Author | Lightnews

Forms + Phases

@formsandphases.bsky.social

36 followers 210 following 130 posts

Creative production consultancy run by a dog-loving, ex-yoga teaching, amateur gardening, sometimes scribing, hobby-a-week artist and solo game dev with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and an opinion. https://www.formsandphases.com/

www.formsandphases.com

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Sep 26

Schedule by energy, not time 🎮

High energy = complex coding, problem-solving, feature design
Low energy = bug fixes, organization, planning, playtesting

Work gets done, but you work WITH your energy instead of against it. Less burnout, better output, sustainable momentum.

#indiedev #gamedev

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Sep 16

Ya'll, this place (earth) is weird right now.

Focus on the things that bring you joy, keep making art, and for the love of Dog, stay doggin'.

#makeart #togetherwecan #artislove #creativecommunity #projectmanagement

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Sep 8

Just a reminder that if you don't define "done" for your task or project, you could end up in endless refinement or planning ⚠️

It doesn't have to be a long or detailed, just enough criteria for you to say "okay, now I can move on"

#gamedev #indiegamedev #projectmanagement

A handwritten note on lined paper titled “Defining Done Enough.” The top section is a fill-in framework: “___ is done enough when: 1. measurable outcome, 2. user/test proof, 3. minimum quality standard.” Below it is a filled example: “The dialogue system is done enough when: 1. all branches are connecting without errors, 2. two testers can finish the demo without crashes, 3. typos are fixed in main scenes.” A black pen rests on the notebook.

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 31

All together now: PROGRESS👏OVER👏PERFECTION👏

Today, choose just one small action you can take to regain progress in your project ⏩

What action will you take to reclaim momentum?

#art #gamedev #indiedev #writingcommunity

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 29

Good morning and happy Friday to those who celebrate!

Today I'm working on a new course for solo game devs 🎮

It's a bit overwhelming but making the tasks bite-sized helps me see consistent progress and stay motivated 🚂

What are you working on today?

#gamedev #sologamedev #projectmanager #friday

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 26

This week, commit to the prototype, concept sketch, first draft, test batch, demo, MVP, whatever v1 is for you!

#creativeprocess #gamedev #writingcommunity #progressoverperfection

Retro vaporwave-style graphic with purple and pink gradient background featuring a sunset, palm trees, and 80s grid floor. White text reads: 'VERSION 1.0 IS BETTER THAN VERSION NONE' with '1.0' and 'NONE' in large letters and 'IS BETTER THAN' on a pink horizontal stripe across the sunset.

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 20

If I'm not streamlining something am I even relaxing??

(Any reccs for other management games where I can maximize my leisure ROI?)

#projectmanagement #projectmanager #gamedev #indiedev #stardewvalley #calledout #optimizedrelaxation #managementgames #workplacehumor #corporategamer

Meme showing complaint about PM stereotypes of over-planning, followed by screenshot of Stardew Valley farm planning website with cursor eagerly clicking 'Start Planning' button, highlighting the ironic truth that PMs do love planning even in games.

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 19

Yes, exactly! Have you used the technique in your work at all recently?

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 19

The Why Ladder shows us that players want PROGRESS + AUTONOMY, not minimaps 🎯

First principle solutions:
⛰️Visible landmarks
🏢Clear destinations
🛣️Environmental storytelling
🔉Audio guidance

What creative solution could replace your "essential" features?

#gamedesign #gamedev #indiedev #ux #ui

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 14

The most powerful question in creative production has nothing to do with features or budgets.

It’s this: "What fundamental human need does this satisfy?"

Connection, mastery, autonomy, purpose, surprise, challenge, expression, etc.

Chase first principles, not trends⭐

#creativity #firstprinciples

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 13

The creative industry is facing (another) existential shift.

AI is commoditizing execution. Budgets are tightening. Audiences are craving authenticity.

But, shifts bring opportunity. Teams that build from first principles will breakthrough while others perpetuate trends.

#creativity #innovation

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 8

Your support shapes tomorrow's creative ecosystem 🚀

Where F+P is headed: microgrants, creative-specific PM tools, event sponsorships, accessible education, community building.

Your support and sharing helps us grow and impact the whole creative community 🙏

#projectmanagement #indiedev #gamedev

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 7

Creative industries are at a turning point 🚨

PM literacy is no longer optional, every team member needs basic understanding and awareness.

Teams that don't adapt = working harder not smarter, bleeding money, disappointing audiences

Build project management into culture ✨

#creative #gamedev

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

Hope it all clicks soon!💜

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

Respect for diving in headfirst! This is the kind of energy that makes great games. And the pixel art’s looking awesome! 💜

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

💜 💜 💜

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

Enjoy your well-deserved break! The new area’s looking great already. 💜

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

💜💜💜

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

Amazing opportunity for designers!💜

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

💜💜💜

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

Glad you didn’t! This deserves the spotlight. 💜

Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 6

Bringing more art into the world is a team sport, join the mission!

How to get involved:
💬 Join our discussions
📈 Share your wins/obstacles
🔗 Amplify resources we share
🎯 Empower others with support

Your voice builds the ecosystem where art thrives ✨

#creative #creativecommunity #gamedev

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 5

We offer PM support that fits your actual needs.

🚀Quick Start: Free discovery call, kick-off planning
🎯Targeted: Coaching, audits, à la carte support
🤝Full: Complete pipeline PM support

Not sure what you need? Start with a free discovery call!

www.formsandphases.com

#projectmanagement #gamedev

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 4

Check out our free Resource Library! 📚

GitHub repo with articles, tools + templates that help you get started and see what's possible when PM actually supports creativity.

Watch and star the repo for updates when we add new content ⭐

tinyurl.com/2vmm3hvk

#projectmanagement #indiedev #gamedev

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Forms + Phases @formsandphases.bsky.social · Aug 1

Help us help more creative projects 🙏

We're a new biz + focusing first on connecting with our community. Your network has teams struggling in silence who need more supportive PM.

Please share our links with anyone who could benefit! There's so much more coming 🚀

#community #gamedev #indiegamedev

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