#dark academia guide

[dragons-for-the-win]

12am. Rain poring down my window. Everyone asleep. No noise whatsoever. A brain full of inspiration.

I've wished for a night like this for ever, and I'm not gonna waste it.

[quietflowersgarden]

Dark Academia Music Guide

Classical:

• Lacrimosa by Mozart

• Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 10, Scene. Moderato by Tchaikovsky

• Nocturne No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 9 No. 1

check out this playlist

Folk:

• Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan, Hozier

• Ho Hey by The Lumineers

• Achilles Come Down by Gang of Youths

check out this playlist

Rock:

• Wicked Game by Chris Isaak

• Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles

• Girl With One Eye by Florence + The Machine

check out this playlist

Jazz

• Feel Good Inc. by Scott Bradlee

• Wildflower and Barley by Hozier, Allison Russell

• The World We Knew (Over and Over) by Frank Sinatra

check out this playlist

I also have this playlist that have a bit of everything I mentioned.

[itgirldiaryathy]

✨What I do on my morning routine✨

Brush my teeth, when I'm affirming mentally.

Have a shower.

Dress up.

Moisture my body.

Skincare.

Hair care. (Brush it and I do a hairstyle)

Drink water. At least 100mls.

Do some breakfast. Coffee to my mother and something to me.

I fill my water bottle.

Read the virtual journal called "the news".

Get to school.

When I'm on my school (at 6:45 AM), I take a book and read it. It's common to me, hug everyone that arrives and It's my friend. (Before the professor arrive)

(English isn't my fist language, and I'm trying to do not use translators, please, feel free to correct me)

[literarydesire]

It’s getting cold which means: time for the best kinds of dark academia outfits

Big sweaters with button-ups underneath

Dress shirts under knitted vests

Tweed pants

Tweed blazers under long coats

Thick, flowy scarfs that billow in the wind as you run to school

Red, frost bitten knuckles visible under fingerless gloves

Leather boots and woollen socks

Turtlenecks with antique necklaces

Corduroy pants and knitted cardigans

Lots of dark green, white, black, navy blue, brown, bordeaux

[faustianacademia]

Free Classics Courses - With Certificates!

Studying "the classics" is a rich, rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Unfortunately these days, many of us lack the opportunity or resources to integrate ancient civilisations and languages into our formal education.

I, for one, am forever grateful that the advent of the digital age heralded new and interesting ways for society to share a wealth of information. Since the early noughties, I've tracked down free online courses in areas of personal interest. Naturally, the Classics is a subject I gravitated towards, and it saddened me to notice that over time free courses in the arts and humanities dwindled in favour of modern, digital, knowledge.

However, I am gladdened to share that OpenLearn (a branch of The Open University) have a growing selection of free Classics courses! All of these courses offer a free certificate to download and print on completion, and are drawn from the various undergraduate courses provided by the university proper.

These courses vary in length and difficulty, but provide an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the Classics, or who would like to sample university level content before committing to a more formal course of study.

Here is a full list of courses in the Classics category at OpenLearn, though I strongly suspect more will be added over time:

The Ancient Olympics: bridging past and present

Highlights the similarities and differences between our modern Games and the Ancient Olympics and explores why today, as we prepare for future Olympics, we still look back at the Classical world for meaning and inspiration.

Discovering Ancient Greek and Latin

Gives a taste of what it is like to learn two ancient languages. It is for those who have encountered the classical world through translations of Greek and Latin texts and wish to know more about the languages in which these works were composed.

Getting started on classical Latin

Developed in response to requests from learners who had had no contact with Latin before and who felt they would like to spend a little time preparing for the kind of learning that studying a classical language involves. The course will give you a taster of what is involved in the very early stages of learning Latin and will offer you the opportunity to put in some early practice.

Continuing classical Latin

Gives the opportunity to hear a discussion of the development of the Latin language.

Introducing Homer's Iliad

Focuses on the epic poem telling the story of the Trojan War. It begins with the wider cycle of myths of which the Iliad was a part. It then looks at the story of the poem itself and its major theme of Achilles' anger, in particular in the first seven lines. It examines some of the characteristic features of the text: metre, word order and epithets. Finally, it explores Homer's use of simile. The course should prepare you for reading the Iliad on your own with greater ease and interest.

Hadrian's Rome

Explores the city of Rome during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (117-38 CE). What impact did the emperor have on the appearance of the city? What types of structures were built and why? And how did the choices that Hadrian made relate to those of his predecessors, and also of his successors?

The Body in Antiquity

Will introduce you to the concept of the body in Greek and Roman civilisation. In recent years, the body has become a steadily growing field in historical scholarship, and Classical Studies is no exception. It is an aspect of the ancient world that can be explored through a whole host of different types of evidence: art, literature and archaeological artefacts to name but a few. The way that people fulfil their basic bodily needs and engage in their daily activities is embedded in the social world around them. The body is a subject that can reveal fascinating aspects of both Greek and Roman culture it will help you to better understand the diversity of ancient civilisation.

Library of Alexandria

One of the most important questions for any student of the ancient world to address is 'how do we know what we know about antiquity?' Whether we're thinking about urban architecture, or love poetry, or modern drama, a wide range of factors shape the picture of antiquity that we have today. This free course, Library of Alexandria, encourages you to reflect upon and critically assess those factors. Interpreting an ancient text, or a piece of material culture, or understanding an historical event, is never a straightforward process of 'discovery', but is always affected by things such as translation choices, the preservation (or loss) of an archaeological record, or the agendas of scholars.

Introducing the Classical World

How do we learn about the world of the ancient Romans and Greeks? This free course, Introducing the Classical world, will provide you with an insight into the Classical world by introducing you to the various sources of information used by scholars to draw together an image of this fascinating period of history.

Introducing Virgil's Aeneid

This free course offers an introduction to the Aeneid. Virgil’s Latin epic, written in the 1st century BCE, tells the story of the Trojan hero Aeneas and his journey to Italy, where he would become the ancestor of the Romans. Here, you will focus on the characterisation of this legendary hero, and learn why he was so important to the Romans of the Augustan era. This course uses translations of Virgil’s poem, and assumes no prior knowledge of Latin, but it will introduce you to some key Latin words and phrases in the original text.

Icarus: entering the world of myth

An introduction to one of the best-known myths from classical antiquity and its various re-tellings in later periods. You will begin by examining how the Icarus story connects with a number of other ancient myths, such as that of Theseus and the Minotaur. You will then be guided through an in-depth reading of Icarus’ story as told by the Roman poet Ovid, one of the most important and sophisticated figures in the history of ancient myth-making. After this you will study the way in which Ovid’s Icarus myth has been reworked and transformed by later poets and painters.

Getting started on ancient Greek

A taster of the ancient Greek world through the study of one of its most distinctive and enduring features: its language.

The course approaches the language methodically, starting with the alphabet and effective ways to memorise it, before building up to complete Greek words and sentences. Along the way, you will see numerous real examples of Greek as written on objects from the ancient world.

Travelling for Culture: The Grand Tour

In the eighteenth century and into the early part of the nineteenth, considerable numbers of aristocratic men (and occasionally women) travelled across Europe in pursuit of education, social advancement and entertainment, on what was known as the Grand Tour. A central objective was to gain exposure to the cultures of classical antiquity, particularly in Italy. In this free course, you’ll explore some of the different kinds of cultural encounters that fed into the Grand Tour, and will explore the role that they play in our study of Art History, English Literature, Creative Writing and Classical Studies today.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

List of Random Things For Your Dark Academia Settings | For Writers

The Library 📚

Towering mahogany bookshelves filled with ancient leather-bound tomes

Antique globes and faded maps mounted on the walls

Heavy velvet drapes blocking out the sunlight

Ornate brass reading lamps casting a warm glow

The musty smell of old books permeating the air

The Study 🪶

A large oak desk strewn with papers, quills, and ink bottles

Walls lined with pinned insect specimens and anatomical drawings

An antique typewriter, its keys clacking softly

Stacks of well-worn leather journals and notebooks

A cabinet of curiosities filled with skulls, fossils, and scientific oddities

The Classroom 🎓

Rows of old wooden desks, surfaces scratched with generations of graffiti

A blackboard covered in elaborate chalk diagrams and Latin phrases

Dusty shelves holding jars of formaldehyde-preserved specimens

Antique microscopes and brass telescopes waiting to be used

The tick-tock of a grandfather clock counting down the minutes

The Dormitory 🕯️

A four-poster bed heaped with tattered quilts and faded velvet pillows

Parquet wood floors layered with antique persian rugs

Flickering candles in tarnished silver holders casting dancing shadows

A steamer trunk overflowing with vintage tweeds and wool knits

Tea-stained pages of love letters and poetry scattered on the nightstand

The Secret Society Meeting Room 🗝️

An imposing stone fireplace with Latin phrases carved into the mantel

Worn leather armchairs circled around a low table set with tarnished silver

The air thick with pipe smoke and burning incense

Shelves lined with ancient masks, ceremonial daggers, and dusty alchemical tomes

Shadows dancing on the tapestry-covered walls in the candlelight

[wedarkacademia]

But don't forget who you really are. And I'm not talking about your so-called real name. All names are made up by someone else, even the one your parents gave you. You know who you really are. When you're alone at night, looking up at the stars, or maybe lying in your bed in total darkness, you know that nameless person inside you.

― Louis Sachar, Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake

[rheas-chaos-motivation]

How to feel alive/stop being bored out of your mind, a guide for losers

jump on your bed, write something teeny tiny on the walls, break a small rule

get a dollar worth of pennies and write lucky on them and drop one or two at places you go

bury something small that you like in a place you feel safe

make a small bracelet/anklet, even if its just a piece of sting and never take it off

take a really really cold shower

go star gazing/look at the moon

write a letter to your past/future self

write bad poetry/nice messages and tuck it into books at the library

sit and listen to a song that was your favorite four or five years ago, don't do anything else but sit and listen to it

make a trash journal. Get a cheap notebook and write down EVERYTHING in there, carry it around with you. It will help you figure out who you are/remind you that you are a person.

when was the last time you felt alive? Like really alive? If you remember, write it down in as much detail as you can. If you don't know, write down a time you were happy or very angry. Honestly, any strong emotion will work.

create a bad drawing, like kindergartener level. If you want, fold it up and stick it onto your fridge.

block that person

tell someone how much you appreciate them

put old things you don't need anymore in a box, write take care of it on top, and leave it somewhere

write positive graffiti in public restroom stalls

bake bread

[pomegranatepanacea]

ahem.

[dragons-for-the-win]

drinking tea while playing online chess is peak chaotic academia

[literatureaesthetic]

beginners guide to classics:

novels —

the picture of dorian gray by oscar wilde (the classic that started it all for me - oscar wilde is KING)

dracula - bram stoker

rebecca - daphne du maurier

a christmas carol - charles dickens

frankenstein - mary shelley

their eyes were watching god - zora neale hurston

the haunting of hill house - shirley jackson

lolita - vladimir nabakov (my current read)

jane eyre - charlotte bronte

plays & short story collections —

the importance of being earnest - oscar wilde

the crucible - arthur miller

the bloody chamber and other short stories - angela carter (adore this)

edgar allen poe's short stories

poetry —

goblin market - christina rossetti

sappho

[nicheguides]

How to Impress a Pyromaniac

She’s cute and she carries a box of matches everywhere she goes🔥 She had particular tastes, so prepare to cater to them or get burned trying

[inknbrew]

Guide to Dark Academia: Research

The history of the authors of classics (Oscar Wild, Homer, Etc.)

History (the French Revolution, World War I, Historical Figures)

College Secret Societies

Types of Coffee

History of Coffee

Literature

Music Theory

How music impacts the brain

History of Great Artists

The history of Commonplacing (one of my favorites)

How to solve a mystery

Film related topics

Mythology (Greek, Norse, Egyptian, etc.)

Poetry and its historical significance

Secret codes

Language of flowers (bonus if you make a bouquet for yourself or a friend)

Vintage Cars

You can suggest content or ask something by clicking the ask me questions button!

[thelailasblog]

[dbielski]

Some days, I choose to be an adventurer.

[gem-femmes]

How to Understand an Artwork: A Brief Guide

I've recently read a book by a French author that promised to teach the reader how to understand a painting.

Art is my special interest. I keep up with contemporary art, attend art fairs etc. I've been to major and minor museums, galleries and churches in Europe and the US. But I feel that there's always room for improvement when it comes to understanding art.

The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (1991) by Damien Hirst

I went through this heavy tome full of the author's own convoluted interpretations of artworks. The book taught me nothing about how to interpret and understand a painting on my own. But it did inspire me to create my own guidelines for reading works of art.

🦋 Why Bother Understanding Art?

Artworks are rich in meaning, symbolism, and emotion. Learning how to read them can enhance your appreciation and understanding of art and, consequently, life. This includes your own life.

The Embarkation for Cythera (1717) by Jean-Antoine Watteau

I find art an incredible place to seek answers to life's questions. I'll show you how you can do this too.

Additionally, this guide contains some of my favorite artworks, old and contemporary.

🦋 1. Observe the Artwork Closely

First Impression: Start by taking in the artwork as a whole. What is your immediate emotional response? What catches your eye first?

Details: Examine the piece in detail. Notice the colors, lines, shapes, textures, and composition. Pay attention to the focal point - where your eye is naturally drawn.

🦋 2. Identify the Subject Matter

Figurative vs. Abstract: Determine if the artwork is representational (depicting recognizable objects or scenes) or abstract (focusing on shapes, colors, and forms without representing something specific).

Iconography: Look for symbols, figures, or objects that might carry specific meanings. For example, a skull might symbolize mortality, while a dove often represents peace.

Lake George (1922–1922) by Georgia O'Keeffe

🦋 3. Consider the Composition

Balance and Symmetry: Notice if the composition is balanced or symmetrical. How do these elements affect the mood or message of the artwork?

Perspective and Space: Observe the use of space. Is there a clear foreground, middle ground, and background? Does the perspective create a sense of depth or flatness?

🦋 4. Analyze the Use of Color

Color Palette: Identify the dominant colors. Are they warm or cool, bright or muted?

Color Symbolism: Consider the emotional or symbolic meanings of colors. For instance, red can signify passion or danger, while blue might evoke calmness or melancholy.

🦋 5. Explore the Technique and Medium

Brushstrokes and Texture: Look at how the artist applied the paint or medium. Are the brushstrokes smooth or rough? What effect does the texture have on the artwork’s feel?

Medium: Consider the medium used: oil, watercolor, pencil, sculpture, etc. How does the medium influence the artwork’s appearance and impact?

🦋 6. Contextualize the Artwork

Artist's Background: Research the artist’s life, style, and the historical period in which the artwork was created. Understanding the artist’s intent and the era can provide valuable insights.

Cultural and Historical Context: Consider the cultural, social, or political context of the time. How might these factors have influenced the artwork?

The Parakeet and the Mermaid (1952) by Henri Matisse

🦋 7. Interpret the Meaning

Narrative: If the artwork tells a story, try to piece it together. What is happening in the scene? What might have happened before or after the moment depicted?

Themes and Messages: Reflect on the themes or messages the artwork conveys. Is it making a statement about society, human nature, or a personal experience?

🦋 8. Engage with Your Personal Response

Emotional Reaction: Pay attention to your emotional response. Art can evoke a range of feelings, from joy to discomfort. Your reaction is a key part of the interpretation.

Subjective Interpretation: Remember that interpretation can be personal. Your background, experiences, and emotions can influence how you read an artwork. There’s no single “correct” interpretation.

I Want My Time With You (2018) by Tracey Emin

🦋 9. Ask Questions

What does this artwork remind you of?

Why did the artist choose this subject or style?

How does this artwork make you feel, and why?

🦋 10. Discuss with Others

The most useful tip I have for you: Share your thoughts and interpretations with others. Discussing different perspectives can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the artwork.

Reading an artwork is both an intellectual and emotional exercise. It’s about connecting with the piece and the artist, finding meaning, and appreciating the craft.

The more you practice, the more fluent you’ll become in the language of art.