Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Business Card

I had a tough time figuring out this one, because I have no idea how to use InDesign. Luckily, my roommate is a graphic designer and as was willing to help me out, but there is a slight error. She explained to me that on an image you can place layers,it can be text or pictures. When writing out the text, the line that stated my 'title' was invisible. When she saved it to the pdf file, the invisible layer apparently should have shown up and it didn't. So my card is a little unfinished but I'm happy with what I have. My title was 'artist, student, future' When I get the hang of the InDesign program I'll make the corrections but for now here it is!

Was it a success?

At the beginning of the semester I felt so embarrassed to walk into my new class; LA-151: Freshman Seminar for Success. Why did I let myself fall into Academic probation? Well, I know exactly how I did, but why? Now after a semester of being here I can't express how grateful I am for being in this class. I learned so many things, that I bet I wouldn't have learned so quickly. I learned how to better manage my time, how to make a resume, what communities I'm a part of, how to write a thank you letter, how to start a blog, the difference between assertive/passive/aggressive, how to conduct an interview, how to properly critique, create a smart goal, and most importantly that I am an artist. I was fortunate enough to have a great instructor, who had the capability to teach me all these lessons (because not everyone can!) Ms. Carleigh Kude was a great part of my success this semester, and I hope she will continue to be. Throughout this crazy journey, she has been a great teacher, friend and psychologist. All the lessons I have learned I'm sure I'll use my entire life, and life lessons are the hardest ones to learn! I know that the things I learn now will get me far in any aspect of my life and I appreciate this. All though I've learned a lot, I know that there is more to come and my journey will forever continue.

p.s.
To Ms. Carleigh Kude, "Thank you."

Monday, May 16, 2011

Interview: Ian MacKintosh

May 12,2011. It's 10:25am and I'm running down Market St. in San Francisco, feeling completely irritated about the bus being late, embarrassed about me being late, and nervous about the interview (not knowing what to expect). As I stepped off the elevator about to walk into Ian's office my palms began to sweat. I then took a deep breath, walked in and immediately apologized about my tardiness. He kindly greeted me with a smile and offered we proceed with the interview over a cup of coffee at Madeline's. I felt a huge weight fall off my shoulders. Before I had begun the interview, I had already put together several questions to ask but as I began, I found that almost all of the questions I had asked were not even ones I had written down. I felt very comfortable talking with Ian MacKintosh that it went from an interview to a friendly conversation. I learned more than I had expected and his information only convinced me more that public relations was the field I needed to be in. He spoke about the start of his career and how it has progressed, gave me tips and tricks to use when meeting new people and on how to start building my resume. Rather than scaring me away from the job, his stories made me want to seek it even more. I wanted more information on what I could do now, as far as my education is concerned and he introduced me to Gabriel Gima. Gabriel, a professor at the Academy of Art University, was great to. He has offered to help me get on the right path and make sure that I will be taking the right courses to prepare me here at the Academy of Art. Overall, I had a great time with this final project and I'm really happy with how much I've learned and the people I have met. I know there is still a long way to go but for now, I'm on the right track and I appreciate the time Ian MacKintosh and Gabriel Gima gave me. I'm sure that I will be having many more conversations with Ian and he has now become an inspiration and mentor in my eyes.

Ian MacKintosh
Bio:
Ian began his began career with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), was Director of Publicity for Eleanor Lambert for seven years and launched his consulting firm in 1999 with a client list including Bill BlassBrioniCynthia RowleyHalston, Iceberg and Swarovski. He dressed Tyra Banks, Beyonce, Kelly ClarksonKyra Sedgwick, Mya,Omarion, and Sarah Jessica Parker; was featured in the March 2003 issue of Razor magazine as “The Conductor” offashion shows; and included in the book Stylemakers: Inside Fashion, a behind-the-scenes look at people in the fashion industry.
Ian MacKintosh
Director of 
Public Relations
School of Fashion
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
 

Shhh!

When my instructor Carleigh Kude informed the class that we would be taking a trip to the de Young Museum I was so excited because I knew that the Balenciaga and Spain exhibit was being presented. Upon arrival I was quickly disappointed because there was an extra fee to view the exhibit and I had no cash in my wallet. I later learned that the exhibit would be there until July 4, 2011, so I will create future posts of my visit. While looking around the museum I discovered a side entrance of the exhibit where I was able to get a clear look at the first garment. Without thought I quickly snapped a couple of photos and just then I hear someone call out behind me, "I could have you arrested for that." I instantly froze when an older security man approached me and informed me that no photography was allowed of the exhibit. Of corse he was just kidding about arresting me but he did frighten me a little. I quickly apologized and told him that I was not aware. He let me of with a warning but the best part was that I was able to keep my picture! Hope you enjoy it.


Beautiful Embellishments



As I spotted this figure I instantly ran to see it. I love shiny, sparkly, and colorful things. This was amazing! When I took a step back I then questioned what is was exactly. I'm still not quite sure but a little research on it's creator, Nick Cave and his creation os the Soundsuit, solved my puzzles. What I loved the most was the amount of detail in the piece. I wouldn't mind something like this for myself.
Both images taken at de Young Museum; Nick Cave: Soundsuit

Money on my mind


I want to be completely honest and say that when I first saw this image, I walked by and thought to myself "it's just another portrait of George Washington," but my eyes instantly snapped back when I realized that it had been constructed of dollar bills! I was then completely intrigued and masked myself how this was out together. After reading the text below the frame I realized it had been sewn together. This later inspired me to maybe experiment with sewing through my drawings for my fashion illustration class. I'm still going through 'trial and errors' but I will eventually find a proper way of getting my ideas across. As for George Washington, I bet you his thinking, "man I feel like money!" 

Image: 
Ray Beldner (B. 1961)
E. pluribus unum (after Renbrandt Pleale, George Washington, ca. 1854)
sewn U.S. currency

Flashback!

In me LA-151class, my instructor took us on a field trip to the de Young Museum and because it was my first time I wasn't sure what to expect (besides old painting and objects placed in a room to look at, which it was) and I was so excited! I love going to museums, and the only reason I hadn't gone earlier was because I had no idea how to get there. When we arrived I was so anxious to walk inside and become inspired. When I walked into the first room, I looked upon and object that gave me an instant flashback to my childhood. I saw a mate container and a bombilla which are two things I am very familiar with, because I use them! My dad, Martin M. Santander, is originally from Argentina and drinking mate is very common in South America. Yerba mate is a tea that is used for energy and can also be used for weight loss, because it can cause a slight loss of appetite and feel you with tons of energy! My dad would always have a thermal filled with hot water to refill his mate container and I had to share with him. Now I continue to drink this tea and have my very own container and bombilla. Personally it is very good and I would recommend it to anyone. Also, it's really fun to drink out of a cool container like these (even more know that I know it's a part of a museum exhibit!)
Object on top: Unidentified artist, Peru, Mate container, 19th century, silver,gourd
On Bottom: Unidentified artist, Peru, Bombilla, 19th century, silver

Critique.


1.Overall Experience: As I looked at upon this piece I was completely intrigued. It jus stands out to me and has a unique rhythm that gives me energy.
2.Praise: I instantly fell in love with the color pallet of this piece. The red makes a statement of boldness and keeping the rest in neutral colors makes it cohesive. The splatter effect, as well as the feathers, all make the piece more interesting to the eye and give the painting depth and dimension. My favorite part is the overlapping and movement of the figures. It gives us a story and sets a tone. Many could interpret it differently, but I as I see the figures formed this way I feel energy and the excitement of dancing.
3.Polish: It could have had even more expression if faces had been added to the figures. With faces the artist would have gotten his/her own feelings across to his/her peers, rather than leaving it open to their imagination.
4.Questions:
  • I know that this piece was created within and hour, given more time how would the final outcome be different?
  • What tone were you really trying to express in creating the piece?
  • What was the inspiration or story behind the piece?

Smart Goal

Goal: Become a make-up artist at Sephora
Measured? When I have my first shift as an artist
Attainable? Definitely!
Resources: Talk to the artists, good communication skills, make friends and keep a good relationship with the directors and be responsible
Steps:

  1. Being Punctual
  2. Familiarize myself with the company
  3. Make friends with the artists and ask for adivce
  4. Talk to the directors about moving to the floors
  5. Apply for the position