Self-Guided Learning:
I reverted back to one of Deke's techniques to refresh my memory on curvature for the type artifact.
Imagery:
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 Reflection: Schoolwork finds itself subsiding and I returned back into an MMORPG that I used to play years and years ago. Its fun, but I had to start a new account from the servers migrating since then. What ideas I may get from that game may be helpful so I will try and remember to write them down. Yay, video games! Bonus Reflection: They tore down the blue portable fences today. The thought of having our school back next year is exciting. And maybe I'm the only one that likes that school starts earlier next year. Hope that doesn't mess with construction. Anyway, on the other side of where the fence used to be the grass is perfect. Like the most pleasing shade of green, and I felt like a small child again, petting it. It feels very good and I was very tempted to roll around but I got shoo'd off by some campus staff. I ran away from them cuz I was in a playful and childlike mood today. All of today pretty much. Some days I am able to brush off my self-consciousness and be totally and completely myself. Its very freeing. Week 37 Effort: There was a direct tunnel from my brain to my hand this week and the ideas flowed through to the real world. I'm not really feeling the "we are almost done" mood everyone else seems to be in. I enjoy the end-of-year projects. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 37 Goal Reflection: Yay! I have made 3 sources and 1 (or 2) artifacts for every element. Completing the last 2 was a great feeling this week. Week 38 Goal: Wait a second. Next week is finals. Well my goal is not to buy a "play games" in the exchange because I can play games all I want at home. MacLab is fun for me. And anyway I'm going to continue MacLab over summer, so I will be able to mandate my playing time then. My goal for week 38 is to work at finals and start off my journey over summer with my good foot first. |
How do you come up with ideas?
Oh man, this one... Yea I am constantly plagued with new ideas. I loose sleep over all my thoughts. Transferring my ideas into speech or action is a little bit of a task, but after I mull over something in my mind for a couple of days I get familiar with it. It gets easy to put it to paper once its been with you for a while. Forcing them into your brain and onto paper in a matter of hours doesn't work. The "Aha" step of the creative process is discovering an idea you've already had with you, not out of thin air. You might not know it consciously, but your full of ideas.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "finish strong and take it with you" mean to you?Oh man, this one... Yea I am constantly plagued with new ideas. I loose sleep over all my thoughts. Transferring my ideas into speech or action is a little bit of a task, but after I mull over something in my mind for a couple of days I get familiar with it. It gets easy to put it to paper once its been with you for a while. Forcing them into your brain and onto paper in a matter of hours doesn't work. The "Aha" step of the creative process is discovering an idea you've already had with you, not out of thin air. You might not know it consciously, but your full of ideas.
My blog! My blog is my experience, my learning, my goals, my MacLab. This will stick with me through this summer, next summer, and through to my college years. This is my Resumé, my drive, my focus, and my standpoint. This is everything to me, and I will take it with me unto life and wield the power it has in me.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "grow your mindset" mean to you?
I would like to argue I have a growth mindset for a lot of things. I'm self-aware of my mistakes and when I'm in the wrong (and try to learn from it). I guess some issues I will not budge on, but in moderation this can be a good thing. I have a strong will but I can be very reasonable. Prove me wrong with your reasoning and I'll be sure to listen to it and weigh your words in my future decisions. I am aware of changes that are happening and actions that are being taken for that and I'm always able to learn. There is always things I don't know, ways I don't think, things I don't do. A growth mindset knows that and acts upon fixing it. I keep opinions and my habits, but not indefinitely. If I were to be writ in stone I would have a fixed mindset. But on the contrary I am very fluid in my thoughts.
Week 36
Self-Guided Learning:
I can cite my E&P&C resources here, because they have educated me in more that just that quest. I am able to take all these examples into multiple forms of art.
Imagery:
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| Week in Review: This week is a shorter one, but on the 3-day weekend I did get some work done at home. I also found a source for Value and finished up the Value Artifact in class. It doesn't feel like school is coming to a close for me. It feels like soon I'm going to get a lot more free time to put toward the MLSA. Anyway I've been getting ahead in my end-of-the-year projects for all my classes, so I am not loosing my drive like most kids are. I smashed out Texture Artifact fast enough to surprise even me. The ideas flowed from my finger tips, and I'm so stoked to get closer to completing my 5 week goal. Reflection: I'm getting back into reading books, and with over 150 free ones from bookbub I picked at random The Forever Gate Series. It's a mashup of the matrix and inception, but if I say any more I'd spoil it. Sci-Fi is very much my genre, so I'm glad to be so immersed in this book. Its been a while since I've read a book for fun. Something I'm hoping to do lots of over summer. Who needs mindless youtube viewing when you have immersive reading experiences on all your devices (literally at your fingertips)? I'm also looking into fanfiction, and I hear from my librarian that there is some hidden gems from professional authors that are posting free works (as fanfiction) on the web. Random Fact: I have no need for the caps lock button. There are 2 types of people. Those that use the shift key and those that use the caps lock. If I ever want to type in all caps, I hold down the shift key while typing. And I hate when the caps lock key engages when I type. It's an infuriating key and is useless to me. Shift is all I need. Summer Goal: This summer I am going also to hone my basic skills by playing games. The games I will be playing will help my typing, expand my knowledge of geography, and reinstate what should be common knowledge. I would love some suggestions for more simple and useful games, and encourage you try your hand at this too. I have a big summer planned with MLSA, learning games, and reading. I'm sure I can keep up with it all. I'll probably end up also playing some MMORPG's and will try to keep my eyes open to how the traits of the game may apply to the MacLab. Although, I play those games different than some, with more focus on the Roleplaying aspect, yet this could come in handy and point out a new view for the MacLab. My idea for the summer is I will still blog, because my summer will be more focused if I keep entries and make goals. This will be fun. Week 36 Effort: I got everything together this week. I wrapped up some things I would like to take with me on my journey in the summer. It doesn't feel like MacLab is toning down for me, rather, it is just starting to heat up. With my attitude, its hard not to claim the Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 36 Goal Reflection: I have Type and Color left because this week I really tromped down on the E&P&C. I have to say my 5 week goal is going splendidly! I really did good with this one. It feels incredible to follow through. I've recently been stressing in my blog the importance of ending the year strong, and I believe I've set a great example of that! Week 37 Goal: I will continue to write goals throughout the summer. We have seen that I follow them really well and I just love to have that drive. Its a really great thing, and I'm looking forward to it. This documentation will not stop, for if it does then does my main source of drive. I refuse to let that happen! Lets finish E&P&C next week once and for all! Next year people will be able to see all of my work and hopefully I will help them. |
In terms of the MacLab, what does "plan, adapt, move forward, and grow" mean to you?
Well, if you wish to avoid melancholy, this is an essential part of life. Things change, we change, the world changes. Nothing is set in stone or stuck in time. Some stubborn "fixed-mindset" people may seem like it, but change is impossible to avoid. The point is to change in a way that you want to change. I've said it before; I am on the same journey, but since I started my destination and path have changed. I made a plan, I've been adapting constantly, I'm consistently moving forward, and my growth as a person is undeniable.
What are you going to take from your year in the MacLab?
I am going to take my insatiable appetite for getting better. Please let that carry onto the rest of my life and make me strive to be better. The information about computers and how to use them in my own way is great. But I sincerely think that I'm getting a priceless lesson of work ethic in this class. For someone who never thought of intrinsic motivation, to one who embodies it, I'd say your class did wonders, Mr. Skocko. MacLab brought out the best in me. And you will continue to be entertained by my blog over the summer. Please email me if I don't follow through, and I will put it at the top of my list of priorities. I want to do this. (I might keep it weekly, I might not. We will see how the work flows during the summer.)
Week 35
Self-Guided Learning:
I had to search up some design techniques, so I'll cite them here.
Imagery:
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 Reflection: Today is my type of day. The clouds are massive sprawling monoliths, but don't cover up the crisp blue sky. It just the right temperature to put you in a good mood. The sun finds you in between clouds and sunglasses may be required. I won't sugar-coat it, I see the world through rose-colored glasses. And I might not do that everyday, but more often than not: you will catch me with a smile on my face with no rhyme or reason behind it. Bonus Reflection: Our history teacher was passing back papers, and the girl in front handed me mine. I must have twitched slightly after receiving it, and the paper flew out of my hands. I tried to save it by whipping my hand under it, but it just ended up bouncing off my hand again. I fumbled and juggled the paper comically for what felt like a lifetime until finally taking both hands and slamming it down on the desk (quietly). I looked around, and for a solid 5 seconds thought no one saw me, so I asked out loud "Did anyone see that?" I was promptly greeted by a voice behind me to my left "I saw everything." I laughed so hard for a couple of minutes, somehow evading my teachers notice. Tears of laughter were brought to my eyes multiple times but still no one noticed my mental breakdown. It was so funny; the timing, how silly I must have looked, his response to my rhetorical question. It was just great. Week 35 Effort: I agree with Skocko that this does not feel like work. This is not the boring school that I have gone through with all its mediocrity. The light that is this period illuminates my other classes. It's become pretty unthinkable NOT to try everyday. And my effort leaks into other classes; I got so into learning Spanish that I visited my counselor and made him add a Spanish 5/6 class along with MacLab 2 period. That's 7 classes. My third year of full classes. My excessive use of effort daily (and my optimistic attitude) scores me a Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 35 Goal Reflection: I succeeded in making 2 versions of the element of Space. I have Value, Texture, Type, and Color left. Week 36 Goal: We have 2 Saturday schools for me to catch up to my 5 week goal. I wish I could work at home, but end-of-the-year comes with end-of-the-year projects. I try and fit in what time I can, and I am still optimistic about finishing my goal (when am I not?). E&P&C is priority! |
What do you wish to achieve in the MacLab?
Well to be honest with you, I've tried a lot branches of the MacLab, as endless may they seem. In order, I tried my hand at: Design (Posters), Design (Logos), Poster Imagery (Photoshop), Code (One Hour), Code (Twine), Vector Artwork (Illustrator), Typography (Illustrator), Painting (Photoshop), Enhancing Imagery For Print (Photoshop), 3d art (Illustrator), 3d art (Blender), Motion Animation (Illustrator + Photoshop), Pixel Art (Piskel), Music Production (Garageband), Music Production (LMMS). Of what I like most I would have to say what I'm doing in the moment. They are all rewarding while I am trying them. I wish to be the best at Music Production, but I honestly feel like art is calling me too. For now, I will keep exploring. I can only get better at what I'm doing, and I'm attempting to do it all. An insurmountable task you say? "Life is effort and I'll stop when I die!"
In terms of the MacLab, what does "most likely to be willing to try and try and try" mean to you?
That is so me! Hahaha I have been driven from the start. I was down a completely different path, but I'm on the same journey. The destination has changed, the scenery has changed, but I'm still trudging on. I am always willing to try and improve myself, and most the time I have to try and try again. Attempt for success, and you will catch it. And really I can give most the credit to my ability of continual 100%. If you could see my effort in a linear graph, the line would bounce around the top for each and every day. If you ask why, the only real answer is that I am an optimist, and that translates into getting back up and trying again, because that's how I think. I think I can.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "self-guided learning" mean to you?
Self-guided learning is what you would like to progress toward in the MacLab. This is the intrinsic motivation of working towards your goal. We do it every week and everyday. We don't always document all of it, because anything we google or hear from our partner is that self-guided learning at work. We are always absorbing information, and retaining the lessons that will help us toward our goal.
Week 34
Self-Guided Learning:
To show my ideas, I had help from Hunter and this video in my self-guided learning. This was my own directive, making a project seen on the projects page of my blog. I used what I learned from E&P&C to also help me. The work is posted in the page, so head on over to it to see the full extent of my Self-Guided learning.
Imagery:
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| Week in Review: I am attempting to find a good way to show color theory. We had a short day today in the MacLab, and people are kinda going crazy. At least in a few instances. Somebody thought it was a god idea to steal a person's mouse while said victim was using the drawing tablet. Then after a while scribbling through their art. I feel sorry for the artist, they were actually doing work. Someone should take a damage for that one (Don't think I didn't enforce it. I told 'em to give themselves a damage. Even though Skocko isn't here, integrity still applies). On top of that, someone from this period or any period before this glued the base plate of a mouse (35) to the desk. Wow. I have no comment. So I guess sleeping in makes students crazy. I'm not crazy, so I just continued E&P&C work. Going for the completion of my 5 week goal. Reflection: Have you ever uncovered something at random, only to find out it's the best thing ever? It was a random encounter, that I found one of the best music artists for me (DJT❤ on soundcloud and youtube). They make exactly what I like. And I wasn't browsing for music at the time, just stumbled across a video I wouldn't normally click. The music hit me like seeing true love for the first time. It's the only way I can explain it. Week 34 Effort: The shorter week and lack of Boss did not make me crazy. I was as focused as ever, and kept on that E&P&C. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 34 Goal Reflection: I did add some sources, and I'm very proud of that. On the other hand, the rough draft is completely done at this point, so it's time to refine my work. I can't tell you how excited I am to show Skocko. Also I have the ability to work at home now, that I uncovered my old MIDI keyboard. Week 35 Goal: I wish to keep it together as school is weaning down to its last days. Let's get that E&P&C!!! |
In terms of the MacLab, what does "MLSA" mean to you?
I am a believer of finishing strong, and not slacking. For me, this is not the end of school; this is just the start of MacLab Summer Academy. I refuse to wallow in self-indulgence and inactivity. The work is just starting to open up to more opportunities. The more I learn; the more I will be able to learn even more! That is the idea, and I have all of summer to put actions behind my words.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "conspire to inspire to make it transpire" mean to you?
Ok, let's break it down. Spire- Breath. So then Con as "together, with"; In as "into"; Trans as "through" makes the sentence more like "Talk with others to draw in thoughts; That will pass through to the real world." At least that's my perception of it. The sentence is bidding us to collaborate and work together so we may transfer our budding thoughts into the world around us. And I haven't mentioned why "it" is significant in this sentence, but I believe it is well worth you, the viewer, to work that one out for yourself. To me, "it" is the focus. What are you focused on? I know what I'm focused on, and if it does transpire, that's exactly what I yearned for all these years. The end-goal may have changed, but I'm on the same journey from whence I set out.
Week 33
Self-Guided Learning:
I used this tutorial to animate in Illustrator and Photoshop. This information will be useful when I am about to tackle the motion part of E&P&C. It is also good to be using Illustrator and Photoshop, programs I have been getting better at all year.
This tutorial has been extremely helpful for my (secret) project in garage band. It has been extremely necessary to use the components correctly and let the song I make become closer to the song I want. I hope the turnout will be worth it on this one. I have huge hopes, and I'm very excited. It's possible Skocko will grasp what I'm up to, but the surprise will still be awesome. I'm confident it will work out just like I wanted it to.
Imagery:
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 Reflection: Do you ever feel like your life is a movie? If so, what genre is it? My life's movie is one of my favorite types: a quirky, voice-over narrative. This is the story of a man. He does not know it yet, but he is about to change the world. My story doesn't exactly have any big conflict, and it's definitely not main-stream what you would think. It shows of a man who looks at the world different than everybody else. It has a ton of comedy, and the narrator attempts to tell the audience how this person's mind works. A laugh for the whole family, and a unique story told by Kevan Brighting. I just made that up, but still it would be cool. Week 33 Effort: This week was really good for inspiration. I got a lot of (secret) things done. Mr. Skocko will appreciate it (hopefully). But I've wanted to do this for most of the year, so I'm very glad I can start this up now. It must be as good as I can get it before I show The Boss. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 33 Goal Reflection: I started making more artifacts, and this may apply to more than one element or principle. Mr. Skocko gave me tips on my artwork, and let me figure out the reason behind it on my own. I'm learning these Elements and Principles and Color Theory slowly, but with definite progress. Week 34 Goal: Next week I'm hoping to finish the rough draft of my secret. Yes, rough draft. It's definitely not perfect how it is, but I'm glad to say who've I shown it to gives me lots of praise. Changes will most certainly be needed. I have to also remember to make more artifacts, and I do need one more source for my E&P&C page, so I may finally be able to reap my rewards with claiming the E&P&C loot. |
What would you do if you were not afraid?
Oh, wow. Uh, a lot of things actually. First off, I could be myself. Sure I'm me everyday, but who actually sees me for who I am? There is things that I'm too afraid to say, too afraid to do, too afraid to show, just because I get self conscious of what people see in me. That really is my biggest fear, but I do have little victories over myself here and there. I say stuff or do things I'm terrified of people finding out, but when I'm true to myself I can always conquer it. I would get over social pressures if I were not afraid. I would be able to be me. And everything else comes after that. Because if I could be me (because I'm not afraid), I could do anything.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "do not touch the screen" mean to you?
This one rule requires integrity, and it's pretty known that if you do end up giving yourself damage for it, no one will notice. That is the hardest part, but the most important. It is an inward struggle, and winning the struggle will be taking the damage. There are so many ways that you could easily brush this off and not care about it, but being true to yourself as often as you can will build great character, and a great person. You are the one who has to live with yourself for the rest of your life. Make them you best friend. Do the right thing, and you will love yourself for it.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "leave a lasting legacy" mean to you?
Helping others, really. It means that I have gone through trials and tribulations, and showing how I conquer it may be of use to somebody, someday. Do great things, and never forget to be a great person while your at it :)
Week 32
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned the do's and don'ts of Illustrator's aligning to pixel grid. Graphics and prints are very different when it comes to saving correctly. This is great information for me to carry around. It's very useful to save projects correctly. I wrapped up this course, and I'll come back to the advanced course next year. |
Imagery:
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| Week in Review: This week was our time to focus. (Hopefully) Listening to the 411 and following instructions. I used the technique, and even though I made mistakes I still used them to create this piece! Didn't know where I was going when I started this, but the journey was fun and so far it's ending up really nice. Reflection: Don't you love when something small happens, and it makes the rest of your day? Something so pure and cool that you stay happy, sometimes inexplicably so? That's what happened to me, and so I spend a lot of time focusing on small things that happen, and they grow better every time. Something so random. I was struggling with Spanish and believed I forgot a majority of it. I was in class, not able to read words... But I came on to the making sentences section, and they just flowed from my pencil. It made me happy to see my progress was not insignificant in a measly 2 years of high school language. Probably insignificant to anyone but me. I believe that attention to little details like this will allow people to formulate bigger pictures from different points of view. I know for a fact that I look at the world completely different from everyone else. The difference is quite noteworthy. 5 week strategy: So starting next week, we will have 25 days left. I am very confident I want to continue on E&P&C. Its what is going to be showed to next years students! My self guided learning course is over for now, and I want to use everything it taught me to continue making artifacts. I will continue the order of elements over the next 5 weeks. I have Form, Space, Value, Texture, Type, and Color left. 5 weeks and 6 elements. We can do this. I'm going to have to start cracking down on this and breaking art into its pieces to show students next year. This is my contribution to the MacLab. Oh and for those on my blog reading this, check out my new Art rant. Its been said before, but I wanted to put all my ideas in a nice format. Week 32 Effort: This week was awesome. I was still able to focus with all that's going on. There was lots of testing, and swim was coming to an end with Finals to attend to. I'm making more Form artifacts using the 3D as well. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 32 Goal Reflection: I worked on the Form artifact, and just have to find one I will settle with. They're all really fun to make! Week 33 Goal: We are buckling down and putting our nose to the grindstone (weird expression). Let's churn out the artifacts to show what we've learned! |
What can I use MacLab experience for?
Well I'm set on a future career of teaching. So this whole experience gives me an insight on how it could be done, and points out to me what is wrong with today's (and 200 years ago) way of teaching. I will be able to adapt my ways with this knowledge in mind.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "freedom with responsibility" mean to you?
The student is able to take the classroom into their own reign. They will direct their participation in the MacLab with ZIM in mind. To me, this means that I may pursue any field, and be responsible by using my skills to benefit others as well.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "deeds, not words" mean to you?
Actions speak louder. Doing is much more meaningful than what someone just says they will do. To me, this means that I should act upon my ideas, not just declare them.
Week 31
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned how to round paths and corners. There's a lot more to it, and each technique making the project different. Each shape can be used in tandem with the round corner widget. |
Imagery:
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 Reflection: So it took me awhile to realize that I've been cruising through school for a while. I am convinced I have been going through the motions since 7th grade. Its hard to remember a time that I was immersed in the lesson. Of course, I have my days, some more connected than others. But I've been walking to and from classes with my factory-inspired bell urging me to. And not exactly knowing why, and not really questioning it. I've been taking the easy-to-pass classes. Why would I challenge myself with arbitrary "honors" classes? I know they would be nice to not have to take them in college, but the fact still remains that they mean nothing. Week 31 Effort: I put my nose to the grind-stone and churned out some valuable work this week. I focused and absorbed the Self-Guided Learning, and also applied previous lessons in my artwork this week. (Clouds from this lesson, Curvature Blobs (highlights) from here, and Pen Tool work from this chapter) Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 31 Goal Reflection: I am satisfied with the completion of the goal this week. I am still looking out for posters that I can use to remember and demonstrate my experience and learning in the MacLab. Week 32 Goal: I want to get to the form artifact next week. I also have a project proposition with Trenton, using Twine. I will share the skills I have already learned, to further our project and experience. |
In terms of the MacLab, what does "deliver every single day" mean to you?
I take this one to a more personal level. I come in everyday, wanting to get that early bird bonus. It is such a little bonus, but it requires me to try just that little bit more. Same applies for the 411 bonus. I pay a little bit more attention, and when I'm sure that I applied the info effectively toward my day in the MacLab, I reward myself. This all rests under the big integrity, but also shows intrinsic motivation.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "wrap your work in purpose" mean to you?
Well if I come into the MacLac, and make pictures for me, that's great. Good job, right? But don't I want to get more out of MacLab than just that? If someone else benefits from my work, that is a job well done. I always want to do my best, so I always want to think of the big picture and my place in it.
Week 30
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned how to use the all-important pen tool. |
Imagery:
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 Week 30 Effort: I am excited to get through as many artifacts in E&P&C as possible. I really try to get them right, and represent art as best as possible. I like breaking it down in the elements, to really explore the building blocks of art. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 30 Goal Reflection: I was able to get my ideas down for shape, and they came out pretty good! I had ideas to show a tesseract (hypercube) spewing out shapes... Everything here is made out of shapes, organic and mechanical. Week 31 Goal: Its getting close to the end of the year, so I want to attempt another poster. Maybe I would want to print out an artifact from my E&P&C page if one takes my liking. |
In terms of the MacLab, what does "make the system work for you" mean to you?
So the system doesn't work. Where does that put you? You still can't give up, because life continues on. So you make the best of it. No, you make it better. Be assertive. Get what you came for.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "if you want change, you have to change" mean to you?
Sitting around and saying that things aren't going well is extremely unhelpful. What are you going to do about it? Are you hypocritical when making these statements? Are you contributing? This statement is meaning that for us to see the world change, you have to start changing yourself. Be a leader. Show the world what you want by your actions.
Week 29
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned how to use the curvature tool. The basic little tool proves to have more secrets than I thought! |
Imagery:
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| Week in Review: Our week was a little bit shorter because of the minimum day, but I was able to work on what I wanted to. I was also able to view some of the Illustrator update videos in the lesson, like the shaper tool, because I didn't have it when I did the chapter by Deke. I did end up scrolling through the google results, and found out websites explain the elements quite different from one another. Week 29 Effort: This week I was on the ball. I was focused and got lots done. I'm trying to wrap my head around art, and explore all the elements. I also closely followed along One-on-One Fundamentals of Illustrator. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 29 Goal Reflection: I have posted the E&P&C page on my website. I have been evaluating resources and found some good ones to base my research on. I will credit all of them on the page. It feels good to nail the goal I set for myself. Week 30 Goal: I got 2 sources done for E&P&C quest, so I would like to get one more and finish my Line art. I also want to search for ideas and inspiration for the next artifact, Shape. |
Week 28
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned how to use the blob brush. Another tool I completely overlooked. At the end I grabbed the Wacom tablet to follow along again. It is such a great tool. |
Imagery:
In terms of the MacLab, what does "newly shined & refined but will always be a work in progress" mean to you? |
| Week in Review: I have finally got the ball rolling on the E&P&C quest, and I'm proud of what I have so far. I used the information from last weeks self-guided learning to help me make the line art for the quest. I also took up Twine, which my friends have been suggesting forever. This link made it so my story was how I wanted it to look like. I wanted sugar cube to act different, so I looked at the helpful comments on this thread. I'm not in code, but google is the seemingly endless source of information I turn to on a daily basis. You can poke around on my first project, (once I get it running on my site) but I'm starting a second one with a solid story in mind. Someday I could return to the first one, it was good. Week 28 Effort: This week was great for my effort and confidence. I'm moving with quests, and also learning on my own. This story has compelled me, and I made twine work for what I want. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 28 Goal Reflection: I got to the E&P&C quest, part 1/8 of the first section, elements. Sound pretty small right? Well the first step has to start somewhere. I don't want to rush my art of these elements. It takes time to exemplify, in the best way possible, art itself. Week 29 Goal: I would love to continue the E&P&C and try, really try, to find good research for it. Next week will be spent with scrolling the google results. |
In terms of the MacLab, what does "power - responsibility = fail" mean to you?
You have the power to be great. But you seem to use your skill without care. Your purpose is mediocre, and a talent is being wasted. Act upon it! You are worth it!
We are never done. Us as a people are always changing, always being a newer version of ourselves. We are a work in progress, and our work is always changing as we change. The possibilities are endless, and the destination is not as important as the journey. Greatness aspires in action, not finished products.
Week 27
Self-Guided Learning:
One-on-One: Fundamentals with Deke McClelland
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned how to use the pencil tool, one Illustrator application I have ignored for far too long. Grabbing the Wacom tablet, I follow along to increase my arsenal of tools. |
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| Week in Review: I am excited to start on my final posters for the year. I will attempt to use all the knowledge I have acquired so far. A refresher is needed, so I popped back to the handy-dandy CTT and reviewed the lessons. This poster is to hang up on my wall, because I will always remember the time in my high school sport. One of the few photos I could find of me, this poor JPEG was riddled with the camera's artifacts, disrupting the quality of the photo. I also used this CTT to clean up the noise and spots with the spot-healing brush. Week 27 Effort: This week was a good week. I was able to focus on Lynda learning, final posters, and helping fellow students with a project (I was filmed by Andrew, and he is going to work with After Effects). I can confidently say Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 27 Goal Reflection: I am so proud to totally nail last weeks goal. I''m excited to get this poster in 8x10. Thank you Mr. Skocko for letting me keep a bit of high school memory. It's very generous to allow us to print. My spring break was too filled to move forward in the E&P&C quest, but I did get around to most the Ted talks, which I just love. Week 28 Goal: Putting it off for far too long, I want to make next week focus on E&P&C and quests like the Creative Process. |
In terms of the MacLab, what does "ethical, responsible conduct > gaming the system" mean to you?
Well, this is saying that ethical, responsible conduct is more important than gaming the system. This is true for a lot of things. Is a cheater doing the right thing? Well I guess there is more important questions to ask. Is a cheater doing the right thing for them? Ethical, responsible conduct is showing a good use of integrity, and will expand your options much wider than gaming the system. Gaming the system will get the job done, but if you become who you want to be, you gain a good experience from that, and no one can cheat you out of that. It's your loot for the keeping.
In terms of the MacLab, what does "focus your focus" mean to you?
Heh. Funny. Ok, I can work with this. Thanks for asking. I believe this is alluding to stepping back and looking at the big picture again. Are you concentrating on the right area? Sometimes when you are too close to the picture, you forget what is around you.
Week 26
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned to combine all the knowledge I've learned so far. I am following along so I may wield the knowledge to draw on my own. |
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| Week in Review: Refining the system, we get to hunt and heal. Our blogs are shaping up, and the boss may have to call over his reaper friend if anything is out of place. I have healed my friends to the right and left. Along with learning Lynda, I practiced using brushes in Photoshop. I tried out the tablet tool and I quickly found out Photoshop is 20 times more of a pain to undo than Illustrator. Illustrator even has a shortcut using the tablet buttons to undo, and I really like it. Photoshop is hard to get used to, but can churn out some powerful results as long as you are working big. Again, Illustrator wins that one, as you can infinitely up-size. I like both for very different reasons. Week 26 Effort: This week was interesting to say the least. A long line of productive distractions. My effort was on-par but not on topic, such as contributing to the balancing of our course. The effort itself deserves a Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 26 Goal Reflection: This week I have deviated from my goal, but I am learning still. There were distractions and bumps and sometimes I strayed off course. But one course was not better or worse than the other, because I have learned this week either way. Week 27 Goal: In-between this week and the next, I wish to get around to doing MacLab over spring break. Which means more loot (as I did winter break), but anyone could have took the opportunities, and like me may not have ever even seen debt. I would love to see my goal from last week started over the break. And for Week 27 I wish to start making my end-of-the year posters. I want to display all the progress I have achieved this year. |
Week 25
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned about text. I want to grasp this concept so I may be able to help with posters, and further enhance my ability to create my own work. Its time to delve into the typographic side of Illustrator! |
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| Week in Review: We are getting some laws laid down and I am happy to accept the change. Its time to say goodbye to my old blogging technique, but never fear, you can always scroll down; as I have transferred everything over. I understand the importance of substantial blogs, and would love to try my hardest. I wish all classrooms could be like this, and I agree that grades are cancer. (Definition of cancer: any evil condition or thing that spreads destructively; blight) Week 25 Effort: This week I was able to change my blogging technique, in hopes of proving to the world that grades are not working, and that students can be self-driven in this competitive world. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 25 Goal Reflection: It feels good to get some progress. Lynda is a resource I can always count on, whether that be at home or at school. Week 26 Goal: I'm very happy to continue the self-guided learning course I am on right now. I want to also use my knowledge to progress on this quest next week. |
Bonus/Bogus Quest:
Self-Assessment + Curricular Autonomy = Power
The Power and The Validity of the Bonus/Bogus Mechanic
Taking the bonus is a great reward for those who know they are doing the right thing. Something as simple as getting to class early gives me pleasure to do so; seeing the result of my integrity further influences me to try for it again, and raise my 100% upwards and above. The bogus is something that I see as a reminder that not every student operates at an A when they try. The grading system has poisoned some, and with the need to want an A so bad, students will click the bonus falsely. Does it raise their grade? No. Does it give them the pleasure, and want to get to 110%? No. To use this correctly, the enforcement of the bogus comes into play. A bonus should be a good thing when they use it with integrity. A bogus is a reminder to always use the bonus for what it is supposed to do.
Power + Responsibility = Change that can directly improve your lot in life
Power - Responsibility = Return to same old, obsolete school system
The Responsibility
I can tell you that I get A's in my classes by just trying. When I continually try, my grade always evens out to an A. But for the students whose 110% effort equals out to a C or similar grade, this can get hard for them. They have the integrity to do there own work, study, and preform at their max, but the system just doesn't work. Students who cheat are not bad students, it's the constant fear of a bad grade that forces them to do something out of character. The grading system eventually weighed on them so much that it changed how they took school. A perfect, self-driven student ruined by the "carrot and whip" cruelty of the grading system. Having control over your learning breaks you out of the constraints that grades put on students.
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Week 24
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned about dashes and strokes. This is one of those things that I know is there, but haven't seen the full picture to it. You must master the basics! |
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| Week in Review: The changes have begun, and we stride forward, hoping not to blunder. We will pioneer this front in hopes that we will see the change spread for the better. We have scaled the tree of guidance, and view what is before us to call out to others. Week 24 Effort: I have tried my hardest, and attempted to wrap my mind around concepts like design and art. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 24 Goal Reflection: I have studied these lessons and may apply them in MacLab quests like this. Week 25 Goal: I will continue next week by continuing the fundamentals, practice is perfect! |
Week 23
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned about swatches and color. I feel like knowing about global swatches is a tool of immeasurable use! |
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| Week in Review: The trials we face are nearing completion. Our work flies out from under our fingertips. We tentatively glance at what we have made in the time given. Do we cringe or do we celebrate? Week 23 Effort: I have tried my hardest this week, and while learning about valuable info, I try to apply them, and reflect on them as I work to ingrain them. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 23 Goal Reflection: I have used the skills to advance my work, as you can see above. Week 24 Goal: I will continue next week with Lynda, to learn more about the programs we use. |
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Week 22
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned about shape tools in Illustrator. The live shape update is really cool! |
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| Week in Review: I seem to be experiencing Adobe Illustrator for the first time again. The teacher wields the pen of knowledge, and there is much to learn. I am honing my skills, and my goal is to make an acceptable piece of artwork by the end of the year. Week 22 Effort: I have tried my hardest to follow and practice these tutorials. Rubric: You gave it your all: A Week 23 Goal: I will continue next week with exercising these new skills. |
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Week 21
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| Week in Review: We went on a journey. This journey requires excellence, and it has a deadline. Mastery is a must, and we refine our designs again and again for the final 10%. We want to be professional. |
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Week 20
Self-Guided Learning:
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| In this Lynda chapter, I learned about the line tools. Knowing how powerful these basic functions are is really useful! |
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| Week in Review: A hidden jewel has been uncovered. A base full of knowledge; there is much to learn here. Lynda is the site where we can dive into the knowledge of our predecessors. Hours stacked onto days and years of knowledge, a lifetime's worth of experience. I am excited to know more. |
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Week 19
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| Week in Review: This week we had clients to take care of, and gold to collect. Adventurers are scrounging their pockets to come up with the finance for a guild. We all need to be apart of something in this adventure. The guild we pick supports our endeavors in that area. |
Quest
Resource By Andrea Wicklund
Week 18
Finals for week 18 so not much to document.
Week 17
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| Week in Review: An idea started to congeal. The links started forming. I don't know where we are headed, but I have a feeling where I want to be. As the snowball rolls, it collects together to form into a bigger, different shape. It is seen rolling down the hill until it rests at the bottom as exactly what it should be. I pushed this idea, and I am excited to see where it ends up. |
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Week 16
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| Week in Review: This week our choices were innumerous, and I wanted to make a test of fate. What would you place as? Teamwork is important in our journey, and I asked for some help from the C-Squad. In this test I put some jokes towards them, but they know that I admire what they do. Love y'all, couldn't do it without ya! |
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| Week in Review: With a rest stop in our journey approaching, we have to stay focused on the path before us. It's time to get serious and get some work done. We have passing clients that need our attention. We first attend to them as best we can, and depending on our work can get paid handsomely. At the rest stop, we are told there are some jobs we can pick up, if we choose to accept. There are many opportunities for gold, and some of us have dues to pay. |
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Week 14
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| Week in Review: A new face for a new day. We graduated our old journal, and tested the new one last week. Now, this week is the fresh start. We scan the fields of perception with our old experiences still tightly clutched to our bodies. We are ready for new things, but precede with caution. |
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Week 13
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| Week in Review: The ever-fluctuating path of progress shifts, and we must adjust our step to match it. We step with care, taking a gander at the new surroundings. We are presented with a whole new set of possible solutions, these we must find on our own. We take a stab in the dark to see what we come up with. We bring our new-found info to the real deal, and start our journey, anew and fresh. |
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Week 12
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| Week in Review: Week Twelve we fixed our mistakes and allowed our peers to help us. We can’t do this journey alone, and sometimes we have to admit that. Our road widened as we allowed our peers and friends to walk with us. We might not be headed to the same destination, but we can always help each other to get their safe and sound. |
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Special Thanks to:
Week 11
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| Week in Review: Week Eleven we delved deep into the jungle of art. We hacked and slashed our way through with a new set of tools, some cuts weren’t pretty, and some to deep. We learned as we went, and soon our path cuts became cleaner, nicer, and more efficient than ever, with practice. |
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| Week in Review: Week Ten we stumbled upon a generous merchant, willing to fund our journey on our chosen path. Promising to pay him back, we started off in the right direction, and began to explore the options that opened up to us. |
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Week 9
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| Week in Review: Week Nine we saw where the fruitful paths of investigation could lead us. With our mindset turning into a growth mindset,* we will start our journey on the right foot. Now, the destination is less important than the journey. Abandoning any signs of conformity, we dissipate, to trail blaze on our own chosen route. |
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Week 8
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| Week in Review: Week Eight we met the crossroads of independent decision. We equipped the tools set before us and readied ourselves for greatness. |
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Special Thanks to:
- Frente at Behance
- Jonathan Bean at Unsplash
Week Eight through Nine
Week Eight through Nine we crossed paths, but chose our own way through the forest of direction.
Week Eight through Nine we crossed paths, but chose our own way through the forest of direction.
Week 7
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| Week in Review: Week Seven we discovered the blank canvass of continuity. We added a documentation of our journey, to learn from our experience on the curve-linear path of correspondence. |
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Week 6
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| Week in Review: Week Six we expanded our horizon, by climbing up the tree of productivity. We delved into our ego to bring forth an icon of self, a confirmation of our existence. |
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Week 5
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| Week in Review: Week Five we sharpened our spear, and really tried to catch a big fish. With a set of tools and our own mind to work with, we tried to use our experience to capture something great. |
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Special Thanks to:
- Dave Meier at Twitter
- Gluk Fonts at Fontspace
Week 4
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| Week in Review: Week Four we explored the field of opportunity. We stayed close to the trail, for the fog of uncertainty clouded the true reaches of the landscape. |
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Special Thanks to:
Week 3
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| Week in Review: Week Three we started to test the water. We tickled the creative sense and tested our ingenuity with quests in the rolling plains of design. |
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Week 1-2
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| Week in Review: Week One presented itself as an intro, getting the boulder moving, as we worked around the campus re-arrangements. Week in Review: Week Two Set us up with the raw materials to make our accounts. We built a sense of self, Ready to engage by Week Three. |
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Week One through Seven
Week One through Seven we walked through the basics, hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone. We avoided the mossy stones and stuck to the path set ahead of us.
Week One through Seven we walked through the basics, hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone. We avoided the mossy stones and stuck to the path set ahead of us.
