Fundamentals of Digital Media Reflection

Fundamentals of digital media was the first class that I have taken online. At first, I wasn't sure what to expect from an online art class. This course was very helpful, yet one of my favorite classes because it was fun to see what kind of online application we were using each week and if I could use this program outside of class. I gained knowledge using different online editing programs such as photo editing and sharing basics (Pixlr, Flickr and Animoto); making a mix down of digital audio (soundation); creating generative art (Scribbler, Scribbler Too and Flame); Typology becher grid (Pixlr); text-based art (Glass Giant ASCii, Tagxedo, Textorizer and Excoffizer); Vector Graphics- designing logos (SVG-edit); 3D model (Autodesk 123D); an artist website (Google sites) and proficiency with online backup software and a back up system to maintain and keep my computer up to date. I wouldn't have even known all these programs were available to me for free if I hadn't taken this course. During this semester I've learned of many resources I can use in the future.

I plan on pursuing a career in Biology with a minor in business. Also, I planned on opening a business of my own someday and I can use the programs I became familiar with over the course like creating a blog, creating a website, vector graphics (SVG-edit), tagxedo, proficiency using photo editing software like Pixlr, sharing software programs (Animoto and Flickr), along with problem­-solving skills. The skills I've learned throughout this semesters course are to budget my time in order to make deadlines, although, there were some assignments I've submitted past the midnight deadline but that was because I wanted to make work that was pleasant to my viewers and that I was satisfied with. Also, I need to continue working on my ability to give some substantial feedback to my peers. I'm just not that talkative unless I'm comfortable which takes time, which may also be why I wasn't that talkative. I am learning to give and get constructive criticism which I think opens your mind to think about how other artists perceive things. I really enjoyed this course and along with the help of our professor Phoebe from time to time I believe I was successful.

TwoSilly Girls

Above is a Flickr Slideshow of pictures of my two favorite girls in the world, my nieces.

The older one name is Makennah she's 13 and the little ones name is Arianna she's 6. Makennah is very caring and helpful, she too loves art. The little one Miss Arianna is smart and very talkative... she never stops talking but very good at holding conversations even with adults. I loved these photos of them because they both made the same facial expressions and I decided to dedicate this post to them. I love you girls!

NOTE: If you can't see the slideshow above click the link below.
 Flickr Slideshow of my nieces

Guardian Angel

 

Samuel Billegas

January 30, 1961 - May 3, 2012

The picture above is one I cherish the most, its my uncle and I on the day of my high school graduation. My uncle now deceased, was stricken with cancer and he died at the age of 51.  Although, he was my uncle, he was more of a dad to me. He was and still is very special to me. Not a day goes by I don't think of him so I thought I dedicate a post to him. I love you and one day I'll see you again MY GUARDIAN ANGEL!

Come to me 

God saw you getting tired

When a cure was not to be.

So He closed his arms around you

and whispered, "Come to me.

With tearful eyes we watched you

and saw you pass away.

Although we loved you dearly,

we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

hard working hands at rest,

God broke our hearts to prove to us,

He only takes the best.

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a wonderful treasure to always hold in your heart forever & always.

 

MOM

 Pictured above is my mom, who I appreciate and love very much.

Mom, for all the times I didn’t thank you either because I was too young to too busy or just didn’t find the words, today I thank you for all you’ve done for me. Now that I’m older, I realize more and more everything you did, everything you gave, and most important, everything you stand for and I love you and thank you with all of my grateful heart.

 "To the world you might just be one person, but to one person you might just be the world."

A human body can bear only up to 45 Del (unit of pain). But at the time of giving birth, a woman feels up to 57 Del of pain. This is similar to 20 bones getting fractured at a time!!!!

"Mothers' love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible"- Unknown

Sad or Smart dog?

So I have a chihuahua named Tiny and he was laying with me on my bed. After a while, he wanted to lay in the most weirdest places- between my legs, on top of my head and hair. After a while I became hot and irritated so I told him to go to his bed. When I decided to go check on him, this is how he looked.

I know this photo is a little dark because it was night time but I found this so hilarious I had to share it. So when I seen him with his face toward the wall because I told him to go to his bed. After taking this photo I felt so bad that I put him back on the bed with me so what do you think was he sad or just smart enough to know this would make me feel bad. Unless in the future they have some technology so that humans and dogs can communicate, I'll never know.

TATTOO IDEAS?!?

A tattoo is a colored mark or figure that is permanently etched into the skin. There are records of

people getting tattoos since before recorded history—the oldest record of a tattoo dates back about 5,300 years ago from a mummified man who had multiple tattoos over his body.

Tattoo culture has come a long way since our early ancestors marked their bodies, but the reasons people get a tattoo are probably the same—to mark or signify a group or event or simply to beautify the body.

 Below are some tattoo ideas that I like. I'm thinking about getting some tattoo but I need some ideas. I was thinking about getting a tattoo in memory of my uncle soon too. If you have any ideas or pictures post them in a comment below or send the link where I can find them. Thank You!

 

GORiLLAS

The Toledo Zoo is one of the world’s most complete zoos—it’s also the region’s top family destination! Let The Toledo Zoo take you from the Arctic tundra to the wilds of Africa, from the tropical rainforest to the Sonoran Desert and all points between—all in one great day.

Each year nearly one million people come to The Toledo Zoo to experience the wonders of the natural world, stroll our beautiful grounds and explore our historic WPA-era buildings. As you do, you’ll encounter animals ranging from mammoth African elephants and majestic bald eagles to tiny toads and and even insects and spiders.

Before winter my boyfriend, nieces and I went to the Toledo Zoo. I loved this picture of a Western Lowland Gorilla above because he actually looks like he posing for us (all the visitors wanting to take pictures). Honestly, the gorilla is probably used to posing for pictures and already knows what to do when he sees people with cameras because  he was looking, walked over and sat right in front of the glass and posed.

GRAFFiTi... Vandalism or Art?

Graffiti

Writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place; form of art and expression, the world is each ones canvas

Graffiti should not be confused with vandalism, which is instead crude marking or destruction, the aim of which is to cause damage to property, regardless of appeal. Graffiti is just the opposite. IF GRAFFITI WASNT ART, THEN WHY WOULD WRITERS SPEND HOURS AND HOURS SKETCHING AND PRACTICING? Also, there are things that are considered off limits and non ethical, and are not to be touched. some of these things include residential property, churches or places of worship, cemeteries, cars (unless obviously abandoned). These are only the basics and different writers may restrict themselves from other things.
Graffiti is 90% of the time NOT GANG RELATED. Gangs, however, are not to be confused with crews. crews are a group of writers. That's it. There are no drugs or crime (other than graffiti) involved with the crew.

St. Louis Trip

Pictured are some photos I took when visiting St. Louis. Although, I was on a bus when taking them so there not the best quality photos but I still thought they were decent. We didn't stay long because I would have went to the 630-foot ride to the top of this world-famous stainless steel monument for the finest view in the Gateway City.

3D modeling: 123D CATCH

 123D is a free online application that allows you to transform your images into a 3D model. Its pretty simple to use, just take about 30-50 images from all different angles of a stationary object, place, or person. You then upload the images into 123D Catch and the application does most of the work for you. For my 3D model I used an bulldog sculpture of my uncles. Once my sculpture was finished I noticed that there was a piece missing out the back or something, I don't know what happened but I still liked my finished product even with the little faults it has. I never used anything like this program before and it was pretty cool you should give it a try too! Below are the links for the website itself and the 3D model I created.

Website:
 http://www.123dapp.com/catch

My 3D model:
http://www.123dapp.com/MyCorner/MichelleTorres-20585953/projects?make_with=4%2C5%2C11%2C12&asset_type=&currentPage=1&pagesize=27

VECTOR GRAPHICS

For my ART 1070 course this week I created the above logos for my blog using SVG-edit. This program created vector based images which are easy to share and easily transformed into different sizes without degrading the quality. I had to change the name of my blog because for "Michelle on Blogger" my Blogo (Logo + Blog = Blogo) wouldn't have even looked decent so I came up with "LIVE LOVE CREATE". I really like my new Blog name and the images I've created, hope you like them too!

Typography & Text-Based Art

 The image above I edited using Glassgiant.com I thought the black background was better than the white background because it showed my image more.

 So for Textorizor 1, I used a picture of my mom and niece even though you can hardly see their faces. I used a lot of strings, I didn't really like the opacity at 0. Also, I thought the smaller print didn't make the image such a blur. But I didn't really like how the images looked so blurry with this photo editor.

 I used Textorizor 2 and you can actually see what your picture is compared to the image for textorizor 1. I also liked that the words vary in size and color.

 For this image I used Excoffizer.com and i thought this site was okay kind of too simple for me. I preferred thinner wiggles and the opacity to be set quite higher (120-140)

 Tagxedo.com another one of my favorites. I choose an image of a heart and inside of it are words I thought anyone could feel or relate to over the course of their lifetime. So I have a game, spot any typos? I misspelled some words after I created my images. (Oops!)

My Becher Grid for ART 1070

 

This week I created a Becher Grid for my ART 1070 assignment. Although it was difficult to find 16 similar items but finally I just decided to use different keys. All I had was my cell phones terrible camera so I did what I could do to get the keys to look the best. First, I set up the grid by making a 4000x4000 pixel grid. Then added my images which I cropped and sized to be 875x875 pixels each. I didn't add any color or shading layers to my images because I liked the clarity of how the keys looked. Next, to get my grid to look as evenly spaced out as possible I used a 100x100 pixel spacer. I did have some trouble flattening the images into one merged image and with saving the image but with the help of my ART 1070 course instructor (who has been very helpful, by the way), we figured it out so here's my finished Becher Grid, hope you liked it!

 

 The photos above, I created using the original Scribbler. I personally liked the thinner lines, to me it shows the sharpness of the scribble. The first photo I called 'Tree of life".

 

 

Second are the two photos I created with Scribbler Too. The second picture is my edited picture of the first photo, I thought Scribbler Too was kind of complicated to me. This program had more artistic freedom then Scribbler but I thought the settings were confusing. I couldn't figure out how to master the settings to create the best image. My photos turned out okay even though I had some trouble. How do you think they turned out?

My last two pictures were made with the program called Flame. I liked this program the most, the colors are so vibrant and beautiful. The second picture I called "energy" because of how the different colors blended together. I liked it so much its the screensaver for my computer now.

My Animoto Video

Try our slideshow maker at Animoto.

This video was created using Animoto.com for my Fundamentals of Digital Media course. The video contains photos from my Urban Landscape Edited project on Flickr. The photos were taking in Downtown Toledo and in South Toledo. I had trouble choosing a style for the video but I finally choose this one and I think it complements the music pretty well. I hope you enjoy my video and tell me "what you think of my animoto video?"

During the past week, I took some photos in Toledo on the subject of Urban Landscape. I also edited them using an FREE online application that allows you to create your own raster-based images, called Pixlr. The photo below is my favorite picture that I took in downtown Toledo.

 

I took this photo using an iphone 4, which has 640×960 resolution at 326 pixels per inch (0.61 megapixels) and 5× digital zoom. I went to take pictures around 10 in the morning and in my opinion I had good exposure to light which enabled me to take some pretty great photos. When editing this photo, the interpolation of the image was changed a little when I cropped the sides of the image. After that, I made some simple edits to optimized the sharpness, decreased the contrast, increased the saturation a little. Then, I made a minor adjustment to the color temperature but I didn't want to make drastic changes because I still wanted to have that natural look. I also added a light overlay and a shaded border which faded in to the image. I'm satisfied the way not only this picture came out but many of the other photos I've edited. To check them out click the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/86113820@N05/sets/72157631445397430/

 BE YOURSELF

Who are you? How would you describe your true self?

Your life is the culmination of each decision you make every moment (whether you're aware of it or not!). We are responsible for our own choices, beliefs and actions that we take and make every day. Sometimes, they are negative and this is only a big problem if we allow mistakes and the negatives to stay negatives. We have to learn from our mistakes to better ourselves. Learning these life lessons are something anyone can do, like everything in life, it gets easier with practice. The past is history. the new day that emerges is a mystery and today is the day to do whatever you wish (The present). All the power of positivity lies within ones self; life and miracles that abound around you if you just stop and reflect. Battling the world requires action and personality, despite some evidence. Sometimes to be ‘ourselves' we need to do something our everyday self can't manage; We need a more extrovert self to do the job. If you have changed or moved on and you’re not the same person you were then that doesn't necessarily mean you haven't stayed true to thy self. It means you're open to being yourself through all the new things that come around. Don't be afraid to do something different or experience new things. As long as we're doing what we really want to do we're still being true to thy self. So what we really mean by being true to yourself is: know what you’re doing, what you should be doing, in alignment with YOUR path, what's right for you and the people you care for and seek to only say what's on your mind without caring what attention you'll get. We must live consciously with our true intentions in mind, if we don't it damages our confidence and may lower our self-esteem.

7 Steps To Learn and Stay True to Yourself:

1. Find values- The things that matter most to you on the deepest levels

2. Understand you strengths- Natural abilities; personal assets

3. Know your passions- These are the activities and pursuits that make you feel alive.

4. Identify your tendencies- Tendencies often become habits (good or bad)

5. Acknowledge your limitations- You will never be the best at everything. Honesty is a prerequisite to knowing your true self. Limitations can be temporary so don't worry.

6. Set goals- Goals need to be specific, measurable, achievable and realistic. Clarity is very important because it leads to action.

7. Establish your direction- Once you understand your values, strengths, passions, tendencies, limitations and goals--- you need to have a destination to move forward.

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring" - Marilyn Monroe

"Dont you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can't be exactly who you are"- Lady Gaga

"Just be yourself, there is no one better"- Taylor Swift

"You are you, Now isnt that pleasant?"- Dr.Seuss

 

 

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/be-yourself-instead-of-people-pleasing/

http://twistedpeppermint.blogspot.com/2012/02/staying-true-to-yourself.html