In Socials we have just finished learning about the Industrial revolution. As our main assignment of the unit, we had to make our own inventions. From simply brainstorming ideas to marketing, choosing a price, and being conscious of environmental impacts. I took a creative risk, in generating ideas that add to already invented ideas. This risk paid off, as I was able to enhance the original products into one. A dry conditioner hairbrush called the Drycon. I was also happily able to indulge in some of my passions while working, and I researched materials which impacted my ideas for the sustainability of this brush. This shows how I used the core competency Creative Thinking, in my Industrial Revolution project.

One of the challenging parts of this assignment was coming up with an idea. To think of my invention I walked around my house, looking at some of the things that occupy my space. Passing my bathroom I spotted my hairbrush, and thought about how getting soft hair was such a pain. Showering took time, and dry conditioner had to be sprayed on before brushing, an annoying extra step. I took the already invented products- a hairbrush and dry conditioner, and added ideas of my own, evolving the two products into one. A good lesson I learned was that it’s ok to look at other peoples work, as you can build ideas on top of them. Inspiration is a big motivator, more so than pressure or the possibility of a reward. When you genuinely are interested in the assignment, and are eager with ideas, that can push you further; and of course it’s more enjoyable.

Speaking of more enjoyable, I was very pleased to find there was an opportunity to show my fondness of art. More specifically, drawing. I hand-drew a poster to market the product, as you can see above. And was also able to practice my growing curiosity in digital art, as you can also see above as I drew the diagram for the brush and the logo. Building off what I said in the earlier paragraph, drawing for me is an instant inspiration. I know this, and I know I can show my best work, using the least amount of time, using art. I consider myself good at finding a way to express the assignment with art, however with the Industrial Revolution project, it was asking us straight up to design our invention and marketing campaign. I think this is one of the things people love about school; to show their talents or passions to others, and grow and improve while doing so. It is one of the things I love, and so I thoroughly enjoyed this portion of the project.

But before I could dabble in that enjoyment, first came the research. We had to collect information on materials, and the cost as if we were actually planning to build it. My original plan was just a simple plastic brush. But while working I came across many different types, I saw how each made of different materials with different benefits and downfalls. Putting in the time to research, I was able to think of ideas and find my ideal design- using wood. Using wood is more unique than the typical plastic material, and allowed me to play a part in being environmentally friendly as wood is more biodegradable than plastic. I think this really impacted my product and widened my ability for marketing. I think doing your research before you devote to something can really benefit you, and your money, and your product. This is a good habit I learned over many trials where I spent money loosely, only to find a better deal somewhere else, or one that is more suitable to our earth. I can say proudly that my product is nice to our earth, and efficient.
Efficiency, or speed is something I find important when considering a product. When making this product, I wanted to create something that could make things easier for people. Our lives are busy; with work, school, sports and hobbies. Tools and technology can have an impact on people’s lives. They can be inspiring, comforting, or they can give you more time to do those things. The Drycon is designed to be that of the latter- conditioning and brushing in one, to give you more time to do other things.

In conclusion, I think this Socials assignment was very helpful and informative.
It really highlighted all the tasks and work that go into starting a business, and was very helpful to someone who has considered doing so. From researching materials, comparing prices, all the way to marketing and showing off your creation, this assignment let us have a taste in all these helpful skills and careers.
It has also shown me how Creative thinking guides me along many tasks and assignments I participate in; such as building on ideas, combining them to find a new way to solve problems, taking creative risks in order to enhance the product. I also realized how I incorporate my passions into my work, and how I think of ideas- by researching or communicating with my peers around me. I consider this project valuable because it has also opened my eyes to how technology, or items can influence people’s lives. Whether it’s to bring them comfort or energy, or to save them time and make their life more efficient, a hairbrush can not only make your hair smooth, but your everyday life as well.

May 18th, 2020
Sarah W

In Visual Arts 9 one of our main projects was Cityscape. As you can see from looking at the picture above, our challenge was drawing a city from the perspective of someone on the sidewalk, looking up. In this city we are creating, the buildings are ones in which we have a personal attachment to. All these buildings in the circles hold memories for me, such as the bubble tea shop me and my friend tend to gravitate towards, or the Dairy Queen my dad occasionally takes me and my brother after martial arts. These personal design choices require self-exploration and refinement of skills, the ability to narrow down a suitable solution when problems arise, and the ability to plan and manage my time. This project also highly utilized the core competency Social Responsibility. Trust in classmates, giving help, and self-determination, are all things that fall under that belt.

If you look back to the image of my project you can see the buildings are shaded in color. I used colored pencils to achieve this, a skill I am not too comfortable with, as I do not use it often. As you can imagine, I ran into some problems with this alien object, and method of shading. And especially because I started on this assignment late I ended up rushing and pressed too hard in areas which made the coloring job missmatched and uneven. I saw this was an issue, and was able to come up with multiple strategies: such as using an eraser to dull the gradient and a roll of paper to smudge the pigment. After that, I compared them to rule out a solution. I am able to come up with a method that uses the least amount of time, and with materials I already have in my home.
I then decided I had to find a way to complete this artwork efficiently and beautifully, and decided on a schedule. Every day I designated time to work on the project, with a step by step procedure. Starting with a sketch, then inking and coloring. I spread it over the course of days I had to complete it, instead of leaving it till the last minute, which would’ve most likely prompt me to rush and create more mistakes, and a less proud piece.

Speaking of finding solutions to problems- my friends were a great help. Art is a subject where there are individual aspects, but even those benefit from support or ideas of other people. A big thing about Social Responsibility, one I used to struggle with is the ability to ask for help. It depends on the person, but I think the issues with this are either stubbornness, or they have a fixed mindset towards whatever they need assistance with and play it off as laziness. Asking for help can be beneficial not only because it can help you get back on your feet, they can help you understand the steps so you can teach someone else. This is why I think it’s important to teach the person who’s struggling, not just give them the answer.

Although asking for help can certainly be beneficial, it’s equally important to also take the time and see if you can figure it out. This is important because at a small disturbance you won’t automatically give up and leave it for someone else to solve or give you the answer, which can lead to bad habits. Even when the person will explain things, I know some may just be hunting for the answer and they won’t be retaining any information. I am able to receive positive help, and I’m able to give positive help. Social responsibility is paying attention to your peers, and being able to give support. I can notice when a person is struggling; whether it’s to understand or conduct an assignment. I notice signs include looking around, frowning, fiddling, or just looking plain confused. We’re all in the class together and we all help each other to learn and grow.

In conclusion, this Cityscape assignment has taught me many things. It was a nostalgic journey that made me grateful towards my loved ones. It has shown me multiple sides of Social responsibility, such as identifying when to ask for help, when to keep at something, and the benefits of being observant. It has helped me bond with others and form connections. It has also helped me make personal choices that expanded my abilities in this subject, and be able to plan my actions accordingly. These lessons are versatile, and can fit into the mold of many different subjects, not just art. This makes them highly valuable to my education and life in general.