Studio Fortis

11/04/2020

On Monday, Dani held a small workshop for some gifted elementary school kids. We went over Zentangles and how to use patterns to reduce stress and anxiety. The girls did well despite learning some new designs. Thank you to Gilbert Leadership and Robert Ramos for the opportunity to assist with Mental Health Awareness.

11/03/2020

The RSVP link for the next Gilbert Talks virtual event is live! “Don’t Hate. Communicate.” Moving beyond our differences.
✅https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YHVS7DlQRLCIE_n3Y6_ylA

How should we communicate effectively at home, in our community, and online?

Sign up to hear our local leaders speak on November 12th.

Remember, RSVP, Free, right here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YHVS7DlQRLCIE_n3Y6_ylA

Share this with someone you feel like needs to hear this message.

10/17/2020

Hi Facebook friends!

Illustrator Jake Parker created Inktober in 2009 as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year.

Every day in October there is a word chosen by the Inktober team for everyone to try. This year Dani decided to take the challenge but make a story along with all of the prompts. She has a character named “Magical Fairy Polka-dot onesie guy” and he’s been having adventures for 17 days now!

You can check them out on Dani’s Instagram (InkyDani) or on this ArtStation page: https://inkydani.artstation.com/projects/8ekr6E. Thanks for looking, We hope you enjoy and have some fun looking at these.

Inktober by Dani Kahn, Instagram "Welcome to Magical Fairy Polka Dot Onesie Guy's Inktober Adventure! Hope you enjoy the playful fantasy story. I've dedicated this Inktober to being fun and joyous!" Materials: Canon XL Mixed Media Paper, India Ink, Brushes, V5 Pilot Pen, JellyRoll 08 White...

04/02/2020

Hi everyone, Dani here, it’s been awhile. We’re helping out at the family cafe HG Higher Grounds Roastery and Cafe Look how patient Evan is while I take a picture of his lunch 🤣, lol. To show clients what they’re ordering (via Take-out style due to protocols) we are taking pictures of our food. Nice high quality, bright images, are perfect for food service.
This sandwich is called the Gilbie Cheesesteak (like a Philly Cheesesteak BUT it’s in Gilbert, Arizona). From HG (Higher Grounds) Roastery and Cafe
Design @ HG Higher Grounds Roastery and Cafe

03/25/2020

It's been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. But that's when you buckle down and keep ... screaming?!
We've had to do some adjustments at the family cafe. Marketing during has been an adventure. Making food and taking pictures as quickly as possible. Developing deals, infographics, and videos with a 4 hour turn around time. We've all had to put our heads together and think about what the community needs and how to keep everyone employed.
HG (Higher Grounds) Roastery and Cafe, located at 2556 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona. Call: 480.821.7020. Website: https://hgroastery.com
Featured in this shot is the Pancake Breakfast Food Pack (Feed 4-5 people a delicious diner style breakfast) and Breakfast is served All Day!
HG is open (normal hours, 6am-2pm Tuesday-Friday 7am-2pm Saturday, Sunday, Monday) during this unique time in our history.
Thanks for reading! 🥞🥞🥞
@ HG Higher Grounds Roastery and Cafe

03/15/2020

Dear Reader,
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We are not oblivious to the current state of our surroundings. However, it is our duty to continue to fight for inspiration and creativity! 💪 Especially during times like these! We are sharing some of the things we are thankful for and we want to hear what you’re grateful for too.
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SHOUT OUT TO The Change Project:
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A couple weeks ago Dani was invited to and participated in a panel. This panel was a presentation for high school students looking to be ‘workforce ready’. There were a variety of businesses at the front and every person had a unique story about how they got to their position. Dani told her story about overcoming mental illness to achieve goals and creating Studio Fortis. Then prayed that it had a positive impact (but wasn’t sure…)!
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What stuck out to Dani the most was the students were hardworking, thoughtful, and spending their free-time (after school) participating in the wonderful, challenging course. It was amazingly inspirational to hear the students aspirations and dreams. If you have a chance look up The Change Project !
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After a few days, Dani received these wonderful hand written notes in the mail. They were personal and heartfelt. Some of the students could relate to what Dani had gone through. The notes ended with smiley faces and thank yous. Dani can’t wait to see what becomes of those students!
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Thank you Erica Ballesteros of The Change Project ! We are thankful for your hard work and dedication to your students!
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Have a wonderful Sunday everyone.
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Sincerely,
Evan and Dani of Studio Fortis
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PS. What are you grateful for today?

02/23/2020

It was a packed house at the 17 Annual GVAL Juried Show Opening Reception by GVAL (Gilbert Visual Art League) at HD SOUTH - Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum this Saturday night! We loved seeing all the amazing artwork and people there! Oil paintings, acrylic, drawings, mixed media, and photography!
Some *immensely* talented artists (including local students) had their work up for display! Congratulations to all the winners! We also loved seeing the Gilbert Town Council Members and Government Officials (🙂 like Brigette Peterson Vote Jordan Ray ) there as well!
😍 GO SEE THE SHOW 🎨🎨🎨 at Gallery 4 at HD South on Elliot and Gilbert Rd! You will NOT be disappointed!

02/19/2020

Moving to Gilbert and starting a business in the Town was a pinnacle moment for Studio Fortis 5 years ago. While we realized the town was an exciting, enterprising representation of the American Dream - 🤔 we also noticed that it somewhat lacked in the ‘arts’ department. Especially since the Town of Gilbert provides no funding for public art....
🤭 HOWEVER, we stand corrected! The Town of Gilbert makes it easy for private interests to apply/fund their artistic visions to the town, and regulates any commercialism in the art. According to Elaine Kessler the Heritage District is brimming with creative, artistic expression.
You just have to look for it.
Dani went on a Art Tour, as a guest, with Elaine's Park University Class! Check out some of the great spots and shots she took around town!
One of Dani’s favorite pieces (other than some of the fantastic murals 😉) is the Gilbert Water Tower!
Many of the students appreciated the Water structures (like the park fountains and the Kugel Ball Sculpture)!
Thanks for the great information and tour, Elaine!

Tags & Thanks to: Elaine Kessler Gilbert Town Hall Park University HD SOUTH - Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum

01/31/2020

Synth enthusiast ZombieFish is the mastermind behind the soundtrack for Studio Fortis’s new game: Doohickey.Play it and check out his work!

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While in development of Doohickey, Evan knew that he needed to find a musician who could help capture an immersive experience that went beyond a simple ‘dead air filler’. It didn’t take him long to turn to talented Synthwave musician and friend ZombieFish, otherwise known as Josh Wisniewski.

Josh Wisniewski's emphasis on darker 80’s retro influences synergize perfectly with the grim environment found in Doohickey. In addition, his comprehension of dynamic music presented an opportunity for Evan to incorporate Josh’s tracks for maximum immersion, as the tension of the music rises with the difficulty of gameplay.

Experience this for yourself by playing Doohickey for free at https://studiofortis.itch.io/doohickey. Also, be sure to check out more of ZombieFish at https://soundcloud.com/zombie-fish-17.

01/29/2020

😉 Here's a development video for our new video game project, known as Achroma. Today we're working on a design model for a character in the game known as 'Red Chirp' 🐦🐦 You can watch the full video on our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2tdChoWmpQ (or link in our profile!)

Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for more video updates on the project as we move forward. 😲

Here's a development video for our new video game project, known as Achroma. Today we're working on a design model for a character in the game known as 'Red ...

01/24/2020

This week was a pretty big week for Studio Fortis. We’re, of course, still warriors of inspiration while slinging drinks and food HG Higher Grounds Roastery and Cafe - HG had an exciting event on Wednesday, Coffee with A Cop. We are thrilled to make a connection with the Gilbert Police Department and learn more about the awesome team that keeps us safe.
Additionally, Evan’s video game has had more downloads! We would still love to know if you’ve tried it. It’s currently for download in the link on our profile.
Again, thank you so much for tuning in. Looking forward to serving you this year, and beyond!
@ HG Higher Grounds Roastery and Cafe