A MAGAZINE BY AND FOR THE STUDENTS OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO

WINTER 2013

JUNCTION STAFF
DESIGNERS
Jon Snyder Donald Kaufman Drake Wood Nayeli Bernadete Vernan Kee Tess Armstrong Grayson Vanloon Andrea Evangelista Jonathan Delarosa Chelsie McDowell Chad Foster

EDITORS
William Elchert Tom Lugo Ria Wallace Joel Wasserman Monica Armenta Kevin Napolitan Cover Design: TOC Design: Style Design: Type IV Instructor: Journalism Instructor: Vernan Kee Vernan Kee Andrea and Jonathan Lora Kueneman Teresa Mercsak

The information and opinions expressed and/or any artwork displayed herein or in this publication/presentation represent the independent opinions and ideas of individual students attending The Art Institute of CaliforniaSan Diego and do not represent the opinions or ideas of The Art Institute of CaliforniaSan Diego. Thank you.

JUNCTION

WINTER, 2013

AROUND THE WORLD

Cultivation of Creativity The Rebirth of Imagination

4-5

CAREER

From Structure to Creativity Transitional Careers in the Military

6-7

FEATURE
ART

Industrial Society & How its Killing Creativity

Its Surreal! Am I Dreaming? Dreams vs Reality

8-9
10-11

STUDENT LIFE

Being too Mature for Creativity Refreshing the Inner Artist

12-13

SOCIETY

Dreamers vs. Sellouts

14-15

of n o i t a v i t Cul
Creativity is the key to our success while in school and throughout adulthood. So what are we doing now to ensure the future generations are prepared for the creative world outside their classrooms?
The future of teaching is a pressing issue in todays political race and in the classrooms of our future generations. The global recession we are currently in has taken a toll on education around the world. In the United States we are seeing cutbacks in educational benefits and payroll deductions of our teachers. Whereas, in other countries like Greece some schools have been shutdown due to federal funding cuts. Classrooms today have certain techniques used in our classrooms today that are thriving despite the recent economic setbacks. Different schools from around the nation use a variety of techniques to keep their students attention, and for Ms. Elisa Coren a Vocational Program Specialist at Woods Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania keeping her students attention is at times a daunting task.

i t a Cr e

y t vi

By: William Elchert

Creativity can be encouraged in the classroom by allowing students the freedom to do projects using any type of media they choose.

Creativity is very important for the development of a students mind; therefore, limiting their options when handing out assignments may stifle their creativity. Ms. Coren said, Creativity can be encouraged in the classroom by allowing students the freedom to do projects using any type of media they choose, either individually or as a group...some students would do visual presentations, some acted out, some used their talents such as art, cooking, music, movement, etc., to get the essence of their project across. Internationally other techniques are being used such as at some of the creative ideas used in classrooms around the world. Another great way to encourage creativity is by opening up a discussion about creativity in the classroom then connect your students with students from different countries to discuss the topic. Art classrooms around the world introduce their students to creative techniques specific to their regions. For instance, in certain parts of Africa a typical art class curriculum may include textiles, pepier-mache to create ceremonial mask, pottery and basketry specific to the local tribes. Divergent thinkers are often the visionaries who go on to become inventors, scientists, writers and artists.

Traditional cooking is out and creative cooking is in? With so many television shows about cooking competitions and restaurant makeovers, it is difficult not to reevaluate your cooking. So here are some simple rules you should follow when trying to be creative in the kitchen:

Under the Influence

of

Travel
By: William Elchert

In some cultures, having a few drinks with a meal is a common custom; some believe the drink you choose is a reflection of who you are, while others think alcohol is a great conversation starter. Who knew that sitting down with a drink in hand can have a lasting effect on the locals you encounter during your travels to foreign countries? Traveling these days can be a bit of a hassle between scheduling, flight delays, flight cancellations and of course TSA, especially if you are traveling outside of the country. For some people going to your local bodega counts as a cultural experience and for others a passport is required. No matter what a persons background is or where they have traveled to, a lot can be learned during their misadventures, especially while intoxicated. Many military careers require extensive travel throughout different countries and around the globe and during their travels they experience different cultures and customs through their interaction with the local population. In many cultures, sitting down with a drink while having an intellectual conversation is a must and during those times you

With every location you visit and every person you interact with, you either gain or leave little traces of cultural influences which may have a lasting impact.
can learn a lot about how people really think and how different cultures function. Depending on the country and their political views, many more hours can be spent enjoying the indulgence of amazing food with the locals who are more than willing to provide their thoughts and ideas about our governmental leaders. With every location you visit and every person you interact with, you either gain or leave little traces of cultural influences which may have a lasting impact. Traveling can also be a way to free yourself from the stressors of everyday life that youve become accustomed to in order to explore your creative side or just a way to relax, and a few drinks may help move the process along. One can learn a great deal about the many different cultures by sitting in a classroom, surfing the net or watching videos on YouTube, but I recommend grabbing your bags, take a trip and have a couple glasses of wine with the locals. Who knows what you will learn.

Last word of advice; be creative, be daring but most of all have fun.
1. Always stay motivated and do not lose focus. 2. Think your recipes through before picking up a knife. 3. If you are trying a new technique, watch a video of someone who has the experience. 4. Use the correct cooking techniques. Research flavor profiles; you would be amazed with the countless combinations. 5. Dont be afraid to make a mistake. 6. Dont let traditional styles dictate your imagination. 7. Practice makes perfect.

CAMOUFLAGE
By: Tom Lugo

DREAMS
with them, said to one student. He was talking about the hidden wounds of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). given to the veteran student once they have graduated the program. That sounds cool, but what if one doesnt want to learn the guitar. The U.S. Department of Veter- What else is there? ans Affairs recorded 21 percent of Student Veterans of America has compiled an online Military to College Guide that offers tips for Dont be shy, get out new students and old students (visit realwarriors.net). The guide there on campus or several signs to look for in the classroom and outlines when making the transition. For mingle. example, when studying, take notes, take lots of breaks, and find a study partner. post-9/11 troops with PTSD. Does Veteran students in their 10-12 a student veteran have to deal with quarter what worked for them exams, portfolios, and PTSD? In and the resounding response was short, yes. In the long run, there dont be shy, get out there on are a multitude of resources avail- campus or in the classroom and able to ease the transition. mingle. I guess what really helps

STUDENT VETERANs CHALLENGEs TRANsITION FROM MILITARY TO sTUDENT

Approximately 800,000 veterans are attending colleges, and it is estimated 88 percent of those students dropout their first year. Only 3 percent actually graduate, according to a March 2012 study by the Colorado Workforce Development Council. Staggering numbers! Going into the military is a tough enough decision for some. However, going from the military to college can be a more challenging direction to take. Student veterans make up large portion of the student population on campus.

One thing is for sure: many student veterans face a transitional challenge. This includes going from a very structured lifestyle to a lifestyle of imagination and creativity. How does a veteran student make Guitars4Vets is one organization, the mental transition? according to their website, that I was in the Marine Corp and uses the healing power of muwent from three back to back com- sic to help our veterans. Lessons bat tours to AICSD. The toughest are used as a form of recovery part was knowing you had prob- and well being and a guitar, gig lems and needed a way to cope bag, strap, tuner, method book is

any person out is simple human interaction. Where ideas and imagination happen over a cup of Joe or a pint of pick your poison. So, if you dont have very many student friends, a great place to start is the Veterans Learning Center.

By: Tom Lugo

Where students go for imagination

As new students, we often find the all-too-familiar classroom to be overbearing. There are teachers at the pulpit orating and students at their desk taking notes. But our classroom is more of an imagination studio where we can learn and create. But what goes into creativity, especially when we face a burdensome class schedule. For some, a screaming child at home, for others, a nagging boss. A tiny Frenchman of stature once said Imagination rules the world. Where does this imagination come from? We all once had an overabundance of said imagination, pretending a firehydrant was a rocket ship, the dolls you had could walk and talk, but our imagination is often dampened with the realities of life with our creative streak petering out as a result of a daunting artistic course. To become a competitive prospect in your future careers, you have to learn creativity. So here are some words of wisdom from fellow students as well as some simple outlets and creative resources right here on the campus. We get together every Sunday evening. Someone brings a board game and explains the rules, and we just play, one student stated. What a great idea--actual human interaction with fellow students outside of the classroom! Which brings up another creative outlet: student clubs. Pick your flavor because there are plenty to go around. Pick the Advertising Club because youre an advertising student or the Arcade Club because you enjoy pixel magic. The best way to jump start your creativity is through a simple formula: get involved and enjoy what you do. Laughing out loud with a few friends at your last event means you were having a good time and feeding your brain the proper dosages of dopamine. George Carlin says something along the lines of when your brain gets the punch line, you are never more open to new ideas and concepts than at that time. Wow, that makes sense. When youre stressed out over a project and completely spent, is it easier or more difficult to conjure up the best color palette for your design? Laugh a little and share it with a fellow student. Who knows, you may run into them when you embark on your careers post-college.

By The Numbers

-Veteran Learning Center Student Affairs Office, Rm 178 -Guitars4Vets.org G4V San Diego Chapter (also on Facebook) -RealWarriors.net Veteran resources -StudentVeterans.org Resources and guides to veteran scholarships, study tips, and camaraderie opportunities -HalfOfUs.com

Jump start your creativity....enjoy what you do.

Industrial How Societ y its

Killing

Recess is Over

Inspiration Programmed

ur society is structured around one goal: making more money. Programs are cut, benefits slashed, and the supply closet is bolted shut, if it helps beef up that bottom line. Many employers require their creative departments to work within strict guidelines in order to push a particular agenda or because they believe these guidelines will aid in reaching the broadest audience and thereby produce the most profit. However, a huge chunk of change is spent by corporations every year on creative research and development. The more appealing their product, the larger their profit margin at the end of the quarter.

Enter the commercial artist. Bursting at the seams with great ideas, still running off of the steam of their college thesis project. In the corporate jungle, it wont be long until this creative mind loses all of its inspiration. Fifteen years later and a lanyard swinging from their neck displaying the title creative director still leaves them wanting for work truly inspired. Our industrious culture has been conditioned to view success as the amount of production. The workforce is unified by conforming to the lowest common denominator of performance. Ideas are viewed and reviewed several times before any honest dialog can begin. In a survey conducted by Adobe Systems, the multinational computer software company, 75% of workers feel more pressure to be productive than creative even when their job requires creativity.

& reativity
By: Ria Wallace

FEatuRE

What steps can be taken to change the course of corporate creativity? Companies like Mailchimp, an email marketing service, have set the example with extravagant office pranks and minimal approval meetings resulting in a 650% profit increase within its first year. If employers allowed commercial artist to reconnect with the imagination of their childhood, a time before restraint and practicality were understood, artists would deliver the highest quality design to the client. As a commercial artist working for for-profit companies, it is imperative to make a continuous effort to prevent the pressures of corporate expectations from distorting true art and innovation.

artists would deliver the highest quality design to the client.

Hopping Off

The Radio Flyer Band Wagon

eneral Electrics powder blue refrigerator. Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers. Rawlings baseballs. The manufacturing of prefabricated items reached its peak in the mid-twentieth creating some of the most iconic products of all time. There wasnt one street in suburbia that didnt have a bright red radio flyer wagon being pulled down it, and everyone had a pair of Levis. Not only were these items easily accessible, but they were well designed, functional, and worth their value. Vehicles, appliances, clothing, and electronics were extremely accessible and affordable to a large majority of American society. These modern convinces made life in the middle class comfortable. Theres just one problem, many of these fantastic products were not tailored to the individuals needs, everyones jeans were blue. A few decades ago, the classic Converse Chuck Taylor shoe was available in black or white. Today, the demand for customization has lead to the ability to design your own Converse shoe with optional materials and finishes via a website and receive them in less than three weeks. There are classrooms full of laptops and never one the same. Some focus on word processing while others are geared toward manipulating detailed graphics. Ironically, extreme customization is resulting in the consumer acquiring less stuff. If the individual can have exactly what they want, they only need one of each thing instead of many. Our current society faces a radical hegemonic shift from pop culture for the masses to designs customized for the individual. Consumers mentality is shifting from Keeping up with the Jacksons to ensuring their dish set is completely different than anyones on the block.

5 Forward Thinking Companies

Google SAS Institute INTEL ZAPPOS ADOBE

In addition to swimming pools, bowling alleys, and billiard rooms, Google allows their employees one whole day a week to work on their pet projects, many resulting in products available in Google Labs.

With pantries full of free food, salon, massage, and gym services, plus a free medical center, most employees would never want to leave. If they are feeling under the weather, they provide unlimited paid sick leave to their staff.

Their Great Place to Work events provide sports tickets, concerts, and golf outings for free to allow employees to build friendships. In order to understand all aspects of the company, a new hire will change positions about every 18 months.

Employees are given a $50 allowance to award deserving co-workers with each month. Zfrog awards let employees pitch their own business ideas, and offices host laughter yoga classes.

Reimburses employees up to $10,000 a year for educational expenses and matches any donations an employee makes to nonprofit organizations. The epitome of innovation, Adobe had 300 employees earned personal patents last year alone.

A R

By: Joel Wasserman

Am I sleeping or awake? Dream Art pushes the boundaries of natures laws and divine proportions. Surrealism bridges reality with other dimensions expressing unique creative genes. How would you express your dreams in this digital age?

Its Surreal!
which we can explore the paranormal. It is upon awakening that we can test new inventions and push the boundaries of existing principles. These dreams turned art, can be the very inspiration for great structures or just exercise for expressionism and freedom. Humans search endlessly to find meanings to their dreams and reference astrological signs to explain theories about life and existence. Dreams are a lot easier to process when we can extract them from our minds and put it onto a canvas for further examination. Dream Art is sharing goals and thoughts on a higher plane of communication. Its said that a picture is worth a thousand words and artwork can far exceed that. Its open to any type of interpretive meaning holding a unique value to each individual viewer. What are your dreams? How do you share them? Do you tell your friends and family, or do you lock them away for no one to see?

Students find themselves in complex situations ranging from culinary kitchens to computer labs trying to solve the demands of society and the need for innovations. Whether its a new recipe in the mix, a graphic that needs a touch up, or a an audio track in the que- it all trickles down to the artists responsibility. Deep in the mind humans shape their priorities and lives based on ambitions tailoring to achieve certain goals. A student stated that his dream job was to be Master of the Universe. Now, this does explain a designers psyche and need to create. Dream Art and Surrealism isnt just the result of your head pushed between pillows; its an escape in

Dream Art isnt just the result of your head pushed between pillows.

Dreamweaver
Have you ever found yourself doodling on a piece of paper just to escape for the moment? Whether you are laying in the grass and cloud watching, or staring off into space with deep reflection, you maybe experiencing a day dream. Woolgathering doesnt require a person to fall asleep and may very well operate from the conscious state of mind. This quiet retreat or meditation helps us recharge, seeking inner ambitions, and filtering information that might be too overwhelming. What was your last digressive thought? The average student was found to have about six hours of sleep per night, states Jennifer Donaldson, the Dean of Student Affairs. That doesnt mean we are limited to dreams just during those six hours of rest. The mind constantly wanders during the day, mixing subconscious thoughts with conscious actions. It is important to dare to dream, awake or asleep. All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible. Said Thomas E. Lawrence (author of Seven Pillars of Wisdom). Thomas E Lawrence a British Officer was refers to how life can be a waste of experience without ambition and conviction. Without any imagination our world remains a small prison to reality and circumstance. If we did not dare to dream, why would we dare to live?

By: Joel Wasserman

DREAMING?
stated Beau Runnels. As artists and creators students find themselves in the grip of progressive demands. Passion can take someone far, but when there is deadlines involved it remains difficult to be creative on demand. Usually the first step in every project requires a thought process and cognitive thinking before any work starts. So what does it all trickle down to? The brainstorm, remember that funny little thing we would sketch on paper in elementary school before book reports to organize thought process and linking information? Well it hasnt gone away; in fact its the brainstorm that facilitates the idea and the direction of the project. Whether you are aware or not, before your brain can process information, it is constantly looking for a way to organize thoughts, much like that of a computer (developed and used by the human mind). It is essential to the creative process to unplug every so often so that we can return back to reality.

I travel to new and unfamiliar surroundings to aid in my creativity.

Image by Grayson van Loon

The clouds became dark, there was thunder and lightning electrifying the sky- it wasnt your average storm front moving through the evening atmosphere. It continued to hover over the Art Institute of San Diego, California raining binary codes and technological advances that were passing through the schools network at amazing speeds. The creative cloud that encompassed the school inspired many students on campus. Minds were shocked like a scene from a horror film resurrecting a monster resembling that of man. Ideas became viral and production levels hit the roof as the energy reflected that of a living entity. What gets your creative juices flowing?

AM I

11

Thats So

By: Monica Armenta

Once the mind is set on making everything perfect, nothing will be fun or enjoyable.

Once we become adults we worry so much about our financial state, and lifestyle that creativity is left in the dark. College life is crazy living and teachers expecting your work to speak for its self. Constantly worrying about grades, internships, and future careers that creativity runs low. How can students think outside the box when they are constantly put in a box? School environment feels like a button pushing job, staring at computer screens until our brains turn into mold. Its very difficult to be an artist when the walls are as white as snow. Motivation just cant be created when everything is so plain. As a child we had endless possibilities as an artist, but as

we grow older we are constantly frown upon on. Whether that line isnt straight; or those colors arent good to the eye. Being an artist is never a forgiving lifestyle. We are constantly under a microscope as critics watch us. As they pick apart every art piece that is out for the eye to see. Art can never be childlike or have innocence like it use to be when we were children, but instead expected to be more like a photograph. If thats the case why not take a camera and take a picture of reality? Art shouldnt be taken so seriously. Once we take things to the level that it has to look realistic, we are slowly killing our imagination. Once the mind is set on making everything perfect, nothing will be fun or enjoyable. Art is meant

to make people happy and enjoy it. We are programmed to not enjoy bad art, but instead we should praise it for the effort and not for the wrong. Hmmm I think as we get older we become wiser about certain subjects that we tackle in life. However I definitely say we lose our creativity. Because a lot of older generations are stuck in their ways and dont want to hear the voices of the younger people to Re-start our brains and get us thinking the ways we use to think when we were young, said Gloree Miller speaks with a powerful attitude. In the end, Creativity is just one of those things that just needs to be refreshed constantly. If we dont we lose our inner child, and how can we life without it.

Stress-O-meter

1.

Criticism

Homework

Finals

Deadlines

Time

By: Monica Armenta

Art is life; I live, breath, and eat art. Theres no escape from art except death,
We may get so lost that we over see the escape. We as humans are so use to being on the run, that we always need to find a break, or vacation. As students we need to keep refreshing our minds to keep creating. Some people take hikes; some artists just like to see another city or state. Camping is another great way to get away from it all. Whatever it is, we all need our wonderland at some point in time. Running around like headless chickens as we work to impress people we hate. We do so much that we lose touch to our creativity. One walk down the street can bring millions of ideas to mind. Or how one dream can bring so much to your own life. Going to the zoo or any amusement park to take a break from it all. Anytime that you can put your creative tool down is a rabbit hole waiting for you to fall down in. Its a form of rebirth, where the old creative you dies, and the inspired newborn can provide creativity. Take a dance, sing a song, swim, run, camp, and seek ways of escaping the same old routine. Its tough but it has to be done, just by laying your head down is a step, for as being an artist we do little of it. Painting is definitely the main stress reliever for some artist because it just calms the nerves. All children are artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up, said Picasso about being an artist. So what do we to refresh that inner artist? Life is very demanding and it never slows down which is why its very hard to find some sort of break. Others might want to just watch a movie and not think about the outside world. There are so many things that could be done to just step away from being an artist. Its tough though, to just step back, and just say that youre taking a break, when clients want it now. Art is life; I live, breath, and eat art. Theres no escape from art except death, said Wisam Barkho. If it werent for artist, the world would be black and white and dull it can be.

Financial State

Networking Internships

Looking for Future Career

Debt

13

Brian Malarkey
Malarkey SanDiego
Top Chef in
Bustling sounds of clanging cookware and orders coming in, chefs prepare and send out appetizers simultaneously prepping the evenings menu for a Friday night full house. The room is buzzing with echoes of chatter from happy patrons and music with a soft background of busy kitchen clatter. Executive chef Brian Malarkeys in the kitchen preparing for the evening and looking at plates before going out. He just handed off appetizer plates of spicy shrimp with bacon grits and duck fat french fries with house made tomato jam. Out of culinary school and taking on his biggest dreams, Brian has found himself where he wanted to be and working in his kitchen the way he wanted to. Before creating the Brian Malarkey brand in San Diego with 6 restaurants behind him, Brian knew what work he was going to have to put in for his success. Even at the beginning of his career after culinary school, Brian had his idea worked out. Dont rush into being a chef and restaurant ownership, he said. Go and learn to run someone elses restaurant. I ran ocean air for 5 years before thinking I was ready. Brian knew the challenges of the industry and faced them head on as he began his career in the kitchen. Its not whos most talented but most dedicated, he said. In my internship, I kept my mouth closed, head down and did what they told me to do. Yes chef, yes chef, he would reply. The spark in his drive and success of stems from early inspiration in the kitchen of his family. Home to Bend, Oregon tucked near the Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon, Brian was raised amongst the best fresh food of the countryside.

I just wanted my own 100-seat restaurant in the Gaslamp.

I grew up raised around cows on a ranch, Brian said, learning to butcher and cook nice steaks fore the family. He recalls some teenage mischief on the ranch, I was fourteen and took some steaks to barbecue with my friends, later having my parents ask where the T-bone steaks went. At 22 Brian began culinary school at the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, now the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. I was inspired by those around me, people with passion and energy who came to work and learn. Upon graduation in 1994, Brian picked up from Oregon for Los Angeles to begin his career. In the beginning steps creating his career path, Brian would never take no for an answer. Ive never not gotten a job I wanted. I would always offer to work free for a week to prove I can work for them. I dont take no for an answer. I have worked several jobs from this approach, Brian said.

, Brian Malarkey s
Recipe for Success

1. 2.

Embrace what youre learning, learn the things you dont think you want to learn. Youre going to need all of the tools at some point. Come in early and stay late like all jobs in the world. Get your moneys worth at school. Travel, have a good time and learn from as many people as you can. Be ready and know what youre doing inside and out.

3.

4.

Brandon Roth
Liberation DESIGN
to
Growing up I always had an interest in art and was encouraged in my work. I was always drawing, coloring or doing something, Brandon explained. I never gave up on certain things growing up, doing art was one of them. I never lost that childhood-like spark to always be working on something. Always working is something Brandon is known for. In the summer of 2012 Roth began his project 30 paintings in 30 days. It was tough but worth it. I was able to try and figure out so many methods in 30 days. I still have that spark to be working on different projects all the time, Brandon continued. Each occasion I met with Brandon he was painting a new project. Today I arrived when he was in the beginning of a new painting. I had a title for it, he replied when I asked if he had a name for it yet. But I dont like it anymore so Im not going to tell you. Brandon received his degree in Industrial design following that career path for 8 years before making a change. I feel like I didnt fit that profile working in the corporate world, he said. I wasnt happy trying to fulfill someone elses dream while you should be fulfilling your own. My final question for him was how to keep the spark of inspiration and imagination as we grow up and proceed our dreams. Dont give up on anything, Brandon said, youll try harder every time you fail. Find something to keep content in and keep pressing whatever youre passionate about. Do you remember your pre-school holiday art projects? Halloween cotton ball ghosts, Thanksgiving painted handprint turkeys, and your first Christmas ornament you made for mom and dad. The popsicle stick reindeers and ornament wreaths with the photo that they hang up every year. As children at this age begin exploring their creativity, positive reinforcement and encouragement are the building blocks that help build and carry on their curiosity and creative lean. For one local San Diego artist, that same encouragement has helped bring him to where he is today.
Bringing

Hopefully every kid has that experience, a mom and dad that loves their work and still has that support.
Brandon Roth recalls his pre-school Christmas ornament as his first memorable creative influence. I showed my ornament to the teacher and to my parents saying I did a good job and they love it. Kids get that experience but it affected me, I was enthralled. Hopefully every kid has that experience, a mom and dad that loves their work and still has that support. Even in the 2nd grade, Brandon had a creative future on his mind, dreaming to be grow up and be an architect.

15

7 6 5 0 M I S S I ON V A L L E Y R OA D 08 S A N D I E G O , CA 9 2 1