blog #9

http://changethis.com/

Rendall’s 3^rd suggestion, flawless: there is nothing wrong with you, is probably the most important suggestion to me. For so long we have been told our flaws and how or what we need to do to fix them. When really instead of changing what is wrong on the inside we need to change the true problem, which lies on the outside. It is important to remember that with each weakness there brings an advantage. We are who we are; there is no changing someone from the inside out in order to better fit your needs. Each person carries their own weaknesses as well as strengths that may enhance somebody else’s strength or turn their weaknesses into strengths. David's Rendall's “FREAK FACTOR: Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness" explores the weaknesses of everyday people and how they harness them to become successful. Most people assume their weaknesses are something that needs to be changed in order for them to become a more successful person. Rendall preaches the exact opposite.  So many times we have been asked to change something about us because it is out of line.  Rendall is right; there is nothing wrong with whom you are.  Our strengths and weaknesses are different for a purpose; it is just our job to discover it.  It is because we step out of line and flaunt our weaknesses that something unique comes out and helps us achieve something great.  We are just right the way we are, our differences make the difference the world see’s.

Rendall’s 5^thsuggestions, Foundation: build on your own strengths, is a valuable trait to carry. One who builds on their strengths can make their weaknesses very minor to their overall picture. Weaknesses do not have to be eliminated if strengths are prevalent that they become the majority of the person. This is a valid suggestion because your strengths do not stay the same; they may become weaker or stronger depending on what you choose to build on. There is no need for one to change their weakness instead try to find something that turns it into strength. Rendall gave several examples such as him being too talkative and can never sit down, now he is a professor who is getting paid to stand up and talk. I believe Rendall’s suggestions are valid and can prove to be very helpful to someone who looks down on their weaknesses. So many people are always trying to improve on themselves in order to fit a certain standard. Truth is, you cannot change who you are. If I am a very talkative person I cannot decide one night that I will no longer talk a lot. The change is not on the inside it has to come from the outside.  Your strengths are never at their max, I believe there is always room for improvement.  It is important to pay equal attention in order to maintain and keep what you have.  There will always be a foundation for you to build on, but not always will the structure stay up.

Rendall’s 7^thsuggestion, fit: find the right spot, is as equally as important as the 5^thsuggestions. This ties your strengths and weaknesses together. Finding a place where you are not shut down because of your certain attributes is key in succeeding as an individual. This suggestion is valid because it supports the idea that weaknesses are not something you need to eliminate.  Rendall goes on to discuss that it is about choosing the right people and letting them be themselves, the freaks they are. It creates more work and more problems to go about changing people from who they are rather than just choosing different people who fit the qualities you desire. It is important to find your niche, your place of comfort; where you being you, is good enough for everything and everyone around you.  As I have talked about earlier it is important to stay yourself, your weaknesses and strengths belong somewhere.  They contrast and enhance other people and vice versa.  I believe it is those who find there call, are the truly happy and successful people.  One can be themselves as well as succeed off of every aspect of who they are.   

As far as the creative process goes, I have found my strengths to be the creative side and my weaknesses to be more of the technical area.  Throughout the various processes and exercises I have involved myself in, I have found that I am mainly lacking whenever it comes to the technical aspect of the exercise.  Instead of trying to eliminate my weaknesses I try to improve on my strengths in order to hide my weaknesses.  However I believe part of the problem is the software that is not compatible to the mac system.  So although I see this as weaknesses now I know it will soon disappear when I return to using what I am familiar with.  My strengths I know are the creative aspects of the creative process because it has become very easy to me.  I also enjoy doing these various exercises, thus building upon my strength. I try to do as much as I can at something when I am not adequately able to perform on it; doing this makes me take that first step into learning how to use it, thus making the second try easier.  I find that conquering my weaknesses builds onto my strengths and thus making my weaknesses seem like they are not even there.  I believe one must also continue exercising their strengths in order to maintain their standard and to also continue to improve.  I know I will always carry with me my weaknesses, and maybe not knowing is sometimes better than knowing.  However, when your weaknesses can become a valuable tool out in the world it is important to discover freak.        

blog #8

http://changethis.com/

Acknoledging the lizard is probably the most important Lizard.  Being afraid to step out of line and experience beyond traditional instructions.  Those who guide themselves and are not looking for guidance from authority.

To make art is to create something from nothing.  Those that create art are making something in the world different or making others view the world different.  It's a gift to see things beyond the traditional perception.

To fail is to learn.  Sometimes people hold back because of the ability to fail, but there is always an equal chance to suceed.

 

This blog that we have been working on strenuously throughout the quarter has held several valuable layers.  The most important one I believe is acknowledging the lizard.  We have been brought up since infants to learn, succeed, and fail a certain way.  We all walk a similar line in life, striving for the same goals as well as the same future.  What I believe this blog has done is help us step outside of the line and experience various aspects of our interests that we were afraid to try because of being different.  I am not one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, but through garage band, pencil, and the other projects that we have participated in have helped me step outside the lines and find a comfort zone where I do not feel as though I am being laughed out.  To create something that is a part of you and then put up for the entire world to judge is very nerve wrecking.  However, when acknowledging the lizard one becomes separated from the normal path of our linear society and creates their unique direction in life.  To make art is what I believe this blog is all about.  Creating something different that prompts change in either the world or certain individuals is what I believe we, as artists, strive to do.  These various exercises have given us that opportunity to delve into not just our own interests, but also explore the other artistic options.  I do not like to view things in the traditional manner that we have been brought up by.  “There’s more to the picture that meets the eye.”  Art is a gift, it is a change that someone like me truly enjoys and strives to become involved in.  Failing is what I believe a majority of people are afraid of.  Taking the easy way out is always something you hear to those who want to avoid failing.  I have to admit that I never had tried to do an animation before given the assignment because of fear of failing.  Once I had completed my animation turned out to be as bad as I thought it would, but now next time I will not be so fearful of failing because the first step has already been taken.  These exercises have helped take the first step in many directions, thus I will be more inclined to succeed the next time I attempt any of these various artistic challenges.                    

blog #7

I believe the theme of this movie is revenge up until the climax.  Luke Skywalker is set out to kill the man who killed his father only to find out that Darth Vader is his father.  The movie scene is active because the audience has to understand that Luke is implying revenge based on the dialogue.  Neither one of the characters directly implies revenge.

Everything in the background has some sort of lineage to it.  The wall behind where Vader stands has vertical lines contrasting the pipes running through the ships behind as well as in front of the characters.  Another important aspect of the scene is the light sabers acting as lines themselves.  They point these at the opposing character creating a boundary between the two before they even began to fight.  Also when Luke is knocked on the ground Vader points his light saber at Luke emphasizing both the imaginary lines of the stare down as well as a literal line to direct the tension between the two.  The use of lines in this scene enhances the characters in various ways.  When Vader is in a shot alone the pipes next to him contrast his figure looming over Luke as he delivers his speech to join the dark side.  The use of space is impressive.  As the two fights on a boardwalk suspended over an empty dome like setting the audience is never shown the full size of the environment.  This ambiguous use of space keeps building on as the scene progresses.  We start to see more of the boardwalk and then when we believe the end has been reached Luke jumps off into an abyss.  However, the space keeps growing, because Luke then finds himself in a vent falling deeper into the cavities of the ship.

               The color scheme of the first picture is using complimentary color scheme.  There are many bright colors being used against each other to portray a lively environment.  The characters each have their own color scheme to identify with.  These colors are very typical for South Park, the simple hue’s match the very simple animation of the show.  The saturation of Stan’s hat compared to Cartman’s is greater, and this darker color can relay to his personality.  In the show Stan holds more of an adult personality over Cartman’s immature antics.  Kenny and Kyle hold the same orange hue keeping them at a similar neutral position in the show.  We also see the same blue against the wall as Cartman’s hat, thus making the environment match the boys.

               The second picture has different clothes on the boys, but we see the same hues and saturations’.  However the brightness is above normal, perhaps to enhance the excitement of the waterpark and to show the high temperature ouside, since South Park is always cold.  The background colors are also different than the usual South Park color scheme; this is signifying that they are out of South Park and for the audience to expect something different.

               The lighting in the first picture is almost absent along with shadows.  The simple animation relies mostly on colors to provoke a mood or certain personality within the environment or characters.  However, the newer South Park episodes play much more with these effects to take advantage of the strong influence they have over a scene.  The second picture is noticeably different in the aspects of lighting and shadow play.  One can just picture the sun hovering over these kids as they experience the sheer enjoyment of the waterpark.     

               The symbolism in South Park in my opinion is based on what clothes the boy’s would wear and the color of their clothes.  For example Kenny wears a coat and a hood that covers his mouth to muffle his words.  Perhaps Trey Parker and Matt stone are symbolically showing the ideas that are suppressed by those who have the bigger voices and sometimes those ideas are the solutions to problems, but yet they go unheard.   

blog # 5

               The directors of the Matrix followed each rule to avoid confusion and maintain a perfect picture.  My scene mainly focused around a conversation between Morpheus and Neo.  This is a pivotal scene in the movie; the pill to enter the matrix is presented to Neo. 

               The 180 degree rule was followed; the camera never crossed the imaginary line that split the room into two.  Since it was a conversation between two people it was important that the camera stayed on one side of the scene.  First we see Neo and Morpheus together sitting at a table from a side view.  We then get a glimpse of each face as the camera turns when they act their dialogue. 

               The rule of thirds was also followed; each character was either on one side of the screen or the other.  The only thing to grace the center third of the screen was Morpheus, but the reflection was what I felt was the focal point and that was on the side third of the film.  Everything from the pill to the two doors was presented on the left third side of the scene. 

               Each time the audience saw one face or the other, the camera moved 30 degrees or more.  When Morpheus placed his hand out with the pill we saw the camera move another 30 degrees or more.  There were no slight camera movements; each angle followed the rule of 30.

               Clearly the directors of the Matrix were experience directors.  They presented each new scene with the correct camera angle.  They never went over the 180 degree line when shooting Morpheus and Neo.  Obviously the talent in this movie was displayed on everything from the lines and shapes in the background to the precision and placement of each focal point on the scene.     

Blog assignment #4

The song I choose to deconstruct was "lanslide" by Lleetwood Mac, and the cover version by the Smashing Pumpkins.

“Landslide” is not a complex song on the surface; it is only driven by a voice and a single guitar.  Fleetwood Mac uses a very clean sound to produce a constant pitch and balance.  A continuous emotion is able to be picked from the song based on Stevie Nicks’s strong vocals.  Beyond the vocals lays a set of lyrics that reflect on one growing older and pondering if they are ready for the world. 

               The Smashing pumpkins present the lyrics in a completely new fashion.  With a voice that does not even compare to Nick’s, Billy Corgan harsh voice sounds as if he is staining to get the words out.  I feel his raspy voice adds more emotion to the song because of his average vocal quality.  Comparable to singers such as Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, Billy Corgan even though he was not blessed with a voice of an angel, still projects his voice full of emotion to make up for the lack of pitch variation.

               The rhythms of both songs are driven by the acoustic picking of the guitar and the melody is carried by the vocals.  I feel the tempo for the Smashing Pumpkins cover is rushed just a bit over the original by Fleetwood Mac.  The organization of each song is similar along with the pattern.  However, the major difference between the two is the style of guitar picking on Corgan’s guitar.  His style is much quicker and he picks a few more notes than the original, thus I believe for the tempo picking up.  The intensity of the song is low, it is more of a thought provoking sound that one would sit down and enjoy rather than getting up and dancing.

               I admire both versions of the song; each has its own unique quality.  However, I prefer the Smashing Pumpkins cover over the Fleetwood Mac version.  Aside from the echo and delay affects that is in the Pumpkins cover I do enjoy the quicker tempo.  Also Corgan’s hoarse voice that is straining throughout, definably gives “Lanslide” more emotion to its lyrics and overall structure.        

LISTENING FRAMEWORK  (Original)

(SIMPLIFIED)

LISTENING PHASE 1

(Rhythm)

Tempo

[slow, medium, fast] - The tempo is inbetween medium and slow throughout the song

Source

[where is the rhythm coming from?] - the rhythm is coming from the guitar being picked through the song.

Groove

[describe how the personality of the rhythm] - the personality is deep and reflecting on various emotions

LISTENING PHASE 2

(Arrangement) - the pattern of the song goes chorus, verse, verse, guitar solo, verse, chorus, chorus.

Instrumentation

[which instruments drive the song?] - acoustic guitar

Structure/Organization

[how is the song built? Order, patterns, etc.] - the pattern of the song goes chorus, verse, verse, guitar solo, verse, chorus, chorus.

Emotional Architecture

[Draw how the song build and drop - the songs starts a middle point to be built up to a guitar solo, dropped, and then picked back up f or the final chorus.

LISTENING PHASE 3

(Sound Quality)

Balance

Height [high and low of frequency] - the song maintains a constant pitch except during the guitar break it drops to a noticably low pitch

Width [stereo panning left/right] - none

Depth [layers of instruments - via loudness] - the song is kept simple with a single voice and a guitar.

LISTENING FRAMEWORK (Cover)

(SIMPLIFIED)

LISTENING PHASE 1

(Rhythm)

Tempo

[slow, medium, fast] - medium

Source

[where is the rhythm coming from?] - the rhythm is coming from the guitar

Groove

[describe how the personality of the rhythm] - noticably more emotional than the original, voice feels like it is straining.

LISTENING PHASE 2

(Arrangement)

Instrumentation

[which instruments drive the song?] - acoustic guitar

Structure/Organization

[how is the song built? Order, patterns, etc.] - the songs starts a middle point to be built up to a guitar solo, dropped, and then picked back up f or the final chorus.

Emotional Architecture

[Draw how the song build and drop? - the song drives with a constant emotion and fades away at the end

LISTENING PHASE 3

(Sound Quality)

Balance

Height [high and low of frequency] - the song does not vary too much in frequency

Width [stereo panning left/right] - none

Depth [layers of instruments - via loudness] - only two layers; voice and guitar

Blog #3 Sound Design

In this blog I will be transcribing a scene from the matrix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-MygFp7dI0&feature=related

The scene in this movie uses a number of techniques to portray the intensity of the scene.  The timing of the music, to the thunder crackling in the background is important in making the most of these memorable lines in the film.  The loudness of the thunder can be heard throughout Morpheus’s speech giving that eerier effect on the entirety of the situation.  The subjective time is also used in between his speech, mostly at the end.  For example when neo takes the pill the thunder truly comes forth in the scene to add the effect on the journey Neo is about to embark on.  The listening modes also give way to Neo’s future.  To begin the music makes us a casual listener.  The crescendo tells us when something climatic is going to happen.  The softer side of the music builds and prepares the audience for this moment.  Also the referential listening in this scene brings about thoughts on the outside world.  The world that Neo hates so much and truly wants to leave is filled with thunder at this particular time.  The audience’s attention at times is drawn beyond the room and out into the city.  Where we picture this polluted city full of crime and hatred and perhaps that gives some persuasion to Neo to take the green pill.  

Blog# 2 Finding your Howl

In this blog entry I will be referring to Jonathan Flaum's Finding Your Howl (http://changethis.com/.)

 

In Flaum's story he depicts a group of rare red wolves being released back into society.  Although, being held in captivity for so long the rare red wolves lost their ability to howl.   The wolves became frighten of their new habitat and yearned for captivity again; except for one, Mumon.  Mumon did not like the idea of not being able to howl, and so he sets off into the forest to find it.  Flaum’s story suggests that in order to find ourselves, or to find our own calling, we must be willing to leave everything behind.   

 “Bound with all the weight of all the words he tried to say

Chained to all the places that he never wished to say

Bound with all the weight of all the words he tried to say

and as he faced the sun he cast no shadow”

The above excerpt is from an Oasis song off of their 1996 album, “What’s the Story Morning Glory.”  This particular song, “Cast No Shadow,” always brings forth feelings of my personal nature.  When I first heard this song, many thoughts flooded my mind.  It made me think of the direction I was headed in my own life, as well as where I was currently.  To me the lyrics are portraying to someone who is stuck inside a place he does not much care for anymore.  With all the responsibilities constantly controlling him he can never leave, thus never doing what he wants to.  So as he faces the sun his shadow, what I believe to be his true calling, does not show. 

               This may have only been a simple song at the time, but I reflected on it deeply to my own life.  I remember after first hearing this, asking myself “what I wanted out of life?”  Where did I see myself within the next five to ten years?”  At the time I was still in high school and just beginning to learn guitar along with the keyboard.  So from that point on I decided this was it; I wanted to pursue what I enjoy most, music.  It was a passion I had had in the meantime; because my main focus was engineering, a job that would hold somewhat of a steady future.  Which is what I did not want though, i did not want to be chained to a dead beat job and stick to music as a side hobby for the rest of my life.  I decided I needed to change if I was ever going to become this person I had depicted of myself in the future.

                   What caught my ear and changed me so quickly was the line “chained to all the places that I never wished to stay.”  I thought about how growing up affects our aspirations as infants, how most of us throw it away for that office job with that steady pay or because we decide to take the safe path in life.  I did not want to take that path, I wanted to venture out there and take in whatever the world had to offer.  I needed to find myself and if I had to leave my old self behind I was willing to do so. From that day on every time I struck a chord or mixed a beat I always carried the thought of being free to find my own calling and hone in on what I enjoy.

               “Cast No Shadow” is a simple chord progression with lyrics that could have been written stoned.  Somehow I found a meaning far greater than anything before.  It changed me, inspired something inside that gave the motivation and courage to venture into the unknown.  I have taken a leap of faith into this musical business world.  This path I have taken is my way in searching for my own “howl;” or in my case my own “shadow.”

Blog #1 Deconstructing Characters

Protagonist: Doc Fuzz

Photo Color:  The colors in this picture represent Doc Fuzz's dark past, mysterious personality, and his ability to stay hidden from society.  These darker colors, while still vibrant, shows a side of the character that is willing to fight fire with fire.  He has a respect for the natural world and is against large corporations and factories.  Beyond the dark colors, the bright orange and yellow represent his compassion and kindness to others as his weakness.  From time to time Doc Fuzz allows his emotions to get in the way and sometimes spoil his own plan against evil.

 Photo Light:  This lone beam of light represents Doc Fuzz and how he is perceived in the present world.  He feels he is surrounded by evil and darkness.  The one beam of light that shines down to vanquish all villains is himself.  The world is constantly taken over by darkness and those that are corrupt and just when the world loses hope Doc Fuzz prevails.  He is the light at the end of the tunnel for this present day world.       

Photo Shape:  The picture of this lighting represents Doc Fuzz's shape on various levels.  As a very quick creature he has acquired the shape of a somewhat zigzag feature.  The smaller branches of lighting are also a part of his physique.  As we know lighting is a plasma and not solid as is Doc Fuzz.  He tends be almost transparent in form and with his sleek shape is able to move with swift speed.

Antagonist:  Professor hydro

                                              

 

Photo Color:  The colors of Professor hydro represent his dark motives and his overall evil persona.  The dark blue water that sits so calmly mirrors his surface.  He appears at ease on a superficial level, but deep down inside there is much swirling about.  The lighter side of this picture portrays to the good that is still within him.  Although he always about stirring up mischief and mayhem, Doc Fuzz believes there is still a  kind hearted soul trapped and desperately trying to get out. 

Photo Light:  The scattered light in this picture portrays Professor hydro though his evil intentions and ability to affect a wide area.  He spreads quickly and is able to move with swift speed and lighting fast agility.  The dark shadows being broken by the light represent modern society being destroyed by Professor Hydro.  He ruins the good intentions of Doc Fuzz trying to corrupt the world and prevail as an evil emperor.

Photo Shape:  This photo represents Profesorr Hydro's shape.  The swift waves crashing against the rocks display the brute force of this character's shape and portay his rock like structure.  The jagged edges also represent his messy apearence and perhaps peers into his past alittle.  His disorganized appearence suggests some things that have went wrong in the past and possibly foretell of his unstable future.

       

John McClane

John McClane

He is such a badass cop.  Whether stumbling around drunk or fighting with marital problems, McClane will always prevail.