By Gabrielle Arduini

Photo by Gabrielle Arduini.

If there were ever such a thing as beautiful as a European sunset, or as calming as rain after a stressful day, large format photography would be it. It is not just the blinding quality of the negative nor the weight of carrying it around (I mean, talk about a photographer’s daily workout), but it is the sense of immense accomplishment a photographer feels during and afterwards. When looking at the masters before us such as, Edward Steichen, Berenice Abbott, Eugene Atget, Lee Miller (check out her pictures in Adolf Hitler’s apartment), Jacques Henri Lartigue and Garry Winogrand, the passion behind these images speaks for itself.

Photographing with large format becomes embedded in who you are. At least it has become for me. I started large format in 2016, so it has not been that long. The first major shoot I did with large format was panoramic nudes at Stone Mountain. Film in general can be very tricky and if you forget to load your film correctly (the first two weeks all of my film was loaded in backwards), your images may or may not be there and they will not have that lovely crisp image. It is all about the details. Your way of working will come in time and soon it will be second nature. There will be a rhythmic pattern to loading, shooting, developing and printing. There will also be a sense of pride that your hand was in it all to get to the final image. It may seem too complicated at first, but if you give yourself just a little time to adjust, you could be flowing in a master’s footsteps.

It has become my solace in times of hurt and provides a lot of time for self-analyzation. So, if you are afraid of yourself maybe you want to rethink this … sometimes I do. I think people tend to stray from the idea of large format because of the work that goes into it, and sometimes it is not for everyone. Some people, myself included, like to put themselves in a situation of discomfort or almost pain. If I am not striving enough to get an image or put in the work then I feel like I have not accomplished anything at all. Large format photography will tire you, frustrate you and lie to you. It is all on you to decide if you can put up with the mysteriousness of it, and I promise you, you will be surprised.

To see more of Arduini’s work, click here.

It’s only been a week into the spring quarter and the students at SCAD are already stressed out. Most of us are still dreaming of sandy beaches between our toes and sunscreen on our noses. Spring break clearly hasn’t left our minds. Why would anyone get bored of waking up to some freshly squeezed orange juice and the view of the vast Caribbean waters? Unless you’re allergic to citrus.

So what were some of the SCAD Bees up to this Spring break? There were some major hot-spots this year, in and around the States that people should definitely visit in vacations to come. While some of these destinations may require some Ben Franklins in your pocket, others are simply a half-day drive away and can be extremely low budget.

Photograph courtesy of Adnan Jivanji.

For the first “lieu de vacances” (French for vacation spot), we have the the culture packed city of New Orleans. Between the popular Mardi Gras festival in February and the melodious Jazz Fest in April, this city stays vibrant all through Spring. Tourists can submerge themselves in the rich French influenced culture, or stand against some elegant Venetian blinds within the French quarters for those Instagram shots. They could also forget about everything and pig out to some delectable delicacies on Bourbon Street.

Adnan Jivanji, a second-year interior design student who visited New Orleans over break, said, “There’s always a party going on on the streets of New Orleans. Either that or you’re petrified by the horror stories that the locals tell you about the haunted hotels and alleyways.” Adnan shared a story about a a spooky restaurant called Muriel’s where the owners set a table for a ghost that used to be a customer there. As the legend goes, the man comes there to dine everyday and play cards. They even have a chandelier above this table to identify it from the rest. While the restaurant used to not do so well because it was haunted is now a tourist attraction and brings in numerous customers just because of this eerie story.

Photograph by Davies Rushing.

Moving further south, we have hot-spot number two. Can you guess? Of course — it’s a cruise around the Caribbean islands. Picture a seven-day cruise on a vast 17 decked ship, devouring six meals a day and drifting through the seas of the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. Imagine the serene depth of the Atlantic Ocean meeting the blue skies. It sounds like a great way to recover from a hectic winter quarter.

Davies Rushing, a second-year animation student felt the same way. “It’s exactly what I needed, just the feeling of being at sea, soaking up the sun till it sets, sipping on some delicious drinks and an unlimited supply of food,” said Rushing. “I felt like a mermaid and I wish it could be that way forever. It was incredibly relaxing to take a break from the world and not know or care about anything going on. The water in the Caribbean is clearer than you could imagine. You could see the seabed from the 12th floor of a cruise ship.”

Davies also said that playing with dolphins in the Bahamas, body surfing, snorkeling and kayaking at St. John and St. Thomas are just some of the many things to do during this Moana-like trip. How far will you go?

So its time to start saving that extra cash to experience amazing vacations like these. Plus, traveling around the world and experiencing a new culture can help you broaden your mind and your horizons. It’s certainly something that everyone should take the time out to do, so start saving for the vacation you deserve this summer.

Nothing is worse than the feeling when you have an 89% in one of your classes because you missed out on a quiz or the pre-quarter assignment and your GPA suffers as a result. SCAD has a hard curriculum, whether you’re a freshman in your Drawing II class struggling to finish that pastel piece, or a graduate student just about to begin your thesis. It’s important that students take the time to plan ahead in order to be successful through the quarter. If not, we’re all going to end up pulling many all-nighters. And who wants to do that? Sleep is so precious, so please don’t do that. To help avoid the all-nighters, here are some ideas you can implement to get a head start this quarter.

Photograph by Natasha Chandel.

Stay organized: It’s really handy to have a calendar or a pocket planner with you at all times. This way you can jot down everything that you need to do for the week, month and the quarter. It helps you stay on top of all the projects and quizzes that you have and ensures you don’t forget anything. My favorite part of using a planner is the amount you can decorate it. You can make use of all the old stationary, stickers, markers and highlighters you have to jazz up and personalize your planner. It can become more of a hobby than something you need to stress about.

If you don’t want to invest in a physical planner, you may want to go digital instead. Our phones have great apps that can help us organize. The calendar app is super user-friendly, and third-party apps like Planner Pro can be extremely useful as well!

A Post-It calendar is also a fun way to brighten up your room and help with planning. Natasha Chandel, an animation student said, “My Post-It calendar has really made things easier for me, and the amount of color in my room has increased. That makes me want to work even more. As visual learners, using color in every way possible can be very productive.”

Don’t Procrastinate: It’s very easy to assume that you have time later in the day to do your work. You might feel like there is the whole weekend ahead to finish that project. Eventually work will continue to pile up until there’s too much to do and too little time. An easy way to avoid this nightmare would be to space out the amount of work you have. Work bit by bit and and invest a little time every day into your work so you don’t have to do it all at once. It’s important to prioritize and figure out what’s more important in terms of things that need to get done.

Meet with advisors and professors: SCAD, and most other colleges, provide help during office hours through advisors. As students, we should take advantage of this. Professors and advisors have specifically allotted a time in their busy day for us to go and bug them with questions about assignments. Make appointments, visit them and ask everything and anything starting from “Does my project look good?” to “I need a job. Help.” This will help you get an idea of what the professor is expecting for their assignment or your advisor can tell you what it’s like in the industry.

Little steps like these can go a long way. It can increase your GPA, help you get valuable experience and give you the edge you need to get ahead of the competition.

P.S. – Always remember to check your email.

Imagine sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee with a cat snuggling in your lap, while you watch other cats of all shapes and sizes playing around you. The air is filled with sounds from happy conversations, the tune of a song about cats playing overhead, and the occasional meows from your new furry friends who are just waiting to find a new home.

Photo by Emma Dakin.

Where are you? You’re at Java Cats Cafe, Atlanta’s newest coffee shop that’s unlike any other in Georgia. The cafe, which officially opened at the end of March, not only serves a variety of coffee, tea and treats, but also doubles as an adoption center for cats. Divided into two rooms, one side functions as a traditional coffee shop and the other side is the “cat room,” which hosts up to 20 cats available for adoption through PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill shelter and rescue.

The cafe also partners with Gathering Industries, who provide the cafe with pre-packaged food. Gathering Industries is an organization that works with homeless individuals and trains them in the culinary field to help make them employable.

Photo by Emma Dakin.

Behind the idea of Java Cats is 25-year-old owner and founder, Hadyn Hilton, who dropped out of college to make her dream of opening Java Cats a reality. Hilton spoke to The Connector about the idea behind Java Cats, the history and process in starting the business, and her hopes for the future.

“Java Cats is Georgia’s first cat cafe and it’s the third in the South,” said Hilton. “The goal of the cafe is to put adoptable cats in a more exposed environment to get them adopted.”

Hilton first found inspiration for Java Cats more than a year ago during a film class. “I was studying the phenomenon of cat videos on YouTube and found out there were people doing cat cafes,” said Hilton. “I just attached to it and started looking into it and now over a year later, here we are.”

For Hilton, the experience was quite challenging, as many people did not understand the concept. “There were no black-and-white rules about how to go about opening a cat cafe,” said Hilton. “I had to talk to many different departments and many different people until I finally found a department that would work with me.”

Photo by Emma Dakin.

Hilton’s persistence and hard work paid off, and JavaCats has already become a popular hotspot in the few weeks since its opening and has celebrated more than 16 cat adoptions. Hilton said she hopes that every visitor to Java Cats has a positive experience because for her, that’s the most important thing.

“I want people to come in not just expecting a gimmicky cat cafe but a really warm and friendly coffee shop,” said Hilton. “The cats are definitely an element that’s unique and cool, but I want the service here to be exceptional and blow people away. I want this to be a feel-good place, I want people to come in here and feel good about where their money is going.”

If you love coffee and if you love cats, be sure to visit Java Cats for some quality coffee, a fun evening with cute kittens and the opportunity to connect with a good cause in the community.

As college students and artists, there are several daily activities that SCAD Atlanta students struggle with. The major topics of discussion tend to be about lack of sleep or a lack of good food. As young adults we tend to bite off more than we can chew — school work, projects, extra-curricular activities and part-time jobs.  We need to be able to find the time to have a social life, sleep for 8 hours, be physically healthy and eat right. So what do we really compromise on? How do we fit 40 hours of life in the 24 we have each day?

Illustration by Masha Zhdanova.

Some students entering their freshman year at college walk straight out of a house where they had food ready to be served. Their mom or dad might have planned meals for the day, or they gave them enough money to go out to eat. But now, here they are in dorm rooms or a first apartment. Suddenly there is nobody here to help if they really need it. So what do they turn to?

For those who have meal plans, there is a reliable food source everyday. But sometimes the Hub runs out of your favorite dish, the options are less than healthy, or the meal times don’t match our schedules. An easy option is to rely on Chipotle, Chik-Fil-A and Sweet Hut, but not only is this hurting our pockets, it’s hurting our bodies in the long run.

Diya Sachdev, a second-year interior design student, shared her struggles with not knowing how to cook.

“I have lived at home all my life,” said Sachdev. “On some occasions I’d go into the kitchen and see glimpses of what was being made, but I would never have to worry. Today, I stand in the kitchen of my apartment, completely clueless about how I’m going to go about my day with just one meal. Most days I eat some mac and cheese when I’m in a rush for class. Or if I’m lucky, a friend who does know, cooks a meal and that makes my day. But I can’t remember the last time I had three proper meals in a day.”

Sachdev also said that she could feel the negative effects of her routine on her health.

It is a challenge as a full time student to make time to cook or to cook something that’s actually nutritious. It’s important that we prioritize. It’s time we start learning how to cook, because ramen is not a solution.

For Maggie Schneider, a first-year film and television student and aspiring musician, music has always been a major part of her life. Even at the age of four, Schneider was jamming out to Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” and the soundtrack of “Beauty and the Beast” on her Disney karaoke machine.

Photo by Christian Zubernis.

As a child, she began learning piano. Though she never took lessons, she was always enthusiastic about learning so she taught herself. Later, Schneider began taking lessons in guitar. She also attended a variety of music camps such as Camp Rock and Camp Jam where she met musicians her age and was exposed to a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere. She then began to perform at coffee shops and played her first duo set at the Masquerade at the age of 12. Schneider’s incredible talent was soon recognized by industry members in hotspot music destination Nashville,  and was brought out to meet All Time Low frontman Rian Dawson and record with him and his band.

One of Schneider’s fondest memories has been with another one of her inspirations, the band State Champs. Schneider has been following them for six years since seeing them in their early days at the Masquerade, and so Schneider made a music video saying she wanted to sing with their band. After extensive sharing and promotion from her friends and family, the video caught the attention of the band. At one of their performances in Atlanta, the lead singer of the band called Schneider up and asked if she wanted to perform with them. Schneider got to perform in front of 2,000 people that night.

Schneider’s music style is primarily punk and alternative rock. Some of her favorite bands include Paramore and, of course, All Time Low. For Schneider, music is her canvas. If she is having a bad day or if she’s bored, she finds her peace in playing her guitar and writing lyrics.

Photo by Christian Zubernis.

“I write about everything from friendship to heartbreak,” Schneider said. “Sometimes I write about the rough patches of life, being isolated or lonely. To expand and cover both sides of the spectrum, I write about being comforted and hope and things to look forward to.”

Even though Schneider’s dream is to be a great musician, she has other passions as well, such as her program of study at SCAD Atlanta.

“Studying film and television requires a lot of time, as do most majors here at SCAD,” Schneider said. “This lets me keep music as my own thing, something that I can turn to when I don’t feel like finishing my foundations project or writing an essay. Music doesn’t become work for me and the element of fun might get sucked out if I had to take classes for it or something.”

With a plate mostly full due to her full time college schedule, Schneider still tries to play once a month to stay connected to performing and the music industry. She recently performed at the Masquerade with fellow student musicians and their band, The TwoTakes. Schneider has worked hard, and as a result has met her inspirations and continued to gain more exposure for herself and her music. The world should keep a look out for Schneider and the amazing things she’s going to do in the music industry.

By Allison Bolt

Illustration by Emily Keniston.

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.”
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

Freshmen year — words that strike fear into the most confident of high school seniors. Whether you were proclaimed in your yearbook to be the class clown, most likely to succeed, best dressed or any other superlative, you are now entering an entirely new realm. You have chosen SCAD and as upperclassmen, we commend you on your wonderful choice. You now find yourself among the ranks of an extremely talented, creative and driven freshman class. You have already conquered the difficult decision of which college to attend, stepped outside the norm and chosen an art school, and left home to attend. You should commend yourself on your bravery.

Soon you will find yourself in foundations classes. You’ll sit in Drawing I and suddenly be overwhelmed by the challenges that have been thrown at you. Luckily, some of the world’s greatest novelists are here to give some insight on how to handle all of these new, and sometimes frightening, elements of your life.

“We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over.”
“Fahrenheit 45” by Ray Bradbury

The first daunting task of your first year is, of course, “I don’t know anyone.” Making new friends is difficult for most people. At orientation, you will encounter outgoing students who seem to be able to talk to anyone and everyone. They march into orientation with a ready-made group of friends surrounding them that they only met a few hours ago. You may wonder, how do they do it? I will tell you the only tip that you need to know when it comes to meeting new people, is to just talk. I promise that the majority of people in orientation are just as alone and terrified as you are. One small “hello” or a kind word will start the conversation. Once the conversation is going you’re free to relax because the hard part is over.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Once you have said the first “hello” to countless freshmen at orientation, exchanged numbers and returned to your dorm, it’s easy to lose track. One thing people do not tell you about college: you will meet a plethora of people but will only remain friends with a few. This is not a bad thing. I repeat, this is ok. To actually form a reliable and true friendship requires time and getting to know that person. You can’t be expected to balance classes and form lasting friendships with thirty people all at once. This is not to say that you won’t have thirty friends. It’s more to say that you will find a few close friends that become your family while away from home. Take the time to get to know them and be there for them and they will return the favor.

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear.”
“Dune” by Frank Herbert

So you entered art school as a photography major and have absolutely no design experience, or in my case, you entered art school as a writing major absent of drawing experience, yet you’re expected to pass all of these drawing courses. Maybe you are extremely experienced but still nervous to hang your work in front of the class. Don’t let fear ruin anything about your freshman year. Whether it’s making that first mark in Drawing I, hanging your work up for critique, meeting new people, sitting alone in the hub — never let fear consume you. Freshmen year is all about trying hundreds of new things. That familiar feeling of your stomach in knots will subside the moment you take the leap.

“I don’t like work— no man does— but I like what is in the work— the chance to find yourself.”
“Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad

In case you missed the student-made mantra that say SCAD actually stands for “Sleep Comes After Death,” you might want to be aware that your classes will be a lot of work. I’m sure you have figured this out by now, maybe just from doing your pre-quarter assignments or reading over your syllabus. This work load is challenging and necessary. These ten-week, labor intensive classes, taught by elite professors with extreme industry insight, will provide you with the utmost skill and knowledge. You will find your style, practice, craft, aesthetic, work ethic and so on. You will discover that you can not only handle the workload but enjoy it at the end of every quarter as your portfolio grows.

“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.”
“A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway

There will come a night when you find yourself sitting on your floor in Spring House with art supplies scattered all around you. You will look at the clock that reads 4:38 a.m. and have doubts. These are the moments when you must push forward. Whether it’s a harsh critique, an all-nighter, or a piece you are not proud of, you must push forward. We all know the typical “learn from your mistakes” quote, but Hemingway has a way of making it sound uplifting. You will have doubts, fears and days when you want to quit. Push through it and see how strong you can become.

“We need never be ashamed of our tears.”
“Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens

While you push forward, remember you are human. It is okay to cry or become frustrated or do whatever makes you feel better. In college, it is essential to stay in tune with yourself and take care of your body and mind. Do not be ashamed. Take some much needed “you” time, wipe the tears and keep pushing forward.

“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.”
“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck

At SCAD, you will find yourself in entirely new surroundings. You have been dropped off in the middle of Atlanta, alone, and now you must figure it out. As terrifying as this may sound, just think back to basic safety lessons we have all heard. Learn your surroundings, open up the map app on your phone and take a look around. Rely on the buddy system. Always travel with at least one other person, especially at night. Think about the situation or area you are in, and rely on your instincts. Remember, SCAD provides safe transportation whether it’s the shuttles or late-night SCAD Safe Rides. Be city smart when it comes to carrying cash, walking at night, carrying pepper spray and so on. Before you know it, Atlanta will be home and you will own the streets.

“Maybe you had to leave in order to really miss a place; maybe you had to travel to figure out how beloved your starting point was.”
“Handle With Care” by Jodi Picoult

Homesickness — the feeling that is all too familiar for a freshman in college. Whether you moved thirty minutes away or from an entirely different country, homesickness is inevitable. Everyone feels homesickness in one way or another and it’s completely normal. In fact, it’s a good thing because you begin to develop a deeper love for the place you came from. Luckily, great ways to cope with homesickness are available to us in the age of iPhones and the internet. Facetime and phone calls with your family, or going out with friends to get your mind off everything, or even focusing on homework are all great ways to help cure homesickness. Before you know it, these ten weeks will end and you will be visiting home and missing SCAD.

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.”
“Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll

The final fear that you will face as you get farther along in your SCAD career: what do I want to do with my life? This question can come into play so many times throughout your college experience. Whether it’s picking a major, trying to fill up a resume, finding a job or even just determining what you want for dinner that night, this question will haunt you. The good news is SCAD is here to help and so are your peers. Speak with your advisors, attend major and career fairs, try all types of classes, and simply learn what you like and what you don’t like. Everyone is always questioning who they are and what they want to do, even the most “adult” adults, I promise. Just relax and explore. You will soon find yourself piecing the puzzle together.

The Unicorn Frappuccino at Starbucks may have only been available for a short period of time, but it was the ultimate representation of the ever-growing unicorn trend that has been circulating for some time now. Makeup palettes, outfits, stationary, accessories, food and drinks have all been guilty of flaunting some kind of unicorn inspiration. It’s no surprise that Starbucks hopped on this trend, featuring this mango-mocha drink that lasted only one week. It seems most everyone tried it and didn’t like it, but everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon because it was ‘unicorn.’ But what is the deal with unicorns and why the sudden surge in popularity? Why is this mythical creature such a mascot for everything happy and utopian?

It turns out that a lot of the current obsession with unicorns goes back to our childhoods. While unicorns have been featured in folklore for hundreds of years, the unicorn became more current and socially prevalent after Lisa Frank’s infamous school supplies were introduced in the 1990s. Amidst Lisa Frank’s rainbows and glitter, unicorns became less of a grand mythical creature and more of a cutesy icon for young girls. Did you ever go to up to your dad and ask him for a pony? Did you ever draw a colorful unicorn with your Crayon set? Back then, everything seemed simple, soft and cuddly, and now all of that is just a memory. Perhaps this resurgence of unicorns is because people are drawn to this creature that evokes those emotions from childhood. Essentially, everyone is simply being nostalgic.

Since the rage of Lisa Frank’s colorful, unicorn-plastered products in the 1990s, we have arrived in 2017 where everything unicorn is popular once again, though with a bit of an upgrade. It all seemed to start with the most popular dessert that almost everyone loves, cake. But in our world of plenty, why would the unicorn inspiration stop there? It soon went on to inspire more colorful creations, from rainbow bagels to purple hot chocolate and ice cream. Anything with a dollop of sprinkles and an excess of sugar became ‘unicorn’. Soon it wasn’t just food as even fashion has taken notice with designers like Marc Jacobs delivering unicorn clothing. The world began to mimic the trend everywhere, with unlimited unicorn-themed posts shared on a daily basis on Instagram and Pinterest.

The Starbucks drink was not the last of the unicorn trend. There will still likely be more pastel contraptions for years to come. As for now, the magic continues with a new mythical marvel. The Dragon Frappuccino is in select Starbucks now so for those who didn’t catch the Unicorn Frappuccino, you can still relive some of that childhood magic.

by Lynn Maarouf

Photo courtesy of Dinesh Dave.

While finding post-graduate work can be challenging for anyone, it can be extra tough for international students who have to deal with things like visas, sponsorships, extra costs, stricter deadlines and even discrimination from potential employers. Though the process can be intimidating, Dinesh Dave, an alumnus of SCAD who graduated with a B.F.A. in graphic design, had a lot to say on the subject. Dave, who is originally from the United Kingdom and currently works for Apple, was happy to share his experiences and perspective to help guide international students who are struggling with finding a job.

The biggest struggle international students will face is maintaining or obtaining a visa. In general, as an international student you will have 60 days after graduation to either enroll in another college program for further studies or enroll in an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to gain employment after you graduate from college on an F-1 visa. The OPT program allows you to extend your F-1 visa status for a year while you work, train or intern in your area of study. Applying for an OPT program can take several months, so you should apply well in advance of your anticipated graduation. If you want to stay in the US for a longer period of time, you will need a company to sponsor you for an H-1b non-immigrant visa. This visa will allow you to remain employed at that company for at least three years.

For Dave, the obstacle of getting a visa was a big factor in the hiring process. “My struggles were a lot to do with companies and getting a visa extension and knowing that they can help because for companies and agencies, people want to hire amazing designers out of college but really cheap,” said Dave. “As soon as they see that they need to add an extra expense for your visa, it’s an automatic turn-off.”

Dave believes that while some companies may initially be turned off by the idea of hiring someone requiring visa sponsorship, international students can be very beneficial to companies. The biggest strength international students bring to the table, according to Dave, is culture and perspective.

“It’s strange how a lot of Americans do not have as strong a culture or understanding of other cultures outside of America,” said Dave. “A good example is that for companies like Apple and many other large tech and retail companies, the largest market right now is China and India but Americans don’t have a clue about working in the Chinese market, or their culture or way or working. International designers bring a sense of understanding and knowledge to companies that need that guidance, and you could be a large asset to the company if you can bring those skills.”

The most important thing, according to Dave, is to share your passion with potential employers.

“I believe success for international students is breaking rules, meeting people and showing that passion you have for design, your ambition for changing the world,” said Dave. “It goes a really long way.”

For international students seeking more information, visit the International Student Services Office Facebook page or email issoatl@scad.edu.

One of the most common pieces of advice given to art students by industry professionals is to keep a regular sketchbook. The Connector spoke with Lydia Futral, a fourth-year illustration student, about the importance of keeping a personal sketchbook and how she feels it helps her develop as an illustrator.

by Lydia Futral

The Connector: Tell us a little about yourself and why did you decide to pursue illustration as a career?

Futral: I knew I wanted to be an illustrator at a very young age. My dad used to read aloud to my siblings and I all the time and that made me fall in love with story telling. Illustration is the visual version of storytelling.

The Connector: Why do you keep sketchbooks?

Futral: I keep sketchbooks because one of my professors told me that If I sketched everyday I would see an, exponential growth in my art. And he was right. Technically and conceptually, my art has advanced by leaps and bounds since I started regularly keeping a sketchbook and the whole creative process comes much more easily now.

The Connector: Do you think keeping sketchbooks helps you improve as an illustrator?

Futral: Yes, as an illustrator sketching lets you experiment and explore with relatively low cost and time commitment. Your sketchbook is where you think. All your planning for your serious projects happens there in the pages of your everyday doodles. You should have pages and pages of quick thumbnails and word lists on top of your other sketching. And write — if you feel a concept write it out. It gets your head in the right place.

The Connector: For most people the biggest setback on starting a new sketchbook is the fear of ruining the sketchbook. Have you ever felt the same? If you did, how did you overcome it?

Futral: I think the fear of low quality sketches is a valid one. No one wants to see work that they consider to be subpar. But the problem is in that thinking. All your work serves a purpose of problem solving. If the artwork is not good then you learned something from that. You learned what to do to make not-good art and that knowledge aids you in making good art. Another piece of advice is to treat your sketchbook like an exploration. If you have a weak spot in your work, go to war on that weakness in your sketchbook. I was not always confident about my figure drawing so thats all I ever did in my sketchbooks.

The Connector: What is your favorite materials to sketch with?

Futral: I’m pretty simple but specific when it comes to sketchbooks. Two .5 mechanical pencils, one with 2b lead, one with 4b lead. Occasionally, I use a 6b wood pencil. Having two type of lead lets you work out the drawing in the harder lead then go back over and bring out the part you like in the darker lead.

The Connector: What would be the best advice you can give to any aspiring artists about exploring their talent and keeping sketchbooks?

Futral: Top advice: draw constantly. The famous sociologist Malcolm Gladwell says that mastery comes after 10,000 hours of work. Thats 416 days or drawing. Start putting in your hours. Carry your sketchbook everywhere. You have a set goal for mastery. Get to it.

by Lydia Futral

by Lydia Futral

by Lydia Futral

The Writers’ Corner features poetry, essays, short stories, satire and various fiction and non-fiction from SCAD Atlanta students. To submit your own work for the Writers’ Corner, email features@scadconnector.com.

“Warm Water Wonderings of a Wallflower” by Paulomi Mukherjee

The warm water hugs her as she thinks about what you said,

Blames herself, and regrets all her doings as she weeps in bed.

“Did I say something? Do I deserve this?” she asks herself,

And sometimes she sticks her head in the sand and chooses to walk it off.

Her head, a porcelain teacup, overflowing at the brink,

Filled with bittersweet memories and the advice from her shrink.

Why do you choose to say all those things you say to her,

Criticize her mannerisms, her decisions and everything she’s made of?

She is the ostrich being ostracized for the definition of her.

Your words make her cringe and her toes start to curl.

“Let it go, keep calm,” she tells herself everyday,

While you vultures suck her soul out, bit by bit.

She can be who she wants to be and say what she wants,

An Independent individual, as strong as a rock.

She thinks to herself, “They’re insecure about who they are.”

And so they feed on my happiness, take pleasure as I scar.

SCAD’s annual Out to Launch (O2L) event functions as a reverse career fair for graduating SCAD students. Businesses make their rounds from table to table and the students do the presenting. The event represents all of SCAD Atlanta’s major programs and features students exclusively selected by their department.

Although this may sound like artistic nepotism, it’s actually an interesting jump-starter for students to connect with their professors. It is also motivation to revamp their portfolios and do their best, just as “senioritis” kicks in. On the day of the event, students need a digital presentation like a website or a PowerPoint presentation, and a take-away with their contact information, like a business card or branded pen.

At the 2017 O2L, students had the option to suggest companies they would like SCAD to invite on their behalf, which happened to be a particularly necessary feature for the photography students this year. There has been a notorious lack of photography-related companies represented at O2L in the past.

I agreed to participate at this year’s event out of sheer curiosity. I was also looking forward to getting some interviewing practice, gauging the Atlanta market and having a great excuse to buy business casual outfits. Unfortunately, that was almost all that was gained during this fair.

We were scheduled to meet at the Digital Media Center (DMC) early in the morning to prepare our individual stations. Hours later, we were provided a boxed lunch and a pep talk from an industry professional. This year’s speaker was former Nike executive and Philadelphia 76ers trainer, Kevin Carroll. He spoke and we laughed and got a little tingly/excited for our unknown futures.

Then the event began, and we waited. The computer rooms were categorized by concentration, so my room was predominantly photography majors. We waited for an entire hour after the official start of O2L before our first prospect entered the room. Meanwhile, we could hear the roar of networking and lives changing in the other rooms. When the representatives finally did pay us a visit, we all perked up in hopes of starting a conversation, only to find that he was just looking. Eventually, some other companies made their rounds and business cards were exchanged. It was all very cordial. I was impressed by some of the companies on the roster, but most of them were not looking for photographers.

Most of us had exchanges with representatives from reputable places interested in positions for social media or low-paying assistant positions. There were niche local companies searching for a freelance photographer or looking to collaborate, which is code for unpaid labor. It is very difficult to call it all a waste, because even just one connection with the right person in the right moment has the potential to change the trajectory of one’s career.

At least, that is the hope for myself and my photography colleagues after hours of people passing by, SCAD faculty and administrators checking in and small companies looking for unpaid interns. It is safe to say I was glad I did not spend hundreds on takeaways or wear heels. So instead of putting all of my hope in a handout, I will continue to make my own connections, build my own network, consult with professors and scrounge for jobs like many photographers simply have to do.

The Writers’ Corner features poetry, essays, short stories, satire and various fiction and non-fiction from SCAD Atlanta students. To submit your own work for the Writers’ Corner, email features@scadconnector.com.

“Winged” by Katie Miller

Lady of the house,
If I may intrude
Though I be unwelcome and rude,
I cannot resist
The seeping stench
Coming from this silent address.

Caked films of white
Clinging to clutter,
To trinkets on shelves,
Stick like immortal snow.

Corpses of creatures
Strangled by silk
Collect in corners.
A hundred gray winged things
An infestation feasts violently
Trapped in the coat closet.

Lady of the house,
Wrinkled and withered
Your hair silver and sparse.
Red rivers stop flowing
Beneath spotted skin.
Your cold crooked fingers
With mine finally meet.

You perishable tent
Contributing dust
Behind tattered drapes,
Hoarding must
In a house corrupted by rust.

Porcelain idols encased in glass
With sleepy eyes
And painted pouts
Faithless friends mock you.
Antique lady
A sitting rotting thing.

Lady of the house,
If I may escort you.
Like a swarm of moths set free
With paper wings
Let us float.
Like a million glittering specks
Rising into the night sky.

After weeks and weeks of hard work, it’s that time of the quarter when you only have one project left — your final project, which can make the difference between a B and an A. To make things even worse, all of your final projects are due at the same time because that’s just how it’s done. So it’s crunch time, which means lots of stress, sleepless nights and a whole lot of caffeine.

Illustration by Kire Torres.

Here are a few things to keep in mind during the final stretch of the quarter to help you survive:

Get some sleep.
No matter how much work you have, how many sketchbooks you need to turn in, or even if you have your entire color theory project left, it’s very important to space things out well enough to get some quality sleep. The National Sleep Foundations recommends seven to nine hours of sleep a night for young adults. An all-nighter is one of the worst things for you during finals week because you need sleep to keep your body functioning. Without it, your mind, memory and mood are all affected. Use your time management skills to get enough sleep and maximize your productivity.

Eat well.
Yes, food is a priority. During finals week people tend to skip meals and work through regular meal times. If you spare just 20 minutes to go on a grub run, your workflow could become much more productive. However, quick calories such as fast food will leave you exhausted. Keep some granola or cereal handy so that you have something to help fuel you, or get something from the school cafeteria that can keep you going for a good 3-4 hours. Avoid excessive sugar at this point, as this tends to leave us even hungrier as the sugar rush dies down. We also tend to feel more tired once the sugar is out of our system. Stay away from carbonated energy drinks and Frappuccinos.

Switch between projects.
If you have three submissions in one week, it means a heavy workload for the weekend before. Sometimes it can be effective to plan your work process in such a way that you focus on one project for a portion of time and then switch to another to vary the experience. That can help clear your mind and get a new perspective on things. As art students, it’s important to pause at intervals and take a step back to look at what’s happening from a distance. Ask for critique from friends to get an opinion or suggestions for your work.

Put your phone on mute.
Getting distracted is very easy. While it is true that “all work and no play” makes any student dull, spending too much time with our phone can lead to fatigue and a lack of productivity. It is best to keep our phones and social media platforms on mute so as to avoid minute-by-minute notifications. This will help us get our work done faster and better.

A strong finals performance may not be as hard as it sounds. With the nerves set aside and the right mindset, we can all get through this. Before you know it, it’ll be done. You’ll be able to pat yourself on the back, not feel guilty and enjoy the summer. Good luck Bees!

by Katherine Diaz Villegas

Photo by Tyler McClelland.

As any fashion enthusiast knows, even with years of preparation and organization fashion week is truly chaotic. For those who don’t know, it’s several large events that involve many people from all kinds of fields to showcase next season’s new looks. It does pay off, however, as fashion week is very exclusive so it creates a demand for the experience. Many would even stand outside in the cold and rain just to catch a glimpse of the supermodels, a favorite designer or one of many celebrities.

This past weekend was SCAD’s own fashion extravaganza, SCAD FASHWKND, and for the first time ever, the Atlanta campus got to join in the fun. Savannah had their usual runway show outdoors this year, which created beautiful color contrasts with all the different looks, while Atlanta took a different route in the form of vignettes. This lead the entire weekend to be a whole different kind of fashion experience where there was more room to play and cater to each specific look made by all of the senior fashion students.

The Atlanta Showcase began on the third floor of the main building, which guests would enter directly from the parking deck. Before guests walked through, staff asked that guests open their browser on their mobile device and follow along with a virtual pamphlet created to help guide the show. The pamphlet had each of the vignettes and information of their corresponding designer. Then, guests would pass small stations where there would typically be three or more models standing, sitting or switching poses with limited movement.  All in all, it was a beautifully orchestrated event that produced a different type of experience for fashion lovers.

Photo by Tyler McClelland.

As a fashion design student, I was asked if I would like to help out and volunteer for the show. I jumped at the chance to witness the backstage aspect of something I myself might be involved in later on. I helped out both at the rehearsal on Saturday and the day of the event on Sunday. My role was a dresser so I helped unload all of the garments, unpack them, organize them and then help dress the models.

As with most fashion shows, everything kept getting pushed back as certain parts of the process would run later than others. This created some stress, but we all knew the show would come together beautifully. I was truly in awe of how much planning goes into these type of shows. Working behind the scenes really made me appreciate not just the amazing designers and models, but everyone else who contributes and makes sure the show runs smoothly and free of error.

I really encourage everyone to help out and volunteer. Be sure to check your email for any opportunities SCAD has for you. As a volunteer you learn so much and get to help put together amazing shows. They almost always provide you with a shirt, and if the day is long, some food and snacks. Helping out and and getting more experience was truly an amazing opportunity.

Photo by Emma Dakin.

If the sweltering Georgia sun is starting to get to you or you’re convinced you might just melt from the humidity the next time you step out your front door, the Colorado Rocky Mountains promise fresh alpine breezes, beautiful nature scenes and plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Estes Park, Colo., located just 90 minutes outside the state’s capitol of Denver, offers a variety of activities and points of interest. Established in 1859, the town has historical ties to gold-mining and trapping and today is a top tourist destination in Northern Colorado.

What to Do Estes Park is a quintessential mountain town in that its main street is lined with mom and pop stores, art galleries, souvenir shops and local restaurants. But, one of the most unique attractions Estes Park has to offer is the Stanley Hotel. Made famous in the Stephen King film “The Shining” (1980), the Stanley Hotel was originally built in 1909 and boasts grand Colonial Revival architecture and panoramic views of Lake Estes and the Rockies. Whether you choose to stay at the hotel or not, the Stanley Hotel is worth a walk around the grounds and facilities. Visitors are welcome to take a traditional sight-seeing tour, or for those more intrigued by the paranormal, the hotel also offers a “Night Spirit” tour.

Photo by Emma Dakin.

Estes Park also offers access to a variety of outdoor activities including white-water rafting, horseback riding, cycling, kayaking, camping and fishing. Estes Park is also the most popular gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), which is an experience in itself. Wildlife encounters are a regular occurrence in the park which is home to moose, elk, bears, bighorn sheep, wolves and a variety of birds and rodents. The park’s terrain varies greatly and visitors can also expect stunning vistas of the park’s natural wonders, from the snow-capped peaks to the lush valleys.

Where to Eat For fine dining, Estes Park has several options including the Cascades Restaurant at the Stanley Hotel or the rustic-inspired Twin Owls Steakhouse, but there’s plenty of affordable options for the average college student as well. Baba’s Burgers and Gyros is a solid choice, offering elk burgers and buffalo burgers in addition to regular fare, while Chicago’s Best is an excellent hole-in-the-wall pizza joint. To satisfy a sweet tooth, pop into the Taffy Shop for some hand-pulled taffy or Munchin House for candies, homemade fudge and more than 40 flavors of all-natural ice cream.

Where to Stay Given that Estes Park has almost become a resort town which sees most of its visitors during the summer months, lodging can reach some fairly pricey levels at the various hotels and lodges around town. While a stay at the Stanley Hotel would certainly be grand, an average night can cost more than $350. Alternatively, Airbnb offers various local homes and cabins with private spare rooms for less than $50 and camping is always a solid option for the budget traveler, especially when your campsite is nestled into the majestic surroundings of the Rocky Mountains. For more information on activities, food and lodging in Estes Park, click here.  

Photo by Emma Dakin.

If you’re in the mood to hit the beach this summer, forget Tybee Island and head south instead to the white sand beaches of Destin, Fla. Destin is conveniently located on the northern coast of Florida, just a five-hour drive from Atlanta, and offers everything a good beach town needs: good seafood, water sports and activities, an active nightlife, and of course, quality beaches.  

What to Do While the obvious thing to do in Destin is to spend time at the beach, be sure to check out everything else the city has to offer. From kayaking to boating to jet skiing, Destin offers various water activities, many of which can be rented directly from the main harbor. Parasailing is another excellent water activity that includes sky-high panoramic views of Destin and the surrounding ocean. Heading inland, Destin offers several options for those seeking retail therapy. Destin Commons include standard stores like H&M, Express and Abercrombie, while Grand Boulevard offers more upscale shops such as Anthropologie, J. Crew and Lily Pulitzer. The Silver Sands Premium Outlets include an extensive number of stores and brands at a deep discount as well. Just outside of Destin is access to 30A, the scenic stretch of road that runs along the Florida coast through a sequence of small beach towns, including Seaside, the location for the film “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey.

Photo by Emma Dakin.

Where to Eat Any lover of seafood will be happy in Destin. Originally established as a fishing village, Destin continues to uphold its reputation as freshly caught fish like snapper and grouper are offered in almost every dining establishment. Jackacuda’s Seafood and Sushi is a great choice for staying in the harbor area, though further inland Half Shell Oyster House offers some of the best oysters in town.

Where to Stay Despite being a top tourist spot in the summer, there are several budget hotels in the area that offer rooms for less than $100 a night. It may even be worth splurging a little for a hotel within walking distance to the beach, as it eliminates the hassle of trying to find parking for whenever you want to enjoy the beach. For more information on dining, activities and lodging in Destin, click here.  

Photo by Brooke Garnett.

Orlando is arguably one of the most popular tourist and vacation destinations in the world due to being the home of Disneyworld, Universal Studios and Sea World. Before you go though, e sure to research your trip thoroughly. Know what the costs are, make as many reservations in advance that you can and remember to include waiting on lines as part of your day.

What to Do
Obviously, the parks are a must. If you’ve never been to the Magic Kingdom, it is always a memory-maker on the list of stops. While not as thrilling as Universal Studios, it’s classic. Experiencing it as an adult is completely different than going as a kid so you have to go back even if you’ve been already. Spend the day, wear the ears, take a picture with Mickey and embrace being a kid again. There are some thrills to be had at Magic Kingdom.

The next stop at Disney World is Epcot. Epcot is the perfect park for the foodies of the world, offering fare from different countries and cultures. Though Epcot is in the process of revamping many of the rides and its pavilion, this park is worth its weight in the culinary adventures alone.

For the film buffs of the world, Disney’s MGM Studios is where you’ll want to spend a day.  The park offers great rides with lots of movie stuff and live shows. Note that all of the Disney parks have fireworks at 9 p.m.

Universal Orlando offers two parks — Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure.  Both offer fantastic thrill rides geared toward the more mature visitor, but they still do have attractions that are fun for all ages as well. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Spiderman, Dr. Zeuss, Transformers and E.T. are all just a small part of the fantastic options. The major rides are split between the two parks, so you really have to go to both to get the full effect.

When you need to cool off, try one of the Disney or Universal water parks. Disney has two to offer with Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, or if you want something more thrilling, head to Universal’s brand new Volcano Bay water park.

Make sure to wander around Disney Springs (formerly The Disney Boardwalk), which now boasts 108 shops including Alex &

Photo by Brooke Garnett.

Ani, Uniqlo, Kate Spade, American Rag, and Lacoste. Of course, there is always the giant, magical World of Disney Store.  Think of it as a giant Disney Store organized by customer type (seriously, even your dad will find something to love in here). Disney Springs also offers 12 entertainment options including a House of Blues, AMC Movie Theater and even a Cirque Du Soleil show.

Orlando has plenty to offer besides just the parks so make sure to get out and explore. Downtown Orlando is a huge, vibrant

city with tons to do including sports and concerts. Spend the day in Winter Park, stopping on the weekend at the local farmers market, then wandering down Main Street and stopping in the various shops and restaurants, or spend the day in Ivanhoe Village, the heart of Orlando’s art scene. Also be sure to try the lower end strip in Kissimmee with Old Town’s weird shops, car shows, bungee ride and massive ferris wheel. Orlando also boasts, two luxury outlet malls, and The Mall at Millenia, which is similar to our Lennox Square Mall.

Where to Eat
Stop by the Hard Rock Cafe for legendary milkshakes and burgers for dinner and after head to the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen for some delicious sugary confections.  Do not go to Disney and not have a Dole Whip, Mickey ears ice cream and turkey leg. For the white tablecloth variety, try Café D Antonio, or Celebration for fine Italian fare or any of the finest restaurants in the park hotels. If you’re in search of something a little more local, try Sea Dogs Brewing Company on the Sea World Side which offers fantastic food that changes seasonally, and they have a great happy hour. The BBQ nachos are completely amazing, do not miss out on them. For vegans and vegetarians, try the Dixie Dharma or Loving Hut.

Where to Stay
Both Disney and Universal offer hotels at a range of prices to ensure that anyone wanting to stay close to their parks can, regardless of budget. They usually offer free transportation to the parks as a bonus. If you want to get away from that though, there are tons of options for you at a huge range of prices. The Sea World side of town is a little calmer and quieter and because it is a few exits up on the highway, it’s a little less touristy than the Kissimmee area. Most hotels also have discounts that you can use if you’re savvy enough to find them. If you are a member of AAA, Marriott offers a discount for all of their accommodations and many hotels also offer a student discount as well.  Prices will also vary according to the season.

From July 31 to Aug. 4, more than 14 SCAD students were at the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, commonly know as SIGGRAPH. This event was an immense opportunity to know more about upcoming concepts in the computer graphics and interactive gaming and animation industry. 

SIGGRAPH is a well-known organization that runs on the support of its volunteers. While the non-profit organization has a variety of donations, a key part of this convention is the support it gets through its student volunteers. Every year, SIGGRAPH hosts two conferences, one in Asia and one in North America. This year the conference was held in the booming city of Los Angeles.

Student volunteers were exposed to a diverse range of topics led by industry professionals from the likes of Disney directors Ron Clements and John Musker, to technical directors and software engineers at Blizzard and Riot Games. The versatility of this convention gave everyone who is interested this industry a place to be, learn and grow. 

While SIGGRAPH is a place for people to learn, it also gave students the chance to build brilliant relationships with people who are probably struggling and going through similar experiences. Being a student volunteer taught leadership skills, team building, multi-tasking and professional aesthetic skills, all qualities that successful people in the industry inculcate. 

Students left feeling connected with the people they networked with and filled with the incredible amount of information that there is to know as a professional in the computer graphics work environment. 

Photo by Prosenjit Bagchi.

When asked about her SIGGRAPH experience, Betsy Pippen, a graduate animation student, said, “I’m so glad SCAD students connected me to SIGGRAPH this year. It was such an awesome opportunity for networking and learning more about the computer graphics industry.”

Pippen said that her favorite part of the conference was meeting so many cool people. “I made a ton of friends that are passionate about the same things I am, which made me motivated to keep working hard to do what I love,” said Pippen. “I recommend it to anyone interested in computer graphics.” 

Overall, the SIGGRAPH experience was fully loaded with positivity, information and knowledge. It was an experience of a lifetime and students are already looking forward to the next annual conference, scheduled to take place in Vancouver.