End Term Assesment

1) about what changed within yourself from mid semester till now via expert hours.

A big change I’ve seen within myself has been that I have learned to not be so shy about what I want to create. Before, I would be hesitant about creating because I was scared of not having enough knowledge on what I wanted to do or I was scared of imitating someone elses work but I’ve learned to not let that hold me back. It was holding me back from creating anything and everything. Another thing I’ve learned via expert hours is how troubleshooting is the way I learn best.

2) how you used practice time.

Practice time was difficult for me to utilize at first. Because I wasn’t use to carrying a camera around or expressing my love for art. What I love about studying photo or even just art is that it is everywhere, so Im constantly improving on conceptually understanding or getting inspired. And when I do understand or get inspired I write it down in a handy journal. I believe I used my practice time wisely because it dealt with doing what I love which is photography and studying art.

3) how you dealt with feedback / how you gave feedback.

Receiving feedback on my work use to be something that I use to be nervous about because I was scared to not meet standards or some shit but after a while I was excited to see how I can improve my work. My favorite people to get feedback was from professors because considering that they’ve seen all kinds of work, they have a good eye and can lead me into the direction of improving my voice through my work. I believe I improved on giving feedback. Before I’d use to just focus on display of the work physically but now Ive know how to take in artwork conceptually. Getting lost in a piece of art emotionally is my way of knowing it is work of quality.

4) example of the level of love in your work.

As tedious as of a process it is to process and develop film, I will continue to shoot and develop it. Only because I know it will better my understanding of how a camera works. I started to hang all my prints I had used while troubleshooting along with the print that were printed perfectly so I can look at them every day and examine what I did wrong in the troubleshooted prints. It has helped me a whole lot because I am now certain when I print the perfect print it the darkroom. And it is so damn rewarding!

5) and your inventory of external “expert” experiences.

Well I’ve said before how for the longest time I wasn’t sure if I should switch my major to photography because I was stuck on the social concept of how majoring in art wouldn’t really take you far. But I did it and Im more than glad I did because I feel like everything else is seeming to fall in place. I’ve learned to incorporate photography into my job and they are welcoming towards that. I help with the instagram for Urban Outfitters Space 24Twenty. I have also used my writing and indesign skills to create info flyers on upcoming events. I also take portraits for families of friends, free of charge. Because I know it would benefit my expert hours. Next side project is going to be creating a website for myself and getting into writing and taking photos for local bands.

6) sum this all up with what points/gradePreview the documentView in a new window you’d give yourself.

32-C

I think what was a big burden on my work and effort was not starting on projects way ahead of time to put more effort into improving the outcome. I think the semester has made me realize how I should prioritize school before work because in the long run school will be more of a benefit.

 

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Blog Post #12

(Sorry, I don’t remember the names of the presenters.)

The first presenter who helped create the app “Eventurist” made me realize how innovative majoring in graphic design can be. He project done with her spouse was great and I thought it was cute how they had been working on it for 6 years.

The second presenter who worked with clay as a medium was very interesting. My favorite part of her presentation was when she spoke about her transition from Chicago to Seattle. Explaining how Chicago is very urbanized compared to Seattle was interesting because I’ve never thought about it. Her explanation of how she gets inspired to create was intriguing because everyones creative process is very unique. When she said that she wasn’t one to sketch out ideas before working on a piece, I thought of myself. But then again, it would probably help me out a whole lot.

Overall, I really enjoyed the seminar this semester. Having presenters present their art and talk about the process of being an artist help put things into perspective for me. I think the professors of the seminar are doing a great job of demonstrating to students the steps of being an artist throughout and after college.

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Research Blog Post

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©2014, PINKUS ANALINGUS
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©2014, PINKUS ANALINGUS
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©2014, PINKUS ANALINGUS

 

 

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©2014, PINKUS ANALINGUS

Grungy, always with a leather moto jacket over his shoulder, and cigarette in hand. I have the pleasure of personally knowing the talented artist, Harry Figueroa. Who goes by the name Pinkus Analingus. Harry is originally from New Bronx, New York but now resides here in Austin, Tx.

Harry uses drawing pens and sketchbook paper as a medium. The content he draws is bold and expressive. Which does a good job reflecting who he is as a person. Harry sells his artwork at pop up shops over Austin and on his etsy. Harry is usually flexible with forms of payment. He takes payment plans, or accepts installment payments of beer. Working on one project at a time, Harry likes to take his time on pieces considering that his work is extremely detailed. Analingus has received recognition from Wiz Khalifa on Instagram. Harry is working on progressing his art skills by learning to be a tattoo artist.

Harrys work is interesting to me because it is definitely eye-catching and speaks for who he is an artist. The fine detail of his pieces seem hard to achieve, but he gets it done. I have his work hung up on my wall and it always gets recognition from visitors.

 

 

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Blog Post #11

Getting to see Tuan, Hollis’ and Bills artwork was great. I realized that an artists personal artwork is a lifelong project. It helped put things into perspective.

Tuans work was very interesting to see. His artwork is perfect reflection of who he is as a character. To see it portrayed into his work (probably unconsciously) is just a big reminder that everyone is unique. Tuan made me realize that I should probably give my artwork as gifts instead of something bought from a store which seems way more ingenuine. For Christmas Im giving my parents mixtapes customized to their music taste.

Hollis’ does a great job of using her emotions to give her guidance in her artwork. It is amazing to see, being that I am a very emotional person. It was very inspiring. So inspiring that I strategized my work process by channeling all my emotions and stress and confusion into my artwork to create something meaningful. I love how she has progressed into different mediums. Which is what I hope to one day too.

Bills work was great. It’s exciting to see his old work as a photojournalist even though he wasn’t too fond of the career. My favorite thing Bill spoke about is how he was making so much money doing commercial photography but didn’t feel true to himself. So he decided to head a different direction which led back to continuing to create. It was a humble and bold move to make.

 

5 YEAR PLAN:

  • Move to PNW
  • Create brand – either collaborate with someone or alone.
  • Do what I love – Advertising for bands. Band management. Music journalist. Fine art photography. Design (once I master it).
  • Be completely independent.

How will I reach my goals?:

  • Create website. Even if it starts off as a portfolio. Eventually create something to offer. And remembering to keep in mind quality over money.
  • Put in expert hours in photography and design.
  • Make cards. But not cheesy business ones. Ones that simply show how serious I am about my passions.
  • Visit Portland next Summer. See if I like it more than Seattle.
  • Intern for C3 or any music label or event planning company.
  • Finish paying off debt.
  • Travel
  • Network as much as I can.
  • Organize plans for success more often.
  • Not forget to always be myself.
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Blog Post #10

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Leah Ann Ortiz, Freeto. ©2015.

This is my dog, Freeto. It is shot on Kodak Tri-x 400 film. I thought it looked good although the contrast is pretty strong. I also wish I would have focused better on him. Overall, I like this photo and is my favorite that I’ve developed so far.

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Leah Ann Ortiz, Lone Star Witch of the West. ©2015.

I made this for a photo header for a Halloween party event on facebook. I think it’s hilarious and I know the beer can is not proportionate to the witch, but it adds to the humor. I stayed up until 4am working on this and realized how awesome Photoshop is. Yes, that a pool stick not a broomstick.

 

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Blog Post #9

Lynné Bowman Cravens

Lynné Bowman Cravens is a photographer who graduated from St.Edwards with a bachelors in photocommunications. Her work is revolved around fine art and was very interesting. She displayed some of her projects and the quality of it was amazing. My favorite project was “1000 Paper Cranes for Bruce Bowman.” Which was revolved around her fathers last days of life. The project itself just bleeds emotion and as a viewer it is extremely inspirational.

Miranda Petrosky

Miranda is a designer who graduated from St. Edwards with a bachelors in graphic design. She currently works at an ad agency. Miranda did a good job of explaining the different categories of being a designer and how there are many different types of agencies with different clients. Miranda helped explain what agencies demand in designers. She also spoke about having your business as an artist and how to start that. I also thought it was cool how she wasn’t allowed to say the name of some of her clients.

Dustin Meyer

Dustin is a wedding photographer with his own business here in Austin, Tx. He graduated with a bachelors in photocommunication. Dustin explained the ins and outs of having your own personal business. As a wedding photographer, Dustin helped us understand how once you’re in the wedding photo business, you are high and demand and constantly networking. It’s personally not something I would be interested in doing, but Dustin definitely seems like a great person to learn from if I wanted to go that route.

Internships I’m intereseted in:

C3 Presents – Creative Design Internship

Do512 Intership – Social Media Editor

HELM Boots – Social Media Photographer

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Mid-Term Assessment

Barely switching to being an art-major this year has definetely broadened my idea of what truly requires to make art. It takes time, skill, and passion. Most importantly, dedication. I was a little scared at first to switch to majoring in photocommunications because I did not know what to expect from critiques.

Use of practice time: B

I see a big improvement in putting in my expert hours. I like to take my time when working in the photolab because I know I am also achieving expert hours. Also, I feel like I learn best when I mess up. Which tends to happen a lot in the dark room but progress is happening.

How I dealt with feedback: B

Dealing with feedback wasn’t a problem for me because everyone seems to be very helpful with critique. Feedback definitely helps with improvement on next projects. Although, I am still working on getting better at critiquing others.

The level of challenge I gave myself: A

Sometimes when I’m working on a new project which tools I have never used before I tend too me too hard on myself. If I feel likes it’s not my best work, I will feel disconnected with the project while I am working on it. I should stop doing that because it probably won’t get me anywhere. I should stop thinking too much about perfection and embrace beginners spirit. Other than that, I finally have a good idea of how to create an art project and where to start. I feel like like this class so far has taught me the basics of what I want to get out there.

My inventory of expert experiences: A

Before becoming a photo major I had always done projects on the side for myself. I loved shooting with lomography film. Back home, there was nothing ever to do so I’d go shoot around town with friends. My experience with working with cameras before has definitely contribute with photo projects.

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Research Blog Post

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©2015, Matt Merkin
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©2015, Matt Merkin
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©2014, Matt Merkin

Over the Summer I had the pleasure of meeting Matt Merkin. Matt Merkin is from Oakland, California and was embarking on a hitchhiking journey to reside in NYC. I found out who he was through a friends snapchat documentation of them hitch hiking straight across the country. In the videos I noticed Merkin carrying a 35mm film camera around his neck most of the time. I was intrigued to see him carrying it and I wondered if he was a photographer. A couple weeks later, they stopped in Austin and I asked Merkin about his camera. He said he shot street photography and showed me his blog. I mentioned how I shot as well. Merkin inspired and opened whole new doors to photography for me when mentioned street photography. His passion for it was clearly evident when he spoke about it. I had always heard about this concept but never knew anyone who did it. At the time he was carrying a disposable camera from Walgreens with him taking shots to document his time in Austin.

Merkin’s work displays the culture we are growing up in, hence the blog name “Nice Youth Culture.. He lets you in his mind to see what he’s seeing and is very conceptual about it. Merkin will forever come to mind when of when thinking about someone who is passionate about what they create.

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Blog Post #6

  1. My greatest strengths in Photo 1 include: being engaged to actually learn photography skills to apply them, and fully comprehending what Bill is teaching.
  2. For greater success in this course, I need to: stop going to bed so late, wake up early, and ask more questions.

  1. My greatest strengths in Visual Studies include: comprehending techniques for portraying myself as an artist, asking Tuan questions after class, and going to put in expert hours on my own time in the lab.
  2. For greater success in this course, I need to: stop letting my mind get off topic when we start talking about printing, turn in projects on time, and stop being intimidated to critique someone elses work.

  1. My greatest strengths in Intro to Problem Solving and Computing include: being interested in learning how to code, turning in work on time, and having a positive relation with my professor.
  2. For greater success in this course, I need to: write better notes.

  1. My greatest strengths in Hebrew Bible Study include: having back knowledge on topics we cover, and visiting my professor during office hours.
  2. For greater success in this course, I need to: catch up with readings, do better on quizzes and tests, study with classmates, try to ask my professor for help when I don’t understand things, write better notes, and speak up during discussions.

  1. My greatest strengths in Visual Studies Seminar include: fully comprehending topics that are being discussed, having interest in class topics, and writing down tips to becoming an artist. 
  2. For greater success in this course, I need to: stop being a shitty student and turn in homeworks on time, stop being a shitty student and not be afraid to speak up during class discussion, and stop being a shitty student.

Computer skills:

  1. My computer skills include: Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, Apple Pages, Gimp, and Photoshop.
  2. I still need to learn: InDesign, Adobe Lightroom and Illustrator.

Research & writing skills:

  1. My greatest strengths as a researcher/writer include: researching for topics and gathering good information.
  2. I need to work on these aspects of research and writing: being more scholarly and intellectual with concepts I am trying to get across.
  3. I learn best & accomplish most when: I am genuinely interested in what Im working on, and when Im not afraid mess up.

I’m struggling with my Hebrew Bible Study class and here are 10 ways I can improve.

  1. Catch up with readings before class.
  2. Study with with classmates.
  3. Ask questions in class.
  4. Include myself in class discussion.
  5. Write better notes.
  6. Go over and organize notes first thing right outside of class.
  7. Write notes in textbooks.
  8. Not let mind go off subject in class.
  9. Ask classmate what they got from the lecture.
  10. Write down questions I have on topics I don’t fully understand and talk to professor about it.

 

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Blog Post #5

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This assignment is for my Visual Studies class. The assignment was for students to make 2D collages using Photoshop. The 2D collage had to be created using our own photos from a previous a assignment which was taking photographs out on South Congress. I was intimidated when first assigned this project. Only because I had never done collage before. 3D collage was a bit difficult, so I figured 2D would be even more difficult.

I have worked with a similar programs such as Photoshop so I didn’t go into the 2D process completely blind. I sort of just messed around with the tools and eventually got a hang of it. We were required to make three 2D projects and by the third one (above), I was able to completely channel my creativity into my work. I definitely like 2D collage because it’s a process that also helps you learn the program. Which you can use to do many any other things besides collage.

Self-Critique:

In my Photography 1 class I am currently working on my second project which requires us students to shoot 5 rolls of B&W film. We have to submit 30 work prints and 5 contact sheets. This has been one of my favorite projects yet in college. Learning to work in the dark room is so exciting for me.

I would say the strongest aspect of my work so far is my perfectionism. Im not sure if that is considered an aspect of the overall project? But I just say it is. When I print a photo and the contrast isn’t how I want it or the lighting is off, I will work on it until I get it perfect (in my eyes). This process is also teaching me so much about developing and processing film. It also helps get my expert hours in.

The weakest aspect of my work would be actually bringing my camera out to shoot. I am sometimes shy about pulling out my camera in public and looking like “that person.” I guess I just don’t have enough confidence in my work just yet to get creditability for considering myself to actually be a “photographer.” Now that I think about it out loud, it sounds pretty stupid.

How I plan to improve on this project is by not being scared to fuck up. I guess that’s where my perfectionism ties in and also holds me back. I sometimes feel like if Im not perfect at something, I don’t want to try. Pretty stupid, I know.

I know as an artist, I am suppose to portray my work conceptually. And honestly, I never thought about this before being a student at St.Eds. I can choose to improve on this by not being scared to bust out my camera when I have an idea of a great shot. I have a big interest in street photographys concept and sometimes Im afraid people will get offended if Im taking pictures of them.

My project can be improved technically by learning to set up proper exposure with the aperture. I am still learning how to do so.

Overall, this project is teaching me a lot about being an artist and getting my message out there. I had never had critiques done before coming to St. Eds and they have taught me so much about my creativity and how I can improve.

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