Behind the songs, little poodle characters and printable activities at Poodles & Friends, there is a lot of careful work—and plenty of learning.
Alongside my creative projects, I work as an independent contractor in AI evaluation. This involves testing digital tools, checking how features behave, identifying problems and explaining what could work better.
It might seem quite different from creating a cosy musical world for children. But I am finding that these two parts of my work have something valuable in common: paying attention to the experience of the person on the other side of the screen.
Looking beyond a beautiful first impression
As a designer, I have always cared about how things look and feel. My evaluation work encourages me to look further.
Does something work as expected? Are the instructions clear? Could a small detail cause confusion? Does the finished result match what was intended?
I bring those questions back to Poodles & Friends. A printable can look lovely, but the words also need to be readable and the activity easy to understand. A video can have a beautiful setting, but its pacing, sound and small visual details deserve just as much attention.
Beauty helps create the invitation. Careful checking helps make the experience worthwhile.
Learning to notice the little things
Evaluation often means slowing down and checking something again, even when it initially seems fine.
That habit is useful in creative work too. An unexpected movement in an animation, an unclear lyric or a sound effect that feels too loud can change the mood of a whole scene.
For Poodles & Friends, I want the details to feel considered: the gentle atmosphere of a kitchen, the expression on a poodle’s face, or the pause before a little character chooses a pastry.
These may seem like tiny decisions, but together they help give our world its personality.
Using AI with a designer’s judgement
Working in evaluation also reminds me that an AI-generated result needs human judgement.
I use AI as part of my creative process, alongside my design experience, editing and storytelling. I choose what fits, revise what needs attention and decide what is ready to share.
An attractive image is a starting point. It still needs to belong to the story and make sense within the wider Poodles & Friends world.
The responsibility for those creative choices remains mine.
Keeping children and families in mind
When I review our content, I want to think beyond what I enjoy making.
Can a family understand what a resource offers? Is the wording suitable for the intended audience? Is a printable practical to use? Does the music support the atmosphere I hoped to create?
My evaluation work gives me more practice asking precise questions and turning what I notice into improvements. It does not mean everything will be perfect. It means I am continuing to develop the habits that help me make better decisions.
Poodles & Friends brings together the things I love: design, music, storytelling and creating for children. My contracting work is helping me approach that creativity with an even more careful eye.
My hope is simple: to keep making a world that children enjoy visiting, and resources that families are happy to return to.
With love,
L.C
Founder, Poodles & Friends
