The Xtra Mile p.2

Upon completing my first extra credit assignment, it came time to complete the second one. For this task, it contained similar components to the first one. However, for this one I had to incorporate human body parts to a sneaker. Initially, I was planning on placing an eyeball in the face of a watch, until I learned I had to use a shoe. Going forth, I merged a photo of braces on the front of my favorite sneaker, the Nike Air Force 1. The idea was a body-based colorway concept, donned "The Moment of Tooth", as the braces read. I added the original eyeball that I was planning on placing the watch, in furthermore showcase of the anatomy inspiration behind the shoe.

The Xtra Mile p.1

Although, the course has met its end, students were provided a great opportunity to excel even more. Upon conclusion, the professor supplied us with the chance to obtain extra credit. I decided to take up on the task. We were given 2, optional assignments. Amongst Adobe applications, using either Illustrator or Photoshop, students faced 2 jobs: The initial is to combine two related or unrelated objects/images, nevertheless, creating one synced object. I initially was going to place airplane wings on a pair of converse, inspired by Jeremy Scott's Adidas collaboration. Then, I was viewing my phone, an Apple product. That is when it came to me and now to you guys... I present the Banana Phone! Part 2 of extra credit coming soon.

Finale

Be as it may, the course has come to an end. My peers and I were given one final assignment, and boy was it quite the workload. For the project, the professor assigned the task of designing and developing a portfolio. But this is not your average portfolio, this one consists of the work we have done throughout the course of the semester. For beginners, this task was not fun, nor easy in any way. I found the time consuming hours, inexplainable mishaps, and overall confusion to be overwhelming. During my work, I had chosen a template emailed to me, only for it to have over 40 errors. The errors were due to missing fonts, as well as text frame issues. After taking 20 minutes to fix that, I was well into my project. I took a break after a couple hours, only to sign back on and see that there were 40 new errors. It said the font I chose to replace the missing font was missing as well... issues like these are ones that I am not going to miss. Throughout the course many mishaps occur that leave the class confused. However, I prospered. Despite the negative, there is one thing I noticed that outshines the bad. My improvement. After completing this task, reflecting on my past work, the portfolio became a timeline and that is what I see it as now. Honestly proud of myself for overcoming challenges and completing this project and overall how far I have came in this class. I can say I'll be ending this course with more knowledge.

Business is Boomin'

Class was given the task of creating business cards. After breaking through with Adobe application, InDesign, my peers and I were sufficiently equipped with what to do from there. The class was instructed to design three individual layouts, each representing a business card. Both the front and back are to be customized, as well as including varied logos that we developed prior during the course. Had I currently been operating my own business, I would have seized the opportunity to create authentic business cards, as some students may utilize the project to do so. But since this was not the case, I can say openly the project did have it moments of leisure. In other words, completing this project was not so bad, in fact, it was quite fun and not so difficult to finish. I originated all of the cards using a template shared with us by the professor. However, I only kept the visual of this template for one of the three. Aside from the other one having no true inspiration, the black and white business card was heavily inspired by Patrick Bateman's business card in American Psycho.

Only issue: because of the template chosen, I could not get rid of one of the spare templates, so instead it is just cleared entirely.

Sk8r

Objective given to students was to alter yourself as a toy, placing yourself in a setting or environment that was unfamiliar. Growing up, I loved skateboarding and one of my favorite toys as a child was the Tech Deck. The Tech Deck is simply just a miniature skating deck, the brand on the opposite board side always showcases a legitimate, real-life brand. The board being authentic, just small. is what gave me inspiration for my project. Using the Adobe application, byway of photoshopping, editing/masking layers, etc., I executed my vision of creating myself as a prop for the tech deck. Minimizing myself, and going forth with an airbrushed or artificial look for myself really helped capture the idea of me being a toy, riding this toy skateboard. Since the Tech Deck can be used just about anywhere, all settings were foreign environments to me. So, I chose to appear riding or grinding along the window/ledge structure, with a beautiful tropical background. I can walk away admitting that conducting this project was actually quite fun, and I was happy to apply what I had learned.

Me, Myself, and I

Classmates and I were given the objective through photoshop. Initially, I set a portrait image of myself in black and white. From there, I had to manipulate as well as maneuver through the application. Upon the black and white image of myself, I was set to create 6 other replicas of the image, all based around different color patterns or forms. Focusing on RGB color sets, through the adobe color website, I was able to identify and customize the forms of analogous, monochromatic, triad. complementary, compound, and lastly, shades. Upon the process of doing this, I was to select a base color for each type, altering the adjacent colors as well. This was a very time consuming project, that I am satisfied with and do not wish to re visit. Takes too much time, but the actual work of it was fun. Below, the work is showcased.

Original Photograph:

Alterations:

 *added tag brush in my hat, looks cool

TagBrush

As time carries on, the classroom objectives advance. Along side this progression, is the improvement of each student's skill and work. Evident from comparing the most recent class work to the beginning, practice as well as confidence is displayed in the student's work. I can't speak for anyone aside from myself, so to pertain it personally to me, I do feel that way. In other words, I also feel more confident when working on the material, as my skills and knowledge of the course has improved through the duration of class. Most recently, we have began tag brushes. Taking my initial black and white logo, the class has begun photoshop. This is the product after manipulating and working out the application. Through a process of color change and applying, adding various things to the logo, and more in store- this is the result. 

What Helped Me, May Help You

Doing your own research is apart of almost anything you set in mind to go forth and do. While aspiring for some sort of success or completion, an important aspect to understand is that there are elements towards everything. So when it comes to completing something, there are key factors to keep in mind: passion must be there, passion will help you to push through when ethic and hard work runs out. Second, having background information is important. You do not need to be an expert, but some sort-well anything would suffice, you do not wanna get dropped in a white empty room with the orders to find a way out do you? Lastly, research! As stated prior, the knowledge may or may not be there, but what should be certain is the room for more. Research helps me specifically with such a course. This is because majority of the items and what we work on is fairly foreign to me. So, when there is something I need help with or simply do not know, the internet is reliant enough to point me in the right direction. Below were three notable videos that provided tutorials and information that helped me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PSbU9Xd3BQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hJlffeGkmo *Great one! Very informative, entertaining, and   
                                                                                   interactive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vNQW1j7hfQ

Gradient Me

After working with objects, it came time to apply the work and art of gradient mesh towards portraits. More specifically, of ourselves. The class and myself received the task of taking and/or choosing a picture of ourself and putting into into illustrator. There are different forms of portrait art, varying from punk, to maximalist, to minimalist, and so on. Amongst the styles, we had to choose one and go with that direction for our projects. Upon research, I decided to work on minimalist art. I liked the simplistic beauty in it, the vague facial details were interesting to me. After a couple hours, it came time to apply the gradient mesh. I experimented with different looks, not happy with how any of them turned out. I was happy with how it came out, with effects of the gradient displayed on the skin, as well as the hoodie. My favorite part is the detail of the gradient on the yankees logo. This project was time-consuming, but I enjoyed working on it. It is cool to see the final product. Also, the gradient on the clothes gives off an acid wash look almost, I thought that was interesting detail. 

 <--- Final product of self-portrait

 <--- Minimalist artwork inspiration 

Maception

In class, I was given the task to develop an image. Being instructed to take a picture of an object, said image would be implemented onto Illustrator where would it be manipulated and altered. Applying gradient mesh for vector shapes was the main objective. So from there, I thought of what object to work with. Through initial trials, I experimented with images of a mug and fruit for practice. Afterwords I realized it would not work for me. So, while staring into space trying to think, I notice my reflection. That is when I noticed the Mac, the Apple device right in front of me. That was when I decided to work on the very object that allows me to even conduct these assignments and pieces of work. I have always had a love for the company of Apple, and a main thing I admire is the beauty in the sculpting/design of their products. I see the Adobe applications as multi-purposeful. Not only they can be used recreationally, but they can help create visual concepts. Rather than messing around, using the task, I developed another color for the object. Through Illustrator, I made the model and base of the device black. Then with the gradient, I attempted to make smudges and reflections on the screen. Not only did this pay homage to how I came up with the idea (my reflection) but it adds a lifelike element to it and my roommate believed it was a real photograph at initial glance. Always room for improvement, but the project helped me understand the application better and I did enjoy this project. My classmate's works were excellent. It made me aspire to do something more complex. The mac gets the job and is simple, but plain.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

A Logo About Me

For class, I was given the assignment of constructing a logo, based upon me that is. It was difficult to initially pinpoint where my ideas resided. Coming up with three basis logos,I was able to direct my choice after. I had created an image displaying my initials while showcasing a rainbow prism effect. After ruling that out, I developed another idea of curved font for an intertwined showcase of the letters 'Z' and's', with the endpoints as arrows. Before deciding on my final logo, I thought about what I think of logos. To me, logos are what represent an idea, or a brand. With that being said, I sought to create a logo that had homage to me as well as being something I would wear on clothing. The logo sees my first initial, Z. There is a star that derives off of my last name starting with an S. The lightning bolt/drag effect showcased with the star draws inspiration from a favorite pair of sneakers. Below, the logos can be seen.

Heart

First Images Coded

In class, we were shown the introductory basics and given the task of coding. To be more specific, we touched based with some of the mechanics and system behind producing digital images. We started off reviewing a simple line, but from there and so forth, the class was intended to create various images from there. Consisting of these are the images displayed. The process can be overwhelming and get complicated at times, but it is manageable. Although reaching moments of stress and thing such as, it feels good to be able to properly construct these images. I absolutely do not have it down in it's entirety, but it is a start and I am getting there. Curious to see what else the course has in store. 

My First College Class

Digital Media was a class in which I had no expectations set. However, I left eager to learn. I was the first one in there, wondering if I was where I needed to be. In short, the roster arrived. The professor showed great energy, playing a role into the positivity I left the classroom with. Her character was shown through honesty, expectations from her,  and that she is able to distinguish as a real human being, unlike a handful of teachers I have worked without throughout the course of high school. Aside from being on my schedule due to obligations for my degree, it has components of my interests, allowing for both external as well as intrinsic motivation. My Syrian Dad came to this country alone at 18 years old, to study computer engineering. His traits combined with my love for art, entertainment, media, technology, and a collection of numerous things are what compile together for my interest and result in my thoughts for this class. As a whole, I am looking very much forward to understanding the depths beyond the computer, and the process in making the products that I see everyday. It should be and will be great.