Final Project Essay

I chose the image of Michael Jordan in the air because he is a highly recognizable person. In particular, the image of him in the air on the way to the basket is extremely well-known. His brand logo, the “Air Jordan” symbol, is also very famous, which is derived from his pose in the air. I wanted to alter the image in a way that it was still clear it depicted Michael Jordan, but completely changed the original photo. To achieve this, I used photo shop and tried different ways to alter the image.

To begin with, I thought that the photo had too much going on in the background. Even though the attention was already drawn to Jordan, I decided that only his body and the basketball should be in focus. I blurred out the background, including the court, basketball hoop, and the crowd. I was happy with the way this turned out, as it made Jordan in the air the only clear part of the photo.

Next, I thought I should incorporate his brand, Air Jordan’s logo into the image. I found a picture of it that was black with a white background. I put it directly underneath Jordan’s body so emphasize where the logo came from. The background of the logo was white, and I thought that I should liven it up a little bit. I added three background colors, in the three triangles the logo made. I decided to use fluorescents to make it stand out. I went with yellow, green and pink.

I then used the emboss tool to change the texture of the image. This made it resemble stone, which I thought was a dramatic change and took away from it looking like a photo. It was now not obvious that it was once a photograph. Then, I wanted to see what the new image would look like if I added a negative effect. This completely changed it. The colors around the logo got switched around, one even turned blue. Michael Jordan’s body and uniform changed colors, his uniform was now black and his body white. I thought this was really cool because again I changed it a lot from the original but you could see his number, 23, and his pose, which still made him recognizable.

As a final touch, I spray painted in the word “Air” in black. I thought before this addition something was missing, and I thought words would help. I chose air because that is the word that really launched his career and brand, and his signature dunks were most described with that word. Overall I am very happy with the outcome of my final project. The original photo hardly looks like the final product, but the fact that most people would immediately know who it was portraying, even without the Air Jordan logo, shows how recognizable Michael Jordan is and what an impact he has made on basketball and mainstream culture.

Final Project- Finished Product

This is the outcome of my final project. I spraypainted on the word "Air" because that is part of his brand, Air Jordan.

I used the negative effect on the photo which has really changed the image. But the number 23 and the symbol are so recognizable that it is still clear who is featured.

Another modification to my final project image

I put an embossing effect on the image to make it look less like a photo.

I added some florescent colors to around the Jordan logo because I think it makes it stand out more. Next I will either add more color around Jordan or maybe some words.

Final Project, 2nd Modification

I added the Air Jordan logo, underneath Michael J. because the logo came from his signature dunks in the air. I will add color next.

Final Project Image Modification

For now I have smudged out the background of the picture, to emphasize the focus on Jordan. I want to add some other pictures to the photo, but I haven't decided what they will be yet. More to come!

Final Project Image

I chose this image of Michael Jordan dunking for my final project. I am going to change it either by putting it onto a painting I make, or simply by photoshopping it.

What is good

I addressed the philosophical question, what is good? through my slideshow. I chose the theme of the recent U.S. government auto bailouts because there has been much debate to whether or not this was a good idea. Aristotle believes that something is good if what it produces is good. In other words, the ends justify the means. I think that the pictures I chose, depicting the auto bailout situation show that this question cannot be completely answered yet, according to Aristotle because we have yet to see the long term effects. Because the "Big 3" American Auto companies are such a vital part of our economy, some people believe that the government had no choice and that giving them billions of dollars would produce a good: the outcome of the auto industry thriving once again, as it did before the decline. The picture of the money in the toilet presents the opposing view, that the car companies do not deserve the money because they failed and it is a waste for taxpayers to bail them out. I was agreeing with Aristotle's approach in that if the ends justify the means, then something is good. In this case, if the bailout helps stabalize the U.S. economy and provides employment, then it will be considered good. Otherwise, it will have been money in the toilet. Time will tell.

Definitions of various kinds of change

Pimp: transforming an object from junky or plain to having a lot of features and more visually pleasing and elaborate; often flashy
example: Joan --- pimped ---- lJoanb

Hack: a change made to a computer program taht provides extra features

Mod: changes made to a video game that add features such as new weapons, abilities, levels or music

Mashup: used in web developement, it is when data from different places are combined to make the tools more efficient

Exemplary Good

Slideshow

In the first panel, the scene (a grocery store) is made clear by the background and shopping cart. I used crayon for the background and marker for the main characters and important items because the marker is bolder and more noticeable. By the second panel, the main character (my monster) is known because he is present again. He is the only character repeated throughout the comic strip which shows he is the star of the story. In the second panel, words are used to show what the monster is thinking. This sets up the rest of the story as it is known his goal is to get peanut butter. In the third panel I put yellow dashes around the peanut butter jar to show that it is important and appear as though it is shining in the mind of the monster. The monster’s facial expression in this panel shows determination as his eyebrow is pressed down and his mouth is slightly curved upward. The thought bubble uses words to provide a further explanation of his feelings at this moment. By the fourth panel, the only other character enters (the lady) and presents the conflict. The monster’s facial expression this time is upset and nervous. This is shown by his open mouth and eyebrow pressed upward, showing dismay. His resolution is presented in the fifth panel, and the lady looks shocked, which is communicated through her upward eyebrow and open mouth. The sixth and final panel uses the words to finally have the monster speak, which in combination with his facial expression show he is embarrassed. I made the background less complex as the cartoon went on to make the focus be on the two characters and the story. The complexity of the first panel served the purpose of defining the setting.

Collage 2

I replaced the road block with a runner crossing the finish line, to emphasize the accomplishment that can come from large numbers of people. The people gathered are like the bees, and united caused a lot of change. The old car without wheels represents the old ways the people were trying to change. The car has no wheels to show that the old ways can't go on any longer. It is out of focus to show it going away. The rose represents what good can grow when large groups gather for a certain cause.

Comic explanation

I chose a Peanuts comic. It consists of four panels. The background color goes from dark blue to yellow back to dark blue. It is not very complicated as the same scene is repeated with the same characters. Charlie Brown and Lucy are standing watching Snoopy perform a show with hand puppets on top of his dog house. Lucy comments on the fact that they have been spectators for six hours. Charlie Brown responds by pointing out that they are taking advantage of a rare opportunity. This comic is supposed to be funny in that dogs can’t put on plays. Also, Snoopy’s choice of War and Peace is completely outlandish.

comic strip

Here is the comic strip I chose. It is Peanuts, one of my favorites.

Swarming Bees on a Bicycle Collage

This is the collage I made on photoshop of my interpretation of Swarming Bees on a Bicycle. I wanted to make the rose image replace the water it is covering. I was able to get help doing this but it got undone and I couldn't figure out how to get it back. I plan to do that with my next draft. I would also like to make the boulder blocking the road black and white. I am sure I will make other changes as well as more ideas come to mind.

Feldman's Model

A black and white photograph features part of a bicycle, with the seat completely covered in bees. The basic shape of the seat remains, but the swarm gives it a new texture and overall appearance. The background consists of a brick sidewalk and some sort of building, most likely a business of some sort. The seat of the bicycle is the most striking, but almost one fourth of the back wheel is visible and bee-free. One pedal sits waiting for the owner to come along and put it in motion.
The photograph demands attention as it shows such an unusual occurrence. The choice of a black and white photo versus one in color works well for this piece. A color picture could take away focus from the bees, if, say the building behind the bike were a strong color, like bright red. Varying colors might create some distraction, even though the swarm of bees is a powerful image. I like this photo because it is simple and unique.
Interpretation
This photograph illustrates the power of numbers. Because there are so many bees, and they are so close together, they merge into one unit. They are a mob, acting as one rather than individual bees acting separately. Whether they are protesting something, or simply want a ride on the bike, they cannot be ignored. They are too powerful to be swatted away. One bee may be insignificant, but hundreds united will have their demands met.
The effectiveness of large groups is seen in our society. In the United States, most change happens as a result of thousands to millions of people coming together to protest or defend their cause. A group acting as a unit can stop even the most powerful individual. This strategy was instrumental in the civil rights movement, women’s rights movement, and Vietnam War protests. It remains to be a way for people to get attention and gain control.

Oppenheim: Photo, Swarming Bees on Bicycle Seat

This is a photo of mountains and a waterfall.  We filtered the mountainside village with mosaic tile filter. We inserted our mascot (the little mermaid) after resizing and rotating it.

words that communicate from my sketchbook

monsters from sketchbook

ekstasis

There were so many options. Where did each lead? Perhaps I would take the small set of steps, or maybe the upside-down flight of stairs; that one looked mysterious. Some looked complicated and challenging, but intriguing; they were possibilities as well. Or should I go with the more traditional staircase...right-side up and average in length. That one appeared to be the safest. It could be a trick, though. Sharp shadows were cast by each corner. Some shadows were light and inviting, while others were dark and dangerous looking. As I turned each corner I was apprehensive of what could be lurking in the sinister shadows.
The walls of each room were painted white and so was the floor. The only noticeable difference was the type of stairs, each popping out at me in its own distinctive way. I went through each room; there were twelve all together. When I finally reached the last room, I said out loud, “the end.” I spotted what I hoped would be the exit and wondered how I had even gotten into this place. I couldn’t remember an entrance.
I made my way towards the doorway, only to find another set of stairs. I was almost certain this was the way to get out, so I took a deep breath and descended the stairway. Luckily, it was short and I quickly found myself outside of the structure I thought I would never escape. I walked around it and backed up to get a view of the entire building. It was the most oddly shaped place I had ever seen. It resembled an outline of a Christmas tree. Each corner was sharp, like the point of a steeple. I circled the entire edifice in search of a way in, but there were no windows, and no doors. I turned to find my way home and marveled at this experience I had that no one would ever believe.

John-Yoon Kin’s Pop-up Stairs

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte

George Seurat

My grandmother had a puzzle of this well known painting that I used to put together with my cousin growing up. I loved completing each individual person or animal and got a great sense of satisfaction when I finally put in that last puzzle piece.

first post

My name is Joan Kietzman and I am a senior at Plymouth State University and will be graduating this May. I grew up in Plymouth, New Hampshire, the same location as the university. I transferred to PSU from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was a member of the tennis teams at both colleges and still enjoy to play. I like playing and watching other sports as well. This is my first blog posting ever and I am looking forward to learning more about blogging as it has become increasingly popular. The Creativity and the Visual World class seems interesting so far and I think I will learn while having a lot of fun!