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Goodbye, LA!
6 min read
This is my last week in LA as part of my university's summer program so before I head back home, I thought I would share some things I learned from my experience. Here we go!
This was by far one of my busiest summers yet, if not one of my busiest years. Not only did I have two classes and the best internship ever
, my weekends were spent doing photography and making films with my friends around LA (in addition to a touristy trip here and there). While I'm ready to go home and just sleep for a whole day at this point, being so busy has given me tons of great material for my professional development. This includes a short film my friend and I made of us running around Hollywood as the White and Black Swans from Swan Lake.
Feeling inspired to make something? Do it! Don't worry about whether or not it will turn out well or if people will like it. It's better to try and fail than not try at all. Many of my best projects originated from a random idea I had and chose to act on, including that film I linked to above. My current thesis idea was inspired by sand art projections before an ice skating show I watched on a cruise ship. Seriously.
Don't be afraid to ask people to work with you - the worst they can do is say no. Getting a whole bunch of talented people to work together can lead to something great, so make those connections and get to collaborating! We can't always do everything alone.
What you post online says a lot about you to both your colleagues and potential employers. Ask yourself: What image do I want to convey? As a double major with many interests, this dilemma lead to building my own website. In addition, the amount of favorites/likes, watchers/followers, etc. you get on social media can be a currency. It's one thing to be talented, but can you get people to care?
I wasn't exaggerating when I said I had the best internship ever. Being the Marketing Intern for DA has been an amazing experience and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with so many awesome people. Thank you all for making me feel welcomed and
, 
, and 
for having me on your team! I suppose you can call this my own version of #thankyoudastaff
1. Use your time to create things.
This was by far one of my busiest summers yet, if not one of my busiest years. Not only did I have two classes and the best internship ever
, my weekends were spent doing photography and making films with my friends around LA (in addition to a touristy trip here and there). While I'm ready to go home and just sleep for a whole day at this point, being so busy has given me tons of great material for my professional development. This includes a short film my friend and I made of us running around Hollywood as the White and Black Swans from Swan Lake.2. Act on your ideas.
Feeling inspired to make something? Do it! Don't worry about whether or not it will turn out well or if people will like it. It's better to try and fail than not try at all. Many of my best projects originated from a random idea I had and chose to act on, including that film I linked to above. My current thesis idea was inspired by sand art projections before an ice skating show I watched on a cruise ship. Seriously.
3. Collaborate!
Don't be afraid to ask people to work with you - the worst they can do is say no. Getting a whole bunch of talented people to work together can lead to something great, so make those connections and get to collaborating! We can't always do everything alone.
4. Present yourself online in a way that highlights your potential.
What you post online says a lot about you to both your colleagues and potential employers. Ask yourself: What image do I want to convey? As a double major with many interests, this dilemma lead to building my own website. In addition, the amount of favorites/likes, watchers/followers, etc. you get on social media can be a currency. It's one thing to be talented, but can you get people to care?
5. And finally, you can get work done and still have fun.
I wasn't exaggerating when I said I had the best internship ever. Being the Marketing Intern for DA has been an amazing experience and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with so many awesome people. Thank you all for making me feel welcomed and
, , and for having me on your team! I suppose you can call this my own version of #thankyoudastaffCEO
CTO
COO
Advisor-in-Chief
Advertising
Business Intelligence
Community
Creative
DT
Editorial
Human Resources
Marketing
Operations
Product
UI
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Original 151 Pokemon Ranked by Cuteness
9 min read
I just realized that I actually grew up watching/playing Pokemon during the second generation but whatever.
Here are the original 151 Pokemon, ranked based on type (not including Fairy) and cuteness. Use that link to follow along.
I'm totally kidding.
Major props to you if you read this whole list. Which Pokemon do you think are the cutest?
Here are the original 151 Pokemon, ranked based on type (not including Fairy) and cuteness. Use that link to follow along.
Grass and Grass/Poison
1. Bulbasaur
This is a fact. Bulbasaur is the cutest grass Pokemon.2. Tangela
Aw, you cute blue spaghetti with eyes, you...3. Oddish
If I had a garden, I would want it to be filled with these.4. Ivysaur
It's bulbasaur with a flower.5. Vileplume
That flower is a little freaky but I can dig it.6. Venasaur
BULBASAUR, WHAT HAPPENED?7. Exeggcute
ExeggNOTcute. That broken one with the yolk showing has always freaked me out. How long has it been like that? Is it rotten? HOW CAN IT STILL BE ALIVE?
8. Exeggcutor
ExeggDEFINITELYNOTcutor. If the Happy Mask Salesman were a Pokemon, he would be this. Nightmare fuel right there.9. Bellsprout
no.10. Weepinbell
No.11. Victreebell
NO.12. Gloom
Oddish after two years of a drug addiction. Please wipe your mouth - you're drooling halfway down your entire body.Poison, Poison/Flying, and Ghost/Poison
1. Nidoran (M&F)
These are by far the cutest poison types, and they aren't even that cute.2. Nidorina
Nidorina is just slightly different from Nidoran.3. Gengar
Gengar is supposed to be scary but it has the same face as the Cat Bus from Totoro.4. Ghastly
Ghastly looks more goofy than anything.5. Koffing
Minus the stink puffs, Koffing is kind of cute.6. Zubat
I hate Zubat, but it's cuter than every Pokemon after it.7. Haunter
The detached hands remind me of Super Smash Bros. and it overall just looks incomplete.8. Ekans and Arbok
Ew, snakes.9. Nidorino and Golbat
I can't tell which one is uglier so they tie.10. Nidoqueen
The color scheme always bothered me and it has lost all of the cuteness it started with.11. Wheezing
Wheezing looks like he is making himself sick.12. Nidoking
Same with the color scheme here and there is just too much going on in general.13. Grimer
No.14. Muk
No x infinity.Bug
1. Butterfree
Butterfree does not have much competition in this type.2. Caterpie
Caterpillars are cute too.3. Venonat
The eyes are a bit creepy but it gets points for being round and fluffy.4. Weedle
If it wasn't brown, it would have ranked higher.5. Venomoth
No one likes moths but Venomoth is ok, I guess.6. Metapod
They lack personality. Also, why do cocoons have eyes but not starfish in this universe?7. Kakuna
Slightly creepier than Metapod.8. Cyther
Scary blade hands.9. Beedrill
Scarier drill hands. Also, bees.10. Parasect
It's kind of like a mushroom hermit crab but gross looking.11. Paras
This is the kind of thing that would be all over your house but you would be afraid to kill.12. Pinsir
THOSE TEETH. THOSE HORNS. WHAT LAYER OF HELL DID YOU COME FROM?Fire and Fire/Flying*
1. Charmander and Vulpix
There is no way to distinguish these.2. Flareon, Growlithe, and Ponyta
Slightly less cute than the first two, but not by much.3. Ninetails
If you know what hair products Ninetails uses, let me know, because it looks SO SOFT.4. Rapidash
FIRE UNICORN!5. Arcanine
There is too much going on here. Someone needs to take Arcanine to get a haircut.6. Charizard and Moltres
I love both of these Pokemon but they don't rank highly on the cuteness scale, sorry.7. Charmeleon
Charmander in its awkward years.8. Magmar
What is this? He's like a weird lizard with a duck beak and flaming butt cheeks for eyebrows - I'm just saying.*The fire Pokemon are KILLING IT. This was the hardest type to rank.
Water and Water/Ice**
1. Squirtle and Vaporeon
Squirtle is the obvious choice and Vaporeon is my strategically favorite Pokemon from the original 150, so they tie.2. Lapras
It's the Loch Ness Monster's adorable cousin.3. Wartortle, Psyduck, and Dewgong
Yes, I think Dewgong is cuter than Seel.4. Poliwag, Seel, Shellder, and Horsea
It looks like Poliwag tried the Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge but those eyes and that little tail make up for it.5. Slowpoke and Slowbro
The expression on their faces is a bit creepy but they look pink and harmless.6. Poliwhirl and Seadra
Meh.7. Staryu and Starmie
Where are their faces? There is virtually no difference between them - one is just purple and has more arms.8. Poliwrath and Blastoise
Tough, but not cute.9. Goldeen, Seaking, and Magikarp
Just fish. I was tempted to put Magikarp at the bottom because of how useless it is, but that's a different list.10. Krabby and Kingler
Just crabs.11. Gyrados
Again, great Pokemon but not cute.12. Golduck
This is why people are scared of birds.14. Tentacool
What are those red growths?14. Tentacruel and Cloyster
Do I need to elaborate? These two are just straight-up ugly.**JK this was the hardest type to rank because there are SO MANY WATER POKEMON.
Electric and Electric/Flying
1. Pikachu
Duh. Pikachu is probably one of the cutest Pokemon ever.2. Raichu
It's a fancier, orange Pikachu.3. Jolteon
I feel like Jolteon's fur would feel spiky but it's pretty cute regardless.4. Magnemite and Magneton
It's a floating ball of metal but at least it has an eye.5. Electabuzz
This Pokemon has always weirded me out but I couldn't tell you why.6. Voltorb and Electrode
Pokeball and reverse pokeball with eyes. Boring.7. Zapdos
Awesome, but not cute.Flying/Normal
1. Farfetch'd
I don't know why it has a leek, but I like it.2. Doduo
It's endearing in a weird way.3. Pidgey
Just a regular ol' bird.4. Spearow
Slightly more dangerous looking bird.5. Pidgeotto and Pidgeot
Dangerous looking birds.6. Dodrio and Fearow
Final boss birds.Normal
1. Snorlax
This is the Totoro of Pokemon and my all-time favorite. It is the cutest of them all.2. Eevee
Eevee is a close second.3. Ditto
Ditto is a blob, but a cute blob.4. Clefairy, Clefable, Chansey, Jigglypuff, and Wigglytuff
These are all the same and they are all adorable. Also, I know Clefairy and Clefable are fairy types now - let me live my life.
5. Meowth
One word: Cat.6. Porygon
Does anyone actually use this Pokemon? It doesn't look like its alive, but the colors are nice I suppose.7. Persian
Meowth all-grown-up looks more dangerous than cute.8. Kangaskhan
It gains points for having a baby in it's pouch, but Kangaskan itself if more intimidating than anything.9. Rattata
Ugh.10. Lickitung
I see why some people might think Lickitung is cute, but I am not one of those people.11. Tauros
Bulls are scary and these bulls are especially scary.12. Raticate
Raticate legitimately looks rabid and I would't want it anywhere near me.Ground, Ground/Rock, and Rock/Water/Flying
1. Diglett and Dugtrio
Diglett and Dugtrio are also some of my favorite Pokemon and I just love them.2. Cubone
But what does Cubone look like without the skull?3. Sandshrew
It's a hedgehog. That's explanation enough.4. Omanyte
Reminds me of Gary from Spongebob.5. Sandslash
Hedgehog 2.06. Marowak
Cubone, but a little fiercer.7. Geodude
Geodude is kind of weird, not going to lie.8. Kabuto
Kabuto is creepy but in a good way I suppose.9. Ryhorn and Onix
Rocks.10. Rhydon
Rock.11. Aerodactyl
The color is not pleasant at all. It's like zombie purple - whatever that means.12. Golem
Nightmare material x 10.13. Kabutops
Nightmare material x 100.14. Omastar, and Graveler
Nightmare material x 1000.Fighting
1. Machop
The only one you can really call cute.2. Mankey
Kind of cute.3. Primeape
Barely cute.4. Machoke and Hitmonchan
Not cute.5. Hitmonlee
Chicken leg with feet.6. Machoke
Uses the most powerful steroids in the universe.Psychic, Ice, and Dragon
1. JYNX
I'm totally kidding.
1. Mew
Mew is adorable and you all know it.2. Dratini
Dratini could probably tie for first place too.3. Abra
Abra is a million times cuter than it's evolutions.4. Dragonair
Fancier Dratini.5. Dragonite
Did anyone see this evolution coming? Why does Dragonite look so different from it's previous states?6. Mr. Mime
Mr. Mime is a little freaky, so he ranks squarely in the middle.7. Articuno
Not really cute, but less intimidating than the other legendary birds based on looks.8. Mewtwo
This is where things start getting weird.9. Kadabra and Alakazam
These look like a cross between an ant and fox.10. Hipno
Is this a crazy person trying to sell you something on the street? No, it's just Hypno.11. Drowzee
What is that nose?12. Jynx
WHAT IS THIS?Major props to you if you read this whole list. Which Pokemon do you think are the cutest?
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Art Fails
4 min read
Since my journal last week was on the serious side, I'm switching it up this week with something more lighthearted.
To give a little background, I've been creating art since I could hold a crayon. What started as a hobby turned into four classes in high school and half of my second major in college. With all of the experience, awards, and showings also came many failures, some of which I'm sharing with you today. My art is definitely not perfect; but instead of getting upset over the failures, I laugh, learn, and move on. And then share them with the Internet.
What. Happened. This painting took so long that I had to work on half of it at home, which meant I had to get my own tempera paint from Michael's. I went straight for the cheapest paint, and the white paint was basically white water. Despite my best efforts, the face and hair thus turned out like this. Side note: I didn't even try on the boots and jeans and they are probably the best parts of the painting. Go figure.
I actually still like this piece, but something about the worm's-eye-view made the face extremely hard to recreate. I messed up somewhere while shading the mouth and she wound up looking like a giant angry baby. I was laughing so hard my art teacher had to help me fix it. Now it just kind of looks like she is wearing a mouthguard.
I hope this journal made you laugh more than cringe. Also, I'd love to see your art fails, if you have any, so we can commiserate together.
To give a little background, I've been creating art since I could hold a crayon. What started as a hobby turned into four classes in high school and half of my second major in college. With all of the experience, awards, and showings also came many failures, some of which I'm sharing with you today. My art is definitely not perfect; but instead of getting upset over the failures, I laugh, learn, and move on. And then share them with the Internet.
1. My friend's face and hair in this tempera painting from 2011/2012
What. Happened. This painting took so long that I had to work on half of it at home, which meant I had to get my own tempera paint from Michael's. I went straight for the cheapest paint, and the white paint was basically white water. Despite my best efforts, the face and hair thus turned out like this. Side note: I didn't even try on the boots and jeans and they are probably the best parts of the painting. Go figure.
2. My other friend's mouth in this chalk pastel piece from 2014
I actually still like this piece, but something about the worm's-eye-view made the face extremely hard to recreate. I messed up somewhere while shading the mouth and she wound up looking like a giant angry baby. I was laughing so hard my art teacher had to help me fix it. Now it just kind of looks like she is wearing a mouthguard.
3. My brother's eyes in this colored pencil piece from 2013
I think I fixed this relatively well, but when I first colored in the eyes he looked like he was on some mad drugs. Like "I just got my wisdom teeth surgically removed" drugs and can barely focus my eyes. Luckily, there is so much going on in this piece that you can barely tell now.
4. THIS WHOLE THING from 2011
I have no words. I think I was going for Alice in Wonderland vibes. My art teacher had us print out pictures of ourselves and color them in for some reason, meaning I didn't even draw that. If I had, this piece would have redeemed itself a little. It was one of those assignments where they say you can use references, but imply that you shouldn't. I hope you learn from my mistakes because that tree bark looks like terra-cotta roof shingles.
I hope this journal made you laugh more than cringe. Also, I'd love to see your art fails, if you have any, so we can commiserate together.
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My College Advice, Uncensored
3 min read
Growing up, I bounced between wanting to become an astronaut, a dancer, a fashion designer, a superstar, an artist, an architect. Money didn't matter. I grew up thinking that I could do anything I wanted as long as I was happy. That is, until I grew up and voicing any desire to pursue an artistic career earned the response, "I have friends that are _________s. They can't find any jobs and don't make any money."
So I went to college thinking I would pursue physical therapy.
All was well until it came time to make our four year plans. My schedule was beyond overloaded with two major requirements plus Honors requirements and PT prerequisites. I would have to take summer classes almost every year and juggle about 20 credit hours several semesters, plus extra time for thesis research. And even if I survived, I had at least two more years of graduate school to earn a PT degree. Intensely stressed out and mid-existensial crisis, I had a mental breakdown.
Don't get me wrong--PT is a great career if you are interested in it. For me, PT was a hypothetical way to work with dancers and have steady finances. But the thing about pursuing any sort of doctorate is that you really have to want it. College isn't cheap and six+ years of tuition adds up quickly. Quite frankly, I don't love school that much and I had little interest in working as a PT--or any sort of doctor for that matter. It took a semester of researching dozens of majors, seriously considering transferring, and the worst depression I have experienced in years to accept that. When I did, I had a embarrassingly tearful meeting with my future advisor and declared my majors in Dance Performance and Choreography and Communication Design the next day. And I never looked back.
I'm not writing this journal to be discouraging or to scare the deviants heading to college this year. If anything, I hope it prepares you a little for the experiences many people have but don't want to talk about. It's ok to not know what you want to do with your life. It's ok to change your major ten times then change it again. And if you still aren't happy, it's ok to transfer or take a break because it's ok to not be ok. I'm writing this journal because I recently realized I have spent a full year without any depressive bouts for the first time in five years. As scary as it was to decide to pursue my passions--despite the criticism, the doubt, the stigma--this decision was the turning point in my quarter-life crisis.
There will always be people who doubt you. Learning to accept that fact is tough, but I would rather take the chance of pursuing my passions than not take that chance and spend the rest of my life wondering, "What if...?" What you do with your life is ultimately up to you--don't spend it trying to cater to everyone's expectations. And whatever you decide, always be unapologetically you.
So I went to college thinking I would pursue physical therapy.
All was well until it came time to make our four year plans. My schedule was beyond overloaded with two major requirements plus Honors requirements and PT prerequisites. I would have to take summer classes almost every year and juggle about 20 credit hours several semesters, plus extra time for thesis research. And even if I survived, I had at least two more years of graduate school to earn a PT degree. Intensely stressed out and mid-existensial crisis, I had a mental breakdown.
Don't get me wrong--PT is a great career if you are interested in it. For me, PT was a hypothetical way to work with dancers and have steady finances. But the thing about pursuing any sort of doctorate is that you really have to want it. College isn't cheap and six+ years of tuition adds up quickly. Quite frankly, I don't love school that much and I had little interest in working as a PT--or any sort of doctor for that matter. It took a semester of researching dozens of majors, seriously considering transferring, and the worst depression I have experienced in years to accept that. When I did, I had a embarrassingly tearful meeting with my future advisor and declared my majors in Dance Performance and Choreography and Communication Design the next day. And I never looked back.
I'm not writing this journal to be discouraging or to scare the deviants heading to college this year. If anything, I hope it prepares you a little for the experiences many people have but don't want to talk about. It's ok to not know what you want to do with your life. It's ok to change your major ten times then change it again. And if you still aren't happy, it's ok to transfer or take a break because it's ok to not be ok. I'm writing this journal because I recently realized I have spent a full year without any depressive bouts for the first time in five years. As scary as it was to decide to pursue my passions--despite the criticism, the doubt, the stigma--this decision was the turning point in my quarter-life crisis.
There will always be people who doubt you. Learning to accept that fact is tough, but I would rather take the chance of pursuing my passions than not take that chance and spend the rest of my life wondering, "What if...?" What you do with your life is ultimately up to you--don't spend it trying to cater to everyone's expectations. And whatever you decide, always be unapologetically you.
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New Photo Project--Waiting In The Wings
2 min read
Inspiration for this Project
I've been doing dance photography for about a year and a half, posting my photos on Instagram and Tumblr when I had time and new material. While talking with other photographers in LA, I realized that I could be doing more than just taking pictures and posting them online--I wanted to tell these undiscovered dancers' stories. As inspired by Humans of New York and Dancers Among Us, I'm so excited to announce that I'm finally ready to start releasing material from my new photography project "Waiting in The Wings!"
About "Waiting in the Wings"
This project provides a spotlight for undiscovered dancers to share their stories as they work toward becoming professionals. It's about showing more to the people fighting for their chance on stage to inspire other dancers and artists to pursue their dreams.
As with any genre of art, making a career out of your passions can be difficult. This is especially true in the dance world, as often only those who were born with perfect bodies and natural talent stand a chance at getting into the top dance schools--with yearly tuition rates comparable to private college tuition in some cases. This project seeks to highlight dancers who trained in the studios down the street, waiting in the wings despite the odds.
Coming up...
The first two featured dancers are my classmates Ashely Abbott and Cassandra Tumasz. Look out for their stories soon here on DeviantArt and on Instagram!
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