Category Archives: Art

December 17, 2012 · 16:10

My first attempt at creating ads

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Posted by: Hana  Gabrielle

Since I was young, i had always wanted to get into the world of marketing and advertising. The beginning of 2012, I made some daring moves. I quit my decent -paying job after a year, and having just completed my undergrad, decided to go back to school and study what i know has always been my passion. A passion, I was too skeptical to pursue, years before.

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Hana's Advertisement 1 Image

Now, having enrolled in a post-graduate program at an internationally recognized college for marketing, I had the opportunity to learn and do things related to all my interests. I got to create ads.

Though, it was my first time in this type of environment, I visualized and to the best of my “newbie ability” at photoshop (with the assistance of few pros), I released some creativity. Though, I took a different approach to Sam Edelman’s sexually provocative advertisements. Instead of exploiting the woman’s sexuality, I empowered it.

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October 31, 2012 · 09:00

Pop Art Girl

Posted by: Stacey Maka

It’s finally here, Halloween!! If you’re still looking for a last minute costume, look no further. Perhaps this pop art girl will do the trick. It’s quite easy and is always a crowd pleaser. Here’s how to create this look.

I already applied foundation, concealer, and pressed powder to my entire face. Pop art girls have dark eyebrows so I’m going in with black eye liner pencil to fill them in. And with a black liquid pencil liner I started to outline starting with my eyes.

To make my eyes appear bigger, I used a white liner pencil on my water line. I used a Roy Lichtenstein image for reference to pin point where to apply the expression lines.

You want to create lines in the creases of your eyes, down your nose bridge, around your nostrils, cupid’s bow, and outline of your lips.

Then I started to draw tear drops, and as well, created lines along the jaw line.

Once the outlines are done you can start filling in the tears with a white pencil liner. And with accents of blue, I filled the bottom of the tears. Then I filled in my lips with a red lipstick.

I decided to follow the reference picture a bit more and created the contours of the cheeks.

Now for the fun but time consuming part! I decided to paint on the spots using a brown concealer instead of red. The spots look best applied in a diagonal line. And of course if you want to really go all out, you can do these steps on your neck, hands, or anywhere else where your skin will be exposed for the full effect.

Apply false eyelashes and mascara on your bottom lashes. And if you aren’t already blessed with blue eyes, put on some coloured blue contacts.

 

And there you have it!

Have a very Happy Halloween everyone!!

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September 20, 2012 · 12:14

Post TIFF Excitement

Posted by: Stacey Maka

The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) just wrapped up and a lot of us Torontonians are starting to feel the withdrawal – I sure am. It was absolutely an amazing year.

I had a chance to talk with Melanie who designed the t-shirts for the Toronto International Film Festival. An amesome part of her reward was viewing movies of her choice throughout the eventful 10 days. I asked her a few questions about her time at TIFF and this is what she had to say.

What inspired your t-shirt design?

I wanted to evoke the film viewer experience with the facial expression of someone really absorbed in the moving work of art presented before their eyes. I also wanted to capture the cultural significance of the Toronto International Film Festival while injecting my whimsical style.

What were your most memorable experiences at TIFF?

It was awesome having my t-shirt graphic printed on Me To We Style materials since they are a socially-conscious company. As for the festival, having the opportunity to meet directors and cast members after film screenings and ask questions was really cool. Even though language was a bit of a barrier, I chatted briefly with the director and lead actress of stylish and raw Polish film, Baby Blues, who tell me there is great vintage shopping in Warsaw.

Of all the movies you watched, which ones did you enjoy the most? (Why?)

I watched a silent black and white film from Spain called Blancanieves. It was a take on the story of Snow White, set in 1920s Spain, with influences of flamenco dancing and bullfighting. Unique. Another I really loved was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This was one of the rare times I’ve actually read the book before watching the movie. Plus, author Stephen Chbosky directed it. Perhaps that enhanced my experience because I couldn’t contain myself and I ended up bawling my eyes out in the middle of the packed theatre!

Did you go star searching? Who were your favourite actors/actresses/directors to see on the red carpet?

Yes! In between screenings I looked to see the movie premieres that were taking place. I wasn’t able to score tickets to watch Looper, so I settled for getting a glimpse of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, and director Rian Johnson (who also directed The Brothers Bloom, which I love too) on the red carpet. Other favourites I saw were Kate Hudson, Greg Kinnear, and Zac Efron.

Did you notice any fashion trends happening during TIFF and if so what were they?

I noticed the presence of lace and floral embroidery (Kristen Stewart, Eva Mendes), sequin embellishments (Keira Knightley, Selena Gomez), full-length sleeves (Kate Hudson, Lily Collins), peplum (Naomi Watts, Emma Watson), and sheen (Joshua Jackson, Kevin Zegers).

What were some activities to do before or while waiting for your movie to start?

Besides “star-gazing”, there is also a variety of places to go for a drink or meal. The TIFF Bell Lightbox (TIFF headquarters) houses the O&B Canteen café and Luma restaurant. Food trucks were also stationed near certain theatres. There were promotional booths with freebies and contests (Bell, Orville Redenbacher, Veet). I, myself spent some time at the L’Oreal Beauty Lounge getting a complimentary manicure, along with a full-sized product give-away for signing up to their online newsletter. I may or may not have made more than just one visit;)

What made this special from going to a regular movie?

TIFF offers the opportunity to watch international and independent films that you probably wouldn’t see in your average movie theatre. There is so much talent that is not limited to just North America. And the chance to get up close and personal with these talented people makes it extra special.

Can you explain what typically happens at a TIFF event (from your own experience)?

I learned that lining up a half hour or more before your film is the best way to go in order to get a good seat. A lot of times, the director of the film does an introduction, especially if it’s a premiere screening. When it is over, there Is a Q&A session with the director and possibly cast members and writers. Sometimes they stay a little longer for anyone who wants to go up and say a few words or take photos with them.

My funniest memory at TIFF was…

Having people wanting to get photographed with me after finding out I designed the shirt they were wearing.

Any last words people curious about TIFF should know?

A lot of films that show at TIFF end up being huge successes when they are released for viewing by the general public. How great would it be to say that you called it first!

 

You can check out more of Melanie’s artwork from her fashion designs to graphic designs on her website at melaniesimon.tumblr.com.

 

Kristen Stewart image via huffingtonpost.com, Selena Gomez image via justjaredjr.com, Lily Collins image via justjared.com, Emma Watson image via andpop.com, and Kevin Zegers image via tumblr.com.

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April 30, 2012 · 19:29

Films That Didn’t Need a Remake

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Why can’t Hollywood just leave perfectly good movies in their original state? Not only do they butcher already wonderful films but scar what love we had for the originals. The way I see it, there are the two types of remakes. 1: The directors attempt to improve the film. Though the success rates aren’t high, there are the rare ones that are even better such as Let Me In (originally from Sweden: Låt den rätte komma). And 2: The typical Americanized version. This can mean anywhere from being more provocative, unnecessary extended scenes, to dreadful acting (or simply just don’t live up to the original cast).

These are 5 films that shouldn’t have touched the goods:

The Experiment (Das Experiment)

I admit, I watched the remake for about 30 minutes before I started to skim through it. It’s just another American remake trying to make an impact by exaggerating the story and characters when it was perfectly fine to begin with. Why do these people forget a little goes along way? In my opinion the original was a lot more raw in action and emotion than the remake. It was almost too polished that it lost its authenticity. I do give a thumbs up to Adrian Brody’s outstanding performance though. I will probably get hate for this but I did like his performance better than the original actor (Moritz Bleibtreu). Either way the German Das Experiment is still a lot better and worth the watch.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)

The time when I first heard Tim Burton was doing a remake on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory I thought the movie was going to turn out amazing. But once the movie posters for the film were released I was kind of disappointed, mostly the way the oompa loompas looked.  Something looked a little too familiar…

Though the visuals were amazing it still didn’t live up to the original. It was probably not even Burton’s intentions to do so, but just to play around with a classic and bring some joy to a new generation. It wasn’t completely horrible but I wasn’t too fond of this version and especially the ending (I’ll leave it at that in case you still haven’t even seen it). I don’t think it’s a bad idea to watch both but like they say do watch the original first before the remake.

My Sassy Girl (Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo)

Americans are well-known for butchering a lot of Asian horror films and romantic comedies are no exception. I was surprised how much or if not all of the exact same script was used for the American version. Asian humour is a lot different than American humour so certain jokes that are translated into English just don’t make sense or have the same effect than in its original language. Watching My Sassy Girl in English is super awkward. So awkward that to Americans this movie can appear extremely cheesy but to Asians this is a typical romantic comedy. It is also difficult being convinced by new actors that they can emulate the original characters (this being said from a girl who has watched the Korean version over 5 times). Don’t even watch this remake. Deal with the subtitles (reading is good for you anyways) and watch only the Korean version.

Psycho

First off, who dares touch an Alfred Hitchcock film? I do love his films even though I wasn’t even around at the time when they first came out. I actually watched the remake first with my parents in theatres and didn’t really have an opinion of the film. My dad argued the original still being much better so I decided to watch it and couldn’t agree more.  The original was just so beautifully done (yes, a beautiful horror film!) and all the scenes were set in such an astonishing and imaginative way, while the remake was just plain vulgar. After seeing both makes, the original Psycho has absolutely no competition. This remake just proves that you should never mess with a classic ever.

Death at a Funeral

It was basically the same movie but with an obnoxious cast. I personally don’t think this remake was THAT bad but was very unnecessary. The UK original was released in 2007 while the American version was released in 2010 so I can’t understand why a remake was needed that soon for a film that wasn’t even close to being outdated. I can see how American youth would enjoy this film for it has your typical black comedy and a hot naked James Marsden (it’s a known fact young people like things dirtier), but for the more mature crowd or the ones who already love the original this version will not do. The original just had the right amount of wittiness while the remake tried too hard to overtake the British one without succeeding.

 

The Experiment/Das Experiment images via listal.com & subtitledonline.com, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory images via lonelyreviewer.com & collider.com, oompa loompas/Britney Spears images via mediocremama.com, My Sassy Girl images via listal.com & wolvesinwinter.wordpress.com, Psycho images via vvaughn.com , hitchcock.tv, Death at a Funeral images via jaredmobarak.com.

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April 16, 2012 · 22:52

InstaStyle via Instagram

Posted by: Hana Gabrielle

Just a few months ago, I switched my phone to the iPhone 4S. Verdict? Best thing that I ever did for myself. Besides how impressive the camera is, the modernity and degree of  actual value the phone has in relation to other phones, the app downloads are probably the only crucial factor separating phones apart from each other, in my opinion at least. Instagram, being one of the most valuable apps for iPhones/iPads. Sorry Blackberry users, you don’t get the perks of this gadget. But maybe Facebook might help you out sooner or later. I won’t even waste my time commenting about the Facebook takeover. Though, I will admit, for Kevin Systrom and Mike Kriegar, $1 billion ain’t too shabby (see here for more details).

Instagram which receives a complete 5 star rating from its 15 million users, is an app that brilliantly shares photos in a clean, simple way where users are able to edit their photos by picking from 15 different filters to add a little bit of drama and art to their photos. Clearly, a hipster and wannabe photographer’s dream. The social aspect is there of course, where you can interact with friends and even strangers. It is similar to Twitter, though if you’re like me, where reading tweet after tweet can get boring and overwhelming – looking at pictures really require no effort except a swipe of a thumb. Can you tell I was one of those kids who would pick the book at the library with more pictures than words?

Like many instagram users, I genuinely get a kick out of looking at “artsy” photos. The enjoyment doesn’t only exist in looking at photos of your friends snapping shots of their sushi plate at a high end downtown restaurant or even their view at the basketball game. I find enjoyment in being able to follow friends and even my favourite fashion and style bloggers instagrammers.

I was recently reading up on my twitter feed and stumbled upon a link to ELLE Magazine’s Pop Culture section that did an article on their favourite fashion instagrammers (click the image below to direct you to the article). Though brief, the article highlighted a collection of instagram profiles like Leandra Medine (Creator of ManRepeller.com) and Hillary Kerr & Katherine Power (the founders behind WhoWhatWear.com). If you check their blogs on the regular online, you would probably get your quick fix off of their instagram  account. You know what to expect already; cute shoes, cute clothes, cute this, cute that…

ELLE was right in picking the accounts that lead the fashion pack. However, I believe they are missing some contributing profiles that are synonymous for instagram fashion and style. I took screenshots from my own personal instagram of the profiles I think are worth a follow (free promo here!):

  

L-R: Alice + Olivia, Aritzia, Asos

   

L-R: Harper and Harley, Nasty Gal, Thessy & Yiota (Saboskirt)

   

L-R: Aimee Song, Julie Sarinana (SincerelyJules), The Coveteur

I’ll spare you the details of each profile. I reckon that you will be tempted to check one if not all these profiles based on just the thumbnails of these images. What should be an influencing factor in deciding whether to check these profiles out is that they  all have interesting and inspiring perspectives on style and fashion. They all bring something creative to the table, even though they’re all using “X Pro II”, “EarlyBird” or “1977″ filters to enhance their photos. Well hey (for most instagrammers), we’re guilty of it too.

Photos were screenshots via Instagram

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April 2, 2012 · 16:29

Svpply me with what I WAnt, NEed and LOve

Posted by: Hana Gabrielle

How convenient is it being able to buy a pair of denim jeans that are only physically sold in Japan or being able to avoid the line up and overly anxious customers at your favourite local store all by way of the Internet shopping trend.

I will make it known that I have recently found an obsession over this new way of shopping. I come from a family where females are the majority in the household. So, it comes as no surprise that I am surrounded by shop-a-holics (if you knew my sisters, you would understand). Poor daddy, had to deal with once an overflow of shopping bags lying around in the house to now an overflow of shipment boxes and excessive doorbell rings from the Purolator guy.

Independent shopping sites are extremely convenient. Yes, if you’re looking for something specific from a specific type of online store. But what would top that convenience and also add a little visual stimulus and social media connection is having online “superstores” which sell or link to other shopping sites through one site.  It’s similar to an infamous “Wal-Mart”, except that it’s online, it has higher end suppliers or brands, and of course, a different clientele. Wait, just scrap the “Wal-Mart” analogy, you know what I’m getting at.

As an avid shopper with a keen eye for style, I don’t mind spending “x” amount of hours in a day hunting, stumbling and finding new things. Two of my most favourite sites that act like one big continuous shopping channel but also have a touch of a social aspect to them are www.svpply.com and www.wanelo.com.  (These sites should have a disclaimer warning other shopaholics and fashionistas it may foster increased spontaneous spending habits).

Svpply.com

Svpply, is a site where people discover the products the love by communicating with members and their postings. Every one of their 1.1 Million products on their site are by efforts of the members sharing and posting their finds over the web.

For instance both men and women will be exposed to an array of higher end clothing and online clothing shops such as http://www.lagarconne.com, http://www.norestore.com and http://www.endclothing.com. Also, they’ll soon discover new media types such as BULLET Magazine, an art and fashion quarterly from sites like http://www.needsupply.com.

Wanelo.com 

Wanelo, pronounced “wah-nee-lo” comes from “WAnt, NEed, LOve” (How creative is that? ) Started by Deena Varshavakaya, it is a social store curated by the community where they share, post, organize and follow products they like. You’ll find things and link to other online shopping sites you never even knew existed.

For instance, you’ll stumble on obscure things like this type of coffee mug from http://www.thinkgeek.com or this unique chandelier from http://www.potterybarn.com and even this native inspired hipster backpack from http://www.tillys.com.

Mind you, these channels I find are for those who like to spend their time searching for the rarest things. It’s for the shopper and style feen who would normally spend their time at Marshalls, Winners or Value Village hunting through the racks, browsing hanger by hanger until something strikes them. And I’m that type. I patiently find reasons to spend a buck. Ha!

You’ll find that both these sites are somewhat similar but they offer qualifiable differences. At the end of it all, they both serve their purposes. They socially, creatively and in fact brilliantly lure us into a spending frenzy. No one ever said that was a bad thing.

Maybe, only Dad.

 

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