Elephants

I remember the first time when I was a young girl more...1 point

Organized Chaos

Any attempt to control such a chaotic thing as lif more...0 points

St. Patrick

Perhaps you have always associated St. Patrick wit more...0 points

Doris Day

This talented cutie pie, girl next door actress/si more...0 points

Jack Shephard

Matthew Fox plays Jack Shephard, one of the male l more...0 points

Dominic Monaghan

Most recently known for his role as Charlie on ABC more...0 points

Zora Neale Hurston

As an African American folklorist and writer, Zora more...0 points

Emily Dickinson

During her quiet, reserved life, Emily Dickinson p more...0 points

Big Bang Theory, CBS Sit-Com

Two physicists, Sheldon and Leonard, live together more...0 points

Formulating and Developing Your Professional Research Interests for Graduate School

Just about anyone from the undergraduate scholar t more...0 points

Fostering Creativity

Creativity is the ability to make something origin more...0 points

Where to Find Little Critter Gear by Mercer Mayer

In 1975, Mercer Mayer released his first book in t more...0 points

Cherangelry's Favorite Books 

As a writer, of course I love to read. Here is a short list of some of my favorites. If you haven't read them, you should purchase them immediately! They are each different, but all of them are very inspiring and thought-provoking pieces written by literary geniuses!

The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is perhaps my favorite poetess of all time. The way she plays with words and uses unconventional grammar to emphasize her points keeps me reading her work over and over again. I actually keep this book in my car so I can read a verse or two whenever I have a couple of extra minutes on the go.

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/04/2008)

Bravehearts: Unlocking the Courage to Love with Abandon

As a Christian woman, I believe it is very important to understand how God designed the female heart to function. This book, written by a professional psychologist, is in my opinion the best book on the market about the subject. (And yes, that includes "Captivating"!)

Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 07/04/2008)

The Shack

What I have often struggled to explain about God, His character and how He works, this fictional book approaches in a fresh, unobtrusive way. It touches on intricate topics like the Trinity without pushing a lot of heavy theology or guilt in your face. I consider it a must read for anyone, Christian or not.

Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 07/04/2008)

Their Eyes Were Watching God

I love this book because of the unique view it offers of traditional Southern culture. The way Hurston manipulates words and her use of imagery inspires me as a writer.

Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/04/2008)

Pride and Prejudice (Bantam Classics)

This book is one of those I return to over and over again any time I need a refill on girlish hopes of a "happily ever after" ending. The first chapter or so can be intimidating because so many characters are introduced at once, but if you can get past that, it just might be added to your short list of favorites too!

Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 07/04/2008)

Your Opinion Matters 

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Leave Cherangelry some love! 

spirituality

Great parenting advice you give here. A blessing to all moms and dads.

Posted May 20, 2008

amandaquerque

Very interesting lens just loaded with information! Thank you for adding it to the BIG LENSES Group!

Posted May 20, 2008

Janusz

How did I miss this !! Great Lens :)

Posted May 02, 2008

rms

Thank you for joining the Our Favorite Squidoo Lenses group!

Posted April 17, 2008

tdove

Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!

Posted April 16, 2008

 
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Archive Blog Intro: Ahh, Productivity! 

In order to keep all of my readers abreast of my latest victories, trials, and the general randomness of my life, I've decided to include blog modules on this page. I hope that by reading this you will be encouraged in your own endeavors and benefit in some way from whatever information or stories I choose to tell.

During the time since I started writing for AC, my inspiration had slowly trickled to a dead stop immediately before I decided to plunge into Sea of Squidoo. In the past two weeks or so since I joined, I have been hooked. I currently have 10 lenses published and 20 or so more in progress. I doubt that any of them are really worthy of being in the top 100, but I aim to keep working at them as if they were my babies and hope one day they will make it to the big time.

Perhaps the best part about this experience is that it has given me a playground with words. If I want to write about something, no matter how dumb or generally useless, I have a forum. AC prefers content that is search engine optimized on "evergreen" topics. Once published, an editorial re-write is pretty much out of the question unless you want to wade through mounds of red tape and brick walls, which isn't worth it! But by having Squidoo as my "playground" site, I come here to get my creative juices flowing and then I find inspiration for great AC-style articles.

In fact, just this week I have submitted 13 articles. I have actually written a couple more than that which I have chosen to hold on to for a few more days so I can insert links to some of my articles waiting to be reviewed before I decide to submit them. I am amazed at how productive I have been and it does not feel like work at all. I literally just sit down and my fingers start typing themselves. Okay, it's not quite that simple since the process does require at least a thought pattern be in place to produce even remotely coherent articles, but compared to how writing an article used to feel, this is like a walk on the beach!

Archive Blog: Always Getting into Something 

In the last week or so, I have tried out an entirely unexpected direction- digital art. I have always enjoyed being creative and artsy, but I never had a real reason to venture into this typically expensive hobby, so I never tried. Well, that's changed.

A couple of days ago I stumbled onto a Squidoo lens about a print-on-demand store called Zazzle. I was instantly intrigued by the ability to create in a digital medium and having people buy my designs! I didn't have any images on my hard drive that had the digital and artistic quality required to create a product someone might actually buy. So, I looked into other options for creating images.

I quickly realized that many of the best tools in the field are much too expensive for my college student budget. So, I poked around the internet for a while and found some great freeware tools that work wonderfully without all the extra expense. Here are the ones that have quickly become my favorites:

Artweaver: has lots of great creative digital painting tools; you can alter digital images or create entirely new ones

Tierazon V29: a super cool fractal art program; not exactly the most intuitive, but very fun to play with- you can get great results with no prior experience

You can see the fruits of my labor at my online storefront.