Lazy day(s)

Been having a very lazy and sleepy winter break...winter term is starting after next week (AH what happened to my break?!) so I felt like I really needed to blog something. I've been too lazy to take out my camera so these were all taken with my horrible itouch cam =/ Haven't been keeping up with the toy designer world much and didn't have much time to surf the internet for interesting stuff during school days so my blog has been...dead.

Christmas went by fast. Sad thing about growing up is that you no longer have presents to unwrap on boxing day. The nice thing about being old is that you receive money instead of things you don't really need.

Just a short update, its not much. *yawns* im feeling very sleepy right now.






Came across photographer Vivian Maier's exhibit at Powells bookstore's gallery. Honestly the most beautiful photography exhibit I've seen (well I haven't seen that many). I love that the subjects of her photos were all just very simple daily life happenings and objects, but she captured them in a way that was very moving and beautiful. I had a bus to catch so I had planned to take a quick look at the exhibit, but I ended up standing in front of each picture for way longer than I had anticipated. It was amazing. (
btw I think its ironic that I took a picture of this exhibit with such a horrible cam quality and then even instagrammed it hahah what has the photography world come to.)

 Anyway, you can learn/see more about her works and life here




So I finally moved my large work computer into my room (was in my studio and then in my sisters room). Definitely helped me work more efficiently and its way more convenient...I have no idea why I didn't think of the idea earlier. I had to remove a shelf connected to my desk in order to fit the monitor. Now I have two mouse and two keyboards on my desk and I kept mixing them up. Currently still trying to connect both computers to 1 keyboard and 1 mouse.




Saw this really cute book at Powells on sale. The art was very simple but cute (more of a graphic design type of art than illustration). I might have to buy it if its still there when I go back. The artist also released a few other based on other stories.



Got this mini mailbox (its actually a coinbank) from my aunt in HK. The size matches pretty well with Mr.Cloud! But the color and christmas design is a big no so I just spray primed it white earlier today (forgot to take picture). Im bad at spray painting anything so hopefully it'll dry okay by tomorrow.




Perhaps my best 'christmas present' (bought by myself for myself hahah). I got him for such an amazing deal!! The price almost seemed to good to be true but I was willing to take the risk. Fortunately, the seller was an honest (and ridiculously generous) person. YAY.



Love his glasses and random accessories. He comes with a mini macbook air and a ghostB.



My awesome bed sheets from HK! Okay, its kiddy but can't deny its cute.



This is actually from along time ago...my to-fu cushion cover. I left it in my studio for awhile but never used it. Finally decided to bring it back into the house.


Ending the post with some songs that I've been listening to on repeat o.o"



Most genius MV ever!! The concept is so ridiculously simple yet strong. Awesome video, awesome song.



The funny thing is that Brave Guys are actually a group of comedians who wanted to try out music for fun. The female vocalist (Shin Bora) is part of the Brave Guys gag team, but her voice is better than most female kpop singers out there. Unfortunately, they won't be making music anymore because they felt that being singers were too stressful and they were also criticized by hip-hop artists who felt that they were 'making fun' of hip hop music. Ironically, their music is more legit than most of the kpop stuff out there.


Another song by Shin Bora for a korean drama (hence the OST-like style). Good mellow song too :) her voice is great, it'll be such a waste if she doesn't debut as a solo singer.



At first the song seemed like another pretty korean ballad, but it really grew on me after listening to it again (such a pretty song!!). The video is simple (nobody gets hit by a car or dies of cancer), just a simple nostalgic type of story that matches perfectly with the song.

Okay time for me to eat dinner. Made steamed eggs with dried scallops =D best simple Chinese dish for a cold winter day. ( I wonder how many times I said the word simple in this post. Of course, simplicity is the best =D )

The Mental Process of 3d Modeling

(I moved this post here because even though its art-related, its not really practical cause I gave my art blog link as my temporary art portfolio for internships to review)

 Because nothing can express emotions better than rage faces (and because im a meme addict).


1.) When you are introduced to the new project

2.) Once you start working on project

3.) In the middle of the project

All kinds of glitches and the unexpected happens

4.) Finally done with model

5.) Time to render.

(Yes, you loose your wig and your bow during the process)

5.) Reaction after renders

OR

6.) Completion of entire project

7.) Looking at time and date

8.) Final conclusion of 3d modeling

And of course...

Still here...

I recently started my art blog so I've been updating more frequently there. I haven't abandoned this blog yet!! This term is pretty intense so I probably won't be getting a new post up any time soon.

Start of a new....collection!

Okay, its barely a start since I only have 2 in my 'collection' so far, but since the designer toy world is growing at snail pace (or maybe im just getting pickier)...I have decided to invest in something more 'practical'. It's funny cause since I was a kid, I've always been trying to start some kind of collection...rocks, crazy bones, pokemon cards, stickers, erasers, toys, and the list goes on. There's just something really exciting about collecting stuff....it makes me feel all giddy for no reason. Anyway, I bought my Art of Toy Story 3 book last year and I still look through it once in awhile for inspiration...and every time I go to Powells, you can always find me huddled in that back wall of animation art books in the Pearl Room. And so I bought my second 'Art of' book last week (Art of Pixar's Up), not the best 'art of' book but that's because the animation was more focused on storytelling. It was only $14 so I bought it without a second thought.

So I've come up with a list of books im planning to buy (it'll be like a treat/present for...myself...if my grades are good this term..and christmas and bday presents for... myself ...since im too old to receive gifts now ha!)


ART BOOKS LIST:



* Art of Ratatouille - Saw a used but in brand new condition one at Powells for $24, will go back and get it next week. It better be there. Btw the materials in this book are great.



* Art of Tangled - Not my favorite Disney film, but its got amazing background designs. I was really impressed when I skimmed through the pages. Really high quality print and great concept art.


* Art of Rise of the Guardians - Not a Dreamworks fan at all so I don't plan on watching the film. I flipped through the book not expecting much...but I had to admit I was blown away by how beautiful the pages were. Amazing concept art, great book layout and high quality images. Maybe its just me, but it's kinda got this Miyazaki vibe going on. One of the best 'art of' books I've seen so far. Too bad the actual rendered characters in the film weren't that appealing, they all have the typical Dreamworks smirk (which kind of drives me crazy)



* Art of Paranorman - Another film by Laika (studio in Portland, OR). Gotta support my fellow locals! I really loved how they showed the sculpting process which im extremely interested in.



* Art of How to Train Your Dragon - Can't believe im still saying this, but I still havent watched the film. I only know about its amazing character designer which is the main reason why I want to buy this book.

* Art of Spirited Away
*Art of Howls Moving Castle

* Art of Snow White or Pinocchio

* Walt Disney Animation Studios The Archive Series: Layout & Background

Okay im afraid to add more or else I won't be eating lunch, or buying new clothes, or toys for the next two years. Maybe I'll just live in a cardboard box with all my art of books...

Recharged!

Had a two weeks break after summer term and it was JUST what I needed. During the whole summer term I was feeling unmotivated and anxious about everything, this break really allowed me to sit back and recharge. I've been keeping myself busy for the last two weeks...although its only been two weeks, it feels like I've been on break for a month (which is a good thing I guess). I got some stuff done on my 'to-do' list, but I still have a few crucial things I still need to do (uh hopefully it will miraculously be done by tomorrow) like setting up my art blog and finish designing a character for a friend. Thanks to (finally) having my drivers license, I can get all my errands done quickly and I've been getting out of the house a lot more...in fact, now it feels kind of weird to stay home all day. It's great to not have to depend on getting rides or waiting for the bus *shakes fist*. Now I only wished I'd gotten my license a few years earlier. Poo.

A pretty short post today.... could have sworn I had a lot of things I planned to take pictures of, but I can't remember any of them. I basically walked around the house (and my studio) to find things I needed to shoot...it was surprisingly a lot less than I had expected. My sister came back from HK with stuff I requested, but now I can't remember what else she brought back... it'll probably hit me after I finish this post.



Doma Speaki ! (no, Speaki is not a typo) My sister bought me this from HK, its basically a mini speaker for your ipod/mp3. Sound quality is surprising quite good despite being only around $12 USD each, definitely worth the price. It does need to be recharged (with a usb cord), but the battery doesn't run out quickly. He's a bit under 3 inches.



Skinfood kiwi masks!! Omg never knew the magic of facial masks until I tried this...Skinfood should start opening stores in the U.S (but then again, nothing ever comes to Oregon -.-)



My dad's friend in HK is a bit of a fashionista so she brought my sister on a shopping spree like 3 times a week. She brought me a lot of cardigans and shirts, as well as a bag I've been trying to find for ages. These were the two necklaces she bought me. The pink (its actually neon pink) one is black on the other side and has a colorful edge. It looks awesome although its a bit chunky to wear out. I'm thinking of turning it into a keychain for my bag...but right now it looks good just hung on my wall.



Been wanting this tote for years!! My sister found them in stock at the Uwajimaya in Seattle. I might actually start using tote bags when I go grocery shopping :O





Stayreal Mousey from HK! I asked my sister to bring me back one, but she brought back three! She also didn't know the one on the far right is in Mcdonald's costume. I'm not complaining though. Love the one on the left...it looks kind of like me HAHA.







American toy designs usually don't interest me at all...but Lalaloopsys are a total exception. I think they have a freaking awesome design team with a great sense of colors (omg finally a toy in America with good color schemes!!). They keep their designs cute but minimal, and they aren't afraid to push their designs. I also think its awesome how the label on their boxes say "for age 4 to 104".

I'm not really planning on collection Lalaloopsys, but this set and a few others caught my eyes. I think their mini figures are cuter (these are around 3 inches?) than the big dolls, which would appeal more to kids.







I have a thing for transparent-ish toys...and also this one reminded me of my labbit bubble collection!! Dammit, I just remember that I planned to photograph this with my labbits...i'll keep it in mind for later.



Fairytale series! So cute. The snow white one is my favorite.



I might try to hunt this one down...apparently, its hard to find in stores. His skeleton outfit is pure awesomeness and he gets brownie points for owning an Angrybird. (lol i know its just a parrot)




Most awesome toy-stroller design or what. If I ever caught this thing on sale, I'd totally buy it just for decor purposes. I think the design is strong enough that it can stand alone as an awesome display toy.



Bought this giant lego head container (it actually sorts out legos) at Target. Had $10 giftcard so it was only $20. Saw this at Toys R Us later and they were sold there for $40! Whaaaat?
Anyway, this thing is HUGE. Every Asian that sees this in real life will say it looks like a rice cooker.



Mini Ramen from HK. Also had kimchi flavor (which was DELICIOUS)...these are really tiny, like the size of your palm. Makes a good (but unhealthy) midnight snack.



My aunt sent this egg-waffle maker (a popular HK snack) to my sister...she and my cousin tried a few recipes but its extremely hard to master. So far they haven't succeed yet. Hopefully, they will some day cause the last time I had these were over 10 years ago. Best waffles ever.



This is actually a photo I took for their menu (yes lighting is a bit iffy), but they're starting to offer other bubble tea flavors. I'm personally not a big fan of fruit flavored bubble teas...im more of a plain milk + tea kind of person.



I told my cousin I was craving for some fried milk (which I haven't had in over 10 years) and he actually went ahead and tried the recipe! The inside is bit like a custard while the outside is light and crispy. Roll into sugar and eat as dessert...deliciousssss!! Gah now im craving for some. He actually made a lot more than this,  but I only photographed a few pieces.



Finishing this post with some awesome music. I've been obsessed with Wanting Qu's album. She's a singer/songwriter from Canada but released an album in China, so half of her songs are in English. They're great in either language...which is a rare accomplishment. I love how unique her voice and music style is. I pretty much like every single song in her album, but i'll share the most popular three.