Classwork

Making a Header

There was some initial difficulty I came across when researching the height and width for the header itself. I quickly realized the original layout I chose through WordPress (Portfolio) does not technically have a header; therefore, I was given no dimensions as a reference. Likewise, for the new theme I have on this blog now, there was no header image reference.

For the creation of my header itself, I have the opportunity to use my own, original photos of my dog; therefore, I did not believe it was necessary to search through the Creative Commons in order to reference a picture of a sheltie. I have never used Pixlr Editor before; however, it is a more streamlined version of Photoshop, which I have had some experience with several years ago. I was quite rusty; however, as I typically do not edit images for my classes. 

I decided to implement a “lazier” technique into creating my header since I had no dimensions to reference originally. I found a website which recommended an alternative method for creating a header.

This website recommended the dimensions of 1260 to 240 for a first blank layer. Through Pixlr, I then created an additional three layers (the pictures of my dog). These layers were then moved inside of the barrier from the original blank layer. I considered this to be an easier, quicker alternative than as to what the video suggested. The header for my website could be arguably larger; perhaps I will change the layout of the website once again in the future. 

What came naturally to me was editing the layers itself (resizing, increasing brightness, color saturation, adding text, etc.), as this editing availability is accessible through our phones. It was only slightly frustrating to me when I accidentally would edit a layer image I did not intend for. I had to remind myself multiple times to select the layer I wanted to edit before editing itself.

Screencasting

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I decided to screencast the Rutgers subreddit. I am familiar with Screencast-O-Matic; I have had to use this program previously during the fall semester for my Public Speaking class. I surprisingly encountered no difficulties whatsoever when recording this screencast in comparison to other students’ stories. There is no QuickTime on my computer (I have an HP laptop), so this program suffices.

I believe this skill could be incredibly useful in terms of editing website content or social media management. Programs such as Screencast could be utilized in order for social media managers to post their own content on their respective social media platforms or websites. A feature I did not use for this particular assignment, for example, is the ability to trim the recordings (and add captions, as well). This is included within the free download. Obviously, there are more features within the upgraded version (which is paid for).

This a simple program for someone to utilize if they have had no prior experience to video recording and editing. Likewise, to the Pixlr editor, the simpler version of Photoshop, Screencast-O-Matic is a relatively simple tool to use in comparison to other video recorders and editors.

This could, in addition, be utilized for projects such as personal portfolios and the like to demonstrate one’s creativity, (especially in concern to someone who is interested in filmmaking). It can be the “first step” someone utilizes before advancing to more challenging projects and programs.

Personally, as a Communication major, I know there are various routes as to what I could take. I personally have experience in special event planning; however, this does not involve video creation and editing. If I perhaps ventured into social media management, it is critical for me to understand how to utilize tools such as photo and video editing in order to be successful.

Promotion Post

I believe, especially in concern to animals, Instagram is a valuable social media tool to utilize for promotions. I, myself have never created an Instagram for River, but I do know of a personal friend who has an Instagram for her two cats, @crimsonandmars. The account is actually operated by her sister (where the cats live). Her sister often uses the hashtag “crimsonandmars”, in order to promote her page.

Likewise, if I made an Instagram for River, I would follow the same route. I believe Instagram is the most valuable social media tool because it is utilized by many (especially for social purposes). Although I do have a Facebook, for example, this is more often utilized for school-related work. I use Instagram the most heavily throughout the day, to chat with my friends and like photos and videos and such.

I think a great reason as to why I never created an Instagram for River is simply because I am a full-time college student. I do have a great collection of photos and videos I could post of him; however, I am unsure if I would be able to manage the account itself and hold myself accountable for posting daily, for example.

Meme Website Post

The meme I decided to post on my website was discovered through the “Dogs” images on KnowYourMeme, specifically on the “Newest” tab. The meme itself was originally posted on Twitter by the user @Wtfnancyison, on March 19^th, 2020. As of today, the meme itself has over 59 thousand retweets, over 300 comments, and almost 230 thousand likes. I believe this meme can be beneficial for my particular website because, likewise to the other various coronavirus memes, it is an attempt to find humor in the situation. Dogs are apparently immune to this specific strain of coronavirus; therefore, dogs can complete errands, such as retrieving groceries, while their owners stay safe at home.

As for River, personally, I don’t think I could ever see myself doing this! River has been adjusting to this quarantine quite easily: sleeping all day and eating, (as he usually does). The only difference is, now that I have returned home, he always wants my attention! I have to do my classwork upstairs in my attic in order to not be distracted by River. Whenever I go to the kitchen or living room, he follows me, either looking for food or attention (or both). I love him very much, but it’s hard to concentrate!

Website Post

I decided to make a Powerpuff character of myself! This was one of my favorite cartoons to watch when I was younger, so I enjoyed creating my own character. The process itself was fairly straightforward and simple. I found it incredibly easy to customize my character’s hair or clothing, for example, as there was a variety of options to choose. I also loved as to how I could also include a dog with my character – even though this dog looks nothing like River, it’s the thought that counts! That’s also as to why my Powerpuff character has heart eyes, because I love my dog!

I think I would have liked if there even more options to choose from, such as backgrounds for our characters, or even more accessory options. I think it would have been also been cool to create our own Powerpuff animal characters; I would have loved to make one that resembled River! I have not watched the show itself for many years, but I do remember the show featured several animal characters, such as the Talking Dog. I would have loved to see that incorporated into this as well. Overall, this is a very cute, simple dress-up game.

Commercial Post

For this particular assignment, I experienced some difficulty. First of all, I created this “commercial” my recording my voice through the Voice Memos application. It was my original plan to upload this file into Audacity (as I do not have a MacBook). However, once I downloaded Audacity, the program started to experience errors once I attempted to upload the file. It told me it could not support my Voice Memo file, for whatever reason, I am unsure. I decided, ultimately, it would take far much too time for me to try and reconfigure as to why Audacity was not working; an application I am unfamiliar with entirely.

I therefore decided to try and see if I could utilize GarageBand on my iPhone; however, I started to experience problems on this application as well. It might be due to the fact I have not touched GarageBand in years; however, this application as well was, for whatever reason, not accepting my file. I decided to then and try a different application completely: iMovie. In comparison to GarageBand and Audacity, this was an incredibly simpler process. This application accepted my audio file and allowed me to layer this particular “commercial” featuring videos of my dog, River, which automatically faded into the next video as well.

I then decided to incorporate an additional music layer as well, which was one of the generic options iMovie offered. Although I discovered I was able to snip and lower the volume of this layered music file, I found it difficult to incorporate the “fading” process into the outro song, as the assignment describes. I was attempting to layer an additional song for the first song to fade into; however, this was too jarring and was not working as I hoped so. I decided to scrap the idea entirely and remain with one song throughout the duration of the commercial. Overall, I did enjoy making this commercial. I think the creation of the commercial itself is far easier on iMovie.

Podcast

This was created through recording my audio on the Voice Memo app, organizing it onto iMovie, and then uploading it onto YouTube. I discuss the differences between purchasing versus adopting a Sheltie, as well as why to avoid pet stores.