During the Reflections unit, we dove into the question, “Who Am I?” Keeping this in mind, we completed various projects in all of our classes. We utilized various Adobe platforms, including Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. In English, we created an essay based off of our core values and interests.
In film, I created a two-minute reflection video discussing how I have always loved to make wishes. In Digital Media, my favorite projects were the Mandala as well as the “Core Values Video”. We additionally learned how to complete short animations. Overall, the reflection unit taught me a wide range of skills, which taught me a little more about myself through the process. I learned what characteristics/core values I can use to describe myself and relate it back to my life, created a reflection film about making wishes (one of my favorite projects of the year so far), and learned various techniques on how to make a mandala.
We created a core values video that aligns with characteristics that I describe in my common app essay. Through reading “College Essay Essentials,” I learned about various core values and how to incorporate them into my essay. I used After Effects to create this.
Mandala
For the Mandala project, I designed a symmetric mandala, utilizing various colors and designs. I wanted to add a lot of intricate details throughout the entirety of the design. Overall, I was able to grow the skills I learned in Illustrator and learned how symmetry can create beautiful pieces. I started small and detailed in the center and expanded my shapes and drawing to be larger as I continued to draw. I wanted my end result to resemble a flower, and I am happy with how it turned out.
I appreciate that learning how to make mandalas provides me with a skill I can use for the future. Mandalas can be very beautiful, and the possibilities for designs are endless. I am looking forward to creating more in the future for family and friends as gifts and teaching others how to utilize Illustrator and other Adobe platforms.
My Artist Statements
My black & white mandala: Overall, I grew as an artist in many ways. For one, I had never made a mandala before. It was interesting to learn how to make a 16-slice mandala; I previously didn’t know of the different types. It was also fun to learn how to create different patterns and shapes. Figuring out what looks visually appealing was one of my favorite parts of this project. I enjoyed adding intricate details to my design and having the freedom to draw anything I wanted.
My colored mandala: I decided to color my mandala using fall hues and shades because the next season is quickly approaching. I also wanted my design to subtly resemble a flower; I feel that the colors could emphasize this and accentuate my overall design. I enjoyed choosing different gradients and colors throughout this project. Through the color process, I was able to learn how to use different gradients to make it look more visually interesting. I learned different ways to use the “fill” property and explored how to utilize different color categories. I worked on my ability to analyze colors and see how they look against each other.
My laser-engraved mandala: Seeing the finished product of my engraved mandala on the wood was a very cool experience. It showed how my effort paid off, and I am excited to give it to one of my family members. I was able to see up close the intricate details I added to the design. If I could change something, I would make the designs in the center not as small, so they would print out clearly onto the wood. Overall, I enjoyed this experience and look forward to possibly creating more Mandalas in the future.
Personal Essay
In English this year, we emphasized the importance of having a strong common app essay. With college applications currently becoming prominent, I was able to develop an essay in class that exemplifies my core values, writing technical skills, and more. Since college has been taking up a lot of time in my life, this was the perfect opportunity to create my common app essay. We had to utilize the prompt, “Who Am I?” which I think helped me learn more about myself and my experiences. Below is the recording of my personal essay, recorded and edited on Adobe Audition.
My personal essay describes my experience of working at Hyperspace, a popular local arcade. It explains what customer service is like there and the lessons I learned through meeting an elderly lady named Elzene.
Through creating the documentary “Happy Hearts” and by working at Hyperspace, I have learned valuable lessons on how to achieve happiness and set my own boundaries in the process. I overall learned a lot about myself through this writing process, and I am proud of the results. I connected my work at Hyperspace to interviewing elderly people like Elzene through my documentary-making skills and how I could connect lessons she taught me back to my job.
Film Productions
Below is my main film I created for this unit, which is a two-minute reflection of my life. I have always loved to make wishes. I talk about my childhood and how making wishes was always something I have loved to do since I was a little kid. I discuss how this is still something that I do every day in my life. This was one of my favorite film projects I have created so far, and I think I learned a little bit about myself through the process and how a little bit of hope, magic, and believing can go a long way.
Below are some of the various in-class projects I worked on in film for this unit.
I have really enjoyed all of the projects in this unit. Learning to comprehend new software, skills, and new and innovative projects has been very beneficial for me to learn things I otherwise would not have the opportunity to be introduced to. I am excited to continue using the skills I learn and reflecting, “Who Am I?”