Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Serious Games
What is flow?
Flow is that force or state of mind that you're in when time seizes to exist and you just go with it. For example, when you're reading a book that you just can't put down. You end up staying up til 3 am because you can't stop turning those pages. That is a state of flow. This is something that we experience in games and in other aspects of life.
Cartoons were originally made for entertainment; they were made to make people laugh. What if we move cartoons to the other side of the continuum? What if we use cartoons to make a political statement?
What if we take this same idea and employ it with games?
Consider the "game," September 12...
The purpose of this game is to kill terrorist.
This "game" is really a statement by one person on how they view the war on terror.
The more terrorist you try an take out, the more you incidentally create. Because they are all running around in a narrow space there is no way to take out a terrorist without taking out an innocent civilian. What does this say about what's going on in Iraq?
The creator is asking, "How do you deal with something as complex as terrorism?"
Another example of this is the Madrid game...
The purpose of this game is to keep the memory of the people lost in the Spain terrorist attack and the people lost in terrorist attacks throughout the world.
So, what do you gather from this game? Frustration. This game provokes that emotion of frustration; frustration stemming from not being able to keep the memory of everyone alive.
Visual aspects of the Powerpuff Girls game...
-the main characters really stand out from the backdrop of the game
-the colors scheme is simple (i.e. two shades of blue, one for the sky and one for the ocean, and then the tan sand)
-the visual components, like the game's objective, is simple yet effective in serving its purpose
-the visual elements found in the game are very similar to the visual elements found in the actual television show
*This evokes the flow mentioned earlier. It facilitates an environment for the player
similar to that which they watch on tv; hence, each player gets to be their favorite
powerpuff hero.)
Flow is that force or state of mind that you're in when time seizes to exist and you just go with it. For example, when you're reading a book that you just can't put down. You end up staying up til 3 am because you can't stop turning those pages. That is a state of flow. This is something that we experience in games and in other aspects of life.
Cartoons were originally made for entertainment; they were made to make people laugh. What if we move cartoons to the other side of the continuum? What if we use cartoons to make a political statement?
What if we take this same idea and employ it with games?
Consider the "game," September 12...
The purpose of this game is to kill terrorist.
"This is not a game. You can't win and you can't lose. This is a simulation."
This "game" is really a statement by one person on how they view the war on terror.
The more terrorist you try an take out, the more you incidentally create. Because they are all running around in a narrow space there is no way to take out a terrorist without taking out an innocent civilian. What does this say about what's going on in Iraq?
The creator is asking, "How do you deal with something as complex as terrorism?"
Another example of this is the Madrid game...
The purpose of this game is to keep the memory of the people lost in the Spain terrorist attack and the people lost in terrorist attacks throughout the world.
So, what do you gather from this game? Frustration. This game provokes that emotion of frustration; frustration stemming from not being able to keep the memory of everyone alive.
***
I never realized that games could be so serious. It's interesting to see how games--similar to movies and books--have the power to move us this way. They have the power to do more than entertain but to educate us and to facilitate change (or at the very least encourage dialogue about change).Visual aspects of the Powerpuff Girls game...
-the main characters really stand out from the backdrop of the game
-the colors scheme is simple (i.e. two shades of blue, one for the sky and one for the ocean, and then the tan sand)
-the visual components, like the game's objective, is simple yet effective in serving its purpose
-the visual elements found in the game are very similar to the visual elements found in the actual television show
*This evokes the flow mentioned earlier. It facilitates an environment for the player
similar to that which they watch on tv; hence, each player gets to be their favorite
powerpuff hero.)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Progress Report 11/8-11/15
Overview
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
So what have we accomplished so far?
We accomplished a lot last week and not quite as much this week but only because there’s not a lot left to do. Now that we have our flyers designed, our t-shirt designed, our location secured, and our pizza supplier settled on…it’s just a waiting game.
Next Step
We will be offering our class the opportunity to commit to purchasing a t-shirt during class on Thursday. Unfortunately, we still don’t have a t-shirt proof but hopefully it’ll be e-mailed to us prior to Thursday’s class. If, however, we don’t receive the t-shirt proof we will bring it to class along with an order form next Tuesday.
Brief Conclusion
Please consider purchasing an event t-shirt. Your purchasing a t-shirt and wearing it could count towards community service hours!!!
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
So what have we accomplished so far?
We accomplished a lot last week and not quite as much this week but only because there’s not a lot left to do. Now that we have our flyers designed, our t-shirt designed, our location secured, and our pizza supplier settled on…it’s just a waiting game.
Next Step
We will be offering our class the opportunity to commit to purchasing a t-shirt during class on Thursday. Unfortunately, we still don’t have a t-shirt proof but hopefully it’ll be e-mailed to us prior to Thursday’s class. If, however, we don’t receive the t-shirt proof we will bring it to class along with an order form next Tuesday.
Brief Conclusion
Please consider purchasing an event t-shirt. Your purchasing a t-shirt and wearing it could count towards community service hours!!!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Games
We might think that business use has driven the development of computer graphics but that is not the case. The development of computer graphics has been driven by games.
Computer games transport you into some sort of fantasy world. You then can create your own story to go with it. Consider the game space invaders. Back in the '70s games like space invaders, in lieu of there simple graphics, had the powers to transform you into the space pilot. You sat in your little spaceship and fought the aliens...preventing them from landing at their space station. You get to be the hero and save the world from the alien invasion.
In the beginning, these games required special software to run. You couldn't just view them on any old computers. Computers were created with the purpose of playing games (i.e. Atari).
Why?
Computer games transport you into some sort of fantasy world. You then can create your own story to go with it. Consider the game space invaders. Back in the '70s games like space invaders, in lieu of there simple graphics, had the powers to transform you into the space pilot. You sat in your little spaceship and fought the aliens...preventing them from landing at their space station. You get to be the hero and save the world from the alien invasion.
In the beginning, these games required special software to run. You couldn't just view them on any old computers. Computers were created with the purpose of playing games (i.e. Atari).
Microsoft's top-secret touch screen
Here's a link to a video of the touch screen interface I commented on in class. Check it out! It's insane!
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9723647-1.html?tag=cnetfd.mt
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9723647-1.html?tag=cnetfd.mt
Computer Graphics
What are computer graphics?
-Computer graphics are computer generated images.
What is the goal of computer graphics?
-The goal of computer graphics since it's beginning is photo realism.
If you don't have the best actors or stories, how do production companies convince you to see their films?
-utilize special effects that will blow people away
-i.e. 300, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter
With computer technology we are now able to create scenes, plots and stories that take us beyond what film could do previously. Before this was called special effects. Films today, however, are filled with so many special effects that we have to ask ourselves what are "special" effects?
When we did the exercise with digital remix we see one of the obvious benefits of digital imagery. Computer graphics, computer generated images, have given us a wide variety of options. Our own imaginations are the only limit to what we can do.
What else do computer generated graphics allow us to do?
Computer generated graphics allows us to think differently about how we operate our computers. When Bill Gates heard about these two guys who had produced this new operating system called Mac he gave his employers marching errors to create something similar. We now know this system as Windows.
Shows you all the information that you can do rather than you having to write the code out (i.e. DOS). This gives the user and understanding of how the system works just by looking at it. You see it digitally!
EVERYONE in the WHOLE WORLD works like this. They look at the same pictures and the same interfaces. Wherever you are, if you get a computer and you start it up you get the same think in China that you'd get in the United States.
-Computer graphics are computer generated images.
What is the goal of computer graphics?
-The goal of computer graphics since it's beginning is photo realism.
If you don't have the best actors or stories, how do production companies convince you to see their films?
-utilize special effects that will blow people away
-i.e. 300, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter
With computer technology we are now able to create scenes, plots and stories that take us beyond what film could do previously. Before this was called special effects. Films today, however, are filled with so many special effects that we have to ask ourselves what are "special" effects?
When we did the exercise with digital remix we see one of the obvious benefits of digital imagery. Computer graphics, computer generated images, have given us a wide variety of options. Our own imaginations are the only limit to what we can do.
What else do computer generated graphics allow us to do?
Computer generated graphics allows us to think differently about how we operate our computers. When Bill Gates heard about these two guys who had produced this new operating system called Mac he gave his employers marching errors to create something similar. We now know this system as Windows.
Shows you all the information that you can do rather than you having to write the code out (i.e. DOS). This gives the user and understanding of how the system works just by looking at it. You see it digitally!
EVERYONE in the WHOLE WORLD works like this. They look at the same pictures and the same interfaces. Wherever you are, if you get a computer and you start it up you get the same think in China that you'd get in the United States.
Progress Report 11/1-11/8
Overview
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
So what have we accomplished so far?
FINALLY, we have an event name!!! In fact, not only do we have an event name but we also have an event slogan! As you can see, I'm elated! Anyway, here's what we've come up with (any and all feedback is welcomed) :
Event Name
-Once Upon a Time Book Drive
Event Slogan
-Happily ever after begins with a book...
Event date & time
When?
-November 27, 2007
-from 3:30 - 4:45
Where?
-in the Communication Studio
Event flyer
-a copy of our event flyer is posted in the blog so check it out!
Font
-Gigi
-This font will be utilized on our flyers and on our t-shirts
T-Shirt Design
-white shirt
-the front of the t-shirt will have the event name and date
-the back of the t-shirt will have the event slogan printed at an arch (i.e. the top of the arch will say Happily ever after and the bottom will say begins with a book...)
-in the center of the event slogan we will have a picture that will either be drawn or an actual photo (we prefer an actual photo)
-the concept behind the image is two school aged children (my son Cameron and my little sister Amber) holding hands while looking up at an empty bookshelf that towers over them
T-Shirt Cost
-John Earle, from Tigertown Graphics (downtown Clemson), will be printing our shirts
-1 color front print and back print $10.00 (for this price instead of using an actual photograph there will be a drawing)
-1 color front print and four color back with actual photograph (price based on 12 shirts)
Next Step
-we will be offering our class the opportunity to purchase a t-shirt
-we will be bringing a t-shirt proof to class along with an order form next Tuesday (if you already know you want a shirt please let us know today)
-there's a 12 shirt minimum to place an order
Brief Conclusion
Please consider purchasing an event t-shirt. Yes, the more t-shirts ordered the less the cost but that's not why I'm encouraging you to make the purchase. I'm encouraging you to purchase a t-shirt because once upon a time we were all children and we all believed we could do anything; we believed we could be anything. As adults, however, we know that not everyone gets to be an astronaut and not every fool gets to fly a plane. We understand that we are not entitled to a happy ending but rather we have to make our own. We know that in order to make our own we must seek out knowledge. As adults, we know that happily ever after begins with a book.
Did I mention there will be free pizza and drinks? Get excited!!! We are!
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
So what have we accomplished so far?
FINALLY, we have an event name!!! In fact, not only do we have an event name but we also have an event slogan! As you can see, I'm elated! Anyway, here's what we've come up with (any and all feedback is welcomed) :
Event Name
-Once Upon a Time Book Drive
Event Slogan
-Happily ever after begins with a book...
Event date & time
When?
-November 27, 2007
-from 3:30 - 4:45
Where?
-in the Communication Studio
Event flyer
-a copy of our event flyer is posted in the blog so check it out!
Font
-Gigi
-This font will be utilized on our flyers and on our t-shirts
T-Shirt Design
-white shirt
-the front of the t-shirt will have the event name and date
-the back of the t-shirt will have the event slogan printed at an arch (i.e. the top of the arch will say Happily ever after and the bottom will say begins with a book...)
-in the center of the event slogan we will have a picture that will either be drawn or an actual photo (we prefer an actual photo)
-the concept behind the image is two school aged children (my son Cameron and my little sister Amber) holding hands while looking up at an empty bookshelf that towers over them
T-Shirt Cost
-John Earle, from Tigertown Graphics (downtown Clemson), will be printing our shirts
-1 color front print and back print $10.00 (for this price instead of using an actual photograph there will be a drawing)
-1 color front print and four color back with actual photograph (price based on 12 shirts)
Next Step
-we will be offering our class the opportunity to purchase a t-shirt
-we will be bringing a t-shirt proof to class along with an order form next Tuesday (if you already know you want a shirt please let us know today)
-there's a 12 shirt minimum to place an order
Brief Conclusion
Please consider purchasing an event t-shirt. Yes, the more t-shirts ordered the less the cost but that's not why I'm encouraging you to make the purchase. I'm encouraging you to purchase a t-shirt because once upon a time we were all children and we all believed we could do anything; we believed we could be anything. As adults, however, we know that not everyone gets to be an astronaut and not every fool gets to fly a plane. We understand that we are not entitled to a happy ending but rather we have to make our own. We know that in order to make our own we must seek out knowledge. As adults, we know that happily ever after begins with a book.
Did I mention there will be free pizza and drinks? Get excited!!! We are!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Project Draft
Our project objective is to create an effective publicity campaign that will demonstrate to Professor Holmevik that we 1.) understand visual communication concepts and theories and 2.) we know how to effectively employ the concepts and theories. Our personal objective, however, is quite different. Since both Jennifer and I are English majors we both love literature and the idea of sharing our love of literature through this fundraiser is gratifying both personally and professionally hence our personal objective of collecting books to donate to Providence Christian Academy’s library thus aiding the school in its endeavor to provide free access to books for all students hence encouraging a more literate youth. In order to meet our objective Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a book drive for Providence Christian Academy’s library. In order to make our book drive a success we have to generate buzz around the Clemson community. So what have we accomplished so far?
FINALLY, we have an event name!!! In fact, not only do we have an event name but we also have an event slogan! As you can see, I'm elated! Anyway, here's what we've come up with (any and all feedback is welcomed) :
Event Name
-Once Upon a Time Book Drive
Event Slogan
-Happily ever after begins with a book...
Event date & time
When?
-November 27, 2007
-from 3:30 - 4:45
Where?
-in the Communication Studio
Event flyer
-a copy of our event flyer is posted in the blog so check it out!
Font
-Gigi
-This font will be utilized on our flyers and on our t-shirts
T-Shirt Design
-white shirt
-the front of the t-shirt will have the event name and date
-the back of the t-shirt will have the event slogan printed at an arch (i.e. the top of the arch will say Happily ever after and the bottom will say begins with a book...)
-in the center of the event slogan we will have a picture that will either be drawn or an actual photo (we prefer an actual photo)
-the concept behind the image is two school aged children (my son Cameron and my little sister Amber) holding hands while looking up at an empty bookshelf that towers over them
T-Shirt Cost
-John Earle, from Tigertown Graphics (downtown Clemson), will be printing our shirts
-1 color front print and back print $10.00 (for this price instead of using an actual photograph there will be a drawing)
-1 color front print and four color back with actual photograph (price based on 12 shirts)
-we will be offering our class the opportunity to purchase a t-shirt
-we will be bringing a t-shirt proof to class along with an order form next Tuesday (if you already know you want a shirt please let us know today)
-there's a 12 shirt minimum to place an order
-Gigi
-This font will be utilized on our flyers and on our t-shirts
T-Shirt Design
-white shirt
-the front of the t-shirt will have the event name and date
-the back of the t-shirt will have the event slogan printed at an arch (i.e. the top of the arch will say Happily ever after and the bottom will say begins with a book...)
-in the center of the event slogan we will have a picture that will either be drawn or an actual photo (we prefer an actual photo)
-the concept behind the image is two school aged children (my son Cameron and my little sister Amber) holding hands while looking up at an empty bookshelf that towers over them
T-Shirt Cost
-John Earle, from Tigertown Graphics (downtown Clemson), will be printing our shirts
-1 color front print and back print $10.00 (for this price instead of using an actual photograph there will be a drawing)
-1 color front print and four color back with actual photograph (price based on 12 shirts)
-we will be offering our class the opportunity to purchase a t-shirt
-we will be bringing a t-shirt proof to class along with an order form next Tuesday (if you already know you want a shirt please let us know today)
-there's a 12 shirt minimum to place an order
***
Please consider purchasing an event t-shirt. Yes, the more t-shirts ordered the less the cost but that's not why I'm encouraging you to make the purchase. I'm encouraging you to purchase a t-shirt because once upon a time we were all children and we all believed we could do anything; we believed we could be anything. As adults, however, we know that not everyone gets to be an astronaut and not every fool gets to fly a plane. We understand that we are not entitled to a happy ending but rather we have to make our own. We know that in order to make our own we must seek out knowledge. As adults, we know that happily ever after begins with a book.
Did I mention there will be free pizza and drinks? Get excited!!! We are!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Fall Out Boys Concert
Who doesn't LOVE Fall Out Boys? No one should be answering, "I don't" to that question. That being said, I went to the Wild Things Tour Concert this Sunday at Little John Coliseum. I got to see Plain White T's, Gym Glass Heroes and...FALL OUT BOYS!!! Needless to say, the concert was AMAZING!!! Anyway, I wanted to try and get a few artistic shots since I was unable to participate in the "photo at noon" assignment. The above pictures are my favs!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Progress Report 10/25-11/1
Overview
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
I came up with 3 t-shirt designs and 3 event names. Additionally, I tied up some loose ends by collecting the permission slips from the 2nd and 3rd grade parents. Now that I have permission slips I will be able to go take photographs of the students and use the photographs for our project. I also came up with a proposed budget for our project.
Next Steps
Jennifer and I are facing a huge obstacle pertaining to our project. Though the obstacle is huge it is one that both Jenn and I are impressed by and supportive of—the Emily Yelton book drive. With that being said, we are trying to come up with a similar concept (a pr campaign) but a different event. If you have any suggestions please post on either or both of our blogs.
Brief Conclusion
This project so far has been all about planning and now that we are at a point where we can FINALLY start implementing we have to start over. That being said, we have a lot of work to do but we’re optimistic that we’ll get the job done.
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
I came up with 3 t-shirt designs and 3 event names. Additionally, I tied up some loose ends by collecting the permission slips from the 2nd and 3rd grade parents. Now that I have permission slips I will be able to go take photographs of the students and use the photographs for our project. I also came up with a proposed budget for our project.
Next Steps
Jennifer and I are facing a huge obstacle pertaining to our project. Though the obstacle is huge it is one that both Jenn and I are impressed by and supportive of—the Emily Yelton book drive. With that being said, we are trying to come up with a similar concept (a pr campaign) but a different event. If you have any suggestions please post on either or both of our blogs.
Brief Conclusion
This project so far has been all about planning and now that we are at a point where we can FINALLY start implementing we have to start over. That being said, we have a lot of work to do but we’re optimistic that we’ll get the job done.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
10/30 Class Notes
What are the claims of critics of television ?
Televisions...
-doesn't facilitate literacy
-doesn't encourage intellectual engagement
- encourages a sedentary lifestyle
Advertisements
-the bulk of money made by networks comes from ads
-ads last 60 to 90 seconds
-ads increase in frequency towards the end of the show
-ads are strategically placed within the storyline of a show to ensure that the viewers watch the
entire show
Differences between TV and Film
-tv is more casual entertainment
-there is no investment to be made in tv
-film requires an investment to be made (i.e. 2 hours in a movie theater)
-we become more invested in the characters on tv
-we care about what happens to them
Reality Television
-infatuation with the lives of real people
-more infatuated with how real people deal with real life problems
-millions made in reality television
-some of my favorite reality shows are America's Next Top Model, Survivor, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance
Televisions...
-doesn't facilitate literacy
-doesn't encourage intellectual engagement
- encourages a sedentary lifestyle
Advertisements
-the bulk of money made by networks comes from ads
-ads last 60 to 90 seconds
-ads increase in frequency towards the end of the show
-ads are strategically placed within the storyline of a show to ensure that the viewers watch the
entire show
Differences between TV and Film
-tv is more casual entertainment
-there is no investment to be made in tv
-film requires an investment to be made (i.e. 2 hours in a movie theater)
-we become more invested in the characters on tv
-we care about what happens to them
Reality Television
-infatuation with the lives of real people
-more infatuated with how real people deal with real life problems
-millions made in reality television
-some of my favorite reality shows are America's Next Top Model, Survivor, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance
The Darkside of the American Dream
“Blow”
The “American Dream” isn't real and the ideology that with money comes happiness is an illusion that quickly deteriorates in Blow just as it does in Citizen Kane, The God Father and Carlito’s Way. In Blow, Jung (Johnny Depp) watched his parents continuously fight over their financial problems. Not wanting to fall into the same trap that his father was in (living paycheck to paycheck) he vowed to never let himself become poor. Despite being told by his father that money isn't real and only an illusion, Jung still craved it. In fact, Jung not only craved money but he craved easy money and when he got it he only wanted more and more of it. As a result, Jung became one of the biggest drug traffickers in American history. He had all the money to afford all the pleasures of life that most people will never see actualized. Even in lieu of his wealth, however, Jung was never really happy with his life of wealth and ultimately it is his greed for more wealth that results in his imprisonment and his separation from his daughter.
So in the end, was it worth it? Jesus Christ. How irreparably changed my life has become. It's always the last day of summer and I've been left out in the cold with no door to get back in. I'll grant you I've had more than my share of poignant moments. Life passes most people by while they're making grand plans for it. Throughout my lifetime, I've left pieces of my heart here and there. And now, there's almost not enough to stay alive. But I force a smile, knowing that my ambition far exceeded my talent. There are no more white horses or pretty ladies at my door.
--George in Blow
The “American Dream” isn't real and the ideology that with money comes happiness is an illusion that quickly deteriorates in Blow just as it does in Citizen Kane, The God Father and Carlito’s Way. In Blow, Jung (Johnny Depp) watched his parents continuously fight over their financial problems. Not wanting to fall into the same trap that his father was in (living paycheck to paycheck) he vowed to never let himself become poor. Despite being told by his father that money isn't real and only an illusion, Jung still craved it. In fact, Jung not only craved money but he craved easy money and when he got it he only wanted more and more of it. As a result, Jung became one of the biggest drug traffickers in American history. He had all the money to afford all the pleasures of life that most people will never see actualized. Even in lieu of his wealth, however, Jung was never really happy with his life of wealth and ultimately it is his greed for more wealth that results in his imprisonment and his separation from his daughter.
So in the end, was it worth it? Jesus Christ. How irreparably changed my life has become. It's always the last day of summer and I've been left out in the cold with no door to get back in. I'll grant you I've had more than my share of poignant moments. Life passes most people by while they're making grand plans for it. Throughout my lifetime, I've left pieces of my heart here and there. And now, there's almost not enough to stay alive. But I force a smile, knowing that my ambition far exceeded my talent. There are no more white horses or pretty ladies at my door.
--George in Blow
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Notes from Movie 10/25
What visual elements of the film help transport you into the film?
-The wardrobe
-The glass of water on the night stand vibrating from the bombs
-The papers falling from the building, books, etc. The fires outside the building
-The model of the third reich
-Civilians in the streets running
-Kids dressed as soldiers "playing" war in the streets
-Debris and chaos in the streets
-The clouds of smoke that fills the air
-The faces of the wounded crying out for help
-The fact that the children did not cry out for help
-The bare bodies of the dead piled on top of one another
-The elders lying in bed defeated
-The bullet shot through the soldiers head
-The child's face when he realized war is not a game (when he saw the soldier he had just talked with dead from a bullet to the head)
-The two men shooting themselves after learning of their surrender
-The blank faces/blank stares
**The statistics/ at the end (white font against black background) "...50 million lives lost**
-The wardrobe
-The glass of water on the night stand vibrating from the bombs
-The papers falling from the building, books, etc. The fires outside the building
-The model of the third reich
-Civilians in the streets running
-Kids dressed as soldiers "playing" war in the streets
-Debris and chaos in the streets
-The clouds of smoke that fills the air
-The faces of the wounded crying out for help
-The fact that the children did not cry out for help
-The bare bodies of the dead piled on top of one another
-The elders lying in bed defeated
-The bullet shot through the soldiers head
-The child's face when he realized war is not a game (when he saw the soldier he had just talked with dead from a bullet to the head)
-The two men shooting themselves after learning of their surrender
-The blank faces/blank stares
**The statistics/ at the end (white font against black background) "...50 million lives lost**
Progress Report 10/18-10/25
Overview
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
Jennifer and I had our first face-to-face meeting this week. During this meeting we shared our ideas for possible event names. After much deliberation we decided that it would be more advantageous if we utilized the creative minds in our visual communication class. Accordingly, we met with Professor Holmevik Tuesday and discussed with him the possibility of having a brainstorming session at the beginning of class. We are very optimistic that with the help of all of you, we’ll leave class today with an official event name. In lieu of our lack of an event name Jenn and I made sure to keep pressing full speed ahead. Since Jennifer is also doing an individual progress report I will let her discuss in detail her contributions to the project this week while I focus on mine.
Since last week I’ve been setting a lot of things in motion. For instance, I visited PCA and met with the librarian, 2nd and 3rd students, and their teacher. I sent a letter home with the 2nd and 3rd graders asking their parents permission to photograph them reading at school and to utilize these photographs for our project/event. I asked that their parents return the signed permission slips Monday of next week. Wednesday of next week I will be visiting PCA and taking pictures. Additionally, I contacted Papa Johns and Pizza Hut about possibly donating pizzas for our fundraising event. I’ve also contacted a graphics design company about printing t-shirts for the event.
Next Steps
Next week we hope to complete the following: add event name to flyers and t-shirt designs, place t-shirt order, take photos at PCA, finalize event location, and finalize our event budget.
Brief Conclusion
This project so far has been all about planning and now we FINALLY get to start implementing!!! As you can see, I’m elated to finally set this event in motion. Get excited, we are!
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
Jennifer and I had our first face-to-face meeting this week. During this meeting we shared our ideas for possible event names. After much deliberation we decided that it would be more advantageous if we utilized the creative minds in our visual communication class. Accordingly, we met with Professor Holmevik Tuesday and discussed with him the possibility of having a brainstorming session at the beginning of class. We are very optimistic that with the help of all of you, we’ll leave class today with an official event name. In lieu of our lack of an event name Jenn and I made sure to keep pressing full speed ahead. Since Jennifer is also doing an individual progress report I will let her discuss in detail her contributions to the project this week while I focus on mine.
Since last week I’ve been setting a lot of things in motion. For instance, I visited PCA and met with the librarian, 2nd and 3rd students, and their teacher. I sent a letter home with the 2nd and 3rd graders asking their parents permission to photograph them reading at school and to utilize these photographs for our project/event. I asked that their parents return the signed permission slips Monday of next week. Wednesday of next week I will be visiting PCA and taking pictures. Additionally, I contacted Papa Johns and Pizza Hut about possibly donating pizzas for our fundraising event. I’ve also contacted a graphics design company about printing t-shirts for the event.
Next Steps
Next week we hope to complete the following: add event name to flyers and t-shirt designs, place t-shirt order, take photos at PCA, finalize event location, and finalize our event budget.
Brief Conclusion
This project so far has been all about planning and now we FINALLY get to start implementing!!! As you can see, I’m elated to finally set this event in motion. Get excited, we are!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
My Ocean Hotties!!!
I told you all how much I love the guys of Ocean's 12 but seeing as how this is a visual communication class I figured showing is better than telling so....check them out (see the video clip in the post below)!!!
ps. Remember ladies, I loved them first!
ps. Remember ladies, I loved them first!
Reflection on Tuesday's Class Discussion
Who couldn't talk about films all day? That's what I was thinking as I walked out of English 332 Tuesday afternoon. We all have our favorite films and just as diverse as our collection of favorites so are the reasons by which we decide which films make the cut and which do not. Accordingly, our varying responses to the question, "What makes a person really want to go see a movie?" aren't at all surprising. Some people in our class seek out movies that portray to them the quintessential iconic hero think Bruce Willis in "Die Hard." Then you have people, such as myself, whom decide whether or not to see a movie based on whether or not the actors and/or actresses on the silverscreen are HOT. For instance, consider any and all of the Ocean movies...let's see you have George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon--come on, who doesn't love these guys?!? Who would want to see any of them fail? Who wouldn't rob a casino or anything else they wanted you to if they asked? I mean if any of them called me I'd be searching through my closet for my catwoman costume from Halloween a couple of years back and catching the redline to the Bellagio. In short, seeing on screen hot bad guys that come out on top, to me is 120 mins of heaven :)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Progress Report 10/11-10/18
Overview
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
Jennifer and I have done a great deal of brainstorming independently over the last couple of weeks. We decided to push our event date back. Our new project date did not result in a week off from our project. In fact, this week we focused not so much on brainstorming independently but rather we focused on collaborating our ideas and efforts. For instance, we began pitching ideas for an event name for our fundraiser. We set a goal of coming up with 3 options each and selecting our final choice from the list of 6. Locking down an event name is important because it will be utilized throughout our campaign (i.e. on the flyers, t-shirts, banners, Facebook, etc.). In addition to the before mentioned, Jennifer and I have also discussed ideas for possible t-shirt designs. We plan on selecting our top 3 t-shirt designs by the end of the week. Additionally, Jennifer put the first ad for our fundraiser in the Tiger Newspaper.
Next Steps
Next week we hope to complete the following: design logo for flyers and t-shirts, choose an event name, place t-shirt order, take before photos of PCA library, take pictures of students at PCA, reserve studio for the drop-in, and contact pizza companies and decide on company that we’ll use for the event. This week I personally plan on coming up with 3 designs utilizing proven elements of effective visual communication that we’ve discussed in class. For example, when coming up with my designs I will consider font style, font size, color scheme, and the layout (i.e. where the logo should be placed, etc.). As mentioned previously, Jennifer placed an ad that will run this Friday, October 19 in The Tiger. I’m a bit concerned that more of our fundraiser details should have been finalized prior to running the ad and that an ad right now would not be advantageous to promoting our fundraiser since the “Trick-or-Treat Charity Book Drive” commenced this week and is being heavily publicized throughout campus. I will, therefore, discuss with Jennifer the possibility of purchasing ad space in additional print sources and online sources the week prior and/or the week of our fundraiser.
Brief Conclusion
The work that Jennifer and I have completed so far has enabled us to remain on task with meeting the deadlines for the major milestones of our project. We decided during a phone conference, that every Sunday we’d select a date and time that we’ll meet during the upcoming week. This diligence along with our passion for sharing our love of literature with students at PCA is an integral part of why our fundraiser WILL be a success. Get excited, we are!
My partner Jennifer and I will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective and we will end it with a “drop-in” type of event. Making the fundraiser a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library) is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence by both Jennifer and myself. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways in which we will utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser.
Work Completed
Jennifer and I have done a great deal of brainstorming independently over the last couple of weeks. We decided to push our event date back. Our new project date did not result in a week off from our project. In fact, this week we focused not so much on brainstorming independently but rather we focused on collaborating our ideas and efforts. For instance, we began pitching ideas for an event name for our fundraiser. We set a goal of coming up with 3 options each and selecting our final choice from the list of 6. Locking down an event name is important because it will be utilized throughout our campaign (i.e. on the flyers, t-shirts, banners, Facebook, etc.). In addition to the before mentioned, Jennifer and I have also discussed ideas for possible t-shirt designs. We plan on selecting our top 3 t-shirt designs by the end of the week. Additionally, Jennifer put the first ad for our fundraiser in the Tiger Newspaper.
Next Steps
Next week we hope to complete the following: design logo for flyers and t-shirts, choose an event name, place t-shirt order, take before photos of PCA library, take pictures of students at PCA, reserve studio for the drop-in, and contact pizza companies and decide on company that we’ll use for the event. This week I personally plan on coming up with 3 designs utilizing proven elements of effective visual communication that we’ve discussed in class. For example, when coming up with my designs I will consider font style, font size, color scheme, and the layout (i.e. where the logo should be placed, etc.). As mentioned previously, Jennifer placed an ad that will run this Friday, October 19 in The Tiger. I’m a bit concerned that more of our fundraiser details should have been finalized prior to running the ad and that an ad right now would not be advantageous to promoting our fundraiser since the “Trick-or-Treat Charity Book Drive” commenced this week and is being heavily publicized throughout campus. I will, therefore, discuss with Jennifer the possibility of purchasing ad space in additional print sources and online sources the week prior and/or the week of our fundraiser.
Brief Conclusion
The work that Jennifer and I have completed so far has enabled us to remain on task with meeting the deadlines for the major milestones of our project. We decided during a phone conference, that every Sunday we’d select a date and time that we’ll meet during the upcoming week. This diligence along with our passion for sharing our love of literature with students at PCA is an integral part of why our fundraiser WILL be a success. Get excited, we are!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Final Proposal
What, Why, How & When... Semester Project Proposal
by
Sharon Reese and Jennifer Salane
Sharon Reese and Jennifer Salane
What:
We will be planning and executing a fundraiser for Providence Christian Academy’s library. The fundraiser will not be a formal or elaborate one; rather it will be simple and effective. We are going for a casual “drop-in” type of event.
Why:
To collect books to donate to Providence Christian Academy’s library thus aiding the school in its endeavor to provide free access to books for all students hence encouraging a more literate youth. Additionally, since both Jennifer and I are both English majors we both love literature and the idea of sharing our love of literature through this fundraiser is gratifying both personally and professionally (i.e. with future internships and employment).
How:
A drop-in. Finding a location for the drop-in itself will be a fairly simple task. It’s just a matter of reserving the Communication Studio. Making the drop-in a success (i.e. collecting numerous books for PCA’s library), however, is going to take a lot of preparation and diligence in following through. For this reason, Jennifer and I have come up with numerous ways to utilize visual communication in generating buzz around this fundraiser. See below.
Collection sites/Drop-in:
College communities are filled with students who love to eat (at least for the most part). The only thing that they love more than eating is eating for free. That being said, we plan to offer free pizza and drinks (donated by a local franchise) to anyone who stops by our drop-in and donates at least one book (appropriate for grades k5 – 12th ) to our cause.
Generating Buzz:
We will be placing an advertisement in The Tiger newspaper
We will be sending out an event invite to all of our Clemson Facebook friends. The invite will be on Facebook and those invited will receive notification that they have been invited as soon as they log onto Facebook. The link that they receive will then take them to our event page which will tell our guest what event they have been invited to, why the event is taking place, where, when, etc. The event page also allows for pictures, etc. to be posted. Hence the visual communication mediums utilized throughout our project can be easily displayed on this page as well. Furthermore, the event pages on Facebook make it easy for those invited to RSVP to events and for those throwing them to keep a headcount. They are able to select attending, maybe attending, or not attending. They are also allowed to type in a friend’s name and invite them to the event all from this location. There is a “wall” on the page where people can post questions and/or comments about the event. In the same way, we can inform the Clemson community of any changes that have been made.
Additionally, we will be purchasing a flyer that will be shown on http://www.facebook.com/ . This flyer will be visible to everyone in the Clemson network.
We will also create and distribute “real-world” flyers throughout high traffic locations on campus.
Everyone involved in the fundraiser will be wearing shirts designed specifically for the event (think relay for life) when distributing flyers and at the event itself.
E-mail:
Clemson listserv
Where:
The drop-in will be held in the Communication’s Studio on the first floor of Daniel. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
When:
November 2, 2007
Production:
Portfolio Two, one for each partner highlighting each partner’s respective contributions Paper
Two, one produced by each partner
Working Time Line:
~October 10- Octorber 12
Come up with a “catch phrase”
Reserve Communication Studio (Jennifer)
Work on t-shirt design (Sharon and Jennifer)
~October 15- October 19
Order t-shirts (Sharon)
Work on flyer design (Jennifer)
Take pictures of library at PCA (Sharon)
Create a slideshow of pictures set to music (Sharon)
~October 22- October 26
Create Event Group/flyer on Facebook (Sharon)
Pick-up t-shirts (Sharon)
Print flyers (Jennifer)
Create ad for the Tiger/Publish ad (Jennifer)
~October 29- November 1
Decide where we are ordering pizza from (Jennifer)
Purchase drinks, cups, napkins, etc. (Jennifer and/or Sharon)
Wear t-shirts while distributing flyers throughout campus (Sharon and Jennifer)
~November 2
Drop-in/collect books (Sharon and Jennifer)
Progress Report
Jennifer and I haven't done a lot of work as far as our actual document goes but we have, however, gotten together a few times to outline our individual contributions to this project as well as contributions we will be making together. Similarly, we also discussed our personal goal (i.e. to share our love for literature with the youth at a local school) for the project and our academic goal (i.e. to not only fulfill the requirements of our Engl 332 project but rather to exceed the expectations for this project by employing visual communication theories and ideologies in creating our project documents). Keeping in mind our personal and academic goals for this project, we finalized our project proposal with the addition of a working timeline. The working timeline specifies who is responsible for what and when. At the end of this week, for instance, we will have completed the following: 1.) come up with a "catch phrase" for our drop-in (Jennifer and I), 2.) find out who the contact person is for reserving the Communication studio and reserve it for November 2 (Jennifer), and 3.) work on a t-shirt design for our event (Jennifer and I).
KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See
This is the song playing during the opening sequence of "The Devil Wears Prada."
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The Devil Wears Prada...and so will Anne...and so shall I
From the moment The Devil Wears Prada's opening credits commenced I knew exactly what this film was all about. It forcasted so perfectly the film's story line. The first image we see during the opening scene is Anne Hathaway--a young woman whom is frumpy, unfashionable and by Hollywood's standards fat--brushing her teeth in the bathroom of her apartment (an apartment I might add that lacks just as much in decor as she in style). In juxtaposition to Anne Hathaway sifting through a drawer of cotton granny panties we're shown a montage of beautiful model thin girls (you know the kind you see in magazine ads) sifting through their drawers of La Perla (I'm sure) delicates and opting for laced thongs, selecting couture clothes from their custom closets and applying designer makeup to their designer faces. The sequences of this opening scene are all set to K.T. Tunstall’s "Suddenly I See" and low and behold before the opening credits even conclude "suddenly I see"; I see that Anne Hathaway isn't going to survive the fashion world as is. Anne Hathaway will have to swap her frumpy and plain style (and I'm being generous by calling what she throws together "style") for couture and elegance. In short, after watching the opening scene I know that if Anne Hathaway is going to survive hell, like the Devil, she will wear Prada. She'll wear Prada and she'll wear it well. Tuesday, October 2, 2007
The Death Penalty: Questions for Discussion
Do you feel that negative visual images associated with messages (i.e. messages in movies) are similar to negative visual images in the press (i.e. tabloid photos) in regard to the publicity they generate?
In other words, do you believe that all images--regardless of whether or not they are perceived as being good/accurate/bad/false--are advantageous because like the buzz generated around Hollywood's new "A-List," it is facilitative of discourse and discourse in regard to George's article is the basis of change.
In other words, do you believe that all images--regardless of whether or not they are perceived as being good/accurate/bad/false--are advantageous because like the buzz generated around Hollywood's new "A-List," it is facilitative of discourse and discourse in regard to George's article is the basis of change.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Once upon a time... and they all lived happily ever after.
The font most representative of my personality is named after the Swan Lake princess, Odette. It is ideal for a girl who loves anything and everything feminine in nature. The font reminds me of the opening line of every Disney fairy tale..."Once upon a time..." Its gentle feminine curls conjures up fond memories of playing make believe. Sheets from my bed tossed over the backs' of our formal dining room chairs made up my castle's walls, an old white laced Easter dress became a gown fit for a princess, my barbie bike became the perfect white horse carriage just like Cinderella's, and happily ever was just a matter of imagining it so. In the same way that Odette's feminine curls bring to mind memories of my childhood innocence its majuscules slight inclination to the right evokes very similar sentiments; sentiments of reaching towards the future..towards my dreams. I see this font with its gentle feminine curls and its majuscules slight inclination to the right and I believe again. I know that happily ever after is out there and all I have to do is reach out and take it.
Project Proposal
What, Why, How & When...
Semester Project Proposal
by
Sharon Reese and Jennifer Salane
What:
Fundraiser “drop-in” to collect books to donate to Providence Christian Academy’s library.
Why:
To collect books to donate to a local school’s, Providence Christian Academy’s, library thus aiding the school in its endeavor to provide free access to books for all students hence encouraging a more literate youth.
How:
Pizza Party/Small gathering to collect books
T-shirts
Advertisements
o The Tiger
o other student newspapers
o http://www.facebook.com/
Flyers
o hung around campus
o http://www.facebook.com/
Publications
o The Tiger
Word of mouth
o at the beginning of our classes
o at meetings for organizations and clubs on campus
o informing and then encouraging our friends to spread the word to their friends, classmates, and organizations
Freebies
o pizza and drinks
o possible t-shirts E-mail
o Clemson listserv
Where:
The drop-in will be held in the Communication’s Studio on the first floor of Daniel. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
When:
On or around November 5th.
Production:
Portfolio Two, one for each partner highlighting each partner’s respective contributions Paper
Two, one produced by each partner
Semester Project Proposal
by
Sharon Reese and Jennifer Salane
What:
Fundraiser “drop-in” to collect books to donate to Providence Christian Academy’s library.
Why:
To collect books to donate to a local school’s, Providence Christian Academy’s, library thus aiding the school in its endeavor to provide free access to books for all students hence encouraging a more literate youth.
How:
Pizza Party/Small gathering to collect books
T-shirts
Advertisements
o The Tiger
o other student newspapers
o http://www.facebook.com/
Flyers
o hung around campus
o http://www.facebook.com/
Publications
o The Tiger
Word of mouth
o at the beginning of our classes
o at meetings for organizations and clubs on campus
o informing and then encouraging our friends to spread the word to their friends, classmates, and organizations
Freebies
o pizza and drinks
o possible t-shirts E-mail
o Clemson listserv
Where:
The drop-in will be held in the Communication’s Studio on the first floor of Daniel. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
When:
On or around November 5th.
Production:
Portfolio Two, one for each partner highlighting each partner’s respective contributions Paper
Two, one produced by each partner
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
? D. George's Poverty Article ?
Do you agree with the arguments being made in the article? Why are why not?
What ways do you think we can address the issues raised in the article?
Do you feel that visual imagery is advantageous even in lieu of the stereotypes surrounding them?
What ways do you think we can address the issues raised in the article?
Do you feel that visual imagery is advantageous even in lieu of the stereotypes surrounding them?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Jolie Vendetta
What is an avatar?
“An avatar is an Internet user's representation of himself or herself, whether in the form of a three-dimensional model used in computer games, a two-dimensional icon (picture) used on Internet forums and other communities, or a text construct found on early systems such as MUDs. The term "avatar" can also refer to the personality connected with the screen name, or handle, of an Internet user.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_(virtual_reality)
When I first learned of our assignment, to create an avatar for ourselves, I thought to myself, this is cake. I’m supposed to create an avatar resembling myself…a mini me if you will. In this sense, my interpretation of what an avatar is was very similar to the definition above. I assumed I’d log onto Second Life and I’d create a three-dimensional model of myself. Same long legs, same mocha skin, same chocolate brown eyes, same chocolate brown hair with gold and bronze highlights and undertones. My avatar would dress very similar to how I dress. It’d be like creating a Barbie version of me. When I actually began the process of creating my avatar I was shocked by how quickly my interpretation of what an avatar is and what an avatar can represent changed. In the beginning I thought I’d just breeze through the selections always opting for the attributes that most resembled my own; I found this wasn’t the case. In fact, it was far from the case. Instead I found myself selecting traits that were representative of characteristics of my personality rather than my physicality. As a result, even though my avatar doesn’t necessarily look like my clone it is as accurate of a representation of me as possible in the three-dimensional world of Second Life…
A name that’s not even my own tells my story best. In Second Life I am…
Jolie Vendetta. I am tall. I am confident. I am uncontainable. I am feisty. My eyes are like the ocean—both empowering and humbling—they speak of my strength, persistence, and consistency. My body is a temple—like Evey’s body in "V for Vendetta" and Angelina Jolie’s body—it is a beacon of sexuality and strength. My lips are plump and luscious. They are meant to draw you in. They are tempting like the apple in the Garden of Eden; an apple that proved too irresistible, too powerful. Like the apple in the Garden of Eden my lips represent the capacity to do both good and evil. You see language is a powerful asset; if used correctly it can be a weapon or a life saving device. My lips are a reminder that I am sweet to the sweet and well... not so sweet to the unsweet ;-)
Enchanté,
“An avatar is an Internet user's representation of himself or herself, whether in the form of a three-dimensional model used in computer games, a two-dimensional icon (picture) used on Internet forums and other communities, or a text construct found on early systems such as MUDs. The term "avatar" can also refer to the personality connected with the screen name, or handle, of an Internet user.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_(virtual_reality)
When I first learned of our assignment, to create an avatar for ourselves, I thought to myself, this is cake. I’m supposed to create an avatar resembling myself…a mini me if you will. In this sense, my interpretation of what an avatar is was very similar to the definition above. I assumed I’d log onto Second Life and I’d create a three-dimensional model of myself. Same long legs, same mocha skin, same chocolate brown eyes, same chocolate brown hair with gold and bronze highlights and undertones. My avatar would dress very similar to how I dress. It’d be like creating a Barbie version of me. When I actually began the process of creating my avatar I was shocked by how quickly my interpretation of what an avatar is and what an avatar can represent changed. In the beginning I thought I’d just breeze through the selections always opting for the attributes that most resembled my own; I found this wasn’t the case. In fact, it was far from the case. Instead I found myself selecting traits that were representative of characteristics of my personality rather than my physicality. As a result, even though my avatar doesn’t necessarily look like my clone it is as accurate of a representation of me as possible in the three-dimensional world of Second Life…
***
A name that’s not even my own tells my story best. In Second Life I am…
Jolie Vendetta. I am tall. I am confident. I am uncontainable. I am feisty. My eyes are like the ocean—both empowering and humbling—they speak of my strength, persistence, and consistency. My body is a temple—like Evey’s body in "V for Vendetta" and Angelina Jolie’s body—it is a beacon of sexuality and strength. My lips are plump and luscious. They are meant to draw you in. They are tempting like the apple in the Garden of Eden; an apple that proved too irresistible, too powerful. Like the apple in the Garden of Eden my lips represent the capacity to do both good and evil. You see language is a powerful asset; if used correctly it can be a weapon or a life saving device. My lips are a reminder that I am sweet to the sweet and well... not so sweet to the unsweet ;-)
Enchanté,
Jolie Vendetta
Monday, September 10, 2007
As the old adage states: "Many hands make light work."
Semester Project Idea
Public Relations Event/Campaign
Why:
To collect books to donate to a local school’s, Providence Christian Academy’s, library thus aiding the school in its endeavor to provide free access to books for all students hence encouraging a more literate youth.
How:
- Pizza Party/Small gathering to raise money
- T-shirts
- Advertisements
o The Tiger
o other student newspapers
o http://www.facebook.com/ - Flyers
o hung around campus
o http://www.facebook.com/ - Publications
o The Tiger - Word of mouth
o at the beginning of our classes
o at meetings for organizations and clubs on campus
o informing and then encouraging our friends to spread the word to their friends, classmates, and organizations - Freebies
o pizza and drinks
o possible t-shirts - E-mail
o Clemson listserv
Where:
The drop-in will be held in the Daniel Communication’s Studio on the first floor of Daniel. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
When:
To be determined.
Production:
Portfolio
- Two, one for each partner highlighting each partner’s respective contributions
Paper
- Two, one produced by each partner
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Classy Casual Chic: My Design for Jennifer's MySpace Page
The person that I’ve chosen to design a MySpace page for is one of my best girlfriends, Jennifer. She is someone who appreciates modesty, embodies classiness, and defines casual chic. That being said, her page like her demeanor has to be as timeless and versatile as the little black dress. She’s a busy girl so she doesn’t have time to constantly revamp her page every time one season’s fads becomes a consignment shop’s treasure. She needs a page that will be as timeless as the staples in a woman’s closet like the perfect trouser jean, black pants, or an a-line skirt—all pieces that never go out of style and all pieces that with the right accessories can be suitable for any occasion.
The additives on the page will be kept to a minimum. Jennifer is low maintenance so her page, too, will be low maintenance. She doesn’t like to complicate things and she appreciates simplicity. While she appreciates that which is simple, however, she is far from boring or average even. Her personality is versatile. She can talk to anyone and make them a friend for life and I don’t mean the friends that you collect from social networking sites. I mean the friends that you cherish from real life. So, while her page will be straightforward it will not be easily forgotten. Why not you may ask? The answer is simple. Her page will be used primarily to communicate with current friends and to connect with old ones. She’s not concerned with how many people visit her profile or whether or not she’s made the top 10 list on a stranger’s page. The people that she will be communicating with via MySpace are people that can pinpoint the classy casual chic style that is her from a mile away.
What, then, will Jennifer’s classy casual chic MySpace page look like?
Color scheme
- The page is green, blue, a butter crème yellow and taupe. The lines that make up the text boxes are taupe. The background color in the text boxes is taupe as well but instead of being solid it is somewhat translucent thus allowing you to barely see the polka dots from the page. The actual text color is white.
Layout
- The layout is simple and symmetrical. The page is definitely not a busy one, it has a butter crème background with green, blue and taupe polka dots. All of the text on the page is in defined boxes.
Music
- The music, if any, won’t necessarily be a top 40 hit but rather a classic; a song that everyone knows and loves. You all know the type of song I'm talking about; the song that you can’t forget the words to no matter how long it’s been since you heard it last.
Pictures
- The pictures on her page will be simple candid shots; for example: pictures taken at football games while tailgating with friends, at girls’ night out, at the lake with the gang and of course Bowman (her puppy and my nephew).
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
What is Visual Communication?
So, what exactly is visual communication? Visual communication to me is a way of conveying a message when words alone won’t suffice or can’t be heard. Take into consideration the explanation provided below.
While on the way to South Beach for spring break you drive past a motel with chipped paint. In fact, consider for a moment that this motel is painted in hues of neon pinks and greens. You know the colors I’m describing here. Dig deep back into your childhood to a time where going to an all-night skate at the roller rink was a BIG DEAL. Now, dig a little deeper and remember the glow in the dark necklaces you’d wear around your neck once the lights were dimmed. Are you enticed to stay the night at this motel or do you turn to your roommates and say “Considering the exterior of this hotel, I’m scared to see the sheets on the bed?” While waiting in a line at a local McDonald’s you notice that flies are all over the food. The floors are filthy and it reeks of trash. Do you then say to yourself “a little dirt is good for you, it improves the immune system” or do you step out of line and head next door to Sonic?
This train of thought doesn’t just apply to businesses. In fact, it applies to businesses and people alike. You see everything visible about a person and/or a business is communicating something. You could say, then, that while we can choose when to begin and end communicating verbally we can’t do so visually. In short, we are always communicating visually. Keeping this in mind one could argue that at the very least visual communication is on par with verbal and therefore should command the same diligence in study. Why you might ask? The answer is simple. We are visual beings. What we see affects us and our perceptions of other people, places and things. For this reason, I believe that the most effective means of communicating comes from marrying both verbal and visual communication.
While on the way to South Beach for spring break you drive past a motel with chipped paint. In fact, consider for a moment that this motel is painted in hues of neon pinks and greens. You know the colors I’m describing here. Dig deep back into your childhood to a time where going to an all-night skate at the roller rink was a BIG DEAL. Now, dig a little deeper and remember the glow in the dark necklaces you’d wear around your neck once the lights were dimmed. Are you enticed to stay the night at this motel or do you turn to your roommates and say “Considering the exterior of this hotel, I’m scared to see the sheets on the bed?” While waiting in a line at a local McDonald’s you notice that flies are all over the food. The floors are filthy and it reeks of trash. Do you then say to yourself “a little dirt is good for you, it improves the immune system” or do you step out of line and head next door to Sonic?
This train of thought doesn’t just apply to businesses. In fact, it applies to businesses and people alike. You see everything visible about a person and/or a business is communicating something. You could say, then, that while we can choose when to begin and end communicating verbally we can’t do so visually. In short, we are always communicating visually. Keeping this in mind one could argue that at the very least visual communication is on par with verbal and therefore should command the same diligence in study. Why you might ask? The answer is simple. We are visual beings. What we see affects us and our perceptions of other people, places and things. For this reason, I believe that the most effective means of communicating comes from marrying both verbal and visual communication.
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