California Love: Culver City Stairs

I flew back to Los Angeles last week - I needed some rest & relaxation. So far, I've shopped at the Grove & Korea town shops, attended an industry networking event, & tried out different boards at the Pacific Paddle Games in Dana Point. The West Marine Demo Zone offers paddleboarders & surfers the chance to test out different boards for free. I'm used to paddling on flat water - the ocean waves (& super rocky shore) were challenging, lol.

A friend told me about the Culver City Stairs. They provide one helluva workout (& a beautiful view of the city below). Of course, I took plenty of photos while I was there.

 

Latest Graphic Design Work

Our latest class project involved Adobe Illustrator. We created an "ad" for a Cryptozoology exhibit featuring a mythological creature. I chose Hippocampus (the Sea Horse) for mine. I hand drew my creature & scanned my drawing. I uploaded it in Illustrator, and added the final details in there.

I've always enjoyed mythology, so I had fun with this project. The water took me forever to complete - I wanted it to have enough detail to show movement, and not just be a blue blob.

Here's the link to the full-size image on Behance:

Horse of the Sea

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard)

I've recently ventured into stand up paddle boarding. It's super relaxing! I'd like to eventually work my way into surfing; I figure I'll get my balance on flat water first, lol. Ocean Extreme Sports is a local business that organizes regular meetups and workshops for those interested in paddle boarding, surfing, and kite surfing. They also offer private lessons, and usually meet at Salt Run on Anastasia Island (by the St. Augustine Lighthouse).

There's nothing quite like the sunset over the water.
Selfie Time!

Final Class Project: Producing a Screenplay

For the final project, I had to produce a finished short film from the ground up. I picked the screenplay, cast actors, filmed, & edited it. Phew! I hope you enjoy "Don't Get Comfortable" this script stood out to me. I liked the relationships between the characters, as well as its message of not taking others for granted.

"Don't Get Comfortable" YouTube Link

Fratello Covers "Hungry Like the Wolf"

Class Video Production Project

This is my second project for this class. I had to shoot and edit a video outlining a specific scenario (for mine, the main character lost his keys). The goal was to show "continuous action".

This was filmed with a Sony camera, & edited in Adobe Premier Pro. It's a silly video (complete with Star Wars music) - I hope you enjoy.

YouTube Video Link

Another Fashion Illustration

Omg, it's been a while. December was a crazy month. I still have more videos from the fashion show to go through. 

In the mean time, here's another fashion illustration involving the kippah. Oh yeah - Happy New Year! :)

Palm Beach Swim Week: Misley Beltinor Swimwear

Here's a few looks from Misley Beltinor's Swimwear Collection. Misley is based in Orlando, and was featured in last fall's Palm Beach Fashion Week. Whether it's swimwear or ready-to-wear - her designs are comfortable, flattering, and very wearable.

Palm Beach Swim Week: Sandbar Collection (Photos)

Here's some stills I got of Sandbar Collection. I'm kind of in love with this line - I'm a fan of the bold prints, the cutouts, and the overall styling. These flattering suits are for those who want to stand out.

Video Palm Beach Swim Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZyRrsXmQ3Q

                                     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZXCWeneCkY

I recently had an amazing opportunity to work backstage at Palm Beach Swim Week as a wardrobe stylist/dresser. Here's some video footage I was able to capture of the Grand Finale. The designer is Sandbar Collection.

Like what you see? Here's a link to Sandbar's website: http://sandbarcollection.com/

Fashion Illustration

It's been a while since I've picked up a needle and thread - lately I've been heavy into sketching my designs. I'm thinking about creating scarves and other faith-based headwear (such as the Hijab, Kippah, etc.) Looks like I'll bust out that sewing machine soon enough.

I know controversy surrounds various religious headwear/accessories. I've heard the arguments that they're "demeaning", and "divisive". I disagree. All clothing is a form of expression: In this case, the wearer chooses to express personal beliefs and cultural pride. Many associate covering the head with respect for God; others enjoy the privacy it gives them while out in public.

Anyway, here's one of my sketches. Enjoy!:

Didn't realize it came out so distant. Here's a closer version:

Derma e Overnight Peel (with Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

I recently purchased derma e's Overnight Peel from Ulta. This is a quality Vegan resurfacing treatment. It boasts 5% Glycolic Acid (which is fantastic for skin), as well as a mix of other nourishing fruit acids. It is pH balanced at 3.5, which makes it acidic enough for thorough exfoliation/resurfacing without damaging skin's protective barrier. That said, it's too strong for daily treatment - the recommended use is once or twice a week.

Tangent for those wondering WTF is up with the recent "pH balanced" trend: A scale of 1-14 is employed to measure acidity. 1 is the most acidic; 14 is the most alkaline. 7 is smack dab in the middle. Skin's ideal phH balance is 5.5 (slightly acidic). You run into problems when skin pH ventures too far into either extreme of the scale. Too alkaline, and the protective barrier erodes, resulting in dry, wrinkle-prone skin. Overuse of peels and exfoliation treatments can result in overly acidic, easily irritated complexions. Hence, the recommended once to twice a week usage.

Back to the review: I'm in love with derma e's Overnight Peel. My skin has never felt so soft and balanced (no more dry, flaky patches or oily T-zone. Yay!) It makes my other products, such as Retinol moisturiser, more effective.

Tips for using this product: This product loosens up old, dead skin cells. I apply it at night, and wash my face the next morning with a natural exfoliating cleanser (I recommend St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub - it contains gentle, natural exfoliants. Once-a-day use of St. Ives completely eliminated the stubborn patch of acne under my chin).

Combining these two products improved my skin. The Overnight Peel will smooth and dissolve any scarring/discolouration left over from acne.

Bobcat Video Experiment

I started a new job at the beginning of August - I'm a photographer at a local studio. Senior portraits are a huge leap from landscapes and wildlife. Photographing people has its challenges, but I'm enjoying the experience. It's fun, and there's always something new to learn.

I've recently ventured into video. One lesson learned (the hard way): Tripods are essential. I didn't realize I had such shaky hands, lol. I did manage to capture a mother cat and her kitten. They regularly visit our backyard. We believe the mom is some type of bobcat and/or wildcat mix (her face/markings are quite interesting). Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video - she and her kitten are adorable!

California Love: Coachella Valley (Continued)

Okay, here's the desert mountains (as promised). I loved those clear blue skies! Many view deserts as desolate and isolated - Coachella doesn't fall under either category. Besides its famous music festival, it is home to spa retreats, film festivals, scenic nature trails, and plenty of shopping. 

California Love: Griffith Park

I stayed right down the road from Griffith Park. I spent the better part of an evening photographing the scenery. I only saw a fraction of it - I didn't realize how expansive it was. Griffith Park is home to the famous Hollywood sign, the LA Zoo, the Greek Theatre, a Bird Sanctuary, and the Griffith Observatory. Looks like I have plenty to check out next time!

The park offers hiking trails, and gorgeous mountain views. The sunset isn't bad, either. I managed to sneak in a few photos as the sun went down.

California Love: Coachella Valley

I'm enjoying my time out here in California. Yesterday my friend and I hit up Wet n Wild water park out in the desert (close to Palm Springs). I'm still in awe of the desert (native Floridian here - naturally we don't see too many of them, lol). Wet n Wild was lots of fun - my naturally pale skin now has a bit of color (don't worry - I wore sunblock). Anyway, I took a few photos from the passenger seat on the way home.

I was intrigued by the windmills and barren landscape. It's interesting, the things you learn while travelling. Apparently, the windmills provide energy for all of Southern California. Next up: Beautiful desert mountains!

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturiser

I'd been curious about Neutrogena's new line of anti-ageing products for quite some time now. The products boast "Accelerated" Retinol SA: This is an effective combination of Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, and Hyaluronic Acid.

I purchased the Rapid Tone Repair Moisturiser. In addition to the accelerated Retinol SA forumula, it contains Vitamin C. Unlike many products, its Vitamin C is potent enough to be effective. (Tip: "Ascorbic Acid" should be listed among the ingredients).

I've used this product for nearly a month - I'm pleasantly surprised by the results! My skin is more smooth, balanced, and a bit "glow-y" (I know, I know, so cliché). It even gave my pale complexion a healthy flush, and diminished acne scars. Rapid Tone Repair absorbs quickly & won't dry you out (Hyaluronic Acid is great for hydrating skin). That said, I find it more effective when I use it every other day (as opposed to every day). Overall, this is a great moisturiser & exfoliator - I'm a big fan of multi-tasking products. It should fit into just about any skin care routine.

Los Angeles

Summer is (almost) here! I just confirmed my travel plans for this year. I'm heading to Los Angeles for 10 days to visit a good friend. I plan on attending a few networking events, & taking a fashion design illustration class while I'm out there.

My friend & I were debating hitting up Las Vegas, Santa Monica, or San Diego. Any recommendations? I've never been to LA before - any places/events I should see while I'm there? I'll be there around the middle of June. Also, it'll be my first time flying (yes I'm serious, lol. Any time I've travelled, it's been by train or car).

Derma e Product Review: Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Creme

For all the beauty junkies out there: It takes lots of money, trial, & error to find something that works for you. Not to mention, everyone's skin is unique - what works on one person may not work on another. Product reviews/testimonials have been extremely helpful for me. This is why I'm doing a series of product reviews myself.

I'm a big stickler for ingredients. (Seriously, you should see my friends laugh at me inspecting each product at the store, lol). I'm also big on anti-ageing: It's easier to prevent problems than to treat them. Key ingredients for antiaging products are Retinol (Vitamin A), Alpha Hydroxy Acids (such as Glycolic Acid), Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Vitamin E.

Derma e Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Crème contains several key ingredients. Besides the advertised Vitamin A derivative, it lists Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycerin, and Panthenol (Provitamin B5) among its ingredients. It also contains a number of moisturising oils derived from all-natural sources: Safflower Seeds, Avocados, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Soybeans, and Cedar wood.

I've only recently begun using this as an overnight cream. I can already see the difference in my skin - it's more smooth and even. It completely smoothed out my nasolabial lines (granted, they were slight to begin with). It also helped "fill out" my acne scars, making them much less noticeable. This product wasn't overly drying like other Retinol derivatives I've used - this could be due to the Vitamin E and other moisturising oils in the mix.

The only downside: Jar packaging. Air-exposure can weaken ingredients, causing them to lose effectiveness over time. Overall though, I highly recommend this product. It has kept my skin looking fresh and smooth.

Great Site For Artwork

Don't know about ya'll, but I'm enjoying, art.com. They offer a variety of quality art, supplies, and services. They seem to have some nice deals, too (35% off all orders, etc.). Between this:

And this:

I'm in love. You can also join their community to share your own art, and follow others' work.