Making Realizations

Thinking visually has always been hard for me. I have always had a tough time being "creative." Ive always been that kid who think everyone is more creative than me and so far that had been true. I feel like I have gotten better but still I am no where near some of my friends. I do hope to work on this with the projects in our class!

After looking at the McCloud chapters, he argues that comics operate in icons and demand reader participation. Let me explain: he says photos only allow us to see what the photographer views. However, comics break down images to less complex levels, inviting the reader/viewer to better identify with the story. Often times we see what we want, but he argued that its not what we percieve it to be. This was definately true when dealing with our in class assignment when we were told to go around campus to look for objects with letters in them. When we went out to look for our objects, this required many of my classmates to think out of the box and not see a telephone pole as a telephone pole but rather a T. 

Looking at design, it definately takes attention to detail as well as careful planning. Working with UCSB marketing requires me to do these things especially when I am designing advertisments to be put around campus or on our website.  The design process is the hardest part because you want to create something that is aesthetically pleasing as well as entertaining. 

Moving forward, I would like to work on my creativity, especially with our upcoming projects. The reason why I took this class was to help me think outside the box as well as move away from my comfort level while working on different things that I have never experienced.

-CM

Learning about Audacity

The last few classes we have been learning how to play with Audacity, which is a free open source audio editor. In addition to recording audio from multiple sources, Audacity can be used for post-processing of all types of audio, including podcasts by adding effects such as normalization, trimming, and fading in and out.

After working in class for a few days I definately feel more comfortable working with this program. I dont think im very computer savy so I was worried that I would not be able to figure out how to do something like this. I guess I didnt give myself enough credit. I learned how to import and export flies, how to mute and move them as well as learning how amplify tracks while using the fade in or out effects.

Even though I have a basic understanding of how to work this program, working on my podcast will still be a challenge. There are so many other facets that go in to making a perfect podcast. You have to really find the best sound and make it flow just right. I have some music I want to play music at the beginning and end on my podcast,  so I need to find the best effects to use to really make a good transition inbetween the reading of my script. I believe this will be the most difficult part of the project. Another part that will be challenging will be trying to record myself in a good tone of voice. I recorded myself a few times already and was not pleased with the way it turned out, even when I was really trying to project my voice clearly and enthusiastically.

I have listened to a few podcasts in class as well as ones that are online and I have learned that the best podcasts really utilize great effects, sounds and tone. The addition of music, speech as well as a variety of other effect is what really separates a podcast from just another person talking to you. I hope that after everything is done, this project will be something im proud of.

-CM

"My Shitty First Draft"

“Shitty First Drafts” Analysis

            “Shitty First Drafts,” taken from Anne Lamott’s book Bird by Bird, is a humorous and helpful piece written to encourage aspiring writers and to convince them to let go and write “shitty first drafts.” Lamott believes that writing terrible first drafts is necessary to the growth and improvement of the writer, because “all good writers write them.” Lamott’s use of first person, a colloquial and informal tone, and multiple similes establishes a more personal connection to the reader, because she aims to advise her audience rather than intimidate them.

She claims that successful authors do not, in fact, always “sit down at their desks every morning feeling like a million dollars.” She does a good job at putting  herself at her audience’s level, which is crucial for this piece because Lamott is trying to advise novice writers, who do not have her experience.She explains that she too struggles with writing first drafts, which are “terrible,” “dreadful,” “shitty,” and “stupefying.”

Lamott sums up her ideas by writing that “you need to start somewhere.” The personal connection Lamott establishes with her audience is made possible by her informal, humorous tone, her word choice, and her similes. I could definately relate to that quote and this article. 


Many people have different writing styles. Some can just sit down for a specific period of time and just finish a paper in its entirity. I take forever to write a paper. I sometimes start weeks before it is due just so I can have the whole amount of time to work on it. I begin by writing what I consider a "shitty first draft," then continue to edit and add ideas until I feel that it is complete. A big problem have is culminating all my ideas together and putting them on paper.  As weird as it sounds, I know what I want to say and focus on, its just hard for me to put it into words. 

A good take away from Lamotts article is that it doesnt matter where you start, its where you finish. As cliche as that may sound. In fact, Lamott suggests that a shitty first draft is an almost obligatory starting point. I know that every first draft is not going to be the best one, but I have to remind myself to not be so critical of my writing and realize that writing is a process and a good paper takes time. 




Thats it.
-CM

About Me!

Whats up everybody! Im Collin Mack, a fourth year Communication major at UCSB from Los Angeles. I plan on applying for the professional writing minor as well.

Im a huge sports fan. I enjoy watching ESPN and following all sports but I especially love basketball. I am a die hard Laker Fan and have been since I could remember.

Currently, I work with UCSB Sports Marketing in the Intercollegiate Athletic building, where I help market our various Division 1 athletic programs.

I am also a member of the UCSB Track and Field team where I run the 400 meters. Because Track and Field is such a demanding sport, I have always valued my health and fitness. I do however have an obsession with candy.

In my free time I love hanging out with my roommates and friends, working out, and I am always down to do new things.

After college I hope to attend graduate school where I would get a Masters in Business Administration. I then would like to pursue a career in sports marketing. Since I have always loved flying, I am also interested in possibly joining the Air Force.

There are so many things I want to do so I honestly have no idea where ill end up, but I am keeping my options open.

I am looking forward to learning about all the apects of multimedia writing as well as working on all the projects we have this quarter!

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine