Dreamscapes

I knew from the get-go that this semester was going to be my most work-intensive yet. I knew that because aside form my Thesis 1, I had 3 more design-heavy subjects, Publication being the heaviest. I heard it from other students who took the class before, and they all came with one warning: take on a topic that you like or else…

Basically, we were tasked to self-publish our own books (or create the first prototype of it, at the least, considering the parameters of “self-publishing”). All original content from text to photos and illustrations. My professor broke down all the collateral deadlines: text drafts first, illustration and photography next, and finally the printing (CAN WE ALL AGREE that this is always the trickiest??) And we only had 3.5 months to complete it.

After crumpling my 10th scratch paper full of (dumb) concept drafts, I sat in the corner of Venice Mall’s food court, staring at another blank paper, stumped (it’s all good, I was just waiting for my ride and I didn’t want to waste any time (although I felt the pity looks from the couple beside me ???)) I took out my phone and checked what my horoscope says about this because LORD, STARS, THE COSMOS, PLEASE….HELP ME. HAHAHAHA. I needed to present a concept draft the next day and I still have 0. Lol.

That’s when it hit me—a topic I won’t get bored with and am deeply interested in: astrology; horoscope, zodiac signs, and all that hocus-pocus. But I wanted to add more dimensions on it, since I didn’t want it to be a how-to or anything like that. I mean, my zodiac knowledge is pretty good, but I’m no expert to be writing a guide book. So I added another topic to merge it with, which was dreams. I’ve always been fascinated with dreams and how our supposedly asleep brain paints all these scenarios and stories that we get momentarily (or sometimes even more) obsessed with, the moment we wake up. I thought about how dreams are visual metaphors of our subconscious and how we try to decode it to make sense of our lives. Kind of like how the early astrologers tried to make sense of life with astrology. So yes, this was going to be a good pair.

So the concept is simple: There will be 4 chapters, representing the 4 elements; and then 3 dream narratives in each. 12 dream narratives in total, for all 12 zodiac signs. Essentially, what I wanted the reader to experience with the book is the feeling of walking in a dream, waking up from it, and then finally trying to make sense of it. Each dream narratives are tailored for a specific zodiac sign, matching their characteristics, personality stereotypes, etc. The thing with dreams is the fact that it’s all metaphorical. Dream of a dog biting you and that means a possible betrayal. Dream of flying and that means you’re feeling a whole sense of freedom. And so for each dream recounts that takes place in these weird scenarios and settings, there will be key elements to it that puts the stories into perspective, fitting it into the zodiac sign it’s assigned with. And for this book, while I wanted the stories to be essentially open for interpretation of each reader, I left a “dream bank” in the back, that’s like a dream dictionary where the readers can check into. (And a few blank pages for the reader’s own dream journaling.)

Then came the second-most tricky part (because printing is the trickiest, ok, don’t even fight me on this. If you get your prints exactly the way you want it on the first go…..damn where do you get your stuff printed Imma go THERE!), the execution. For each sign, there will be a different set. So yes, we prepped for 12 shoots in 2.5 weeks, and then had the photoshoots in 5 weekends.

Here’s a sample of the spreads. Aside from the dream narratives, there’s also fun facts about each zodiac sign.

Side note: Big shoutout to my models, Jessa and Dianne (If you remember then in a previous post I had here)! You guys nailed ittt ❤️🌈💫

For now, the book I have here with me would be the first prototype. While I’m super happy with how it turned out, I’m still working on perfecting it before I decide to sell it maybe? Idk. Let me know if you guys are interested in this book, AND if you’re interested in my process with arranging the photoshoots, looks, and post! I’d love to share my experience (and maybe some Lightroom presets? Haha) with it on a separate post (because this is getting long hahaha).⭐️

Comma Apparel SS/17: Pool Party

Collaborated with Comma Apparel for their summer collection of 100% cotton short sleeved button-downs! I actually own a pair of comma apparel myself and for a person who sweat a lot (why god why), their material is very breathable, even the long sleeves! And that’s saying a lot because aside from the fact that i’m a sweater (whyyyyy), I also live in the Philippines, which in this time of the year is basically an oven.

Of Pentax and 35mm’s

I’m so excited to share this here, mainly because these are my first shots using the Pentax! What’s even more exciting was that I got the exposures right! Hahahaha

Naturally, I started with portraits (of my sister and cousin huhu thank you for always being there for my first times—even though I know you’re just after the fact that you get to have a new photo of urselves lols) and of course, plant life and my beloved dog. ❤️

All the plant life  subjects were just captured from our garden, along our street, and by the gate of our village. I guess what I’m trying to say is— let’s all try to stop and smell the roses (in this case, even just weeds/wildflowers! hahaha).

PLANTLIFE

This one actually took me an entire half a day to research on. It’s so big along our village’s gate, that I thought it’s actually a huge bush or a tree. But they’re not– they’re vines!  Although still considered as weed type of vine, look how pretty it is thooo 😦 I took this photo after a good run…..to McDonalds LOL (I was craving their Hamdesal).

I personally think Coat Buttons are very underrated. Or maybe it’s my own personal taste–I like tiny wildflowers more than the big cultivated ones. I think wildflowers are like these little surprises by mother nature. They’re small, quiet, and maybe hidden, but in the right places.

This one is from our garden 🙂 I like it for its sunny disposition, don’t you think so?

We have this chilli pepper plant in our garden that was planted by a bird. I’m not kidding. Our househelp loves birds and would observe them from time to time when they perch and make a home among the small trees we have in our garden. We all thought she was the one who planted this in our garden because she’s got that green thumb and everything, but turns out a couple of birds dropped seeds here and there along our garden (or so she says!).

PORTRAITS

I mean naturally, I’d practice on my portrait photography with this baby, sooo. I used it as well in the same photoshoot sesh I’ve posted previously. Honestly, I’m just surprised I got the exposures correct, as with the plant life photographs. I was not able to use any light meter, so I’m just really glad I got it right the first try! (No wasted films! hahahaha) What I need to practice though is my focusing.

(pls excuse my arm’s shadow 😓🙄 huhuhuhu)

See? Like I said, my focus is a little rusty there. I had a tricky time with the viewfinder because it’s a little hazy or something (I got a secondhand camera, btw). I just need to get used to it, if anything.

These two were my very first shots! A little overexposed and a little underexposed  (and a little out of focus over there) lol, but I’m glad that I still got the shot somehow.

Lastly, I want to end this post with a picture of my dog ❤️

(I believe I got the light leaks over there from when I unwinded the film wrong for a minute)