Technical Drawing - Haus of Spartacus

Here is my final project for Technical Drawing. Technical Drawing is a class that focuses on the technical details of a garment, and you create those details via computer design. In Adobe Illustrator, you create the "flat" of the garment and you fill these with color or print. You use these flats to create a buy sheet or merchandise board which you show to buyers to sell your clothing.

Here is my inspiration and merchandise board for my final project:

Inspiration Board

Merchandise Board

Advanced Fashion Illustration - Avant Garde Collection

Our final project was to do an Avant Garde collection based on a fantasy world. So my initial inspiration was Transformers, hence the earlier postings. However, I was having issues with my designs so I changed it to the X-Men. It was a WAY BETTER choice. But man, this project took me literally WEEKS to do! It was done in ALL colored pencils and a thin black marker. After many migraines and sleepless nights... here is my collection:

Winter 2011 Inspiration Board

Winter 2011 Line

Spring 2011 Inspiration Board

Spring 2011 Line

Summer 2011 Inspiration Board

Summer 2011 Line

Fall 2011 Inspiration Board

Fall 2011 Line

Advanced Fashion Illustration - Illustration Recreation

This project was about recreating a fashion illustration that we really liked. I really LOVE the work by Nuno Da Costa. When I recreated it, I did it ALL in colored pencil. So here is the illustration I recreated:

Original

Recreation

Fashion Inspiration

Another reason why I started this blog was to keep a record of inspiration for future projects and possible collections. I finally found inspiration for a project that is due in a couple weeks and might possibly be an idea for an upcoming collection for next year. I want to do an Avant Garde collection inspired by the Transformer movies!!! I think it would be wicked!!!

Fashion illustrations of my Avant Garde collection will be posted in a couple weeks!!! I'm actually really excited about this!

Weekend Update - "Mother's Day"

So this past weekend was Mother's Day weekend and I soooo didn't even know it was going to be Mother's Day this weekend! I thought it was the middle of May but I was thinking of Memorial Day Weekend. So yah, totally forgot til last minute but that's what happens when you don't have a mom in your life to celebrate it with.

This was my 2nd Mother's Day without my mom. She passed away last year March and what I usually have been doing since for Mother's Day, her Birthday, and the Anniversary of her death, would be going to the beach to throw her some flowers. I spread my portion of her ashes in the ocean because that is where she wanted to be and my favorite place and living here in San Diego lets me visit her all the time! But not this year....

The weather didn't really permit it and I honestly didn't want to for some strange reason. Yes, I did buy her some flowers and set them up for here by the framed picture of her in our room so I didn't forget about her. But this weekend was pretty subdued in celebration. Aaron took me to Martini's on Sunday for Babette's Bingo Brunch which was pretty fun but we only got to stay an hour because Aaron had work committments to attend to. But it was a nice way to enjoy Mother's Day; the thought of not having a mother anymore wasn't in my mind as usual so it was a good day.

Wizard of ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday was the first time I watched SNL in YEARS!!! But how could I not watch the episode when Ms. Betty White was on!!! The show was freakin' hilarious!!!! If you haven't seen it yet, get to NBC.com and watch it now!!!!

Fashion Illustration - Catwoman

Here is my Midterm project for my Advanced Fashion Illustration class. It's a class I had already taken a year ago but due to personal reasons, I never fully completed and passed the class.

The project was to recreate a garment 3 times with 2 different fabrics in each garment. I also had to illustrate the fabric in a seperate swatch too. My inspiration was Catwoman; Michelle Pheiffer version mixed with the current comic book version. The fabrics were then inspired by cat print. And here are the results:

This is the Black Cat look with leather and denim

This is the Tigress look with alligator and tiger striped vinyl

This is the Leopardess look with acetate and leopard spotted denim

No, this is NOT a collection I'll be making lol... but I wanted to show the progress I've made in drawing women. 2 years ago, I couldn't draw women for the life of me, and a year ago I had made some progress, but now... I've even shocked myself. So this is nothing special; just want to start documenting my work I do at school. When looking these in person, they look a lot better because you can see the detail better, especially the white acetate.

But overall... I love it! =)

Weekend Update - "Working Girl"

I believe it was Friday night that me and Aaron went to bed to the movie Working Girl. My favorite part of that movie is when Sigourney Weaver gets her ass owned at the end and of course - Harrison Ford. That's all. I got to see Hottie McHottie Harrison Ford in his pre-Daddy days but I fell asleep before I got to hear Sigourney "to get her BONEY ASS outta there!" But damn... if only I knew the movie only came on to fortell what my weekend was going to be like!

My mini office that I love, love, LOVE to be at now!

This is where I spent my ENTIRE weekend!!! Oh... My... Gawd...

Next week is Midterms week at school and I have two big projects due Monday and Tuesday night so I needed to get them done stat! Saturday I spent 12 hours on the first project which I am only 66% done with and it's due tomorrow and I spent another 12 hours today on the second project which I am 90% done with but isn't due til Tuesday night so I'm not worrying about it. But fuck! Although I love to be kept busy (keeps my ADHD in control) but I would at least like to have had a few hours to do something.

I rented Sherlock Holmes Friday night for us to watch but instead of watching it, I showed Eric the Madonna episode of Glee (Hello? I told you I was THAT gay, jk) You know I love me some Madonna and so does Eric so that's why I HAD to show him!!! But what sucks is stupid Blockbuster is going back to charging late fees and I have to return the movie on Wednesday and with my schedule, I won't be able to watch it. Gawd knows it takes me almost a week to watch an hour long tv show on my own so imagine how long it's going to take me to watch that movie by myself! So looks like I rented it for nothing, ugh! =(

Oh yah! And something that pissed me off... but it's m own damn fault. I bought some new shirts the other week because all my shirts don't fit me anymore because I'm starting to become cub status. Oy! So... Aaron did laundry today and guess what happened??? The new shirts shrunk and don't fit me!!! But it's my own damn fault because I bought them size small when I've graduated to size medium but haven't come to terms with that yet. I guess I gotta give in and face reality: I am no longer a twink!!!

But anyways... nothing exciting this weekend. But I'll DEFINITELY will be getting out next weekend because this pup needs to play and have fun!

I leave you with this; my new favorite jam that's been on replay ALL weekend! Check it out:

Kelly Rowland - Commander

You Know What REALLY Annoys Me?

Ok... let's start off the day with something that relates to something that really annoys me. Here is the HOT new music video for Christina Aguilera's new single, "Not Myself Tonight". If you haven't seen it yet, CHECK THIS BITCH OUT!!!!!




That was hot wasn't it? Wasn't it!??! Ok so yah... after watching that video, I myself couldn't help but notice some similarties to other artists where she may have been "inspired" by, NOT "copied". And let me say this... it's ALL Madonna people! What's bugging me is all these Lady Gaga comparisons. I mean, really?!?!? I LOVE Lady Gaga and all but that's just bull! Just because Christina is wearing unique outfits means she's copying Gaga?!?! Wait, so Gaga is the ONLY artist that can wear latex and sunglasses? Bitch please! If you really feel that way, then Gaga is copying Jennifer Lopez then because that bitch was the first to be rockin' some hot shades in her videos like "Love Don't Cost A Thing".

And as I had told Taj when the video premiered, I have a feeling there are going to be comparisons to the "Bad Romance" video. So waking up this morning and going to Perez Hilton (shoosh! I like the site, hate the person; it's like - liking alcohol and hating the hangover, there's a difference bitches) and on his site, he's labeling the video "Gaga-inspired" and had video screen captures of comparing the video to "Bad Romance". First of all, he's an idiot. Really?!?! Of course he's going to compare it to her because she's his "wifey" and thinks EVERYTHING Gaga does is orginal in it's own and she doesn't copy others ::cough::GraceJones::cough:: What makes him an idiot is if he would step off his biased pedestal, he would see that the video is inspired solely on Madonna! The video is clearly inspired by the following videos: Human Nature, Justify My Love, Express Yourself, and Like A Prayer. So how is this video more "Gaga-inspired" than Madonna?!?! I blame queens like Perez for that.

So, after this little rant, here is what really annoys me: pop diva music fans

Why pop diva music fans? Because I'm SICK AND TIRED of all the little tweens and queens who debate, pratically religiously, on who is better than who. All I have to say is: Who gives a FUCK?!?!?

What ever happened to just loving music?!?! Why do people feel the need to say this artist is better than that artist? Why do people feel the need to battle it out with others on declaring a certain artist's credibility based on octave levels, dance ability, singing ability, award achievements, chart accomplisments, longevity status and "original styling". Is it going to make me love the artist any less? Is it going to validate your artist any more? Is the artist you're "defending" going to personally call you and thank you for saying she's the best? Does anyone BUT you going to care who you think is the best artist anyways??? The answer to all those is: NO!!!!



I'm annoyed by all those who compare Madonna vs. Mariah. Mariah vs. JLO. Mariah vs. Whitney. Britney vs. Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga vs. Christina. Christina vs. Britney. Beyonce vs everyone. Just STOP! Again, who gives a fuck?!?!

If you love a particular artist over another one, that's awesome! Everyone has their own preference. But don't think that your preference is better than anyone elses! Music isn't a contest people; it's creative substance that stimulates our senses through sound and performance.

Can we just go back to loving music? Just embrace it, enjoy it, and celebrate it! Stop hating on it, labeling it, comparing it, and belittling others! Every pop artist is talented and unique in their own way but their uniqueness doesn't make them better than anyone else.

So in ending... can we just enjoy Christina Aguilera's new video? Thanks!

It’s Not What Happens To Us That Matters; What Matters Is Our Attitude Toward What Happens - Cousineau

Over 2 weeks ago, around 2am, I was walking home from the bars in Hillcrest. Yah, I was totally drunk and what was I doing? I had my face buried in my phone, texting, not paying attention to anything around me. Out of nowhere, a right hook came to my face and someone began to continuously pound their fists into my face, the back of my head, my arms, until I’m down on the ground. They snatched the phone out of my hands, reached into my back pocket, took my wallet, and fled the scene of the crime. I got up, totally in shock to what just happened; it happened so fast! I didn’t know where they took off to, didn’t know if they were still watching me so I took off and started heading home. I quickedned the pace and began to run, paranoid that I was about to get another beating. It wasn’t until I was halfway home I touched my face and felt the blood coming down my nose; I didn’t know how bad my injuries were.

I got home and examined myself in the mirror. My face was entirely covered with blood. I must have started bleeding from the first punch. Not only on my face, but there was blood down my arms, and all over my hands. Aaron helped me clean up my injuries, called the bank to cancel my cards and the next day, sober from the experience, I examined and reflected what had happened the night before: I was attacked and mugged.

I had a black eye, half of my face swollen like a chipmunk, serious pain in the back of my head, the side, my jaw, and eye socket. My cheek, nose, lips and gums were completely numb. Thankfully I still had my top braces on or else more than likely a couple of teeth would have been knocked out. I had a major bruise on my right arm; my left elbow was scraped and bruised. Luckily, there was no money in my wallet and the stolen phone was the iPhone 3G I had received two weeks beforehand for my birthday from Aaron. Later on, a police officer came over and took my police report and some pictures. After that, I moved on.

I continued my life as if nothing ever happened. To my close ones, I told them what happened because my injuries were only obvious and of course Aaron had posted something on Facebook that acknowledged my situation. Because of this, news had spread and others in the community heard what had happened to me and were very concerned but I didn’t reach out because I didn’t want any attention from this situation. I just acted normal, healed myself up, and continued my routine of going to school and what not. A week later, my friends are asking me: have you been to the doctor? Have you talked to a counselor? You talk about the situation so easily; isn’t this all hard to talk about and deal with? Aren’t you bothered by this? Doesn’t a situation like this change you? Aren’t you more scared to walk down the streets now? The answer to all those questions are... no.

Like Cousineau says, “It’s not what happens to us that matters; what matters is our attitude toward what happens.” What had happened to me was a serious situation; it was a serious matter. But how I look at life is this: shit happens.

This could have happened to anyone and it happened to me! Because of how serious the matter is, I could gain sympathy by crying. I could gain attention by playing a victim. I could remain scared by not talking about this and staying home, hiding from the reality of the outside world. (The reality being it is a violent world out there, regardless how safe or comfortable you feel in your environment.) But that’s not me. I literally got knocked down to the ground. But metaphorically, what do you do when you get knocked down? Do you remain down and cry about being knocked down or do you get back up and continue walking? I chose the latter. It’s not being attacked and mugged that matters because again, it could happen to anyone. What matters is my attitude toward what happened. I can’t let this situation get the better of me and I have to remain strong and focused in life. All this was, was another struggle in life; another obstacle life threw at me to overcome.

Like Cousineau also stated, “struggle is inevitable and those who learn to perceive it as an obstacle rather than a burden make life a lot easier for themselves.” Because of how I perceive this obstacle, treating it nothing more than an obstacle and not a burden, has been a lot easier for me to move on and continue living my life in a positive light.

Everyone has a different and unique set of mind and everyone handles things differently, in their own way. This is my way of coping with the situation.

Weekend Update - "Long Lost Friends"

This week's theme is "Long Lost Friends". I got to see a few people that I haven't seen in SO long. There was one person I was expecting to see (friend from Montana) but that was a no go due to some shadiness which I'm not going to talk any further about it because it's something that I am not going to dwell on.

But this week was a pretty good week... except for one thing: My ADHD was acting up BAD!!! Oy! It was so hard for me to concentrate and focus on many things. Driving was a total bitch because I couldn't focus; I was distracted by everything - inside and out of the car. Also, watching TV was a nightmare because one thing that people don't really understand about having this condition is: being able to focus on what is on TV when there is TALKING in the background!!!

It's becoming more and more difficult for me watching TV with Aaron and Donald because they like to talk during whatever we're watching, which is totally fine, but it's extremely hard for me to focus on what is happening on TV. So I become frustrated and it makes me become moody which I don't like being. Also with this condition, I fidget ALOT!!! Wednesday we had to watch the movie "Fracture" in our Ethics class which I actually enjoyed but I must have moved in my seat like 30+ times. It annoys me and it has to annoy the people sitting behind me. And then on Friday, Aaron wanted to watch "Avatar" with Eric and Donald which was torture for me because I had already seen it and didn't really enjoy it the first time because the story was sooooo long and slow! The only appeal the movie had was the incredible special effects in 3D, which was not made for DVD release. So yah... this week was "Squirrel" x100. More like Squirrel and all the creatures of the damn forest!

The best part of the week/weekend was I got to see a couple of friends that I haven't seen in months! And when I say months, I mean like since last year September/October!!! Last night, we went to Martini's and I got to unexpectedly see my daddies Daniel and Michael.

Daniel, Me, & Michael in Puerto Vallarta

I haven't seen Daniel since December, after a Xmas party and I haven't seen Michael since our little falling out back in October after I went to a Chargers game. It was totally my fault... well actually, 90% my fault. I was completely drunk and Michael was tickling me and I HATE to be tickled so that really pissed me off. He continued to tickle me, even though I repeatedly asked him to stop, which he didn't. So what did I do? I poured my entire full-glass of beer on him. Everyone was so mad at me. And because of that, my hot messiness made me an angry drunk and I lashed out at him via drunk texting. Let's just say I said some really not nice things and we haven't talked since then. But we've made up and I was SOOOO happy to see him last night!!! And guess what my new nickname is now?!?!? ... Baby Bear.

I was wearing my usual Vees (V-neck tees) and I haven't had time to trim my chest so my hairy chest was exposed. And lemme telllll youuuu... EVERYONE is lovin' my chest! Friday and Saturday, people have been constantly rubbing my chest and complimenting it which I'm slowly understanding the appeal. But hey... if they like it, I'll leave it. So yah... Michael and Daniel saw my new found hairyness and dubbed me Baby Bear.

Me & Gary

Another friend I got see at Martini's was my gym sister Gary! He was deployed last September and he got back 2 weeks ago and I finally got so see him!!! He looked great and it felt like he never left (I'm still getting use to this having friends in the military and them leaving for awhile). We didn't really get to hang out much because he was headed to Mo's with his friends and I had to stay with Aaron and entertain Ms. Ophelia and protect Andy from her.

Speaking of Ms. Ophelia... she and Aaron were hot messes last night. But it was cute... Apparently, Aaron wants his own drink at Martini's now. It is dubbed, "The AaronHeier" and it's a martini with Vodka, Pickle juice, and a Kosher Pickle. Yum!!! I don't know if Dale and Chaz were totally convinced in adding it to the menu though.

And speaking of Hottie McDaddies Dale and Chaz... we had breakfast with them this morning at Babbo Grande with Johnny and Ophelia... and YES, she was still drunk! Breakfast was TOTAL yum! If you haven't been to Babbo Grande for breakfast yet, you HAVE to go!!! The food is so delicious, made fast, and costs super cheap compared to other places in Hillcrest.

Afterwards, Aaron and I went and ran some errands which I am going to fast foward so I don't bore you... so here I am, sitting on the couch, blogging. I have some work to do but I'm in lazy Sunday mode right now. Later on, Aaron and Donald will be going to the Hole (when don't they?!?) but I'll be staying home getting my work done (hopefully)

So overall, it was a good week and a great weekend! What's to look forward to the coming week: a productive school week, a doctor appointment, and ortho appointment, seeing my dad for the first time since January, and my desk!!! I'm so happy (as Aaron has constantly pointed out to me) about getting my desk! I get to finally put a mini office in our room so I have an area to do all my school work finally which I am ECSTATIC about! And if my desk does not arrive tomorrow... then Target is getting one motha fawkin' angry complaint tomorrow!!!