imag issue 2

IMAGSpring Edition [February 2012]

IMAGi.mag [eye-mag]verba call to action for misfits never to fit in and forever bound to stand out

President- Wilfredo VargasVice President- Aixa Michelle AyalaTreasurer- Norelis ArroyoSecretary- Isis GuttierezDepartment Chairs- Sharon Smith Jenni Sweo Brad Ringhausen Doug OberndorfAdministrative Staff- Laura Cox

Editor in Chief- Sharon SmithCreative Director- Jenni SweoExecutive Director- Wilfredo VargasExecutive Editors- Aixa Michelle Ayala Joshula Flowers Senior Fashion Editor- Norelis ArroyoPhotography Director- Giovanny GotaySenior Art Director- Alfred ConfiadoGraphic Designers- Kareem Harrigan Fashion Aixa Michelle Ayala Norelis Arroyo Isis Gutierrez Wilfredo VargasInteriorGraphicGamingFeaturesFashion FeaturesGraphics FeaturesGaming FeaturesArt

Photography Gzines Aixa Michelle Ayala Gabrielle AyendeProduction/PrintInternational Academy of Design and Technology Orlando, FL

The Board

President’s Letter

Each of us at sometime gave origin to a dream, the hope that someday we could mold our lives into something more than just “normal”. The same dream serves as the nucleus of our strengths and inner desires. It is the bare es-sence of our personal aspirations and the energy that helps the stroke on your canvas become more than just lines, more than just shapes, and more than just “Art”. Like it, IMAG Magazine is more than just paper with written words, more than a fancy name and more than a college magazine. It is the beacon of hope that allows us to become dreamers seeking a chance to go somewhere, and to be someone.

We continue with a stronger purpose, a new in-novative way to gather our imagination and unite our talents to bemuse the world. The journey continues, as you read the pages of IMAG Maga-zine. Allow us to introduce you with remarkable talent and fresh trends to ignite your imagination. We welcome you to take part in living, The acad-emy’s motto “YOU IMAGINE. WE CAN GET YOU THERE”. IMAG Magazine was created by stu-dents, for students. For the first time we welcome all of IADT’s departments and staff to join us in the development of a new movement through the pages of IMAG Magazine. In IMAG we pledge to give you, the paramount in the industry whether it’s Fashion, Interior, Graphic, or Gaming IMAG Magazine will cover the stories you want to read! Welcome to IMAG Magazine...

This magazine I dedicate to my father who has always been there for me and has opened all the doors for me to get here. I also dedicate IMAG to all the individuals whom I have met and have taken part in the making of this dream. To you, the reader, who I believe to have dreams like mine, and to have the soul of a fighter, getting where you want to go. Keep going and never give up on what your heart truly desires.

WILL VARGAS

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A New Beginning… Words by: Will Vargas

The British born fashion designer and couturier, Alexander McQueen, left a legacy to the world on the morning of February 2010, when he was found dead in his London residence. After the tragic incident, the world was devastated with the unfortunate loss of the 40-year-old designer. Now a year and a half later, the designer’s true heartbeat can still be heard through his designs that still impact the fashion world. Inheriting the name and position of chief executive director of Alexander McQueen in May 2010, Sarah Burton still presents us with various collections inspired by the designer’s unique blend of emotion and romanticism.

After her coronation to the fashion empire, Burton is still able to envision and execute a complete collection that mirrors the vision and strength of its previous artist. With 14 years of experience working along with this master designer, Burton was the right person to be appointed the great responsibility that came with this inheritance. The young and talented designer possesses a degree in Fashion Design from the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, and her immaculate, detailed agility to reflect her unforgettable teacher assures us that Sarah Burton is just a new beginning...

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Detailed DesertWords by: Will Vargas

Her only muse, a desert. Being blinded to an unknown environment, the designer engaged in mysterious ecstasy. This clearly gave the world an essence of combined civilizations, introducing a tougher raw indirection to her usual poetic romanticism. Both eastern and western influences echoed the future and the past. A sepia colored palette reflected the sizzling desert sand, and an army of men walked the runway wearing what, in her admirers’ minds, mirrored freedom and poetry. Creating a more intimate connection with the environment, the masterpiece soundtrack, (Desert Shore) by German singer Nico, completed what Demeulemeester had created; the Men’s Spring 2012 Collection, a Detailed Desert…

Like sand grains on a desert, details were ubiquitous. The designer employed a unique blending of fabrics on each design. The elegance between fine silk fabrics and heavy linen created an exuberating heat among the viewers. The use of pearls, combined with leather, appointed tension between her elegant layer looks. The French poet, Arthur Rimbaud’s self-exile in Africa, had everything to do with Demeulemeester’s vision and inspiration for this season’s collection. According to Tim Blanks from Style.com, “She felt literalizing the mood would weaken its impact, but she need not have worried.” Even if Demeulemeester had not been influenced by the poet, what we saw was a clash of cultures seen on one runway. Because of her uniqueness in design and careful selection of inspiration and detail, Demeulemeester has once again delivered an excellent visualization by interweaving true idealism and culture in this year’s 2012 Spring Collection.

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A Mix of ArtWelcome to the world of Alberto Bermudez (ABC) An artist like no other, mixing contemporary art with modern day art. It all began in his younger days as a child, back in his hometown in Guayama, Puerto Rico. While attending elementary school he developed a passion for art, which made plenty of sense because art class was his favorite class among all the other classes that were offered. It was in art class where his natural instinct arose, and through that wonderful awakening he also found great appreciation for color, drawing and painting. At that stage in his life he was engulfed in his own magical and perfect world, a world that only he had created. While in his own magical and perfect world he realized that there were numerous opportunities out there for him, an opportunity for him to truly shine, and allow the rest of the world to explore his world through his paintings. Opportunities arose in front of his eyes, where he was fortunate enough to compete, and prove his talents through his drawings and paintings. It brought great joy to his heart to be able to display his work to fellow classmates, parents, and other citizens of the community.

As time went by Bermudez decided that his life needed a change so in the summer of 1996 he chose to relocate from Puerto Rico to Nashville, Tennessee for work purposes. Later, in the year 2000 he relocated to Orlando, Florida and sadly at that point in his life his talent for painting was dormant. Many years passed, and it was not until the summer of 2005 when he returned to Puerto Rico on vacation that the spark returned. At that moment in his life he spent time

Words by: Aixa Michelle Ayala

with a women named Mildred Utroska, a beautiful person, a friend, and an acting mother. Mildred is a woman of numerous talents, with painting being one of them, this remarkable woman has a passion for painting that Bermudez once had, and through her passion his passion awakened. The dormant talent that he felt was once lost for good came back, and it was stronger than ever before. He then decided to explore his once forgotten talent through small projects which resulted in long lasting personal satisfaction. Through his explorations he had a renewed feeling that he had once lost. He sailed in with force and as he explored a variation of colors and figures, and through those colors and figures emotions that were severely hidden suddenly resurfaced. Through his magical hands he was able to reconnect with dreams and hopes that he thought had become hopeless.

In his eyes art was and always would be a beautiful sensation of freedom. Nowadays, he simply enjoys art, and being able to please his fans through his artistic abilities. He has showcased his work in various locations including Guayama and Ponce, Puerto Rico, and Orange County Library in downtown Orlando. He often thinks, had it not been for God, and his many blessings, he would not have such a wondrous talent. He humbly gives thanks for all that he has accomplished and all that he continues to do through his art. Now he searches for new ways to share his work with you and the world.



How to D.I.Y.Words by: Nancy

Have you ever seen a costume with a unique shape and durable at the same time?

Well, the name of the material is wonderflex. like the name suggest, this is a flexible material that can do wonders because of its flexibility. Wonderflex is a thermoplastic composite sheet,a unique synthetic polymer that when is heated will shape and mold to any contour. Once the piece is cold it regains his hard strength. It comes in sheets of 44 inches by 54 inches and only in white.This sheet can be bought online, and the price varies between 25.00 dollars to 50.00 dollars.Ok, the good part, how to use it? First we need a heating gun, in order to reach 150 to 170 Degrees, regular blowers will not rich that temperature. The material is easy to cut with Scissors, or exacto knife. Some of the items we can use wonderflex on are armors, shields, swords, mask, helmets, auto custom interiors and even furniture restoration. Yes, it will be perfect for the steampunk theme for Imagen. Wonderflex can be cut in pieces and applied in layers to make positive molding. This material is self-adhesive and does not need any glue.Applying heat for 2-3 minutes will make the pieces stick to each other. If a mistake is made applying direct heat will separate the sheets again. The main problem with wonderflex is not getting burned with the heating gun. However It is better to use gloves or tweezers when heating the pieces.

Wonderflex is waterproof, and can be stretched and molded into any configuration. Once the project is finished it can be painted with gel paint, latex, or acrylic paint. To give dimension to the piece, molding paints, plaster, gesso and even hot glue can be used. For the visual people here are some pictures showing how to make a steampunk bracelet.


A Break up:Get Over IT!

CopingIt’s never easy when a relationship ends

Whatever the reason for the split – and whether or not you wanted it – the breakup of a long-term, committed relationship can turn your whole world upside down and trigger all sorts of painful and unsettling feelings. But there are things you can do to get through this difficult time. Even in the midst of the sadness and stress of a breakup, you have an opportunity to learn from the experience and grow into a stronger, wiser person.

Healing after a breakup

Why do breakups hurt so much, even when the relationship is no longer good? A breakup is painful because it represents the loss, not just of the relationship, but also of shared dreams and commitments. Romantic relationships begin on a high note of excitement and hope for the future. When these relationships fail, we experience profound disappointment, stress, and grief.

A breakup launches us into uncharted territory. Everything is disrupted: your routine and responsibilities, your home, your relationships with extended family and friends, and even your identity. A breakup brings uncertainty about the future. What will life be like without your partner? Will you find someone else? Will you end up alone? These unknowns often seem worse than an unhappy relationship.

Recovering from a breakup is difficult. However, it’s important to know (and to keep reminding yourself) that you can and will move on. But healing takes time, so be patient with yourself.


Recognize that it’s OK to have different feelings. It’s normal to feel sad, angry, exhausted, frustrated, and confused—and these feelings can be intense. You also may feel anxious about the future. Accept that reactions like these will lessen over time.

Give yourself a break. Give yourself permission to feel and to function at a less than optimal level for a period of time. You may not be able to be quite as productive on the job or care for others in exactly the way you’re accustomed to for a little while. No one is superman or superwoman; take time to heal, regroup, and re-energize.

Don’t go through this alone. Sharing your feelings with friends and family can help you get through this period. Consider joining a support group where you can talk to others in similar situations. Isolating yourself can raise your stress levels, reduce your concentration, and get in the way of your work, relationships, and overall health. Don’t be afraid to get outside help if you need it.

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Good GriefAllow yourself to Grieve the loss of the relationship

Grief is a natural reaction to loss, and the breakup of a love relationship involves multiple losses:

Loss of companionship and shared experiences (which may or may not have been consistently pleasurable)

Loss of support, be it financial, intellectual, social, or emotional

Loss of hopes, plans, and dreams (can be even more painful than practical losses)

Allowing yourself to feel the pain of these losses may be scary. You may fear that your emotions will be too intense to bear, or that you’ll be stuck in a dark place forever. Just remember that grieving is essential to the healing process. The pain of grief is precisely what helps you let go of the old relationship and move on. And no matter how strong your grief, it won’t last forever.

Tips for Grieving after a breakup:

• Don’t fight your feelings – It’s normal to have lots of ups and downs, and feel many conflicting emotions, including anger, resentment, sadness, relief, fear, and confusion. It’s important to identify and acknowledge these feelings. While these emotions will often be painful, trying to suppress or ignore them will only prolong the grieving process.

• Talk about how you’re feeling – Even if it is difficult for you to talk about your feelings with other people, it is very important to find a way to do so when you are grieving. Knowing that others are aware of your feelings will make you feel less alone with your pain and will help you heal. Journaling can also be a helpful outlet for your feelings.

• Remember that moving on is the end goal – Expressing your feelings will liberate you in a way, but it is important not to dwell on the negative feelings or to over-analyze the situation. Getting stuck in hurtful feelings like blame, anger, and resentment will rob you of valuable energy and prevent you from healing and moving forward.

• Remind yourself that you still have a future – When you commit to another person, you create many hopes and dreams. It’s hard to let these dreams go. As you grieve the loss of the future you once envisioned, be encouraged by the fact that new hopes and dreams will eventually replace your old ones.

Support from others is critical to healing after a breakup. You might feel like being alone, but isolating yourself will only make this time more difficult. Don’t try to get through this on your own.

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Taking care of yourself after a breakup

Self-Care Tips

A breakup is a highly stressful, life-changing event. When you’re going through the emotional wringer and dealing with major life changes, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. The strain and upset of a major breakup can leave you psychologically and physically vulnerable.

Treat yourself like you’re getting over the flu. Get plenty of rest, minimize other sources of stress in your life, and reduce your workload if possible.

Learning to take care of yourself can be one of the most valuable lessons you learn following a breakup. As you feel the emotions of your loss and begin learning from your experience, you can resolve to take better care of yourself and make positive choices going forward.

Make time each day to nurture yourself. Help yourself heal by scheduling daily time for activities you find calming and soothing. Go for a walk in nature, listen to music, enjoy a hot bath, get a massage, read a favorite book, take a yoga class, or savor a warm cup of tea.

Pay attention to what you need in any given moment and speak up to express your needs. Honor what you believe to be right and best for you even though it may be different from what your ex or others want. Say “no” without guilt or torment as a way of honoring what is right for you.

Stick to a routine. A relationship breakup can disrupt almost every area of your life, amplifying feelings of stress, uncertainty, and chaos. Getting back to a regular routine can provide a comforting sense of structure and normalcy.

Take a time out. Try not to make any major decisions in the first few months after a breakup, like starting a new job or moving to a new city. If you can, wait until you’re feeling less emotional so that you can make better decisions.

Explore new interests. A breakup is a beginning as well as an end. Take the opportunity to explore new interests and activities. Pursuing fun, new activities gives you a chance to enjoy life in the here-and-now, rather than dwelling on the past.


Lesson LearnedLearning important lessons from a breakup

Above all, remember, love will come around again. But if you’re looking back you’ll miss it!

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In times of emotional crisis, there is an opportunity to grow and learn. Just because you are feeling emptiness in your life right now, doesn’t mean that nothing is happening or that things will never change. Consider this period a time-out, a time for sowing the seeds for new growth. You can emerge from this experience knowing yourself better and feeling stronger.

How do you deal with the sadness in the meantime? First of all, stop kicking yourself. You are worthy of being loved! This particular relationship failed, you didn’t. Learn from this lesson and move past it. Don’t keep thinking about this person, by doing so you’re just giving them more and more power to hurt you.

Above all, remember, love will come around again. But if you’re looking BACk you’ll miss it! Look forward, wear your best smile, and concentrate on getting the most from life. This sort of mentality and lifestyle will attract the sort of person you need in your life. The sort of person who’ll make you smile so much your face hurts. He or she is out there waiting for you, maybe even going through what you’re going through right now. The sooner you move on, the sooner you’ll find real, lasting love. You deserve it!


Time Management

Time Management Tips for Working and Going to School:


While it is a satisfying decision to return to school, it can often prove to be quite a challenge. Adult responsibilities such as working full-time or raising a family, or both, can often impede on academic ambitions.

After putting in a full workday, it is often difficult to work up the motivation to study. The key to solving this dilemma is time management. Whether you are working and attending night classes at a university, earning your degree online, or vice versa, you know that managing your time is crucial to your success in balancing the double load.

Time management is your key to successfully taking charge of your schedule, and your future. Working and going to school is not impossible, and managing your time properly will help to ease the burdens.

Keep a calendar

Make lists

Schedule each day

Take time out for you

Go to bed and get up at the same time daily

Keeping a calendar of your work schedule, combined with your daily assignments and upcoming exams is an excellent way to stay balanced, and be aware of what needs to be read and absorbed each day after work. The month-view of what lies ahead will make your tasks seem less intimidating, and you can see your progress over time.

Making lists is also an excellent time management tool. Making daily lists will help to keep your priorities in order, helping you to remember little things like what to pick up at the grocery store. It is a great way to keep you from feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.Aside from keeping a large monthly calendar and daily post-it lists, scheduling each day is an additional time management tool to add to your arsenal. Allot your tasks by the hour, giving yourself structure and time to study, and time to unwind each day.One of the most important things to add into your busy schedule of working and going to school is to pencil in some time for yourself, no matter how short that time may be. If you do not take time out to do something you enjoy, you may become depressed, or disenchanted with earning your degree, and possibly quit school. A healthy balance of ambition and time for your personal needs is important.

Proper sleep is also high on the list. Studies show that individuals who get a healthy amount of sleep each night, and those who go to bed and get up around the same time daily, are more focused and alert. These individuals feel better overall, and have the energy to take on the full day of school and work that they need each day. Some students who work find online college an ideal avenue for achieving a higher education. The freedom to study from home frees students to work, yet it does take self-discipline to follow through.


Additional Tips

Although working and going to school is challenging, it can be a rewarding experience if you use some foresight. These tips can help you handle the situation and make the most of your time:

Discuss your plans with your family. Balancing the demands of school and work is easier with their support.

Start slowly; don’t commit to working a lot of hours immediately.

Avoid time conflicts by planning your class and work schedules as far ahead of time as possible.

Use your time efficiently. You can use 10 minutes waiting in a line to go over a few pages of assigned reading. If your job has a lot of downtime, and your boss has no objection you can use slow periods to do schoolwork.

If you commute to your job on public transportation, bring your schoolwork with you so you can work along the way.

Be flexible and willing to make sacrifices. You may have to cut down on some other things you’d like to do because of your school and work commitments.

If you have too much on your plate, admit it. Then cut back as needed.

Schedule relaxation time. Everyone needs some downtime to stay happy and healthy.


How To Survive College

So you are in college, congratulations!

Now you’re looking to succeed and become something, adjusting to college life as best you can.

Did you know that more students drop out of college within the first six weeks of school then the rest of the year combined? Think about it. You’re in a new environment!!!

Expectations are extremely high, the work load is phenomenal and you have much less time to get everything done. In fact, you need very specific survival skills or you’re at serious risk of dropping out.


Remember that college is an experience that will change your whole life. With the right approach, you can use your college experiences to establish a positive and rewarding life for yourself.

Manage your time:Have a set time to study and get all of your homework done. Take breaks every hour to relax your mind and allow the information you take in to settle. It’s also a good idea to prioritize your studies so that you concentrate on the most difficult subjects first.

Locate all the available resources on campus:Know where to go should you need help with any of your homework assignments.

Study with the smartest students in the class:Do this for every class.

Eat healthy and exercise daily for at least 20 minutes:This approach will help build your energy and stamina to make you capable of working longer and focusing harder on your studies.

Find some students who had taken the classes your taking:Identify those who did well in each class and ask if they will tutor you should you need the help.

Ask each one of your teachers how they test:What are they looking for you to accomplish? Ask them how you should study for them. Ask them if they can offer you any tips for how to pass their class. Build a relationship with your teachers, and visit them during office hours to ask for clarity on any points that you struggle with.

Believe in yourself:Blind, deaf, and mute, Helen Keller graduated college; if she could do it, anyone can. There are no excuses for you so stay strong, stay focused, and keep telling yourself you can do it.

Survival Skills


For The Love ofVintage

In fashion, vintage is and has been a huge factor influencing future trends as well as present styles. The irony in this statement is that vintage is actually a term to describe a garment from a previous era. So why is vintage so important in fashion? Why do people have such a high demand for it? The truth is, while writing this article and thinking over these questions I realize there is much more to fashion than just beautiful clothing and edgy accessories. There are actually theories behind fashion, and

one of them can be the answer to explaining our fascination for vintage. Now before I lose you, allow me to explain the pendulum theory and go on to the good stuff (the clothes). What the pendulum theory basically states is that previous trends will come back in style, kind of like a pendulum at one point is at one side then eventually goes back to the other. Ok, having said that now it is a bit clearer why many of us find


ourselves in love with items deemed as vintage. In my case, I can say I go as far as looking for old clothes that I can destroy and remake, keeping a vintage feel while adding a modern twist to it. This is such a fun thing to do because you get to take on a project, and you get a unique garment out of it. So next time do not be afraid to look through your parent’s closet and feel free to rip everything you like apart, because the end result of your creation can set you apart from the crowd in a very, very good way. Being that we are on the subject of innovative ways to recreating garments, I want to introduce you to a particular brand that does this very same thing. Allow me to introduce you to Revamp Relove, this is a brand created by the very talented Lala Cuevas, who is just as charming as her creations. Lala is the owner and designer of Revamp Relove, which just like its name suggests, its purpose is to recreate a previously used and outdated garment into something wearable by fashionistas today. Cuevas has been quoted as saying “ its an

eco-conscious clothing line and style lab [Revamp Relove]”, the amazing part of her concept is that she works with a broad range of materials from vintage car upholstery to old laces donated by interior decorators. “I not only alter vintage and “old” clothes, but I integrate elements of substance, history, and essence catering to the demands of trends and comfort.” If you want more information of Revamp Relove, or just look at the colorful creations and get ideas of your own, definitely check Lala and her designs at www.revamprelove.com.

Do I blame the school for not living up to my ambitions? Certainly not, It is up to me to become a better student and the amount of low cost and freely available learning resources out there makes it rather difficult to blame anyone else by oneself for not at least trying.

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A student in the new Millenium

By: Rudy Joseph

A student in today’s world has more sources for learning than the students of the past. There are online tutorials, eBooks, standard textbooks with interactive DVD’s and classes in video format. This makes it easier for students to find the material that suits their learning style. Despite the various new methods of learning however, study habits remain stuck in the old ways. I have heard many students complain about IADT, and the fact that they, the student, “are not learning anything”. These same students remark that they should have attended another school. At first I thought about my situation. I wanted to learn 3D modeling and animation, but IADT Orlando did not offer such classes in 2008. In fact it was very difficult to find a local degree program in that field at that time. I had decided to take digital media instead of graphics and somehow attend 3D animation school after I graduated. I can now say I am glad that I made that decision, mainly because I am now qualified to become a producer (more versatile) rather than a laborer (specialized and singular). Getting back to my

point, I felt the same way as IADT’s students at one point. Naturally, I was upset, but then I remembered that IADT is an art school, and their promise is not to make you a better student, but a better artist, a person who has the ability to make their ideas come alive through art and inspire others in accordance with the prevailing trends, and the school does just that.

No school can make you a better student, if one is closed off to the idea of studying (which includes practicing what has been learnt), learning will be next to impossible. My aspirations far exceed the coursework for a BA in Digital Media Design at any learning institution, but do I blame the school for not living up to my ambitions? Certainly not, It is up to me to become a better student, and the amount of low cost and freely available learning resources out there make it rather

difficult to blame anyone else except oneself for not trying. Being a student is my full time job, and it helps to think of it in that way. With that renewed state of thinking, in addition to my coursework, I must learn what I can, on my own, to stay competitive in the “field of learning”. I constantly scour YouTube and Vimeo for software tutorials. I have subscribed to Lynda.com and Digital Tutors to take classes on new concepts, and new ways to accomplish the design tasks of old. I have also purchased over one hundred eBooks on design. I have purchased DVD’s of 3D design classes from the Gnomon School of Design. Much like an engineer, or doctor, education does not stop once you receive the diploma, nor does it have to stop when the bell rings signaling the end of the school day. Being artists must become our lives much like it was for the artisans that were the backbone of the Renaissance. I will not go into the details of what happens outside of school once a person adopts the “full time job as a student” mindset. Just understand that sacrifice has its rewards.

My portfolio has a lot of 3D elements and animation geared toward commercials and product showcasing, all of which was self-taught through tutorials and self-study. However, the coursework from IADT’s Digital Media program has helped me to make my artwork and design come alive. Which is what it was supposed to do. My art has motion, and it communicates instead of taking the artwork of others and making it come alive, I have made my artwork come alive. Sound is 70% of video – to coin a phrase. Without the help of Carlos Marquez and his perspective on audio and his insistence on precision, my animations would otherwise be nothing more than moving pictures without sound to set the tone. Without Christopher Swafford’s obvious interest in all things cinema, and his desire to help students become better videographers, I would not have had a renewed interest in filmmaking and making commercials. Rather than toiling away on flickering web banners if I had simply “went by the book” (if toiling away on flickering web banners is your deal, my apologies and more power to you). My horizons have expanded beyond my initial ambitions since deciding to attend IADT back in 2008. I could never have arrived at that conclusion without taking what the Digital Media program offered and expanded on it, because of what I learned.

Happy New Year Countdown to 2012Words by: Aixa Michelle Ayala


Every year as the clock nears midnight on December 31st, the eyes of the world turn once more to the dazzling lights and bustling energy of Times Square. Anticipation runs high. New Year’s Eve at the symbolic center of New York City has become more than just a celebration - it’s a global tradition. The world holds its breath...and cheers as the clocks strike twelve.As the famous New Year’s Eve Ball descends from the flagpole atop One Times Square, an estimated one million people in Times Square, millions nationwide and over a billion watching throughout the world are united in bidding a collective farewell to the departing year, and expressing our joy and hope for the year ahead.

New Year’s Eve in Times Square is the epicenter of celebrations for the New Year, and who better to help ring in the year than Lady Gaga? The singer has shown the public she’s not afraid to be bold, and New Year’s Eve was no exception.

As Gaga took the stage to perform a medley of her most popular hits, collected from Born This Way, Heavy Metal Lover, and Marry the night, she shocked in Catwoman facemask and a cage- like dome that covered the top half of her body. Further into the night she quickly changed into a silver outfit that mimicked the Times Square ball. She smartly pinned her hair underneath to give the impression of a bob while maintaining

the classic red lipstick. As always, she covered her face with a mask, this time it was a mask that fanned over her head. She looked stunning in a silver, floor length gown.

On New Year’s Eve in Times Square in New York City Justin Bieber welcomed 2012 with one of the stronger performances of his young career, signaling his time as a teen pop star is done and he’s ready to enter the next phase of his career.

On “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve”, Bieber pulled the Lennon and McCartney song, Let it Be out of his musical hat and his version was nothing short of outstanding. It is one of the greatest songs in the pantheon of great rock songs and he did it with one of rock’s most celebrated guitarist, 64-year-old Carlos Santana. It was only one song but Bieber played piano and sang before a million fans at the annual New Year’s Eve gathering with a maturity unheard of from a 17-year-old. Before singing he spoke to

the crowd, telling them that we “all do the best we can each year”, and wishing them a Happy New Year. Performing on stage with Carlos Santana, the young entertainer had everyone’s attention when he performed Let it Be by the Beatles

With Justin Bieber singing as well as playing on the piano, he got plenty of help from the legendary Carlos Santana. When Santana arrived on stage, the crowd released a loud

scream that had everyone delighted to see the entertainer. The single, Let it Be was released in March 1970 as a single, and has been performed by almost every popular entertainer, but this one-of-a-kind performance with two very different celebrities coming together will never be forgotten.

Other performances include Pitbull singing “Let it rain on me” a duet with singer / songwriter Marc

Anthony, and “I know you want me”, Drake singing his new single “Make me proud” had all his fans yelling for him. It was such an amazing experience to spend New Year’s Eve in New York City with my family. This year it is estimated that more than a billion people watched the live broadcast of the New York Ball Drop 2012 at Times Square. The New York Times Square Ball Drop is a tradition started in 1904.

Student Showcase

Gabriel Ayende

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Gabriel Ayende

Zombie Progression


Alumni Interview: Words by: Norelis Arroyo

Michael RansomFinding one of our graduates and what they are doing now that they are professionals in the industry, we decided to keep up with one of our talented Fashion Design and Merchandising graduates, Michael Ransom. On a personal interview with him we found out many interesting things and projects that he is getting involved with. Here are a few of the things that I found out in an interview with Michael.

IMAG: Where are you originally from?

M.R.: I am from Columbia, South Carolina.

IMAG: Why did you decide to study Fashion Design and Merchandising?

M.R.: I wanted to be a Fashion Designer, but I have changed my mind throughout the time I had been studying, and I decided I wanted to do Fashion Show Production and Event Planning.

IMAG: what is the part that you enjoyed the most about being a Fashion Designer?

M.R.: It is all about seeing a successful show and being able to create a story.

IMAG: Do you have any experience in the field? If yes, how many years?

M.R.: Yes, two and a half years.

IMAG: what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

M.R.: Listening to music, thinking about the next fashion show, envisioning what is the runway is going to look like, and how to incorporate music in the show.

IMAG: What did you like about IADT (International Academy of Design and Technology)?

M.R.: That the Fashion Department has given me the background knowledge and the first step for me to do what I am doing now.

IMAG: How would you describe yourself?

M.R.: I would describe myself as a very motivated person – “Once I have a goal, or a vision in mind I go for it until I see it come to life”.

IMAG: Tell us something interesting about yourself/life.

M.R.: My personality, and I, love working with people because I feel it is my purpose in life.

IMAG: What were the biggest accomplishments, related to fashion, that you have had?

M.R.: One of the biggest accomplishments I have had is seeing my vision come true without knowing how it was going to turn out, and seeing that it was really successful.

IMAG: What motivates you?

M.R.: My future, day dreams since I was a little kid knowing that he has accomplish his goals and my family.

IMAG: what are your future goals?

M.R.: To have Downtown Orlando Fashion Week National.

IMAG: What did you expect from the Downtown Orlando Fashion Show?

M.R.: I was not sure of what to expect. I just knew that it could have gone good, or bad, but fortunately it went great.

IMAG: How will this experience help you in the future?

M.R.: I would definitely know how to plan better, and also what works and what does not work.

IMAG: Tell us of any particular experience before during, or after the Downtown Orlando Fashion Week.

M.R.: It was very stressful but fun. It was the first time doing such a thing without knowing how it was going to turn out, looking for perfection, and at the end seeing the success of it I was relieved.

IMAG: What would you change about it, or do different for next year?

M.R.: I would definitely plan with more time, and have more of a story line.

IMAG: Did you have any job offers after the show?

M.R.: Yes, I was offered to organize four fashion shows. One of them is a debuting fashion show for a Lingerie Designer who is his first client.

After all these years of hard work and dedication Michael has realized one of his dreams of producing a fashion show, and it was successful. He definitely plans to keep on doing it for the rest of his life.

imag issue 2

Documents

imag imag

pages of imag magazine

gaming imag magazine

college magazine

pages of imag magazine

fashion designer

new movement

new beginning words