Thoughts Of A Drifter

Whats right? Whats wrong? What to do? What not to do?

2010-04-06T01:58:00.000-05:00

As the title entails, what is the correct action. Tonight I had the honor or having a rather "deep" and "meaningful" conversation with a United States Army Soldier. You may ask why deep and meaningful in quotations? With the discussion tonight the terms deep, meaningful, and any definition can be very subjective. Each person has their own opinion of a word; the upbringing and training that a person acquires alters their perspective on the definition.

Let me start off with apologizing for the incorrect grammar and sentence structure. Of this, it is not my fortay nor am I in a state of mind that is relevant to articulate such a skill. As mentioned in one of my classes earlier in the semester it is more important as to what you have to say than using the correct grammar.

Before I begin my blog I want to acknowledge a very educated and skilled soldier. I mean none of this in a manner that may be taken offensive and I am personally HONORED by the risk this soldier has taken to protect my rights to be whom I am and be able to do what I do. This man has opened my eyes to a different side of a situation. It may be bad to say but this conversation that I was just a part of was one of the most meaningful and thought provoking conversations that I have partaken in, in a VERY long time.

For those who know me I am a "What if," kind of person. You give me a situation and I can give a million reasons as to "what if." As we were deep into conversation and as I noticed the rest of the room get silent and listen intently the soldier pointed something out to me. He stopped me mid sentence and asked me what I had just said. With dismay in my eyes all I could say was "what if." I live in a world of "what ifs." That is what makes me, me; but, what is a world of "what ifs?"

While talking to this soldier earlier in the night; I had come across rather interesting facts. This soldier was over in the Middle East fighting for Our Country. He was injured. Although he received medical treatment right away, it might have not been the best. Several months later, a surgery or two, and some physical therapy his is on his way to recovery. A person may say, "Yah, I have heard this story a million times." However, this story hit a little closer to home. I have friends who have enlisted in the Army and National Guard who are, or are getting ready to be deployed. This man brought out his shoe. I actually got to touch the means of clothing that was used to protect this soldier. The article of clothing that protected him from being harmed further. As I felt the shoe I could only imagine the pain of which he must have suffered. The ant-agonizingly slow actions that happened to cause his injury. Experiencing this I felt sympathy for this soldier. Who could or ever want to feel such pain. Yet, this experience did not seem to faze him one bit.

When a person thinks about it, do we really hear about the American soldiers getting hurt over seas? NO! The American politicians allow us to see what they want us to see. However, the families of the American soldiers know a different story. They know the pain and hardships that come from defending such a nation. You may be thinking her she goes getting on her soap box and letting us all know what we should be thinking. No, I am not doing such a thing. I have never met this man in my life, I had never said one word to this man ever, I had not known this man served in the Unites States Army before tonight. Yet, this man was willing to die for me. Take that into consideration; this man not knowing me, was willing to put his life in danger to save MY LIFE. This man was willing to put himself in danger to protect me and MY RIGHTS. Could you do this? I personally, don't think I could do the same. It obviously takes someone greater than me to do such a task. Someone who is willing to embrace life and the consequences that may occur. An American Soldier.

I am not going to lie, the conversation went pretty deep and rather opinionated very quickly. I did not intend to have such an in-depth conversation with this man; however, the discussion seemed to be continuous. One thing always lead to another. We started of with the intelligence of women and some how ended on a conversation of concealed and carry. Me with my infamous "what ifs" and him with his infamous training had very differing views on things. Which leads to a very interesting concept. A soldiers views compared to a civilians views. As proven tonight they are very different. A person can not see the world the same as another unless they have lived the life that the other has. How can a civilian view the world and the events as a soldier? They can't. The only way is to provoke discussion and engage in deep intellectual conversations. Needless to say, there will more than likely not be a consensual agreement. However, a person will allow themselves to expand and view the world in a different way then what they have previously thought.

Maybe this proves to show the difference between a soldier and a civilian. As a civilian do I think to much about me? And as a soldier, do they think to much about others? I personally have never had someone question my thoughts and ideas in such a way as this American soldier did. The craziest thing is; that I can think the way I want to think and experience life the way I want to experience it and there will be an American soldier standing strong; fighting for my rights. So then, I start to think about how selfish I am. How ignorant I am. As someone once said ignorance is bliss. Is ignorance really bliss or is it just plain stupidity? Where does a person draw the line?

I myself am rather strong for individualism and being ones self. Yet, the military is all about being one. Being one army, being one force. I would not have the ability to think in such a way if there were not soldiers fighting day and night for my freedom. Then I start to think how piddly am I? Through conversation and realization I personally know that I would have a very hard time pulling a gun on someone fighting for the rights of American citizens.

As proven by my conversation tonight a conversation can go in circles and loops and no party really getting a satisfaction of being right. However, it allows for discussion and an opportunity for learning. For this I am greatful.

Before I end this little side note. I would personally like to thank every man and woman fighting for MY RIGHTS and the United States of America. Without you, I would not be able to be the person I am today. With out you our Nation would not be what it is. For this I am eternally grateful. Sacrificing your life is an ind ever that for ever honorable. Those of you who serve in the United States Military Services I THANK YOU!

Just food for thought. Take the time to acknowledge those who fight for your freedom. It comes at a cost.

Once again Over and Out!

Self...

2010-03-22T00:19:00.000-05:00

Oh sleep why must you elude me tonight? Why a night when I have to be to work so early in the morning? May be a sign that there is to much on the brain. May be a sign that I have things to due that I wish not. May be the fact that I just got back catching up with a good friend. Laughing, talking, and driving catching up about our past week, the elusive "Spring Break." I am sure the talk of Chicago, loud music, and total randomness is not helping.

So, I guess I can say that I have been officially inducted into the So Very Clever Tribe. As I had mentioned earlier, I have become acquainted with the writer of soveryclever.com. We had spent several hours together and talked about several different topics. Things that were interesting to me and things that were interesting to her. And somewhere in the conversation, I would say we had a connection. She has recently blogged about one of our conversations. To be honest, I was shocked! She had made little comments about "Clever Kristin" while she was visiting, but I never thought anything would come of it. It was rather funny how I found out. I had to drive into town; hence, I was home for "Spring Break" and my family, for lack of a better term, lives in the boonies! I received a text message from a very distinguished friend. He had asked if I had checked her blog. She had written about me and he was so very proud! I had "Done good!" I raced home to read it. A little excited but not expecting much. Was I surprised!

Upon reading the post, I of course had to visit my favorite site to look up a few words. As I was doing this it made me laugh. While she was visiting, she had mentioned that it was annoying to her that people would not take the time to look up words that they did not know and just ask her what they meant. But it did not take me long to have to look up a word. That word would be comprehensive. Now before you think oh my this girl had to look up what that meant let me explain. Clever Girl wrote, "When I try to describe her the word comprehensive leaps to my finger tips." I had never heard this word used to describe someone before. Needless to say, I was intrigued.

Comprehensive: of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive; comprehending mentally, having an extensive mental rang or grasp; covering or providing broad protection against loss; so large in scope or content as to include much; marked by or showing extensive understanding; an examination or series of examinations covering the entire field of major study, given in the final undergraduate or graduate year of college.

Reading that definition I was not sure whether or not to be baffled, giddy, or confused. Such a simple word with such a complex meaning. Saying so little yet say so much at the same time. One, for someone to describe a person in such a meaningful way. Two, for someone to know me for just a few hours to come to this conclusion, I was on cloud nine. She continued to say how we are very different. She describes herself at my age. Needless to say, we are not as different as she may think.

Clever Girl wrote, "As a student in her very early 20s, I expected what seems common with most in that age bracket - apathy, lack of focus and a fading if non-existent sense of values." Thankfully, she did not think that I fell in that bracket. She said I had heartened her. Placing a smile on my face I continued to read. It was mind boggling to me that a woman who had spent a rather short time with me could be so generous. She even mentioned our photography lesson. It was so much fun!

As I said earlier, her post was about a conversation that we had had. She had asked what are some of the issues people my age were finding a source of stress - beyond graduation and the dismal job market and economy. She states that what I said shocked her, but it is something that I see every day. It almost makes me sick. In a round about way I told there that there is a lack of self-respect in women my age. She had stated that someone could have walked up to her and slapped her and she would have not noticed.

Clever Girl had mentioned a book she had to read for her women's studies class called "Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women." Needless to say, I shall be inquiring about this book soon. It sounds like a good read.

What is bringing this lack of self-respect amongst my fellow peers? Why? It is sickening to see such a change. Would our ancestors be proud? What give you the right to diminish your self-respect. I would not call it a personal decision. I would call it IGNORANCE!

Clever Girls wrote that the author of the "Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women" questioned whether or not there was a calculated plan to undermine the progress women had made by increasing the value of looks and sex? Oh how this statement is so true. I honestly believe that a majority of my generation has a low sense of personal values and self-respect. I mean when they have idol such as Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and the so called "Reality" tv shows. This past week I was flipping through the channels and the Tyra show caught my eye. There was a bench full of little girls that looked like the prefect little dolls. They had their dresses on, their hair and make-up done, and their tiaras on. They looked so proud. One of the audience members had asked one of the girls, "Would you rather be pretty or smart?" To my astonishment she said that she would rather be "Pretty." At that point I felt anger, empathy, and a personal blow to the achievements of past and present women. Who has taught her that looks are more important than brains. She said that she would rather be pretty then smart because being smart meant that she was nerdy and that was not pretty. Her mother even stepped in and put her to sense into the conversation. If I could have reached through that tv I would have slapped some common sense into her. We do not need to be teaching our young that looks are more important then brains. I fear for the coming generations and their lack of self.

We need to help set the stage for these generations. We need to help align them with adults that they admire and trust that will help them in their journey of life. People who will help them create and cultivate lasting relationships. Relationships that are long-lasting and valuable rather then the girls who find their way to the boardroom through the bedroom.

Hopefully this has been food for thought. I wonder what these women would think of today's females.

Abigail Smith Adams
Clara Barton
Margaret Bourke-White
Margret "Molly" Tobin Brown
Bessie Coleman
Isadora Duncan
Amelia Earhart
Fannie Lou Hamer
Juliette Gordon Low
Biddy Mason
Wilma Rudolph
Helen Keller
Victoria Woodhull

Until next time, Over and Out!

Life is funny it makes me giggle

2010-03-09T22:49:00.004-06:00

Dear Bloggers,

Why must the idea of writing down what one thinks be so difficult. For months now I have been thinking of some things that I think are rather "clever." However, who would want to read my posts? What do I have to say that is so interesting or important?

Before I get to far in to this what exactly is a blogger? Courtesy of my favorite site dictionary.com here is a definition. It states that a blogger is a person who keeps a Web log (blog) or publish an online diary. Whoooo! Whooo! Whooo! A diary? I don't due diaries. (Just like I don't do skirts. :P) I never have. Lets call it a public journal. Yes, I think that sounds better.

This past week I had the honor of meeting a Hilary Ledestri. She is a professional photographer, videographer, and writer. She has her own blog www.soveryclever.com. She is also known as Clever Girl. What does clever mean? Are you a Clever Girl/Man? Going back to my favorite site clever means being mentally bright; having a sharp or quick intelligence; superficially skillful, witty, or original in character or construction; showing inventiveness or originality. Was your definition correct? Well, this clever lady gave me a quick photography lesson that makes me love my camera even more!

So the last statement I made has me thinking about a previous post. I had mentioned that I would like to start my own website with all my original photos on there. I have some pretty cool photos if I can say so myself, but I have to find the courage to do this. It is putting my work out there to be judged. Yikes!

(deleted portion)

Over and Out!

POSTERS

2010-02-03T07:47:00.001-06:00

Hello fellow bloggers! In one of my previous blogs I had mentioned that I was working on a class project that involved Black History Month. More specifically African Americans or a situation that was tied to the state of Kansas.

For this project I selected Aaron Douglas, Gordon Parks, and Brown v. Board of Education. You may ask how these people and events are tied to Kansas. Well, Aaron Douglas was born in Topeka, KS. He is best known for his work with the Harlem Renaissance Era. Gordon Parks he was born in Fort Scott, KS. He is known for his photography, but what I found to be very interesting is that he was the first African American to be hired by LIFE Magazine. Brown v. Board of Education, Brown is also known as Oliver Brown of Topeka, KS. This law suit started in 1951 when thirteen Topeka parents flied action on behalf of their twenty children.

As my friends would say I go into my creative mode. I jam the music, focus in on the project, and enter into my own little world. Music is a large part of my creative side and my music selection is very random. For example while working on this project I listened to anything from Hollywood Undead to Michael Jackson, to Michael Buble to Jesse McCartney to Nickelback. As you can see I jump around in music but I find it rather calming.

Below are drafts of the posters that I have been working on. The final is not due tell next week, but I am rather content with the projects so far. Enjoy!

Η τέχνη είναι μια έκφραση του εαυτού σου!

Name Tag

2010-01-27T07:38:00.002-06:00

This semester I am in Humanities of the arts. To give you an idea of what the course is about I will quote directly from the syllabus.

Course Description and Objectives. In this basic interdisciplinary humanities course students learn how to examine, compare, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and discuss creative works within their cultural contexts.

Our first class assignment besides reading the required text: Perceiving the Arts by Dennis J. Sporre, was to make a name tag. Our instructor, John Highkin, handed us a piece of cardstock paper to use for our name tag. We were to fold the piece of paper hotdog style. On the front side we were to put our name and on the backside we were to put some interesting facts about ourselves. Here is an example of my name tag.

The image of my name tag is actually a little bigger than what my nametag looks like. My name actually fills the whole front of the name tag and the back is clearly visible. However, the interesting facts about me that I included on my name tag were that I am a pilot, a photographer, and I love working with indesign.

For this project I actually used Indesign. I ended up using the creative suite 2 for this project. I personally use the creative suite 4 for all of my personal projects. However, that is what my computer had on it. I found it interesting to go back a couple of generations in the creative suite programs and see how things have changed. I was expecting to find the swirl tool; however, I ended up finding this really cool circle creator. I played with the program for just a few minutes and came up with a design that I liked. Unfortunately, the computer lab did not have a color printer; so, my name tag is in black and white. Yet, it still looks really cool.

So now it was class time. We were to show the class our name tag so that we could start to learn each others names and so that the teacher could as well. The showing off of the name tags started and I was starting to feel kind of bad. I had done a design in a creative suite and printed my name tag out. The rest of my class had just written their names on the piece of paper in marker. I am not a person to brag about my projects so when I noticed that mine was the ONLY ONE in the class that had a design I started to think Oh No! Yes, exactly what I was expecting happened. The teacher and a few of my classmates made a big deal about it. I really did not want any attention at all. I thought since it was a class about art and creativity that the rest of my classmates would do something similar. A quote came back to me from one of my high school teachers. He would always say, "Don't assume, because when you assume you make an ass out of you and me." I guess next time I will make sure how far we are to take a project.

Over and Out!

Assignment Number One

2010-01-26T19:13:00.001-06:00

Greetings once again Bloggers! Yes, I know I have lacked tremendously in keeping up with my blog. However, the semester is in full swing again, and yes, I get to use my blog as an assignment again. Hopefully this semester I will get to introduce you to more of my work and maybe a little insight into me myself.

Assignment One is an assignment that is to bring attention to February. For those of you who do not know; February is known as Black History Month. My instructor wants us to find several different famous African-American people that have ties with Kansas. Once we have found our people we will then select three to make posters which will be displayed on campus.

My list of ideas are as follows:

Brown v. Board of Education
Aaron Douglas
Gordon Parks
Military Inductees as Medical Officers at Fort Riley.
Charles Parker, Jr.
U.L. Gooch
Gerorge Washington Carver
Blanche Kelso Bruce
Buffalo Soldiers
Nicodemus Kansas

Is Black History Month a discrimination towards African American's in the United States? Should there be a Black History Month? These are just a few questions that are rolling around in my head and from what I can see the heads of several Americans. Like Morgan Freeman said, "Black history is American history." Here is a small clip that a person could find to be very insightful and quite possibly conversationally provoking.

Michael Jackson

2009-12-16T16:41:00.000-06:00

Besides the fact that I have been lacking on posting on my blog. I have been working on projects. I have recently built and designed my own personal website. I am seeking out a life in Photography. I one day hope to have my own Business. I shall call it Compass Photography. It incorporates my love for aviation and my search for the correct path in life. I am proud to say that I making my own road and the journey is sweet. Look for more information on the website to come. I am seriously thinking of launching next year.

So, for another class project/final I had to design an album cover. The cover if printed would be the size of an old vinyl record. This was my final project for my Fundamentals Of Visual Literacy Class. The assignment was to create and album cover for a deceased artist. Someone had found some unreleased tracks and they were coming out with a new album, and we were hired to create the cover. I decided that I was going to do Michael Jackson aka The King of Pop.

If you have not gathered from my previous work. I like to keep things simple, clean, and slightly abstract. So with that said, here is the front of my album cover.

As you can see from the design I decided to label the album The King Unveiled. If a person thinks about it the Jackson family is so publicly know especially Michael, but their family is very private and secretive. The fact that this album will be releasing never before released tracks of the Michael I feel that the title fits very appropriately. The photo of Michael is all the way to the right creating weight on the right side; however, the text, even though smaller, on the left side helps to balance out the design. I personally tend to gravitate towards darker colors in my design and personal use. The color selection is very simple yet very striking; simple, clean, crisp. When people look at art the natural eye direction is to go from the bottom left corner to the top right corner. With my design I am challenging the viewer to reverse this natural reaction. I want the viewer to look from the top right to the bottom left. For some this can create a sense of uneasiness. I had tried several images for the background before i settled on this design. Honestly, I liked it and felt that the image symbolized hiding something. While presenting this to the class one of my classmates had made the point that the image almost looks like Michael is going to unveil himself to the world and in a sense reveal his voice through his music once again.

You can not have an album with just a front cover you have to have a back as well. So, here is my design for the back of my album.

When a person stops and thinks about Michael Jackson's projected image to society he is very eccentric and almost a little over the top. So, what better way to express his projected image then by making the back cover almost an extension of The King himself. The big gold frame is very eccentric and a little over the top. It is flashy and in your face. One of my favorite songs by Michael Jackson is Man In The Mirror. Yes, I am listening to it as I write this. I wanted to incorporate my love for his music in the cover. So, I decided to make the frame the frame of a mirror. I placed and image of Michael in the center with a low transparency level so that they image was not jumping out at the viewer. It almost looks like he is taking a look at himself in the mirror almost as if he is reflecting on his career and the music that he has made. If you think of Michael Jackson's more recent perception to society is it is almost robotic and very block-ish. Hence the style of the font. The viewer might be asking were the color for the text came from well all the text on the album cover has been pulled from the frame itself. There for there is not a lot of color and or change of color on the album. I stick to two main colors gray and gold.

As I was siting in the classroom talking about the album and then sitting at home looking over and analyzing my work I would have to say that this is one of my favorite designs that I have done in a while. It is clean, sleek, sophisticated; yet, still a little abstract and thought/emotion provoking.

"If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change"

~Michael Jackson~

Man In The Mirror

Entrepreneurship

2009-11-18T14:33:00.000-06:00

Passionately Creating Value

Redesign Your Name

2009-11-16T10:49:00.003-06:00

We had an assignment where we were asked to redesign our name. When my instructor was talking about the assignment I was thinking that the assignment sounds a lot like Leet. This past summer I was introduced to Leet and became very interested in it. Here is my name in Leet.

Eames Card

2009-11-13T15:07:00.014-06:00

Christmas ornaments.....so simple yet says a lot.

Once again, I love Chicago. Here is one of my favorite photos that I took while I was in the city. It was the best time of the year. It was Christmas time!

Have you ever wondered how other countries say Merry Christmas. All the smaller words behind the large Merry Christmas are how other countries say Merry Christmas all across the world.

I love listening to a people play the piano! I was recently taking some photos at a wedding and there was a Baby Grand Piano at the church. I had to get a few photos of it. It also brings back fun memories living in the dorms with my friends. I love Christmas Time.

This is a card with a Saxophone on it. I absolutely adore Kenny G. His music plays constantly over my speakers especially at Christmas time. Last year I visited Chicago and got to listen to a saxophone player play on the corner. He was playing some of my favorite Christmas music. Every time I hear a saxophone playing I think of the cool crisp day. It makes me smile.

This is an ornament from Brooke's wedding. I am the biggest fan of Christmas Trees and ornaments. I am actually putting up my Christmas trees this weekend. Yes, that is plural. We will have three trees in the house this year! So excited

Chinese New Year

Brooke Mynatt's guest book at her wedding. Representing love and Valentines day.

The Nutcracker. I want to see a live performance of this ballet someday! The Nutcracker also reminds me of the Nutcrackers that go up at the White House. I love watching the decorating of the White House at Christmas time.

Merry Christmas to Mi Amiga Alica!

Composition and Layout

2009-10-18T21:47:00.002-05:00

What is composition as it applies to design?

In its most simpliest definition composition is the use of design to make all the different elements of a piece work as a whole. It becomes the glue that holds all the other pieces of the design together. Without composition all the other parts of a project are inanimate objects. They are just there and have no rime or reason as to why they are there.

What is unity as it applies to design?

If you take time to look at the word unity you see the word unit. Unit means one. So, unity in design is all the different parts of the design looking as if they belong together. If an artist successfully completes this task then the design will be viewed as a complete whole, with all the elements working together. If there is no unity in the design the elements of the project will seem out of place. If unity is not achieved the viewer could possibly become bored, disinterested, or even confused.

What is the layout of a design?

Although unity is very important, the layout of a design is just as important and has an even bigger effect on the composition. The simplest way to think of layout is to think of it as the arrangement of all the elements of a design in the space of the piece. The layout should enhance a piece by making all the separate elements work together in a way that surpasses a mere collection of different components. The composition should be used to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

How can the grid be used as a layout tool?

The grid is a print design technique that can be helpful when it comes to developing the layout for a new media project. The grid is a series of intersecting lines that are used to align the elements on a page. This is a very similar technique as using an implied line to create a uniform and balanced layout. With some software a user has the ability to produce a visible grid that can be used as a guide to place the different content in the work area. Another technique is to create a series of guidelines that aid in the alignment of different elements within a layout.

Scavenger Hunt

2009-10-11T23:35:00.013-05:00

A Scavenger Hunt! Who does not like partaking in scavenger hunts. I am not going to lie. When I was told that I was going to have to partake in a scavenger hunt I was a little skeptical. I was not really looking forward to the activity. However, during out scavenger hunt I was really excited it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I had a lot of fun hanging out with my classmates/friends and really noticed how much color is used in our everyday life. Brings a whole new meaning to take time and smell the roses.

Our photos tell a lovely story of Brandon's consumption of his iced mocha and our journey around Down Town Salina.

Our journey started at Mokas Coffee shop in downtown Salina, Ks. While during our visit to Mokas we found one of our lovely faculty, Mrs. Kathy Brockway, enjoying a nice warm cup of coffee. Her attire even helped us to complete one of our lovely color combination's. The first color combination that I have here is an Alternate Analogous: Red, Violet, Blue.

The next color combination is an Analogous. This is also a lovely start to the consumption of Brandon's iced drink. This is an Analogous combination of Yellow, Yellow-Orange, Orange, Orange-Red, Red. This is infront of the Inferno club on Santa Fe street in Salina. We found another color combination, bust a move everyone.

When you tell us to go on a scavenger hunt, we go on a scavenger hunt. Our instructor showed us a few photos as past examples of previous submissions for this assignment. Needless to say we found one of the examples. Not going to lie, we were pretty much proud of ourselves. It is an example of an Analogous from yellow to orange. FYI as you notice Brandon's iced drink is slowly disappearing! :D

We then proceeded to one of our local banks here in Salina. Yes, we went to Sunflower Bank. I can honestly say that I have driven past this sign several times and not payed much attention to the colors in the sign. Yes it is an excellent example of a traditional triad with the primary colors: Yellow, Blue, Red.

Got Cox? Yes, even our local cable company has a color scheme that is very recognizable and is very close to a Split Complement: Red, Blue, Green. To be a technically correct split it should be more blue-green and green-yellow. However, for our purposes I think it works. While we were talking the picture a man walked up and asked if we were really that desperate to take a picture with a Cox van. Let's just say we had a pretty good laugh.

Who wouldn't like a little ice cream. In this photo there are a couple color combination's going on. There is a simple Triad: Yellow, Blue, Red; and Complementary: Orange, Blue. What lovely smiles we should get paid for advertisement. :D Here is another picture that shows several Analogous and Monochromatic colors: Blues, Greens, Orange to Yellow. We hit the jack-pot.

So, we were on a hunt for color. Honestly, why did we not think of this sooner? This would have been so much easier. Okay the guy in the paint shop probably thought there was something wrong with us, but seriously think of all the combinations we could have made and not had to go out in the cold.

Despite the fact that Brandon thought we were leaving Trista and I braved the cross walk got a few odd stares, but we got the color! Here is another example of and Analogous. There is a rather large amount of red in the sign so green goes nicely as a complementary color.

Yes, the "King" would be proud. We made it to the BK Lounge. Another classic example of a primary Triad: Yellow, Red, Blue.

We had a lot of fun on our hunt. This is not all of our photos but my blog would cover an entire page if I actually put up all the photos. Thinking about it and even looking at the pictures the primary color scheme is either used a lot or we were drawn to it a lot more than other color schemes. Even though we stayed pretty centralized we found a bunch of different color combination's and tons of colors.

I think that the classic primary triad is very eye catching and used quite a bit. However, I am not that drawn to it. For some reason I tend to think that primary colors are more for young kids. I think that for a more sophisticated design that the colors should vary.

We found our color. Where can you find your color?

Color Exercises

2009-10-11T22:22:00.008-05:00

One of our exercises for the week was to create an image that uses complementary colors. Here is an example of several complementary colors: Yellow and Purple, Red and Green, Blue and Orange.

Another exercise was to create a simple illustration that uses color combination using the same image several times.

The first combination that I created was a Alternate Analogous.

The second combination that I created was an Analogous. I used red, red-violet, and violet.
The third combination that I created was another Alternate Analogous.

The fourth combination that I created was Monochromatic of shades of blue.

Open Mike: digg

2009-10-11T20:46:00.002-05:00

Recently, I have been introduced to digg. For those of you who do not know what dig is; dig is a place where people can upload content found anywhere from the web and post it on the digg website where users of digg can vote on the content. It is one of the most popular social news network on the web.

Honestly, when I look at digg, I think Facebook meets Twitter. I mean honestly, seriously, just look at the website. I know that digg came out around the time that the rush of social networks came out, but it seems that all those sites seem to have a common appearance. However, digg has seemed to remain fairly consistent with design, content, and usability. The design is simple, user friendly, and ascetically pleasing to the eye.

Kevin Rose, founder of digg, gave a speech called, "Taking your Site from One to One Million Users" in his speech he discussed "unique strategies that turn passive users into passionate advocates." Strategy number two is simplicity. He says to watch over building. Stay away from clutter and over using features in your design. (He is talking more about websites; however, the internet is a very large canvas for artists of today.)

Back to digg I think that the fact that there is a website out there that does not edit what people have to say and gives the users the ability to decide if it is of interest or of any importance is rather cool. I have yet to get an account; however, might consider getting one in the future. It has been brought to my attention that there is another website very similar to digg. It is called reddit. I am going to be completely honest. When I pulled up the site. I started to laugh. It is like digg meets Hello Kitty! Let's just say I was not impressed and will not be checking out this site for information.

So, while checking out digg I think I have officially become addicted to diggnation. Not going to lie, one of my friends became addicted when they were on the Rachel Maddow show, and she did not share in the discovery. All I can say is that I am really looking forward to Wednesday's and the release of the new diggnation pod-cast. I was talking with my roommate about diggnation's appearance. The first time I saw it I thought 80's. Apparently, it is a new page release design. Maybe I am behind in design or do not know the latest trends, but not a huge fan of the design.

Check out the new pod-cast every Wednesday!

Magazines

2009-09-27T23:04:00.009-05:00

This week we were asked to visit a newsstand/magazine rack, and pick our top three most visually appealing magazine covers. The three magazines that I chose are COSMOPOLITAN, TATTOO, and IRONHORSE. The following is my analysis of these magazines.

COSMOPOLITAN

Why are you drawn to this magazine?: I was drawn to this magazine because of the bright colors. The vibrant pink stood out amongst the see of dull colors and bold text.
What are your thoughts on the use of the cover space?: I thought that the use of the cover space was used like a traditional magazine cover would look like. There is a large photo that takes up a large majority of the cover and lots of text. Text that is meant to grab your attention. The colors are very vibrant. Not only the background but the text and the attire of the subject. However, the text almost gets lost. The text on the cover and the content of the magazine could be more alluring to a more open society rather than a more conservative society. The overall design is "sexy". The magazine is designed to allure a certain population. I think that they are rather successful with their advertisement.

TATTOO

Why are you drawn to this magazine?: I was drawn to this magazine because of the big bold title, the intricate tattoo, and the fact that I want a tattoo of my own.
What are your thoughts on the use of the cover space?: I thought that the use of the cover space was one again used like a normal magazine cover. However, I think that this magazine did a better job of advertising what exactly the magazine is all about. The photo is a visual reference of what the entire magazine is all about TATTOO'S. The text is bold, italic, large, small, colored, white, and green. The typography is very versatile and changing which causes the eye to move around the cover and read the text. The photography is large and over flows the page. The photo is large bold and lighted to influence the beauty of the model and her tattoos. The extra/background of the photo is dark and helps to enhance the text around the borders. The subject matter of the magazine is very consistent with the cover page. The main focus is tattoos and they do not stray to far from that. Overall the design of the magazine is very appealing to me. There is not a lot of extra stuff in/on the magazine. It is simple yet very colorful and shows the work of several different artist. This is the first time I have taken the time to look at such a magazine and would consider buying another.

IRONHORSE

Why are you drawn to this magazine?: I was drawn to this magazine because of the absence of color yet the bright vibrancy of the red and the "Pin-Up" look of the model. I was also drawn to this magazine because of the motorcycle. I would like to have a motorcycle of my own and was just looking at a friends motorcycle trip photos.
What are your thoughts on the use of the cover space?: Once again, I say that they used the cover just like a typical magazine. However, I thought that this magazine was very smart in their color choice. The magazine is rather bland with very contrasting colors for the cover. White, Black, and Red are the main colors of the cover. Not only are they contrasting they are very similar to the typical colors used in pin- ups. The fact that they used a pin-up looking model for the shoot is very influential to the era of the motorcycle. The text is strategically placed to fill the white space on the cover. The use of black and red text is rather interesting. Many of the other magazines used bright vibrant colors not only in the photos but in the text. This magazine basically used three colors. It is simple yet very eye catching. The contents of the magazine are rather simple. There is quite a bit of text but it is nicely broken up by the photos. The magazine is filled with color compared to the front. It is a nice change.

I would say that the last two magazines do not compare at all in their use of type and negative space. "TATTOO" utilized a lot of it's negative space. The background image takes up almost all of the page and is very much in your face. Some of the text is rather large and in your face while some of the text is small and almost hard to notice. "IRONHORSE" does not utilize much of it's negative space. Most of the text is smaller and not as attention grabbing as the large text; however, the contrast in the color of the text is rather attention grabbing. The background almost becomes oblique besides the actual objects in the photo.

Texture & Color

2009-09-27T21:09:00.002-05:00

Texture:
The characteristic visual and tactile quality of the surface of a work of art resulting from the way in which the materials are used.

What is texture as it applies to design?

The different ways in which texture can b used in design are as numerous as there are design ideas.

Texture as Detail:
One of the most common uses of texture is to provide detail within an image.
Texture as Space:
Texture can also be used as an element of design to fill in empty space.
Texture as Simulation:
Another way to use texture is to create an effect that simulates a surface that is found in the natural world.
Flat Texture:
Texture is gennerally thought of as having some subtle dimension, but in design a flat pattern can also be used in the same way.

What are some common issues with filters that should be avoided?

Although the use of filters can make a designer's task considerably easier, a new set of problems can arise with their use. Because applying filters is so easy, some designers might be tempted to overuse them. When there are too many different textures in an image, the viewer can get caught up in comparing them to each other while ignoring the rest of the design. In such a case, the competing textures actually detract from an illustration instead of enhancing it. Another problem whit the use of filters can occur when tow different designers use the same software to produce their images. If each designer applies the same filter to an image, what should have been two original illustrations will look very similar.

Can a flat pattern also be thought of as a texture?

Yes, flat pattern can be thought of as a texture. Texture is generally thought of as having some subtle dimension, but in design a flat pattern can also be used in the same way.

Color:

What is tint?

A color or a variety of a color; hue. Hue refers to the major color that makes up the specific color being discussed. Hues are generally limited to the primary and secondary colors from the color wheel. The term tint is used when more white has been added to a color.

What is shade?

The term shade is used to refer to the addition of black to a color.

What is intensity?

The third major property of color is intensity (also known as saturation) and refers to the level of pure color present.

What is gamut?

Gamut is a term that refers to the entire spectrum of colors available for use in a specific medium; different mediums can have different gamut. As long as a designer uses only one form of presentation, there should be no serious problems. However, if a project includes several different mediums, some colors may be out of gamut for one or the other forms of presentation.

Illustrations: Buble

2009-09-20T23:43:00.008-05:00

This week we were asked to do a line drawing and a shape/value drawing of a famous person. The famous person I picked was Micheal Buble. I am a fan of his music and think his voice is wonderful.

Fund. of Visual Literacy tři

2009-09-20T23:32:00.002-05:00

Space:
The unlimited or incalculably great three-dimensional realm or expanse in which all material objects are located and all events occur.

Value:
The relation of light and shade in a painting, drawing, or the like.

This week while working on our line and shape/value drawings, it made me think more about shapes and value. Shapes and values make up everything in which we have contact with. Honestly is there anything that you have seen that is a sold color. There is always a variation of color and and shape to make up what we see. Space and value work together. They always have and always will. They are like ying and yang they just go together.

///Value\\\

2009-09-18T11:37:00.002-05:00

What is contrast?

Contrast can be thought of as the difference in values within an image. An illustration that has mostly light and dark areas is said to have high contrast. IF an image has a large number of different values in about he same range, the image does not have very much contrast. Like Many of the other attributes of value in design, contrast is relateive. A single bright area in an otherwise dark image will have a high contrast even thought the rest of the image may contain values that are very close in range.

What is chiaroscuro?

In art and design, the use of value is described by the term chiaroscuro. The meaning of this word covers more than just the variation of values between the light and dark areas of an image. It also takes into account how light influences the appearance of an object's shape in three-dimensional space.

/\ Shapes /\

2009-09-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

Shape can be thought of as a combination of what two design elements?

Every object has a shape, but it is rarely limited to the neat mathematical ones that are taught about as children. In it simplest definition, shape is the basic outline of an object formed by a line (real or imagined) and the area enclosed by that line. In essence, shape can be thought of as the combination of line and space. Each shape is defined by a line that forms its outer edge.

What is the term for the shape of a three-dimensional object?

Even the term shape is replaced when it comes to three-dimensional objects. In referring to the three-dimensional area that an object takes up, we use the term volume.

Men think like Waffles and Women think like Spaghetti...

2009-09-10T17:13:00.006-05:00

So, everyone knows that a persons can only concentrate on a certain subject for a limited amount of time, before their mind starts to drift. Needless to say, my mind does a lot of drifting these days. The other day while I was in one of my night classes. Yes, a night class. One of those that last for three hours and after the first hour of discussion you start to space out. I am pretty sure you know what I mean. Even if it is an interesting subject for the most part I mean who would not want to learn about Management. Thankfully, we get breaks not only for the professor but maybe time for our daydreaming to come to an end and come back to reality for more class.

Let's just say there are some interesting topics that get discusses during these breaks. It is rather interesting that such a deep and complex conversation can be created in a minimum of five minutes. Okay, deep and complex not so much. I believe this particular night the discussion was about tickets, to be more specific speeding tickets. My professor, Fred, decided to interject with some personal stories. Sue, Fred's wife, had gotten a ticket for going to slow. Yes, she was going to slow. Needless to say there were more details, but that is not the point of the story.

So, somehow we veered off into another direction. Fred made a statement about men and women. He had said he heard it from another colleague here at K-State.

"Men think like waffles and women think like spaghetti."

I don't know why but I cannot get that idea out of my head. If you really stop and think about it most males do think like waffles. When they are in a train of thought/mind frame they are in that specified thought process. The syrup is trapped in that square and it does not move unless it is disturbed. A woman on the other hand, is like spaghetti. If you move a noodle over here a noodle over there moves. We are always connecting things and thinking of different things all the time. Our sauce goes everywhere.

Is this previous statement true? Do you think like a waffle or like a plate of spaghetti? What do I think like? If the previous statement is true, I must have spaghetti on top of my waffle. When I am in thought process I am very much in that square; yet, out of no wear I can jump to the opposite side of the waffle with no reason at all. What is your thought process like?

Do you think like a waffle or a plate of spaghetti?

Ying and Yang

2009-09-06T22:32:00.005-05:00

One year ago, the planning began! Yes, this was going to be our first real adventure together! Our first real test of true friendship! A test that was very much successful! A trip that defined our friendship! A trip were WE discovered where WE belong! Yes, I am talking about Mariah and I's trip to the big beautiful city of Chicago!

Our friendship has been short and sweet; yet long and nourished. Hard to believe it has only been two years. Two years that have went by so fast, but are filled with tons of memories! Two years of growing and discovering. Two years of being able to be ourselves. Two years of a weird yet relaxing feeling of complete and total understanding.

The beginning of this month my dear friend Mariah partook on her own adventure. An adventure of which I can honestly say I am jealous. An adventure of which I dream. An adventure in which I will have to live vicariously through her. She has taken a big step in the adventure of self-discovery. She has found her place of longing. She has a brave, strong, and determined soul. She has moved to the city of which we both fell in love with. She will be successful in her adventure. She is a Chicagoan.

In the few weeks before she left we spent much needed time together. Time of laughter. Time of deep discussion. Time for saying farewell for now. Time of being ourselves again. Time for not caring.

I can't speak for Mariah. However, I feel that we are so alike yet so different. Our friendship is unique and genuine. I was discussing this friendship with my roommate. I was talking about how much we are alike and get along so well. I looked up and saw a weird look on my roommates face. A look of "What the hell." I asked why such the weir face. He looked at me and said, "I don't see that." A little taken back by his comment. I asked him what he did not see. He looked at me and said, "I don't see the how you are so alike, but your friendship is unique and rare. You guys are polar opposites, but you are like Ying and Yang. You two just go together." Once again I was taken back by what he had said. After thinking about it for a little bit, and trying to hide the fact that I really really missed her. I came to the conclusion that we are like Ying and Yang. We do go together. That has to be one of the best descriptions of a friendship that I had ever heard.

So Mariah; my dear friend, we are like Ying and Yang!

As I had said previously. We have said our farewells for now, my trip to Chicago cannot come soon enough. I can't wait to see my best friend again. Chicago you better watch out!

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fund. of Visual Literacy: Dos

2009-09-06T21:12:00.007-05:00

Space:
The unlimited or incalculable great three-dimensional realm or expanse in which all material objects are located and all events occur.

A question was asked how does the design element Space fit into your thinking before and after class discussions this week? What is space? How can it be defined? Is there a definition for space? I think our textbook, Design Fundamentals For New Media by James Gordon Bennett, has a pretty good grasp on the concept.

"The term space, as it applies to design, is often difficult to define because several different visual elements are lumped together under this same term."

I bet you are thinking; what, that is not a definition for space! Well my friend then what is space? To find the answer to this question, I went to my trusty friend www.dictionary.com. Needless to say, a person can not definitely define space. The definitions seem to flow for this term. Yet, all the definitions are all alike they all have their little subtleties that make them all different.

So, how has the design element "space" fit into my thinking this week? This week has made me notice how much I use space; yet, I don't notice it. I was reading one of my fellow classmates blogs on space for this week. He was talking about how space is very critical to him, how he designs websites, and it also influences the websites in which he, himself will visit. How does space influence my day to day activities? Well, like my fellow classmate I too do not like a lot of things/clutter on websites that I visit. A word that comes to mind when thinking about space is "Feng Shui." In discussions this week this term was used by a fellow classmate.

Fen Shui:
The Chinese art or practice of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang, as in arranging furniture or determining the siting of a house.

Now, I am no professional in this type of art, but I have always been very curious and intrigued this practice of creating a positive vibe. Back to why I even defined the term. "Space" As a photographer I use space a lot. As we were having class discussions I did not really think that I utilized space as much as I do. So, today as I was editing photos at work it hit me. Every time I walk into that camera room I am constantly manipulating space; foreground, background, positive, and negative space. I am constantly using it. I started looking back through some of my old shoots and even some of fellow colleagues and became very interested. We all manipulate space differently. It is almost rewarding knowing that not a single person has the same idea of space. Space is something that we all interpret uniquely.

What are some of the challenges with the format of New Media design?

Some challenges with the format of New Media in today's society is that the use of media is so widespread. Sources of media cover a wide spectrum from websites, computers, games, cell phones, etc.,. As a designer you have to design for something as large as a computer screen/tv to something as small as a cell phone screen. This can create several daunting tasks, but what would art be if there were no such tasks. This is what designing is all about. Challenging yourself to make/create something better.

"When someone says the word space most people think of rockets, planets, and telescopes, but when it comes to design and visual communication, space is actually something even bigger. Space is the universe in which a design exists."
-James Gordon Bennett

-->Line<--

2009-09-06T20:30:00.003-05:00

What is a contour drawing?

The simplest way to think of contour is as the outside edge of an object. A typical contour drawing is made up of lines that follow the outline of silhouette of the object being portrayed. So, a contour drawing is the outline of a figure or object.

What are the three types of lines in regard to composition?

Actual Line: An actual line is drawn and can bee seen.
Implied Line: A line that is made up of elements other than an actual line.
Imaginary Line: A line that is more subtle than the implied line and is often created without any part of a line a line at all. It is often created when a designer has a figure in an image looking or pointing in a specific direction.

What is hatching?

Hatching is the use of a series of lines, drawn close together, to create a darker area on an image or to imply volume through shading. To create darker areas, the basic rule is the closer the hatching lines are to each other, the darker the area.

Space

2009-09-06T19:53:00.003-05:00

What is positive space? What is negative space?

Positive space is the area of a design that is made up of a rendered figure or object. The opposite of negative space. Positive space is the elements of a design that are understood to have volume, aka an object. The Positive space is the space and elements of the main object in a design. Everything else, aka the background, is negative space. Defining the difference of these two definitions is rather tricky because everyone has there own definition of negative space and there is not set definition.

I personally like to have my object off center and rather enlarged with lots of negative space. I personally like the feeling of having negative empty space because then your main focus is on the over sized main object.

Would an object closer to a viewer normally appear lower or higher in an image?

In illusionary space objects that are closer have a tendency to appear lower in a person's field of vision.

Lower = Closer

Would objects in the distance usually appear lighter or darker when compared to objects that are closer to the viewer?

Ethe effect of illusionary space is also effected by the properties of light and distance. In order to make objects in the foreground seem closer than the background a person would use brighter colors for the foreground and using darker colors for the background. Another technique would be to use "pure colors" for the foreground objects and then using muted or subdued colors for objects in the background. Both of these techniques gives the illusion of depth and distance.

Would objects that are closer to the viewer appear to have sharper focus than those in the background?

Objects that are closer to the viewer would have a sharper focus than those in the background. When a person looks at a photo or even looking at things in general what they are focusing on is clear and the other objects and background are not as defined. If this does not happen it creates as the book calls it and "alien look".

I work at Sears Portrait Studio in Salina, KS and the idea of space, distance, and focus have come to be more prominent in my everyday life and more fine tuned. Having the chance to work with these elements everyday and experiment with them have help me to fine tune what I like as an artist.

Emotions

2009-09-06T18:52:00.013-05:00

Once again I will reference one of my favorite sources, www.dictionary.com. What is emotion? Emotion is an affective state of consciousness in which joy, sorrow, fear, hate, or the like, is experienced, as distinguished from cognitive and volitional states of consciousness. As an assignment we were asked to use three black squares to appropriately represent said emotions.

Anger
Frustration
Fear
Excitement
Joy
Contentment

ANGER: A strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong.

I feel that this assortment of squares and composition appropriately represents anger. Anger is an emotion that is not easily represented. It shows displeasure and uneasiness by the overflow of the squares and the jagged edges that are not sequential and or have a flow to them.

CONTENTMENT: The state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind.

I feel that this assortment of squares and composition appropriately represents contentment. There is not abruptness of the squares. They are of all equal size and value. There is nothing in this image that represents a sate of not being contentment .

EXCITEMENT: An excited state or condition.

I feel that this assortment of squares and composition appropriately represents excitement. Once again the squares are of equal size and value. They are at the top of the page representing a sense of excitement/urgency that is not normal. The squares represent excitement on all levels of a persons emotions/being. I is an upbeat and smooth representation of excitement.

FEAR: A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

I feel that is assortment of squares and composition appropriately represents fear. When a person thinks about fear they think about being afraid being in some kind of danger. This image represents that fear. The large square that fills the page and expands beyond the constraints of the box representing something evil. The smaller squares trapped in a corner with no where to go close together as if they feel they are all they have at that particular moment.

FRUSTRATION: A feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems.

I feel this assortment of squares and composition appropriately represents frustration. When a person is frustrated they don't know up from down, left from right. I feel that this image represents that idea very clearly. There are not clear edges. There is not black and white. A person does not know how many squares that are. They don't know where the edges are. There is not a clear border or direction that appropriately represents frustration and the anxiety of this emotion.

JOY: The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.

I feel this assortment of squares and composition appropriately represents joy. When a person is in the state of joy they have usually come from a place of sadness. The placement of the squares represents a climb from a place of unpleasantness to a place of joy and how a person can have mixed feelings about such a change of emotions. I feel it also shows the festivity of the emotion as well.

Fund. of Visual Literacy

2009-08-30T15:44:00.004-05:00

Creativity:
A "new" idea is a combination of old elements.

A question was asked, where does creativity come from? In order to answer that question, a person has to know what creativity is. So, what does creativity mean? Stated by dictionary.com, creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination. The creative person is very right brain dominant. Being right brain dominant means being more adept at spatial and nonverbal concepts and being more creative and emotional than logical and analytical.

So, where does creativity come from? It comes from within. Everyone one has the ability and the necessary hardware to achieve creativity. However, not everyone has the ability to tap into there internal software to perform such tasks. Society is always wanting the next big thing, the coolest looking gadgets, and the newest trends. It all starts with someone being creative.
Our society is all about creativity, yet at the same time not. Creativity is something that is needed to keep these new and improved things coming; yet, society does not encourage creativity. If creativity is not in the realm of acceptability the artists is considered abnormal and in a scene shunned.

What things do creative professionals do to be creative? I found this blog, 9 Attitudes of Highly Creative People, and found what Darren Rowse said to be very accurate about being creative. It is all about your attitude. He categorizes attitudes into nine categories:

1. Curiosity
2. Seeing Problems as Interesting and Acceptable
3. Confronting Challenge
4. Constructive Discontent
5. Optimism
6. Suspending Judgment
7. Seeing Hurdles as leading to improvements and solutions
8. Perseverance
9. Flexible Imagination

What do I do to be more creative? My creativity depends greatly on my attitude/mood and the experiences in which I am apart of. Once I am in a creative mood I tend to listen to some intense music and enter into my own personal zone. What do you do to be more creative?