Sagmeister and Burnett

Steven Sagmeister has be one of the coolest artists that I have heard about so far. He is daring, bold and not afraid to step across boundaries when it comes to his designs. On one of his most famous pieces, he physically carved words across his entire body, took a picture of it, and submitted it as a poster for AIGA. I can't imagine how painful that would be, but it is brilliant! Never been done before, and it certainly got him noticed. I really like how he takes a picture and digitally alters it so words are incorporated,... they look incredibly real and you have to question whether or not he found the image like that! His idea of using the inflatable monkeys was a great idea; dispersing them throughout the country, each with a specific message that can only be deciphered when put together. He is a great designer, and it's very difficult to pick just a few things about him that I really like.

Leo Burnett has a bunch of interesting characteristics that I'm trying to put together. He appears to be very simple in his work; basic colors, basic designs and etc. But the strange thing is that his simple images incorporate big meaning. Take for instance his hand and star logo. It's a very simple drawing resembling a wood cut, and it only two colors-black and white. Yet once you understand his idea behind it "When you reach for the stars you may not quite get one, but you won't get a handful of mud either," you realize that this man has done some thinking before he began drawing a hand surrounded by a couple stars. I was also surprised to see how complex his website is. It's completely interactive and has it's own unique personality to it. It was very fun to play around with, just to see the possibilities that can be done through website design.

focus

One of my favorite games include Guitar Hero, and I really wanted to capture a good picture of my guitar. I decided to focus on the keys because it is visually stimulating. The colors help and also the direction and line movement assist in capturing a good picture. When I play Guitar Hero, all of my attention is focused on the keys as I try to get the next note correct. Evyerhting else doesn't matter and I zone out from my surroundings. I feel this symbolizes focus because for the duration of the song, nothing else really matters.

have fun

I am not going to lie, I like to have a drink on occasion. If you really want to know me, it's best that you understand coconut rum is my favorite alcoholic beverage. (pineapple juice,..orange juice,..bahama mama's, mmmm). Don't get me wrong, I am not a party animal, but I think it's important for me to have fun with family and friends, and my coconut rum moves the process along. I have plenty of great memories as a result of this, and it's good for me to remember those days and those people. There isn't anything about this picture that is stimulating or suprizing, I just wanted to give you a clue about who I am. and so you know what to buy me the next time we meet at a bar.... :)

starting new

I was rushing to work when I realized I needed some gas. While I was waiting for the gas to finish, I noticed a new house being built. Because of this project, I had my camera with me and decided to take a quick photo. I know it's not the most engaging photo, partially because my camera doesn't have the best zoom and also because I was late for work. But I thought it was quite interesting on how many of us just need to leave and start over. Whatever we are involved with; homework, boyfriends/girlfriends, friends, reading a book, dieting, a hobby, and just life in general. After making a mistake and moving to Iowa for my freshman year, I was very excited to leave and start over. Yes, it hurt to leave the great people I met, but I have learned something from everyone of them and will only continue to grow. Now that I am in Kenosha, I couldn't be happier. Everything is working out for me and just falling into place. I am trying to better myself, meet new people, try new things. Who knows where I would be at if I hadn't started over.

harder than it looks

While I was running around the house, trying to capture objects that defined myself and my personality, I came across this piece. I thought it perfect, LOVE! So I snapped a few pictures and something just wasn't right,... until I flipped it around. I did this to represent that love isn't always straightforward and easy. I have been with my boyfriend, Jakin, for 7 years now, and I know it's not always easy. Things need to be deciferred (sp?), explained, thought out and developed. By simply flipping it around, the meaning became more indepth and not so obvious. I guess this is something that I need to work at, especially as I go through all my pictures I have taken for this project: everything is pretty much self explanitary. I am the type of person who asks really strange questions that can't be answered, so I should try taking better pictures that require the same amount of thought and questioning.

just a reminder

While driving along Sheridan Road, I listened to what Professor Rodman asked me to do and really checked out my surroundings. I wanted to find something that caught my attention. When I saw this smile sign, I nearly got into an accident as I spun around to go get a picture of it. I think this caught my attention because it's at a crummy house/building and simply gives the reminder that we need to smile. It's funny how something this simple and straightforward can create emotions. It reminds me of the little things in life; which includes smiling. Now my brainstorm instincts are kicking in, and thinking about smiling leads me into laughter, family, luck, destiny, love, happiness. The list could go on, but I can really appreciate this artist's attempt at creating a better world.

still some beauty left

I was walking outside the other day and noticed a patch of bright red berries. It seemed a bit unique since winter just left us, so I decided to take a picture of it. While attempting to get a decent shot, my options made me really think about why I decided to take a picture of this. I came to the conclusion: Amongst so much dirty things and bad choices, there are still good things left. Everything outside is dead, old and cold, but this picture symbolizes life, thriving and color. I like to overanalyze everything, and have realized that everyone needs at least two chances. There is a good side to every person and every action. In turmoil, something is holding us up. Regret often makes us fix the problems we created. Something is learned from everything that happens. It's unfortunate that the negatives occur, but somewhere along the line, something will benefit from it.

my hammy

This is my little hammy!! I am so proud of this guy, and this picture represents all people who love their animals. I applaud these people because we need more like them. He was my very first pet after leaving my parents home, and I can say that I have learned a lot from him. Responsibility being the main lesson. I know, I know, it's a hamster, but still! This little critter involves cleaning, nurturing, feeding, buying, and much more. As gross as cleaning his cage may be, I love doing it because I know it makes him happy and healthy. I really like that idea of supporting something/one.

j.k. does it again.

Personally, I love to read. I knew I was going to take a picture that represented this aspect of me, but I wanted to be a bit more creative instead of showing a big bookshelf plum full of various books. I focused on J.K.'s Harry Potter books because I feel it's an author that many people would recognize and have affection (positive or negative,..) for. This picture is interesting because it's focused on her name, and the rest of the books are out of focused and out of the picture. I thought this represent having an endless amount of books because it goes off the screen. And when I really think about it,..who only owns 1 or 2 books of harry potter? seriously?

it's time

This car puts a milestone in my life. After a few badluck cars, I scrounged up enough money by working through college and also 3 jobs last summer to put a down payment on my first 'real' car. I am proud of my determination because I know many poeple wouldn't dream of working 3 jobs, especially on their summer vacation, but I was responsible and independant enough to do it. I know many people my age still depend on mom and dad even though they are in college, and I am proud to say that I am not one of them. I haven't asked my parents for money since I graduated (and even before that I didn't bother..) and have almost one year paid off on my car. In 20 years it will be stupid of me to be bragging about this because by then, everyone will have a loan on a vehicle. But this is something that happened early in life when not many people even dreamed about purchasing an 8,500 car. That's not stopping me. It's time to be an adult.

my decor

I believe that my apartment decorations really define me as a person. I have a lot (too many probably..) of decorations in my house, and they are revolve around the same things: red/black/silver, crisp and clear lines, simple, bold and modern. In my Human Symbolic Activities class, we read an article (I forget the name..) that went along with my thesis. My decor reflects who I am; I enjoy having expensive things, i am simple and expected, I like to be bold and get my point across, I am a tomboy, I don't like clutter, bright colors and attention seekers annoy me. The picture above symbolically shows many layers and many different aspects of my life. You can look at it as if each square is something different about me. many squares get in the way of others, but it's still there.

movies,..and more movies

Ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you that I love movies. Netflix has to be one of my favorite purchases ever because I can watch movies all the time. There is so much that can be learned simply by watching movies every once in a while. If it's a good one, you'll laugh and feel good about yourself, it'll provoke thoughts and emotions, and it also removes you from the world for 2 hours. Movies are success when they fail because you ponder about WHY they are bad, which advances your thought process. It also spurs the creative juices because sometimes you give your input on how YOU'D make the movie better. Netflix is also great because it is so simple. and simplicity is a great thing to have in a hectic life. thank you netflix.

the love of my life

This personal picture shows something that happens every day of my life. It works perfectly because it is one of my favorite things in my life and the more time I spend with my boyfriend, the better. like I mentioned previously, we have been togheter for over 7 years and i have loved every minute of it. He makes me happier each and every day, and it's incredible to have this support and love in my life. I honestly don't think I could ever life without it

yumm

Ice cream. Ice Cream.
Since it is my favorite food of all time, I figured it would be a good idea to include this in my project. It represents everything that makes us happy in life, and happiness is essential for everyone. Who doesn't want to be happy? i wanted to get a close up shot of this because happiness should consume (no pun intended) our lives, it should be our goal and desires. We can't get enough of it and the closer we are, the better we can see it. The more we can smell it, the more we try to reach it. The more we taste of it, the more we want it. Just another reason why I love ice cream so much.

thinking outside of the box

This posterboard-size painting was done by me last year in my drawing II class at the University of Northern Iowa. I can honestly say that it's one of the few things that I am proud of, which is quite upsetting. When I really think about why it's successful to me, I come up with several reasons. I like how it abstractly represents two things merging together, even though they are still far apart. Their is attempt and success at the same time. Both of these objects are opposites in color, shape and for, which is even more controversial because opposites don't reallllly attract,...do they? I like this piece because it shows two people working togther, for whatever reason. I also like my color choices as well,..but that's beside the point...

comfort.

If I could, I would wear sweat pants and a hat everyday. I really like to be comfortable, and what gets more comfortable than a sweatshirt! :) I like being me, and I often feel that by dressing up, I am trying to be someone else. i don't want to be someone else because there is only one me! I thought it would be fun to take a picture of all of my hats because it shows the different persons I may have tried to be once before. each hat symbolizes another mellisa or mellissa that once was. It's not too comforting to be someone else, which is just one more reason that I need to work on myself. I need to stay comfortable with life in general because it's the only one I got. i want to be remembered for being me, not milissa.

memories

One of my favorite hobbies include scrapbooking. I have so many supplies I am suprized and excited every tiem I go through it all. I feel scrapbooking defines me as a person because I love to keep my memories and have them at hand when needed. I want to remember where I came from, who I met, where I have been, what I looked like, what everyone else looked like, and what I did. My past defines who I am now. Just like Winston Churchill once said: The farther back in history you see, the further ahead you will be able to see.

In an attempt to show you who I am, I thought it would be best to give an example of my favorite movies. This works out perfectly because I love watching movies, and it's a perfect thing to analyze. Tristan and Isolde is an incredible romantic flick which great acting. I love having romance in my life. The Fracture's plot doesn't stop twistting even after the first few twists. I'll admit I like suprising in life. Hitch teaches me about respect and trust, and also going after what you want. the Longest Yard is hilarious and shows that other people shouldn't get in the way of my life. American History X represents change for the good, even though it may be too late. Match Point symbolizes the affects of not respecting yourself or your loved ones. Shooter is a good example that you can always dig your way out of any problem, as long as youre quick on your feet and one step ahead of everyone else. There is so much to learn from movies, and I cna't wait to add more to my favorites..

solitude

One of my favorite things about summer is the fact that I can go rollerblading. I can't get enough of singing along poorly to my headphones, really feeling the sounds that I hear. I love feeling the wind through my hair and freedom at my feet. I love being able to think to myself and being alone for the time being. Getting some space is crucial in my life, and by being alone, you can appreciate being with someone else. So much can be accomplished if I just sit down and think. I need to think about what I want in life because I don't like to aaaalways go into it head first. I need to think about college, what I am going to do after college, my family, what I want in life. It's nice to use my rollerblades and just get away for a moment. I decided to shoot the wheels because these are my friends that take me away soaring. One foot first, one wheel first and the rest will follow.

not sure how to delete...sorry

friends

Meet Krista. She's a great friend and we have so much fun together and I am very glad that we met. Even though our expressions (mine especially) are a bit forced for the sake of taking a picture, I wanted to across that we have a great time together. We do crazy things, tell embarassing stories, eat a lot of food and just enjoy each others company. Friends are very important in my life because I can be who I am.

laughter

One of my favorite things is laughter. I love to see poeple lauughing, and I love to laugh myself. I love to laugh at myself, and I believe everyone should do that once in a while. Don't take life so serious because it hsould be fun and relaxed. I laugh at stupid jokes, i laugh to make others feel happy, i laugh duirng akward situations and occasionally burst out in laughter over something that happened weeks ago. Laughter is medicine and heals nearly everything. I got this picture of my niece and boyfriend. It's especially cute because they are comfortable enough to be touching and laughing, even though they aren't officially family. I love having this comfort and happiness in my life. it makes up my life.

lost

I decided to take a picture of a pictureframe because this is one of my favorites ever. I received this entire package as a gift from my aunt, and have had it for several years. It shows my dog, Cody, and I after we just got done running our 2 mile ordeal. It means so much to me because he was a phenomenal dog, and was my best friend. We got him in the third grade and taught him everything I could. speak, roll over, stop, get home, stay, ride alongside me on bike without tipping me over, not attacking my pet rabbit, saving me from vicious raccoons,.. EVERYTHING! One of my biggest dreams was to have him with me in my senior pictures. I had to all planned out. Turns out Cody died my Junior year on Valentines Day. I knew he was sick but my parents wouldn't take him; claimiing he was just getting old. I hated looking at him in the eyes a few months before he died. It wasn't because I could see his pain, but because he seemed disappointed in himself. It's like he knew he was leaving me and couldn't look at me long enough. I hated knowing htis and would wake up in the middle of the night just to go outside and pet him. he was the first love of my life, and I would give anything to have him back. I hate myself for not working and saving money so I could take him to the vet myself. I hate knowing he died alone on valentines day. I hate knowing he suffered for months from an unknown reason. To make matters worse, he died 2 days after my sister in law passed away in a car accident. I don't htink I have even been so lost my entire life. Life is brutal. It takes away things you need in life, and to this day it's not the same when I drive down my driveway. Not this big fluffy dog wagging its tail to greet me.

So if I decide to dress up one day, whatever the reason, I really like to wear high heels. They incorporate many things that wouldn't typically classify me. I like how I feel more powerful and successful with heels. I don't know why it makes me feel that way, but i sure like it. I decided to shoot this specific shoe because they are my tallest, and also the shoe that stands out the most. Can't get much more noticable than bright yellow! I took the picture at an eye level because i wanted to show off the height and give the viewer a sense of the power and success that I feel when I have them underneath me. The successful and powerful are always looked up to, and at this view I am looking up to my shoe.

eating good in the neighborhood.

applebees in racine is the place hwere I have met most of my friends. I have a great time there, and have been interesting and intriguing people there. I make money by socializing with poeple,...cool! I feel that the 'eating good in the neighborhood' is so true. Great food, great people and a decent living wrapped up all in one. When I shot this picture, I wanted to get a night view so the fun and energenic neon lights could shine through. applebees is certainly symbolical for having a great time. And i get to have ag reat time 4 days a week...

the scale.

I am a huge animal lover. I love all animals. One thing that I hate is how people abuse animals. If I had to choose, I would take a position as a vet instead of a doctor. Unfortunately people are intentionally mean, but animals never seem that way. If they are agressive, it's because they were neglected or abused in the past and just don't trust humans. When I go to the humane society, I love it and hate it. I love being with the animals and letting them stretch their legs. It feels great to see the look in their eyes and they get the attention they deserve. On the other hand, I hate knowing I can't save them all. I hate knowing what their past was like. I hate seeing the sadness in their eyes. Despite this sadness and hate I feel, I know I must follow the good things and do what's right. For a moment, I am reuniting trust with these animals in hope they will once be placed in a good. I know that when I get my own place, I will adopt mmmmmmany animals. many.

separation

Meet my first niece, Alexis. She is very important to me, and I love her to death. She means so much to me, and I had to have her in this project because I wouldn't be myself if it wasn't for her. I was in her presence the night she was born, and I hate seeing her leave when I go home to Kenosha. Six hours away is much too long, especially when she is changing so much and so quickly. I wanted to represent her as separation because she has an innocent and loving face. This is something that any aunt would hate to be away from, and I am the perfect example. Family means more to me than anything, and I can't wait until I graduate from college so that I can be closer to home.

music is medicine

One important part of my life, that reaaally defines me as a person, is my music. I am die-hard rock fan, and I chose to photograph a few of my favorite musical items. I went to my first Seether concert a few weeks ago and fell in love with concerts. They are my all time favorite band, which is also why I have one of their CD's listed. Another one of my favorite bands is Staind. They sound quite similar, and i listen to them regardless of what's going on in my life. They fix all of my problems and soothe my pain. I can't get enough of it,..could music be considered drugs? This picture symbolizes healing and really being yourself. Find something you love and keep going until you can't get enough. Speaking of not getting enough,.. I have already purchased concert tickets for Seether in May. I'm already counting donw the days...

the game

Volleyball has always been my favorite sport. I love the game, the reasons, the sweat, the workouts, the court, the teammates, the opponents and anticipation. I have learned a lot from being in volleyball for 7 years; stuff that lasts outside of the court. Competition. I compete for everything because I want success and I hate losing. I respect people because I know they are working right along side of me to win. I have learned to listen to people who know what they are talking about because I am not always right. I have to work together to achieve. This picture shows an interesting view of a volleyball, but I cut out a large portion of the ball because everything I have learned isn't only for the game. It's for everything else that's past it and beyond. The focus shouldn't be only on playing the game, but playing the game of life.

maybe.

I'm not going to lie, I love candles. I burn them like they are going out of style. I think it's because they smell so damn good and I can't get enough of it....so then I burn more. MY mom and I used to have Partylite parties until I moved away for college. My stash is getting pretty low,..just a bit nervewracking... :) I wanted to use one ofmy favorite candle holders and get an interesting shot of it. Maybe so it shows there is so much more to the eye? Maybe to show an interesting side of candles that many people don't see? Maybe to learn a bit more about my camera? I really don't know. I just know this shot is certainly intriguing because of the line movement and area of focus. amen.