Provocatuers

My dad is the biggest provocateur I know. He has that entrepreneur-like motivation, and a persistent personality. Even if something is considered impossible by law of nature, he still is going to o it with no doubt in his mind. He does show a lot of courage throughout his life. He had to be courageous, because he grew up in a rough area in Michigan, so you had to be courageous to even walk out of your house. If anyone is ever fearful of completing a certain task, he'll push you out of the way and do it with no second thought. 

To become a provocateur, I believe I need to stop thinking so much, because my thoughts usually become negative thoughts after a while of deep thinking. My negative thoughts always crush me and stop me from completing certain daring tasks.

Direction of my Final Project

My final project is going to be a challenge for me, because what I had in mind at first is not as easy as it seemed. It's going to take up most of my time if I want it to be even slightly successful. At this point, I'm having second thoughts of what I want to do for my final project.

I do want to have my website up on my laptop for people to browse through my portfolio of videography and photography, and that is for sure. I believe my project is going to go more towards showcasing and maybe tutorials of how I do my production, and maybe even a film to go with it. I will have to discuss this with my mentor first.

Technology is going to play a huge role in the completion of my final project. My camera and equipment with it is my most vital technology I will be using. Also, my laptop software will be used to make all the media that will be shown. I'm going to have my laptop setup so everyone can see my portfolio and my website.

Other Blogs From HMP Students

Wow, everyone make sure to check out these students' blogs! They make mine look terrible.

http://fernandahmp.wordpress.com/
http://sfonshonorsmentorship.wordpress.com/
http://merritthmp.blogspot.com/

BEST BLOG EVER!

Here's my favorite inspirational video blog! Just watch any of the videos, and it will make you want to become a video producer!

http://motionographer.com/

Some of My Videography/Photography!

The link below is the promotional video I made for my high school Key Club. I won first place at District Convention and I'm competing in International Convention!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NhxEqJUPQg

Below is a random photo I recently took that I thought looked pretty nice!

Below is a link to a music video I am currently still in the process of finishing.. one of my favorite songs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMaD0SGrrIo&list=LL0AERzGWsEUXVfkamGH4g2w&feature=mh_lolz

Vulnerability

Sometimes, I am afraid that I am not "caring" enough. I'm always just zoned out thinking about so much, not realizing I should be doing things for others. To me, vulnerability is your weak point. It's what can destroy your ego. I struggle with vulnerability because I believe I have a little bit of an ego. Well, I think everyone does, but some people just don't have big ones. Every time I'm faced with something that I don't think I can overcome, I tell myself that other individuals have overcome crazier challenges with disabilities, and it helps me focus.

MINDSIGHT

1. I need to develop resilience, because I am easily brought of track, and it's hard for me to get back on. My life is filled with a lot of crazy events that take me off my path and leave me hanging.

2.  Well, I do not have a literature class this year, and I definitely do not enjoy reading in my free time. So sadly enough, I can say have not read one book this year.

3. As I child, I would play video games all day, every day like a maniac. I would rarely see the sun, and if I did, I would be having "pinecone wars" outside with my neighbors or riding my scooter.

4. My main goal for the past few years 

5. I still love to play video games in my spare time, but I've started to slow down on the gaming, and pursue my movie making and design skills. I like to really just create things on my computer, whether it's a design or a movie.

6. My favorite energizing activity is playing hacky sack. It gets me moving in a rhythm, and gets my heart beating quick. It's a good cardio workout.

7. Music artists intrigue me the most. The way they express their feelings using words is just so satisfying and creative. I'm quite intrigued with really any music artists, because I love ALL types of music almost equally.

Interview

Q1: Have you ever created a design specifically made to persuade a crowd?

A1: Yes, in fact I have. Even my students work with real companies to create advertisements, keeping the target audience in mind.

My thoughts 1: Mr. Martin definitely can help me with my work with his skills.

Q2: How did you go about doing this?

A2: I had to contact the business owners and see if they're willing to be customers, and went over the skills with the class. They had a few days to get ready to make the phone calls.

My thoughts 2: It's amazing how the middle schoolers did it themselves. This shows dedication and bravery.

Q3: If you were trying to persuade a group of people through one design or image, what would be some of the aspects of the design you would focus on?

A3: Well, it would depend on the target audience, really. If they were little kids, you would want to use bright colors and custom fonts. If they were older folks, you would keep it more simple, and not so flashy.

My thoughts 3: This is exactly what I had in mind when I made this question.

Q4: How do you get a group of kids (like the kids in your class) to listen to an individual like yourself?

A4: The main way is to give them tasks with real world meaning. It makes they're ears perk up when they know it's for a real customer and not just a grade. Because if it was bad, it would embarrass them.

My thoughts 4: This means the children are really into what they are learning, and they are dedicated. It is hard to be a teacher of such enthusiastic kids.

Q5: Have you ever made a design that has been mass produced across the school or even, the state?

A5: Well I actually am the guy who designs the icons for Hall Connect. As far as statewide, no. I've made a commercial that has played on local television, but that's about it.

My thoughts 5: Wow! It's amazing this guy I met is the one who makes the logo I see everyday on the internet!

Q6: Have you ever made a promotional video of any kind? What were they/ was it?

A6: Yes, I've made some for Habitat Humanity, my church, and more. But primarily, I just do non-profit work for friends who don't know how to do it.

My thoughts 6: Doing non-profit work is a huge deal. It shows that you're not just in it for the money.

Q7: Was the promotion successful?

Q8: And it what ways?

A7: The events were successful yes, but I don't think it had anything to do with me. 

A8: I will say my Sander's Drugs video was very successful, because he said he added over 100 customers that were drawn in by the commercial.

My thoughts 7: I think he was trying to be modest, but I believe without advertisements, a product?service is nothing.

My thoughts 8: Anyone who can make an ad and get that much hype from it, knows what they're doing.

Q9: When you are making any sort of promotional video, what are some of the aspects or outline you follow?

A9: We storyboard every single video. It starts with a phone call to whoever is going to be playing the video. Then, you try to get the customer to see things from your point of view. Those are the main steps.

My thoughts 9: Storyboarding is a big part and helps you keep things organized. You can tell Mr. Martin is an organized guy from his answer.

Q10: If I were to make a Kickstarter promoting an item to a schoolboard, what advice would you give me?

A10: The best advice I can give is make your customer know what kind of benefits they can receive from you. They won't be interested in what you have unless they get something out of it.

My thoughts 10: I never thought of this aspect, honestly, when I was brainstorming of ways to approach schoolboards.

Empathy

I feel as if I'm a pretty empathetic human being, at least more than the average. I find it easy to make friends with people because I can see life through their eyes, and see that everyone is cool in their own way. The empathy test was somewhat right, which stated that I was slightly above average. I believe it was being a little harsh on me. I believe it doesn't know me enough from only 60 robotic questions. My mother is probably the most empathetic person I know other than myself, since she is always such a soft-hearted lady. She is always quick to give, even when it means sacrificing her time and money. On the other hand, one of my best friends from high school is not so empathetic. He always makes fun of people to their face, and I'm not sure if he realizes it or not. He is a popular kid, so when he will sort of pick on someone, I see them laugh it off, but I see deep down inside of them, and he or she will become sad.

HMP Assignment - Self Reflection

Resolution: FOCUS

I chose this word because focusing in the year of 2013 is my hardest task. It is a year filled with so many gadgets and hobbies, and my brain is easily distracted by everything that is going on in the world.

I am not the type of person who envies a lot of people, and I'm really laid back about some situations. However, there are certain things/ events  that some people get to experience that just really grind my gears, because I can't. My parents shelter me a lot from the world, so there's just so much in life I haven't experienced because of fear from my parents. I really envy some kids when they come back from an awesome concert that I could never go to, and they're telling me all about how awesome it is. I'm not a habitual liar, either. Although, I may spurt a quick lie out in a conversation depending on the situation. For example, if I'm talking to a girl about music, I may say I love her favorite band even though I've never really listened to them.

HMP Assignment Student Project Focus

1. I need to know that if high school dropouts are capable of creating a successful business, then I am too.

2. My current essential question is: How can I start my own Visual Media Production company? It has been the same since I typed it up.

3. For my final presentation, I will make a digital portfolio of all of my graphic design, photography, and videography with my laptop. I will make it so an individual will be able to scroll through them all, and pick what they want to observe. I will also display my Kickstarter posters, and document the success of it by having the Kickstarter page up on my iPad.

4. For my "real inquiry", I will begin asking myself questions such as:

- How are some production companies with lower production quality more successful/ well known than companies with better production skills?

Basically, find out what appeals to people most, and how I can get my name out there.

Beyond Boundaries: Gordon Parks’ Fashion Photography

Beyond Boundaries

One of the most imaginative photographers of all time, Gordon Parks, would have turned 100 this past week (he died at 93 years old). He was an African American who grew up in discrimination and poverty. He had to work little side jobs to survive, including playing music. He was doubted throughout his life, and had very little support, but he finally found his niche in 1983. It was the world of photography. 

He was shooting for months after he received his camera from a pawn shop, and his pictures began to be displayed in Minneapolis. Parks was an insanely skilled photographer, because he could snap pictures in any type of scenario, from ghettos to fashion shoots. Through the years, he became one of the most legendary photographers. He eventually got a deal with LIFE magazine, and he was the director of the movie "Shaft".

Parks not only worked his way up from poverty to riches, but he also had a passion in what he did, and it wasn't much of a selfish desire. He said he saw photography as a weapon to fight against poverty and racism, and he believed he could bring the people together with his art. Parks was undeniably one of the best photographers in the nation, and he will always be missed.

"Beyond Boundaries: Gordon Parks' Fashion Photography." Style Design Beyond Boundaries Gordon Parks Fashion Photography Comments. TIME, 30 Nov. 2012. Web. 07 Dec. 2012. <http://style.time.com/2012/11/30/beyond-boundaries-gordon-parks-fashion-photography/photo/03_05927762/>.

Technology in my Field

1. You would use a wide variety of technology, from hardware to software. You would use a DSLR camera to shoot photography. You also would always have your camera attached to a stabilizer for hollywood quality shots. You would use a computer with a strong processor, and Adobe software to incorporate my graphic design and editing skills into every shot you have.

2. I usually communicate with other professionals through email or phone calls. I never text them from the phone, though.

3. If I ever present my work, I do so with a projector if it is a video, and with a portfolio of pages if it is my design work.

4.  I believe we will still always be using the same equipment for the most part, like the camera and lens, but of course as the years go by, technology will be improved majorly.

5. I imagine so much more technology being incorporated into photography/videography/design. For example, I believe you will be able to "photoshop" a person in a video (make them look skinnier, change their complexion, etc.) and input designs all from your camera.

For my final presentation, I will make a digital portfolio of all of my graphic design, photography, and videography with my laptop. I will make it so an individual will be able to scroll through them all, and pick what they want to observe.

My Essential Question

How can I start my own Visual Media Production company?

I chose this as my essential question, because I plan to make short films in the future that will actually have relevance, and hopefully change how the world around us thinks. I want to learn the best methods of persuasion, because everyone knows only persuasive individuals can change a nation. Researching my essential question will actually be exciting to me, mainly because knowing and understanding the full answer to my question is really going to change my life in many ways. I will be able to influence populations with my media in a heartbeat, and get people motivated. More people will want to actually help the world become a better place by fixing all of the mess we made. I feel as if this question is the core question that will actually make my media worth something, and it's exactly what I need. My videos can look as cool as I want it to, but without any influence, all it is is a bunch of colors on a screen.

That is not my job!

Well, last week on Friday, I was having activity day for team sports in gym class. We leave the locker room about 5 minutes after the bell rings, and everyone's belongings are left inside the locker room. As i walk out, I'm waiting and looking for one of the coaches to come and lock the locker room when the last person walks out. He didn't come. I started to think to myself that it would be alright, and none of the rest of the kids in the locker room were thieves. After our gym class reentered the locker room, one of the kids noticed his expensive iPod is missing from his gym bag. He becomes furious and scrambles around looking for it. He started to ask everyone in the room if they have his iPod, and everyone was silent. He began to panic, and then he told the gym coach about the situation. The coach basically told the kid that it wasn't his job to keep up with his electronics. I agree with the coach, but why can't we at least have a set of "lockers" in the "locker" room? Isn't that what they're made for?

Graphic Design Article

Jackie Bischof is a freelance journalist and a reporter at the Wall Street Journal and a graduate from the school of journalism. She has excellent credentials since she was a Digital News Assistant at Dow Jones. She wrote Spot news stories and features on topics such as South Africa's Trade Unions and the relationship between the media and government and assisted with compiling graphics for various projects.

Jackie writes an article on the inherent difficulties that Mr. Matias Delfino,  a graphic designer for the United Nations Department of Public Information, faces when he is trying to convey a single message  to the world without stumbling on cultural misunderstandings or causing offense. She stated that he is a graduate of the university of Buenos Aires where he received his degree in graphic design. The author explains that Mr. Delfino is a Logo maker who thinks globally. He takes complicated topics and simplifies them into images that can be understood by people from all walks of life and all parts of the globe. The author adds that Matias' job is complicated not only because he has to make sure that these images must be very clear to the whole world, but also they must not be offensive. Although the author does not provide supporting evidence in this particular article, what she cited is self explanatory, does not provoke any skepticism, and does not need any supporting statistics or findings. She did include a quote to support her claims. It is in fact one of Mr. Delfino's statements.  He said, "Sometimes, each culture is a different world inside the same world. You need to make sure you're not misunderstood." The author 's perspective is even-handed and definitely not prejudicial. In fact, there was no need to add contrary information to prove that she is not prejudicial . The author explains that even the choice of color can be a complicated task in itself and she even included an example to support the importance of understanding the various culture in order to avoid conflicts. She relied on Mr. Delfino's own words when he said, " When you think about red, it [might] mean passion, love. Some other people see violence, blood."  In fact, we all know there is not one culture in this world, and some of the things that are acceptable in one culture might be rejected by others. the author explains that even though Mr. Delfino is one of the longest-serving members of the seven-person U.N, he still continues to face the challenge of making sure that the message behind his logo or designs will cut through all cultural differences and can be understood across the globe. The author stresses the fact of not crossing the line especially when dealing with sensitive issues such as world peace and human rights. She ads that Mr. Delfino sees these issues in black and white with a careful dash of color unlike most people who see them as abstract concepts with black and white with a dash of color. The designer has one goal in mind: designing is about injecting optimism, generating a positive change, and aiming to deliver the UN messages around the world. The author made it clear that that it's not always possible. One can argue that all we have to do is study other cultures and make the design. That is absolutely outside of the realm of reality. There is no way one can learn about all cultures of the globe since there are so many. But what the graphic designer who designs logos or images for an international organization should seek advise on a regular basis from people who works within the organization and are more familiar with world cultures. The author explained that the graphic designer is very aware of these issues and that he has once scratched a design that referred to the signal on a hospital heart monitor because he later learned that this common image from TV shows in developed countries is not known in poorer countries. The author elaborated on this point when she indicated that Mr. Delfino himself seek guidance on a regular basis from U.N. colleagues who have previously advised against images that might not translate universally. He does not take these issues slight. For instance, when he was approached to design a memorable brand for Holocaust remembrance, he had to give it some serious thought.  I find the author very credible and convincing. She cited many examples and experiences the graphic designer himself talked about.

Works Cited:

Bishof, Jackie. "Log Maker Thinks Globally." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 21 Oct. 2012. Web. 1 Nov. 2012. <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443684104578065241611424534.html>.

Bring on the Learning Revolution!

1. What would you pursue or study if you had unlimited time and resources?

2. Which has more influence, Aptitude or Attitude, and Why?

3. Do you think that our current grading system needs to be abolished? What alternative do you recommend?

4. Some of the HMP class goals are: to help students develop time management skills, foster a sense of independence and accountability, and real life problem solving. This class requires a lot of student motivation since you are not meeting with a teacher on a daily basis. What areas of improvement or areas of personal growth has this class brought to your attention (time management, procrastination, self advocacy, computer skills, writing or communicating deficits, etc.)?

1. If I had unlimited time and resources, I would be doing multiple things that would force me to become the "master of media". I would study photography/videography, be an independent filmmaker, and enter my films into the film festival (and win of course). I would also pursue making music, whether it be on my guitar or digitally, because that is most likely my favorite pastime. 

2. Attitude has more influence in my opinion, because aptitude comes from attitude. Even if you had a natural talent or gift, without a determined attitude,  that talent isn't going to bring you far.

3. There's no doubt that the current grading system needs to be changed, it's just hard to make a groundbreaking change in this society. These days, grades are mostly based off of laziness, forgetfulness, and copy and pasting. Grades should be based off of knowledge, but its hard to come up with alternatives. I would say to just wreck the whole system and start over, even if it means chaos for several years. There needs to be some sort of system where kids would kill to be learning, maybe by mainly working with the students true skills. For example, in my case, I would want to be focused more towards designing, creating, and producing media, instead of learning about history material that I'm not going to remember in the next few years. The current system is just depressing, because I've realized over the years that I am mostly wasting my life.

4. This class mainly helps me improve on my time management, and living in the real world. It gives me the chance to sit at a desk and watch others, and see how life would most likely be after pursuing my career path.

College Time!

It's time to turn in my applications for college, so here's my assignment to assist me:

Search postsecondary schools at http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/adv_typeofschool.jspand complete the survey as if you are pursuing the career field in which you are mentoring. List the following on your blog.

Questions:

1. List 3 colleges you would apply for with the degree program you will need to enter the field you are studying in HMP. Please provide the college's name, location, and link to their website.

2. What will be your criteria for a quality program of study?

3. Which universities would have the criteria you came up with?

4. Is there additional entrance requirements for your field of study?

5. What is your criteria for a "quality" ranking and educational program (size, location, sports, diversity, funding)?

6. What is the ranking for this program nation wide and what criteria is used to determine that ranking?

7. What professional and honors associations are related to your field of study?

8. List 3-4 potential scholarships for which you are eligible and can apply for. Please check on scholarships that may be specific to your school, church, clubs or organizations you may be involved in and the North Georgia Community Foundation's website: http://www.ngcf.org/page.aspx?pid=396

ANSWERS:

1. 3 colleges: 

- Georgia Institute of Technology

- located in Atlanta, Georgia

- link to website: http://www.gatech.edu

- SCAD

- located in Savannah, Georgia

- link to website: http://www.scad.edu

- University of Georgia

- located in Athens, Georgia

- link to website: http://www.uga.edu

2. My kind of College:

- 4-year

- Public/ Private

- Coed

- In Georgia preferably 

- Good Science, Math, Technology, or Art program

- Fraternity preferred 

3. Georgia Tech and SCAD

4. N/A

5. - Medium sized school

- 4-year

- Public/ Private

- Coed

- In Georgia preferably 

- Good Science, Math, Technology, or Art program

- Fraternity preferred 

6. It is ranked #36th in the nation, mostly known for its engineering program

7. SCAD has the "Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society in Architecture and Allied Arts" Association which sounds like it may include design.

8.  

School Bullying Awareness Scholarship

College Prowler $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Animal Welfare Awareness Scholarship

Monthly Assignment

Assignment 3- Promotional Video
Greenpeace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g61Cay1St3A&list=LLv29Fk1enjSt9D1YLzk-ayg&feature=mh_lolz

Full Media

My desk and the building at Full Media! Very nice..