I'm back from Italy. Back in the island. The funny thing is, everything from now on is going to be more serious. Studying abroad in Florence for a month was amazing. I learned more Italian(the grammar is so difficult, but I'm getting the hang of it), more photography but most importantly I learned more about myself and others, about life itself. I was hoping to get the inspiration I needed to get started on my serious graphic design and motion graphics work, and I got it. I'm glad I decided to stay in the photography class, I had started to doubt it because I had already taken one similar in Savannah and we were learning the same things in Florence. And although we did, I learned a lot more. The harder way. The way where no photography equipment is available. We had to figure out how we were going to take night shots without a tripod, making our own tripod. Arranging our own available lighting. In the end, I gained a lot more experience than I thought I would. I enjoyed this class in Florence a lot because I felt more free as a photographer. I got to experience street photography in a way I've never done before , among other things. Going around every day with the camera, observing everything. At times it was difficult, but I managed. My professor really inspired me too. I am back to shooting on manual everyday. I had stopped at times, but I've gotten so used to it, it seems so simple now. In the end, it was all worth it.

What amuses me the most about Italy is how simple people live. Not like here or in the U.S. And I admire their lifestyle a lot. Especially my families' lifestyle up in the north of Italy. My godmother grows her own vegetables in her gardens. My baby cousin has an extended italian vocabulary just because of the amount of time he spends up in the mountains , learning agriculture words. I learn from a 8 year old, imagine. They spend most of their life working, growing their foods and maintaining their house in the mountains. Barely or hardly do they use computers and I see how much they appreciate from life. A lot of us spend so much time on the computer, we disregard how beautiful life outside is. I hardly spent anytime on the computer when I was in Florence and I enjoyed so much. Now I know I have to spend a lot of time on the computer because I have to start producing serious artworks for my portfolio so I can get a job. But being in Italy did me so good. I met so many wonderful people, people I will never forget for the rest of my life. Small moments became a big part of me.

There were days where I woke up at 6 a.m to start the day. I also went to Venice, I waited so long to go there, and it was unbelievable. So worth it. I felt so - good - there. A place where your life is surrounded by water, it felt amazing. I honestly can't explain how I felt. But I do know one thing: I want a boat some day. Taking boat rides and being in the ocean or waterplaces, I just love it. To me it just feels so wonderful. I can close my eyes now and feel it, the fresh wind, the water crashing into the side-roads, everything was just beautiful. Just like paradise. I'm very passionate about the outdoors, I can appreciate a lot of things. And Florence was just filled with art, I knew going there would help me out.

In the last weeks, I found the inspiration I was waiting and hoping for. A few amazing people opened my eyes to certain things. Now I just need to figure out where to start. I know this summer is probably going to be one of the last where I could have fun and go somewhere because starting next summer I have to start applying and looking for internships, God knows where I'll be next. I really have no idea and it's a bit scary to think about. But being scared doesn't help, I just need to prepare which is what I'm doing right now. I have a month to work hard and get ready for this year at SCAD. I've also declared my minor to motion graphics, I just love it. Photography is still a HUGE part of me but it will remain my passion hobby. And who said I can't integrate my photography to my graphic design/motion graphics work? It'll be okay. I feel that I have grown more mentally. I want to do so many things right now but I know I have to prioritize.

I've also learned to cook some Italian food.. and still learning. This week I'll do some music writing and painting as well.

I also opened an account on vimeo. You can check out my future motion graphics work and videos there(as well as my youtube account).
[link]

I also have a new flickr account. I had trouble remembering my old account info cause it was recent too and there was no way of recovering it in the end. So new account. You can view my photography here:
[link]


Hope everyone is having a great summer. Be safe.



Peace and Luv,
Ally



P.S. Michael Jackson is the King.


“There are ways to get there..
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Little Space
Make A Better Place...”