Talking with Kids: Nelsen Middle School

I went back to school last Friday. Sort of.

I had the privilege of hanging out and having some real talk with the fabulous students at Nelsen Middle School in Renton. It was my second time speaking with these kids– and it was a blast, as always. We talked fandom, graphic design, and school bullies. All of my favorite things.

Here's some of what I said:

Make art everyday.

Collaborate with friends.

Outshine your bullies.

Use the internet in a positive way.

Show love to other people.

I'm always a little nervous to speak with tweenagers. They're a tough group. Totally smart and savvy, but SO YOUNG! I think adults don't give young kids enough credit. They may be awkward (at least, I was at 12), but they're capable of so much– all you have to do is give them a good reason to care.

Just look at Tavi Gevinson and Malala Yousafzai (to name just a couple)!

Basically, I love these kids and I'm excited that they are our future.

PEACE!

Street Harassment: Leave me alone!

It takes about 6 minutes for me to get from my office to the parking garage my company uses. I walk through a parking lot, up some stairs, through a busy pedestrian intersection, and round the corner to the secured garage. Everyday after work, I put my shades on, get ready to walk fast, and have my keycard in my hand. I have to pump myself up for this walk. I repeat things in my head like, “I will wear your skin” and “I wish you were dead” until I make it inside my car. 

Today, I had made it through the parking lot and the stairs, and I was waiting for the crosswalk. I notice a man approaching me, and hear him say something icky like goddamn sexy thing blah blah. I turned around and asked, “Are you fucking kidding me?” To which the man, walking away starts shouting back at me, “no I’m not kidding you, what did you want me to say, you’re ugly?” So I shouted at him, “Just leave me alone!”

and he shouts, “then stop talking.”

I do not want to stop talking. I will not listen to this guy. 

If someone is harassing you on the street, put your safety first, and if you can, speak up. It's your right to feel safe wherever you walk, whenever you walk, in whatever you're walking in. 

Partnerships : Cinesaurus Reel 2013

A bit of old news, but my friends at Cinesaurus have released their reel of work from 2013,
which, conveniently enough, is a pretty kickass reel of our collaborations as well.

There are three projects in this video that I worked on:
Cool Things To Find, which I designed and built characters for

Tipping Point (video yet to be formally released), which I designed and built errything for
and Harvest Moon, which I scripted, costumed/cosplayed, and acted in.

It's been a blast, Cinesaurus! Congrats on a great year.

Seattle University Magazine

There I am doing my very best "Happy Cat" impression on the cover of Seattle University Magazine.

I think I'm probably the youngest baby grad to make the cover, but I can't confirm.

If you'd like to read the full article, the online edition of the magazine is here, take a look!

My mom must be so proud. I'm honored to be in the magazine, and it's a wonderful feeling to have my professors and University's support as I keep doing all of this weird stuff.

Thanks Seattle U! and thank you to Caitlin King, who wrote such a sweet article! 

SpaceUp Seattle

I'm running the twitter for SpaceUp Seattle this weekend-- and drawing some pictures while I'm at it.

Are you a space enthusiast? Join our conversation!

Follow @SpaceUpSeattle

iPhone binoculars

You've gotta learn to line up the lenses just right.
No filter on these, ladies & gentlemen, that brownish tint comes from dirty binoculars and sunset lighting-- and that's actual vignetting, too!

Tweet tweet!

Just redesigned some twitter backgrounds for Our American Generation, The Seattle University Spectator & myself! Working on them reminds me of when I first learned how to use photoshop-- by making Sailor Moon desktop backgrounds in Photoshop 7.0 in elementary school! 4th grade was a helluva year.

EDIT: also, hungrykanye. DUH.

Just lending a hand..

Spending the next few weeks helping out MadHomes & SuttonBeresCuller. More later after the show opens July 13!

Pioneer Square: Dipdychs

Three diptychs of the wildlife at Pioneer Square.
Larger versions here, on Flickr.