Ad campaign

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Two weeks ago I was assigned a project to create an ad campaign for whatever random product I blindly pulled from a bag full of them. Obviously I pulled out Olive Oil Pam. Hmm, so I had to decide what exactly was I trying to sell? The fact that it's olive oil, or that it's healthy or non stick? There were a few choices I could have gone with, but in the end I decided to sell the healthy aspect. Below is the culmination of said project. Feedback is welcome :)








Mikey & Paige

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A few shots from my recent shoot with a great couple.








They've done it again!

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keane - night train Pictures, Images and Photos


What makes a band good and what makes a band great? In my opinion, versatility and the ability to evolve is what sets a band apart. Keane's release of their Night Train LP, is the quintessential example of just that. Anyone who knows anything about Keane knows exactly what I'm referring to. They have the uncanny ability to record a new and different type of sound on each of their albums and yet, still maintain a strong, faithful fan base. For myself and Keane fans all over, it's really no surprise that their latest album is vastly different, once again, from the bands "norm". Perfect Symmetry, their previous album, sounds similar to Night Train in that Keane has implemented a very 80's retro sound into their music. Following this band since 2004 and the evolution they have gone through thus far is a real testament to what a "band" is. On the latest album Keane collaborated with K'naan for two songs, "Stop For a Minute" & "Looking Back". The addition of a hip hop sound was a refreshing element to the bands latest LP. Another surprise is the song "Your Love", which features Tim Rice-Oxley , the bands brilliant pianist and songwriter, on lead vocals. EXCELLENT! Keane continues to present the fans with sublime melodies, outstanding lyrics and their amazing talent. Thank you Keane!

It is the year of the Tiger

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2010 is my year! Is it yours too? For all you Tiger's out there, relish in the changes to take place in your lives and in the world this year:)






Feb. 14, 2010, marks the Chinese Year of the Metal Tiger. Swift, assured and fast, this year will bring dramatic changes all over the world. People will be motivated by honor, seeking distinction on behalf of home, family and country. Righting injustices will also be a theme, as Tigers are powerful enough to make bullies quiver in their boots. Dignity will be the watchword in 2010. People who pander to the lowest common denominator will be cast aside in favor of those who conduct themselves with grace.

According to Chinese Astrology, Tiger years are turbulent, and bring about a number of decisive elections that throw old, outmoded politicians out of power in favor of new candidates. Bold initiatives will take root in 2010, since the Metal Tiger is ready to take calculated risks. Countries that lag behind their competitors will work hard to catch up, and those at the forefront of science, technology and art will do everything in their power to stay on the cutting edge.

Tempers run high in Tiger years, and 2010 will prove no exception. Employers will make heavier demands on their staff, requiring everyone to move with swift precision. Fear of bankruptcy will put even the most easygoing bosses on edge. Similarly, intimate relationships could be affected by this year’s volatile energy. Short, angry quarrels will erupt over trivial matters like picking the movie or leaving the toilet seat up. On the plus side, your sex life will experience a jolt of passion that proves positively blissful. One thing is certain: the Year of the Tiger is never boring!

Famous for their powers of protection, Tigers afford an added measure of security. The Chinese calendar sees 2010 as an excellent year to invest in a burglar alarm, install floodlights that operate on motion sensors and learn self-defense techniques. Arming yourself against danger can keep it at bay. You might also want to learn first aid techniques and outdoor survival skills, especially if you work outdoors or in a job that involves lots of physical labor.

Cool and calculating, Chinese zodiac Tigers like to plan for the future. Therefore, it would be wise to craft a long-term plan in 2010. This could involve going back to school, starting a family, buying a home or all of the above! The important thing is to develop a sensible time-line by which to meet your goals. If you have something concrete to work toward, you’ll make good use of your time this year.

At some point this year, most people will be given an opportunity to leave a secure position behind for the sake of something glamorous, adventurous and exciting. Tiger years often involve big gambles. 2010 will be a wonderful time for anyone seeking a radical life change. For those who prefer to maintain the status quo, this will be a challenging year, as you may be forced to leave a comfortable arrangement and enter into a period of uncertainty. If you look at the shifts ahead as opportunities, rather than burdens, you’ll make the most of the Year of the Metal Tiger.


I found this content on http://aol.tarot.com/chinese-astrology/free-chinese-sign-look-up

First painting by an amature

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So this is my first painting. I love Frida Kahlo and so I chose to recreate "Dos Fridas" for my Color Theory class. It was done in Achromatic/Monchromatic. Opinions are welcome:)







On another note, a few months ago I came across a new album by one of my favorite artists Gavin DeGraw. I didn't even know this album existed but what a find! Thank you Itunes:) He has an amazing voice and stellar piano skills! With this album he wanted to focus more on the lyrics by eliminating a lot of instrumental elements. What emerged is a very intimate listening experience, with beautiful and often haunting melodies. Gavin's raw talent and amazing song writing ability make this one of my finds of the year! I highly recommend this album. You will not be disappointed. Jump on over to the itunes store or amazon and get a copy. Or you can head on over to his official website and listen for Free, which just so happens to be the title of the album. Just follow the link below, and happy listening!

http://www.gavindegraw.com/music

Art and Life

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I went back to college...again, to upgrade my associates degree to a B.A. and in doing so have expanded my creative mind to a new level. I go to art school. I am artsy! Hear me roar!!

But seriously, I was under the impression that I was an open book of creativity when it came to photography and art, and well, maybe I was, it was just a really short book is all. Actually I don't think this book will ever be finished. With that I mean the world of photography and art is constantly changing and well, there is always something new to learn. This is the essential part of why I love photography! I am one of those people who constantly craves knowledge and thrives on learning new and different ways to view the world around me. Since returning to school I have discovered that I can draw, kind of. It's a process and I'm learning more all the time, just like with my photography. While attending the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology I absorbed so much knowledge about photography, I was prepared to jump in with both feet and thought it would be simple to find a place in the profession. I was wrong. Yes, I said it, wrong. It's so very difficult to get your foot in the door in the world of photography, and trust me I tried for 2 years before I finally decided that I was done with working for $6 and hour and come hell or high water I was going to have a damn job that pays me what I'm worth!! And yes fellow photographers we are worth more than minimum wage!! Way more.

So here I am, with a ton of homework, a schedule that leaves little time for anything else, and I'm as happy as a pig in sh*t!

I have to add that my first school OIP&T was an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. That school is amazing and the instructors there seriously know their stuff! I miss most of them and try to stay in touch with a a few. Mark, Paula, Dave, Doug and Todd were my go to people. If I needed anything they were always there to answer my questions or show me a new technique with lighting, or photoshop. *sigh...you guys rock! I'm not sure I will be learning anything more than I already learned from you. Seriously, I could never put a price on what I learned at OIP&T.

So far my this new college is cool, I'm learning a ton about art and drawing (Mark was right, they are teaching me how to draw). I have decided that I love drawing, with graphite pencils being my media of choice. I also find myself cruising the art aisle a lot now and actually know what I'm looking at. It's great!

This was shot in my home, lit with daylight. Equipment used...my camera and a reflector. This was an image for one of my photo classes.



I took this while on my first hike of the year and actually printed it out for a friend for a birthday gift.









So on another note I got a new tattoo!! The quote is from the book Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Fantastic book!!



Life is a trip...and more

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I have become a busy lady since starting back to school January 11th. With the drive to and from and full days at school, not to mention all the assignments, I have had little to no time for much else. However, I do occasionally find myself discovering new music/books.

I recently had the chance to acquire a copy of the new Mr. Hudson album Straight No Chaser and of course have had plenty of time in the car to give it a thorough listen. The first song I had heard previous to having the actual album was Supernova, featuring Kanye West and I had decided that "hey, this is kind of alright".

Let me explain a little about that last comment. You see, I have a very special place in my heart for Mr. Hudson & The Library, which is his old band. Having gone solo and adopting a new sound, I was a little cautious and I can say it, a little biased, and was sure he would never be the same without The Library. I was sad and afraid that the "sound" that had so lovingly entranced me, couldn't possibly be found on the new album.

That being said, I can say that my reservations were unfounded. The new album does have a different vibe, but it's definitely a good thing. The new beat and feel of the music is awesome! The more I listen to it, the more I "need" to listen to it. Does that make sense? Mr. Hudson's talent has grown so much, and although I will miss "The Library" they did collaborate with Ben(Mr. Hudson) on the song "There Will Be Tears". So I got my "throwback" song, and I'm satisfied with that.

Mr. Hudson's new sound comes from working with Kanye West (genius). Kanye's musical sense for melody is no doubt what attracted him to Ben. On, A Tale of Two Cities, the melodies will entrance you, as the must have done to Kanye.

If you have yet to catch the Mr. Hudson wave, I would highly recommend grabbing a copy of A Tale of Two Cities first, and then the new album. I think that artists like Mr. Hudson should be experienced from the beginning.