Highlights of Fall Semester 2024-2025

Happy New Year and reflections of my first semester :)

Isabelle Peng

1/1/20256 min read

“It seems impossible until it’s done.”

~ Nelson Mendela

Happy New Years to you all!

I still have to pinch myself that I made it through my first semester. :) With spring semester coming soon, I am so very excited and so very nervous all at the same time! ^^

I had some time to reflect on the Fall semester and as stressful as things were, I definitely enjoyed it. This blog post hence would be a period of reflection before I go into the spring semester. ^^

But first, I like to dive into some other passions I have. Aside from art, I also enjoy Cooking and Baking. I’ve added several recipes recently! ^^ I also posted some poetry recently. :)

So far, my proudest moment in cooking is Thanksgiving. Being born in an Asian family, Thanksgiving wasn’t massively celebrated. I still remember being in Elementary school: The first and last time we invited friends for Thanksgiving. I still remember the turkey and duck had no hopes for crispy skin. (Yup. They were that brunt!) Since then, we were more than happy to eat at other family and friends’ houses with moist interiors.

After settling down in Sarasota, I learned so much about myself and more. It was 2023 when my mom encouraged me to make my very first turkey.

It was so much fun! ^^

2024 Thanksgiving, we decided to try again while tweaking some details! ^^ This time, we left out the store-bought stuffing and roasted vegetables instead. I made a batch of my perfected mashed potatoes. I also made homemade gravy instead of gravy in a can. I also perfected my cranberry sauce recipe. Finally, I added a batch of home-made brown butter chocolate chip cookies! (Click the link for the recipe!) :)

Thanksgiving felt like yesterday and this first Fall semester is definitely one I won’t forget. After my breaks on marinating meats, being at the stove, and taste-testing, I still will go back to college.

Hence, I thought about perhaps sharing some key highlights I had in each class. Whether you seek a refresher or a heads-up, I hope this blog post blesses you into the New Year. For each class, I’ll share four things: Takeaways from the course itself, peer advice, what I wish I knew, and a favorite memory.

2D Design

Takeaway

  • The joy/appeal to digital art (Digital hacks/digital hotkeys)

  • When you can, create works inspired by your favorite industries so people can see the connection and hire you

  • Presenting your artwork is as important as creating your artwork

Peer Advice

  • Digital may not be your favorite medium but at least try it before you make your final decision

  • Learn to be confident and make confident strokes; treat the computer like paper

I Wish I Knew

  • If you’re new to digital, this class is deceptively simple. Don’t forget that you’re also learning a new medium so be prepared to try things you never tried before.

  • When things go crazy, remind yourself that you have the most creativity freedom in this class!

  • The main composition/value sketch will take you the most time

Favorite Memory

  • On the last day, I gave my professor cookies for Christmas. His reaction was the most heartwarming I’ve seen from him all semester. He opened the card and read it, super touched. After hugging me, he opened the tin of cookies, pleasantly surprised. He offered my friend and I one before he tried one himself! ^^

Perspective

Takeaway

  • Take the time to think before you start/learn to observe

  • The Different Types of Perspective

    • One-point perspective: All the lines connect to one vanishing point, the view is right in front of the object, the horizon line/eye level is in the image, and “verticals” stay “vertical”

    • Two-point perspective: The two sides of the plane each go to a vanishing point (left or right), the view is at a corner of an object, the horizon line/eye level is still in the image, and the “vertical” still stays “vertical” (The trick is to determine the vanishing points.)

    • Three-point perspective: The object is dramatically above or below the horizon line/eye level, the sides of the plane still go to the corresponding vanishing point (left or right), plus the bottom/top of the line of sight is the third vanishing point, and now the “verticals” will be “angled” too (Everything becomes foreshortened)

  • The Secrets to Perspective

    • Vanishing points are king

      • The closer the vanishing point, the narrower the side of the object

      • The further the vanishing point, the flatter the side of the object

    • The horizon line/eye level goes hand-in-hand with the vanishing points and draw it in! Some back and force adjustment may be needed. Don’t be afraid if the drawings look ugly!

    • For Concept Art, we then find our station point to determine the measuring points

    • For drawing vehicles, the wheels’ minor axis connects to the same vanishing point that all the symmetrical features (e.g. the front window, the headlights, the bumper) go to. The major axes will always be at a right angle with the minor axis!

Peer Advice

  • Don’t be scared of the last assignment, by then you’ll know so much that it’ll be a breeze for you! (Stay in the present!)

  • Always ask for help especially if you don’t understand something!

I Wish I Knew

  • It’s all going to be okay; you will understand it eventually through practice! :)

Favorite Memory

  • I will never forget the first words my professor said to me after class, “What’s up?” It was the exact moment I knew he would be someone I could trust. He proved more than that. Those two words was the start of a really close bond. Even though I was slow to understand, he always had immense patience with me along with the best stories/jokes. :) I can’t wait to have him again in the Spring!

Figure Drawing 1

Takeaway

  • It’s okay to take your time

  • Draw what you see, not what you think

Peer Advice

  • When you’re drawing, think of the figures as 3D forms instead of 2D!

I Wish I Knew

  • Sometimes things suck, and it’s okay

  • You’re not going to get along with everyone and that’s okay

  • Required tutoring might sound horrible but it’s actually a lot of fun (your tutors become your besties!)

  • The models want you to succeed as much as your professors; they are here to also cheer you on!

Favorite Memory

  • On the last day of class, we were doing Heads, Hands, and Feet. It was a day where I felt true peace. I decided to draw a hand and everything seemed to click. My professor walked by and said, “You’ve improved a lot!” I was so happy we ended on a great note!

Illustration History

Takeaway

  • History is so inspirational and there is so many art ideas/life lessons so soak in, and you never know when it’ll be useful one day! ^^

Peer Advice

  • There is no need to worry in this class (Just do your best and you’ll ace it!)

I Wish I Knew

  • Don’t wait on the infographic project, it’s one that will take you the most time!

Favorite Memory

  • My professor always reassured me that I was going to be a-okay! Even when I second guessed myself :), but my favorite memory was when we exchanged recipes! ^^ She was the sweetest professor I had this semester!

It’s been an absolute blast being at my dream school. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. No matter what life throws, we can conquer it together! ^^

I’ll talk to you all more during the spring! ^^

Till Next Time,

Isabelle

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)