#art311d

My very last semester here at UH West O’ahu was one hell of a joyride. I never thought “senioritis” was a thing until I actually experienced it for the first time (and I hope to god my last.)

I think the biggest thing I want to mention for you all who will continue school until graduation is that: never rush anything or overwhelm yourself, but rather slow down and enjoy what you do. The biggest thing I learned from a little philosophical person is that, if you’re rushing or doing too much, you end up missing valuable lessons and can actually stunt your growth. Don’t take on a lot and know your limits. Also, give yourself some time when you work on these time-consuming projects. Quit your job if you need to lolol just kidding, don’t quit if work is life. You never know how creative you are or the potential skills you possess unless you (kind of) push yourself over that invisible wall to see what other opportunities are out there in store for you. TAKE INITIATIVES IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED. All the hard work, persistence, late nights, rejections, sacrifices, discipline, criticism, doubts, failure, and risks may go unnoticed, but they are all a part of this incredible journey being in Creative Media. It’ll lead you to success. 

And by being in this class, I was able to witness a lot of creative talent which really inspired me and encouraged me to feel proud of being a part of the UHWO-ACM program. We’re all so diverse and not focused on just one “skill” and I think that’s pretty awesome. Working in groups is inevitable since most career jobs will require you to do so. I’d suggest you guys get comfortable with each other and try not to let anyone down, especially not letting yourself down. There were times I felt like that but I want to personally thank @koriemaeno​ for keeping it together and becoming my best friend through this class. I’m the worst at making friends because I hate talking to people (no offense), but Korie, you got to me and I got you ✊ 

On a final note, I wish you all the best of luck and PLEASE take care of yourself!! Be in good health. I literally died many times this semester from the constant self-doubts and struggles of my own, but you’ll find your way through by reaching out to others who only want you to succeed.

*slyly insert plug here* If you guys want to bid a last farewell & will be near campus on Saturday, May 4 ~11am, I’ll be graduating! :) ok I’m going to catch up with some overdue late work now, sorry Sharla!

University of Hawai’i - West Oahu Spring 2018 Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 5, 2018: Just when we all thought we would get rained out today, mother nature cooperated this morning to shed some sunshine on the graduating class of Spring 2018. I was blessed with the opportunity to take pictures of the commencement ceremony on behalf of the Academy of Creative Media. (Thank you @shanaoka!) Being able to witness my fellow ACM classmates receive their diplomas today was very inspiring, and it makes the light at the end of the tunnel shine just a little brighter for me. I’m very enthusiastic for my remaining two (or three) semesters at West Oahu knowing that my turn is just around the corner. 

Congratulations to all of our Academy of Creative Media Graduates! (Pictured: Hadji Corpuz @hadjidesigns, Ben Gilbert, Mandy Quitog @mandyquitog, Mengdi Cui, Jaylina Feliza Abuy @jayabuy311, Analyn Delos Santos, Adriene Labrador, and Kevin Bechayda)

Moments before receiving their Bachelor of Applied Science in Creative Media diplomas. (Pictured: Ben Gilbert, Analyn Delos Santos, Jaylina Feliza Abuy @jayabuy311, Mandy Quitog @mandyquitog, Mengdi Cui, and Hadji Corpuz @hadjidesigns)

Largest graduating Creative Media class so far! Appreciation shoutout to Sharla! Thank you for all that you do; I probably said this a million times already that it doesn’t mean anything to you (lol) but I am really thankful that you’re here and always encouraging us to grow.

I’m so thankful for everything and for meeting the best people ever. I wish I could’ve gotten to know some of you a little longer. :’(

Project 2 Final Product & Reflection: Age-Friendly Cities

After applying what we’ve learned at the beginning of the semester about ethnographic research, I was able to do my own survey and witness how many elderlies take TheBus every day. My partner, Brian, and I both take TheBus all the time, so that was something we had in common and could understand/relate. The elderlies are given priority to sit at the front of TheBus - so we took advantage of this, and the fact that “TheBus senior rider” is defined as a person who is 65+ years old (perfect for this project’s target age.)

While putting myself in the shoes of my parents who are senior citizens, I highly doubt they would have viewed this website www.elderlyaffairs.com let alone use the computer or internet because they’re old-school. Brian and I decided to simplify the website information and extract the ones that would be readily available for the elderlies to read or take with them. We created a 28in x 11in poster ad that is usually displayed inside TheBus. After thinking about it, we thought that maybe the elderlies cannot see what’s above them, like if they had a hunchback or stiff neck for instance. So we made another decision to add a supplement and went with a tri-folded brochure. TheBus usually have a rack right in front of the bus where you can grab a brochure with all the route numbers and timetables, so that’s where the placement would be.

Assignment 2: Artifact Design (Honolulu Zoo’s Rack Card) Reflection

In my previous Tumblr post, I mentioned how I wanted to provide a fun, kid-friendly activity as well as increase the Honolulu Zoo’s attendance and revenue. I decided to combine 2 out of 4 of my mock-up ideas to execute the final version (see pictures attached.) My final rack card includes a short “educational” scavenger hunt + coloring activity. Once the activity part is completed, visitors can come back on their next visit to get $2 off General Admission. I decided to go with a green and yellow color scheme to complement each other and the Honolulu Zoo’s logo.

I think one of the flaws that I began to notice was how vague the rack card usage is. My thought process/idea was to allow visitors to visit the zoo first to find the Hawaiian names for each of the animals. On their next visit, visitors can bring in their filled/completed rack card and get $2 off General Admission. I thought a combination of these ideas would allow people (of all ages) to express their creativity, educate them with Hawaiian terms, and engage them in some fun activity. From my previous experience to the zoo, it took me about 5 hours to go through the entire exhibit. So I think visiting twice shouldn’t be a problem.

Project 1 Drafts: Benefits of Labor Union

Labor Union Choice: United Food & Commercial Workers Union (ufcw.org/)

Target: Grocery & Retail Shoppers

Deliverable: Reusable Canvas Tote Bags

Idea: Bring awareness to non-union shoppers and reveal how there are labor union workers working at a favorite grocery or retail chain

So exciting!! I bought my supplies at Ben Franklin and couldn’t believe they had everything I needed (since I couldn’t find a company who’d print in short notice at an affordable price, yikes #brokecollegestudent).

DIY Iron Transfer Canvas Bags: http://www.lifeismade.com/diy/diy-iron-transfer-canvas-tote-bags

Project 1 Reflection: Benefits of Labor Union

Labor Union Focus: United Food & Commercial Workers Union (ufcw.org/) Target: 18-35-year-old Grocery & Retail Shoppers or Employees Deliverable: Reusable Canvas Tote Bags

DID YOU KNOW the City & County of Honolulu implemented a Plastic Bag Ban through Bill 59 back in July 2018? Currently, they’re charging $0.15 per bag ~almost~ everywhere you go, so it’s highly suggested that you bring your own reusable bag.

RESEARCH I wanted to take advantage of this information and design reusable canvas tote bags. My idea was to create TWO final customized illustrations to print on each reusable bag for people to carry around at grocery and retail stores. I decided to focus on those two industries since that’s what my labor union choice is tailored to + I have worked in these industries before.

For the 2 designs, I went with a to-do list and a wordplay/food puns. I did a little background research on why these two executions would be the most effective in communicating the topic.

PROCESS The most challenging part for me was coming up with a few customized illustrations that would demonstrate the benefits of joining a labor union while incorporating the industries together. Illustrating is not my strongest suit (not sure why I chose this path), but I went with it anyway. If there was one thing I would change, I’d hire a professional illustrator to do my drawing based on my sketches rather than illustrating them myself.

Also, the bad thing about Hawai’i is shipping time. I couldn’t really find a company that would print on a canvas bag unless I ordered a minimum quantity of 100+. I decided to get creative and make it my DIY (do-it-yourself) project by researching alternative ways on how to transfer my illustrated designs onto a canvas bag. For all of your art & craft needs, go to Ben Franklin!

CONCLUSION With these two design ideas, I hope it would attract others to look at the bag design. It would bring awareness to non-union shoppers and reveal how labor unions exist in almost every establishment you shop at (Safeway, Foodland, Macy’s, H&M, and so much more.) At one point, we were all helped by someone who is a part of the labor union. And you never know, maybe that job IS their life.

I have always been fascinated with the digital design world and things that can come to life. After recently discovering that there is an interactive, digital art museum that exists in Japan, I'm planning to visit there this Spring Break (much-needed motivator to get through my last semester... senioritis is real!)

The link provided talks about the future of art and how this museum in Japan encourages you to "touch the art." Imagine if we are allowed to touch the Mona Lisa; that would be a game changer. I guess that's the difference between historical/traditional art and the adapting technology in our society today.

I wanted to share this link because there is a connection with how this partnership with TeamLab and Mori Building were able to collaborate and create while empathizing. The sentence that got me was “If an artist can put thoughts and feelings directly into people’s experiences, artworks too can move freely, form connections and relationships with people, and have the same concept of time as the human body.” It’s no wonder this museum is so popular.