SCAD students Karina Yuwano and George Prah recently worked with a team to produce “IMBA MEANS SING”, a documentary film that follows the story of children from Uganda who sing in a choir to raise money for their education. Yuwano, a fourth-year television production major, interned as a production assistant for the film. Prah, a fourth-year graphic design student, aided with some of the design aspects of the film.

Prah says: “[It] is an intimate film that tells the compelling story of four kids from the Grammy-nominated African Children’s Choir as they travel and perform around the world to fund their education and support their impoverished families back in Uganda. More so than that, it’s a story about hope and achieving your goals and aspirations no matter who you are.”

Erin Bernhardt, the producer of the film, further explains, “’IMBA MEANS SING’ is the story of three young Ugandans on a journey that will change their lives forever and help them accomplish their dreams by singing for an education.”

Yuwano adds: “Each of the children has vast dreams whether it’s becoming a pilot, chef, midwife, pastor and even president yet they lack the money and resources to even attend elementary school. Through the African Children’s Choir program, they’re able to be fully funded until university. I think the climax of the whole story is when they return to Uganda after 1.5 year of traveling abroad and they reach the epiphany that their lives are much more different now: they realize they must work a lot harder to make their dreams a reality.”

Yuwano, Prah and Bernhardt all said that working on the film was a rewarding experience.

Yuwano explained: “The most rewarding part was actually meeting the subjects of the documentary. It’s interesting – you’d think that working on a film you’d meet the subjects everyday but it truly depends on the nature of the film, the schedule and your job position … I was working based in Atlanta and would be working on transcribing incoming footage, editing promotional videos and scouting for locations. Because production took place out of Georgia most of the time, I rarely ever got to see the 20 children whose interview videos I had been transcribing all month … When I met Moses, I hugged him right away and it’s funny because he has no idea who I am but I know his full story from all the interview videos.”

Prah says: “Even though I played a very minor role in this project, it feels good to have been part of something that will have a lasting impression and make an impact in our approach to making education accessible to people in need.” He also says he found it very inspiring to be a part of the team that produced the film. “The collective effort extends far beyond the film’s director, cinematographer, editors and even the people in the production team. Every single donation, every single family that hosted the kids as they traveled around the world, every bus driver on the choir’s tour, every translator, every care-taker, every choreographer … I could go on and on but basically I believe it took much more than a production team but a village of every-day people to complete this film. That, I find is the most beautiful part about it. The collective effort of so many people dedicated to a cause to make something inspiring.”

Bernhardt says: “It’s pretty magical now to see what we were able to accomplish with such a tiny foundational team and then the masses of supporters who surrounded us to lift us up. I am forever grateful.” She also explains that “Spending time with the children was by far the best part. I miss them so much and am in dire need of visiting them in Uganda sometime next year!”

Yuwano and Prah had very different roles in the film. Yuwano was a production assistant for the director, Erin Bernhart, and she said: “When the crew were out of town, I would transcribe incoming footage, make promotional videos, organize Erin’s contacts and scout for locations. I also worked on set whenever production took place and assist with talent releases, event coordination and anything else Erin needed. When the production was on hiatus, I would go to the director’s production house and help organize footage and sync it to its audio. In essence, preparing materials for the editor.”

Prah says: “I was more involved with design elements for various fundraising events that took place during the production of the film which included event signage, info-graphics, email newsletters, illustrations and posters. These events were purposed to attract the public’s attention and create awareness and a means to fund the production of the film and they proved to be very successful. I also got to meet the kids from the choir at one of the events. They are so adorable!”

Yuwano says she was very pleased with the outcome of the film. “After watching the movie for the first time on the big screen at the Atlanta Film Festival, I was eternally thrilled to see the pieces come together: the concept by Erin Bernhardt, the vibrant cinematography by Jason Maris, visual direction by Danielle Bernstein, and then blended by the enchanting music by the African Children Choir themselves. I brought two of my masculine male friends and they both cried which is a great sign that the film was a success.”

Working on “IMBA MEANS SING” wasn’t without its difficulties. Bernhardt says: “There were new and difficult challenges every single day. Making this film was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I can’t believe we did it and that it’s already so successful. Managing so many talented artists and interns and donors and trying to make that work with a non-profit and fundraising all the at same time was crazy.”

To find out more about IMBA MEANS SING, visit their website or see their press materials.

The post SCAD students make a difference with “IMBA MEANS SING” appeared first on The Connector.

Hello there, Connector readers! Here’s a new nonfiction Writers’ Corner piece, “Pennies in the Attic,” by fourth-year animation major Darissa Townes to kick off our new quarter!

Photo by Acquille Dunkley.

Pennies in the Attic

by Darissa Townes

Sometimes the things you leave behind can tell other people about who you used to be. Crayon drawings on a wall in a house may suggest that children once lived there. Wear and tear on a rug might mean days of heavier traffic.

My mother recently moved into a new house in Charlotte, North Carolina, so I went to help her settle in. Among the typical moving-in processes like unloading trunks, hauling heavy furniture and putting together shelves, cleaning out her new attic for more storage space was yet another job to be done.

Luckily, the process of sweeping the attic seemed to breeze by thanks to the variety of objects left behind by the unknown previous residents. A pair of camouflage pants lay in the corner. A menu to a Japanese restaurant lay next to one of the support beams and an instruction manual to a TV remote was left neatly next to the insulation.

I found myself especially fascinated by the large amount of pennies that were scattered across the floor, gathering 25 cents worth. While picking up the loose change, I also added to my collection a large, crimped earring, a pin the shape of a white flower and a pencil sharpener. In my eyes, these small trinkets seemed a little too big to just throw away.

The idea of an attic was always something new to me. From my childhood home to my cousins’ house, the attic was a room that was almost never accessible to me. Yet here I was at a new house where I could not only get to the attic through a simple staircase, but get to an attic that had been used frequently. As I took the time to clean off my treasures, it made me wonder what they may have been used for in that loft.

Perhaps the pencil sharpener belonged to a child. I recalled there being a school bus stop right in front of the house. Maybe the child would do his or her homework in the attic.

Maybe the flower pin belonged to a young woman. It was a rather delicate-looking pin, which suggested that it was a more formal accessory, perhaps for church.

The large amount of loose change strewn about the room had me stumped. Why would there be so many pennies? I remembered that there was a mini-mart down the street from Mom’s new house and many of her new neighbors would walk over there to get a drink. Perhaps the pennies in the attic were the change received from one of those trips. Maybe the child who owned the pencil sharpener would use his or her allowance to buy a snack before starting their homework. Maybe it was the pin-owning young lady who would buy a drink after church. Either way, both people found the need to toss the pennies aside.

There isn’t a surefire way to know who exactly left all of these items. It may not have been schoolchildren or Sunday morning worshippers. Whoever they were clearly didn’t care much for them if they left them in the attic.

I’ll probably never know who those previous residents were, so all I can do is imagine. And thanks to the lack of a confirmed history, it means that the interpretations are endless, making these little trinkets a lot more than useless junk.

The post The writers’ corner: ‘Pennies in the Attic’ appeared first on The Connector.

Photo by Acquille Dunkley.

SCAD Atlanta has produced many great students and alumni. To kick off the quarter, SCAD Connector has caught up with Andrea van Hintum (BFA Fashion Design with a minor in sculpture), Jared Steinberg (BFA Writing), Albie Eloy (BFA Graphic Design with a minor in motion media) and Samelia Bankole (BFA Professional Writing), and they’ve shared a bit about what their lives have been like since leaving SCAD, their favorite parts of their SCAD experience and their advice to current SCAD students.

When did you graduate from SCAD?

Andrea van Hintum: May 2015.

Jared Steinberg: March 2015

Albie Eloy: Spring 2015.

Samelia Bankole: March 2015.

What have you been doing since you graduated from SCAD?

AV: I moved to NYC the day after graduation (with my one way greyhound ticket) not knowing if I would have a job or where I would be living. I ended up landing a full time position with Haddad Brands, a privately owned family business that owns the licenses to Kids Nike (Nike, Converse, Hurley, Jordan Air, and Nike SB) and Kids Levis. I am working as an assistant technical designer and I absolutely love it. Love it so much, I don’t consider what I do as “work” but instead as a passion. Starting in January though, I will be moving to work for Ann Inc as an assistant technical designer for both their woven bottoms and denim. Another great opportunity I am excited to begin.

JS: Odd question as I sort of galavant. I work primarily as a self made/freelance content writer and editor. I’m also on call at TCG – The Creative Group just outside of Lenox Financial Center where I also act as content writer. In my spare time I go on open mic poetry tours and work in various forms of print publication from Amazon Direct to Button Poetry.  

AE: Since graduation, I have been working as a designer at The Barbarian Group, a tech-centric, digital ad agency based in Manhattan, New York.

SB: I have been writing for small community magazine called Eagles Landing Neighbors. I interview residents, business owners and community leaders for each issue. I get to write a feature piece and some editorial pieces. I am still scanning for another writing job to continue to grow as a professional.

How do you feel that SCAD helped prepare you for the workplace?

JS: Bouncing from class to class in high work environment taught me to if not multitask how to manage my time and set consistent work hours. Through all my classes I developed a strong work ethic and you know better than most that the Writing Major instills a very clear drive to experiment, edit, and refine, things that have served me well beyond the boundaries of my work.   

AE: SCAD provided an incredible amount of opportunities to meet and interact with industry professionals, whether at a career fair or at a lecture. Not only were these inspirational for myself and other students, these opportunities set expectations for our work and way of thinking creatively.

SB: SCAD does a great job of providing a variety of classes that teach you to write or create in different genres and forms. Also deadlines were very helpful in preparing me to be organized and time conscious. I am using these skills and knowledge I gained at SCAD on the job now.

What’s your favorite thing about your SCAD experience?

AV: I honestly cannot just name one thing. It was the biggest privilege of my life to attend the university of my dreams. Every day was never like the other, and that would honestly be my overall favorite aspect of my college career.

JS: Honestly this is the easiest question to answer, the faculty and friends. Some of my fondest memories are of early morning or long afternoons spent crowded around that big glass table at Ivy Hall talking shop with my fellow writers. Every professor mentored me to a great degree (shout out to Darby in particular for nurturing my love of fiction) and fostered a love of discussion. That right there is one of the major advantages of SCAD in my opinion. Not the pomp, frills, or artifice of the halls or the bloated language plastered in every “welcoming” brochure. SCAD at its best gathers creative minds together and lets them work off each other, lets them inspire one another, and lets them build lasting friendships that transcend departments and carry over into the “real world.” It’s something I have experienced less and less after leaving SCAD.     

AE: My favorite thing about my experience at SCAD was the sheer diversity of the people I met, both in and out of the classroom. Interestingly enough, I felt that I learnt an incredible amount about not only design, but also about working and collaborating with others.

SB:  I enjoyed the extracurricular activities and events at SCAD. I enjoyed writing for the SCAD Connector/SCAN Magazine. I was also a part of Engage, one of the many fun clubs in school. Events were also awesome, everything from aTVFest to Music under the Stars. I liked the fact there are so many occasions to connect with fellow students.

Do you have any advice for current SCAD students?

AV: Get involved, take advantage of all the opportunities SCAD has to offer you. The minute I received my acceptance letter to SCAD, I promised myself that I would travel abroad to all SCAD campuses. I also knew that I was capable of being more than just a student at SCAD, I knew I had the potential to give back to my university and community as a student leader. Throughout it all, you meet and have new experiences that define not only your career, but the person you are in this world. Put yourself out there in the creative industry. Believe in yourself and go for those internships and dream jobs. Companies want to see you can work with others, they want to see you have professional work experiences. Employers also want to be inspired by you, never forget you chose to study art and design because it is your passion.  Always build yourself up more with confidence, never compare yourself to others. Inspire those around you with your story, we are all different and you never know who may be looking at you as a role model. Never be afraid to take chances, not many people in this world make their passion their career. Life is a lot more fun when you are doing what you love. So many people wish to have the opportunity to study in a place like SCAD and actually do what they love everyday. I loved SCAD and I miss it and everyone so much. I wish the best to everyone and all I can say is continue to do what you love, reach reach REACH for the stars, but put in that effort to build the rocket that will help get you there. Trust me you won’t regret it and it will be totally worth it!!

JS: The best advice I can give is don’t worry about doing everything. As I said before there is a lot of artifice at SCAD … and new students might be tempted to throw themselves at everything in the hopes of sticking to something. I saw so many of my friends lose their minds over the most basic internship or develop literal ulcers because they tried to take on too much because they believed that if they didn’t do everything they would get nothing. It’s a fallacy that needs to be stamped out because while I would never discourage anyone from trying new things, pulling your hair out for a meaningless internship is missing the point of SCAD. Instead experiment with your craft. Develop your skills as an artist and as a professional not by doing more work necessarily but by immersing yourself in the kind of attitude and culture that you want to find yourself in. Writer for the Connector or SCAN, join a student organization, go out to gallery premiers, or get your work published in the Ivy Hall Review if you’re a writing major. All of these things will serve you infinitely better in the long run because it’s all about WHAT you know, not WHO you know. Long winded way of saying “work smarter not harder”

AE: Focus on the quality of your work as opposed to the letter grade it will receive. Grades or numerical values do not dictate nor represent your ability as an artist or designer. When approaching a project, instead of asking the question “Is this work worthy of an ‘A’?” ask yourself “Is this the work I genuinely want to make? Did I really try my best? Am I happy with this result?” You will motivate yourself to keep doing better — nothing will stunt your creative growth more than being satisfied with your current level of ability.

SB: Find out what you are passionate about. Work hard. Be on the lookout for opportunities to advance in your craft.

The post SCAD alumni: Where are they now? appeared first on The Connector.

Photo by ambroochizafer.

By Darissa Townes

With the winter quarter starting, many SCAD students have to reel themselves back in from the relaxing holiday break. I took the time to ask a few students what they did over their break and how some of them feel about the new quarter.

Andrew Hudson, a third-year animation major, used his vacation to compose music and prepare to make his senior film by creating style frames and character designs. When he wasn’t busy doing that, he spent time with his friends and girlfriend, watching movies and playing video games. In regards to the new quarter, Hudson says he is a little nervous, but optimistic.

“I have concept and 2D production in the same quarter. But I’m excited to work on the stuff that I care about,” he said.

Fourth-year graphic design student Brittany Leverett says she is taking her time this winter quarter. She spent much of her break with her family, as she’s quite family-oriented.

Piya Pahwa, a third-year animation major with a technical direction minor, spent her vacation reworking old projects to put in her demo reel. She took advantage of the free time to explore Atlanta, going to the aquarium and riding her bike in Piedmont Park. For Christmas, she went back home to Bangkok to be with her family.

I spent my vacation at home in New York mostly writing scripts and preparing to make my senior film. I also visited my mother in North Carolina.

It was a wonderful break for a lot of students and hopefully all that time off will help us in the new quarter.

The post What did you do? SCAD students talk about their winter break appeared first on The Connector.

Hey, Connector readers! Here’s a new nonfiction piece by fourth-year fashion major Kamila Morell. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Kamila Morell.

Something Blue…

“Kamila, Nelson is here,” my mom called as she peered out our kitchen window. She observed the skinny, punk-haired boy as he climbed out of that familiar red minivan we saw so much around school — the same minivan that made me anxious each time it appeared.  I will always remember that warm December afternoon, when a soft breeze enveloped the house while the sky turned an inviting shade of pink, as it often does in Puerto Rico.  No sign of a polar vortex here; nothing cold and white except my pearl-studded dress straps.

Yet this familiar setting turned alien and disorienting once I heard my mom announce his arrival. He’s finally here, in my house, to visit me. Does my hair look ok? Luna, stop barking. Can someone please turn the air conditioner on? I’m blushing — my thoughts raced as I hurried downstairs to greet my boyfriend. We had been dating for about a month and that day was the first time he came to my house, for our Christmas Eve dinner. At thirteen, there better be a big excuse for your boyfriend to hang out at your place. Thank you, baby Jesus.  

We held hands as I showed him around the house while making fast, nervous small talk. Attempts at sounding cool and composed were betrayed by the slight tremble in our voices, the way it does when starting a presentation. Still, I kept trying to commit everything to memory. Whatever happened later on, I would have a nice story to tell my grandchildren about the girl who fell in love at the age of five and finally got her wish granted as a teenager.

We left my family in the living room and settled by the empty terrace, where he presented me with a small box. My first “Nelson present”! Another relationship milestone, check. Suddenly his gesture brought me back to last year’s Valentine’s Day, where this same, beautiful boy fearlessly gave one of my friends a bouquet of pink flowers and a teddy bear in front of everyone in the classroom.  He was the class’ popular kid, good at everything and with everyone. I was the quiet, artsy girl who drew all the time. But for right now, at least it was my turn.

Inside the box lay an ornate gold necklace with turquoise gemstones, my favorite color.  Pretty gift, but maybe his mom helped pick it out. We still had much to learn about each other.  I thanked him with a long hug, and kept saying how much I loved it, but what I really meant was how much I loved him. Although this was his first visit, at that moment we both knew it wouldn’t be his last.

It’s been almost ten years but I’ve never actually worn that necklace. Many years later it’s still sitting noticeably on my room’s vanity. It serves its purpose better there, visibly, than around my neck. This small piece of him still anchoring my childhood fantasy to reality. I’ll keep it safe for just a little while longer, until our wedding day when it will be swaying against my heart. The necklace once represented our “something new”, the gift of finding each other, but on that special day it will become the perfect “something old” and “something blue” of our life together.

The post The writers’ corner: ‘Something Blue’ appeared first on The Connector.

Photo by of condesign.

As SCAD students, we all know the crunch time that is midterms. But it’s not the end of the world. These are a few little things that you can do to help yourself get through midterms, and you’ll thank yourself for it.

1) Take a deep breath.

You’re doing to get through it. While it may seem like there’s a ton coming your way all at once, try to take a deep breath and close your eyes for a second. Relax. Walk away from the textbook or project that you’ve been staring at for ages and clear your head for a second.

2) Make sure to have mealtimes.

Treat yourself to little breaks throughout your time working. One way to get your breaks in is to make sure you have the time to eat three healthy meals a day. Slowing down to give yourself a rest and nourishment will refresh you for when you return to your project. Put aside your work for a bit to give yourself time to enjoy a good meal.

3) Study for exams with friends.

If you know some people in your class, ask if they’d like to study together. Some people work better in groups, and quizzing each other gives everyone the chance to review the material and test their knowledge. If you’re a group studier, go for it! If you’re an independant studier, find a quiet place like the library that’s conducive to your work style.

4) Give your brain time to rest by doing something you enjoy.

Take a fifteen-minute Netflix break, go for a walk, listen to music, get a snack from the vending machine. Do something to help your mind reset and get out of major-stress-mode. It might be hard to pull yourself away, but you’ll feel more energized and fresher if you can give your brain a minute to relax.

5) Make a daily schedule.

Give yourself loose guidelines of what you want to accomplish as far as homework, studying or projects. For instance, if you want to review Art History for forty-five minutes, set aside that time. Write down when you want to do what. Try to stick to the schedule as best you can. Include other tasks that you might need to get done, like laundry or cleaning, and you can even write in your breaks and mealtimes to keep yourself organized. Sometimes the timeframes might be more like guess-timations if you’re not sure how long a project will take to work on, but in that case give yourself a goal for that day and an amount of time to achieve that goal.

6) Remember, the Tutoring Center is always available.

If you feel like you need some feedback on a project or some support in a subject area, check out the Tutoring Center. Appointments are an hour in length and can be booked through MySCAD under Student Workspace.

7) Stay positive!

Midterms won’t last forever! Just do your best. That’s all anyone can ask of you.

The post How to survive midterms appeared first on The Connector.

Photo courtesy of Gabriela Iancu

This week on 10 minutes with … I have a chat with SCAD alumni Gabriela Iancu. Iancu is a multidisciplinary visual artist focusing on photography, film production and design, earning her M.F.A. in Photography from SCAD in 2015. Iancu’s work addresses food and natural environment from various historical perspectives. Since graduation, Iancu has collaborated with Forbes and designed an 18-page long photography editorial for Up by Forbes Romania, created a video piece within the framework of the Huffington Post New York Multimedia Fellowship finals and collaborated with Communication Arts magazine in reviewing new ideas in food photography trends. Recently, she has released Florilegium, a magazine which explores contemporary media in order to cultivate the role of art in everyday life.
I first met Iancu in alternative process photography class and was immediately amazed by her acute attention to detail, her unique eye for composing objects and her stunning and subtle imagery. Iancu is the kind of person who makes you try harder and give more than you ever thought you could. She inspires the artist in us all to be the very best we can be. Enjoy her answers to my tough questions.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being able to do what I love the most while being surrounded by the people I love.

What is your greatest fear?

That I’m not doing enough.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire all hard-working people that are ready to go beyond their limits and challenge themselves in a good way.

Who has inspired your work the most (living or dead)?

Because I first started painting before doing photography, most definitively my work has been inspired by Van Gogh and the impressionist movement.

What trait about yourself do you most dislike?

Sometimes I can be a bit too over-analytical.

What trait do you most deplore in others?

I just cannot stand people who can’t be honest; I hate lying.

What trait do you most value in your friends?

Their humaneness, being always ready to help and give their best.

What talent would you most like to have?

I’ve always loved piano music and even flirted with the idea of playing the piano, therefore I would love to see my hands flying on a piano’s keyboard.

What is your most treasured possession?

My cameras!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Care less about what the people say.

Where would you love to live?

In a Jane Austen novel!

What is it about SCAD that you like the most?

I really like that everything about SCAD is so artsy, from the way the school is decorated and the way students and professors interact, to the diverse body of work students create. The way each assignment and experience pushes you to search something more deep and unique in yourself, and the spontaneous inspiration that you’re faced with from the diverse body of students, is truly amazing! There is always something extraordinary that inspires me at SCAD!

As of now, what is the most valuable thing you feel you have learned at SCAD?

How to articulate my ideas and believe in myself, and make those ideas come true. Just by thinking outside the box and pushing yourself further, is sometimes the difference between you and the rest! I don’t think that ever hurt anyone!

What would you like to see in the future at SCAD?

More preparation for the industry setup, the business and real side of life. Also more collaborations and involvement among SCAD and its students and alumni, would create a more real-life scenario and competitiveness to deliver better and better. Because these are those things that you’ll stumble upon once you’re out in the real world. Also some majors and/or departments seem to get better attention aka more advertising, more funding, better representation at career fairs and professional events than other. A more fair and equitable attention would help those departments/majors to deliver better.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being able to study and complete my master’s degree so fast at SCAD has been an amazing cornerstone for me to accomplish, and this achievement motivated me to continue creating work that represents my voice, allowed me to cultivate honorable relationships and continue delivering a complex body of work.

To learn more about Gabriela, visit:

http://gabrielaiancu.com/

The post 10 minutes with … Gabriela Iancu appeared first on The Connector.

Photo by Kate Betts.

by Gabi Mancini

Last weekend, SCAD hosted the much-anticipated aTVfest. Students from all majors came to attend panels for their favorite shows, and even take a few selfies with their favorite stars! I set out to gather some thoughts about the event.

Kiki Hill, Second-year, Animation

Gabi Mancini: What events did you attend at aTVfest?

KH: I went to “The Loud House” by Nickelodeon and “Grimm” by NBC.

GM: What was your favorite event?

KH: I think I would have to say “The Loud House”, because it pertains to me and my industry the most. But I did like seeing all the actors in “Grimm”.

GM: Do you have any cool stories to tell about the event?

KH: “The Loud House” gave out promotional material which was cool… I didn’t really meet any celebrities. I’m too shy.

GM: Any other thoughts about aTVfest?

KH: It was really cool to have the opportunity to go this weekend! Thanks SCAD!

Carmen Lehtimaki, MFA, Professional Writing

GM: What events did you attend at aTVfest?

CL: I attended “Bates Motel”, “American Crime”, “The Catch”, the Writer’s Forum, “Banshee” and more that I can’t think of at the moment.

GM: What was your favorite event?

CL: My favorite was the Writer’s Forum with the writers from “Shondaland”. It was inspirational to hear people with jobs I dream of talk about starting off doing what I’m doing now. It gives me hope.

GM: Do you have any cool stories to tell about the event?

CL: I don’t really have any cool stories that happened to me. There were a lot of little ‘you had to be there’ moments where the actors and producers would say something funny.

GM: Any other thoughts about aTVfest?

CL: I know it is cool to watch screenings of shows no one else has seen yet, but as a SCAD student you can get so much from listening to the people that speak after the screenings. For instance, when I went to the one for costume design I felt motivated afterwards. I have no interest in costume design, yet they still said things that resonated so much with me.

Tyrell Simms, First-year, Undeclared

GM: What events did you attend at aTVfest?

TS: I attended the events held for “Futurama” and “The Walking Dead”.

GM: What was your favorite event?

TS: My favorite was “Futurama”, because the show has been around since I was little and I grew up watching it.

GM: Do you have any cool stories to tell about the event?

TS: During the “Futurama” event, I got to meet David X Cohen (head writer and executive producer of “Futurama”).

GM: Any other thoughts about aTVfest?

TS: The experience I got by going to aTVfest will be one I’ll never forget.

Alexis Occhipinti, First-year, Film & Television

GM: What events did you attend at aTVfest?

AO: I attended “Grey’s Anatomy”, “The Path”, “American Crime”, “Ellen’s Design Challenge”, “Lucifer”, “How to Get Away with Murder”, “Banshee”, “Gotham”, “The Walking Dead”, “The Mindy Project”, and “Sleepy Hollow”.

GM: What was your favorite event?

AO: Overall, I enjoyed all of the events. However, I would have to say my favorite event was “American Crime” because I got to meet and get a picture with my long-time crush Connor Jessup.

GM: Do you have any cool stories to tell about the event?

AO: I got to meet many celebrities and even got pictures with a few of them, but what I value even more is merely having the opportunity to talk with some of them about their careers and experiences as well as the industry.

GM: Any other thoughts about aTVfest?

AO: This is a field and the industry I hope to one day go into, so this overall experience was an amazing opportunity to not only network, but get a taste of the industry as a whole. I strongly recommend anyone and everyone to attend aTVfest!

The post Lights, camera, action!: Students talk about aTVfest appeared first on The Connector.

Illustration by Stefani Tamakloe.

Music greeted me on the way down the stairs to the Valentine’s Boogie Down at ACA House, mixing with the tempting aroma of popcorn as it wafted from the TV room.  Red streamers hung from the doorway to welcome students to the event.

The event, which started at 8:30 on Thursday Feb. 11, had a chill, social atmosphere with students hanging out, talking with each other and having fun relaxing. Some students munched on refreshments or sipped on drinks, both provided at the event.

SCAD Atlanta Radio provided the music for the event, and a colorful disco-ball accented the tunes. There was even a station for photo ops, and there was a table with glow bracelets in pink and purple colors. There were even balloons to bop around.

Students milled in and out, sitting down to hang out with their friends. There was also a best-dressed contest, in which the best-dressed student of the night was presented with an award. With that incentive the attendees were snappily dressed.

Gabi Mancini, second-year game development major, said, “I got to meet some really cool people who I hadn’t seen around the dorm before … I was only there for maybe an hour, but I thought it was super cute! The decorations were great and I had lots of fun.” Kiki deCoursey, second-year animation major, said, “The event was fun and the decorations and atmosphere were really great!”

All in all, the Valentine’s Boogie Down was a great way to kick off the Valentine’s Day weekend with music, hanging out and yummy treats.

The post Students celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ACA Boogie-Down appeared first on The Connector.

Atlantic Station. Photography by Acquille Dunkley.

Both the SCAD campus and the city of Atlanta offer lots of different hang-out options for students. This week I had the chance this week to catch up with a few students who shared about their favorite places at SCAD and around campus!

Alexia Zarate – Writing Major

Atlantic Station, and Phipps Plaza. I really like hanging out there. They have a movie theater!

Alexa Baggs – Film and Television Major, Creative Writing Minor

I’m always a fan of The Varsity.

Chana Klein – Film and Television major

My favourite place to eat is Yeah Burger. I like hanging out in Cabbagetown [and at] the third-floor lobby of the DMC.

Jordan diPirro – Television Production Major

At SCAD I like that study nook that is by the interior design classrooms. Outside of SCAD I like Piedmont Park.         

Emme Raus – Writing Major

The Plaza Theatre because they have “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and it’s fun. And they have a cute diner outside of it!

Kara Robson – Animation Major

The [residence hall]!

Wendy Lin – Graphic Design major

Mine [is] Atlantic Station.

Anderson Carman – Sequential Art Major

I really enjoyed going to The High Museum before my membership ended. But I’ll probably renew it because I love seeing the new art … really it’s perfect for art students.

Tricia Ilena – Graphic Design Major

I like Piedmont Park!

Adam Crow – Writing Major

The bathroom.

The post SCAD students share about their favorite places appeared first on The Connector.

Photo by Rawan Althomali

by Darissa Townes

With the new quarter already underway, the reality of fast approaching assignments and deadlines are probably sinking in. However, there’s still time to squeeze in a little extra fun before classes get too crazy! If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to spring break and in our city, the Atlanta Fair will be open until April 2nd.

Located in Turner Field’s Gray lot along I-75/I-85, the fair opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Entrances after 10 p.m. everyday will not be permitted.

Entrance fees range between $3.00-$8.00.

Tickets for rides cost $1.25 each. Rides may require 2-5 tickets per person. Unlimited ride armbands can be purchased for $25 and are good for the whole day.

Please note the ticket prices vary by the day and time, so check out the Atlanta Fair website here for more information regarding prices.

For anyone driving, parking will be available for a fee in the outlying parking lots around Turner Field. If you wish to use public transit, MARTA routes 32, 49 and 55 will take you to Turner Field from Five Points Station.

Keep spring break alive for a little longer by checking out the fair. There will be plenty of rides, food and games to enjoy!

The post Close out spring break with the Atlanta Fair appeared first on The Connector.

By Darissa Townes

Motion media can be a difficult art to define. I’d describe it as a combination of graphic design and animation, but this doesn’t convey enough about the art.

On Friday March 11, SCAD’s motion media department hosted “Connextion” at the Digital Media Center (DMC). It was a showcase of  student’ works that made me realize theres more to  motion media than just a combination of graphics and movement.

At Connextion, in the DMC’s lounge area on the third floor, the students created unique ‘stages’ to show their art through projections. One student used paper cards placed on a cork board to show their work. Another used a three dimensional polygon and showed their work on all the sides. Some used the walls, but featured multiple screens. The unique differences between the displays made them fascinating. Each one had its own personal flavor, showing that students considered the displays long before making the actual motion media.

On the second floor of the DMC in the studio, motion media professor Christina Maloney had an assortment of colorful toys called Hoberman Spheres, ball-like toys capable of folding and expanding through a series of joints. We played with the Hoberman spheres in whatever way we felt the most enjoyable. We would roll it like a bowling ball or imitate fireworks exploding.

As other students and I fiddled with the surprisingly therapeutic toys, I started to realize how motion media was similar to the sphere. There wasn’t an right or wrong way to play with the object. Animation can imitate life and graphic design can catch the eye, but motion media has no specific niche when it comes to what it does best. Motion media artists can use their imaginations to make anything move the way they want to on any surface.
At the event, there was a sense of freedom seeing work that captured each student’s artistic individuality. Every piece had a memorable aspect to it. For some pieces, the songs used and interesting shapes made a lasting impression. For others, it was the typography, color and lighting that stood out the most. Each display at the show that night felt like another piece of a Hoberman sphere. A colorful toy that in and of itself can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways.

The post Connextion showcases SCAD’s motion media department appeared first on The Connector.

Photo by Anya Haber.

SCAD Atlanta’s reception celebrating its top-ranking fashion and interior design programs was a lively event dedicated to SCAD Atlanta’s hard working students. SCAD’s last-minute decision to move the reception from the fashion museum’s rooftop deck to the SCADpads provided a much more interactive and entertaining space. The rain couldn’t stop the party from happening. From the lush greenery surrounding the SCADpad seating areas to the hanging spherical chairs that produced bubbles when spun, there was so much to see and experience.

The event was also a great opportunity for new students to tour the highly-embellished, sublime SCADpads. From ceilings dripping with yarn to iPads that frosted the windows over with the touch of a button, they were the perfect setting to celebrate the interior design and fashion departments.

Photo by Anya Haber.

The live band, embroidered baseball caps made special for the occasion and free food consisting of chocolate-dipped rice krispies, corn salad, delicately-salted chips and quaint but delicious cheese sandwiches kept the party alive until its main event, SCAD President Paula Wallace’s speech.

President Wallace exuberantly expressed her sincerest pride that SCAD’s fashion and interior design programs have become so prestigious. According to “The Business of Fashion,” a highly regarded fashion news site, SCAD’s graduate fashion degree program is ranked first in the country as well as best in the world for long-term value and learning experience. Our school’s interior design graduate and undergraduate programs are also number one, with the latter holding the crown for five consecutive years.

Photo by Anya Haber.

An unexpected highlight of the celebration was when former SCAD graduate and successful business owner, Kirk Stafford, took to the podium to talk about the growth of his company, Tweeds, and how influential his time and education at SCAD was in making his company a success. From personal anecdotes about spending ten hours on a single moodboard as a student to his company’s cashmere shirts, his words of wisdom were truly inspiring for those who want to build a business of their own.

After the speeches came to a close and attendees were encouraged to start leaving, many stayed behind, not ready for the festivities to end.

Photo by Anya Haber.

Photo by Anya Haber.

Photo by Anya Haber.

Photo by Anya Haber.

The post SCAD celebrates its fashion and interior design programs in style appeared first on The Connector.

by Tyler Spinosa

SATIRE:
Scientists at the University for the Socially Superior have recently performed studies that unexpectedly revealed crying tears to be a renewable resource. The studies revealed that different types of stress or sadness lead to varying potency within human tears. After testing a wide variety of groups, they found that struggling art students provided the most potent and environmentally friendly tears to be harnessed. Scientists attribute the high potency to the act of pursuing dreams.

Artists are overall hopeful creatures. They often seek success in order to become happy as opposed to rich. The tears that are produced when those dreams are being shattered are the most powerful energy source that humans have ever discovered. Based on projected statistics, the utilization of Art Student Tears™ would completely eliminate the need for fossil fuels within the next two decades. The revenue and job market created from this new industry would also pay off the national debt three times over. The patent for the technology would remain with America which would effectively replace the middle east as the source of the world’s energy. Making the United States, by far, the most prosperous country on the planet.

In order to harvest this precious new resource, students at art colleges have been presented with tasks and are encouraged to do their absolute best. Then, once they are finished with their tasks, they are brutally berated and mocked, while their work is ruined and exploited by other failed artists until they begin to cry. The moment of emotional breakdown, often called “critique,” is when the tears are most potent and is crucial to the collection process.

The future of the country and the entire world now rests in the hands of this ground breaking discovery. Scientists are now working around the clock to construct a machine that could expedite the process and gather large amounts of these tears in short amounts of time. Concepts are being worked on that resemble the functions of milking machines at dairy farms. This brand new resource will finally capitalize on the greatest staple to the foundation of American prosperity. The power of broken dreams.

The post The writers’ corner: ‘Guilt Free Energy Source Makes America Great Again’ appeared first on The Connector.

Illustration by Ahmara Smith.

We are not our bodies and we are not our looks. To some degree, it’s true – the body is just a house for your consciousness. One thing we know is how you look doesn’t make you kind or cruel, smart or simple. Looking how you look doesn’t have to mean anything. However, despite this, we have trained ourselves to think of people in terms of fat and skinny, soft and hard, tall and small. As a result, many fall prey to the practice of body shaming.

To address this issue, The Connector talked to SCAD Atlanta’s CS3 intern, Peggy Des Jardines, to answer a few questions and find out a way we can be better to ourselves and others.

The Connector: What are some of the reasons that people feel the need to body shame themselves or others?

Peggy Des Jardines: Overall, people often feel the need to shame others because they feel ashamed themselves. Society inflicts oppressive, restrictive and arbitrary standards on everyone and shame is what happens when people fail to live up to them. The belief that you are not okay. Many of those standards govern how women (and men) should look, and are internalized until they’re accepted as fact. Body shame is just one of the negative effects of this.

The Connector: What are some of the reasons people develop negative images about their bodies, in your opinion?

Peggy Des Jardines: Because there is a very specific standard for how you are expected to look to be considered “beautiful.” People receive messages about this standard and how they are not living up to it from the media, families, friends even strangers.

The Connector: What is your advice for SCAD students on the subject of being body positive?

Peggy Des Jardines: Know that there are infinite ways to be beautiful; you are not wrong, the standard you’re held to is wrong. Internalize that.

The Connector: What are some of the things we can do to fight body shaming about ourselves and others?

Peggy Des Jardines: Love each other and yourselves.

So there you have it, pure and simple. Love makes it better. Better for yourselves, and better for a little community. So when it doubt, try a little tender loving care.

The post Shape, size, and value: the importance of being body posititve appeared first on The Connector.

By Darrisa Townes

Waiting for your grade on a project or essay can be a daunting experience for some. The way you score on something can really affect

Illustration by Ahmara Smith.

how you see yourself as a person. SCAD counselor Tasia Harper has a few words to say about why such a state of mind can hurt and why you shouldn’t attach your identity to your grades.

The Connector: Do you think that students are starting to see their grades as a reflection of their character? For example, if they fail a test or class, do they believe that they have failed as a person?

Tasia Harper: From what I have seen, I do. People really identify with their grades. They have a huge investment in getting good grades and when they don’t, they feel that they aren’t living up to who they are as a person. People tend to identify their worth by their grades.

The Connector: Have you seen this type of thinking in your work with students?

Tasia Harper: Yes, especially at SCAD. The school is so rigorous that people are stressed. And some of their scholarships depend on their grades. When students become seniors, they start to worry about how their grades will affect them getting a job. But if you do well in school, it doesn’t mean that you’ll do well at the job. Especially with art. It’s very subjective.

The Connector: What are some tools that students can use to keep them from falling into this mindset?

Tasia Harper: Use positive psychology by writing down your strengths in a journal. Learn how to separate your identity from your grade. When I was growing up, I was told that a grade is just feedback, not a concrete law.

So when your grades start to come in, try to avoid allowing numbers to dictate how you feel about yourself. Your GPA is important, but it isn’t a definition.

The post You aren’t your GPA appeared first on The Connector.

Written By: Jeanie Lo

Photo credit: Girl Tank

Girl Tank is a mentor- based support and social platform, which provides all the resources a young female entrepreneur need to realize her vision for social betterment. When the founder of SCAD Atlanta’s chapter Girl Tank Lyrric Jackson decided to join in November 2013, she did not know it would now ask her to bring this light to SCAD.

Jackson started SCAD Girl Tank in 2014. Since its conception, she worked hard to bring SCAD’s Girl Tank to life. Jackson describes Girl Tank as the place where women “have a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Targeted towards young women, Girl Tank realized that many females often have a social issue that is close to their hearts that needs to be addressed urgently – whether it being sexual violence, human trafficking or self-esteem issues. Yet, they don’t have the critical expertise or resources to sustain a large project. Coupled with the gender discrimination they often still face, the road to create their own career is full of obstacles. Girl Tank was created to lift this burden and pave the way for members to realize their dreams.

A variety of initiatives were launched by Girl Tank as the solution to these problems. These include providing mentors and workshops that would educate women with the skills to maintain businesses and providing them with real world experiences and a supporting network with successful female entrepreneurs. An exciting initiative will also be launched by SCAD in this coming year, with Girl Tank offering a grant to SCAD students to materialize their own projects that deal with a specific social issue they are interested in. Participants will learn to pitch their ideas to experts from industries and representatives from Girl Tank Global. They will execute their plan with the grant provided and report back to the founders. Girl Tank is about sisterhood, connecting and supporting women to be independent, intelligent and compassionate individuals who want to change the world. They are looking for interested women who are passionate about activism and social entrepreneurship.

Well, you might say, I’m a painter, why should I learn business models? As co-founder of SCAD Girl Tank, Tasha Tavaras pointed out all artists and designers are entrepreneurs. We are our own brands. We want to reach out to people, let them see the value of our creations and hear our voices. This is why we are at SCAD – the university that not only teaches, but also prepares us for our careers. In this way, Girl Tank’s mission echos perfectly with SCAD’s mission. This platform will not be a stranger to SCAD’s female students, but an extension that strengthens and enhances their life experiences.

The  Executive Board of  is comprised of Jackson and Tavaras as well as SCAD Arts Administration graduate students Katy Gardner and Bianca Griffin.

For more information, please either contact Lyrric Jackson at lyrric.jackson@gmail.com, Tasha Tavaras at ttavar20@student.scad.edu, or at orblacorchidinc@gmail.com.

Photo by Anya Haber.

With a new school year comes new changes. As incoming and returning SCAD students flooded the hallways on Sept. 12, many were enamoured with the many renovations, specifically the new SCAD Atlanta gym as well as the new third floor in the main building.

However, not all changes were met with excitement. Students took to social media to express their discontent with the new entrance policy. Many were concerned that the new turnstile entrance wouldn’t be able to accommodate the rush of students, resulting in long lines. Others cited inconvenience as well as bewilderment that the front entrance of their school could not be used by paying students, but rather reserved only for prospective incoming students.

Shortly after hearing the concerns of the students, The Connector sat down with Art Malloy, dean of SCAD Atlanta, to hear what the administration’s plans were.

In order to shorten the length and deliver the relevant information, parts of the interview discussing other topics were left out.

What prompted SCAD to build a new entrance in the back of the building?

“We have made major renovations over the past couple of years. You have probably seen the third floor. Last year you would have seen the fourth floor…It’s just making sure that the entrances are safe and secure. We wanted to upgrade our security, so SCAD has purchased some of the most sophisticated equipment that you’ll ever see on any college campus in order to get out students in and out safely.”

“We used to touch the ID of every student. I’m not so sure how well that was received. The rationale behind it was to absolutely ID each person, so we found another mechanism that would do that. When you scan your ID, there’s another person that would be behind you that is looking at the person who is scanning the ID and looking at their picture, so actually your picture comes up each time you scan it. So that’s another way that we can absolutely ID everyone, but it also helps us track who’s in the building at all times.”

“We did that because most people park there, so it seems like the most logical place. We do understand that it’s a bit inconvenient for those who live in 1660 Apartments, so we have had discussions about how we can make sure that the side of the building is also shored up with motion detection lights and things like that. So when it gets darker earlier as they’re walking by, they’ll feel safer because the lights are going to come on. And of course we have cameras on that section too, so they’ll be watching.”

Do you know when the decision will be made about whether or not the main entrance in the front will be accessible to students?

“A final decision hasn’t been made on that. And when it is, we’ll definitely communicate that to students….But what I can tell you is that the majority of our students never use that entrance, anyway. The majority of our students used the rear entrance. But I can’t tell you when that decision will be made and final. But I would assume that it’ll happen soon. Probably shortly after we open the one in the back and to see the impact. Because I think we’ll have to do that to see how that works out. I think we’ll do whatever we need to do that’s going to be in the best interest of safety and security for our students. Not so much convenience, because safety and security will always trump convenience.”

Is there anything else you would like to let the students know in regards to the new regulations?

“Well, what I’d like to say is that we welcome the feedback from students. So they can let us know how they feel about safety and security because we take it very seriously. And as you can see of the investments that we’ve made in safety and security– one, we’ve hired more officers. We have someone who is– actually, we have multiple people who are dedicated to doing nothing else but to monitor the cameras every single day, 24/7. We did not have that a year ago. A year ago, that was an officer in the back that was looking, trying to help get people in and look at the monitors at the same time. Now we have two dedicated people that are there…and we have upgraded our entire camera system.”

“But I welcome an opportunity to have discussions with students if they would like to, so does John Crowe, our Director of International Security. He and I work very closely together, and he has an open door policy, too. So, hey, listen, we don’t always get it right. We know that. We don’t always get it right, but we’re certainly more than willing…to listen to our students if they have something that they want to share with us. If they think we’re…missing the mark, we’d like to know. I mean, I just heard from a student this morning. She told me that she wants us to address this area over here. This is the exit. She said it’s hard to cross the street coming from 1660. She said it’s even harder for those people if they get off a bus and they’re trying to cross over Peachtree. So we know that there are some things that we can work on to make the campus safer and more secure, but I can tell you one thing. I feel like we’ve come a very, very long way in a short period of time. Again, growth and progress can be uncomfortable sometimes, but it just requires that we find ways to communicate as effectively as we can with our students. So, yes, in the future, we will make sure that we are doing the things to keep the students well-informed about the wonderful changes that we’re trying to make.”

A few other things mentioned by Dean Malloy include:

The lack of special privileges for faculty:

“I had access to several different ways to get into the building. I won’t have that access anymore. And I’m not 100% happy about it, but I also understand why we’re doing it. So I can’t come in the side door anymore. This badge would work on the side door. I can’t use this to come in the side anymore, so now I have to come through the same way everybody else does. The vice-president comes in the same way everybody else does. The vice-president for SCAD Atlanta, the senior vice-president comes in the very same place.”

Photo by Anya Haber.

Safety:

“I think this is probably, of all the places I’ve worked – and I’ve said this on many occasions – this is the safest place I’ve ever worked. This is the safest university I’ve ever worked at, and this is university number six for me.”

“So again, I know it’s not always convenient. But I think the parents simply want to know that…their sons and daughters are safe. And I feel very comfortable with saying, yes, I believe our students are safe here.”

After speaking with the dean, The Connector reached out to the leader of the now-disbanded petition, Megan Cockcroft. By then she had spoken to the dean as well, clearing up the misinformation that had been spreading throughout the campus.

MC: “I started the petition because there was a lot of misinformation about the security system floating about. I didn’t know Dean Malloy had an open door policy so I just went for what I thought would get results fast…the Dean contacted us first when he saw our petition posters at spring house! He was very helpful and understanding. He’s opened the basement entrance so that students can access the building without walking through traffic. We’ve met with him twice now, and he has been very helpful in working with us on safety concerns.”

When Megan and her co-petitioner handed in the petition, it had roughly 240 signatures.

by Tyler Spinosa

SCAD alumnus and co-creator of ‘Toonami’ speaks to SCAD Atlanta students during the ‘Freestyling for Audience Engagement’ with Adult Swim panel during aTVfest 2017. Photo by Tyler Spinosa.

After attending the SCAD Student Showcase at the DMC Theater, my girlfriend and I had a premium spot in line for the much anticipated Adult Swim panel. Once inside, the excitement in the room was undeniable. It peaked when the panelists walked into the auditorium and took their seats below the big aTVfest screen.

Joining us was SCAD alumnus and co-creator of “Toonami,” Jason Demarco, the Senior Vice President and Creative Director of On Air Production and Chris Hartley the Vice President of On Air Production. To their left and our right were four current and recently graduated SCAD students who participated in the CLC (Collaborative Learning Center) program. It started as panels always do with a series of introductions and applause coupled with some cheeky banter.

As a part of the CLC program, the students were tasked with creating short station identification bumpers from a list of about seven shows as jumping off points. Some of the shows included “Rick and Morty,” “Venture Brothers,” “Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell” and “Mr. Pickles.” One group of students asked if “Toonami” was on the table as well. Mr. Demarco allowed it, but only if it was handled with extreme care as “Toonami” was his baby. The students took on the project anyway and responded enthusiastically with “Challenge accepted.”

Demarco and Hartley explained that in many cases when they approach students or independent artists to create bumpers that the contracted creators are surprised by the amount of creative freedom that is given to them. Often when networks reach out to artists to create bumpers and promotional material, they give the artists very strict guidelines to adhere to. But the nice people over at Adult Swim emphasized how they wanted to stray away from the rigid and frankly annoying practices of other networks.

The audience had the privilege of witnessing the world premiere of six different bumps. Two for “Mr. Pickles,” two for “Rick and Morty,” a “Venture Brothers” bump and one for “Toonami.” Each one got lots of laughs and a rousing round of applause from everyone in attendance. Even though the person conducting the panel asked the audience to applaud wildly after each bump concluded, the responses still felt emotionally charged and genuine. I have attended other events where the audience had to be coaxed into responding because of a lack of interest and this was not one of those.

This panel was more rewarding than most because of the sense of hope it conveyed for everyone at SCAD. Other than the fart I thought I heard during a brief moment of silence during the Q&A and the awesome exclusive content we got to experience made me feel like the dream of working with Adult Swim is not too far from becoming a reality. It was also very reassuring to see that a network like Adult Swim is reaching out to places like SCAD for help. To top off the ice cream sundae of hopes and dreams, Mr. Demarco is a SCAD alumnus proving that our thousands of dollars in debt may pay off in some way or another in the years that follow graduation.

When it was time to open up the floor to answer questions, I asked, “How does it feel to create something (“Toonami”) and have people who have grown up on it and love it be able to have the experience of contributing to it?” Mr. Demarco explained that it’s probably the most satisfying part of his job. To create something and have someone be affected by it even if it is only for a few moments is, at the end of the day, the most rewarding thing you can expect from art and creativity. SCAD may be a soul crushing vacuum of time and money, but it is making some dreams come true for passionate students willing to enthusiastically say “Challenge accepted.”

NYC Subway. Photo by Jeanie Lo.

By Jeanie Lo.

I was born in Long Island, New York. Visiting my hometown during the summer became somewhat of a family activity, but It wasn’t until the summer of 2015 that I started to really explore the city. Visiting New York became like a pilgrimage to the art mecca of the U.S. I visited New York multiples times afterwards with my friend. We made use of most of our time there, planning extensively on how to save money in the notoriously expensive city without having to sacrifice seeing the major landmarks. So, what could students do to cheaply travel in one of the most upscale cities in the world? Here are a couple of tips I picked up from planning my trips to NYC for the past few years.

Visit museums on free admission days.

Some of the most prestigious museums in NYC have free admission. Visit the MoMA, Museum of Modern Art, on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. without paying a cent. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum also offers free entry to a limited number of guests every Tuesday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Make sure to arrive early because the complimentary tickets are offered on a first come, first serve basis. The Fashion Institute of Technology’s museum, known as the Museum at FIT, and the Bronx Museum of Art both have free admission year round.

While some museums offer free admission on specific days, others have adopted a different method of payment that allows anyone the opportunity to visit, regardless of yearly income. This is commonly known as pay-what-you-wish admission. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which houses a permanent collection of some of the biggest and most impressive art and archaeological finds in the world, utilizes this method of payment. Although the suggested admission price for students is $12, visitors could pay $1 and still be allowed entry. Other museums with pay-as-you-wish admission include the American Museum of Natural History, the Frick Collection, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the New York Historical Society.

For more information, check out the page “Free Museum Days or Pay what you wish” at nyc-arts.org

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Jeanie Lo.

Buy discounted Broadway tickets and download the mobile app TodayTix, which offers selected discounted Broadway tickets.

Using the mobile app TodayTix, I bought tickets to see three shows last summer in 2015 – “Les Miserables,” “Wicked” and “Something Rotten.” Each ticket was under $60. One thing to remember though is on the app you can only purchase tickets within seven days’ time. Prices vary day-by-day. However, sometimes even sitting in the rear mezzanine offers a very good view of the stage.

Eat cheaply.

Visit delicious food courts without paying $30 per meal. Food courts recommended by locals and travel guides include Hudson Eats, which oversees the Hudson River. Once you get there, I recommend trying the pulled pork in Mighty Quinn Barbeque for all its worth. Also, try the famous Chelsea Market and Eataly. The latter is an Italian food hall with a mix of restaurants and small shops. You can pay attention to monthly food festivals, such as the Smorgasburg in Brooklyn in June. Try Broadway Bites, a food pop-up market that takes over Greeley Square Park in the fall and summer. Broadway Bites offers an eclectic mix of cuisines at reasonable prices.

Ride the subway.

I cannot stress how much money I saved by taking the Subway. Yes, it is daunting at first, considering how elaborate the subway map can be with 34 rail lines in service. However, NYC is built on a grid system with vertical avenues and horizontal streets. The city is fairly easy to navigate once you grasp the basics. Stations are just one to two streets away, enabling you to catch a train anywhere you go in the busiest districts.

Download the mobile app NYC subway for easier navigation. If you enter your starting point and destination, the app will tell you which rail lines to take and where to transfer. The app Citymapper is also a useful tool, boasting the most up-to-date information on train arrival times and traffic.

Buy an Unlimited-ride MetroCard.

If you are going to NYC for close to one week, buy the unlimited-ride MetroCard, which costs $31 for seven days. If you are visiting for one month, try $116.50 for 30 days. SingleRide Metrocards, while more expensive per ride, can also be useful in you are visiting the city for a day or two. Metrocards can be purchased in every metro station, which accepts cash, credit cards and debit cards, just like the MARTA breeze cards. You can also get them in MetroCard merchants, including corner delis and drugstores.

 Visit the green lawns.

Central Park. Photo by Jeanie Lo.

Tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock or Statue of Liberty are certainly worth going to. However, if you don’t want to spend the $32 for the observation deck atop the Empire State Building and waiting in line for hours, try visiting from a local perspective. Many green lawns in New York have some amazing views, such as the must-see location Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which oversees the Brooklyn Bridge with breathtaking river views.

In Battery Park, get the best view of the Statue of Liberty without paying the ferry and admission price. Bryant Park at sunset during the summer is also worth visiting. They host a variety of different activities and performances on the lawn as well. Madison Square Park gives you a full frontal view of the Flatiron building. The best photo opportunity for this art deco style building is near the Lego store on 200 5th Avenue.

Free Sightseeing in NYC: High Line, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry and Path Station.

For free sightseeing, visit the High Line in lower midtown. The High Line, a former railroad turned garden, is a green oasis in the midst of the NYC concrete jungle. You can access it in multiple locations or follow the path from the beginning to the end. Visit Times Square and the Theatre District after sunset, when the lights from the buildings, moving billboard images and Broadway entrances glitter in sharp contrast with the dark sky. According to New York State law, it’s illegal to turn off the lights in Times Square at night.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge for free, which connects the two boroughs Manhattan and Brooklyn and stretches across the East River. You will get views of cars sweeping below you, the Manhattan and Brooklyn cityscape and the iconic red/brownish limestone corbel architecture.

Flatiron Building. Photo by Jeanie Lo.

Brooklyn Bridge. Photo by Jeanie Lo.

Another worthwhile adventure would be to take the ferry to Staten Island for free. The highlight of the journey is getting to see the Statue of Liberty, which gives you plenty of picture opportunities. The World Trade Station Transportation Hub (also known as the Path Station Oculus) opened earlier this year in memorial of the 9/11 attacks. The post-modernist, streamlined architecture has an all-white interior that evokes futuristic and tranquil sensibility.

Do your research and visit like a local New Yorker

Every trip is satisfying when you are passionate about where you are going and what you want to do. If you’re into music, try looking up free concerts. If you love filmmaking, visit places where famous movies were shot. There are endless possibilities and locations to visit, so tailor your vacation plans to your own unique interests. You can also buy travel guides and visit travel blogs written by NYC locals, which sometimes offers tips and insights into the city, evading the cheesy and superficial traveling trap.

Book a stay via Airbnb and stay with friendly hosts all around the world.

Hotels prices reach sky-high during holidays, so finding a place to stay on Airbnb with a friendly host and comfy environment can save some big bucks. Check the reviews left on the comments section of each location page and message your host before deciding whether to book. That way, you can get a glimpse of his/her personality and attitude.

And so….

I hope all these tips and tricks give you a glimpse of how to approach New York with a budget as well as how accessible it can actually be. Plan your daily itinerary ahead of time or just go with serendipity if you crave spontaneity.

Remember one thing: every time you travel, you are purchasing an experience. Make the most of it by submerging and engaging with the environment and people you meet.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Photo by Jeanie Lo.

High Line. Photo by Jeanie Lo.

Times Square. Photo by Jeanie Lo.

World Trade Center Transportation Hub “Oculus.” Photo by Jeanie Lo.