Vlog VI

A little update on my progress and reflection on the project thus far...enjoy!

Week V

There has admittedly been quite a lag in my progress between the publishing of the last addition of my fashion page in the Hawkeye and my plan for continuing this project. Particularly with Spring Break there was a period of time where I was in contact with Sarah or Ms. Hammitt in consideration of my next piece. However after contacting Sarah last week, I found out that because Seniors are in charge of Section C (the entertainment section) this issue, there isn't any space available for my page. Therefore, Sarah has given me the alternative of writing a selection for the online newspaper. Over the course of Spring Break I did spend some time brainstorming about potential ideas, namely prom themed topics as it soon approaching, so I decided to document my friends journey to find the the perfect prom dress. However,  I am also considering doing a media piece as well so I can get some experience working with different technology and venture outside of my comfort zone.

Week IV

This week I completed and finally submitted my column to Sarah, the managing editor of the school newspaper. I experienced some difficulty when it came to securing the final details for the page and ended up having to compromise some of my esthetic. It seemed as if one "minor change" would lead to another "minor change" and subsequently another "minor change", ultimately shifting the visage of the page entirely. While I am proud of what I ended up creating, I do have some personal reservations about the end result and to what extent it is a reflection on me and my work. The column does feature my writing, my outfit stylings, and more importantly my views on the current of fashion trends as my area of self-proclaimed expertise, but something about the end result made me feel a bit empty. I feel as if this part project has been a great learning experience in developing the column. I honestly did not foreshadow many lows or speed bumps in this process, but I am nevertheless grateful for those that have come about. In the journalism and fashion industry in particular, there will be many times where I must compromise my vision for the common good of the publication or to better fit that vision particular to my employer or boss. Sometimes, feelings are going to get hurt in this business, it's not a matter of  who was wrong and who is right, but rather how you move on from those experiences and learn how to be stronger and more poised in those instances. Nevertheless, the paper is likely coming out in the next week, so if all goes well, I plan to start brainstorming for the next installment.

Week III

This week, I made quiet a bit of progress on the column and actually completed it last Friday. I spent the beginning of the week scheduling times to take photos of my friends and peers and choosing the outfits I would stylize them in for the paper. After going back and forth with with scheduling conflicts and the snow day and sports tryouts, I finally found time to take the photos during advisory and breaks in-between class periods to not only get the shoot completed but fulfill my vision and hopes for the appearance and message of the column. I then spent most of Thursday and Friday editing and refining the page and later sent it off to Sarah, the managing editor, as well as Ms. Hammit to approve and make adjustments. Sarah got back to me on Monday and to my surprise, both her and Hammitt really liked the page. They advised me to make a few minor changes and go from there. I'm pretty ecstatic and very proud of what I've created even for a first time Indesign and newspaper contributor. I've already been dreaming up new ideas for a future page if Ms. Hammitt so kindly allows me the opportunity to do so. She also gave me the option of experimenting with a media piece that would potentially be featured on the Hawkeye website, so I am look into making that a possibility in the near future. Even though this is a relatively small scale project and newspaper feature, for me it is a step in the right direction in pursing a venture and passion I truly enjoy.

Week II

This week I have made quite a bit of progress on the column I am developing for the Bloomfield Hills Hawkeye Newspaper. Though in some instances the process in designing this page is strenuous, I can honestly say that I genuinely enjoy my work. Last Thursday I met with one of my co-mentors Sarah who is the staff managing editor and is partly responsible for the section my page will likely be featured in. We met at the library for a few hours to go over some potential story ideas, the basics of Indesign and some guidelines for my page. After some debate and  extensive research, Sarah and I finally agreed on a great concept (of which  will withhold from sharing until the release of the paper!).  Since then I've been working tirelessly and with great pride to make sure said vision will come to life by way of an amateur comprehension of graphic design.

I faced some challenges however when I came down to how I would manage obtaining access to the Indesgin program seeing as how it cost nearly $400. Luckily, with the rediscovery of my astute problem solving skills amid my overtly-dramatic distress, I discovered that my father had owned a version of program in his computer work desktop and there was a 30 day free trial available for my use as well. If that whole ordeal wasn't sparingly frustrating enough, when it came to actually maneuvering the program, I was nearly on the verge of tossing my laptop in to the neighboring Wing Lake. But, with a little patience and a speedy, desperate text to Sarah, I regained my sanity and began creating something I am truly proud of. No joke, I stayed up until 3 am Saturday night fumbling with fonts, placing pictures and rearranging text boxes.

Through all this I'm realizing how passionate I am about this project and the magnitude of my satisfaction in bringing each of my talents and interests together in a way that challenges me mentally beyond the confines of standard high school curriculum.

It's safe to say, I'm a tad bit excited.

Commentary

Week I: This week, I commented on several blogs, including those belonging to Ashley K., Natalie L., and Taylor Y.

Week II: This week, I commented on blogs belonging to Sophia S., Shane P. and Jessica K.

Week I

We began the week with project proposal pitches on Monday to kickstart our Genius Hour projects. In a brief powerpoint I highlighted the key points of my project in starting a fashion column on the BHHS newspaper, the Hawkeye. Exploring the fashion and communications industry has truly developed as a passion of mine over the years and in the future I hope to pursue those ventures in the form of a possible a career in journalism, public relations or different modes of communication in the future. By creating this column, I am graciously allotted a great opportunity to further immerse myself in this creative-communications field via a more large-scale platform–being the school newspaper, website and a large portion of the BHHS population.

Goal: My goal is to establish a monthly column/ info graphic page  in order connect with others in our school who share a similar passion for fashion and the diverse culture surrounding it as well practice and learn some of the journalistic skills and experience I will need to tap in to if I ultimately pursue such interests .

Progress: After discussing the project idea with Ms. Hammitt, my mentor and head of the newspaper, she advised me to acquire the program Indesigin to begin working on the graphic and consult with some of my classmates and newspaper staff members on how best to go about creating the page. I discovered that my Dad already owns this program so I plan to spend the weekend figuring my way around the program and begin working on the article. I also need to talk with Ms. Hammitt and some of my peers about what topics surrounding fashion and trends particular to our school are of interest to our school population and appropriate for the next issue of the Hawkeye.