Life's pretty different for a lot of us as we head into week-4 of the quarantine.  And, for those who are working from home, this new-normal might feel overwhelming as we try to work, home-school our kids and still try to be a good parent and spouse.  It’s challenging for sure, but really it’s a privilege. Some people are not as lucky.

If you’re like me and you “get” to work from home, you’re probably keeping in touch and conducting meetings with colleagues via some sort of video conferencing software like Zoom.  While Zoom has made this situation so much more convenient, in some ways it’s actually increased stress levels because it allows people a view into our private space.

Many of us are working from bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, closets, or if you’re like me, an actual office that you haven’t had the time/money to decorate properly yet.  Although, we’re all in the same boat and we “shouldn’t worry about what other people think about our unsightly space, it doesn’t change the fact that we do. 

If you’re embarrassed about the space you have to conduct your professional meeting out of, do I have a treat for you!!!!

Did you know that Zoom allows you to upload an image as a backdrop for your video call?  Yep, they do!  You can upload an image of your choice to use instead of your real background. So to help ensure we all have gorgeous looking office spaces, I have, and several other designers have, designed a ton of office backgrounds for you to choose from for your meetings!

The best part…..they are only $10!

I’m a member of the eDesign Tribe and the platform is hosting a Zoom Room Challenge. Each designer will get paid $8 for every background that they designed and is purchased by the end of Friday April 17th.  The designer with the most downloads will also win a prize. Woot! Woot!

There is absolutely no pressure to participate, but I would be ever so grateful for your support to win this contest if you're in need of an office background. My office backgrounds are shown below and listed within the eDesign Contest by my name Val Malnar.

Even if you don’t want to purchase, check out the entries for fun. There are some really beautiful designs in there.

The link to see all the entries is here:

ZOOM ROOM CHALLENGE

NOTE: Please check that your system requirements allow for Zoom Rooms before you make a purchase to avoid potential disappointment.

If you like what you see, please share this with all your family, friends and colleagues. You’ll all be amazed by how much nicer your office space will look.
 

And, if you’d like me to design you your own “custom office backdrop" with your personal style preferences, I can certainly do that for you for you.  Click the link here to request your office background rendering and I will reach out to understand what you would like in more detail. Or click here for an actual office re-fresh or re-design.  Again, no pressure – just providing you with options….(in a time that we have so few). Just trying to shine some light on this dark situation. :)

Hopefully, things will turn around sooner rather than later, but in the meantime let’s try to see the blessings.  I was talking to a friend the other day who was advocating for more use of the words “yet” and “and” in our vocabulary so I’ll say to you what I said to her…"I'm frustrated with the lack of routine with work right now AND I'm loving the extra time with my kids. I haven't figured out this new-normal YET, but I'm committed to finding a balance that works for our whole family. There is a positive in every negative situation if we choose to look for it.”

So, although I don’t have the office of my dreams YET, I’m happy to have designer backgrounds suitable for Zoom Rooms as an alternative.  I hope you will be too.

That’s all for now.  Take care of yourself and be safe!