Forms + Phases
@formsandphases.bsky.social
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/
https://www.formsandphases.com/
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
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
September 26, 2025 at 3:26 PM
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
Focus on the things that bring you joy, keep making art, and for the love of Dog, stay doggin'.
#makeart #togetherwecan #artislove #creativecommunity #projectmanagement
September 16, 2025 at 2:40 PM
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
Focus on the things that bring you joy, keep making art, and for the love of Dog, stay doggin'.
#makeart #togetherwecan #artislove #creativecommunity #projectmanagement
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
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
September 8, 2025 at 5:01 PM
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
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
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
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
August 31, 2025 at 2:31 PM
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
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
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
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
August 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
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
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
This week, commit to the prototype, concept sketch, first draft, test batch, demo, MVP, whatever v1 is for you!
#creativeprocess #gamedev #writingcommunity #progressoverperfection
#creativeprocess #gamedev #writingcommunity #progressoverperfection
August 26, 2025 at 2:20 PM
This week, commit to the prototype, concept sketch, first draft, test batch, demo, MVP, whatever v1 is for you!
#creativeprocess #gamedev #writingcommunity #progressoverperfection
#creativeprocess #gamedev #writingcommunity #progressoverperfection
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
(Any reccs for other management games where I can maximize my leisure ROI?)
#projectmanagement #projectmanager #gamedev #indiedev #stardewvalley #calledout #optimizedrelaxation #managementgames #workplacehumor #corporategamer
August 20, 2025 at 1:55 PM
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
(Any reccs for other management games where I can maximize my leisure ROI?)
#projectmanagement #projectmanager #gamedev #indiedev #stardewvalley #calledout #optimizedrelaxation #managementgames #workplacehumor #corporategamer
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
First principle solutions:
⛰️Visible landmarks
🏢Clear destinations
🛣️Environmental storytelling
🔉Audio guidance
What creative solution could replace your "essential" features?
#gamedesign #gamedev #indiedev #ux #ui
August 19, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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
First principle solutions:
⛰️Visible landmarks
🏢Clear destinations
🛣️Environmental storytelling
🔉Audio guidance
What creative solution could replace your "essential" features?
#gamedesign #gamedev #indiedev #ux #ui
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
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
August 14, 2025 at 1:15 PM
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
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
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
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
August 13, 2025 at 1:52 PM
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
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
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
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
August 8, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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
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
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
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
August 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
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
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
August 6, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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
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
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
🚀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
August 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM
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
🚀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
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
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
August 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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
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
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
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
August 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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
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
Who do we work with, you ask? 🤔
Solo artists, game studios, design agencies, film teams - if you're making something creative and want it to be successful by your standards, we can probably help!
#projectmanagement #gamedev #filmproduction #indiecreators #indiedev #indiegamedev #pitch
Solo artists, game studios, design agencies, film teams - if you're making something creative and want it to be successful by your standards, we can probably help!
#projectmanagement #gamedev #filmproduction #indiecreators #indiedev #indiegamedev #pitch
July 31, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Who do we work with, you ask? 🤔
Solo artists, game studios, design agencies, film teams - if you're making something creative and want it to be successful by your standards, we can probably help!
#projectmanagement #gamedev #filmproduction #indiecreators #indiedev #indiegamedev #pitch
Solo artists, game studios, design agencies, film teams - if you're making something creative and want it to be successful by your standards, we can probably help!
#projectmanagement #gamedev #filmproduction #indiecreators #indiedev #indiegamedev #pitch
We speak structure and chaos fluently so we can help you navigate the in-between space 🌌
How? By connecting creatives to the right educational info, customizing PM practices for YOUR work, and cutting through the noise and jargon.
#creativity #projectmanagement #production #gamedev #indiegamedev
How? By connecting creatives to the right educational info, customizing PM practices for YOUR work, and cutting through the noise and jargon.
#creativity #projectmanagement #production #gamedev #indiegamedev
July 30, 2025 at 3:03 PM
We speak structure and chaos fluently so we can help you navigate the in-between space 🌌
How? By connecting creatives to the right educational info, customizing PM practices for YOUR work, and cutting through the noise and jargon.
#creativity #projectmanagement #production #gamedev #indiegamedev
How? By connecting creatives to the right educational info, customizing PM practices for YOUR work, and cutting through the noise and jargon.
#creativity #projectmanagement #production #gamedev #indiegamedev
We threw out the project management playbook 📚
Our 4 Philosophies guide us instead:
1️⃣ Adaptive processes that work WITH your team
2️⃣ Empower, don't create dependence
3️⃣Small improvements > big overhauls
4️⃣Co-create solutions together
#creativity #projectmanagement #production #indiedev #gamedev
Our 4 Philosophies guide us instead:
1️⃣ Adaptive processes that work WITH your team
2️⃣ Empower, don't create dependence
3️⃣Small improvements > big overhauls
4️⃣Co-create solutions together
#creativity #projectmanagement #production #indiedev #gamedev
July 29, 2025 at 3:03 PM
We threw out the project management playbook 📚
Our 4 Philosophies guide us instead:
1️⃣ Adaptive processes that work WITH your team
2️⃣ Empower, don't create dependence
3️⃣Small improvements > big overhauls
4️⃣Co-create solutions together
#creativity #projectmanagement #production #indiedev #gamedev
Our 4 Philosophies guide us instead:
1️⃣ Adaptive processes that work WITH your team
2️⃣ Empower, don't create dependence
3️⃣Small improvements > big overhauls
4️⃣Co-create solutions together
#creativity #projectmanagement #production #indiedev #gamedev
I'm Ali! Corporate project management girly and hobbyist game dev 👋
I started F+P because creative teams deserve better than arbitrary PM software and rigid frameworks
I hope to help more art come into the world through PM support that honors the creative force 🙇♀️
#creativity #projectmanagement
I started F+P because creative teams deserve better than arbitrary PM software and rigid frameworks
I hope to help more art come into the world through PM support that honors the creative force 🙇♀️
#creativity #projectmanagement
July 28, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I'm Ali! Corporate project management girly and hobbyist game dev 👋
I started F+P because creative teams deserve better than arbitrary PM software and rigid frameworks
I hope to help more art come into the world through PM support that honors the creative force 🙇♀️
#creativity #projectmanagement
I started F+P because creative teams deserve better than arbitrary PM software and rigid frameworks
I hope to help more art come into the world through PM support that honors the creative force 🙇♀️
#creativity #projectmanagement
6 weeks of publisher readiness wisdom complete 🎉
Remember: Success isn't about "talent" - it's about thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and genuine enthusiasm.
Try the Strategy Builder: tinyurl.com/e4utr9zk
What will you take away from this series? 👇
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
Remember: Success isn't about "talent" - it's about thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and genuine enthusiasm.
Try the Strategy Builder: tinyurl.com/e4utr9zk
What will you take away from this series? 👇
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
July 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM
6 weeks of publisher readiness wisdom complete 🎉
Remember: Success isn't about "talent" - it's about thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and genuine enthusiasm.
Try the Strategy Builder: tinyurl.com/e4utr9zk
What will you take away from this series? 👇
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
Remember: Success isn't about "talent" - it's about thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and genuine enthusiasm.
Try the Strategy Builder: tinyurl.com/e4utr9zk
What will you take away from this series? 👇
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
Riley's 6-month plan in action:
Mo 1-2: Low-stakes collaboration practice
Mo 3-4: Rewrote submissions as conversations, not presentations
Mo 5-6: Authentic relationship building
Result: Not just a deal, but confidence to lead their team through partnership 🎯
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
Mo 1-2: Low-stakes collaboration practice
Mo 3-4: Rewrote submissions as conversations, not presentations
Mo 5-6: Authentic relationship building
Result: Not just a deal, but confidence to lead their team through partnership 🎯
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
July 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Riley's 6-month plan in action:
Mo 1-2: Low-stakes collaboration practice
Mo 3-4: Rewrote submissions as conversations, not presentations
Mo 5-6: Authentic relationship building
Result: Not just a deal, but confidence to lead their team through partnership 🎯
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
Mo 1-2: Low-stakes collaboration practice
Mo 3-4: Rewrote submissions as conversations, not presentations
Mo 5-6: Authentic relationship building
Result: Not just a deal, but confidence to lead their team through partnership 🎯
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
3 publisher readiness approaches:
🏗️Foundational (12-18mo): Multiple gaps? Build sustainable skills across all areas
🎯Targeted (6-12mo): Strong foundation + clear gaps? Use strengths to fix obstacles
⚡Optimization (3-6mo): Already strong? Polish + strategic positioning
#indiedev #gamedev
🏗️Foundational (12-18mo): Multiple gaps? Build sustainable skills across all areas
🎯Targeted (6-12mo): Strong foundation + clear gaps? Use strengths to fix obstacles
⚡Optimization (3-6mo): Already strong? Polish + strategic positioning
#indiedev #gamedev
July 23, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Overwhelmed by publisher readiness info? You're not alone 🤗
Time for pattern recognition: gather all your assessment results and look for 3 things:
1️⃣Where you're already strong (foundation)
2️⃣Your biggest obstacle (priority focus)
3️⃣What's realistic, not “ideal”
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
Time for pattern recognition: gather all your assessment results and look for 3 things:
1️⃣Where you're already strong (foundation)
2️⃣Your biggest obstacle (priority focus)
3️⃣What's realistic, not “ideal”
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
July 22, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Overwhelmed by publisher readiness info? You're not alone 🤗
Time for pattern recognition: gather all your assessment results and look for 3 things:
1️⃣Where you're already strong (foundation)
2️⃣Your biggest obstacle (priority focus)
3️⃣What's realistic, not “ideal”
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
Time for pattern recognition: gather all your assessment results and look for 3 things:
1️⃣Where you're already strong (foundation)
2️⃣Your biggest obstacle (priority focus)
3️⃣What's realistic, not “ideal”
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev
I spent 2 years preparing randomly. I wish I'd had a plan from the beginning."
Last week of our series: turning scattered effort into strategic publisher readiness, and Riley's transformation from random prep to intentional growth (and a successful deal!)
tinyurl.com/yhdwra5j
#indiedev #gamedev
Last week of our series: turning scattered effort into strategic publisher readiness, and Riley's transformation from random prep to intentional growth (and a successful deal!)
tinyurl.com/yhdwra5j
#indiedev #gamedev
July 21, 2025 at 3:04 PM
I spent 2 years preparing randomly. I wish I'd had a plan from the beginning."
Last week of our series: turning scattered effort into strategic publisher readiness, and Riley's transformation from random prep to intentional growth (and a successful deal!)
tinyurl.com/yhdwra5j
#indiedev #gamedev
Last week of our series: turning scattered effort into strategic publisher readiness, and Riley's transformation from random prep to intentional growth (and a successful deal!)
tinyurl.com/yhdwra5j
#indiedev #gamedev