The Power of Observation, by Arden

FotorCreated      I find it interesting to observe-people watch-observe everyone in their daily routine. This week’s focus in my beginner photo class was City Life. Now the cool part of observing “City Life” is diversity. There is so much to assimilate. We went on a trip to Madison Square Park in NYC, going with an open crisp mind to capture an epic moment. My goal was to apply the skills I’ve been learning in class these last few weeks. Most importantly an acute awareness was crucial throughout my adventure.

Screen Shot 2016-03-28 at 1.10.04 PMObserving led to my growth. From the first class I’ve been able to see a tower of progression just getting larger and larger. I realized how easy it is to categorize people. My camera was my muse of focusing in on myself and fine-tuning my future prospects. I found it interesting to see through my lenses and formulate perspective.

I was able to come to these humble realizations because of the hidden universal language of photography. Noticing how throughout this trip I step outside of my comfort zone and started a conversation with strangers by asking the icebreaker question, “Can I photograph you (or your dog!)?”Screen Shot 2016-03-28 at 1.13.07 PM

It’s important to observe and accept how we all see differently and that is the beauty of diversification. It’s important to STOP, take a deep breath, and soak in everything around you with the goal of becoming a more humble, well rounded, accepting human being.

      Screen Shot 2016-03-28 at 2.19.54 PM

My Fashion Merchandising Project

So after reading about all the fun things we do in the city in the Precollege programs, like shopping trips and walks on the High Line and whatnot, you’re probably wondering if we actually do any serious work. Yes. We do.

For example, for my fashion merchandising class we were assigned to head to Meatpacking (check out the post I wrote about Meatpacking) and shop around the stores, not for clothes, for trends. We went to over 10 different stores for the assignment, and I think I speak for everyone in my class when I say it was an amazing day.

However, when the day was over, it was time to get serious and prepare a presentation on a few of the stores we visited. We had to analyze the fabrics used (whether natural or synthetic), the prints and colors of the clothes, as well as the sizing, the silhouette, and any details on the clothes (such as buttons, zippers, ruffles, asymmetrical hems, etc.). Lastly, we had to summarize the overall trends of each store to come to a conclusion as to what we believe are the most prevalent trends of this spring for womenswear.

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If you’d like to go through my project, here it is.

http://prezi.com/evq0u-bqi7pk/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Just copy and paste it into your web browser to take a look.

What do you think are the most prevalent trends this spring?

TTYL,

Arielle

Shopping Guide: Part Deux

So a few weeks ago, for my fashion merchandising class, we went to Meatpacking. I was inspired to write a little shopping guide centered around it. This past Saturday, for the same class, we went to the Flatiron District. I had such a great time, and went to so many great stores, I’m writing another shopping guide – a shopping guide for the Flatiron District!

flatiron-building-3

Peck, Harrison. Must-see Flatiron. 2010. Manhattan, NY. Nycgo. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.

Here is a list of some of the amazing stores in the area:

  • 7 for all Mankind
  • Madewell
  • A/X Armani Exchange
  • Kate Spade
  • Cole Haan
  • LF
  • Club Monaco
  • Eileen Fisher
  • DKNY
  • Lucky Brand Jeans
  • Lord & Taylor
  • BCBG Max Azria
  • Zara
  • H&M
  • Sephora

Here is a map to show you exactly where everything is located in relation to one another.

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/edit?mid=zvFiJtcSDXY4.kBLhbW5Wh-kU

Jus copy and paste the link into your internet browser to see.

As you can see, we only stayed on 5th avenue. There are so many more stores, but these are the only ones I can personally say were amazing.

Club Monaco was recently redone, and it was so beautiful! I really recommend you drop by and see for yourself (and obviously do some shopping)!

After you are done shopping, head to Eataly on 200 5th Ave for something to eat. It is so amazing! I had never been before, but I went with my friends Betsy, Emma, and Catherine (another one of the Precollege bloggers) and I’m so happy I got to. I didn’t get a chance to try it, but I’ve heard there is amazing gelato! I can’t wait to go back so that I can try it. If you’re in the area, stop by and try some – do it for me!

Until next time,

Arielle

Specific Portfolio Requirements

Apart from the pieces that I freely get to chose to include in my portfolio are some required pieces. For example, a 3D model of a room or 6 steps to teach someone how to do something. One of the required pieces that I’ve recently been struggling with is designing my self portrait. Not only is this mandatory for the class I am taking, but it is also something I feel that every artist should have. It’s not like I’ve never done a self portrait before, but when I have, it’s been for middle school art class and had to be the most realistic representation of me. Now that I’m trying to make one to add to my portfolio, there aren’t any restrictions. In fact, the more creative the better!

My main problem has been either trying to narrow down the ideas I have so far, or to scratch all of them and find the one idea that I know is perfect. I don’t know if I’m making any sense, but I feel like once I think of the idea, there wont need to be any narrowing down because it will be the perfect idea.

The ideas I’ve thought of so far are:

  • a more abstract piece accentuating my hair
  • a retro comic bookish illustration
  • a comic book but not retro stylish, more realistic
  • me morphed with a cat since I am so totally a cat!
  • a more realistic representation

I honestly just have no clue.  I feel like I need to keep thinking and once I’ve got it and tried it out, I’ll know.

Then after that, comes what medium do I use:

  • (a) marker
  • (b) pencil
  • (c) computer
  • (e) collage/photographs
  • (d) none of the above?

I just need to find something that accurately represents ME and all the different sides of me, from my performing arts background, to my love for visual art, and pretty much just all art in general.

If anyone has struggled with this issue as well and has any advice for me, I’m gladly accepting via the comments box!

I promise to update once I have made some progress!

Until next time,

Mai

 

 

A Bittersweet Ending

As the past couple days have gone by, I have realized I’m not returning to FIT the following week. My alarm will ring for 6:50 AM and I will simply sigh, turn it off, and take in the harsh reality of nnot returning to the place I love.

These past three weeks have been the highlight of my summer. (And probably of my year) I mean, come on, it’s FIT.. It’s unlike anywhere else.

The classes I took this year were outstanding. I made some remarkable new friends who I will DEFINITELY keep in contact with. I even found my roommate for FIT! (If I get in!) My experience here was phenomenal. I wish I was a freshman so I can take even more Precollege classes! Unfortunately, I live too far away to attend classes during the Fall or Spring. What a shame.

I hope I get good marks on all my final projects. I am so anxious to view them! They are getting posted on August 2nd, so remember to check them out!

My jacket (from my sewing class) turned out phenomenal! I ordered a bunch of spikes and studs from this really cool website. I can’t wait to go home and apply them to my jacket! I’m also going to distress it with sand paper! In my first class I also made a t-shirt. It’s a grey jersey knit t-shirt with a ballet neckline and long sleeves. It’s the comfiest t-shirt IN THE WORLD!

I’m so excited to return home and start working on my portfolio. I think I will include my jacket in my portfolio.. I worked so hard on it and I am so proud of myself!

How were your classes? Do you think you will return to FIT? How did your final projects turn out?

Overall, my last day was filled with excitement, a sense of pride, sadness, and some realizations for the future. I was excited that all my hard work was finally completed. I had a sense of pride in myself, and in the work I created. A sense of sadness because I am leaving the place and people I have grown to adore. And the realization that if I don’t work hard, I may never return to FIT.. And that simply won’t do.

I hope you all had a wonderful experience at FIT, I know I did!

I do not want to say goodbye to any of you people” -Christa McAuliffe

Your Care Tag,

Bella