After grappling with technical difficulties and mastering the ins and outs of Dreamweaver (well, almost) through the Unit 2 project, our final project feels like a simple task. At first glance, the concept a "digital collage portfolio" seems like a return our famine collage project. Instead of making a paper collage, just take some digital pictures, Photoshop them together, tie it all up in a slideshow, and stick it on a website. Easy, right?
Not quite. Even though I have previous experience in artmaking, I'm not a trained photographer and this project feels a lot like a crash course in Photography 101. Plus, I can't rely on my experience in persuasive writing as I did on the unit 2 site. You know the rule of thirds? Negative space? Contrast is good, right? So, I'm not feeling prepared this time around. But I'm starting to understand how each of the units we've covered has contributed to build a set of solid composition skills that I can apply to any task. I'm not 100% solid on each frame of my Unit 3 collage yet, but I can see how the skills I learned through the first 2 units will help me get there.
For my digital collage I've decided to tackle the issue of school bullying as it affects lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) teens. Over the past few years bullying has resulted in a dramatic increase in the suicide rate among LGBT teens and young adults. Last fall this issue made national news when at least 5 teens committed suicide within a 6 week period. Among other daytime TV celebrities, prominent LGBT advocate Ellen DeGeneres spoke up about the devastating effects of bullying. Many are working to save lives by putting an end to bullying in our nation's schools. Here's a few helpful resources from around the web:
Dan Savage's It Gets Better Campaign went viral last year and continues to inspire teens worldwide with its message of hope for the future. Celebrities, corporations, activists, and all manner of public figures submitted YouTube videos to the "It Gets Better" channel. I found Pixar's submission especially sincere and touching.
The Trevor Project aims to prevent suicide and self-harm among LGBT teens and young adults through providing resources, guidance and a listening ear during times of distress. In addition to online materials the organization runs a no-cost phone help line for teens who may be contemplating suicide. Learn more about the project's namesake and how this effort came to be.
Everyone is Gay is a nonprofit organization committed to making a difference in the lives of LGBT youth. The cornerstone of the site is a laugh-out-loud hilarious advice blog, in which founders Dannielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo guide readers through everyday struggles and relationship drama. Though the blog focuses on gay and lesbian relationships, the witty yet wise advice featured can help anyone through the confusing business of growing up (and yes, the relationship advice often applies equally to straight readers).
Their resources page provides a gateway for LGBT teens and young adults to access community centers, alliances, and non-profit organizations in their communities.
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