Stir Crazy

Mutant Grundos need more clothing options!

Just look how cute Aeroeuf is in the new Toy Grundo Spacesuit 🥺💚💚👩‍🚀

Photography

Elements of Design

Line

Definition: The path of a moving point is a mark made by a tool or instrument as it is drawn across a surface.

Types: Vertical, Horizontal, Curved, ZigZag, Diagonal

Notable Example: "The Eiffel Tower" by Henri Cartier-Bresson - showcasing elegant vertical lines.

Shape

Definition: The area stands out from the shape next to or around it because of a defined boundary or because of value, color, or texture.

Notable Example: "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange - illustrating the emotional impact of the human shape within its surroundings.

Color

Definition: A visual sensation caused by light.

Notable Example: "Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry - using vibrant color to convey the subject's striking gaze.

Components: Hue, Value, Intensity

Hue refers to the pure, basic colors of the color wheel. It is what distinguishes one color from another, such as red, blue, or yellow.

Example: In a rainbow, each band of color represents a different hue.

Value represents the lightness or darkness of a color. It is determined by the amount of light reflected by a color. A range of values creates contrast and depth in an image.

Example: In a grayscale image, the variations from black to white represent different values of gray.

Intensity, also known as saturation, refers to the purity or vividness of a color. A highly saturated color is pure and vibrant, while a desaturated color is more muted or grayish.

Example: A highly saturated red will be bright and vibrant, while a desaturated red will appear more subdued.

Space

Definition: The area occupied by form. The main area is positive, everything else is negative.

Notable Example: "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico" by Ansel Adams - masterfully using negative space to emphasize the moonrise.

Value

Definition: How light or dark a given color or hue can be.

Notable Example: "The Old Guitarist" by Pablo Picasso (photographed by André Villers) - utilizing value to evoke emotion in a monochromatic context.

Form

Definition: Where light and shape collide to create images with depth and a sense of touchability.

Notable Example: "Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2" by Marcel Duchamp (photographed by Man Ray) - playing with form and movement in a surreal way.

Texture

Definition: The visual depiction of variations in the color, shape, and depth of an object's surface.

Notable Example: "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange - highlighting the weathered texture of the subject's face and hands.

Practice:

Take 5 photos demonstrating lines or explore more variations.

Principles

Balance

Definition: Feeling of equality in weight.

Types: Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, Radial

Notable Example: "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli - showcasing symmetrical balance in a classic painting.

Proportion

Definition: Deals with the ratio of one part to another. Ratio implies comparison and is expressed in size, number, position, and space.

Notable Example: "Vitruvian Man" by Leonardo da Vinci - exploring the proportions of the human body in a meticulous drawing.

Harmony

Definition: Creates unity by stressing the similarities of separate but related parts.

Notable Example: "Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh - achieving harmony through the use of color and swirling patterns.

Variety

Definition: A change or contrast within one or more elements to add interest and to avoid monotony.

Notable Example: "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" by Pablo Picasso - introducing variety through diverse and unconventional forms.

Movement

Definition: Where your eyes look in a picture.

Notable Example: "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir - capturing the lively movement of dancers in a joyful scene.

Unity

Definition: The whole or total effect of a work of art that results from the combination of all its components.

Notable Example: "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso - achieving unity in a powerful anti-war painting.

Rhythm

Definition: A continuance, a flow, or a feeling of movement achieved by the repetition of related visual units; the use of measured accents.

Notable Example: "The Dance" by Henri Matisse - creating a sense of rhythm through repeated, flowing shapes.

Emphasis

Definition: The stressing of an element to make it more interesting or important through one position, color, object, or texture.

Notable Example: "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Johannes Vermeer - emphasizing the subject's enigmatic gaze and the play of light on the pearl.

Composition

The way the principles of art are used to organize the elements of art. It determines the movement or direction it takes your eyes around the picture. There are many types of compositions; some of them resemble an S, O, U, T, L, S, and more. Understanding composition enhances the overall impact and storytelling in your photographs.

Composition in photography refers to the arrangement and organization of visual elements within a frame to create a compelling and harmonious image. It involves making deliberate choices about how to position and combine various elements like lines, shapes, colors, and textures. A well-composed photograph not only captures the subject but also guides the viewer's eyes in a way that enhances the overall impact and storytelling of the image.

Key Aspects of Composition:

Framing:

Choosing what to include within the frame and what to leave out is crucial. The frame acts as a boundary, focusing attention on the subject.

Rule of Thirds:

Dividing the frame into a 3x3 grid and placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections can create a visually pleasing balance.

Leading Lines:

Lines within an image (like a road, river, or architectural elements) can guide the viewer's eyes toward a focal point or create a sense of movement.

Symmetry and Asymmetry:

Symmetry can create a sense of balance, while asymmetry adds visual interest. Both can be used to guide the viewer's focus.

Contrast:

Contrast in color, tone, or texture helps certain elements stand out, drawing the viewer's eyes to specific areas of the photograph.

Depth and Perspective:

Creating a sense of depth enhances the three-dimensional feel of a photograph. This can be achieved through techniques like using leading lines, overlapping elements, or varying focus.

Balance:

Achieving balance ensures that no single element dominates the composition. Balance can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial, depending on the desired effect.

Guiding the Viewer's Eyes:

Visual Hierarchy:

Establish a hierarchy of importance within the image. This can be achieved through the use of size, color, or contrast to make certain elements more prominent.

Focal Point:

Clearly define a focal point to which the viewer's eyes are naturally drawn. This can be the main subject or a strategically placed element within the composition.

Leading Lines:

Utilize leading lines to guide the viewer's eyes toward the main subject or a specific area of interest within the frame.

Contrast and Color:

Use contrast and color to create emphasis. A pop of color or a high-contrast element can immediately attract attention.

Positioning and Flow:

Consider how the viewer's eyes will move across the image. Arrange elements to create a natural flow that leads the eyes from one point of interest to another.

In summary, composition is about purposefully arranging elements within the frame to create a visually pleasing and impactful image. By understanding the principles of composition, photographers can effectively guide the viewer's eyes, control the narrative, and evoke specific emotions or reactions.

Practice:

Here are three famous photographs where you can circle or draw an arrow to the focal point:

"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange:

Assignment: Circle to highlight the focal point. Consider how the photographer uses the expressions and gaze to create a compelling focal point.

"Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry:

Assignment: Circle or draw an arrow pointing to the focal point. Notice how the intense gaze creates a powerful focal point and draws the viewer into the subject's emotions.

"The Falling Soldier" by Robert Capa:

Assignment: Draw an arrow pointing to the focal point. Reflect on how this focal point captures a decisive moment in the chaos of war, conveying both action and vulnerability.

For each photograph, consider the composition techniques that contribute to the effectiveness of the focal point. Pay attention to factors like framing, contrast, and the placement of elements within the frame. This exercise can help enhance your understanding of how photographers use focal points to guide and engage the viewer.

The Other Side of Nostalgia

Emoji Summary: 💔☠️🔪🏫🍸🎭🚨

Better Summary: At a class reunion set in a hauntingly nostalgic Victorian schoolhouse, old memories and long-lost connections collide with a nightmarish turn of events. As familiar faces from the Class of 2015 reconnect, including an old flame and a loyal friend, the festive atmosphere quickly gives way to terror. When a staged party decoration turns into a gruesome reality, the night devolves into chaos and panic. The narrator, grappling with feelings of loneliness and regret, reflects on the contrast between the life they chose and the hauntingly vivid memories of what could have been. "The Other Side of Nostalgia" delves into the darker sides of nostalgia and the unsettling realization that even joyful reunions can become a harrowing journey into the past.

*TW: GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF VIOLENCE*

Preview:

Lauren gave me a sympathetic look. "Well, his loss! From what I understand, there's a lot more in the bowl than just punch," she said, winking at me as she unlinked her arm from Will's. "Speaking of which, if you'll excuse me, I'm in need of some refreshments," she added, then withdrew from us.

The Other Side of Nostalgia has been triple edited and published to my Wattpad! Please comment and let me know what you like and what you hate about it! This is my first short horror story and I have dozens more ideas ready for my next victim, I mean, reader. 😅

Grandpa Anshu enjoying Ruki Day!

shout out to this illustration from 1999 that serves as the only official art i know of that depicts aisha's antennae as ambulatory

Easy Makeup Tips for a Quick, Flawless Look

When it comes to makeup, I like to keep things simple and efficient, especially on busy days. Over time, I’ve found a routine that works for me and gives me a polished look without spending hours in front of the mirror.

First things first: I always start with a clean, moisturized face. I give my skin a few minutes to soak in the moisturizer—it makes a huge difference in how smoothly makeup applies.

Next, I apply a makeup primer with rice protein. This step is essential for keeping my skin matte and shine-free all day. Having dealt with acne in the past, the "dewy" look isn’t for me, so this primer is a game-changer.

Most days, I skip the heavy stuff like foundation, concealer, and powder unless I’m going for a full-face look. Instead, I focus on enhancing my eyes and brows.

My Quick Eye & Brow Routine:

Brows: I use a brow tint to define my shape and pluck any stray hairs to keep things clean and tidy.

Eyeshadow: Since I have hooded eyes, I keep it simple:

Apply a light, sparkly shadow on the brow bone for a subtle highlight.

Use a darker shadow on the upper lid for depth.

Finish with a white, shimmery shadow on the inner corners for brightness.

Eyeliner: A thin line of black liquid liner on the outer half of my top lid with a small wing works wonders for my eye shape.

Optional Pop: Sometimes, I’ll add white eyeliner on my waterline to make my eyes appear bigger.

Mascara: A few coats to define my lashes, and I’m good to go!

For lips, I keep it low-maintenance with a swipe of clear gloss or Vaseline. It keeps my lips hydrated all day without feeling sticky or heavy.

Life Hack:

If you struggle with oil and shine throughout the day, makeup blotting papers are your best friend. These small, portable sheets soak up excess oil without messing up your makeup. They’re compact enough to fit in a pocket or purse, making them perfect for touch-ups on the go.

This routine is quick, easy, and leaves me feeling confident without overdoing it. What’s your favorite go-to makeup trick? Share it below—I’d love to hear!

Creepy af Meepit (Is Apple Bobbing Bart in love with me??)

You finally decide on which item to pick out when you suddenly see a flash of pink. A Meepit? You stare at the place you last saw the creature but nothing else happens. You leave the stall feeling a little perturbed.