This is a movie parody of "GroundHog Day". I tried to change the classic comedy to a horror, thriller-like vibe. I first started by watching a lot of thrillers as well as comedies to see the methods both genres like to use. In fact I first wanted to change "Drag me to hell" into a comedy, so I already had a lot of thriller research. After getting the thriller vibe, I started to do a rough story board. Then I watched all of GroundHog Day and recorded all the scenes I would like to use. I had to change the rough story board, as it was not fully compatible with all the scenes.
From my research from "Drag me to hell" I had a few good sound tracks in mind. I first found soundtracks from many movies like "Pawn Sacrifice", "The ring", and "Drag me to hell". Basing it of the soundtrack I changed my rough story board to a final story board. Now everything was syncopated.
The soundtrack all have the same characteristics. They all ignite mystery to the audience. I tried to let the mind of the audience conjure the horror, rather then the scenes in GroundHog day to do it for me. I tried to choose really ambiguous scenes that really depended on the soundtrack, or previous scenes to set up the mood. Such I was able to use the new soundtrack to manipulate the true message, to my message.
The information below shows possible modern music to illustrate each act of Macbeth, a play by Shakespeare.
By Kevin Dai, and Brandon Ly
Macklemore- Make the Money- Act 1
Act 1
Macklemore- Make the Money is a meaningful song about becoming successful through the symbolism of Money. It stresses not to let money corrupt one's mind, and in order to truly make "Money" it is better if one is to create a game where he/she is the master rather than a player. Make the Money is perfect for act 1 as it foreshadows the position that Macbeth will be in. Macbeth under the cause of ambition, wants to become King or "get money". In a way "Make the Money" also illustrates that sometimes too much fame can also change a person. Lady Macbeth in a way has changed straight away with the idea of fame. So she let the game change her. later on, the game changed Macbeth as well, and he becomes corrupted, and is eventually put down. Make the money stresses the line "Stay true, stay true", which is ambiguous, as it could mean that Macbeth should stay true to the path of modesty (of not killing King Duncan), or travel to the palace of fame. Since the song's "stay true" may also mean stay true to your dream, which, for Macbeth is killing Duncan to become King. In brief, Make the Money reflects act one, as it somewhat foreshadows the future of Macbeth, but also suggest that Macbeth should go for killing King Duncan, and follow his dream; which readers would find find amusing in act 5. It can also be seen that Make the money is like a setup to the more awing scenes later on. Make the money, could also provide a reason for viewers to agree with Macbeth's ambitious dream, to later on find out the outcome.
Seeu- Hide and seek- Act 2
Act 2
Hide and Seek alone, can show how Macbeth was hell bent on killing the king. The lyrics “ Even if you try to hide it is no use” illustrates how Macbeth was going to stop at nothing to kill the king . Also the line “ it’s already to late to run” relates to how King Duncan was trapped in the room asleep, with Macbeth ready to kill him. At one point of the song the possessed girl walks into the room ready to kill the boy, like how Macbeth was determine to kill the king like he was possessed. Overall, the song gives a sense of insanity, and dread; which compliments the mindset of Macbeth in Act 2.
Andrew Gold-Spooky scary skeletons- Act 3
Act 3
Spooky Scary skeletons is a perfect song to describe act 3, where Banquo's ghost showed up at the dinner party. During the scene with Banquo's ghost, Macbeth's reaction was full of shock and fear ; out of his mind. like the lyrics in the song “shrieking skulls will shock your soul tonight”. Also when the ghost showed up, Macbeth was shaking and surprised just like in the song “ You'll shake and shudder in surprise when you hear these zombies shriek “. Also Banquo’s ghost can be an attempted warning to the other people at the dinner about Macbeth’s cruelty . This song also emphasis how Macbeth was going insane in the middle of the party “ They'll smile and scrabble slowly by and drive you so insane!”. In brief, this song is a perfect fit for act 3 especially the dinner party scene.
Meek Mill- Dreams and nightmares- Act 4
Act 4
Meek Mills- Dreams and nightmares displays act 4 of Macbeth. Firstly, the title "Dreams and nightmares" describes Macbeth's situation as he achieved his ambitious goal of being King. However his nightmares have also come true because of his insecurities of his traitorous subjects. The tempo of Dreams and nightmares also is in sync with act 4. Mills starts with a catchy but modest beat. This can signify the part where Macbeth first visits the witch, where everything is lightly taken. In the middle, where mills drops the flamboyant beat, it can correlate to the scene where Macbeth murders MacDuff's family. Lyrically Dreams and nightmares also matches Act 4. When the song commences Mill states "see my dreams unfold and nightmares come true" which is an accurate description of the beginning of Act 4. When Macbeth visit the witches again, they tell him his future, but also make his nightmares come true, by the gory visuals, and telling him to fear MacDuff. Therefore Meek Mills- Dream and nightmares makes an accurate description of Act 4.
Elena Siegman-115- Act 5
Act 5
Elena Siegman-115 best illustrate act 5 of Macbeth. In act 5, Macbeth's life is in ruins ,as his enemies are closing in to end his life. It can be assumed that Lady Macbeth also commits suicide. Macbeth also shows signs of madness, as he comments that life is meaningless, and that he cannot be killed. "115" is heavy metal, so it fits the theme of madness. Heavy metal has a connotation that those who listen to it will go to hell, and will kill a bunch of people. Macbeth in act 5, reflects the connotation of heavy metal as Macbeth is trying to take the people down with when he is already has no chance for victory. Also Macbeth with all the actions he has done leading up to act 5, (Murder of Banquo, Murder of Macduff's Family) suggest that he is going to hell. Lyrically the song also reflects the Act 5 of Macbeth. 115 states "I have lost all form and unity where has my life gone" connects to Macbeth as he has changed so much from act 1. 115 also states that "everyone dies" which correlates with the genre of Macbeth, a tragedy, which act 5 emphasis on.
Salutations ! This is my still life drawing that I did a few weeks back. My associates also did the same still life but in different angles. Hope you check them out as well.
The principles of Animation, developed by the old men of disney has is mark on all animations created today. I will be working on a project of "kinetic animation"that will illustrate principles of Animation. As a way to get more familiar with the principles, I will be picking out principles of animations in Kinetic animations done by other people. This animation is done by "RL" and reflects the novels series "Game of thrones" by George R. R. Martin.
1: Arcs- (0:01-0:05) The principle that the animations will look more realistic if there is an arc or circle movement. Animations that do not follow this principle may look mechanical. "RL" uses the principle of arcs in the beginning of the video, as the word Chaos is moving in arc. The fact that Chaos is moving very fast in an arc gives a sense of urgency to the word, but also in a very natural movement. The fast twitching of the word in an arc also illustrates uncontrollable movement, and is reminiscent of symptoms of mental illnesses. Thus "RL" uses the principle of arc effectually in his kinetic typography.
2: Squash and stretch- (0:39) The principle that animations will have more volume and weight if there is a squash or stretch involved in it. RL uses Squash and stretch in his animation to give volume and weight to the words "realm and Gods". In other words squash and stretch give emphasis on these words. I believe it is done effectively as the realm and gods in Game of thrones is very significant themes. For instance the "game of thrones" is all about the schemes needed to control a realm and that taking a throne is easier than keeping a throne. Gods also play a role, as in the story, the northern gods (weirwood), have blessed certain people into a "shapeshifter". So the emphasis would be put on the supernatural elements in Game of Thrones. Therefore I feel like RL uses Squash and stretch to put emphasis on the key themes of "A song of Ice and Fire" by George R, R, Martin.
3. Anticipation- (0:22) This principle describes the act of the animation preparing to do an major action, and states that there should be movements before the major action to give the audience a feel that something is going to happen. For instance a jumper would bend their knees before they jump. Animators often exaggerate this principle to make the idea more realistic. RL uses anticipation before his phrase "The fall breaks them" actually fall of the screen. Every word of that sentence slowly cause the other words to lose balance, until the straw that broke the camels back, "them", sends the rest of the sentence into oblivion. RL uses anticipation very effective as it makes the idea of "The fall breaks them" more realistic. The fact that the other words are only the anticipation to them, which would be metaphorically saying the fall would be like the dagger to the heart. It is like the rest of the sentence would be the scheme and them would be the targets, and will fall if the scheme is on point to the plan.
In my opinion I believe that RL does a decent job of illustrating the monologue in A game of thrones. RL does set the theme of the monologue very well with the juxtaposition of black and white to create a sense of confusion, and madness. I also like that RL tempo with the words. I think that the tempo syncs relatively well with the monologue and slows and fastens itself when the time is appropriate. In conclusion RL does a mediocre job with the kinetic typography as there are instances where he lacks professionalism. For example in (0:43) the heart in "or love" does not fit the theme that he has worked to illustrate. Hopefully in the future RL would change that.
Isolation, the process or fact of isolating or being isolated can be a very scary ideal. Yet it can be a very exciting matter, full of blood rush, can cause much excitement for you to live a year in a minute. The red colour overlay represents that, and the tracking of the letters represents that separation; the separation from society, the separation from a team. Isolation is a very dangerous play in basketball. It is when players go one on one with each other, and forget that basketball is a team game. This is most often used when there is a mismatch, or if one player has a clear advantage over the other, such as height. The Cap height of "I" is the longest in the word isolation, and located on the edge of the image. The I is the imaginary "I" in team, and it also holds the ball as well. The ball also represents that separation of "I" from the rest of the word.
The "SOLA" of isolation would be closer in in terms of tracking, as it represents the useless screen. "I" will not use the screen, but will rather take the clear lane to the basket, indicated by the negative space in the left corner. "SOLA" is also positioned diagonally to affect the speed of which isolation is said in the readers mind. In basketball, isolation is commonly shortened to "iso" so the "lation" is left out. Also in basketball, on of the most notorious ways to beat a defender to the rim is a change of speed; meaning you advance the ball slowly, and catch the defender of guard with the sudden motion towards the rim. Thus the Isolation is in a curve to try and achieve that idea. Many people think of isolation in many different ways. It could be scientific, isolating a matter in a homogenous mixture. It could be for for the hermit lifestyle. However when I hear isolation, I think of basketball.
Urbanization, it makes us feel safe in numbers, rather than alone with a few people in the wild. However is it true ? Sometimes it may be that everyone is in their own world, and that safety in numbers is false. That when someone is in need, we tend to think that someone else will offer help, and thus you do nothing. The next person feels that way, and at the end of the day no one assists. The city itself often feels chaotic in my opinion and once in a while, it is nice to go into the wilderness to enjoy to peace. To actually see the stars in the sky, and experience a cool pitch darkness. A scene where you cannot go outside without a flashlight.
This is a time lapse video of "Shanghai" done by "Rob Whit-worth" in countless photographs. Whitworth uses a very unique style of time lapse where he captures the whole city and even concentrates on varies activities of some motor vehicles. Whitworth turns the whole city into art, despite all the chaos, and organizes it into a structure. Withworth gives an illusion that the city can be as beautiful as if it belonged to mother nature herself; with all the artificial street, and city light. Witworth illustrates that if a city is seen in a different perceptive, which ignores the pollution; the fact that everyone is in their own little world; can see unity, and beauty.
Rob With-worth inspires me to be a better artist and maybe look at matter in different ways. Perhaps something that may seem disgusting, like a very polluted city like "Shanghai" can emit lights that awes viewers. It makes me wonder, that if you capture an image of a maggot in a certain way, or parasite, it has its own beauty.
Motivation, I usually get my motivation from my failures and bad experiences, or just from my mom yelling at me. However there always has to be something to ignite my motivation, and that flame always dies off, and I start getting lazy or not even trying to reach my goals. I do not know if it is erotic fatigue but it sparks an idea in my mind that motivation is like fire, it feels so compelling and strong in to moment, but after a week or even the following morning, there is only ashes left. I think Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls even said "My worst fear is for the flame to die off", in other words, to loose his motivation.
This makes me wonder; is there a way to keep my motivation ? That every day I use my uttermost effort to get things done, or do I have to find sources to ignite something that I already have within me. Maybe to get the maximum motivation, is like a relationship, having the goal to be apart of your life, but only doing it slowly. Maybe for getting everlasting motivation is to have an extreme degree of failure, enough to create an everlasting flame, that does not die even after you death.
There is a Chinese story, of an old man trying to remove a mountain all by himself. He digs day after day, but one day there was a traveler. The man trying to dig up the mountain amused him. He ask the man "why are you digging up this mountain, you know it will not be achieved in your lifetime?" . The old man replied "in my lifetime I will definitely not remove this mountain from this earth, but I will tell my son to continue my work, and so will his son, and after many generations, this mountain will no longer exist." (Picture from http://dreamatico.com/fire.html.)
As a basketball player I've heard the phrase "ball is life" many times but have not given it much thought. From a very shallow perceptive, ball is life refers to playing basketball every day from dusk to dawn. However, if one were to give to more thought to the figure of speech, then the theory arises that life is connected to ball. Meaning if you don't do the little things in life, like making ones bed, then on the court, one would not do the little things, like yell "shot" when an opposing player shots. In other words, your persona and attitude towards life, reflects your play style on the court. So next time when someone says ball is life, he/she may relate, not to the dedication towards ball, but the correlation between ball and life. This may also mean eating healthy, and having an organized lifestyle may improve you game.
This will be the self-portrait I will be painting. This self-portrait will reflect the art style of surrealism. The art style of surrealism illustrates some elements of basketball, as it is a game of deception. Surrealism often times portrays a dreamlike visual which is the point of a crossover in basketball. A crossover in basketball is suppose to trick the opposing defender into thinking you are going one way, but you are actually going another. My favourite crossover in basketball is named after "Allen Iverson", which I tried to imitate in this piece. In surrealism, artist often try to mess with the viewers mind, saying something that cannot be real be real, which in my opinion also reflects the crossover in basketball. There is also more fakes in basketball such as pump fakes, and jab steps to throw the defender off balance. I believe that surrealism can also create an off balance illusion to the viewers. In my piece I fragmented myself to try to achieve that effect. The position I am in also gives a false sense of movement, which attempts to throw a dreamlike effect to the audience. In basketball I tent to use a lot of these fakes, which reflects the art style of surrealism.
After every basketball game I do not even recall the what exactly happened in the game, as everything goes by very fast. Thus for the surrealism design I lightened myself, as a suggestion of reflection, but also the give a sense of urgency, as that is part of the game.
I choose a forest as a background, as the famous chess grandmaster Mikhail Tal, once said "You must take your opponent into a deep dark forest, where 2+2=5, and the path leading out is only big enough for one". I also enjoy playing chess, and I love the king's gambit which leads to a lot of complication. So metaphorically I like to take may opponent to a dark forest, and leave him/her stranded there. The mirror will be the escape of the dark forest. I choose a monochromatic design scheme for the mirror and the forest, to camouflage it.
My poster, which I designed with filters and type-mask in Photoshop, tries to illustrate that message in digital art. The poster may contain an Asian beauty, but with the tools I choose to make the poster may convince you of another message. I assume the majority of you are not associated with Photoshop, and even I am just trying to explore the surface of it. Astonished by the tools of Photoshop, the artist, I, will tell you their story in creating this illustration.
I first started with a background image provided for me by "Hdwallpapersinn". Then I went to the Curves to altered the red, blue , and green to my liking. After, I went to the gradient map to play further experiment to a color effect for the theme. I choose I bright blue to orange, with the opacity at 11%. Then I duplicated that gradient, and blended it with "screen"to make to image brighter. I wanted to convey a bright image, to illustrate a mood of joy, and happiness. I felt that when I was changing the opacity, that I was able to change something so aggressive, to something so passive. It was almost like the true emotions of the image is hidden.
Finally I created I new layer, and filled it with pitch black. It was almost like million gallons of tar were poured on this beautiful women. Then I went to the filters gallery and selected the sponge. I also went the pencil folder to play with more filters. Eventually, I had the perfect amounts of dots on that layer. That layer literally look like a smokers lung. All it took was one blending option "screen" to make it look like beautiful dirt particles. I even fiddle with the hue/saturation to make it even more pleasing. If I was just to take away these few steps then the true face of the image would be revealed.
The type-layer mask is also fixed, like something that is sketchy; never to be changed; unlike a clipping mask. It implies that someone can cheat on the phrase for another their own gain. Is the emotion happiness contained? In fact, type layer mask is practically never used in the Photoshop world, simply because it cannot be edited. In brief, even if the Asian model is a beauty, illusions can be put in place to enhance her look.
Adobe illustrator is renowned for creating images with shape. The light-bulb may not look photo-realistic, as I was just grasping the concepts of illustrator, such as the gradient tool, and pen tool. In the end, I would say I am content with the process, but the result is not the greatest compared to the original image. Many people more skilled with the process, can make photographic copies of the original copy.
In this copy, I used to pen tool, and the gradient tool to get a basic value effect. During my experimentation, I got a better understanding of the pen tool as how it works. In the end, when I able to illustrate the highlights in a finer detail then when i first started with the contour of the lightbulb. I was able to utilize tricks, such as only using outlining half of the matter, and using Edit-Transform-reflect to do the other half. After, I played with the gradient fill to try to illustrate some basic value to the light bulb.
In this Project I explored Photoshop's "selective" process which targets a certain mass of a image and allows me to work with it. In this project, the mass would be Stephen Harper; the prime minister of Canada, and I am to use the selective option to make a jest about him. First I must find a image of Stephen Harper,which is provided for me by Rick Mercer photo challenge. Then I used to selective tools (quick select) to create a mask for that image. The mask allows me to cover up to rest of the image with black, while I still remain in possession of the unmasked portion; in this case it would be Stephen Harper. Then I can define the unmasked portion better and fix any small outlining problems using the refine edge tool. This would allow me to shape the mask to better fit the mass I would like to work on. There may be some transparency with the image but I would fix that by duplicating that layer, and them merging it together. Then I would use the magic wand to fine tune the mass, by adding those unwanted pixels to the mask. When I am finally finished, the product would be an outlined Stephen Harper, and I can creatively put him on another image. In my image, I wanted to make a reference to valentine's Day, and took advantage of Stephen Harper's Facial expression. Thus the jest about him boosting to the audience; behind Victoria's secret model showcase event. If you are smart, the quote " I get more girls by accident than Obama does on purpose" is an allusion to another topic. An American president, Richard Nixon said this quote; not to Obama, but J.F Kennedy. Apparently during that time, there was rumors going on about how J.F Kennedy "got" more girls than Nixon. Nixon got envious, and thus it was the creation of this quote. I used white color to paint the font to fit in with the brightness of the background image. Photoshop's typing tools allows me to execute those styles of font. Overall, this project was a great learning experience of using the selective process, as well as exploring with font.
