I got the beach icon, and I was immensely pleased!
Going analog works best for me with reading. I’ve tried reading books through my library app, but it simply isn’t as fun and exciting as picking them up in bookshops and bringing them everywhere I go! There’s something satisfying about getting to watch my progress in a real way; I don’t enjoy watching the page numbers on a screen as much as I enjoy watching my bookmark travel towards the end. I don’t use my laptop for creativity, but I do have fond memories of doing so in elementary school!
When I was a child, I was obsessed with Girlsgogames. I would always play on the computer when I went to my grandparents’ house. The nail painting, spa, and hair cut games were so fun! I also have wonderful memories playing Minesweeper and Purble Place with my dad 😊
I really loved this take. For me it’s not the computer but the algorithm that ruins creativity. The computer itself is a magical tool, especially if used with your tips!
I was a Beach Chair :) We didn't have a Windows computer, so sadly, we didn't have fun icons!
I have found Substack (like this mag!) the closest thing to the "old" Internet in a while. I definitely use the computer for creativity - Pinterest, Substack, and yes, even Instagram. I have gotten so much interior design inspo, cooking inspo, and more!
I loved: Reader Rabbit, Cluefinders, Zoombinis - I also remember having a Hercules computer game that had some singalong games on it!
I agree that Substack feels like "old internet," too! I think it's because people are much more intentional with how they engage here. I am always blown away that not only would someone read the whole of what I've written, but also leave such a thoughtful comment. It feels more human, and more connecting!
This is such a nostalgic read! The clip art and nail polish game brought me back. I got the orange flower icon and, as a floral designer, that makes all the sense in the world!
I’ve had a personal website since 2018 and it’s been through a mountain of iterations. I did my biggest site overhaul last year and it was such a rewarding project, so I totally aligned with Carolyn Yoo’s piece! My site is meganejones.com—I never really share it directly with people, the url just lives on biz cards, and in my email signature—so this is new and a little scary but this piece was inspiring!
I got the dog! Also, everything about reclaiming the computer as a creative tool rather than an anxiety machine really resonated. Made me nostalgic for the days of building fashion magazines in Adobe after school just for the fun of it.
As a millennial who grew up playing Disney Channel and Cartoon Network games on the family computer, I am eternally grateful that you shared that computer games link! Can't wait to play some of the games I loved.
As for things we've digitally created, I'll throw mine into the mix. Years ago, I created a music publication called the 12 Songs Project, which features interviews with people in the music industry—just because. It's still a passion project of mine and I recently worked with a web designer for the first time to give it a much-needed makeover. I love my little corner of the internet!
I feel compelled to add this classic Fred and Ginger number from Swing Time to your best dance scenes list. It just makes me happy to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06RlwN0nddQ
While this is isn't something you can do on a desktop, I love that I can create on Procreate using my iPad and Apple Pencil!! Traditional art is so great and I still love doing it, but drawing, painting, lettering, etc. digitally on Procreate is so easy and convenient. Not to mention way less messy (though the mess with traditional art is fun), and takes up way less space since all the tools are digital. You can get VERY realistic results depending on the brushes/canvases you use. I'm sure you know this, since I think you use Procreate.
This is completely unrelated, but I’m hoping to visit NYC in the fall and would love some suggestions if you don’t mind! I already have a list of things/places to see but you actually live there so thought I’d ask :)
Love the point you made here, Jenna! It's super interesting and as is your use of different activities and mediums throughout this article, it was refreshing + fun and I loved doing the Quiz. Per usual, I tied almost completely between A/B/D 😅 soo nostalgic and gave me an awesome little break (please keep doing these! i love)
Classic me fashion, I basically tied A/B/C. The flower was 100% my icon IRL.
I loved the game Chex Quest (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chex_Quest), which was a promotional thing from General Mills that it appears I likely got in a box of cereal?
GROUP PROJECT:
1. Quiz results: Which Windows icon did you get? And which icon did you used to use?
2. Seeking your thoughts on going analogue. Where does it work well for you? Do you use the computer for creativity still?
3. Looking to bond over your memories of the best computer games ever.
I got the beach icon, and I was immensely pleased!
Going analog works best for me with reading. I’ve tried reading books through my library app, but it simply isn’t as fun and exciting as picking them up in bookshops and bringing them everywhere I go! There’s something satisfying about getting to watch my progress in a real way; I don’t enjoy watching the page numbers on a screen as much as I enjoy watching my bookmark travel towards the end. I don’t use my laptop for creativity, but I do have fond memories of doing so in elementary school!
When I was a child, I was obsessed with Girlsgogames. I would always play on the computer when I went to my grandparents’ house. The nail painting, spa, and hair cut games were so fun! I also have wonderful memories playing Minesweeper and Purble Place with my dad 😊
I do agree books are just the best in my hand! Absolutely.
Also, I remember that site well!
Omg, doing that quiz filled me with so much joy and really did make me feel nostalgic for simpler, internet times. Thank you!!
That was the exact goal, so I am excited to hear it!
I really loved this take. For me it’s not the computer but the algorithm that ruins creativity. The computer itself is a magical tool, especially if used with your tips!
Yes! When we could explore freely, versus when it started to feed us what it thinks we want. Glad you liked it — I feel I'm in good company!
I was a Beach Chair :) We didn't have a Windows computer, so sadly, we didn't have fun icons!
I have found Substack (like this mag!) the closest thing to the "old" Internet in a while. I definitely use the computer for creativity - Pinterest, Substack, and yes, even Instagram. I have gotten so much interior design inspo, cooking inspo, and more!
I loved: Reader Rabbit, Cluefinders, Zoombinis - I also remember having a Hercules computer game that had some singalong games on it!
I agree that Substack feels like "old internet," too! I think it's because people are much more intentional with how they engage here. I am always blown away that not only would someone read the whole of what I've written, but also leave such a thoughtful comment. It feels more human, and more connecting!
This is such a nostalgic read! The clip art and nail polish game brought me back. I got the orange flower icon and, as a floral designer, that makes all the sense in the world!
I’ve had a personal website since 2018 and it’s been through a mountain of iterations. I did my biggest site overhaul last year and it was such a rewarding project, so I totally aligned with Carolyn Yoo’s piece! My site is meganejones.com—I never really share it directly with people, the url just lives on biz cards, and in my email signature—so this is new and a little scary but this piece was inspiring!
You have an ADORABLE website!! I love it!
Thank you!! I appreciate you checking it out ☺️
Such a fun website!! I hope you're proud!!
Thank you!! 🙏🏼
The word art to Yearbook editor to whimsy-driven adult pipeline reigns supreme! ✨🎀👑
Hahaha I feel like Substack was made for us!
I got the dog! Also, everything about reclaiming the computer as a creative tool rather than an anxiety machine really resonated. Made me nostalgic for the days of building fashion magazines in Adobe after school just for the fun of it.
We must see the fashion magazines!!
Thanks for the web home mention 🥰 I can't wait to see yours! And I'm a tie between Rubber Duck and Orange Flower!
It was such an inspiring piece!!
As a millennial who grew up playing Disney Channel and Cartoon Network games on the family computer, I am eternally grateful that you shared that computer games link! Can't wait to play some of the games I loved.
As for things we've digitally created, I'll throw mine into the mix. Years ago, I created a music publication called the 12 Songs Project, which features interviews with people in the music industry—just because. It's still a passion project of mine and I recently worked with a web designer for the first time to give it a much-needed makeover. I love my little corner of the internet!
Here's the link, if you're curious: www.12songsproject.com
Yes! That link had the Suite Life sandwich builder game which is wild to me, haha!
Your website, especially the typography, is so lovely. Thank you for sharing.
YES and the famous Lilo and Stitch sandwich builder game too! Absolutely addicting.
I can't take credit for the typography (my lovely web designer Diana Oviedo found it), but thank you for checking the website out!
I feel compelled to add this classic Fred and Ginger number from Swing Time to your best dance scenes list. It just makes me happy to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06RlwN0nddQ
Beautiful! Wonderful recommendation.
The Dog was my IRL icon, my quiz result and is twin to my baby boy Loki <3
This just proves the accuracy of the quiz!!
While this is isn't something you can do on a desktop, I love that I can create on Procreate using my iPad and Apple Pencil!! Traditional art is so great and I still love doing it, but drawing, painting, lettering, etc. digitally on Procreate is so easy and convenient. Not to mention way less messy (though the mess with traditional art is fun), and takes up way less space since all the tools are digital. You can get VERY realistic results depending on the brushes/canvases you use. I'm sure you know this, since I think you use Procreate.
Yes, I use Procreate for all my artwork. It is nice to have for all the reasons you listed! I agree totally.
This is completely unrelated, but I’m hoping to visit NYC in the fall and would love some suggestions if you don’t mind! I already have a list of things/places to see but you actually live there so thought I’d ask :)
I spent HOURS painting those nails back in the day!!
Right?!
Love the point you made here, Jenna! It's super interesting and as is your use of different activities and mediums throughout this article, it was refreshing + fun and I loved doing the Quiz. Per usual, I tied almost completely between A/B/D 😅 soo nostalgic and gave me an awesome little break (please keep doing these! i love)
Ah thank you! More quizzes on the way!
Classic me fashion, I basically tied A/B/C. The flower was 100% my icon IRL.
I loved the game Chex Quest (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chex_Quest), which was a promotional thing from General Mills that it appears I likely got in a box of cereal?
Haha, cereal to computer game crossover is perfect.
LOVED reading this!!! Always such a joy.
Thank you for reading AND for telling me you loved it! Life-affirming for a writer, haha! You are too kind.