#but it is the foundation of all my digital art knowledge

[illjustpretend]

I still remember everything I learned in my high school Photoshop class

[thatonegayship]

This probably feels weird to ask

But I love how you draw dipper in general and your art in particular! Is it possible you could do a little tutorial on how your process goes?

If you don’t want to, I understand completely. I felt really hesitant asking this lol. Anyways, love your art!!!

I'm not the *best* at talking technicality, and certainly not about drawing Dipper; I have three distinct styles when dealing with him, that being Billdip Dipper, Canon Dipper, and AU Dipper, all of whom have entirely different purposes both visually and narratively. This results in some pretty inconsistent representations:

That being said! I'm totally cool with going over my process with you! Layout, technique, brainstorming, all that.

Generally speaking, I like to start my digital work on paper. Nothing crazy, just a basic idea that captures the pose, expression, and clothing (these things are destined to change by the end).

Notice the cloud of dirt kicking up at his feet. Look how I position one arm out while the other pulls farther back, and his hair blows from his face. There's a clear emphasis on motion here, both in body language (feet turned against the force) and added attire (Pinetree cloak flowing back, dust cloud at his feet, etc.)

This design is destined to change, but for action scenes like this, it's good to begin with an expressive foundation, so that once we start chipping away at and remolding our concept, we're building off of a design that encapsulates the *scene* we're wanting to convey. That is, no matter how much we shave off, we still have a strong foundation to reference towards and lean into for inspiration.

The next step is transferring our rough sketch into a digital setting.

This is where I tinker with the lasso tool, maybe take reference photos of the exact pose I had in mind. Here, I'm just breaking down my original sketch on a tablet. I readjusted the feet's position, pulled that other arm in to his chest, and straightened his arm out for a more powerful pose.

The next step focuses on pushing the pose and correcting anatomy errors.

Alright, cool! Now he's not just bracing for action, he's *jumping* into it. The back arm's pulled in like a fist, his shoulder bunched up close to his ear. We see how his body's twisted at the torso, chest out, legs stretched, arm extended.

Notice too how I utilize my shapes to empower the pose. Front arm and leg, extended. Lots of straight lines. It *curves* because of muscle and fat, but outside of that, they're pointed in a distinct direction. Contrastly, his right side curves at the hip and follows subtly up to his chest. This helps emphasize his lean into whatever he's attacking, sort of like a bow.

Now we've added details! You'll notice I've changed a lot of my initial design from my rough-sketch to fit more into the style and personality of Dipper in this setting. Since he's, you know, a "Pinetree," I figured his clothing should reflect it. I'm still working in pencil at this point, blocking out the general shapes of what I want, but not really exploring my options.

The cloak follows a slight gust, his hair flows back, the mushrooms on his shoulder lean out from the action, but these are still only guidelines. Keep it loose! Explore things! Have fun with it!

Next step, Inking. Digital art is *very* forgiving, so I'm a lot less concerned about moving forward without a full idea of my vision. This is usually the step I'm most inspired at because it allows me to go back over my loose sketch and add those minute details that excited me so much. I do not recommend moving forward without full confidence in your initial sketch when using traditional art! YOU WILL CRY!

Clothes: changed. Pose: changed. Details: expanded on.

This is where a bit of knowledge in anatomy is really going to serve you well. Bridging the gap between sketch and ink has always been very difficult for me, and it's due in part to those uncertain, not-quite-right bits I have to build off of from my initial sketch.

It's good to keep your rough draft light and fluid so that they capture the emotion and general pose of your character, but it's also important to keep in mind how you'll have to balance *maintaining* that level of expression while incorporating more realistic aspects of their design.

Take for instance Dipper's left foot that went from being tucked up under his butt, to being in a more braced position- like he's about to land, or skirt to a halt. As a loose sketch, it captures the motion very well. However, incorporating muscle and kneecaps and detailed shoes brings out a lot of the visual flaws. Proportion and angle become a serious issue if you aren't entirely sure how a particular body part would flex/squish/shorten in a particular position. The more realistic you go, the more jarring your mistakes.

This is, of course, not me saying you're forbidden from drawing your characters with a leg under their butt with big, meaty thighs. It's *actually* me letting everyone know that I tried working with the pose, building on it looked weird, and I decided to take a different approach. You are 100% allowed to try something else if your initial plan doesn't work out.

This step is where we adapt and improve. Our digital rough sketch didn't really capture the full power of his motion. His cloak kinda billows out like "Yeah, I'm a cloak, I billow gayly." It's flat, hollow, uninspired. Here, you're looking at photo references of Pinetrees, both real and not-real. You're gonna have to make it look like needles and branches, while *also* being a flowy bit of clothing.

For this, keep in mind how *cloth* moves with a more exaggerated, majestic rough sketch to overlay atop our failure of a branch jacket. Die.

See how despite the spikey pine needles, his cloak follows a distinct pattern? Additionally, this coat works in 3-dimensions. There's an outside and an inside, and it curves like a dome around him. It floats behind him, curves in front of him, lifts up, dips down. Really, it's up to you, but always consider your work on the third plain.

ALSO! Very important: Keep an eye on your line weight! Seriously, this took a long time for me to get a firm grasp of. Not *shading* really, but put a bit more emphasis on those bent spaces with darker lines. See that bold line connecting his thigh to his glutes? And the one behind his knee? DEPTH!! IT ADDS DEPTH!!

And *here* is the final product! This is the shading section, arguably my favorite and least-favorite part about my drawing process. Working in black and white, you don't really have to worry about getting every little shadow on your character. Just shade what needs emphasizing; everything with a shadow gets an added layer of depth as well. This is the part that gives your work an additional POP.

Consider too that shading isn't just solid black, even if you're working in black and white. His arm and under his hood are pretty solid black, but the interior of his cloak is far more textured and light. We see where it's darkest at his sides, but leading out, it lightens into distinct markings that (in my opinion) are visually more appealing. Using this tool is ultimately up to you, though.

Okay, the end!

[archandshri]

9th feb '24 - [arch] characters, interactions and emotion - making a mini webcomic

Gahhhh Shri this has been an absolutely crazy couple of weeks!!!! Hope you are doing well :)) First of all, WOW! You have a lot of goals, and I’m sure you’ll get them done! I’ve worked a lot on my graphic design during the process of making Winter Wellbeing. If you wanna see a blog post dedicated just to that, I can do so! It would be cool to compare notes on the approaches we take for graphic layouts. If you wanna share your knowledge of camera skills when you build that up that would be awesome 😭😭

It’s been a tough few weeks, art wise. I have been reflecting on my process, motivations to create, the ego and all the baggage that’s lumped into the creative process for me. It turns out there’s a lot. I took some space from my illustration practise (literally for a weekend!) and began to realise how dysfunctional it is. I’ve been writing a lot about that so there may be a larger piece of writing coming about that at some point (no promises!!)

But for now, let's talk about little successes!

I’ve been playing with some characters for a while but I’d hit a bit of a block with the plot. I realised the expectation of having a finished project of high quality soon is unrealistic, and an unhealthy expectation to put on myself. I rarely give myself time to play with concepts for a long time and let the characters, plot and interactions evolve naturally. Maybe this in part came from sticking to the short university module turnaround. I noticed that that short turnaround was causing a lot of block, so I have decided to bench it as a comic for now and focus on using it as a playground - falling in love with the characters, creating stories and drawing them for fun. Maybe years down the line I’ll make them into a comic - we shall see! 

I *tried* to do hourly comics day this year and it didn’t quite work for me. I think I made 3 comics? And then got distracted with a bigger project that ended up taking a week or so to complete. Let’s have a look at it, shall we?

[you can find the full version here]

First of all, it’s based on an unfinished fanfiction I started a couple of months ago, which was mostly bad, but there was one nice scene that I liked and wanted to expand on. I started by having a look at the script I wrote and thumbnailing on the iPad. I’m away from home at the mo and usually would prefer to do most of my artwork traditionally, but because I don’t have access to a scanner, the whole process was digital this time. A lot of the pages got scrapped because the dialogue wasn’t necessary, and I’m not drawing pages that aren’t necessary.

some more development screenshots

I thought a lot about posing during the process, acting the scenes out in my mind and sometimes physically, really understanding the emotions of the characters, why they’re saying what they’re saying, their tone and how to convey that though their body language and expression (i find grian really annoying normally [affectionate] but I want this grian to step on me).

Pearl was hard with this because she’s quite erratic and unpredictable in this series, so I wanted her to switch from raw explodey anger to playful jabs at Grian. I’m hoping this comes across as somewhat insane, rather than tonally off and inconsistent. I did super enjoy drawing her and her explosive nature though, especially in comparison to Grian’s coldness.

I played with levels and monotone colour too - I’m not working with multiple colours much at the moment so I’m able to focus on things like values composition, characters and backgrounds. My skills limit the kind of stories I can tell currently, so I’m working to improve those foundations. Maybe when I’m back in the riso studio I can play with colours a little more.

Colours - despite the simple pallete it gets a bit nerdy here.I stuck to specific flat percentages for most of it - Pearl’s hair and Grians jumper are 60%, Grian’s hair and Pearl’s cloak are 20%. Then I added a 14% layer for shadows, using a ahrd blend eraser tool for highlights, making the images quite dark. I fill a layer with texture from Forystr’s riso brush for procreate, and turn it into a 40% opacity colour dodge layer. This gives it some much needed texture and makes the lighting feel low and nighttimecore. It also pushes the values to look really nice - I tend to be too scared to push them by myself.

I tried a few different colour layers to get a *vibe* but settled on a low percentage riso blue in a colour layer. All layers besides the riso blue are in a riso black, colour picked from a riso colour pallete. I learnt these tools - using percentages to get good values - from working with risograph. I really recommend having a look at these techniques and doing some monotone work. It's really improved by character designs, page layouts and compositions.

That's all from me today, though I have had MANY other thoughts over the past two weeks about creating, but perhaps we'll dive into them another time. If you (or anyone else) has any questions, hit me up with a reblog or an ask and I will get right to it. Lovely to hear from you! Hope your art is going great too :)) Arch :)

[allproducts81]

Level Up Your Online Business with Internet Millionaire Digital

I've been tinkering with various online ventures for a while, but never quite cracked the code to turn them into sustainable successes. That's when I stumbled upon the Internet Millionaire Digital membership area, and it's been a game-changer for my entrepreneurial journey.

A Treasure Trove of Resources

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One of the things that truly sets Internet Millionaire Digital apart is the unparalleled access to expert guidance. The platform features exclusive interviews and live Q&A sessions with successful online business owners. These sessions are a goldmine of practical advice and real-world insights. Being able to learn directly from those who have built thriving online empires has been incredibly inspiring and motivating. It's like having a team of mentors constantly by your side, ready to answer your questions and offer personalized guidance.

Supportive Community Fosters Growth

The sense of community within the membership area is another aspect that I've found incredibly valuable. Connecting with other aspiring and established online entrepreneurs provides a fantastic support network. The member forum allows you to share your wins, challenges, and ideas in a safe and encouraging space. You can learn from others' experiences, collaborate on projects, and build meaningful connections that can propel your online ventures forward. The positive and collaborative atmosphere within the community fosters a sense of shared purpose and keeps you motivated on your entrepreneurial path.

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Overall, the Internet Millionaire Digital membership area has been an invaluable asset in my journey towards online business success. It's a comprehensive and constantly evolving platform that provides everything you

[krtnaart]

ADV4310: What I Know and what I question?

When thinking about digital media, the first thing that comes to mind is the ever-evolving landscape of social media and the constant emergence of new technologies. My basic knowledge of digital media revolves around the dynamic interplay between creativity and technology.

Foundational knowledge has solidified around the art of storytelling across diverse digital channels (social media platforms), the pivotal role of captivating visuals, and the strategic integration of data analytics. Yet, as I stand at the intersection of academia and industry, questions about the trajectory of digital media persist in my mind. I know of the significance of compelling storytelling across various online platforms, the power of visual elements in capturing audience attention, and the critical role of data analytics in shaping targeted and effective campaigns. All of the above is just a small fraction of what I think digital media is and what it looks like.

One aspect I find intriguing is the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on media consumption habits. Many of us have probably become aware of the recent rise of AR and VR and the exciting possibilities it presents. However, regardless of how catchy this all might sound, I wonder how these advancements may reshape user experience and influence content creation.

Something I have been eager to learn is media production skills and UX design. One reason for this is my passion to become a Product Designer or UX Designer. UX goes hand in hand with digital media since oftentimes you are designing digital experiences that are user-friendly and engaging. I want to explore concepts of usability, accessibility, and user interface design.

I would also want to learn more analytical skills since it seems to be getting more and more important within the marketing and advertising fields, especially in digital marketing. I'd like to learn more about blogs and how to write them, how to have better presentation skills, and just a better outlook on digital media in general.

[thewakingcloak]

Thanks beyond thanks for the reply - you'll definitely get credit (or at least a big tip if i can ever finish this project and get it out there), because you're among those I've learned from, and coming from a position of zero education and no modern programming knowledge, I can assure you: it's been difficult to piece together an education in game design with an improvised curriculum, so every little bit helps. While most people who get into this come from a programming background end up needing assistance with the art and music ends, I'm coming at it from the opposite side of the spectrum: I've been composing, recording, and engineering music since the magnetic tape era and doing digital design/animation for just as long, so it's just the coding I have to really apply myself to and make myself learn. I won't lie: it's been frustrating, trying to figure it all out by reading manuals and various youtube videos, reddit threads, and yoyo forums because while I'm able to learn the functionality of the code easily enough and there are a lot of helpful resources out there in that respect, context is everything and it can be maddening, trying to figure out how to apply what I've learned in useful or practical ways. For example, I've figured out enough to know that data structure grids can probably help me overcome my current problem with collisions (like you, I began building my 2.5d environment from that exact Matharoo video and even managed to write a pretty decent place-meeting-3d script from the ground up... until, like you, I hit my current impasse of being unable to figure out how to handle multiple collisions at once... but, unlike you, every alteration i make to my code only creates more problems), but while I understand how ds grids work, I can't figure out the proper context in which to apply them as a solution to my collision problem. So, I'm giving up and resorting to reverse engineering - when it comes to a lot of things, I can usually figure stuff out if i can just see it working under the hood, so i hope that's true for ds_grid collision implementation. I'm telling you this because I downloaded your suite of 3d scripts and intend to try and figure out how to implement them, working backward. I honestly don't mean to steal all your work, as you've been more than generous in helping people like me by sharing it in the first place, but it's hard to resist using it as a basis for my education because the physics of your project and your design process and ideas (like self-skinning objects) are so similar to mine. I can assure you, though: I won't be simply copying and pasting your functions, because I have no idea how to use them or from where to run them... it'll be trial and error (already, in trying to structure a Shaun Spaulding-style collision code (might as well start with what i know and see what works!) using your version of place_meeting_3d, I immediately encountered a "variable not defined" error in the instance-place-3d script it calls... maybe because I'm substituting noone for null, which is a variable gm doesn't appear to recognize, or maybe not... this is gonna be fun). At any rate... thank you. Sooner or later, I'll get past the physics and into the familiar territory of writing, drawing, and composing... but without your scripts, who knows how long that would take me! Shoulda gone to college... oh well.

You're welcome, anytime! Gamedev is such a multidisciplinary thing that it's a LOT to try to do all at once, whether you're coming from a programmer position and aren't good at art, or an artist who doesn't know programming yet. College helps with foundational stuff, but what you're doing (researching and learning yourself and putting it into action) is a pretty powerful method and will carry you a long way

You're right, null is a macro I created to stand for noone. Hard to break my day job coding habits haha. It sounds like you're somewhat familiar with the debugger, but I highly, highly recommend learning it more (especially breakpoints and such) for figuring out stuff like "variable not defined". The GameMaker debugger can be a little misleading at times, but it's so much easier than all the guesswork. It's improving a lot in the latest updates too!

It's been a while since I've looked at my 3D collision stuff in depth (it kind of scares me now lol), but yeah, learning how the ds_list stuff works should help. It's basically just (if I remember correctly) grabbing a list of things the object is colliding with, and then checking whether or not they match up on the z axis. I don't want to necessarily say "collide" because it's not using the built-in GM functions for z-axis collisions, but it's checking the z position, height, and seeing if either intersect.

So basically: get a list of collisions on the normal x, y coordinates as a ds_list, then loop through the list and check for intersection on the z axis. If so, there's a 3D collision!

Gamedev is no joke, but you've got the right approach and you're making great strides, keep it up!

[priya-joshi]

Becoming a Full Stack Developer: My Roadmap to Mastery

Embarking on my journey to become a full stack developer has been nothing short of a thrilling adventure. It's been filled with moments of incredible learning, personal growth, and a profound passion for creating digital solutions that truly make a difference. From the fascinating world of front-end design to the intricate workings of back-end development, let me take you through my personal roadmap to mastering the art of full stack development.

Defining Full Stack Development

At its core, I see a full stack developer as a tech-savvy magician who possesses the unique ability to bring both the user-facing magic of the front end and the powerful machinery of the backend to life. It's not merely about coding; it's about the art of crafting seamless user experiences while skillfully managing the complex infrastructure that makes it all possible.

Self-Assessment

Like any journey, mine began with self-awareness. I took a close look at my existing skills and knowledge. I uncovered my strengths to build upon and identified the areas where I needed improvement. This self-assessment became the bedrock upon which I constructed my roadmap, allowing me to set clear, focused goals for my full stack development journey.

Front-End Development Skills

Mastering front-end technologies proved to be a thrilling challenge. Moving from the foundational HTML and CSS, which provide structure and style to web pages, to delving into the captivating realm of JavaScript with its dynamic interactions, each step forward brought its own set of revelations and challenges. My journey was marked by moments of both frustration and triumph as I evolved from crafting basic layouts to creating intricate user interfaces that sprung to life at the simple click of a button.

Back-End Development Skills

Transitioning to the backend was like stepping into a whole new world of data management, server intricacies, and complex logic. Learning languages like Python, diving deep into databases like MySQL, and exploring frameworks such as Flask and Django became the building blocks of my backend journey. The sheer satisfaction of watching my code efficiently manage data and orchestrate complex operations fueled my determination to keep pushing forward.

Bridging the Gap

The leap from front-end to back-end wasn't a smooth one. Bridging this gap required not only the acquisition of new technical skills but also a shift in mindset. The challenges were numerous – learning to handle data securely, optimizing performance, and orchestrating intricate processes. I adopted various strategies to make this transition seamless, eventually allowing me to unite my front-end and back-end skills into a unified full stack approach.

Full Stack Development Frameworks

The full stack development world introduced me to a plethora of frameworks designed to streamline the entire process. Frameworks like MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js) and MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) became my trusted companions. They not only accelerated development but also offered valuable insights into the best practices of full stack architecture.

Building Projects

Knowledge truly gains momentum when it's put into practice. Building projects became an essential part of my journey. These projects provided the practical experience necessary to solidify my skills. Whether it was crafting dynamic e-commerce platforms or developing interactive web applications, each project served as a canvas for innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

Continuous Learning

Full stack development is an ongoing journey without a defined finish line. The ever-evolving landscape continually demands learning and adaptation. To stay updated with emerging trends and technologies, I relied on online platforms, coding communities, and valuable resources like full stack developer course and blogs provided by ACTE.

Challenges and Rewards

This journey had its fair share of difficulties, of course. Debugging cryptic errors, optimizing code for performance, and keeping pace with rapid technological advancements were just a few of the hurdles I encountered. However, the rewards far surpassed the struggles. The ability to transform ideas into functional applications, the satisfaction of solving intricate puzzles, and the sheer joy of witnessing my work in action were the driving forces that kept me moving forward.

Networking and Community

In today's digitally connected world, networking is an invaluable asset. Engaging with developer communities and attending meetups opened doors to fresh perspectives, exciting collaborations, and invaluable insights. The support and camaraderie of fellow developers served as a constant reminder that I wasn't alone on this journey.

Becoming a full stack developer is about more than just acquiring technical skills; it's a transformative journey of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and embracing growth. To all those aspiring full stack developers out there, my advice is to wholeheartedly embrace each challenge as a learning opportunity. Your roadmap may take unexpected turns, but with dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for innovation, you too can navigate the path to mastery. The world of full stack development awaits – so go forth and code boldly!

[yassifiedwelder]

I have been brainstorming soooo much for this #Spidersona thing I have been doing research and working out character arcs and designs and back stories with friends. I really want music to have a major roll in this. I’m thinking I could create a playlist and mess around with those Spotify codes to create a code in the book each person could scan and that song could play as they read through the next couple of panels.

I think I’m mainly posting about this to record it. I’ve never felt this was about a project or idea and I really think I could flush this out into something tangible. I technically have all of the knowledge and skill to work through this and create a physical copy of this graphic novel/idk “interactive” multimedia experience lmao.

Anywho, if anyone happens to see this please drop some songs/playlists for inspiration below. Go obscure, I’m talking like 3 weird recordings on YouTube from a German club obscure, but also I don’t mind the classics (I do plan to have a badass helicopter scene involving all of these mutant freedom fighters to #CCR .)

Here’s some songs I have ideas for rn

THESE ARE THE VIBESSS!

If anyone bothers to read this far hello! Welcome to this virtual project log. I have a tendency to ramble when I’m in a creative mood so after I have that time I like to sit back and reflect on what I’ve learned and write it all down and share it looking for comments questions and ideas. So I hope you like it!

The first video is the amount of pages so far, (the post right before this) I am planning on trying to digitize and rewrite the first “Issue” as a readable post on here so I’m gonna get started on that’s soon. I’m taking a lot of inspirations from Zine culture and alternative comics, body horror ideas from things like the Fly and Johnny the Homocidal maniac, all set to a soundtrack built off of the foundations of rock and the oddity’s of today. The color palate is as if the album cover for the Mountains Goats’ “Goths” came to life, with a formatting similar to one of my favorite books “My favorite thing is monsters” (look it uppppp)

Also, HEY MR. MOUSE! I’m not trying to make money off this, I’m just trying to make some fun art and share it with the world. BUT if you wanna use my characters,hmu (I am delusional) we can work out a deal, have your People call my people.

But that also goes to anyone else out there who wants to work together, my dms are open . . . (Mostly to bots rn)

OH Kay back to it . . . .

In the next pictures are some character designs that are very very very very much inspired by my friends. They’re strange enough that unless you know me by name then you would never get it Lmao . . . But the characters are kinda cool. I really tried to use actual habits and adaptations that these animals have in real life compared to how the human body would have to accommodate for its ability to defy nature. Planning for this to be kinda gory. I’m excited.

Also PSA I know I’m not an amazing artist, I’m going more for story and style over photo realism idk, this is just for my enjoyment, thank you for your time 💖💖💖 to help keep track I’m gonna tag all of these with #OnetaAquatica I’m excited to explore this story and world.

[tempest-toss]

!! !! !!

Mx. Helium, Mr. Gravity, Ms. Lake

[TW: Mention of attempted murder with Ms. Lake and a list of injuries] (Send an ask if I need to tag anything else)

Mx. Helium, Mr. Gravity, and Ms. Lake are part of the second batch of the New Generation of Little Misters

Mx. Helium and Mr. Gravity are part of the My Best Friends Package while Ms. Lake was part of the Little Environment Helper set before being removed.

Mx. Helium is one of the few Little Misters to undergo an appearance redesign, having been made initially to be a clown. However, their design received a negative response from test audiences, and they were remade into a more modern design They now sport a yellow raincoat and boots, which appears in their promotional art, but they also wear what looks like an oxygen mask and wear a tank underneath their raincoat. They take on the appearance of a twenty-three-year-old. Their Little Mister tattoo is hidden on their right palm

Mx. Helium gets their name because most of their insides comprise of helium gas. To prevent accidental floating they wear weighted clothing and to prevent accidentally overexposing people to helium they wear an oxygen mask.

Their primary task is to fill up helium balloons, although they tend to get lost in their own world, allowing them to be contained rather easily.

~~~~~~~~

Mr. Gravity, unlike his experimental brother Mr. Astro, does not have a spacesuit. Rather he has a more digital cyborg look, with a few part so his body (mainly his feet and some fingers) being mechanical, an eye that is digital, and the rest that appears human. His Little Mister tattoo is located on his left knee

Mr. Gravity has the ability to change his own gravitation at will, with a particular focus on changing it constantly from no gravity to Earth's, all of which can be toggled whenever he puts his fingers together. He has demonstrated in Foundation custody that he likes to "hover" by quickly touching his fingers together. Researchers are debating on whether this is a form of a nervous tic or the act of stimming.

Mr. Gravity has been confirmed in evaluations to be jealous of his siblings that can fully fly. Unlike his older brother Mr. Candy, his jealousy does not lead to anger; it manifests as sadness. When presented with the knowledge of not being able to actually fly he has been known to enter a period of silence and attempt to leave the person who brought it up.

~~~~~~~~

Originally Ms. Lake had a calming design. She wore a blue cardigan and pants, brown boots, and long wavy blue hair. She was complimented by many for her unique use of her hair: It would cup around and form a small pool with small versions of small aquatic lake life, which would distract from her exposed Little Mister tattoo on her upper back.

Ms. Lake was pulled from service following an incident at Lake Cuyamaca. She was teaching the children of the family she was with, and had suggested they split up to search for crawdads. In her search, Ms. Lake came across a man and a woman. Unbeknownst to her, this couple were murderers, using the lake to dump bodies. When Ms. Lake called out to them to ask about crawdads, the couple worried that Ms. Lake had found them out. To make sure Ms. Lake wouldn't say anything, they tricked her into going near the lake's edge and proceeded to drown her.

Upon finding out through Ms. Lake's struggles of survival that Ms. Lake was not human, they decided to go all out on her, landing blow after blow before leaving her to die. Using the mental link* Ms. Lake bid her siblings and father goodbye. Around this time she was found by a foundation agent and sent to a nearby site for help.

Nowadays Ms. Lake is back to a new normal. Some aspects of herself physically have yet to be able to be fixed, including:

A section of her spine shifted upwards A bent right knee A locked left elbow A missing eye Scarring around parts of her scalp Inability to produce creatures in her hair pond Inability to maintain hair pond

She has also developed an extreme distate for people with the following:

Short, Black hair Pixie cuts Brown ear piercings Opaque black shades Sleeveless white shirts Beige cargo shorts Silver necklaces Black-Red lipstick

Ms. Lake refused to comply to interviews whenever the interviewer had one or more of the above. This dislike goes deep enough that she drowned an interviewer by tackling them and producing water from their hand to silence them.

[seeyatellite]

Personal venting because sometimes it sucks talking only to a therapist and community based in professional psychology driven toward healthy conversation and human connection:

I think the chasm between mine and some family’s understanding is so vast because I’m not facing the world from their level of wealth.

I’m facing the world from a position of utter poverty and that’s where my values originate. I don’t see an absolute need for a bed, a car, a pretty dresser… I see needs for blankets, a pillow, shoes and a bag or crate to store my clothes in. Those are my foundational desires.

From there I begin working toward functional accessories like kitchen essentials, cleaning essentials, body soap and hygiene essentials.

I have let go of all need to maintain an image beyond anything but survival and capacity which is normal when you make a fixed, unchanging $1,500 per month under significant spending restrictions due to guardianship, making some things more expensive than others since the modern world makes things cheaper through digital means, erasing a paper trail and limiting in-person service to cut employee costs.

So, I prioritize survival. I don’t care to find a wife or settle into a marriage or raise kids. I care about art and celebration of the art of other people. I prioritize celebrating life in terms of flourishing life; nature, human collaboration and compassionate connection.

Yes, I may be absolutely terrible at a great many things including those which deepen my connection with people who share my values. I also am willing to learn and adapt which is a much easier process with absolute accountability, awareness of exactly which influences shaped me and what seems to hold me back or limit my receptiveness.

These are core values and principles for me. I have been raised mostly by external community, not family. In fact, most of my life it was family who constantly handed me to someone else and blamed me for their decisions to do so.

I am naturally inclined toward accepting others and being curious about them. I never developed the sort of attachment love that comes from consistency in nurture and healthy protective parenting.

I’m probably polyamorous or I’ll either feel insecure and unfulfilled in a stagnant monogamous relationship or even possibly cheat… which I’d imagine is a stretch. I’m more inclined toward self suffering than causing that kind of pain especially if my partner and I agreed on mutual exclusivity.

My point is, I think I understand where my family and I clash. They have core positions of comfortable and self-sustaining wealth with values and principles rooted in systems of belief and community governing their choices and actions which I have had very little significant experience with.

Yet they expect me to have the ability to act on knowledge I never truly received through means I never experienced. I was not raised in the same way, by the same hands or even toward the same goals. My entire life has been focused on healing, not thriving… and I’ve even been shit on for trying to do that.

Our society seems to separate the struggling from the “successful” and it has various methods of shading and shadowing the divide between these groups. We’re often taught to suffer in silence, to keep quiet so people don’t know you’ve felt pain at all… we’re told to learn and work in secret so we only share our success for contributing to collective surface-level harmony.

Thing is, life is not just a solo artist’s song… it’s an infinitely evolving orchestral assembly complete with every instrument we’ve ever known and many we’ve never even heard of.

So, yeah… I get why I don’t fit into the family’s collective narrative.

I wasn’t even written with the same ink.

You have money; boats (plural), cars (plural, houses (plural), an inherited lake house, hundreds of thousands if not millions invested in your sports cars, jet skis and massive Star Wars fan cave basements… that’s an assload of material wealth.

…and you judge me for what? Not finding that stuff important enough to protect over truth and compassion for people and acknowledging the differences in conditioning experiences here.

You call it love to say the words and offer me a seat for dinner or the occasional barbecue. You don’t act like love is a verb. You act like it’s a noun.

To my father, you say “you know I love you,” then cause emotional and physical harm and deny the reality we both shared. You deny responsibility for your own actions and call me selfish or needy and want me to lie for you.

You race across the US to drive Pikes Peak with your Viper buddies and host an annual “kennonball run” event from the Chelsea Proving Grounds to your inherited lake house… with your son nowhere in sight as I suppose I’m an embarrassment on disability income who can’t legally own a second car so classy to show off… because of legal restrictions you introduced me to.

I have nothing. You own 3 houses and a condo, 2 classic cars, a performance car and a pickup truck, 2 boats and two jet skis kept in a marina and a lake house inherited from your father who built it with his bare hands. Your father also built a house in that same neighborhood for your disabled brother and nurtured a family relationship with beautiful people who cared for him.

…and you just placed me on disability income at age 15 then abandoned me at 17 to live with beautiful strangers, my girlfriend and her family.

On the note of disability, you also frequently deny my lived experiences through childhood and teenage life; relationships, exploration, extremely active lifestyle… we had to visit our family-owned glasses place a few times per year because I always recklessly busted my glasses from ridiculous levels of natural activity.

You defend your disability decision against the truth of lived and shared experiences with vast social groups outside your domain of community.

Who’s the problem here?

Because therapy and professional help are telling me it’s not me… and I’m finally coming around to wholeheartedly believing it.

Where’s the “truth” and what does that word even mean to you? Is truth just a narrative support mechanism for maintaining your position and respect? Is “reality” just your story written to make you the infallible protagonist?

To the rest of the family and friends dazzled by his shiny toys and pretty boats and cars… how the hell can’t you see this?

[jeonhaeunlasalle]

CTS A | WK11 Summative Assessment Prep — Session 2

Today's CTS class allowed me to focus on areas where I need growth and reflect on my experiences. The mind-mapping activity helped me draw connections between CTS and my other modules, considering both my challenges and progress.

For example, my habit of organizing references from my CTS classes and mind mapping my work before diving into it has helped me a lot in the studio and CPJ, and the work I did in the Craft Workshop module in week 2, using Chinese ink to create patterns, was new to me, so I struggled with using art materials I wasn't familiar with. What helped me was that I remembered the 'FAILURE AS NECESSITY' that I learned from Pooja Nancy's video in the CTS class in week 1, where she said that failure is a necessary part of success and nothing is perfect, and I was able to complete my craft work. Similarly, in the photography class, we were given time to take photos and present them, and it was awkward at first to tell my friends that this aspect was good and that I needed to improve. However, based on the 'Relationship management' I learned in the CTS class in week 3, I gave my friends detailed feedback while understanding the other person, and they gave me good feedback, so we were both satisfied, and I was able to analyze the photos objectively and understand the visual composition more deeply. 

In Digital Skills, we were tasked to create an app icon. Initially unsure about the design, I recalled a Week 5 CTS class where we photographed product packaging and redesigned it, sparking inspiration. Analyzing app icons I liked and disliked helped me develop my icon design, and I was pleased to receive positive feedback.

This mind-mapping exercise reinforced that CTS connects to all subjects, fostering reflection, analysis, and creativity. I learned that knowledge from each module is not confined to a single class but serves as a foundation that enriches work across other areas.

(333 words)

[flashseo]

Muhammad Ismail: The SEO Specialist Helping Businesses Dominate the Digital Space

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the competition is critical. For businesses looking to boost their online presence and achieve higher search engine rankings, Muhammad Ismail has become a key figure in the field of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). With a proven track record of success, Ismail has carved out a reputation as an expert who helps businesses dominate the digital space through his comprehensive SEO strategies.

Expertise Across All SEO Domains

Muhammad Ismail’s SEO services cover a broad spectrum, addressing all aspects of optimization needed to enhance a website’s performance. His mastery in on-page SEO, technical SEO, and off-page SEO gives him the ability to provide clients with a well-rounded strategy that improves their visibility on Google and other search engines.

His thorough understanding of keyword research, competitor analysis, and content optimization ensures that every client gets a tailored approach that maximizes their potential for growth. With Muhammad Ismail at the helm, businesses can count on a solid SEO foundation that improves rankings, attracts more traffic, and increases overall conversion rates.

High-Impact Backlink Strategies

One area where Muhammad Ismail truly shines is in his ability to build high-quality backlinks. Search engines value backlinks as a key ranking factor, but not all backlinks carry the same weight. Ismail’s approach focuses on securing authoritative and relevant backlinks that make a real difference to a site’s SEO performance.

From acquiring GOV/EDU backlinks to building profile links and developing Web 2.0 properties, Ismail has refined the art of link-building. His methods help businesses gain the authority they need to rank higher in search results, giving them a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

Local SEO: Helping Businesses Reach Their Communities

For many small and local businesses, getting noticed by nearby customers is essential. Muhammad Ismail’s expertise in local SEO has helped countless businesses optimize their online profiles for local searches. His work in this area includes optimizing Google My Business profiles, ensuring NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across directories, and developing local citation strategies.

These efforts allow businesses to rank higher for local keywords, attract more foot traffic, and convert local leads into loyal customers. Ismail’s local SEO strategies are tailored to each client’s unique geographic area, helping them gain visibility and authority within their specific market.

Keeping Pace with SEO Trends and Algorithm Updates

The SEO landscape is constantly changing, with search engines like Google frequently updating their algorithms. Muhammad Ismail understands the importance of staying ahead of these changes, which is why he regularly updates his knowledge and adapts his strategies accordingly. His proactive approach ensures that his clients’ websites remain compliant with the latest guidelines and continue to perform well, regardless of algorithmic shifts.

From Core Web Vitals and mobile-first indexing to the growing importance of user experience (UX) and voice search optimization, Ismail integrates cutting-edge SEO techniques into his strategies to keep his clients at the forefront of the digital world.

A Client-Centered Approach

What truly sets Muhammad Ismail apart from other SEO professionals is his focus on delivering results that align with his clients' goals. He takes the time to understand their unique needs, target audience, and business objectives, ensuring that the SEO strategies he implements are designed to deliver meaningful results. Whether the goal is to boost e-commerce sales, improve local visibility, or increase brand awareness, Ismail tailors his SEO plans to meet each client’s specific requirements.

Proven Results and Long-Term Success

Muhammad Ismail’s commitment to excellence has helped him deliver measurable results for a wide range of businesses. His clients have seen significant improvements in their search rankings, organic traffic, and overall online performance. The strategies he employs are not just about achieving short-term gains; Ismail’s goal is to provide sustainable, long-term success.

By combining proven SEO tactics with a personalized approach, Muhammad Ismail helps businesses build a solid digital presence that will continue to grow and evolve over time.

Conclusion

Muhammad Ismail’s deep knowledge of SEO, his strategic approach to link building, and his dedication to keeping pace with the latest trends have positioned him as a key player in the SEO industry. His ability to deliver results through ethical practices and a client-centered approach makes him a trusted partner for businesses looking to succeed in the digital world.

[sahilscapstoneresearch]

Week 4, Sep. 25th

Accessible Audio / Topic #1, Speculation

Point of View: The gap in knowledge around accessible audio is that sound in software isn’t inherently bad, it’s just badly designed.

My research focus is to explore new possibilities for the incorporation of audio design (and maybe haptics too?) in digital softwares to create more accessible and immersive digital user experiences.

Source #1: AFB: The Visually Impaired Web User's Technology

Source #2: VocalEyes

Source #3: MTA: Reach New York, An Urban Musical Instrument

Research Reflection:

In my research this week, I explored existing solutions for visually impaired people to experience visual-driven content. I learned about the incredible power of screen readers, which can provide a better interface for blind users. I am considering downloading and trying out one of the screen readers as a part of my next week’s experimentation! I also learned about how visually impaired people with some sight experience computers, and it was interesting to see all of the different resources for specific levels of visual impairment. It seems like a lot of the resources for non-blind visually impaired people alter the ‘normal’ interface (e.g., zooming, changing colors, etc), rather than using techniques that utilize audio and haptics.

Learning about ways visually impaired people experience art was really interesting, and I was surprised since I didn’t know something like this existed before. It was helpful to see what techniques they use and events they run/sponsor.

I also discovered a really cool artist named Chistopher Janney, who creates unique works of art that incorporate sound and motion. It’s interesting to see examples of sound art in public areas and observe how people experience and interact with the piece.

Weekly Experimentation:

For my topic experimentation this week, I observed and documented all of the accessible sounds I encountered throughout my day. I was driven to do this out of curiosity, to see how much of a role accessible audio plays in my own life.

Brushing my teeth in the morning, I turned on my electronic toothbrush and it triggered audio and haptic feedback, indicating the brush was out of battery.

Crossing the street on my way to class, I encountered a crosswalk button. Pressing the button triggered audio feedback of a beep (to indicate the button was pressed) and a robotic voice saying "wait to cross 5th at Washington." I thought the audio feedback in this experience was great, despite the fact that the audio was not very loud. Although I could hear the audio, the elderly or people with lack of hearing would not have as great of an experience.

While purchasing cough drops from 7-Eleven, the cashier entered the item information into the register system. The register made a few 'beep' sounds, which I could detect to be the cashier setting up the payment process. When I used my credit card to pay, I tapped it onto the card reader, triggering audio feedback that helped me confirm the card was read. Because I was juggling between my wallet, the cough drops, and some takeout food I had picked up prior, the audio confirmation of the card reader made the experience easier and less stressful! I also tried to use an ATM at 7-Eleven (for the sake of observing audio feedback) but there was surprisingly none, which was very disappointing.

Paying for parking in Hoboken, the machine responds with audio feedback whenever any button is pressed. Unfortunately, every sound is exactly the same, which makes it hard to distinguish between buttons and causes repetition that quickly becomes annoying.

Works Cited:

“The Visually Impaired Web User’s Technology.” American Foundation for the Blind, www.afb.org/digital-inclusion/accessibility-resources/users-technology#:~:text=Screen%20Readers,or%20to%20a%20braille%20display. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

“About.” VocalEyes, vocaleyes.co.uk/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Janney, Christopher. “Reach New York, an Urban Musical Instrument.” The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 1996, new.mta.info/agency/arts-design/collection/reach-new-york.

[grazer-razor]

why god may not be speaking to you sometimes: a short story

not everyone believes they can hear from god. but even those that do sometimes struggle to hear from him. even when they quiet down their internal voices to listen, even when they have taken every precaution to make sure prayer time goes smoothly... when the time comes for god to talk, he just doesn't.

if you're like me, you may suspect that he's trying to withhold forbidden knowledge from you, even though you think you could handle such information. but what if i told you that, sometimes, that may not even BE the case? what if i told you that... well, let me just explain.

i am a digital artist that draws monster girls, and sometimes, i may reach a 100th milestone(examples include: 100th upload in general, 100th actual drawing, 100th original drawing, 100th monster girl drawing, ETC.). when that happens, i ask god what i should draw to commemorate the occasion. on past occasions, he's told me to draw a porcupine mermaid, a rat MG, a cat MG, and that same MG as a mermaid.

well, recently, the time came for my 100th original character design to be uploaded. so i decided to talk to god. but when i tried doing so, i didn't hear anything at all! to say that this was a letdown would be a massive understatement. in fact, as time went on, i began to worry that this would seriously cut into my art career, as i really didn't want ideas for my 100th commemoration drawings to be anywhere but from god.

but today, i decided to go through my art statistics, which keeps tabs on how many uploads/drawings/nonvariant drawings/MG's/original designs i've posted. and when i was going through my DA page, i saw something.

i realized that i forgot to put drawings of snickette and melodii on the original designs list in my stats, and there were a few other errors, as well, including an incorrect quantity on the wii subs item listed in one of the lists!

putting the math into the mix, i found out that the current original design count plummeted from 99 to 95!(which doesn't seem like that much, but when you really don't want to be in productive constipation, this is a rather big deal.)

to conclude my story, i'd like to say the moral of the story. the moral is, just because you're not hearing god doesn't mean he's trying to play the role of SCP foundation or something. maybe he's trying to keep you from seeing a green light for doing something that you may end up regretting. if you don't hear him right away, go on with your life. maybe you might see something that explains why he was holding back from responding!

well, that's my story. see ya!

[mmscribbles]

MBA Compre Exams

The calendar dates of June 15th and 22nd, 2024, will forever be etched in my memory. These weren't just random days; they were the culmination of months of intense studying, late nights fueled by coffee, and the culmination of my entire MBA journey – the Comprehensive Exams.

For those unfamiliar, the Compre Exams are the final hurdle we have to take before proceeding to Thesis 1 and Thesis 2. It's a two-part exam designed to assess your understanding of the core business concepts covered throughout the program. You get to choose five subjects, typically consisting of one foundational course, three core courses representing your major, and an elective that piqued your interest.

My chosen battlefield? Fundamentals of Management, the bedrock of business knowledge; Human Resources Management, the fascinating world of people and organizations; Marketing Management, the art of understanding and influencing consumers; Management Information Systems, the backbone of the digital age; and Organization Development, the process of transforming organizations for success.

Let me tell you, it was no walk in the park. Juggling a full-time job from 8-5 with the demands of MBA studies is a challenge in itself. But adding the exams to the mix turned things into an all-out battle. Every spare moment became precious study time. Weekends were dedicated to deep dives into textbooks and practice exams. Nights were a blur of highlighter streaks and strategizing frameworks. The exhaustion was real, folks.

But amidst the fatigue, there was a burning determination. This MBA program wasn't just a checkbox; it was an investment in myself, my future, and my ability to navigate the complex world of business. The knowledge I was acquiring, the frameworks I was learning, the case studies I was dissecting – these were all weapons I was forging for the professional battles ahead.

And then, the exam days arrived. The air crackled with nervous energy as we huddled in the waiting rooms, clutching well-worn formulas and hastily scribbled notes. The exams themselves were a test of not just knowledge, but also stamina. Hours of focused concentration, pouring everything I had learned onto those exam sheets.

The wait for the results was agonizing. But then, the email arrived – a single word that sent a wave of relief and joy crashing over me: "Passed."

This wasn't just about passing an exam; it was about conquering a challenge. It was a testament to the late nights, the unwavering focus, and the sheer grit it took to balance work, studies, and personal life. It was a victory not just for me, but for everyone who supported me on this journey.

So, to my fellow student warriors, to those currently battling the exams or contemplating this path, I say this: It's tough. It will test you. But the rewards – the knowledge, the confidence, the sense of accomplishment – are more than worth it. Keep pushing, keep believing, and remember, even the most challenging battles can be conquered with dedication and a thirst for learning. You've got this!

[seowebdesignhouston]

Harnessing the Strength of SEO in Houston: Boosting Your Online Visibility

In the bustling digital landscape of Houston, carving out your niche requires more than just a mere online presence – it demands strategic visibility. Amidst the cacophony of websites vying for attention, mastering SEO Houston becomes paramount. But what exactly encapsulates the essence of Houston Local SEO? Join us as we unravel the intricacies and unveil the power of SEO in driving your business towards unprecedented heights.

Understanding the Dynamics: Delving into SEO Houston

The Foundation of Success: Keyword Optimization

At the heart of SEO Houston lies the art of keyword optimization. Crafting content tailored to resonate with local Houston audiences entails meticulous keyword research and strategic integration. By aligning your content with trending keywords such as "SEO Houston" and "Houston Local SEO," you pave the way for enhanced visibility and heightened engagement.

Navigating Local Terrain: Local SEO Strategies

In the realm of digital marketing, Houston Local SEO emerges as a game-changer for businesses aiming to thrive within the local ecosystem. Leveraging location-based keywords, optimizing Google My Business listings, and fostering local citations catapult your brand to the forefront of local search results. By harnessing the power of Houston Local SEO, you not only enhance your online visibility but also cultivate a strong rapport with the local community.

Crafting Compelling Content: The Backbone of SEO Houston

In the realm of SEO Houston, content reigns supreme. From engaging blog posts to informative product descriptions, every piece of content serves as a gateway to your brand's online presence. By prioritizing quality, relevance, and value, you not only captivate your audience but also signal credibility to search engine algorithms. Remember, in the world of SEO Houston, content is king.

Implementing Strategies: Optimizing Your Website for Success

Streamlining User Experience: Responsive Web Design

In the digital arena, user experience reigns supreme. Embracing responsive web design ensures seamless accessibility across all devices, fostering a positive user journey and reducing bounce rates. By prioritizing user-centric design elements, you not only enhance engagement but also bolster your site's credibility in the eyes of search engines.

Enhancing Site Performance: Speed Optimization

In the fast-paced realm of online browsing, every second counts. Prioritizing speed optimization not only enhances user experience but also signals search engines of your site's reliability and efficiency. From compressing images to minimizing HTTP requests, every optimization tweak contributes towards elevating your site's performance and SEO Houston prowess.

Embracing Mobile-Friendly Practices: Mobile Optimization

With mobile devices becoming the primary gateway to the digital world, embracing mobile-friendly practices is no longer optional – it's imperative. Ensuring seamless navigation, optimizing loading times, and adopting mobile-first design principles are quintessential steps towards fortifying your site's SEO Houston strategy and catering to the evolving needs of your audience.

Nurturing Long-Term Growth: Sustaining Your SEO Houston Momentum

Embracing Analytics: Data-Driven Insights

In the ever-evolving landscape of SEO Houston, knowledge is power. By harnessing the insights gleaned from analytics tools, you gain invaluable perspectives into user behavior, content performance, and conversion metrics. Armed with data-driven insights, you can refine your Houston Local SEO strategy, optimize your content, and steer your business towards sustained growth and success.

Cultivating Backlink Authority: Building a Robust Link Profile

In the intricate web of SEO Houston, backlinks serve as the currency of credibility. Cultivating a robust link profile not only enhances your site's authority in the eyes of search engines but also fosters organic traffic and elevates your brand's visibility. By securing high-quality backlinks from reputable sources, you fortify your position within the digital ecosystem and establish your brand as a trusted authority in your niche.

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Continuous Adaptation

In the dynamic realm of SEO Houston, adaptability is key to staying ahead of the curve. From algorithm updates to shifting consumer trends, staying abreast of industry developments empowers you to pivot your strategy, refine your tactics, and maintain your competitive edge. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, you ensure that your Houston Local SEO efforts remain relevant, resilient, and responsive to the ever-changing digital landscape.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the realm of SEO Houston, one thing becomes abundantly clear – the power to elevate your online presence lies within your grasp. By embracing strategic Houston Local SEO tactics, optimizing your website for success, and nurturing long-term growth, you pave the way for unparalleled visibility, engagement, and success in the digital arena. So, dare to dream big, dare to defy the odds, and dare to unleash the full potential of SEO Houston.