[ICM] Final Project Proposal
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//Kojo Opuni
//Masters Candidate at New York University’s Interaactive Telecommunications Program (ITP)
//Class of 2013
//www.kojoopuni.com
//Per Audacia Ad Astra. Make the Impossible Possible.import processing.opengl.*;
//float rR = random (0,255);
//float rT = random (0,255);void setup() {
size(700, 600, OPENGL);}
void draw() {
background(180, 219, 180);
tint(255,255);
lights();
camera();
rotateX(radians(-50));
translate(width/2, height/2, 0.0);
scale(height/2);fill(255, 0, 0);
//fill (rR,rR,rT);
int numIter = 150;
for (int i=0; i<numIter; i++) {
float a = map(i, 0, numIter-1, 0, 1);
pushMatrix();
rotateY(radians(a * 360));
translate(1.1, 0, 0);
rotateZ(radians(a*260) + (.02 * frameCount));
rotateY(.02 * frameCount);
drawIter();popMatrix();
}
}void drawIter() {
beginShape();
vertex(-.1, -.2, 0);
vertex( .1, -.2, 0);
vertex( .1, .2, 0);
vertex(-.1, .2, 0);
endShape(CLOSE);beginShape();
vertex(-.3, -.9, 0);
vertex( .3, -.9, 0);
vertex( .3, .9, 0);
vertex(-.3, .9, 0);
vertex(.4, .5, 0);
vertex(-.4, .5, 0);
endShape(CLOSE);
}
theRedDance
Of late, I’ve been playing around with the video library as well as opengl in Processing. I created this sketch just yesterday;and, immediately, I envisioned a matador dipping his cape with a sweeping motion with a charging bull in hot pursuit. At the same time, my mind’s eye had a picture of a flamenco dancer being overtaken by the music – her red skirt caught in an infinite twirl.
I would like to somehow incorporate the animation above with a video of a matador practicing his cape work. I’m really not a fan of videos where a bull is being methodically speared and gored, so a matador practicing his cape work would be more up my alley. I would also like to incorporate a video a a female flamenco dancer. It is a bit hard to describe as of now; but, if I could simply mesh the animation above with the video of a matador’s and a flamenco dancer’s motion, I would feel accomplished. I’m also toying with the idea of using the Kinect in this project.
theSecretStage
My second option is more along the lines of a game. A few years ago, I wrote the following lines within my journal:
As a child, I remember the elation that I felt when I found a hidden corridor..a new street..a new pathway – a place that was unexplored and untouched. Remember the days of our youth when we played video games with their multiple levels. Remember the secret or the hidden levels than could not be found by regular means. A particular set of instructions had to be followed in order to set foot in that secret castle in the sky. That is what I am seeking right now in my own life. The secret stage where I become immersed within the unknown.
All self reflection aside, I would like to create the beginnings of a ‘secret’ game level within processing along the lines of a rpg (role playing game), completely 8-bit, and a bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. I admit that it would be very basic, but it may be be fun in the pursuit. The following games would serve as inspiration:
Sword & Sworcery
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Zelda II – The Adventures of Link
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If this route is attempted, I would incorporate the minim library. Also, I will only consider this a viable option if I can make sense of the Kinect processing library.
So, theRedDance would possible be easier to accomplish, but it would be a dream to complete (or a least master the crude beginnings) of theSecretStage.
[Comm Lab: 2D Design] Signage
For this week’s assignment for 2D Design, we had to photograph 4-5 examples of unsuccessful signage or other visual communication in my immediate area. So, I wandered about the neighborhood. I was hard pressed to find glaring examples of bad signage. Here are a few examples with a few surprises along the way.
Everything Plus the Kitchen Sink
In the image above, the signage display all of the services of this neighborhood print & design shop. Maybe it is a matter of taste, but I feel that the signage is too much. Personally, I would prefer that the signage simply note the name of the business. As far as the services, they should be listed in a poster in the store window or a flyer. In my Brooklyn neighborhood, this type of signage presentation is the norm.
Hardly Knew What to Do
In the image above, the signage is confusing. Does a delivery person pound the gate with force or does this person lightly rap the gate. This signage is easily corrected by the omission of the confusing term -’hardly’.
Offend much?
The signage above is unsuccessful in the sense that it has the potential to offend with its profanity or stereotyping. Just scan the names of some of the deli sandwiches – ‘Try Me Beeyotch’, ‘Butter Face’, ‘Gay Boy’, ‘The Illegal’. Though this signage was intended as a bit of humor. My intuition tells me that this type of humor is bound to offend some. It may even turn some customers away.
No Parking 2.0
I know that this is not an example of unsuccessful signage/visual communication but I felt the need to share nonetheless. Before I say anything else, my neighborhood is notorious for its abysmal parking due to it being in close proximity to a hospital. It has reached the point that some have chosen to park in ‘no parking’ areas and tempt the fates. A frustrated business owner took matters in his own hands when others decided to ignore their tradition red & white ‘no parking’ sign. The message is direct and brusque but very effective in its message.
Stop the Stupidity
This is a bit of signage alteration that I had to share.
No Lasercats Allowed
This signage is completely unrelated to the assignment. I took a photo of the signage above when I visited the Philippines earlier this year. Immediately when I saw the sign of thought of Saturday Night Live’s Laser Cats. If you do not know what Laser Cats are, here you go:
[NaNoWriMo]
I’ve decided to actually participate in this year’s NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) . I cannot put my finger as to why, buy my time at ITP has encouraged me to write again. Frankly, I feel that my writing skills has deteriorated throughout the years due to disuse. Writing is an craft one must practice daily. Instead of honing my skills, I’ve unknowingly allowed my skills to diminish. The time has come for me to put up or shut up. Throughout the years, I’ve filled countless journals with story ideas, impressions, and inspirations – to be able to thread these bits and pieces together into one cohesive mass of boundless imagination would be a triumph in itself.
Around my neck, I wear a pendant with the inscription of the following:
Per Audacia Ad Astra.
Make the Impossible Possible.
The first line is a latin phrase which means “through boldness to the stars”. In my life, I’ve noticed that I stifle my own power, imagination, and creativity when I come from a place of doubt and fear. I feel that I must be bold in my actions in order to create anything of significance. Some days, I adhere to this principle more than others; but, as long as I consistently try (even if only a little bit), I’m making marked progress.
Doubts and fears will not serve me while I write, while I navigate my way through ITP, and while I navigate the far reaches of the unknown. I must continually take risks even if I increase the likelihood of extreme failure. I know a breakthrough is just around the corner after the fall.
I have to admit that my time at NYU ITP has truly tested me in the sense of pushing myself to actually produce rather than theorize. When presented with so many magnificent tools to create (Processing, Arduino, etc.), you have no excuses. I’m completely in awe of my classmates’ works, and it’s too easy to compare yourself against the abilities of another. Yet, that is not what it’s all about in the end. ITP is about your own personal journey. Each of us came to the program from various backgrounds and experience. Each of us came to ITP for our own reasons, but we all came to dream and explore within a space that is a marriage of both art and technology. So, I’m thankful that I’m here as opposed to the cubicle I once resided not too long ago. I feel that ITP will allow me to make any supposed impossibility into an opportunity for possibility and innovation.
Also, I’m slowly learning to come out of my shell. It’s not easy for an introvert. It takes me a while to warm up to new people as well as surroundings. On first appearances, I may appear to be aloof; but, in truth, it’s simply my social awkwardness and shyness. I’m working through it though – one day at a time.
So, I’m off to write The Great American Novel (I wish).
Kojo (VersesVersusVerses – my handle on NaNoWriMo)
Comm Lab: 2D Design | Principles of Visual Design & Favorite Websites
So, I’m midway through my 1st semester at ITP, and I’m very excited to explore the principles of 2D Design. Through most of my professional life, I’ve been intimidated by the concept of Design with regards to shape, color, and especially typography. So, now marks the first time that I will get a handle on these principles rather than relying upon the help of others. For this week’s assignment, we were asked to find a website that we were particularly drawn to that exemplified the principles of good design. In my case I found 2 websites that spoke to me aesthetically.
Haruki Murakami’s Author Website at Randomhouse
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First, let’s take a look at how both websites lend themselves to the principles of good visual design (in my opinion).
1| Have an Idea
Murakami’s page is dynamic in the sense that the home page image changes every time a visitor enters the site. If you look below, I took four different screenshots of Murakami’s front page. Murakami’s site means to showcase his written work hence the focus on book covers. If you delve in deeper, you will also notice small cat animations. If you are familiar with Murakami’s work, the appearance and disappearance of cat play a significant in in Murakami’s narratives.
Each image is taken directly from the cover art (which I love) of his extensive library. Murakami’s cover art design is deeply rooted in the feel and aesthetic of the worlds, plots, and characters he creates with the written word.
If you are an avid reader of Murakami, you immediately sense the idea of Murakami’s novels being visually communicated on the homepage.
For myself, I am immediately drawn to the grid format of his website.
The navigation is linear but not in the traditional sense that you would find in typical website. The navigation falls along the lines of two diagonals.
2| Use No More than Two Typefaces
Both sites keep it simple to a degree by using what it would appear to be only 2 fonts.
3| Choose Colors for a Reason
On Murakami’s site, a variety of color choice are utilized, but they seem unified in the sense. The
colors on the frontpage as well as the various pages seemed to be drawn from a dreamy, muted color
palette.
Bjork’s website mirrors the black & white color scheme of her new album artwork; so, it’s obvious that the colors were chosen for a reason.
4| Establish a Hierarchy of Information
In Murakami’s site, the the information is placed within each portion of the grid along a diagonal.
Though the site appears non-traditional upon first appearance of Bjork’s website, the way information is dispensed seems rather traditional. The site’s navigation can be found on a left sidebar, so it is not anything out of the ordinary.
5| Work with a Grid
Bjork’s site does not work with an obvious grid. Upon first entrance to her site, you encounter a freeform, 3-dimensional space made to resemble the night sky filled with esoteric symbols/constellations that come together at precise junctures to form words that mirror the site navigation.
Upon closer inspection, you realize that the site follows a grid where the site navigation is placed within the left column that accounts for about 20% of the screen real estate. The remaining 80% houses the websites content.
Murakami’s site makes conspicuous use of the grid format on the front page as well as throughout the rest of the site.
Honestly, I just don’t really have the right set of words to explain why I love the design of these 2 sites. I just do. 
Kojo
