Blog 1

I chose this photo for a number of reasons, mainly because it has plenty of great examples that demonstrate the visual components we are beginning to study.

Immediately, our attention goes to the two red Turkish flags, showcasing the idea that the human eye is designed to notice this color before the others. Compared to the light blue of the sky, bright white of the tent, and dull green of the grass, the red is especially bold in this photograph.

The form in this photo is more difficult to interpret. Because the man to the right is closer to the camera, appears larger and is situated right next to the bright flag, this is the focal point of the photograph. The frame magnetism, however, is much easier to notice. The two men to the right of the frame are facing to the right, and the men to the left are facing the opposite direction. This creates a pulling tension between the two groups of men. The rule of thirds certainly applies to this photo, because the groups of men are located on the outside vertical lines, and the top of the tent and hill as well as the bottom of their feet fall on the outside horizontal lines. This makes the image look much more balanced.

The only movement appears to be coming from the white balloon suspended in the air, heading upward. I noticed that the line vectors and the triangle shape of the tent are interesting, as well: the hill merging into the tent creates sharp, driving angles.

visual composition

I like this picture because right away it caught my attention before I even began to read the headline. At first I thought it was just a boy who was playing in a garage and to his mom’s disliking had gotten all dirty while doing so. Then I read the headline “Katrina Victims,” and I realize how sad this image really is. Now the background starts to fade in and I see a place where this boy used to live, this is actually his house. He is covered in mud and almost looks camouflage. This has a separate meaning to me because there are so many people whose lives were destroyed because of this hurricane but not many people outside of the south got to see that; so what are those people… camouflage. When I saw how he is standing I said to myself why is he holding his arms like that. Then I caught of glimpse of him holding something. It is a frog, and what I like about the frog is that it holds the same exact expression that he does; blank. As if to show that frog is exactly like the boy because the both share the word helpless.

Blog 1

I was really drawn to this picture for the use of line. I first saw the vertical lines of the wall studs. These lines also break the photo into the rule of thirds. Next in the photo, I see the line of the light coming in the window. The light moves my eyes to the outside. Lastly, I see the line of the cord, which I so think give the photo depth.

When scanning through the pictures this one grabbed my attention. I was drawn in by the depth of field and how the land in the image seems to go for miles. The buildings that are halfway through the image stick out to me because they are a seperate color from the rest of the image. They also allow you to understand the distance that is being photographed.

Madi B.

Color: I think that the dullness of these colors give the imagine a more anxious feeling and plays with the energy of the situation. This could either be good or bad for this family.

Frame: I believe the framing has put more anxiety on this photo. The placement of where the photo was shot and the view it portrays really gets the feeling across for me.

Line: The angle from which this photo is shot add drama to the photo and as you visualize the helicopter approaching it gives it a more realistic feeling for the viewer.

Movement: The physical closeness of the people and the helicopter makes one wonder what direction this situation went.

Blog 1

What caught my attention in this picture was the sad looking blue glove. Blue is usually a calming color, but due to the police tape and car,(the crime scene) it makes it a sad color. Because the main focus, the glove, is sitting at the bottom center of the picture, it seems to be pulling down. Another thing that caught my eye was the triangle affect at the top of the image. You can see a triangle shape where the sky is. The point at the tip of the triangle leads our eyes to the crime scene. The diagonal angel of the yellow center line makes it somewhat exciting. I feel like every visual composition is pointing us downwards, which makes a lot of sense because it isn't really a pleasant scene.

Visual Composition

This image was one of my favorites. It focused on such a simple seen, but you can pull a lot out of this one picture. For starters the the color, gray/tan? Boring and dull until you look at the meaning of what "boring" is to them. Their home or places for shelter. Then its not so boring because we seem to take for guarantee what we have. The colors seem to pull off a closer and more intense preview of this emotional capture. The towels or rugs hanging from the tents are strong because there are only a few to focus on, but are warmer colors that the photographer wanted us to pull our eye to them. The photographer wanted to catch our eye to something more.

Form is the objective of this picture because of the simple setting, until you see the kids. They are wearing colors that our a cooler tone then standing out, but your eyes bring you right to them. The frame magnetism is the kids (the dot in the field of vision). The pictures form focuses on being comfortable because that is there home. The article talked about the element of the points in the picture and comparing balance.

The line of the picture we focus on the angles captured by the tents. The article calls this a diagonal lines that direct force and depth into the picture. This captures words that help us narrate the picture (in which we don't really know the true meaning). The line connects within the movement of the picture. The points of the tents make a running movement in a diagonal force towards the top of the picture.

Lastly the culture and truth of the picture captures a story that makes us believe its not easy to live where these kids are, and that their daily life includes tents, dirt, clothes and shoes, and rugs as a home. The true meaning of this culture may be unknown but by reading into the truth of the picture, us as humans, like to make our own stories on what we see. From the objects to the people the picture can tell us a story in a visual composition in how we view it. We as humans have been taught to learn and see things to understand an over meaning.

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/?scp=1-spot&sq=lens%20blog&st=cse

The thing that I liked most about this photo is that there are so many things pulling your attention every which way, but they all start in the center, with the woman in the picture. She is wearing a reddish pink scarf which catches your attention immediately. However her scarf is being blown behind her by the wind, which then pulls your attention there as well. The lines of tents behind her pull your attention upward to the top of the frame, and lastly she is gazing off to the left of the frame, which again pulls your attention to what she is seeing. There are so many directions your eyes can go, but they all start in the center of the frame with her.
I like that the photographer included the white and blue tent top in the frame. It gives more color to the picture, but it also allows a sort of juxtaposition between the foreground (the girl and her temporary house) and the background (all of the lines of gray tents).
From where the picture was taken, there is one line of the tents in the background that appear to have been shot head on. This line of tents happens to fall on the right third line. It helps to give an image being pulled so many ways a little bit of a ground point. The lines of tents in that background are also parallel to one another which again helps to give a bit a form to an otherwise scattered image. Also, the way that most of the tents angle in toward the center of the image help to give it depth. This would not have happened if the photographer had tried to shoot the tents head on.

Jessica Myers

Blog 1

This particular photo is full of angles, lines, texture, color and form--the majority of the visual art components. The horizon line is a clear example of a dutch angle, and the tower-like structures provide many vertical lines. The size difference between the buildings give a sense of depth as well as the winding road cutting through the center of the composition. The curve of the road has a continuing motion, as if it goes on forever. The rule of thirds is used to distinguish whether or not there is equality/balance among structures within a piece. If we were to apply it, we would learn that it doesn't necessarily follow the rule, but I believe that this particular photo benefits from breaking it.
As stated in the PowerPoint, "humans are able to see the color red much easier than any other color". Not only was that true for the examples provided but for this photo as well--my eyes are directed towards the road which leads me to the red building. The colors that surround these buildings provide their own frame, and the small windows within them can be viewed as dots--"a dot within a frame commands attention"--therefore, these towers also catch the viewers' eye. The warm colors are soft and persuade me to believe that it was once a luxurious destination, with a beach at the end of the road. Not only is the land broken up but the trash along both sides makes us aware that this area was possibly deserted.
The foreground vs. background arises more than once in this photo. It is displayed by the bright sun seeping through the darker blue sky, as well as the weathered land hugging each side of the curving road.
This photo is a great example when defining art components; it is necessary to learn these important features to better our skills, and to help reveal the story behind the overall composition.

Blog 1

I thought that the shapes in this picture is what made it the most interesting. There are so many parallel, vertical, and horizontal lines, and then the brightest images that pop from the blue wall are not lines at all. The picture appears to be a room that has normally white walls and a window smack in the middle. Outside the window you can see what appears to be a tree. This picture is strictly straight lines exexpt for the clouds that have been painted on the only colorful part of this picture. It had depth like maybe you were just walking into this room. You were walking in from a door that was now behind you and taking a picture head on to the back of the room. Nothing in this picture is exactly white. There seems to be stains from old age, overuse, and dirt. The two parts of this picture that break from the horizontal line pattern they having going on would be again the clouds, and also the wire from the aire conditioning vent. It just so happens that they both have been placed on the only two things that aren't white. I thin kthat what pokes out easily in this picture is the AC vent. The blue wall is, yes, bright...but I think that black is a color that catches a person's eye first. This picture is full of the same shape. There are squares and rectangles covering the picture from the lines on the wall on the right, to the floor boards with the darker tan squres, down to the very last paint chip on the window frame.

Though this picture has very little in it, I dont view it as boring at all. It's filled with warmth. Personally my room when I was young had clouds on it that my dad painted. This brings back a sense of home to me. This picture creates a sort of curiosity to me. I wonder what is going on behind the camera, who is taking the picture, and what else you would find in the room. It appears to be vacant, but the greatest thing about this picture is that this could be the enitre room, or one corner of some magnificant living space. The only negative part of this picture is the position from which the photographer took this picture. Is the entire room dirty or was it just that the person liked the "older" look? Wether or not we focus on the wall we see the dirt and wear and tear on the room. Makes you wonder who lives there.

-Kelsey Ransom

Blog 1- Visual Aesthetics

This photograph exemplifies numerous qualities that make it aesthetically pleasing. The dominant color of this picture is blue, which is typically a calm and serene color. This feeling is further intensified because it is a beach scene. There are also pops of green and red which adds more focal points and depth to the photo.
The dominant forms of this picture are clearly squares and rectangles. The rectangle ocean is the primary object of focus; below it is a rectangular beach. The beach umbrellas look to be square in shape, and add more depth to the picture. According to the reading, rectangles offer interest and stability to the photo; these feelings are conveyed through the photo.
Although the ocean is the dominant shape, through frame magnetism, attention is initially drawn to the beach at the bottom of the frame. Additionally, the pops of red and green further shift the gaze to the bottom.
While the rule of thirds isn't exceptionally dominant, it can be seen and felt through the balance of the photo. There is no conflict or tension, and while the photo is fairly basic it is still interesting and able to capture the attention of the viewers.
The lines of this image flow left to right, and gaze also goes up and down. In a similar fashion as shape and color, the horizontal lines in the image convey a sense of calmness and stability. The lines are soft and do not create feelings of chaos and confusion. Converging vectors are evident through the top-most portion of the ocean and the bottom portion of the beach. Although we know that the ocean and beach naturally merge, it is also clear in the photo that the two converge.
The photo was taken from an elevated level, head on to the beach. However, there isn't enough elevation in the photo to convey strong feelings of depth and interest. Depth can still be felt, but it isn't as obvious as in other photos.
-Misty Fandel

Visual Composition

(Left) Frame magnetism was the first thing that jumped out at me. The people doing cartwheels in the sand are being pulled right out of the frame, there is so much magnetism. There is also a great deal of light at the top. Light naturally draws one's attention to it. The rule of thirds is all over the place. The water reaches the 1st of 2 vertical lines separating the photo into three parts, and the hands of both people are on the 1st of 2 horizontal lines. Using only black and white conveys a sense of calm as well. Couple the color with the action, and it becomes a very relaxing and enjoyable photograph to view.

(Right)

This picture, taken in Mogadishu, becomes much more disturbing. Where in the last picture, the black and white colors were comforting, the blatant red of the person's missing or severly injured arm pulls you right to it. It is also on the bottom of the frame, pulling you in that way as well. The photographer placed the red on the vertical 1st line, thus abiding by the rule of thirds. The man on the right seems to be saying something to someone out of the frame, but we are given plenty of look space, as if to expect the next frame to be of the person he is calling out to. Almost all of the men in the picture are holding on to a stand of some sort. Each of their arms creates a line that directs you to the center of the photo. While they are all standing over the injured person, the lines to the stand create a sense of romanticized unity.

Blog 1

This photograph has many elements that make it interesting. The image has an overall dark and depressing feeling. The figures are dressed in mainly black and appear as forms rather than distinct people. The street is white, but is dim and dirty rather than a bright white. The walls are also a dim white, illuminated slightly by the lights held by the people. When looking at this photo the eye is drawn to the middle where there is a congregation of light. The light provides a stark contrast and creates a glimpse of hope against its gloomy surroundings. I don’t find the rule of thirds to be a prominent factor. Even though the rule of thirds is not used and the eye is pulled to the center, the photograph is not boring. There is a contrast between the dark line of figures on the bottom and the lighter wall extending upwards.
From the center, the eye can follow two paths. One would be to follow the line of the people walking. While looking at this photograph from a western perspective, we see the people moving from left to right and assume that they are going somewhere. We read from left to right so this seems like a logical movement from beginning to end, rather than a journey of return. As the reading stated, "In western cultures we automatically assign a movement to lines-we read lines (and images) the same way we read text, left to right." The people are part of a continuous vector carrying the movement out of the frame. It shows that this event continues beyond the edges of the photograph. The horizontal lines run along the bottom half of the picture creating order and stability with the motion of the people. The wall and door that appear in the top half create an energy that breaks apart from the bottom half of the photograph. There are many rectangles found throughout this image which are a bit more interesting than squares, but are still not extremely eye catching. However, there is a triangle formed between most of the lights to draw in the eye, since the triangle is the most dynamic shape.
Frame magnetism is another aspect to this image. The lines the people form continue across the entire frame so that there it appears more calm than urgent. The people are continuing on this journey, but it is a somber one and does not require a rushed arrival.
Depth is created by the extreme high angle of the camera. The photographer shot this from above which places the figures in a low position. This creates a negative mood by causing the viewer to look down on the people and focus on the dirty, damaged street they are marching on. The dark colors and “form-like” appearance of the people also makes them appear insignificant and further supports the somber feeling.

BLOG 1: VISUAL COMPOSITION: ASSIGNMENT

After looking through that powerpoint earlier and reviewing some of the things I've learned over the past years, I decided that this picture portrayed a lot of those elements that were discussed. I see a depth of field here and the composition is great. There is a vanishing point that you can see by following the bricks on the ground all the way back to the large buildings that are popping up all over in the background. Anotehr thing to notice about those buildings is that they are warm colors (red, yellow, orange) and the are against cool colors (blue and green. Purple is considered a cool color as well but it's not seen in this photo). These warm colors tend to pop out more so when placed next to the cool colors. It just happens to be convenient that the warm colored buildings in our background are also organized fairly well around the "rule-of-thirds" grid if you were to place one over this image.

Going back to the topic of color, it was mentioned in that power point that red is something that catches our eye because it is the easiest color to see. In this image the colors are faded our and blending together for the most part. All of the colors expect for the row of red posts that line the brick sidewalk/road in this picture. The red really jumps out and directs your attention to this line of posts that lead your eyes straight down the lines to the vanishing point. This also helps emphasize the depth of field in this image! One more thing to mention in this image is that there is some action taking place. The power point talked about movement. I believe the referred to it as convergence? The man in this image is clearly recognized due to his close proximity to the red posts and one of the thirds of this image. He looks as though he is bending at the knees and preparing to jump. This particular action draws attention to the man in the picture by building up our curiousity to determine what it is that this man will attempt to do.

I do not see too much emotion in this image as far as facial expressions or even color for that matter. However, I think it's easy to sense a feeling of loneliness or peacefulness. There doesn't appear to be a lot of trafic in this area considering you can see all of those large buildings in the background of the photo. I feel that this man has associated himself with one of the brightest colors in the picture and he is showing an active gesture as though he is preparing to take a leap. Based on his attire, I see him being somebody who might be up for an early morning jog as the sun is rising, the city is quiet, and he is enjoying himself. I think if i have a better view of what it is that those red posts are (the appear to be benches of some sort) then perhaps I may have a different view of what I am examining. -TM

Blog 1

This is a highly compelling image. When I first look at the picture, my eyes gravitate toward the bold, white shoes. The white shoes immediately caught my eye, which is a great use of color. Next my eyes moved toward the red flip flops, which are highly noticeable because they are red. According to the reading, "humans are physiologically programmed to respond to color, and we respond to certain colors in certain ways. We see red especially easily, not because it's a bright color, but because our eyes are designed to block the opposite of red: ultraviolet electromagnetic rays that are harmful to our retinas." After the red and white shoes, I notice the yellow shoe off to the side. I think there is a nice balance of color in this photo; there are bright colors against the dark, brown background. After noticing the colors in the image, I can analyze the form. In this particular image, there is a lot of frame magnetism going on. According to the reading, frame magnetism is when objects are "pulled" to a certain area inside the frame. In this photo, I feel like the bold white and bold red shoes pull the viewer toward the right of the frame. I think the photo balances more to the right than the left. However, the yellow shoe does pull you back a little. But overall, I think the frame magnetism in this photo pulls the viewer to the right.

This photo also uses the rule of thirds quite well. According to the reading, the rule of thirds is used to create images that are balanced yet interesting, and sometimes, photographers purposely break the rule. But in this photo, the shoes are following the rule of thirds quite well, because if you break the photo down into thirds, the shoes fall on points of intersection, yet there is some open space on the bottom right hand corner of the photo.

Also, when analyzing the form of the photo, one can look at the shapes in the photo. The shape that stands out the most in this photo is the square, white shoes. The square shoes stand out because they are more bold and interesting than other shapes -- the text reiterates this, but is this always true?

This photo can also be analyzed in terms of line movement and direction. Since most of the shoes point downward and toward the middle, this photo's movement heads toward the middle of the photo. All the shoes (red, white, and yellow) point toward the center of the photo. Thus, all the vectors that these shoes carry, are converging in the middle of the photo. This forms a sense of "togetherness" in the middle of the photo; like all these shoes belong together.

The angle from which this photo was taken also says a lot about the photo. Since this photo was taken from above, it makes the people in the photo look weak, victimized and scared. We are told this in the reading, when it says, "People shot from above tend to look weaker, diminished, and victimized; a high angle correspondingly leads one to focus on ground, dirt, feet and litter, all of which can bring a negative energy to an image." I also think of this to be true. When I see people shot from above, they usually look small and helpless. People shot at a low angle usually seem powerful and strong.

-Cassie Tegeler

BLOG 1: VISUAL COMPOSITION: ASSIGNMENT

READING: Fabos, B.,Visual Literacy: Images and the Stories They Tell. In Jenson, J., Gomery, D., Campbell, R., Fabos, B, and Frechette, J (Forthcoming). Media IN Society, New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s Press. (read pp.. 1-10 only).


Blog 1: TOPIC: VISUAL COMPOSITION. The New York Times has an excellent Photojournalism blog that showcases aomw od the Time's most thoughtful photojournalism. For today's BLOG POST, please select a photograph of your choice from NYTimes/LENS. Grab the Photograph (on a Mac it's Shift/Command/4 all at once; on a PC find the PrtSc--print screen key) to grab your image, and then post it to your blog. Then, analyze the image according to the principles of visual composition: color; form; frame magnetism; movement (line direction, vectors); depth; rule of thirds). Note: selecting the image matters: choose a complicated image with many of the above elements to discuss.  Please do not duplicate the images chosen from your peers.


NOTE: I'LL HELP YOU WITH YOUR FIRST GALLERY OF INSPIRATION POST FOR TOMORROW: We'll create a new link on your website called "Gallery of Inspiration."  (If you know how to do this already, please go ahead!).  Bring 1-2 images to class (email them to yourself is fine too) that you find compelling b/c of their framing, use of color, dynamic tension, movement, vectors, etc. (one of these images could be the one you choose to analyze). I will be compiling a list of all your websites on the class website tomorrow as well.  

Amilcar

Hello my name is Amilcar I'm a transfer student, and a junior this year. My major is general communications and was maybe thinking of getting a minor in Spanish. I chose to major in communications because I wasn't really sure what to study and this really did get my attention. Not only that but I hear that you can do a lot with this degree. In college I learned that you sometimes have to live outside your comfort zone be that talking in class or being with completely different people from what you are use to. In five years I see myself out of college and working in what I'm not sure yet. My hobbies include hanging with friends, watching movies, and tv especially my favorite sports team Arsenal FC (they are a English soccer team).

Casey

My name is Casey and I'm a junior majoring in General Communications with a minor in General Business Concepts. What I've learned so far at college is that you need to make the best out of opportunities and invest in yourself while you can. In 5 years I hope to be living somewhere other than Iowa. I lived the first half of my life in Ohio and remained in Iowa to complete college while my family moved elsewhere. I hope to live somewhere warm, with a good paying desk job. I'd like to work with people and in some sort of business setting. In my free time I enjoy disc golfing, golfing, fishing and basketball. I have a strong interest in music and I have a passion for live music.

Hello,
My name is Jessica. I am a general communication major because I wanted to learn about something that could help me in a variety of professional fields. I have never had any clear idea about what I want to do with my life and so learning about communication seemed like it would help me the most. The most important thing I have learned so far at UNI has been to plan ahead and take initiative. In 5 years I hope to have a job, although I still have no idea what job I want. I don't have any specific passions or talents. I do like traveling, but only for a week or two at a time. I also love to read, when I have time.

Morgan

Hello there! My name is Morgan and I am a junior Studio Art (Graphic Design) major and Marketing minor. I've always had an interest in art, and in middle school I discovered a love for technology and figured it would be great to pursue something that combines both.

One main thing I have learned here at UNI is to take advantage of my resources. There are so many people and groups on and around campus that you can use for help with your classes, jobs and internships, and even your personal life. Everyone on campus is so caring and interested in the well-being of the students on campus. If you don't recognize that you need assistance, no one else will, either. Also, all of these resources can become connections for the future. Building connections and relationships are also incredibly important for the future.

I'm not set in what I would like to be doing in five years because I'm still exploring ideas of what I'm truly interested in and passionate about. However, I am heavily considering exploring the fields of social media and marketing. I think working for a company and maintaining their social media outlets like social networking, blogging, and microblogging would be amazing. I've also thought about working for Iowa State Extension because I really love the 4-H program and I wouldn't be where I am today without it.

When it comes to my interests and passions, a lot of them are technologically based. As I mentioned before, I absolutely love social media (things like Facebook, Twitter, blogging, vlogging, social bookmarking, etc.). I am also a self-professed Apple fangirl. I also really enjoy various aspects of art and design, like typography and color theory. I've recently picked up the ukulele.

Tara

Hello! My name is Tara and I am an Electronic Media Major at UNI. In the past four years that I have been here I have learned that even though we are in a structured environment where grades are based on opinion, you should cling to your creative thoughts and ideas. It's important to try to express yourself as much as possible through your work and yet still contribute to something that can help you advance.

In the next 5 years I plan to gain knowledge in a variety of different mediums. I am not going to limit myself to just one thing but rather keep my options open. As long as I am some how involved in media I will be happy. I plan on attending Emerson in Boston and with an experience like that you tend to meet other people who know people and connections start to be made. Whatever comes of my future isnt set in stone but it has a focus and a direction. The ultimate goal is to be a great director/producer of films. I was very active in sports growing up and I really love the team effort. I enjoy coaching a team of players to something that is rewarding; it is something I hope I can contribute to my future career in film when working with a large cast and crew.

My biggest passion is creativity. I appreciate anything that stands out from another and has a genuine expression of who or what that person/object is. It's tough to be surrounded by media and trends and to still remain yourself as opposed to getting caught up in the excitement. Creativity is a pretty general word that somes up my idea of talents: Writing, Music, Dance, and Art. Those are the things that really inspire me to advance with this degree. -TM

Nana

Hi! My name is Nana. I am majoring in General Communications. I am a people person and love to talk so I thought this was an appropriate major. This is only my second semester here at UNI, and in this short amount of time, I learned to take advantage of what UNI provides. For an example, tutoring. In 5 years, I hope to have a successful career and possibly have a family. . . Maybe 10 years for the last part!! I am not very talented, but I am a proud knitter! How often do you see a 21 year old knitting?

Madi B.

Well, my name is Madeline, but I usually go by Madi. I am double majoring in communications, minor in business, and public relations. I am a transfer student, but in the short amount of time I have spent at this school I have learned to keep yourself busy and to surround yourself with positive, motivated people. In 5 years I could very well still be in school. I plan to get my MBA after my bachelors degree and am still considering law school. Only time will tell with that plan, as well as my money supply. I am very passionate in presenting daily activities with a positive outlook and to never rule anything out. I am a very social person, and like to be very involved.

Blog #1 Amy

My name is Amy. I am a senior double majoring in General Communications and Art Studio with emphasis in graphic design and metals and jewelry. I started out just in graphic design because I love art and it seemed to be the most practical. While working towards my graphic design emphasis, I realized that I love working with metal. There is just something about taking a flat piece of metal and making something beautiful out of it. Adding Communication to the mix was somewhat spur of the moment. I wasn’t happy with graphic design at the time and I was also taking oral communication. My oral communication teacher encouraged me to look into majoring in communication and here I am.

The most important thing I have learned at UNI is being open to people that are different than me. I came from a community where there was very little diversity.

In 5 years, I hope to be a jeweler.

I love art. I enjoy everything about it. I also love being around people, especially people that are different than me. I enjoy making people laugh.

Benkler

Wow, that was very hard to read!! After reading this chapter, I was able to pick up some examples of Benkler's ideas of social networked sphere being positive. There are many free sources on the internet that brings people together. For example he talks about how thousands of people who coauthor wikipedia. That gives people opportunity to give their opinions and sources.

Skype is an example of a social network that I tend to use a lot. I have many friends and family all over the world, and Skype is a free way to keep in touch with them. Skpe is getting so advanced, it's almost like your friend is in the same room as you!

Iuse Facebook more than any other social network sites. It is pretty much my planner. When doing group projects for school, I had times when we all just looked each other up on Facebook rather than exchange emails. Since Facebook is such a popular social network site, we all knew we would constantly check it to see how everyone is doing in their part of the project. Not only has it helped me in school related events, but I have created many social events like a Bachelorette party.

Cassie M.

Hey everyone! My name is Cassie, and I'm a junior majoring in Electronic Media. Thus far, the most important thing I've learned at UNI is to follow your heart. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but I feel that people push and pull you in all areas of college: classes, majors, minors, do this, do that... The most important thing to understand is yourself. If you listen to, and follow, what really resonates with you, I believe that's each person's path to happiness.

In five years, I really would love to have traveled. I would love to live in England and somehow work with story-telling, hopefully on period films. I absolutely love England, it's history, and motivations/behaviors/cultural norms of people in general. My family is very important to me, and my friends rank up there, too! :) I'm so excited to learn more about design and expressing a certain feeling into a project. I am especially looking forward to learning how to re-create older designs and styles!

Jacky

My name is Jacky and I will be a senior this upcoming Spring semester. I am currently working towards an Organizational Communication degree, and although I have been enrolled in other areas of study, communication is what I always come back to. By being a part of a big family I have realized that the gift of communicating is key. I love to plan anything from my daily schedule to events ahead, and I enjoy interacting with others; not only is it something that I love to do, but I feel comfortable going out into the real world with this area of education.
The most important thing I've learned here at UNI is to not be afraid to ask for help whether it's from a student, professor, advisor, etc. The faculty and surrounding students made me feel comfortable from the get-go, and are still extremely helpful when it comes to joining possible groups and organizations and/or applying for an internship or job opportunities.
In five years I would like to work within a college university by planning and organizing particular events.
I still find myself wrapped up in my favorite sports, volleyball & softball, and I don't think that will ever leave me. I love to spend time with my family (especially my baby nephew, Cash), my friends, and always have time for a little shopping!

Blog 1-Misty

My name is Misty, and I am currently a senior majoring in General Communication. I chose this major due to several factors. As I started my collegiate career, my original major was nursing. However, after an introductory journalism class, I found that my true passion didn't lie in the sciences; it was writing. I enjoyed being able to tell people's stories and communicating through both the written and spoken word. Secondly, I realized that communications is a very broad major, one in which I can work with in a variety of organizations, as well as giving me a lot of career flexibility.

I'm exactly sure where I see myself in 5 years. My vision of my post-college life literally changes daily, and ranges from attending graduate school to getting a second BA degree. At this moment, I would like to work in health communication, working in a health care facility doing public and community relations work.

One of the most important things I've learned in college is to do what makes you happy. I can't always cater to other people's needs, nor can I always do what others want-and expect-me to. I have to be happy with myself and where I'm at in life before I help others achieve the same.

Some of my passions include spending time with family and friends, music, and art and photography. Because I don't consider myself an exceptionally talented artist, I prefer to view and learn about art. I also enjoy reading, shopping, and sports (hockey, basketball, and baseball mostly).

Emily

My name is Emily, and I'm a new transfer student at UNI. I'm currently a junior studying General Communication and French. I chose these areas because of my strong interest in language and behavior, and I'm excited to learn more about the different ways in which we correspond and how this affects our relationships. I've always found this very fascinating.

Although I haven't been here long, I've already learned quite a bit in addition to what I've learned at the University of Iowa - time management is key, take advantage of all the great services the University has to offer, and above all else, don't be afraid of change. If you're unhappy with your major or school, do what's best for yourself!

In five years, I can see myself doing many different things and being happy doing all of them. I think that with a little more time and exploration within my majors, I'll find out what will make me the happiest.

I have many passions outside of class, including dance, theatre and music. I've been involved in the performing arts for 14 years and absolutely love being on stage. (Theatre was my first major and will always be my first love!) I've recently begun choreographing for a local high school show choir and can't wait to see their results. I look forward to spending this semester with you all!

Kelsey

Hello, My name is Kelsey. I am majoring in organizational communication. I never really planned on going into communication because I just changed my degree from business. I have always loved marketing and representing a business, so I have always thought business was the right area. Well after a tough semester of figuring out business wasn't for me, I later switched to communication. Ever since then I have been very intrigued and happy with my switch. I don't know exactly my plans for my future in communication, but I know I want to do great things! The most important thing I have learned at UNI is to really follow your dreams and to put your hard work into something you love, and later it will all pay off for you. In 5 years I would like to follow my dreams in my career and maybe move somewhere to represent a bigger organization. I would hope to be settled down with my long term boyfriend of 2 and a half years, but we will see what comes in 5 years. My passions in life have always been to be a strong individual and follow what the day brings you. If you can't learn something everyday, you didn't listen carefully. I have lots of passions in sports, God, school, work, and family. A couple of my talents would be I am an artist, dancer, hard worker, and devoted to anything I put my mine to. Thank you for listening and I am looking forward to a good semester.

Kelsey

Hello! My name is Kelsey Ransom and I'm a senior public relations major here at UNI. I chose PR because I'm very interested in event planning for a non profit and along the way I have found other interests in the public relations field. I started off as a nursing major, wanting to be a pediatric nurse, but then relaized that my strengths are in planning events taht will help raise money to those in need. My dream job would be to work at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital as a Marketing and Special Events position or a Fundraising position in general. The most important thing that I have learned is that no decision you make for you life is wrong, as long as you make sure to take experiences from each decision to move forward. I started off with a major at a totally different college (Allen Nursing College) and after getting myself into different groups and organizations on campus I realized that that feild wasn't for me and I took all the passions I had for helping sick children and aimed them towards a different field. In five years I would love to think that I will have been out of Iowa, if not for even just a little bit. My entire family has been home bodies and I think that there is more for me than what I've been around my whole life. I would love to be working my dream job at a childrens hosital raising money...St. Jude being my number one choice. I'm the Vice President of Marketing for my sorority and I feel like there is no better feeling than that of seeing all the hard work you've done go to someone who is deserving. Some money that we raise goes towards alumni of our sorority's chapter and I actually got to see money that I raised to go my friend's sister who's husband couldn't work for a month because of surgery, and had financial trouble because of it. It's a fantastic feeling and I cant imagine a better way to spend the rest of my life...helping others. Obviously non profit work and volunteering are some of my greatest passions. I held an internship at Junior Achievement as their Marketing and Special Events intern and I loved all the work that I did. Some other hobbies and passions that I enjoy are running, playing piano, listening to music and being surrounded by good people.

Beth

My name is Beth and I am a junior majoring in General Communication and minoring in Business Communication. I chose to major in communication because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and this major looked the most interesting and most of the classes looked like they contained content I would enjoy.
I believe the most important thing I have learned at UNI has been the value of setting and maintaining priorities. Schoolwork is always important to get done, but sometimes it is left until the last minute with all the other activities going on. While I am still working on perfecting the art of prioritizing, I realize how necessary it is to balance life in college.
I am unsure as to what I want to do in 5 years. I haven’t found one specific career path that I think is for me but I am still keeping my eyes open to new opportunities that come up. I have discovered that one of my talents is speaking, but I haven’t found a career in which I would be able to use that talent and love what I do. One of my passions is my faith and I have thought about becoming involved in some sort of ministry or non-profit work in the future. I also really enjoy music, spending time with my friends, and amateur photography. I am fascinated by artwork, however, I am not much of an artist myself.

Cassie

My name is Cassie and I am a senior majoring in Communication with a minor in Journalism. The most important thing that I have learned in college is that you just need to be yourself. You can't try and be what other people want you to be. Follow your own dreams and passions, no matter what anyone else tells you -- it's the only way you will be truly happy.

Five years from now, I would love to be a reporter at a newspaper or magazine. Someday, I hope to become an editor. I love journalism. It's really the only thing I can truly see myself doing in the future. Everything about it is exciting -- talking to people, telling their stories, revealing the truth, knowing what's going on in the world, etc. It's such an exciting field, and I can't imagine doing anything else. Which brings me back to what I mentioned earlier: being yourself and following your own dreams and passions. Many people have told me that journalism is a dying industry, that I'll never find a job, and that I'll get paid like crap. But I don't believe them -- nor do I care. As long as I'm doing what I love, I'll be happy. So clearly, journalism is one of my passions. I worked as an intern with the Waterloo Courier this past summer and I am currently an editor at the Northern Iowan, and I love them both. My other passions and hobbies are volleyball, softball, running, eating, and spending time with friends!

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Welcome!

Interactive Digital Studies
Foundation class to examine introductory digital studies topics, including visual grammar; design history; 21st century literacy practices, online learning, visual culture, and aspects of writing and designing for the Web. Applied video, animation, and effects projects emphasize a conceptual approach to digital media and expose students to collaboration and project management experiences.

Please tell everyone:
WHO ARE YOU? (FIRST NAME ONLY, and PLEASE PROVIDE A PICTURE). Why are you majoring in ________. What has been the most important thing you've learned at UNI sofar (you can be either very detailed or very vague). What do you want to do in 5 years? And what are your passions and talents?