Have We Really Come This Far Already?

It wasn’t until I saw a post on my Facebook newsfeed that I realized how far along we are into the semester. The post was from Moraine Park reminding those who will be graduating this December to fill out their graduation candidacy form ASAP if they haven’t already. When I read that I realized that message pertained to me. I’m earning my Audio-Video Certificate this semester. With classes, the holidays coming up and making plans for the future, it’s easy to forget something like that.

At this point of the semester I’ve completed quite a few projects for my classes. I’m really proud of this last one. I incorporated four or five elements from scratch to create a promo graphic for the IMD (Interactive Media Design) program. I based the design on elements I’ve seen used in the news graphics I’m fond of. I also found this assignment to be very practical. I could see myself using something similar to this in the future.

In my Pre-Production class we have determined crew requirement and equipment requirements for a TV commercial. Next, we’ll be researching actual talent (the actors in the commercial).  In order to better understand the pre-production process, the commercial we chose at the beginning of the semester is the one we base all our assignments on. I am at the point right now that I feel I could actually film this commercial for real (well, after we finish the last few lesson plans that are important parts of the pre-production process, of course).

Besides focusing on my projects for homework, I’m also working on projects at my internship. Recently I’ve created a 3-D rotating sphere with a logo, which will be placed in the bottom corner of one of their TV programs. While editing some green screen backgrounds, I was taught how to manipulate the image for a three-point camera set up. I’m excited to see what that will look like once the footage has been added.

In between putting in some internship hours, class and work, I decided to stop in on an IMD/Graphics Club meeting to see what they were up to. Right now they are working on getting things in order for their annual poster sale. Students in the club create posters and they raffle them off.  It sounds like a great way for students to improve their skills and use their talent to raise money for the club. I got to see a few examples one member was working on and they looked great! I also heard the club may go on a trip to a comic convention in Chicago. How fun!

It’s been a really great semester so far, and I’m looking forward to finishing the semester the same way. Good luck to my fellow schoolmates who are also working hard these last few weeks of the semester.