The Universal Language

This term I am taking a 15-student class called Top Design for Media. This is the smallest class I have ever taken—I’m used to a 100-student lectures. It’s challenging, by far my hardest class, but it is worth it. 100% worth it.

Today, the infamous Art Director, reality TV star, and former Duck, Tracy Wong, came to speak in my class. This is the second time having Tracy Wong visit one of my classes, but this time it was more of a discussion than a lecture (original class: 60 person, today’s class: 15 person). Let me tell you, he is one cool cat. It was so inspiring to hear where he started, his infamous 20s and 19th and University, to where he is today, branding for ESPN, Amazon Kindle, etc.

Many people have this one-track mindset-- unexposed to culture, diversity, and what I like to call, "The Crazies." To be honest, I used to have that one-track mindset. I was simple, sweet, and American. I was raised to believe the only way to solve problems were those I had learned from my family, friends, and religion. I was not raised nor interested in reading other opinions, theories, or philosophies. After my first year of college, I had a conversation with a close friend whom I admire dearly. He was a “crazy,” but I loved it. He grew up in San Francisco and, at the time, was attending Bard College in New York. One warm summer night we decided to bring a mattress onto our summer camp’s cafeteria roof. We were lying under the bright sierra mountain stars, debating about who knows what. He was irritated, I could tell. Finally he said:

"Bianca, take your blinders off!"

I looked at him and said, "What the f*ck does that mean?" Then I listened. I finally listened. 

It wasn't until later that night that I had cared for opinions outside my small town. For the next couple months, I began to read about the world. I began to unintentionally change myself. I considered other religions. People laughed. I began a sketchbook. People called me fake. I changed my major from Business to Journalism. People stuck up their noses. Now, I am one of those “Crazies.” I am different, but I am ME.

This entire blog was inspired from an essay I just wrote for a Media Ethics course. I end my essay with the statement:

The Art. The Craft. The Taste. from Bianca Pallotta on Vimeo.

Italian: "Gustare la Pizza"

Translate: "Enjoy your Pizza"

Above is a re-mix video I made for a class project. Not only am I Italian, but I absolutely love every aspect of cooking Italian food. Pizza especially. It is simple enough for anyone to attempt, but if desired, it can be an extremely tedious project. 

The cuts and edits for this video are to make it seem as if all these projects are simplified into one. Occasionally, I have thrown in shots of myself making my own pizza! 

Happy Holidays from Victors & Spoils on Vimeo.

This video is taking a serious issue in today's media and advertising industry, and in turn, making it comical. It is harsh, then entertaining, then eye-opening.

It is very interesting to watch how they completely transform this "less attractive" woman into an absolute goddess. The altercations made to her body are almost painful to watch as a woman in today's society. It reminds me of a documentary I watched in a Women's History course called "Miss Representation." This film "explores how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in influential positions by circulating limited and often disparaging portrayals of women" (wiki). It makes me question the ethics of the industry and certain brands. If we are constantly feeding this ideal, but fake, image to the public eye, we are continuing the cycle of unreal expectations for women's body and image. 

Two years ago, hip-hop artists would usually be found in saggy pants, a tall t-shirt, and Jordan sneakers. Like this:

There wasn’t much fashion in this genre until rapper, A$AP ROCKY came along. Artists like Kanye West and Jay-Z had fooled around with edgy fashion, but A$AP was the first to make a statement. He has been on the cover of L’Uomo Vogue (Menswear Vogue), GQ, and other fashion magazines.

By bringing high-end fashion into his hip-hop image, he has targeted a broader audience; one that most hip-hop artists have never touched.