Final Blog Post: My Journey in CT101

Welcome to my final blog post for CT101! This post serves as a detailed narrative and recap of my experiences and learnings throughout the course. I’ll reflect on the skills I’ve learned, the projects I’ve completed, and my overall journey in this class.

 

CT101 has been an eye-opening course that introduced me to various digital tools and techniques. I have evolved in many areas and I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in such an amazing class.

One of the most significant accomplishments in CT101 was learning how to build and customize a website using WordPress. Although I struggled a few times, I enjoyed the overall process.  Here’s a summary of what I’ve learned:

  1. Domain Registration and Hosting: I learned how to register a domain name and set up web hosting. This was the first step in establishing my online presence.
  2. WordPress Basics: Understanding the WordPress interface, including how to install themes and plugins, create pages, and publish posts.
  3. Customization: Customizing the website’s appearance to reflect my brand. This included changing color schemes, adding custom headers, and organizing content into categories.

Creating engaging content was another important part of the course. I practiced writing blog posts, embedding media, and using different content formats to enhance my posts. Some of the skills I developed include:

  1. Narrative Writing: Creating informative articles on beauty products.
  2. Multimedia Integration: Embedding images, GIFs, videos, and hyperlinks to make posts more interactive and engaging.

CT101 also helped me improve my digital literacy. I learned how to:

  1. Use Digital Tools: Utilize tools like Canva for graphic design and Giphy for creating and embedding GIFs.

Based on my performance and the work I’ve completed, I believe I deserve a low B or C, but I’m hoping for an A+ because of my improvement overtime in this class. Here’s why:

I have strived to produce high-quality work throughout the course. My blog posts are well-written and informative. I paid attention to detail, ensuring that my website is free of default WordPress content and visually different from the initial theme.

I actively participated in class discussions, sought feedback, and continuously improved my work based on constructive criticism. This engagement has been crucial in refining my skills and achieving a high standard of work.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of CT101 was the creative freedom it offered. I loved being able to express myself through my blog and website design. The hands-on approach to learning made the class engaging and fun. Here are a few highlights:

  1. Creative Projects: The assignments allowed me to explore my creativity and apply what I learned in practical ways.
  2. Supportive Environment: The class provided a supportive environment where I felt comfortable experimenting and asking for help.
  3. Skill Development: The skills I acquired are not only valuable for my academic growth but also applicable in the real world.

I intend to maintain and update my website regularly. This includes publishing new blog posts, updating content, and continuously improving the site’s design and functionality. My website will serve as a personal blog and portfolio, showcasing my work and interests.

In the future, I plan to use my website to:

  1. Create a professional online presence and portfolio.
  2. : Launch new projects or blogs in areas of interest.
  3. Use digital tools to engage with online communities and share knowledge.

Here’s a tour of my website,  My Beauty Blog, where I share my passion for makeup, skincare, and haircare.

 

The Home page welcomes visitors with a clean and elegant design. It features a custom header image and a brief introduction to the site.

 

The About Me page provides an introduction to who I am and what the blog is about. It includes a narrative about my journey in the beauty industry.

The Blog page is where I publish my articles. I’m still in the process of organizing them into categories like Makeup, Skincare, and Haircare, making it easy for visitors to find content that interests them.

The Contact page includes a form where visitors can reach out to me for inquiries, collaborations, or feedback.

My Blog Posts

Here are links to my published blog posts:

  1. My Top 5 Must-Have Makeup Products
  2.  My Top 5 Skincare Products of 2024: A Glowing Review
  3. Making a Domain Name
  4. Internet Happy 
  5. Art
  6. First gif
  7. Getting Started with My New Website

As I reflect on my journey, I can proudly say that building this website was a rewarding experience. I enjoyed the creative process and the satisfaction of seeing my vision come to life. There were challenges, such as figuring out how to customize the theme and integrate various plugins, but overcoming these hurdles was part of the learning journey.

Overall, CT101 has been an incredibly valuable course, providing me with essential digital skills and a platform to express my creativity. I’m proud of the work I’ve done and excited to continue using my new skills in future endeavors. Thank you for following along on this journey! Until next time…..

Assignment 10 : Getting Started with My New Beauty Website.

 

Welcome back to my blog! This week, I’ve been exploring the world of website customization for my new beauty site. I want to share with you the steps I’ve taken so far, my plans for the site, and how I envision using this platform to connect with beauty enthusiasts.

The first step in my journey was to create a series of new pages. I started by setting up the essential pages: Home, About Me, Blog, and Contact. Each page serves a distinct purpose and lays the foundation for a well-organized website.

  • Home: This is the landing page where visitors will get a quick overview of what my site offers.
  • About Me: A space to share my personal story and passion for beauty.
  • Blog: The heart of the website where I will post regular content.
  • Contact: A page for readers to reach out with questions, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities.

Next, I focused on removing the default content that came with my WordPress theme. This step was crucial to make the site feel more personal and aligned with my brand. I deleted a few things that came with the theme, ensuring that every piece of content reflects my unique style and voice.

Customizing the home page was one of the most fun parts of the process. I wanted it to be visually appealing and easy to navigate. I chose a clean, modern layout and added high-quality images that represent the essence of my blog. I also included a brief welcome message and links to my latest posts to keep the content dynamic and engaging. I also made sure to use multiple pictures for the header image so it could be randomly chosen whenever you clink on the site.

One of the first blog posts I published was about my top 5 must-have makeup products. This post not only provides valuable content for my readers but also helps me get comfortable with the blogging process. Writing this post was a great exercise in understanding how to format and present information in a way that is both informative and visually appealing.

To keep my content organized, I will create several categories for my blog posts, such as Makeup, Skincare, and Beauty Tips. This will make it easier for readers to find the content they are interested in.

 

Lastly, I customized the color scheme of my site to match my brand. I chose a palette that is both elegant and vibrant, reflecting the beauty theme of my website. The colors I selected are soft pinks and white and black, which add a touch of sophistication and warmth to the site.

Moving forward, my website will be a hub for all things beauty. Here’s how I plan to use it:

  • Sharing Knowledge: I will publish regular blog posts featuring beauty tips, product reviews, tutorials, and more.
  • Engaging with Readers: Through comments, social media, and the contact form, I hope to build a community of beauty enthusiasts.
  • Showcasing Work: As I grow, I plan to add a portfolio section to display my work in makeup and beauty.
  • Collaborations: I aim to use this platform to connect with other beauty influencers, brands, and professionals for collaborations.

This journey has just begun, and I am excited to see where it leads. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for joining me on this adventure!

Assignment 9

I was excited to create a domain name for my webpage. I had a few names listed during my previous post because I was still indecisive on which one to use.
My excitement soon turned into disappointment because of the complications I went through during the process. I ended up having to stay with afinna27clare.com because I couldn’t change it to ClareCosmetics.com as planned.
I shortly downloaded word press and whenever I clicked the link, it redirected me to this page. I was confused on how to change it back.
I was also supposed to verify my email to my domain name within 15 days or my account would be deactivated. I didn’t get to verify it in time but I was able to contact support for help and re activate my account as you can see on client area.
Although I had a few hiccups I came through in the end and figured out a way to properly start editing my page……..wheeewww
wish me luck guys!

assignment 7

I previously made a domain name with just my name and number (Afinna27clare.com). I did this during class as I was trying to get help with the whole process.  Although I have already picked a domain name, I would’ve chosen one of these five after deep thought.
1. GlamourGlowStudio.com
2. DivineHairandMakeup.com
3. ClareCosmetics.com
4. AnisiArtistry.com
5. GlamWithAfinna.com
I would dedicate this page to my hair and makeup. I would use it as a page to showcase my work not only on my self but other people. I would probably use it as a business page as well and build a clientele
I am excited to be a website owner. I have always wondered how websites are created. I figured it would be incredibly tedious and complicated but it turns out to be pretty easy. It makes sense that they’re so many websites right now because anybody can do it.
A few of my favorite websites are
1. Netflix
I love watching movies and netflix always has some of the best on their website/app.
2. Amazon
I love shopping and being able to buy affordable things online that arrive quickly.
I am excited to be a website owner and sharing my interest in anything in regards to beauty. Stay Inspired!

Continue reading “assignment 7”

Assignment 6

 

To be completely honest, CT 101 was a bit of a struggle for me. I never took a course like this and I’m not the most computer savvy person. Although it is a bit challenging, I love how different and fun it is compared to my other classes. If I had done all my work before hand and stopped procrastinating I believe I would have done better in this course. 

 The part that I have retained the most is how to write my own blogs and using gifs and memes in a creative way.

 The new skills that I have been able to include is adding my own gif to a post. I struggled with doing that in the beginning and my blogs were pretty boring. I am now able to add hyperlinks and gifs to add more character to my blogs. Here is a way that shows you how to add hyperlinks

I know more about the world of media. I can understand how AI operates and what they can do. I also learned about domain names and how to create my own.

  In all honesty, I might be maintaining a grade of an ( F )being that I did not stay on top of my work as I should have. It is so easy to leave things to the last minute especially when there are other things going on in your life and academics. I could have asked for help sooner, with that being said I will stay on top of them from now on.

  I definitely see a difference in my creativity in blogs. I can say this because my first blog was very dry and I did not have any memes gifs or videos. I am now able to add all of these in a strategic and humorous way. If at any point they start to look the same, I will try to be more creative and find a way to be different. 

 I am missing a few assignments. They are currently assignments 5, 7,8,9 and 10……. not for long 

I actually have not been commenting to my peers when they post nor have I been able to respond back. However, I have been completing all of my assignments recently and commenting more than before. 

Are you participating during the class time? If not, explain why.  I participate during class time by paying attention to everything being said by the professor. I also ask questions if something didn’t click for me and put my phone down so I am not distracted. 

I will make the needed improvements in order to fully learn and pass this class, I hope you all do too!

Assignment 4

I love all things beauty-related, like doing hair, nails, and makeup. It’s not just about looking good for me—it’s about expressing myself. Every hairstyle, nail color, or makeup look I create tells a little story about who I am and how I feel.

Beauty isn’t just about following trends; it’s about discovering what makes me feel happy and confident. When experimenting with different styles, it’s not about trying to fit in but celebrating your unique self.

Growing up I would watch my mother do her makeup and go to work as a nail tech. I was so curious and fascinated by the transformative power of beauty and how a dash of lipstick or a new set of nails could completely change someone’s look and mood.

I began to experiment on myself different looks that interested me. I tried multiple hair colors such as red, blond and a variety of browns. I would soon begin to practice makeup on who ever would allow me to further perfect that art. I consider it to be art because there is a way to be creative and express yourself through it.

      https://philosophynow.org/issues/108/What_is_Art_and_or_What_is_Beauty

Assignment 3

Art defined by google is “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”
Memes can be categorized as an expression or application of creativity and skill. The effort that is being put into these memes showcase their ability in creating something new and unique, which could be said about anything related to art.
There is no one definition of what art is, wherever their is creativity….there is art.
As you can see, Kanye approves!
Memes are here to stay and it is a great thing for Art, especially in this day and age where everything is digital. It is new and broadens the view-point of what art is considered to be.  It can also be a form of communication because it appeals to almost everyone who comes in contact with them. We all share the same experiences in life and it is good to know that we are not the only one who deal with them.
Memes are perfect for storytelling because the images being used gives the audience a better understanding of what is being said. It is a form of self expression. Each meme is unique to everyone’s experience and gives them an outlet or platform to showcase their creativity.
Here are a few of my favorite memes…..
Here are a few links to whether meme’s are art  –
https://www.thecrimson.com/column/the-art-of-memes/article/2021/3/9/memes-are-art-column-first-installment/
https://blog.artsper.com/en/get-inspired/memes-in-art/

Assignment 2

 

 

On the first day of CT101, I was excited and curious about what the course had to offer. Although I was eager to explore the creative possibilities of digital media and technology, I was also nervous being that I have never done it before.

 

Hearing about the course and its creative content made me feel inspired and motivated. Knowing that I would have the opportunity to express myself through various digital forms filled me with anticipation and enthusiasm.

 

CT101 stands out from other classes due to its emphasis on creativity, digital literacy, and hands-on learning with internet tools. Compared to more traditional courses, CT101 may offer a more dynamic and interactive learning experience.

 

The creative potentials of CT101 are diverse. I have the opportunity to explore digital storytelling, graphic design, video production, blogging, podcasting, and much more. The class encourages experimentation, allowing us to express our ideas in unique and engaging ways and simply having fun.

 

Learning new skills that use internet tools can be both exciting and challenging. On one hand, it opens up a world of possibilities for creativity and self-expression. On the other hand, it requires adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies and techniques. Overall, I feel positively about the opportunity to expand my skill set and explore new avenues of digital creation.

Internet Happy

 

I have been trying to find new hobbies to keep myself occupied. I’ve done hair, makeup, poetry at open mic nights, and even tried going to the gym more often.  This week, I stumbled upon nails. I have been trying to perfect it and familiarize myself with it. I personally love art and I love to create things- seeing that there is a connection between art and nails, I have been obsessed with it ever since. It can be done in any way you see fit. It can be unique, it could be daring, it could be fun. There are so many ways to express yourself through this art. There is no limit to your creativity.

I found this video on tik-tok and it has inspired me to to keep trying even though I suck right now-but practice makes perfect!