Introduction
The Narrative unit involved storytelling. An emphasis was put on story arcs and structures. A question that was asked through this unit was “How well can you visually tell a structured story?” Several aspects of art were touched upon in this unit. Everything was fairly visual and descriptive. It was a lot of “show, don’t tell”. New applications, such as Adobe Illustrator, HTML/CSS, and Wacom drawing tablets were used. In film, all parts combined into one looming narrative film. It involved the writing of a synopsis, creation of a storyboard, assembling actors, filming, editing, etc.
In the the narrative unit, I most valued the way that stories had very clear separations between acts, and clear structure. I learned how to use metaphor and descriptors better than before. I was able to switch to more visual storytelling instead of clearly listing out everything for the audience. In film, collaboration was a key aspect for the large project. Without the help of a partner, and organizing everything well, it would not be possible. I learned how to better work with others, and work around struggles. In digital media, I learned how to more effectively use Adobe Illustrator, and create different kinds of art.
Story
In English, we spent time analyzing and writing flash fictions: short stories ranging from 5-1000 words. We read quite a few flash fictions over the course of a month, and took our observations from them and applied it to our own writing. I wrote about what I knew, basing my story on an experience from a summer camp. I also drew inspiration from the books and flash fictions that I read. For the audio version of the story, I read my story with a clear voice, then took the file into pro tools, removing or adding pauses, and adding sound effects. The audio version added more emotion to the story. Music was added that could influence how the audience felt, and the way that I read it could add emotion as well.
The Red Car
Buster’s brows were furrowed. This was a common occurrence whenever some wicked bully decided to pick on their friends. Buster’s body wasn’t built for battle, but they enjoyed the thrill of a fight. Their long, curly hair could easily be pulled if they weren’t too careful, as they kept it up in a bun on the top of their head.
The ungraceful captain of the school swim team, Sam, was laughing at Buster’s friend, Danny, for wearing eyeliner, using a few slurs that one would not be privy to repeat. Danny was one of those small, insecure types, thin as a stick, so Buster felt very protective of him. The three of them were surrounded by the freshly cut grass of the school courtyard, which caused Buster’s eyes to water up and their nose to sniffle. The flowery scent and vibrance of Spring were exciting in theory, but allergies made it hell for Buster. They balled their hand up into a fist, imagining what it would be like to knock Sam onto the pavement. Noticing their fist, Danny finally tugged on the sleeve of Buster’s denim jacket and pulled them away from Sam, avoiding confrontation. Buster sighed, and glanced down at their watch. School had been over for a while now, and they had to get to the coffee shop. The two friends had worked there for years, and it was the only place where they could safely interact with other LGBTQIA+ individuals. Before they left, Buster stopped by the parking lot to give Sam’s flashy red sports car a little kick before walking over to their bike.
Buster and Danny mounted their bikes and sped through the town. In only five minutes, the pair were able to traverse halfway across the town. As they pulled up to the shop, the rich aroma of coffee and milk hit Buster, filling their nostrils. They felt their shoulders begin to ease up, releasing tension. The moment of content was cut short as they noticed the large black letters scrawled onto the mossy brick wall. A coworker was scrubbing it off with soap, but the words were still visible, “Queers don’t belong here”. Buster brought two fingers up to their lips as if they were taking a puff from a cigarette, and took a deep breath. They tried to shake off the feeling, and stepped inside, absorbing the warmth and atmosphere of the room. Coworkers and customers greeted the two of them warmly. Buster stepped behind the cash register as the shop filled up with individuals with rainbow hair, chic makeup, and piercings of all sorts. The coffee shop was like a fishing pole drawing in all of the queers, except that being reeled in really was rewarding.
After an hour-long shift, Buster and Danny stepped outside for their break. Buster noticed something odd about Danny. He was staring at his phone with a large, goofy grin plastered on his face, unusual for the boy with a small demeanor, and size for that matter.
“What’s his name?” Buster asked.
“What?” Danny said defensively, pulling his phone close to his chest. Buster let out a short chuckle. Danny’s reaction could only mean one thing: Buster’s guess was correct, Danny was in love.
“Come on, tell me who you’re texting!” Buster teased. Danny’s face began to flush red, a shade that could rival even the ripest of tomatoes.
The only thing that escaped Danny’s lips was a tiny incoherent peep. After prompting him once more, Danny finally pushed out a name, “Mason.”
Buster wanted to meet this “Mason” and see if he was a good match for Danny. If Mason tried to do anything that would harm Danny in any way, then the two of them would have problems. Through sheer force of will, or perhaps constant pestering, Buster convinced Danny to invite his partner to the shop the following day. Buster wondered if Mason would be like a cuddly dog, loyal and sensitive to Danny’s wants and needs, or a ferocious feline, ready to run out on Danny at any moment. They’d prefer he was the former, so that Danny wouldn’t get his heart broken.
The following day the sun was shining a little dimmer. Buster’s morning coffee left a bitter taste in their mouth. Something was definitely off about this day, but they couldn’t put their finger on it. When they got to work, they tried to put on a smile. They wanted to be happy for Danny, his boyfriend was coming to visit!
Realization struck when they saw the ugly red car sitting on top of the bike rack in front of the cafe, crushing Danny’s unmistakable multicolored bike under its tread. Buster hoped it wasn’t true, for Danny’s sake. They glanced at the front of the car to find that there was a dent in the exact spot in which they had previously kicked the car. Buster stormed into the shop to find Danny with his hands over his face, sobbing tears of anguish.
“How dumb are you? Mason is literally ‘no Sam’ backwards.” Buster heard Sam laugh from in front of the counter. Seems like Mason turned out to be a backstabbing tom after all.
Buster had put up with Sam for far too long, they were done with the harassment. This time he had gone too far; he’d taken Danny’s heart and smashed it into smithereens. Something about Sam’s abhorrent buzz cut made Buster angry. His stupid, large nose deserved to be broken. Without a second thought, Buster’s fist made contact with Sam’s jaw. They kept repeating the same motion over and over again until they heard Danny scream. Buster blinked and looked up at Danny. Danny’s eyes were as wide as an owl’s, an unspoken horror apparent within them. They glanced down at their shaking hands. They were a different shade of red from Danny’s blushing face the previous day. This was a violent, scarlet red. The red of blood that wasn’t theirs.
Behind the scenes
Illustrations
This unit, I worked on creating an illustrator project: stickers. I created stickers that reflected and represented me as a person, and the things that I enjoy. Obviously, since cats are my favorite animal, and a large part of my life, most of my stickers were of cats.
For this project, I wanted to create stickers that reflected myself and the things that I enjoy. Much of the art I create centers around cats because cats are an animal that I can relate to a lot. They’re active in the night, while lethargic in the day. The other items are items that represent the activities I do, or the foods I enjoy. Working on this, I learned how to use illustrator more efficiently, and how to color drawings easier. The pen tool was a great resource in illustrator. I struggled a bit in trying to color parts that had overlapping lines, but I was able to figure it out through a bit of problem solving. If I could change something, I’d make the line weight heavier and maybe add more guidelines for cutting. I’m most proud of the way I was able to create interesting stickers that represent myself in a way that is different than what I am used to. In the future, I’ll be able to problem solve in the same way that I did for this project for all aspects of life. I’ll remain calm in the face of challenges. I am more aware of the work that goes into making art, so I’ll consider that when I see the art of others.
Music Production
The parody project was a project that involved creating lyrics parodying a song, and then recording it. I wrote lyrics about rejection and bees. I recorded it in the recording studio initially, and then I rerecorded it at home. I edited it on Pro Tools. I was able to find an instrumental for the song I was parodying online.
You say
You want to hang out but I say maybe another day
You cry
Rejection’s not something you face much so you ask me why
Why so sad?
Remember we’ve only talked once man, so don’t be so fazed
Now you’re making me mad
Remember, despite how it may seem, I’m not your man
Please back off, or you’ll see
What’ll happen if you mess with me
Please back off, Or you’ll lose
All your limbs and you will pay your dues
You will die, or you’ll live
All depends on how you go ‘bout this
If you’re not threatened by me
I will lock you in a room with honey and let you get stung by the bees!
Bzz bzzz bzz bzz bzz bzz bzz bzz bzzz bzz bzz bzz
Bzz bzz bzz bzz bzzz bzzz bzz!
Bzzz bzz bzzz bzzz bzz bzzz bzz bzz bzz bzz bzz bzz
Bzzz bzzz bzz bzz bzz…
You say you understand now and you want me gone
You underestimate me, now you’re my pawn
And no, don’t try to leave now
‘Cause you’re stuck being mine now
Alone except for me now
And ten small cats who meow
Forever and ever and ever and ever and ever…
So back off to prevent
All I described, your future torment
No more tricks, no more games
And please stop with all your foolish claims
When you’re gone, I’ll be glad
Scared you away, now haven’t I, Chad
You’re afraid, it’s plain to see
I’ll still kill your friends and family, and lock you up will all the bees
Bzz bzz bzz bzz bzzz bzzz bzz!
Bzzz bzz bzzz bzzz bzz bzzz bzz bzz bzz bzz bzz bzz
Bzzz bzzz bzz bzz bzz
Film
In film class, our narrative project was a film. It involved collaboration and teamwork. Some of the actors were difficult at times, but I learned to work with them and manage them. I built close friendships with them. During class we spent a long time creating a story, then planning with a storyboard, and then filming. Editing was a long process due to some masking that we had to do.
For the Griffith’s pattern project, my group did not follow the guidelines too well, but we learned from it.
For the suspense scene, my group tried to build suspense, but we broke the suspension of disbelief. We kept that in mind for future projects.
In the chase scene, I took previous lessons into account, yet there were still a few elements missing.
It all culminated in the Narrative film. Our original synopsis was very very different from the final film. What originally started as a gritty drama turned into story based on my flash fiction. This was the final version of the synopsis:
ACT 1
Buster and Danny arrive at their favorite place. They walk on the path. Buster goes down to tie his shoes. Danny waits, but Buster tells Danny to go on without him. Danny moves on. Buster takes out a piece of paper with hearts. It is a letter Buster wants to give to Danny. He keeps on looking back and forth at the paper and towards Danny. Buster is nervous. As he puts back the letter, a person runs past Buster. Buster gets worried and runs to Danny. Danny is standing there horrified. They both look at a a graffiti that says “Queers don’t belong here”. Buster notices the spray-paint left behind and grabs it. He crosses the “don’t” out. Danny sits down and gets on his phone. Danny is on his phone laughing. Buster finishes spray painting and notices Danny laughing and smiling at his phone. Buster seems a little bit jealous. He takes Danny’s phone and looks at the texts, which are from someone named “Mason” on a dating app. Danny has typed: “date”. Mason seems to be typing due to three dots popping up. Mason sends a location, and Danny gets up to leave. Buster tries to block his path, but Danny walks past him. Buster follows him.
ACT 2
Buster walks after Danny and tries to get him to stop. Buster looks skeptical. They walk to the courtyard. Someone’s back is seen. The person turns around, and it’s Sam. Sam shows his phone to show the texts from Danny, revealing that he is Mason. Danny looks distraught. Buster watches from a distance. Sam walks toward Danny and pushes him. Danny falls to the ground. Buster looks at Danny, runs towards Sam and shoves him away from Sam. Danny is crawling away from Sam. Sam hits Buster in the nose. Buster stumbles back.
ACT 3
Their faces are a bit bruised, and they have injuries. The principal wants to talk to Sam. Sam and Danny walk together. They are both sad and disappointed by what happened. Danny walks away from Buster. Buster looks somewhat sad, but doesn’t follow him. He looks at his letter from earlier, and he looks somewhat determined. Buster leaves his room and he goes to his and Danny’s usual hangout spot. He’s holding the piece of paper. He sees Danny there alone. Buster walks over. Danny touches Buster’s face, and the wounds. Buster takes out the paper, and hands it to Danny. Danny grabs his hand, and just holds it for a while, and then brings him into a hug.