Digital Media
Intro
In the Reflections unit, for Digital Media, we began to explore different artistic mediums. In each of our pieces we explored our ability to attach meaning and quality which reflected our newfound abilities. We created from illustrations, paintings to photo compositions.
Mandala
“A Mystical Reality”
On Illustrator we began our first project for Digital Media on answering what makes you unique in our center design. We began by learning how to create clip masks that would make sure that our drawings were reflected. We made versions of our pieces to reflect 8, 10, 12 and 16 times. I used a combination of 8, 10, and 12 to challenge myself. I started by using the Pen Tool and the Pencil to perfect the shapes.
Although creating a template for a mandala was a bit tedious, it was a productive experience as it reinforced the importance to pay attention to detail and to maintain a consistent schedule. Creating the Reveal Video especially proved to be quite easier than when I first learned about After Effects, especially as it made me apply my past learning—especially keyboard shortcuts. The result was in itself gratifying enough that I am willing to create another Mandala in the future! On a more personal level, I learned that I like planning my creations at every level in order to add deeper meanings at each level 🙂
We got the opportunity to further bring to life our mandalas by adding color. I chose to embrace a range of high vibrancy to project life and energy that was inspired by Indigenous heritage. As half white and half Nahuatl I seek to gain connection with my roots.
Creating my mandala, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to sprinkle my interests within the flowery aesthetic I created. I wanted to reflect energy and positivity, so that whoever who looked at it could feel uplifted. I did this by using cute animals like cats and flowers and added an alien spaceship for fun. I also made sure to use vibrant colors in order to project the energy I wanted viewers to feel.
Ultimately I enjoyed having done this whole process as it offered me a form to connect with my heritage and learn more about what inspires me!
Photoshop Paintings
In Digital Media we had the pleasure of learning how to paint in Adobe Photoshop. This was something I was super curious to learn how to do. This involved learning how to use Oil Pastel Brushes, adding Watercolor paper texture, and Watercolor brushes.
Pastel Painting
“Burn This Love”
Even as a design student, I personally do not like coloring or am as familiar with photoshop. For those reasons I would describe this experience as brutal but extremely fun! The reason I believe I do not like coloring is due to the multitude of options that makes it difficult to narrow down what to use or want to depict. However, by using a reference image in the project I was able to practice choosing colors that the photo integrated as well as add on to the missing parts of the image. Due to the photo being taken from a music video called “Kill this Love,” I named my artwork, “Burn this Love.”
What I appreciated about this project was the opportunity to not only portray expression but emotion too in a cleaner way–in contrast to the multiple materials needed for a real life painting. It also allowed me to practice using colors in a non destructive manner. During this process, I noted that I am a perfectionist so I like to add many details and due to that I was able to add a personal touch to my painting, especially in the details.
Watercolor Painting
“Sunday Morning Memories”
A watercolor painting has a completely different feel than a pastel painting, it allows for a sense of vulnerability to see through. I particularly like this aspect as it reminds me of my childhood books. I was inspired by the storybook telling of a city mouse and country mouse meeting out in the countryside. I thought of the mice as a transition in my life point since I am like a country mouse in that I am still naive and knowledgeable. The city mouse represents life and the future that it holds full of the unexpected, wondrous, and difficult times. That is the same transition I am currently experiencing as a senior.
Analog (real life) painting I think requires more visual thought process and preparations as once started painting, it is permanent. It helps the viewer stick to their vision and be decisive. However, as digital paint provides layers, it helps the artist adjust details and helps achieve closer perfection. In that sense, I think analog painting is a good practice to learn how different materials work before having the chance to use them.Because watercolors are more delicate in their transparency, it is easier to create new colors and create beautiful accidents. To achieve this, I learned it is better to use bigger brushes in order to highlight the beauty of colors.
I also learned that practicing is key as it helps produce better results. Practicing also does not have to involve long hours; it can be ingrained in your daily time. Another lesson I learned through practicing painting was to “focus on the ‘why’” not “final discovery.” The first time I heard that I was not quite sure what it meant. Yet at the end of my project, I realized that it is important to select the location of where I use a technique or concept. As it is not as much about how bad my technique may be but how I apply it to my artwork. That is why I realized how important it is to hold my vision with determination. Though that does not mean I plan to seal myself off, I want to continue discovering new sources of inspiration
In addition to my Watercolor Painting, I wrote a poem titled Bittersweet Endings to accompany it:
Within the harshness of winter blooms a bud of hope that grants eternal gratification that if squandered, rarely blooms the color of dawn once again. Little mice skitter and scatter the woods, tittering on the edge of enlightenment.
Once again enlightenment flutters before the flash of death engulfs hope and kills it. flash before its death.
Oh! But, WAIT.
There lies stained blood and ichor. The bud of hope lies in wait. See there! It begins to bloom amidst crisis, as the gentle wind begins to sway in comfort
Watercolor Effect
“Trail of Mischief”
For the Watercolor Effect project, we went on Photoshop and learned how to apply filters and clipping masks to mimic watercolor texture. Each of my images were chosen with the intention of commemorating beautiful things in my life. The images go from the most recent on the left to oldest on the right.
The oldest on the right is one of the first images I was able to capture with my first phone. It was on a sunny Sunday morning in which we went to visit Half Moon Bay. The middle image is on a late night outing in which my sister and I went to buy food. As the night continued on, we decided to celebrate our little bit of new found independence. Lastly, the image on the far left was taken on a stormy night. We decided to persevere traveling through wind, rain, and our tiny umbrella to get to Starbucks.
I think I still prefer painting rather than using filters, yet I can see their usefulness. I am still not sure what I could use these effects for in the future, but I do know they are very fun to use and learn about.
Photoshop Techniques
Moving on, we began to put our newfound skills to use. We moved on to using filters to edit images and clipping masks, and much more!
Photo Composite: (2 Images)
In the first, I imagine a forest wedding similar to the one that occurred in Twilight. It seems to be a similar environment.
In the summer when the trees are lush and green. The second image reminds me of the 3rd in Terminator where they have to open the refuge in the mountains.
Photo Composite (3+ Images)
On the left image, you have the gates of heaven with galaxy doors. On the right, you have me in the mystical universe. with some flowers. It was mainly for fun.
Photoshop Surreal Art
Surreal Artwork
“Dance of Dawn and Dunes”
When I looked at my project I wanted to dream a beautiful dream. I wanted to be able to dance, run, and be set free. Mainly because when I dream they are nightmares. It is then much harder to go through life when that nightmare has moved into real life. That is why for my surreal project I want to create something fun. Since there is freedom in being kind to yourself, it is similar to liberating yourself from hate. For this project, I used the quick selection tool, clipping masks, and lots of recoloring.
For me, it’s being my harshest critic. I believed I wasn’t doing it right or being creative enough. Actually finishing this project was difficult for me. I didn’t want to do this project because of the unusual or colorful examples shown, moreover I didn’t know too well what I wanted to create. However, in bringing myself to complete it I have realized that new mistakes can bring joy. It means I’ve learned something new. I also learned that there is no reset to your day.
Ultimately you are the one who is supposed to decide how to do that for yourself. And that is soo hard to do. So I wanted to create something lighthearted to gaze at. Gazing at the moon one night I saw how bright it was and I remembered how scary it is to be kept in the dark. But I also thought of dancing away the nights, dreaming, and healing, and then I was content with what I arranged 🙂