I Wanna Be A Webslingin' Superhero.

 Have you ever dreamed of waking up and realizing that you had amazing superpowers? Well, I know that I have! This broadcast from "This American Life" discusses what it would be like to be able to do the extraordinary by exploring what ability or abilities you would most like to have and how you would use them. I was stoked for this assignment since I was finally able to let out my uncanny obsession with the ole' webslinger himself, Spider-Man! (I'm still waiting for that radioactive spider bite...). After listening to my reasons for wanting Spidey's powers and why I hold him so dearly to my heart, I encourage you to read either the original Amazing Spider-Man books or the first series of Ultimate Spider-Man; you won't be disappointed!

"Bond. James Bond."

I'm not big on video games, but one of my all-time favorites is James Bond "007 Nightfire". I used to play this with my brother for hours on end back in the day and I still do! In this video I discuss the use of lighting that adds to this action-packed spy infused adventure.

Wanna Know How To Be Creative?

Read Hugh MacLeod's article, "How To Be Creative" here.

This is a video response relating my personal opinions and experiences with three of the suggestions that he offers. All of the sketches that I show at the beginning of the video are my personal drawings from my sketchbook. I hope that you like them and the video!

Audio Commentary on Sweeney Todd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

I discussed how director Tim Burton and the cinematographer chose particular types of shots to represent the love disconnection between Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett in this particular scene where Mrs. Lovett sings "By The Sea". This is one of my favorite scenes from a film, so enjoy and be sure to watch the original because it's funny as heck! Sorry in advance for the uber annoying watermark, there was no way to delete it. I should have had Sweeney Todd grab his razors and SHAVE it off the screen...

Visual Framing Re-Imagined.

      

I chose to reframe an image from pop artist Roy Lichtenstein since I admire vintage comic book drawings. The first image is the work without any manipulation and the second is one that I edited using Photoshop. I wanted to capture the intensity and uneasiness of the couple in the car as the artist had originally intended it, with much emphasis to the wide framing of each character's facial expressions. Three major visual topics that are expressed in my framing of Lichtenstein’s image are line/shape, shot type and visual movement/rhythm as well as contrast/affinity and text/subtext.

Lichtenstein’s original and my re-imagined image both contain elements of both actual and virtual line/shape. Actual lines are seen on top of and next to the figures that represent the wind blowing as the car zooms into the distance. There are also facial lines on the man and the woman, a common detailing of many comic and pop artists, in order to physically exaggerate the emotions in which the characters are experiencing. The menacing gaze of the man and the disgusted direction in which the woman is staring depicts virtual line. This use of line works well in the piece because it emphasizes the emotional strain of the relationship. After framing the photo, most of the lines that outlined the car disappeared. This affects the photo because the lack of lines makes it harder for the viewer to realize that the scene is taking place inside of a vehicle. I purposely cropped the lines out because I did not think that the location of the scene was relevant to the emotion that it conveys. As for the use of shape, the man has a square jaw and face which symbolizes that he has the power over the woman while the woman has a round, innocent looking facial structure, proving that she falls victim to the driver.

The shot type of the original is an OTS 2S (over the shoulder two shot) while my manipulated photo is mainly a 2S WS (two shot wide shot). The contrast in each shot type is that the initial photo is focused on both the location and the situation in which the event is taking place, whereas the framed copy has an enhanced and clear focus on the individual’s body language. Affinity in this work is reflected through the unchanged focus of the man’s powerful gaze upon the woman that is present in both versions. In essence, the text of this photo is that there is a couple driving in a speeding car. The subtext, however, is that the car ride is far from the ordinary; the pain that each individual is feeling relates to the realization that this is a highly uncomfortable situation.

Lastly, visual movement and rhythm is not only depicted through the use of lines to indicate speed but also through the way in which the viewer’s eye is immediately guided to diagonally towards the man’s face. This makes his gaze seem inescapable and intimidating, making us feel as though we are the woman in the piece.

Through the use of these elements above the viewer is able to establish a sense of how framing is important in understanding the overall meaning and feel of any form of art.

Ways To Avoid Being Brainwashed.

Seth Godin's article, "Brainwashed"discusses seven ways to break free of the confines from the corporate drone culture that has plagued our nation. In order to better ourselves and increase our creativity levels, he suggests that we must acknowledge seven layers of reinvention: connect, be generous, make art, acknowledge the lizard, ship, fail and learn.

One of the layers mentioned above instructs us how to "Acknowledge The Lizard". As soon as I heard of the name of this topic, all I could think of was a reference to the Spider-Man villain, The Lizard, who acts on natural instincts and impulses when responding to danger in a fight. Don't worry; there is a method to my geeky references, especially for this section of the article! Similar to The Lizard from Spider-Man, Godin informs us that we as humans are interconnected with the prehistoric part of our brain that he calls "the lizard brain". "The lizard brain" despises being ridiculed and laughed at and it worries about safety and as a result of this worry, it releases anger. The lizard part of our brain reacts to "the resistance", a mechanism that trains us to comply with instructions and discourages us to think outside of the box and reach our full potential. I truly believe that this advice is crucial for expanding our creative minds to accomplish our ultimate goal in life. I often have instances where my doubts and fears disable me from performing to my full potential which I now realize is the prehistoric part of my brain telling me to hold back and stick to the norm. Keeping this concept in  mind will also aid me in making my blog posts more appealing, creative and personal while still following the guidelines that I am instructed to adhere to. I strive to develop a distinctive voice for myself through my blog posts and to entice people to read them. We must realize that successful people gained their place in society by taming the lizard part of their brain and becoming fearless in their tasks and endeavors. Like Spider-Man we must fight the lizard!

Another layer that I found useful in developing my creative process is the "Make Art" suggestion. I really enjoyed reading about this section of the text since I have a huge adoration for drawing and any type of artwork in general. Godin's definition of art is spectacular; he claims that art is not just painting or writing a poem, but it is an original gift that all people can perform at a human level. He claims that "If you interact with others, you have the platform to create something new-something that changes everything. I call that art." This ideal will help me greatly as I continue my education in the media school as well as when I pursue my ultimate career. Creating vast networks with media industry professionals will encourage my interaction with others and make myself known.

I strongly believe that the assignments that are given to us for this class including the "Brainwashed" article will expand our knowledge and mold us into well-rounded individuals. Most classes in college are designed to teach students to obey instructions from bosses, officials and any other person in a higher power position, whereas this class teaches us just the opposite: to make ourselves known through hard work, perseverance and to think as if we are those bosses and officials in power.  I will also continue to create ideas and write scripts for short films that I will direct with my friends who are also video production majors. The layer mentioned above regarding making art will have an amazing influence in the creation of my blog, since I hope to expand my eccentric ideas into full-fledged productions with the help of creative criticism and input from my peers. If I am able to break free of the social confines of what is considered the "norm" for careers just as this article is persuading me to do, my confidence in my work and myself will grow and reach its peak. Confidence is undoubtedly the key to happiness and success in oneself and their career, which I hope to accomplish as I dive deeper into the media school curriculum.

Music Project.

Here is the song that I created using Garage Band. I was going for a heavy metal feel by changing the panning of the tracks and the pitch. I also played the organ on the program at the beginning and I also played my own electric guitar at the very end of the piece. Hope you like it!



And do not forget these three awesome songs that I critiqued as composed by Tyler Dawley, Vincent Franks and Gretchen Kessler.