Blog 10A - Freak Factor

An analysis of the article, Freak Factor:

David Rendall’s article, “Freak Factor” focuses in nor only on the methods in which one can improve themselves, but also the one’s realization of self-worth. In this piece, Rendall focuses on nine methods to improve one’s outlook on life in regards to success. They may not be the most conventional ideas, rather I believe that’s the point, but Rendall gets them across in a way that’s both effective and thought-provoking.
Though many of the themes seemed to blur together a bit, there were a few that stood out to me. One of the major portions of advice came in section 2, entitled “What’s My Problem?” I don’t know how much I agree with the concept that every flaw one has can be spun as a positive attribute. While the notion does inspire confidence and self-worth, I feel that, at same time, that way of thinking also opposes one’s path to self-improvement.
I’m not the person I was back in High School. I’m glad I’m not. Back then, I never would have had the confidence to do all the school activities I’m involved in now. I would’ve been too socially awkward to try stand-up, or write for a sketch-comedy show. I improved myself, and I’m happy with the changes I’ve made. By saying every flaw is something good, you limit what you can be.
Having said that, I did like the positive spin that section 3, “Flawless: There’s Nothing Wrong With You,” put on strengths vs. weaknesses. Now, this may seem to contradict my previous statement, but I’m not saying that one should use these alternative perspectives as a reason to stop personal growth, but rather I think they offer up a wonderful alternative focus for their energy. Instead of looking at someone as stubborn, they’re dedicated. Instead of indecisive, they’re patient. Instead of unorganized, they’re creative. I think all of these offer a great way to take insults and personal critiques and channel them into being something a little more positive. We, as humans, are far too hard on ourselves at times. With newfound perspectives, we can try to ease up just a bit.
My favorite portion, however, was section 8, “Freak: The Power of Uniqueness.” As we grow up, there’s this constant desire or enforced will that we are supposed to act just like everyone else, that we’re supposed to be normal. However, at the same time, our society promotes and admires individuality. Celebrities and inventors are viewed in the highest of regards, simply because their lives go outside the ordinary. People who you grow to be friends with often times are not the same as you, but differ in many respects. The idea that uniqueness, or being a “Freak,” is not only a good, but admirable quality is one I not only agree with but also full-heartedly support.
I know from just my college years alone that the more diverse the crowd you interact with, the more fulfilling my life seems to be. We can all rely and help each other in different facets of our lives, and work together to accomplish goals. It’s important to have people in your life who stand out, but it’s equally important to be that person who stands out for others. It’s the differences in ones’ personality that make them worth remembering.
Over the years, I‘ve tried to analyze myself as much as possible to figure out my own strengths and weaknesses. I suppose I should use the term “dedicated” after section 3, but in all reality I tend to micro-manage and stubbornly obsess over things at time; that being one of my major weaknesses. This stems from another weakness, being my trust issues. However, this self-reliance has also made me fairly independent and self-motivating. I work hard and get the job done. I also think I have fairly good leadership skills, but follow commands well when prompted. I try to stay on task and remain prepared. Faults or highlights, those are elements of my personality. Now it’s my job to channel those qualities in a productive manner, and use them to build a better future for myself.

Blog 9A - Gaming Critique

I know this was supposed to be an audio log, but seeing as I'm in Columbus for a Doctor's appointment, the only editing software I have is Windows Movie Maker... It's still basically the same thing, I just used one of our images as the video source. Enjoy!

Blog 8B - Heroes and Villains

Alex Wiseman's group had the characters Karma and Dante.


When looking at these two characters, I can’t find a drastic difference between the two’s color. They both use contrasted light and dark colors, most of them warm. I suppose this helps in establishing both characters live in the same world, but this feature could be achieved differently
The movements are a bit different, but they’re both still very human and grounded in their stances. I would say the main difference in how the two are presented lies in their lighting.
There‘s an obvious level of symbolism in how the characters are lit. The flames in the background of Dante clearly represent that he’s a crazed individual. Unpredictable, chaotic, destructive, all qualities we associate with flames, and now project onto the character. Karma, on the other hand, sits in a dark room, atop a rock, with white armor still visible. While the lighting is dark, implying a darker character, the white plating (a color we associate with law / police officers) indicates that he’s still in a position of authority. To me, that implies an anti-hero type character.
There’s also a very different mood set by both. In the Karma image, I feel as though I’m at a meeting of some rebel group, gathering to take a corrupt government down. He sits atop a rock, giving him a powerful stance. By the dim lighting, he seems untouchable.
Dante seems untouchable as well, but in a totally different way. His clothes are loose, he shows his battle wounds, and on top of that the lighting gives him a powerful, prominent look. He looks like something you’d see at the end of a battlefield, and hope he doesn't come any closer.
I feel like the mood could have been improved in both characters, but they do get their point across.

My next person was Victor Sherrick, whose group presented the characters Wiz and Oz and "Sugar Tooth." Ok, I can't remember the villain's actual name. But Max Long never posted his villain, and I couldn't find the name on Victor's blog. 

However, I DO remember what his villain looked like, though, which is why I feel comfortable comparing their Coloring.

Right off the bat, I noticed the coloring technique in the character of Wiz and his Magic-Jeanie-Power-Bunny Oz. The blue and red outfit of Wiz combined with the orange hue of Oz makes a split complimentary that works well. However, in my opinion, the yellow lightning bolts deter from the split. Had they been removed, or made white, I feel like the contrast to the villain would’ve been more pronounced. 

Already the hues in the two characters have a complimentary color schemes. The prominent use of red and green compliment the opposing colors of green and purple. On top of that, the hero and villain also contrast in brightness. While Wiz and Oz both have a light value, “Sugartooth” is very dark. This, of course, lends to their characterization.

Weirdly enough, It seems like Wiz and Oz are more saturated than my memory of “Sugartooth.” (I feel ridiculous saying that last sentence) Usually heroes appear much more vibrant and less saturated to highlight their importance and heroic qualities. Though I remember “S.T.“ being very dark, his green eyes were very vibrant. I honestly don’t think this was at all intentional. However, were the two to collaborate again, I think this would be a very important issue to address.

Joshua Strizak didn't have any hero or villain images posted. I know I'm supposed to get a free pass, but I decided I might as well cover another one.

I feel like I’m in some weird twilight zone episode, where the twist is I keep getting mildly inconvenience in my mission to complete this blog entry properly. The next person above Joshua, for me, is Megan Scalf'. Megan Scaff's group had "The Good and The Ugly." Unfortunately, neither of them can be seen as the images are not up on the blogs. So that sort of takes Lighting and Coloring out of the equation. All I have left to critique is the movement, which can be seen in their video by clicking here.

Looking at “The Good,” I can clearly see he has a confident, powerful stride. This portrayal definitely lends to establishing him as a heroic figure. This stance can be seen in how “The Good” moves. There’s very little follow through in the figure’s movement, implying that the character is cool, level-headed, and in control. Additionally, there’s very little squash and stretch in his movements, strengthening his confident appearance. 
One can also see the overlapping action of his arm swings. While the arms have little follow through in their swing, the very fact that his arms do swing implies a good deal about the character. Unlike other figures of authority, this guy is aloof, light-hearted, ready to face the day. The type of guy you’d wave to on the street.
Them there’s “The Ugly.” First thing I notice about him is his arched back, heightening the contrast between the well-postured “The Good.” Though the framework doesn’t show this as well as it should, I can see an increased squash and stretch in how “The Ugly” bends as he walks. Just as “The Good’s” stance lent to his characterization, so does “The Ugly’s.”  Even when he pulls out his gun, The Ugly is more squashed than The Good, contrasting the two’s feelings about shooting another man.
Not much else can be said about the weight and other qualities of movement. Had the animation used a higher frame rate, I would’ve really liked to see just how differently the two move. I would like to establish and know more about the characters, but I’m only left to speculate with what I have.

Blog 8A - The American Life

If this video upload doesn't work, you can see my selection here.