Assignment #12: CT101 Final Blog Post

Here we are at the end of the semester I feel like it went by so quick.

I enjoyed working with new creative tools in this class such as Figma, Photopea, Giphy and WordPress. I will apply these skills if I do plan to take any digital art classes as electives in the future. If I get a job opportunity that allows me to work with design programs I definitely will refer to CT 101.

Yes, I did learn how to build a website and I am proud of it too. I do plan to maintain the website throughout the summer when I reminisce about the days of CT 101 ! Any photos, videos, or music I feel is worth sharing will my peers will be there up on my site.

Lets take a glance at my site one last time shall we?
I only have one post full of detailed paragraphs and visuals. My ultimate goal is to share what are my favorite things in my past, present and eventually future. This process of creating a website was a bit difficult since at first I could not remove the hideous default page. I wanted to give up right there until Professor Ryan helped me out and showed me how to navigate the site.
I believe I earned at least a B+ in class because I attended majority of the classes, participated, turned in most of my blog posts, left comments on my peers posts, and took my feedback into consideration. I do believe I could have experimented a bit more with the tools provided and not use ones I am 100% familiar with.
It was a pleasure being a student in CT 101, Professor Ryan is an amazing teacher and artist.

Assignment #11: Exploring the WordPress Potentials, Part II!

Yafavva: A peek into some of my favorite things 

Hey everyone, I finally was able to complete my website and publish my first blog on it. http://yafavva.com

The format is identical to our CT 101 website since I felt more comfortable with this kind of design. I incorporated colorful text and images so it does not feel like an article. I’m still in the process of adding more content hopefully throughout the summer. 

 

My website content will be focused on food, music, makeup and nail art. I put in a few images so far to give my audience a preview of what’s to come.  While I was editing the theme I decided to add a logo which ended up being a photo of myself. I hope my website gives my classmates some ideas on new foods to try, new music to listen too, makeup to try on, and even some cool nail art. 

Assignment #10: The WordPress Customizing Series

The first thing I decided to do was select a theme for my website which was Twenty Seventeen. I removed the default image and added a pink background since that’s my favorite color. I decided to add two icons so they will appear on the site itself and url link. 

I changed the color of the text to make it more vibrant instead of leaving it in black or white. The format I chose was to do blog posts like how we have it on our CT 101 site. In the beginning I definitely struggled with editing my website (I did not watch the video tutorial Professor Seslow provided).

Assignment #6: Digital Immediacy

The words Creativity, Immediacy & Intuition go in this order: Intuition, Creativity, Immediacy. 

To create a piece of art or literature people usually go with their intuition, then brainstorming which leads them to be creative and finally start putting the ideas together. 

Living carefree and making yourself happy is what being alive means to me. 

I am compelled one thing for this assignment and that is A COLLAGE! Who does not love a bunch of random images all put together with no context? I chose four photos all which I will explain in a few sentences. 

I decided to use the link I inserted down below which is Figma. This application allows users to create prototypes, manipulate images, and design collages.  http://figma.com

The four images I chose all are significant to me because they all represent creativity and forms of design. I chose the background to be green to resemble a green screen or slime from Nickelodeon. 

In the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious I chose the scene of Suki (Devon Aoki) and Brian (Paul Walker) with both of their cars which they raced with. Growing up my dream car would be 2001 Honda S2000 the exact same one she drives in the movie. 

A halloween episode from my favorite childhood cartoon Scooby Doo! Originally the image I chose from Google was not as vivid but I used the background blur feature to edit it. I figured to add this to my collage since I will always remember this show. 

The last two images I included are photos from an album taken on a gaming platform known as https://www.imvu.com

IMVU is a gaming platform where users from all of the world create avatars, chatrooms, furniture, clothing and so much more. It gives those with creative abilities to use their talents and make money virtually or reality. I began playing in high school and sometimes I still continue to play. At one point I was a creator on there and made posters, pillows, furniture and clothing. I was more interested in room decor so I had about four chat rooms total and each of them had furniture from creators work I admired.  The picture of my avatar standing on the carpet is actually a poster I made which at the time was available in my shop. Many of my creations were based around real life brands such as Comme Des Garcons, Vlone, Bape, Murakami, and Off White. 

Assignment #9: Domain Name Registration, Hosting Set Up & WordPress Installation!

Finally I got my domain name registered so I ended up choosing Yafavva since it is easy for me to remember. Once I signed up with Reclaim Hosting and entered the information provided to us by Professor Seslow it was time to work my magic. 

Until my domain got officially approved by CUNY I could not do much but brainstorm what content I’d add to my website. The process of registering took less than ten minutes which was surprising since I thought I’d be struggling for at least thirty minutes. I figured to keep it simple and incorporate ideas mentioned in my blog posts. 

Assignment #7 – Mid Semester Recap

When I first began this class within the first two weeks I was convinced it would be a piece of cake. As the semester went by I realized slowly that I am falling behind. I learned that there are so many platforms out there to create art digitally. One thing I would say is that I retained is using gifs, hyperlinks, and photos make blogs better.

I included this gif of Spongebob because this is how I felt during spring break, overwhelmed with my other three classes which made me fall behind in Digital Storytelling. 

One new skill I have developed is learning how to incorporate various forms of media in my weekly posts. The blog posts I have published so far I always makes sure to include at least form of media.  Before taking this class I did not know I would be creating a website as our final project.
I believe I am maintaining at least a B – in this class, although I am missing about 5 three assignments. My method of completing blog posts would be reading the directions of the assignment, look at examples from my classmates, and then start my own post.  The assignments I completed so far I do not think I have reached my full potential of creativity as yet. I do plan to test out a few of the platforms available to me. 
List Of Missing Assignments
  • Assignment #5 : DS106 
  • Assignment #6: Digital Art Immediacy 
  • Assignment #9: Domain Name Registration, Hosting Set Up and WordPress Installation
  • Assignment #10: The WordPress Customizing Series Part 1
  • Assignment #11: Exploring the WordPress Potentials Part 

 

 

 

Yes, I have been commenting on my classmates posts since I began CT 101! I have not replied to comments given to me by Professor Ryan, however I have been taking his suggestions into consideration by resubmitting my posts. I do try to attend every class , ask questions on blog posts I’m unclear about, participate here and there. Out of the entire semester I have only been absent two times which I am proud of since my class is small. 

Based on my reflection, I’d have to complete my missing assignments before the final grades go in which I know I will be able too. I still have leave a few more comments on my classmates posts which is more than doable. I will make my improvements by reviewing the comments left by Professor Ryan and peers. 

 

Assignment #8 – Picking A Domain Name

Growing up when I was in elementary school I always wanted to have my own website like how Disney and Nickelodeon has their own.  Fast forward a a few years later here I am creating potential names for my website.  As a young girl when I would log on to the computer or laptop at home my go to websites were Club Penguin, Stardoll, CoolMathGames, GirlsGoGames, and Poptropica. Majority of these websites are used for creating characters to play games, interact with people from all over the world, and complete quests or challenges. 

 

The potential domain names I came up with are: Yafavva, LilBrownTing, YafaveA, and YafaveC

All of these domain names I listed all relate to my name and instagram accounts. Out of all the social media outlets Instagram has to be favorite and most used. 

My website would be about a couple things but mainly some of my favorite recipes, skin care products, nail art, makeup brands, and song playlists. Since my favorite color is pink I would probably use various shades of pink and create collages with photos and videos of the products I’d like to share. I’m excited to see where this website will take me and be able to use platforms to create various forms of media. 

 

Assignment #4: Blogging About Our Passion

One thing I can say I am very passionate about is food, who does not love. food am I right? I like looking up recipes to recreate them with my own twist. Aside from cooking I do enjoy going out to eat especially in the spring and summer to admire the views of NYC. 

The photo I inserted above is from the restaurant Queens Bully located in Forest Hills, NY. When I go out to eat I typically order food I do not eat on a weekly basis, that is why I chose the rack of lamb. I’ve been here about three times so far I’d say and the food does not disappoint. 
In this photo I went to the iconic Sugar Factory located in Resorts World Casino. Ironically the time and day I went it was completely empty. The Sugar Factory is known for its drinks that smoke like a witches cauldron.  I chose to get a hot chocolate, with a burger and fries. I know it sounds like a weird combination but overall it was not that bad. 
Unfortunately I do not have any photos or videos of any recipes I recreated since usually when I do cook I’m particularly focused on the food itself. My passion for food started when I was a junior in high school around the early Fall. I realized since I got older eventually I’d have to learn how to cook since I do enjoy eating. As of right now I only know to make basic foods like lasagna, burgers, pasta, lamb chops, and steak. My goal this summer is to actually start learning how to cook food from my mom’s country which is Guyana. 

I’ve always said to myself some of the foods shown in cartoons, movies, and animations look so appetizing. The beignets from the Princess and The Frog look so warm and delightful.  I’ve had beignets before but they come frozen and are fried but never had them made from scratch. 

Ever since the covid lockdown lifted I have became lazy and rather order food or go out to eat instead of doing groceries to cook. I realized how much this is effecting me financially and health wise. Since the semester is slowly coming to an end I’ll have some extra free time where I can start meal planning and prepping. Sometimes there are days where I literally can just eat everything in my snack stash literally. 

Assignment #3: Should Memes Be Considered A Form Of Art?

In my opinion i’d say 100% say memes are indeed a form an art !

https://artzealous.com/the-rise-of-memes-as-an-art-form/

The link I included above is an article about an art exhibit of memes from a Puerto Rican artist known as Jesus Bubu Negron. He uses his artwork to create memes about politics. 

Memes can be considered a form of art since it comes in many different appearances. The second link I inserted above explains how memes are a form of PopArt which is indeed art. 

As someone who has a love for memes I can say it is more than a form of self expression.  Memes are a good way to communicate if you want to send a message to someone and add a bit of razzle dazzle to the text. I believe memes are a great way to incorporate dark humor without feeling the guilt of being shady. 

Of course memes can be used for storytelling! Sometimes words can not do justice like a good meme. I speak for myself when I say that I am a visual learner so I prefer to see media in a presentation or lecture. Although, there are times where memes should not be used. 

Here is a little snapshot of my three favorite memes of all time currently.

Lately I have been feeling exactly like D.W. from Arthur in this meme above. The funny part is I have not started going to the gym yet

Guilty, there are times I do take almost more then 5 minutes to order food and I know people do get annoyed.
During the covid lockdown when all classes switched to online and I had this one class. We were all required to have our cameras on at certain times during the class at 8 am. Needless to say I was over it and just wanted classes to return in person.
Once I submit a post I feel like I accomplished something even if I barely did anything but still feels good.
After reading my suggestions to revise my blog posts, just kidding I am so grateful to receive feedback to help me improve my work.

Assignment #2: Making Our First GIF

On the first day of CT101 I thought this class is going to be a way for me to be creative and express myself through technology. I always was interested in learning about Photoshop and Gimp. 

 

Yes, I did like hearing about the course and it’s creative content. It was a relief to here that we would be able to include Gifs and memes in our blog posts. I felt like I was able to express my sense of humor in a way that I won’t feel like an outcast. 

 

In my Writing 301 class we were reading two articles about the effects the Internet and social media on us today. “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” written by Nicholas Carr and “Snapchat Depression” written by Nassir Ghaemi, both of these authors express their concerns how the Internet is altering the way we think which is for worse not better. Ghaemi focuses more on the peer pressure that comes along with using social media. Young teens are feeling pressured to have this physical appeal when it comes to appearance. This can lead to self esteem issues and later on develop into depression. On the other hand, this class explores the brighter side of surfing the web and all it has to offer. 

https://now.tufts.edu/2018/04/17/snapchat-depression

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/306868/

The creative potentials for this class is being able to use new platforms to eventually make stories come alive digitally. 

 

I’m intrigued to learn new skills that involve Internet tools.  I’ve seen some artwork over the years all done by using Gimp and Photoshop. Many designers use digital media to create their ideas for clothing, shoes, furniture, jewelry etc. 

Assignment #1: What’s Making Me Happy This Week?

Hey everyone, out of all the things I can think of I narrowed it down to three things that made me happy this week.  Scooby Doo has been appearing quite frequently this week and is one of the things on my list making me happy. Second on my list would be nail art inspired from a Japanese artist. The final thing on my list would be Kirby, a character well known from Nintendo video games. I could play any Kirby game or look at Kirby memes all day. 

Scooby Doo runs through my mind almost every week but it stood out in this week. This cartoon has taken on so many different forms throughout the years as technology and television has been improving. A mystery solving cartoon that has transformed into a brand anywhere from games, clothes, movies, and toys.  I chose to include it in what makes me happy this week because of catchphrases from the show.  Velma says Jinkies!, Shaggy says Zoinks, Scooby says Ruh Roh!, Freddy says Lets spilt up gang! Daphne says Jeepers!

I included a gif down below from the 1960s Scooby Doo Where Are You show. 

Moving on , I specifically chose two Japanese brands to focus my nail art on. I admire the creativity these artists put into their artwork and transform them into pieces of clothing and or furniture. The first nail design I will be including is known as a Murakami Flower created by Takashi Murakami. 
This link shows an exhibit of one of his pieces known as the Murakami Flower. 
I actually got the same exact flower hand painted onto my nails in a different but similar color-way ! In the future I plan to purchase a few Murakami furniture items. 
Another brand I got inspired to get painted on my nail is Comme Des Garçons. It is a Japanese brand that is based in Paris and is well known for their hearts with eyes logos. I’ve been trying to see what brand is my favorite so far but I am far from finished on my search! I’ll include a link to the brand’s Instagram page. 
Out of all the video games created for the Nintendo platform Kirby would have to be one of my favorites. This week it has been making me happy because some of the animations made with Kirby of him eating and sleeping remind me of myself.  
This GIF right here is what I imagine myself looking like at the end of the week after six days of work and four classes.  
The final GIF I included shows Kirby on a shooting star which comes from one of the video games. To summarize I would say childhood memories is the core of my happiness for this week. I reflect upon things that made me happy as a child and bring it to my adult life when I feel unmotivated.