Farewell-

The time has come to say farewell to my followers. It has been a great journey and a great learning tool for me being your student blogger. Moraine Park has been nothing but good to me through this time being a student and a student blogger. I will be continuing my last year in the Interactive Media design program working away to create an amazing future for myself. So far I have been having a blast creating projects to enhance my portfolio. Some more great news is that my internship at Mercury Marine has turned into a part time position and then hopefully turns into full time position down the road as I am finishing up school. Unfortunately with working at Mercury Marine and trying to do extracurricular activities at school it was becoming to be too much for me to have a second job. I hope you all enjoyed my postings through this time and take full advantage of everything MPTC has to offer!

I will still be at the West Bend Campus so feel free to stop and say hello if you’re ever passing through! 

<3 Hannah

(Photos taken by me and made into posters in my Photoshop class last year. Seagulls in the picture below were taken from a different picture I had taken and placed into this one.)

Week One Complete!

Hey Guys!!

So my first week back at school was fantastic! Way better than last year trying to get acquainted with everything and everyone. This year we just jumped right in like we never even took a break! I loved that! Seeing all of my friends was another great bonus. I sure did miss everyone!

I have a lot of homework already (which is a total bummer), but we have been doing a fun project in my Flash Animation class. We are learning how to create our own old school video game!! I will post some pictures and videos of that so keep in touch! 

^^^My Space Ship^^^

       Definitely wanted it to be stealth like. ;)

I also want to add how awesome I think our new instructor Joe Sibilski is! What a great down to earth guy. Some work that he is known for are Animaniacs (1993), Soldier of Fortune (2000), Tiny Toon Adventures (1990), and The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991). I think this will be a great year! :-) Like I always say, we always welcome people to come in and see what our program is all about. So feel free to stop by!

Video/Audio Editing Headphones-

What are some of the best headphones you can get for your home recording studio? There are so many brands and models out there it’s hard to choose between them all. In the Interactive Media Design program you’ll use headphones a lot for editing video and audio. Here are some of the best headphones I think are best:

BOSE Noise Canceling Headphones

Extremely expensive, but has amazing sound. These have a switch on them that filters out any outside noise so you feel alone with your music. These are the best headphones if you need to work in noisy environments. It’s all gone with a flick of a switch.

Direct Sound Extreme Isolation Headphones

These headphones will not bleed any sound to a live microphone when you are recording.

Inspiration-

What triggers your mind for creative ideas? For me, it’s looking at pictures, quotes, music, and even breaking a sweat.

I’ve never been able to start a project on the spot with a brilliant idea. Searching my picture folders or working out while listening to music always seems to spark an idea. Never thought listening to Pump Up the Jam Radio could turn into something more, did you?

While sitting in a classroom thinking of answers to a question or a project I always catch myself doodling on the side on my notebook. I’m sure I’m not alone on this either!

There are many different places that can give you the inspiration you need.

1.     Different Eras: Think of a time in the past or a time in the future. Think of the buildings, people, art, culture, events, and even the emotions that run through that era.

The First Step towards Your Future!

I’m really excited to hear there was a great turnout for the Interactive Media Design Program Orientation! It’s great to see that this new program is doing well. Orientation is just your first step in starting something different and exciting!

Coming into a new program and not really know what it’s all about can be kind of intimidating. At least I can say it was for me! It probably took me until the second semester to really understand what this program had to offer.

I will be wondering the halls and hopefully peeking into some of your classes this coming semester so don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice! I’m sure that goes for anyone that started this program last year as well.

It’s also a great time to be thinking about your strengths and weaknesses. It’s never too early to be thinking about summer internships or clubs you may want to join! Visiting Moraine Park’s website or talking with your instructor is always a great way to stay ahead of the game.

I’m really looking forward to meeting all of the new comers of the Interactive Program at MPTC this coming fall!

See you all soon!

Choosing a Path-

As I’m approaching my last year of college at MPTC, it seems like everybody wants to know what my post-college plans are. It’s an intriguing question, one I’m sure college seniors everywhere have been asking themselves.

From what I’ve gathered, no one really knows.

Everyone has a plan, some kind of ideal list of tasks to accomplish that will somehow conclude in a job in the near future. But plans change, and so do opportunities.

At the end of the day, it can all seem like wishful thinking, fairy tale stuff. It’s a nice thing to think about when you’re waiting for the bus, but unrealistic nonetheless.

Highly Rated Books-

My favorite type of book is one that inspires me to reach the top. One that will teach me the ins and outs of success and the strength to never give up on my dreams. My dad was the one who actually got me into reading these, and I’m really glad he did. I hope that all of you students at MPTC and anyone else reading these blogs will find time for some inspirational reading. Fearless, Designed for Success, and Thank You Power are just a few of my favorites that I know you’ll enjoy as well!

  Courtesy of Google Images

Max Lucado

Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.

They're talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn't it be great to walk out?

Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.

Can you imagine your life without fear?

Picking a class that’s right for you-

Fall classes will be starting soon and there are a few classroom environments you’ll be able to pick from with some of your classes. Most colleges offer classes in a classroom or online, but telepresence was new for me when I came to Moraine Park.  

Taking a coarse in at a classroom at MPTC you’ll find very few students and hands on activities. The friendly environment helps you open up to others and look forward to going back each week.

This is my favorite form of class offered. I think I learn more by interacting with other students and sharing ideas to make sure we all get the most out of the class.

Time Management-

How good are you at managing your time? For me, I’m the worst when it comes to checking things off of my to-do list. Having work, school, and traveling most weekends, it’s hard to manage my time wisely. I have to write down a lot of things that need to get done so I have a constant reminder what should be doing. Here are some time management ideas for school or just your daily life:

Courtesy of Google Images

• Plan each day. Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes.

Student Orientation-

Summer classes are coming to an end and it’s time to start preparing for the fall! I’m excited to get back into the groove of school and connecting with my fellow classmates again. For all of you new students joining us at any of our MPTC campuses, I’m really excited for you to go to Student Orientation! When I went to orientation last year it was my first time going to West Bend, WI and to that MPTC campus. I got to meet most of the students and teachers for my program and got a tour of where my classes were.  I hope that you’ll enjoy this opportunity to make your first day of class more enjoyable like I did! Check out Moraine Park’s website for more details.

Future at Google?

Courtesy of YouTube

I was shown this video in my Web Design class here at MPTC. My first thought was, how cool would it be to work at Google? Pretty amazing if you ask me!

Interactive Tutorials

  Gradient Mesh Tutorial-

This is a fun project we did in my Illustrator class here at Moraine Park. Gradient Mesh helps you make things look more realistic. I included an easy step-by-step YouTube video on how to create your own! I did this myself and added my finished project.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quxqxXh5OdI

I was shocked how realistic my fruit turned out. Even though the process of making each piece takes a long time, it was fun to see the outcome and made me want to keep on going.  The project we did in class was a wine bar scene. Each student was able to put their own little twist on the project making it fun to see what other people came up with!

Photo Montage-

We All Have A Lot To Offer-

Courtesy of Google Images

I know I talk about Interactive Media Design in most of my blogs, but hey, I love it and I know you will too. I’m going to graduate with talents in web design, print design, video and audio editing, etc. I’ll be able to photograph beautifully and create compelling pieces. And all of that is so important in a messy economy like ours.

But sometimes, it doesn’t feel like enough.

When my fellow students spend long nights hitting the books, I will spend the night illuminated by a screen.

I won’t always get credit for that effort. Sometimes, I’ll get a break and it will feel like a crime. Sitting at home watching TV on a weeknight or going out to have fun with some friends.

If you’re in the same situation as me, don’t let anyone tell you you haven’t worked hard. That you’re just creating art. JUST creating art. Not contributing much to society really except giving entertainers bigger egos and helping corporations deceive consumers.

I’m doing so much more. I can do whatever I want with this degree. Media, art, and design grab the viewers’ attention and command someone to listen. Don’t forget what kind of magic wand is being taped to your palm the minute you learn the entire Adobe Master Collection. The second I develop a mobile application to make those naysayers order take-out at the office when they’re too busy to sit down to dinner with their families.

Design students are changing lives. Already, even before we receive that degree. Use your power.

I hope anyone who is interested in being creative will look into all of the arts programs offered here at MPTC!

Three Strikes You're Out!

Courtesy of Google Images

Last week I went to a Timber Rattlers game. It was a perfect sunny evening for baseball. When I lived in Michigan you had to drive quite a ways to do anything like this. Any chance I have to get out of the house and do something fun I’ll take it! Baseball games are always a blast rain or shine!

Being in the Interactive Medea program it is hard to not walk out of class and think creatively about everything you see. Watching the TV screen with all of the animated commercials got me to think how they created them and how awesome it would be to have that job. I wonder if they have internships or what company produces those? It is funny what sparks an interest!

I’m really excited to see where I’ll end up in life and whom I’ll be working for (or who will be working for me.) This program will give me many options on who I want to become. My options are limitless!

Dear Interactive Media Design

Before starting Interactive Media Design, my knowledge of the program was limited. I came into this with an open mind, hoping that what I had to offer was enough. That I wouldn't be sitting in the back of a room struggling through my classes, because of my lack of experience with drawing and Adobe software. Anyone who knows me will tell you I can be hard on myself and still need to work on, “tooting my own horn.” Well, this was one of those times.

Courtesy of Google Images

Interactive Media Design turned out to be everything I didn’t expect it to be. It turned out to be one the best things I’ve ever put my heart into.

My main interests:

·      Photoshop – My love for taking pictures was put on a whole new level.

·      Animation – Putting life to your drawings is probably the coolest thing ever.

·      Video/Sound Editing – I think I might make this my career. Maybe.

I go to school and do homework and don’t think of it as work. Going to school may be a chore for some, but for me it’s a time to let go of daily struggles and have fun! I have met so many great people and made some of the most amazing friends. I would take a summer full of classes if I could. It's sad to think that this time next year it will all come to an end. 

  

If you love to sit at a desk for hours in a room filled with people you don’t know, read a million pages in a text book, and cram for exams, this program is NOT for you.

If you would love to be in a classroom filled with endless imagination, interact with classmates, and share ideas, this program will be a perfect match for you and your creativity.

 

Video I created. An interview with a few of my classmates. 

“The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” — Alan Alda