Post 54- Reflect

This class has definitely been a challenge for me and I feel like I have grown much from it. Starting the beginning of the semester, I was trying to figure out my mojo of producing ideas. I figured that writing about my idea on multiple pages was what the idea of this project was. However, I was just scratching the surface. Although I have had many times of stress and irritation with having to produce so many ideas all at once, practicing different techniques like mind mapping, flipping the notebook upside down and start writing, and even collaborating has helped greatly. In the first half of my project, as I look back, included an idea or so but not multiple ones and the idea was mixed in with the background of the post. That is the strongest area I see growth from the first half of Project 54 compared to the second. On my second half of the Project, I began to really focus harder on coming up with ideas, tons of them, and writing all that down; clearly stating in the beginning of posts what my idea is. In this way, I was able to have more options to merge, twist and form an idea from looking at the 35+ ideas that were in my journal.

In looking at San Pellegrino and Gusto di Vivere on a constant basis has brought me to the conclusion that a taste of life is found literally in anything. It is the time spent with the person you love, it is a nice glass of wine after a long day, refreshing, appreciating healthy living but in the same hand it is just as equally failing a test, giving into guilty pleasures, or getting into an argument with a significant other. All of these scenarios are showing a taste of life, it’s just a matter of shifting your focus. My mindset has changed so much from the beginning of this project, which is weird admitting to, now that I have a chance to look at it. I clearly remember wanting to just put anything together for this project as long as I have a passing grade. But it has caused me to look at this class in a different way… not meant to cause anger or emotions of defeat because I am not coming up with ideas as fast as I would like to, but to still work through the brain-farts and produce a good post.

This has also given me insight on myself personally and how I may be changing my major over to Strategic Planning side of communications because this fits my way of thinking more than the Creative Advertising that I thought was the perfect match. I wouldn’t have figured that out if I hadn’t taken this class. I really also enjoyed having the students who graduated, come back to the class and explain what their experience was like in Curiousness and how it relates to their current job. The person who stuck out the most to me this semester was Victor Davis. Reason being is because I had no idea that the job of junior social media analysis was pretty much where I want to head after graduating. Hearing him speak about his experience with his ad agency in New York and how he is required to write reports to clients about social media and its effectiveness, really attracted me. I think its cool being able to have the percentages and reports sharing what tactics are successful and which are unsuccessful through the feedback of the public. This seems more in line with the way my brain works rather than my original idea of moving in the direction of being an Art Director.

Out of everything that I have experienced this semester, the nugget that resonates the most with me is the fact that to grow = getting out of my comfort zone even if that is uncomfortable or frightening. I am proud to say that I completed this project and I appreciate all the constructive criticism despite the highs and lows during the process. Below is showing the transition from the beginning of the semester ideas , to mid-point, to the end.

 

 

Started off making lists of ideas…..Then continued with pages and pages from only 1 idea

From there started mind mapping and bubbling random ideas to break away from the linear thinking

 

Finally began to come up with multiple ideas for 1 post, in this way more effective with combining ideas to produce a cohesive idea.

Post 53- Positive, Shared, and Absurd Experiences

Idea: This is an attempt to bring some fun and lightheartedness to an AA meeting. The point would be to share strength and hope to solving the issue of alcoholic addiction while helping others to recover with the help of San Pellegrino.

 

Background: The way it would work is that a meeting would be coordinated with the facilitator just so they are aware of the project. A person (Bob) who had been doing really well in group meetings would be the chosen one to receive Gusto di Vivere for the evening. Before the meeting starts, one of the people participating in this experience would make small talk  with Bob while casually bringing up the topic of mineral water and describing how tasty the flavored drinks are. Before the conversation is over, they express to Bob that they have an extra can and wants him to try some while slipping in the phrase ‘it’s the cure.’ Bob accepts this gift and nothing more is said.

When the meeting comes to order, everyone would go around the circle introducing themselves and sharing a story about their lives or how they came to attending the AA meeting. Each of the actors who are in on this project would share a tragic, wild story about how their life was flipped upside down by alcohol. The atmosphere of the room would be very depressing and sad and one-by-one each actor would stand up from the circle and share. When the last person is about to talk, 2 people in the room suddenly burst out crying and each are fumbling to express themselves and how they feel like they have a disease and really need a cure. When it is Bob’s turn to speak, he says nothing at all at first. You see him just sitting there looking at the San Pell can sitting underneath his chair. In a quiet voice at first, you can barely make out the words, “I have the cure.” Then a moment later he grabs the can and stands up quickly yelling “I HAVE THE CURE!” with the San Pell can raised in the air. All becomes quiet as the group looks towards his direction and waits to hear what he has to say. “Simply put” he says, “Before the beginning of this meeting I had spoken with this guy who was really nice to me and offered me this mineral water drink. I thought absolutely nothing of it until literally a lightbulb went off in my head after hearing the last story about the introduction of alcohol and how it can affect people in such a drastic way. This can represents the cure.”  “Increasing my water and exercise along with support from my girlfriend and all the positivity her family has shown is the only thing that has gotten me this far. It has been a hard road but I am going on 3 years sober.” There is not a single dry eye in the room. At the conclusion of the meeting, Bob is informed that he had been part of an improv project to bring encouragement to alcoholics. It was explained how he was chosen to participate because of his growth in leaps and bounds. Laughing heartily, he says he was completely unaware and couldn’t wait to share his experience with his girlfriend.

 

Post 52- Positive, Shared, and Absurd Experiences

Idea: Show kindness to all. Give students a surprise with Santa pulling out gifts from the belly to show that you can find a zest for life anywhere. This post is focused on the emotion of feeling included in collective consciousness rather than being all alone for Christmas time.

 

Background:  With the holiday season coming into its full swing, not everyone is lucky enough to have family or friends with them. So my idea is to lighten anyone’s spirit with a thoughtful gift from Santa! I wanted to show Gusto di Vivere by having random people reach into the Santa costume and grab one or two gifts that are all combined in a huge bag underneath the outerwear. There would be about 15 Santa’s total. This would start in the VCU commons because this area is high traffic where a large number of students are sure to see the costume. Then branch out during the day for Santas to be positioned all over the campus like near Cary Street Gym, Grace St, around the Campus learning center and Monroe Park where many homeless people stay.

This bag is inflated as to give the appearance of a full belly. The individuals wearing the costume would be female students with their hair tucked under the Santa hat of course sporting the full white beard. I chose a women because traditionally this figure is played by an old man. Why not flip the script?!? There would be a sign on the front of the coat in colorful writing “Reach in my belly and grab some holiday cheer!” Underneath would be a huge arrow pointing down at the opening in the coat right around the bellybutton area. She would act like everything is normal and go about her day like nothing is different or out of the norm. When she catches the eye of a curious person, she would wiggle her belly in a fun way and convince them to go ahead and reach inside for a surprise. Inside the belly would be homemade candy cane pops, holiday tree ornaments, small pouches of diy hand warmers, plastic Christmas bulbs filled with M&M’s, small containers of glitter slime, paper people chains, wool felt ball coasters, mini candy sleighs wrapped in ribbon, you get the point just cute fun diy gifts that any person would be able to enjoy.The point is that there is time taken to make each item with love and care instead of just running to the store and buying gifts right off the shelf.

 

 

Post 51- Side Hustle/ Passion Project

Idea: I enjoy writing short stories and poems and came up with the idea that there is an outbreak of vampires and the only way to protect yourself is to wear a full body saran suit when you go out at night.

 

Background:  This absurd idea formed because I was cleaning out my fridge the other day and there there was some food that had gone bad in the back. For some reason there was no lid on this plate which probably assisted in the moldiness that was present all over the plate. This made me think of Gusto di Vivere and what needs to happen to prevent that taste of life from fading. Things like salt help preserve meats and fish but also the use of aluminum foil, ziploc container, or use of saran wrap to keep it fresh over a longer period of time. I took this scenario and applied it to my short story where the only way to escape the epidemic is to wrap yourself in saran wrap before going out at night with only spots cutout for your eyes, nose, mouth and fingers. This would be normal practice and everybody who lives in this small town knows to do this. However this unlucky family moves into the neighborhood and is completely unaware of this point. At times they do notice people wearing plastic wrap all over their bodies (creeps them out) but there is a rhetorical shrug and rationalization that this action as an effort to simply gain attention. When their only child does not come back from a friends house one evening, they receive the frightful news that the child most likely had been taken by a vampire. The mother is appalled how nonchalant the town is on this point. But when she goes to the police to try and put a missing persons report, the officer there is in no type of rush to help. He states in a plain way, ” Your daughter is most likely never coming back. This town has vampires on the loose, they love a taste of life and she was probably a perfect candidate.” “I would suggest for the remainder of your time here, go with with saran wrap. It will protect you.” The mother is left speechless and faints dead away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 50- Side Hustle/ Passion Project

Idea: On the San Pellegrino website, they would open a community forum to come up with a catchy jingle or beat to represent the emotions felt when experiencing San Pellegrino for the first time.

 

 

Background: When I am procrastinating, I usually try and find something further to distract myself from the task at hand. Yea it’s bad, but not completely so because in finding more things to do besides my original task, sometimes my creativity is heightened. This is how I started making my own beats through GarageBand. When you get the hang of it, is so much fun because literally the possibilities are endless. You can start with your own recordings or even use a pre-made sample and edit to your hearts content. With this passion in mind, I came up with the idea to expand out to the general public. This is a cool way to get feedback for San Pellegrino as well as connect the musically inclined people. Since everyone has different feelings about flavored or plain mineral water, there will be a range of responses which is the exact point of this project. To show the diversity between individuals who all have experienced Gusto Di Vivere and the perspective afterwards.

Personally, I would use binaural beats to create a small sample because these are super effective in assisting with change. Reason being is that with binaural beats, there are 2 separate sounds. One sound frequency in one ear, and another sound frequency in the opposite ear that creates a two toned effect but perceived as one tone in the mid-brain. If you pair this science by adding some subliminal positive affirmations, you have a tool to expand your mind, ease stress, and tap into your inner Creative. Some may feel negatively about San Pell which would be shown in their beat that involves m0re dissonant chords which create feelings of restlessness, dark, chaotic tones. Others could feel like this drink is the best thing ever which invokes the feeling of fairy-like sounds, harmonic feel and upbeat. Whichever way represents your feelings, you would be able to express this and comment on others’ posts as well. This forum would only be open for a month and on the last day, a winner would be chosen who will represent the San Pellegrino company and their beat or jingle would be featured on the front page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 49- Side Hustle/Passion Project

Idea: San Pellegrino brand not only represents the healthy lifestyle by promoting their water, but encourages to treat yourself to a guilty pleasure. This happens by having several gourmet chocolate shops where the chocoholic has full freedom to experience Gusto di Vivere. One of the base ingredients is mineral water to infuse the chocolate w/ zestiness.

 

Background: I am no where near a chocolate connoisseur but this is definitely one of my passions. My top favorites in basic order would be dark chocolate, white, then milk chocolate. I have considered going to culinary school to pursue this interest of mine maybe after I graduate. For now, i feel this would be a great expansion for San Pellegrino because chocolate is something that everyone can enjoy. Not to say that there are not those who are allergic or dislike the taste, but for the average person having a piece of chocolate is pretty satisfying. My goal is that San Pell shifts the focus to other items besides water that can give you zest or a satisfied feeling after consuming. What better than a variety tray of chocolate?!  When I think of Gusto di Vivere, I think of sharing what is important to you, even though it may not necessarily be the most healthy thing, will make life way more interesting and enjoyable. This chocolate would be regional and local similar to the specified natural streams that San Pellegrino mineral water is taken from. This chocolate would not be offered in drugstores because the idea is to preserve that feeling of tradition and eating something that had been made fresh that very day. Not sitting on a shelf for who-knows- how- long. In the back of the chocolate shop would be an extended building where many of the local chocolatiers would have 30 minute classes on different days of the week to teach any one interested the basics of chocolate and how the specialty chocolate is made. It would be required to register for this class but there would not be any age restrictions. The focus is to inform the curious about some of the techniques used and they will be able to practice at home in their own kitchen, or attend open sessions with tutors on perfecting the craft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 46- Simile/ Metaphor

Idea: San Pellegrino is used as a ritual liquid of encouragement urging souls who are at unrest that it is okay to pass through to other parallel worlds. This would be performed on the waning or blue moon  *second full moon in one calendar month*

 

Background: Sifting through the random similes and metaphors that I came up with,  one that caught my attention was ‘as silent as the dead’ This made me think of Halloween, ghosts, souls, brujas, midnight, black cats, yea the list goes on. I thought about how Gusto di Vivere could not only be applicable to those who are still living on this 3-D world but those whom have departed from this life. I liked how extreme this thought was especially when thinking about a ‘taste of life’ because it is the opposite of the normal emotions that first come to mind like comfortable, caring, healthy, homemade, family-oriented, or flavorful. This ritual would take place wherever the grave of your lost loved one is buried. You would take 4 bottles of San Pellegrino mineral water and 2 cans of the flavored beverage. Before completing this, I would have the individual prior to going out, write down all the emotions and feelings whether good or bad that they had about the person who had passed. In this way, all the emotions are cleared and the individual performing the spell would not have any negative entity attach to their intent. When the sky is clear, and moon is full, each of the 4 bottles of San Pell would be poured out in a circle one at a time around the tombstone. The 2 flavored bottles are only to be poured out at the conclusion of the ritual right after burning the paper holding all the positive and negative emotions written. This releases the energy and removes any blockages preventing your lost one from finding happiness on the other side. If you feel goosebumps on your arm or a shift in atmospheric temperature, this may mean that your prayer has been successful. Your loved one is thanking you in the best way possible because you have shown them through San Pellegrino what a taste of life can really mean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 45- Simile/ Metaphor

Idea : There are secrets within each bottle of San Pellegrino and the only way to activate this is to make a weekend trip to the Alps to get in touch with the purest form of nature. If you leave a San Pellegrino can on the snow tipped Alps for 24 hours, diamonds would form from the frozen mineral water instead of ice.

 

 

Background: The starting point for this idea was a simple metaphor “the stars are sparkling diamonds” I thought about what San Pellegrino would look like in space or maybe even in a NASA craft. Possibly dehydrated water? Floating bits of San Pell in the atmosphere? Then I thought about if thunderstorms created mineral water would your eyes burn when you get caught in the rain? More thinking and writing and I transition from that point to a romantic scene turned nightmare if the mineral water somehow caused a skin reaction that is only cured by eating one slice of whole grain bread.  Which transitioned me to my final idea which is possessing diamonds that are in pure form because of the mixture of minerals and spring water. These would be accessible to the general public just as San Pellegrino is currently and everyone would be able to have a taste of life in the sense that that diamonds are usually a symbol of status. The  ‘elite’, ‘rich’, ‘upper class’ population is the normal target audience since they have the financial freedom to purchase. I feel that making diamonds more available is the equivalent to starting fresh on a blank slate where no one feels separate or excluded because they are not in a stable monetary place to purchase one for themselves. Considering the fact that diamonds naturally come from the earth, no tax, no fee…. shouldn’t that mean everyone should have access to enjoying the beauty from all or any unique diamond? Why is it socially acceptable, whether consciously or unconsciously keep this separation between the ‘upper’, ‘middle’, and ‘lower’? This is apparent everywhere and is ongoing constantly in the ever-changing-world of social media. At the end of the day, this may seem like a far fetched idea; but the question is why is it that a hardworking person who pays their bills, works a full time job, living in a humble apartment is not able to experience the same feels of extravagance or high-living as a business woman with 3 cars, a home, and a closet as big as Texas, can?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 44- Simile/Metaphor

Idea: SanPellegrino offers a certain feeling that other soft drinks do not have. This idea of adding carbonation to mineral water is cool in the sense that those who love the carbonation of a soda are able to choose a healthier option without compromising the fizzy taste. In the same way, newspapers implanted with seeds could be a way to keep the vintage feel of the traditional ‘reading-the-newspaper-with-coffee’ type feel, while being eco-friendly in using this same medium to better the environment by growing a plant. It’s as easy as ABC.

 

Background: I thought about what would happen if this idea were taken into a nursing home as an activity for the elderly living there. Often the atmosphere feels very sad and somber, at least from my point of view when I would go to volunteer. So this seemed like it could bring some joy and since I like the idea of refurbishing old items into new creations as well, that is how I came up with this post. Hardly anyone purchases or has the newspaper delivered to their door anymore, except for a scattered few. However you can spot these on a table or chair quite frequently in nursing homes. This idea would be introduced during breakfast when many of the residents are enjoying their meals as a fun way to exercise the green thumb.

 

There would be a note at the  top of the paper on the right hand side stated in bold writing 4 KEY STEPS FOR SUCCESS. 1. Do not throw away this paper. 2. When finished reading, plant in shallow dirt. 3. Water slightly  4. Congratulations you not only saved a tree, you planted one. Thanks!

Then in tiny writing, you will see the information explaining how the newspaper is biodegradable and when you plant the paper, in a few days little buds will appear coming from the paper itself as long as you keep it in moderate sunlight. It will be a variety of wildflowers and daisies. This shows Gusto di Vivere because although it may be common practice in someone’s day to read the newspaper,taking the time to do something helpful for the environment without being inconvenienced, is never a bad thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 43- Strategic Planning/Conflict

Idea: Short story about a lonely individual who is comfortable with being a hermit, finally decides to be social and have company over for dinner, but finds out that the company doesn’t like pets.

 

Background: Loneliness can happen to anyone. It can be so overwhelming, I mean why don’t you just attach a rock around my feet and throw me in the ocean. These are my true thoughts. Yemaya’s warmth is the only thing that keeps me sane, her oversized body would scare anyone by the first glance but her cute face makes me feel like all is okay in the world…so wonderful ..but not the same as having human interaction. Today I decide to actually get out of bed, throw clothes on, while convincing myself that being social will get me out of this funk of emotion I’ve been wallowing in. “Our friend is coming over for dinner tonight,” I say, “So you have to be good.”

She looks at me with those huge brown eyes and wags her tail with no cares in the world.

The decision to clean my home seems like a good idea at first, however once I start the bathroom I’ll notice the baseboards, the dust on the walls, then the carpet that needed vacuuming. “Oh God” I whisper. “I’m so not ready for this…maybe I can take a nap first THEN I will be superwoman and get everything done before dinner.”

*3 hours later*

A rapid knock on the door wakes me up and jumping up way to fast, Yemaya almost causes me to fall directly on my face from  her huge size running frantically back and forth.

“Hi,” I say, a bit nervously as I pull open the door. “Come on in.”

“Thanks for inviting me over tonight” she says, “I brought a gift because I know you are not a drinker like I am sooooo wine for me, and a case of San Pellegrino for you.”

While handing it over to me.

“Apparently this was made in Italy and embodies the robust Italian culture. Gusto di Vivere is what my bestie told me. I dunno though, she says her grandma is full blown Italian and thats a common phrase they use to describe awesomeness.”

“Cool,” I say as I am opening the door at a ridiculously slow pace. ” Uhh there’s just one thing I forgot to mention…” ” What’s wrong with you?!” she exclaims “Do you not want me to come in, why the hell are you acting extra weird?!”

Pushing past me, even before the second step on my floor…. her expression goes totally blank with eyes wide as ever.

She whispers with disgust, “What. is. that?”

“Oh thats just Yemaya.” I reply with an affectionate glance. As she looks at me super innocent with her lolling pink tongue and enthusiastic wiggling.

” I know she’s large don’t mind tha–”

“I don’t like dogs.” *awkward silence* “That isn’t a dog.. its a monster.”

“…Oh. I’m sorry you feel that way?”  I don’t even try and argue, while she turns immediately and walks back in the direction she came.

I turn to Yamaya while exhaling loudly, “I guess it wasn’t meant to be…being a home-body isn’t half bad huh girl??”  *grabs and takes sip of San Pell*