Reality Blows... My Dysfunctional Life in the Windy City

Biomedical Visualization on Chicago News

2010-04-21T18:33:00.004-05:00

So exciting! Biomedical Visualization at UIC was presented on the CBS 2 Chicago News this evening. Program Director, Scott Barrows and students Leslie White and Michaela Calhoun (with a cameo by Erin Stevens) were interviewed for the newscast. I think they did a great job showing what we do in our unique program. Props!

Furthermore, the newscasters seemed quite impressed with our unusual skill set, calling us "Renaissance men and women, like Leonardo da Vinci for this century". You can see a video of the newscast by CLICKING HERE or checking out the article HERE!

More news about our program and the people in it. Three Biomedical Visualization students, myself included, were selected as winners and finalists in UIC's 2010 "Image of Research" competition. Congrats to me, Lindsey Brake and Annie Campbell! Take a look HERE!

Hands off! to H1N1. Finalist in UIC's Image of Research. Lindsey Pionek. 2010. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.

As you can tell....

2010-04-06T11:03:00.003-05:00

I have been pretty busy. My apologies for lack of posting recently. It's time to get back in the saddle and start again. As for today, here's a quick update with what I have been doing:

Working on my project research so I can graduate this semester
Freaking out a bit about graduation because I have a TON left to do
Wishing that I didn't have a slump in the middle of the semester; I would be so much farther along
Kicking butt in Illustrator and taking names
Searching, applying, and researching jobs (Any advertising companies hiring creatives in Chicago?)
Have a new portfolio domain name and built the website from scratch in 3 days (see screenshot at top)
lindseypionekdesigns.com
Became a Twitter freak (it's much faster than blog posts [though I do love blogging] and I have been learning much from individuals I am following (you can see a small feed on the right)
Workin' it at my GA
Found out for my 16 hours I work, I have to commute 8 additional hours (no wonder why I feel like I have no time. However, I love my apartment location)
Started a running program
Only to have it delayed by badly rolling my ankle 5 days after by missing a few steps (graceful, I know)
Finally, after 2 weeks the bruising and swelling is almost gone
Spent Easter with my cousin grilling out
Bought my graduation dress, even though I haven't heard anything about buying robes
Realized that tourists come out of the woodwork when its above 70F in Chicago
Refusing to pay for heat anymore because it has been too expensive for my taste
Sketched out a Dachshund (one of my dogs) and manually drew every bone in their little bodies for a project about canine Intervertebral Disk Disease

So there you go, a little update on what I have been up to. I have a few graphic design pieces that I completed that I will be posting in the next day or two.

Lindsey Pionek Designs home page. Lindsey Pionek. 2010. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver.

Careers by Colors?

2010-03-06T13:27:00.005-06:00

I was a little skeptical at first, but I appreciate and am captured by psychological theory of color, so I wanted to try it. I was just perusing the Internet (which if you haven't figured out yet, I do often and find a lot of interesting things, medical or not.) and I came to a career-oriented web page that has a link to CareerPath's Color Counselor. I'm also starting to look for a job, so I thought this would be appropriate to try and a good use of my time. Turns out my color choices match me with the career that I am heading towards! At least I'm on the right track, now I just need to get one when I graduate. Take a look at my results below:

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Keywords
Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.
CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.
CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

If you want to try this out for yourselves and haven't went through the links above, click HERE.

Photo courtesy of designontheline.com. Color Wheel.

Do You Enjoy 3D Modeling?

2010-03-05T18:30:00.003-06:00

Cinema 4D tutorial - Balls Mapping from Smearballs on Vimeo.

Need a tutorial? Though I'm no fan of working with 3D modeling programs, I thought this was fantastic. If you ever thought "Hmmm, I wonder how I can create a realistic scrotum in 3D", look no further! Here you have a step-by-step tutorial on how to build and texture a pair. This guy knows what he's doing and has some very funny narration to go with. Even if you don't do 3D it is worth watching.

That's all I have to say with this one. Enjoy!

The Branding Process Part 4: Website

2010-03-01T13:51:00.006-06:00

Finally, the last part of the branding process, at least in this case, is the creation of a website to promote individuals to get on the web to check out the brand and/or the product for more information. With the Internet playing a big part in society today, individuals would look at you like you were crazy if you did not have a website that they could check out. Since most individuals would identify with the print advertising, I wanted the website to work with the approachable and friendly-looking characters as well. Though this is just the design of the entrance and a supplementary page, I would want this website to be dynamic and have Flash or Java functionality. This would easier to explain the front page. My idea is that the friendly cells would pop up on the screen and when you hover over them, they would enlarge and the voice bubble would pop up displaying which main page the cell would navigate you to. In this example, you could click on the one being hovered over and the next loaded page would be the "About Promeaga" page. The branding standards that I have created are followed with the website as well and is easily identifiable as a brand. What do you think?

Promeaga website design index and about page. 2009. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop CS4.

Visit with a Netter

2010-02-28T10:41:00.001-06:00

When it comes to explaining what I do in grad school, the most common response other than "Oh, so you draw guts!" is "Like Netter, right?" Instead of getting the blank stare when I elaborate (We can do A LOT more than just illustration if you haven't figured that out yet.), I usually just say yes and go on my way. This past Friday, the UIC Biomedical Visualization graduate program welcomed Frank Netter's daughter, Francine, to have a talk about her famous father. She explained to the crowd Frank's childhood and how he was interested in art, and naturally good at it, at a young age. He started out with humble beginnings and a strong influence from his mother to become a doctor, though he preferred art. They came to an agreement that he could study art at the National Academy of Design if he promised to go to medical school in the future.

After Frank's mother passed away, he gave up art to follow his mother's dream for him and went into medicine. When studying, he realized that subjects were learned much faster when drawings were made, as did his peers and professors. When he was done with school and working at Mt. Sinai hospital, the Depression came forth and health care was unfortunately too expensive for most, so few patients came in for care. To keep him from being bored, and to make money to survive, he went back to his art by creating illustrations for medicine. Like many individuals starting out in the art field, he began with low wages, but when he was able to increase his charges (even more than he was expecting as well because of a miscommunication of a series of illustrations he was going to do for a total of $1500, but client responded and agreed to $1500 for each illustration), devoted himself to create images of science.

At the beginning of his formal medical illustration career war shook the world. Instead of being drafted, Frank volunteered for the Army and was set up in a studio by the Army Medical Museum. Though bored at first, he was later contacted to redesign the Army's First Aid Manual to make user-friendly as Francine mentioned that it was a huge clunky book that did not do much help when in the field. He make the book a small size and filled it primarily with his illustrations (which by the way were painted by students at the Society of Illustrators in New York, because Frank was unable to do because that was considered manual labor which an officer of the army was unable to do). With the much-needed benefit of a hand-held reference, Frank was assigned to create more on other subjects such as survival in the arctics and tropics.

When the war was over and was done with his service, CIBA contacted Frank t0 create medical illustrations for medical pamphlets which were later comprised in a book and sold out completely for two printing sessions. With the demand from this project, Frank was asked to illustrate the entire human body in a series of atlases of the systems of the body. Though Frank estimated it would take him 10 years to complete, it ended up taking up the rest of his life. As I have realized myself, creating art always takes longer than expected.

Hearing Frank's story from his daughter was very inspiring to hear and see. His life, her life growing up being around his work, his process of work, and seeing his sketches was helpful and educational. I am very happy that I allowed time in my day to experience this talk about one of the well-known medical illustrators.

Photo courtesy of mesotheliomacg.com. Anterior view of lungs in situ. 1995. Frank Netter.

Skating Skeleton?

2010-02-17T11:40:00.007-06:00

On the Vancouver Olympics broadcast last night male short program took the stage. Though I prefer female figure skating, it was fun to see and analyze the interesting costumes. Feathers, pleather, sequins, pink, mesh, spandex, you name it. It was all there.

Then Belgian Kevin Van Der Perren came to the rink in an skeleton-inspired one piece. Though not anatomically correct in the least bit, the costume got my uniform pick of the night (well, as well as Johnny Weir :D ).

Not based on anatomy, or costume for that matter, but now about another Lindsey. Unfortunately, all the apprehension around Lindsey Jacobellis and her competition in Olympic snowboard cross is over. If you did not know, she was way in the lead during the snowboard cross competition in the Torino Winter Olympics and was this close to gold, until she pulled a method in the second to the last jump and fell to lose first place and receive silver. Four year later at a new Olympics, she was ready to redeem herself. Unfortunately, Lindsey lost her balance in the semifinal round and veered through an out-of-bounds gate, automatically disqualifying her. She has the talent, that's for sure, but the poor girl doesn't seem to have luck on her side when it comes to competing in the Olympics. My heart goes out to her.

Photo courtesy of thebiglead.com and zita.be. Kevin Van der Perren performing short program at 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. 2010.

The Branding Process Part 3: Print Advertising

2010-02-15T09:47:00.007-06:00

Now that the logo was created to easily identify the brand/product, advertising is the next step. A company may have an awesome product with a fantastic logo, but without advertising no one would know about it. That doesn't help much, does it?

My thought process behind creating the print ad series was to create something approachable with plenty of open space to entice individuals to stop and take a look at the ad and encourage them to find out more. I made the cell characters to reflect the textual content included, the simplified way Promeaga works, and to make the ad welcoming as well as a bit humorous. I decided to have them as the main focus with lots of white space to keep the ad clean and in contrast from other ads (You have seen them. Many are so bright, content-filled, and busy to attract the consumers' eyes that they look like the many other ads and completely lose purpose because of this.). The logo is clean, modern, and a bit carefree so I wanted that to be expressed in the ad as well through the design and the colors used.

So there you have it. Full, half, and quarter page ads.

Promeaga ad series. Lindsey Pionek. 2009. Adobe Illustrator and InDesign CS4.

A Bothered Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T01:13:00.003-06:00

Jimmy Fallon/Robert Pattinson/Edward Cullen have something to say about Valentine's Day. Take a look and you will get a bit of anatomy with it!

Happy Valentine's Day to singles and couples alike!

Video courtesy of hulu.com. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon "Bothered Valentine's Day" skit. 2010.

Tribute to McQueen

2010-02-11T14:47:00.007-06:00

Alexander McQueen - Plato's Atlantis from SHOWstudio on Vimeo.

It came as quite a shock to me to hear about the death of (Lee) Alexander McQueen's death. He was one of my favorite designers, though I am unable to afford his work. His shock-and-awe factor and how he pushed the envelope in the fashion world, as well as his references in anatomy and Darwin's Origin of the Species, provided me with inspiration and appreciation for symbolism and the thought process behind creating art. So in ode of one creative genius, I provide you with a few anatomical designs by Alexander McQueen.

Photos courtesy of bagbliss.com, prmtvemag.blogspot.com, and thefashionmomma.com. Skull Knuckle Duster Whipsnake Clutch, Leather Toe Pump, and Signature Skull Scarf. Alexander McQueen.

Earthquake in Northern Illinois

2010-02-10T16:16:00.003-06:00

Yep, that's right. If you haven't heard already heard, at 4 A.M. this morning there was a 4.3 (or 3.8 mentioned by other sources) earthquake 50 miles northwest of Chicago. I have had some friends in the area feel it, but me? Not a chance! I live off of a busy street so I'm used to buses, emergency vehicles, utility trucks, etc, so I automatically block out the sound and the occasional rumbling that accompanies. Plus, I have been known to sleep through my bell alarm clock until it shuts itself off from ringing for an hour. I sleep like a rock, so a little rumbling will not do anything to me. Thankfully, it was so small that it was not dangerous quake, but it would have been cool to experience.

You may be thinking that have an earthquake in the Midwest is weird and I would have thought so too. However, after a bit of research this morning, this is the third earthquake in the area since 1999. It has been quite an interesting few days with natural events. It finally stopped snowing after two days of constant flakes and an earthquake on top of it? Interesting, interesting.

Photo courtesy of BBC.org. Illustration of earthquake mode of action.

The Branding Process: Part 2

2010-02-10T13:43:00.007-06:00

Above is the logo chosen with the color and text choices that made the cut. I have a few reasons why I chose this logo above the others:

- The modern design reflects the characteristic of Promeaga be a "new" and revolutionary drug.
- The center ovals of the logo symbolize a cell with a nucleus which is the level that the drug performs at.
- The outer loop of the logo has a whimsical look. This was added to create an approachable and "take action" feel. It was made to look like someone took a marker and circled the cell; the way that Promeaga works. The negative space that interrupts this loop heightens this take action aura and creates interest.
- The logo looks like an abstract target, one of the key words and ways that Promeaga works in the body.

Adding the brand name to the logo was the next step. As you can see from the examples, I wanted to use a san-serif font to mimic the clean and modern feel of the logo. I ended up with a thin, rounded san-serif named VAG Rounded in title case which worked well with the roundness of the logo and the way the letters created even more circles in the brand name.

Lastly, color is added to the logo. Color is very important in the branding process. Colors aren't just chosen to make the logo pretty, there is a large amount of psychology and symbolism behind each and every color. I have always been interested in color psychology, so choosing colors was an enjoyable task. The orange-red gradient and the vibrant light blue were chosen with aesthetic and psychological purposes. The blue signifies a state of disease, yet the shade of blue does not look dangerous or grotesque. The orange is a very vibrant and active color, but after some more research, I found that the color orange stimulates the immune system. This works for this logo since Promeaga doesn't compromise the immune system, yet is able to rid the body of cancerous cells. In the end, the final logo is modern, optimistic and approachable; exactly what I wanted this pharmaceutical drug is to represent.

Logo color and typography concepts and final Promeaga logo design. 2009. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator CS4.

The Branding Process: Part 1

2010-02-03T23:33:00.010-06:00

In the process of (finally) presenting all of my work from the past semester, here is the first part of my branding assignments from my Advanced Graphic Design class with Donna Hughes. The first part of the branding process was logo development. A logo should embody an organization or product, therefore a designer should dedicate an ample amount of time in research. Donna taught us this by requiring us to complete a few forms, which included a product identity, as well as filling out a concepting matrix, which included word, image, and color association list. I decided to create a logo for an imaginary pharmaceutical drug, Promeaga. Why? I didn't want to mimic anything on the market, recreate present branding, and most importantly, I wanted to put myself in a real-life situation with creating a new logo. Let's take a look at the process with the Promeaga logo.

Product Identity
Name of product: Promeaga (Echinomycin doxorubictin)

What exactly does the product do?
Promeaga is a cancer suppressant pharmaceutical that successfully repairs the human p53 gene, the transcription factor that prevent genome mutation by initiating apoptosis (premeditated cell death). In most cancers this transcription factor is mutated, therefore Promeaga would be able to restore the function of apoptosis in cancer patients, providing a better chance of restoring normal function in cancer patients.

Describe the industry of which the product is a part.
Promeaga is part of the new findings and experimentation of Merck & Co. Merck & Co is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The Company devotes extensive e fforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines, but help deliver them to the people who need them.

How does the product fit in this industry? What is unique about it that sets it apart from others in the market? What is similar that keeps it competitive within the market?)
Promeaga is the first product to benefit cancer patients of all kinds without the negative e ffects of chemotherapy. This drug provides a step ahead towards the actual cure for cancer. Though this drug is not the cure-all, Promeaga targets the transcription factor that initiates apoptosis, which stops the mutated cells from multiplying and make the cancer deadly. With the death of cancer-causing cells, there is a better chance of survival normal functioning cells and the patient. This drug, as beneficial as it is, is one step closer to the cure for cancer, though it does not fully provide society with the cure for cancer. Therefore, there is a sufficient amount of research yet to be done by pharmaceutical companies to find the cure.

Audience Profile Who is the audience (end user) for the product? Describe their personality as a group.
The audience in for patients with all types of cancer that would like to see an alternative to treatment other than chemotherapy. They are likely very sick and exhausted from dealing with their cancer. The patients will most likely be happy to know that there is a better treatment option than chemotherapy, and one that could potentially cure many of numerous types of cancers. Cancer patients tend to be hopeful through their treatment and are more willing to try new procedures. They want to rid themselves of the cancer with as little pain and su ffering as possible.

What is the accepted/preferred visual language of the audience? Research example of what they are used to seeing and what is successful in communicating with them.
The visual language for cancer patients follows a positive outlook for curing cancer. Though the drugs and therapies are not highly advertised, organizations for all types of cancer show images of hope, love, family, strength, life. All imagery is active and positive. Though the audience is faced with the possibility of a shortened life, the advertising takes them away from this to keep them positive during their treatment and not willing to give up on their battle.

What is the primary message you want the audience to receive about the product? (This should be a simple, clear answer—one concise sentence.)
Promeaga provides cancer patients with more hope and promise than any other cancer treatment.

What is the secondary message you want the audience to receive about the product?
Promeaga gives cancer patients their lives back by providing a more comfortable treatment.

After product identity was in place, I was able to go to the concepting matrix. Though this matrix did not have to be followed, it is a fantastic tool for experimentation and spurring thought and creativity. Afterwards, I worked on thumbnails of possible logo ideas in black and white. Below are images of these worksheets as well as a my top choices for the final logo. Which one do you think I chose to finish?

Someone had a little too much fun with the Blur tool...

2010-01-29T16:11:00.002-06:00

While taking a break and catching up on my latest celebrity gossip, I tripped over a slide show on the most shocking photo re-touching of celebrities from Newsweek. As mentioned in yesterday's post, Photoshop is an incredible tool for photographers. However, when you are pasting celebrities on the cover of fitness magazines and talking about body confidence or how they "never work out", and smooth away the bumps, lumps, and take off a dress size, how legit can that be? Everyday people try to attain this beauty and can't attain them even with hard work. Society has brought about this level of perfection, which seems isn't even able to be achieved by the celebrities themselves! Is is wrong for them to want people to see how they really are? Is it a career killer to have flaws like everyone else does?

Now don't get me wrong, I love Photoshop and I expect for there to be retouching in the media. Who wouldn't want some images of themselves touched up a bit to make themselves look better or even be put in better lighting? However, I think there is a line on what should be done when the individual is supposed to look natural and real. Glamour shots, artistic photo shoots, and advertising where fantasy is to be mimicked, I get it, understand it, appreciate it and yes, sometimes enjoy it for the image they they created, however does Faith Hill really have to have her arms thinned? Please take a look at the slide show to see even more blunders here.

Photo courtesy of TheBlueThing.com. Faith Hill Redbook Photoshop Before and After. Rebook magazine cover July 2007.

Birthday Suit

2010-01-28T20:44:00.004-06:00

Happy birthday to me! Yep, today is my 24th birthday. Though I am choosing to be alone tonight in my apartment working on homework, don't fret, I had a great day. I was surprised at work today when my fellow co-workers came in with a personalized chocolate cake with a brownie and candles glowing on top. I was so surprised and it made my day. You guys are great and the cake was fantastic too (Especially since otherwise I wouldn't have had one. Buying a cake when you live alone doesn't last long!).

Today is the only the beginning. Tomorrow will be a celebration with friends new and old around Chicago. I have a new party dress and I'm going to rock it no matter how cold it is outside. Then the rest of the weekend my family is coming to the city. My entire immediate family are coming down: Mom, Dad, my brother and my cute, precious, funny little dogs, Molly and Duke, will be here. We don't have any concrete plans yet, but I know it will be fantastic. Let the birthday celebration begin!

In honor of my birthday, above is a Photoshop-manipulated image appropriately named Birthday Suit. This image was created by photographer Mike Stowe who took a beautiful image of the female body and manipulated it to create a interesting, stunning and shocking piece of art. It is wonderful to see how powerful Photoshop can be. Though it reminds me quite a bit of Ed Gein, a serial killer who lived in the town ten mere minutes away from my hometown, the image is well done and holds my attention; what art should be.

Photo courtesy of Photo.net. Birthday Suit. Mike Stowe. 2008. Photoshop.

My First Animation

2010-01-27T21:16:00.005-06:00

After a blogging hiatus (I'm sorry everyone who follows!), here it is. That final animation. That animation that owned me for the entire semester. I worked hard, I am satisfied where it is compared to the concept sketch process, and had many nights where I would render one portion of the animation overnight and wake up to a section of the animation just to set up another scene to render. My poor computer was angry at me the last three weeks of the semester. I could hear it huff and puff to put all of its effort in what I was doing at the time. I, too, was at my wit's end at the close of the semester. I had some embarrassing incidents because of lack of sleep where my body would not get out of bed even though I had to, I had some public transportation issues where the one El line that was the only one I could take just stopped functioning. Nonetheless, I survived. I not only survived, but my hard work through the semester was rewarded and I am happy with the grades I received, though I am VERY happy for that semester to be over.

So here's the animation. If you have not been following from previous blog posts it illustrates the mode of action of Botulinum Toxin Type A. To most people this term is not understood. In other words, this is how Botox works. Yes, Botox is botulinum toxin (the deadliest toxin known to man) in small doses. So there you have it, learn something and enjoy!

Video courtesy of youtube.com. Botulinum Toxin Type A Mode of Action. 2009. Lindsey Pionek. 3Ds Max, Adobe Soundbooth, After Effects and Premier.

Disney Did Medical!

2009-11-05T11:55:00.002-06:00

And I'm not talking about The Fantastic Voyage! I was listening to Chicago-based current events-based radio show, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me!, while working on my graphic design project and they stated that Disney created a short about the menstrual cycle years ago. Not gonna lie, I couldn't believe it! So what do I do when I want to find out something? That's right, google it! There it was: The Story of Menstruation. Made in 1946, this informative animated cartoon reminds me of Cinderella with the narration, the illustration, and the typical stereotype of women at that time. Some of the absurd taboos that were thought to be true, wow! Not taking a shower during the time?! Gross! Oh, and avoid constipation? Does anyone ever purposely get constipated?! Oh and the end reel, yeah, that doesn't always happen that way. I guess times have changed, you can totally see it through this video. You have to check it out to believe it; I personally thought it was hilarious. What do you think?

School has been interesting of course. I had great reviews on my logo design (I will post the finished piece next week), really need to work on my animation, and I have a Pathophysiology exam this Friday that I should probably be studying for now. So on that note, I'm out!

Video courtesy of youtube.com. The Story of Menstruation. Educational animation by Disney. 1946.

Flashy Halloween

2009-11-03T10:21:00.003-06:00

Halloween, one of my favorite holidays, was fantastic this year in Chicago once again. Though there weren't as many crazy costumes in Wicker Park at there was in Boystown last year, it was still pretty entertaining. We had a quite the plethora of characters at our BVIS party though! Some characters from Law & Order SVU, My Little Pony, Rick James, a jockey, the wolf from Little Red Riding hood, a lobster, Dr. House, a knight, bumblebee, a pimp, Lady Gaga, a Black-Eyed Pea, Adam Lambert and some groupies is just an overview of everyone that attended. Of course, there was me of course as Lady Flash. I liked the costume because of all the red and it was one of the most covered costumes at the costume shop. I know Halloween is a time to skank it out, but newsflash: IT'S COLD IN CHICAGO! Plus, I just didn't want to do that since all of them are short.... don't quite have the thighs for that.... but I compensated with the costume by using hair extensions and hot rollers. Anyway, it was still a hit. I don't know what it is; I wasn't going for sexy at all, but it worked out that way. I'm not complaining at all, but still kinda unexpected for me that night. I have curves and I guess people like it.... I could probably make a potato sack hot. :D

I have to say my fave costume that night was Glambert as shown with me above. That took some effort and research and I think it turned out fantastic. I'm surprised that I didn't see any other Adam Lamberts that night, which makes it even more great. Great job dear! Gaga was pretty amazing too. Almost all of the costumes I saw were pretty much easily recognizable. It was great to hang out with almost everyone in my class since most of the time we just go to class and don't have time to hang out as much as we did last year. It must have been a good night though since I lost my phone... and accidentally left my camera at the party.

Yes, it was a good night, and I tend to have a little bit too much fun since I am not able to as much as I did before. Plus, it doesn't help when your tolerance is down at the same time. I didn't get sick and I didn't feel that bad the next day though, so that was nice. But now I'm on the quest for another phone, since that was a whole story in itself (someone found it in the leaves in front of my apartment and was supposed to drop it off with a friend of mine, but never did), but I have a Blackberry Tour in the mail right now and I can't wait to play with it! I wanted an iPhone, but being a very happy US Cellular customer, I did not want to cancel and go to AT&T which I heard has the worst calling, 3G, and customer service. We will see if I like it!

Photo courtesy from Jessica on Facebook.com. Adam Lambert, groupie and Lady Flash. October 2009.

Tradgedy in the Loop

2009-10-29T21:51:00.004-05:00

As I sit watching the news last night, which I rarely do, I heard about a delay of the Blue Line in the Loop because of a death of an individual by being struck by the incoming train during the early afternoon. Thinking it was such an unfortunate situation and how it happened, I was confused, but I left it at that. Today, I noticed many posts from some of my friends from undergrad on Facebook about a fallen friend. Wondering what exactly happened, I texted some friends while at work to find out. I wasn't expecting to hear what I did. After an answered call, I quickly realized I knew the individual who was killed. I was enveloped in a state of shock and was even more confused with the situation than the night before. Billy was in a fraternity which was really close with the sorority I was in in undergrad and every time I talked to him he was in a good mood, positive and energetic. It is very unfortunate to hear something like this so close to home in more than one way. Every time I pass the Monroe stop on the Blue Line, I will think of Billy.

An article on the accident.

Rest in peace buddy.

Photo courtesy of Jack via Facebook: Brothers: Jack and Billy. New Years 2008.

Frank Armitage Lecture-Day 1

2009-10-22T22:19:00.007-05:00

Well today was the day - the beginning of the 2009 Frank Armitage Lecture that our Biomedical Visualization graduate program. It seems like just yesterday I was building the website for the event. I swear, this semester has to slow down! Anyway, I wanted to be prepared for the morning and be on-time and put-together for the event so I picked out my outfit the night before and everything else was ready to go for the smoothest morning possible.... of course that didn't happen. When my alarm went off in the morning, I realized it went off too early so I set it for a later time.... too bad I turned it off and ended up waking up at 8 instead of 7. Well, I guess I will just have to take a cab again. Annoying, but still on time. I hop in the shower and get ready to look presentable-professional and I'm out the door with coffee-in-hand on-time. To my surprise, even with living right off of Clark Street in the heart of Lincoln Park, there are no cabs to be seen... and it is raining. No, not today, just not today. After hoping to see a vacant cab for 10 minutes, I decided to call for one. The operator said it would be less than 5 minutes. Okay, I can handle that. Well after another 10 minutes, I said screw it and I finally was able to hail a cab. The cab I called for called me 10 minutes later... not quite the time they gave me. Oh well, I got another one. Later, when I was about to be dropped off they cabbie figured out I was in school and stated that I was too beautiful to be in the medical field... whatever that means, but I took it as a compliment. Public compliments seem to be my thing; I can't go anywhere without someone noticing me even though I don't feel like I stand out. Oh well; there are much worse things that could happen.

Needless to say, I was late again by 10 minutes. Even though I attempt to be as prepared as possible, there is always some unexpected variable that destroys the plan. I just can't seem to catch a break. I walked into the lecture to Noah Lowenthal, Vice President of Abelson-Taylor. He discussed working in pharmaceutical advertising, more specifically working with the client, different animators and companies to create the product, as well as the working team. The drug, Kapidex, was the example the he discussed. Abelson-Taylor needed to build a booth for a convention that was promoting the drug. The A-T team decided that interactivity was key to captivate the audience, in which they decided to utilize Microsoft Surface. The work that A-T did was very impressive, especially as this was the first time that the company was working with this software.

Greg Blew was next, in which he discussed Emmi Solutions and patient education. More specifically, he started with the beginnings of the company, the significance of patient education for the patient as well as the hospitals, planning, budgeting, and survey scores from patients. Since Greg is also a professor for our program, he has discussed some insider info with us prior, but nothing like this. It was great to see even more of such a beneficial business.

After lunch, we had our last, and main, lecturer, David Bolinsky. Starting out with prehistoric art and man's ability to create artwork and evoke movement. Bolinsky went on to bring this idea into his own life and his progress to where he is today. Starting out in med school and doing pen and ink illustrations on the side, he was always interested in animation. Taking a leap of faith, he decided to drop everything and follow his dream. Can you believe this man started his company XVIVO, a 3D medical animating company, without ever owning a computer? They started off small and not well-known, but after submitting a short on the process visualizing the process of extravasation at a Siggraph conference and getting rave (yet unexpected, or so XVIVO thought) reviews, the company was jet-set to stardom in an instant. It was amazing to see the success that he had through his hard work and following his dream, which were his words of wisdom for the audience as well.

I couldn't believe what a success the first day of the lecture was this year. Usually, the talks, other than the main lecturer, are attended mainly by Biomedical Visualization students and faculty. This year, all the seats were full for every talk. It is fantastic to see how more people are becoming aware of what we do. All of the speakers were captivating, interesting, and the work they showed was just incredible. I don't think our program could have asked for a better day. We'll see how tomorrow goes!

Video courtesy of youtube.com. Inner Life of a Cell.

An Animator From Down Under

2009-10-20T19:35:00.000-05:00

Today the Biomedical Visualization program hosted professional biomedical animator, Drew Berry. He held a talk during the day today discussing his rise to success by hard work and self-promotion as well as his process in creating his animations. Drew works at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, Australia, a prestigious medical research establishment, in which they have received an Emmy for DNA documentary series in 2005.

My approach is the opposite tack to simplifying the science,” says Berry. “Rather than dumbing it down, I set out to show the audience exactly what the scientists are talking about. By building accurate visualizations founded on real scientific data, the animations come alive of their own accord, engage the audience, and go a long way towards explaining what the science is about. The science is rich, detailed and fascinating, and if you can watch it in action you will intuitively get to know how it works.

It was a pleasure to get to see, listen and meet with a professional in our field yet again and this man was stellar and this is just the first one this week! Stay tuned for a recap of the Frank Armitage Lecture later this week!

Photo courtesy of cgsociety.org. Still from animation of the malaria life cycle in human hosts. Drew Berry.
Animation courtesy of youtube.com. Molecular Visualizations of DNA - DNA Chromosome Wrapping. Drew Berry.

Nip-Tuck

2009-10-13T21:30:00.002-05:00

Just a little bit of advertising since I have been pretty sick recently (I have been sleeping almost constantly for the past 3 days). Nip-Tuck season premier is tomorrow if any of you watch it, otherwise, here's an interesting promo ad that plays on fashion, luxury, femininity, and of course, plastic surgery. The official TV show website is pretty cool too; check it out here. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy from oliv3r.net. Nip-Tuck season 6 premier advertising. 2009.

I-con do it!

2009-10-08T21:49:00.008-05:00

Above are my icon designs for my Advanced Graphic Design class. Now many of you are probably thinking "What is the difference between an icon and a logo?" Here it is: A logo is a graphical element that, together with its logotype (a uniquely set and arranged typeface) form a trademark or commercial brand. Typically, a logo's design is for immediate recognition. An icon, on the other hand, is defined as an image, picture, or representation. A sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it either concretely or by analogy; in simpler terms, a symbol. (Thanks for the definitions wikipedia!) Pssh, a symbol? How difficult could this be? Why were we given weeks to do something that is supposed to be so simple? Though we had to choose three different medical fields (which if you didn't notice, chose optometry, orthopedics and neurology), seriously, how bad could it be?

Again, surprised. You have to take every aspect, shape, line, weight, color, etc into consideration. I have to say, the hardest part was breaking down a complex medical field (let alone three) and make them cohesive with each other. I wanted them to be bold to evoke confidence of each field and use the more basic elements of anatomy that each field chosen works with every day: optometry with the eye, orthopedics with a broken bone, and neurology with the neuron. The colors are chosen for a reason too. Yellow is known to be the most visible color in the spectrum, red was used to evoke the blood from marrow, and blue is used as it is known as a calming color. I could go on with all the little aspects, but if you want to know, ask. Again, I liked how they turned out and I liked the project. This assignment made me think even more about the meanings behind an artist's actions. Meaning in art makes it all the better.
Medical field icons. 2009. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator.

Olympic-Sized Shock

2009-10-02T13:18:00.006-05:00

The race for the 2016 Olympics is over. Rio de Janeiro was selected this morning, October 2, 2009, as the city to host the summer games of 2016. Being a Chicago resident, I was shocked to hear that we were the bottom and were out before the end announcement. With all the effort and pull that was going on for and in the city, the excitement turned into jaw-dropping shock. However, in my eyes Rio definitely deserved this honor. They have attempted in 1936, 1940, 2004 and 2012 and failed. Persistence worked in their favor and now they will be the host of first Olympics in South America. The Olympics is a world event is it not? Shouldn't every continent have the opportunity to host something like this (Well, maybe except for Antarctica)? With these reasons, I am still a proud supporter of the games. I just may have to go to Brazil now and check out what it is all about. :D

This loss for Chicago may be a good thing though. Think about it: the city already has the highest taxes in the US at 10.25%, the criminal behavior doesn't cease to exist (though I haven't experienced it really and I don't care to) and the El could use a little revamping in many locations. By not receiving the bid for 2016, we are able to use the money to work on the city and the things that truly matter rather than for two weeks seven years from now. The city needs to regain their focus and work to make this place even better that I think it all ready is. Stop the violence in the South and West sides, bring back the compassion, work to make Chicago as a whole a more peaceful place and who knows? If we attempt again (which Chicago should consider; we Americans can't expect to have everything instantaneously), we may have an even bigger influence than we did this time.

Photo courtesy of blog.pinkergreen.com. Candidate city logos for 2016 Olympics.

It is up!

2009-10-01T22:03:00.005-05:00

The 2009 Frank Armitage Lecture website is finished! This little gem has been my pride and joy for the past two weeks and I am happy to say that it is now finished. It had its ups and downs, just like every website, but it worked in a way that it was a good review in CSS and html for me. I received some great images from all the lecturers except for one, so instead of making that one stick out like a sore thumb and underrepresented, I decided not to use them except for our main lecturer, David Bolinsky and the artwork from the individual in which the lecture is named after, Frank Armitage. However, I believe the use of these images create a cohesive and clean look to the website, which tends to be my aesthetic. I also enjoy that the images I chose work with each other well with the colors and of course the subject matters, contrast at the same time. The traditional style of Franks Armitage's artwork reflect on the history of medical illustration and the beginning of UIC's program, whereas David Bolinsky's style is future-forward, with bright contrasting colors in a 3d style. Take a look at the website here and let me know what you think!

Splash page portion of 2009 Frank Armitage website with artwork from David Bolinsky. 2009. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop.

I'm a Wanderer

2009-09-27T14:51:00.006-05:00

You have all probably wondered about exactly what I am doing in school this semester since I never really put it out there. What is this girl doing? What are some of the things she is talking about? Does she even take classes anymore since I hear so much about her social life now?

To be honest, the many distractions have to be cut in half. I love it, don't get me wrong , but yes, it must (unfortunately) slow. I am in the beginning-ish of a full-time graduate status, but I have the least amount of classes that I have had since starting this program. I am taking Advanced Graphic Design with Donna Hughes, Animation with Greg Blew, two credits of Project Research, and an online Pathophysiology course that will be starting soon. I need to start working more on the Project Research more before it is too late, and I will be this upcoming week at least that is the plan. I want to graduate on-time (aka this May) which means I really have to get my thesis project moving. Ugh.

Otherwise, my favorite class is of course, Advanced Graphic Design. Donna is so good at what she does and during our individual discussion about our progress with our work she shows the insight and creativity she possesses. It is incredibly inspiring to get to know more about reasons behind colors, shapes, type, etc. I finally received my book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean in Art and Myth, and I immersed myself in it right away. I have always been fascinated by any form of art, but more so I was interested in the meaning behind it, the personal history behind the individual who created the work. When you know those components, it is not just a pretty picture anymore, it is more relevant and I hold a much greater appreciation for the art. Masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo (my Classical favorites) have this deeper meaning in their work and I am just in awe on how they did it. Though I will mostly likely never be honored like these two, I strive to hold meaning behind my art. Though I may not have the ability to do this in much of my medical illustration, I can in my graphic design which is probably why I love it so much.

We are working on creating symbols for three different branches of medicine in the class presently. The kicker is that each symbol has to be distinguishable, but at the same time, all be cohesive as a group. When I looked at the syllabus, we had 4 different preliminary meeting where we had to be at certain points in the process, but not officially completed for an entire month. An entire month to dish out three basic symbols? That's a piece of cake. Well, when I started, I was shocked at how difficult it was. First you have to break them all down to the basics and then you have to make sure that they look similar enough at the same time. Quite a challenge, but I am finally at a place where it all just came together in what I wanted so it is well on its way. I just have pages of crude sketches and some Illustrator files that I have been working with at the time, but nothing finished. In a few weeks, I post like always.

What I have above are the symbols of the American Hobo that we talked about in class a day during a symbols and icons lecture. Never would I have thought about this but it makes complete sense for a roaming, free-spirit community, would have a way to communicate. Very easy to identify and able to be written with a simple piece of chalk or coal, these symbols did the job and kept many hobos out of trouble and able to survive in their lifestyle. I thought it was interesting and worth the share. I images have the meanings underneath them; take a look for yourself!

Photos courtesy of vinci.org. Hobo symbols.

Drink Your Brains Out

2009-09-24T00:50:00.001-05:00

Drink your body's every dysfunction away with Neuro Drinks. What the company has to say:

Neuro is an innovative beverage company dedicated to developing the highest quality functional beverages available. Our products are designed specifically to improve your overall health and wellness and help you achieve your goals and ambitions.

Product innovation is led by a team of scientific and nutritional experts across the country. Each formula features a distinctive and truly breakthrough formulation bringing true innovation as well as style and sophistication to the functional beverage category.

Not only are there 7 different flavors with clever names to go with its purpose and a fantastic anatomically-based logo, but the package design is quite unique as well. The sleek shape, clean design, bold colors and clever names make me want to take a closer look at this product. This notewothy package design could be the reason why Neuro Drinks have been in the celebrity spotlight. With cameos in Funny or Die with Lindsay Lohan and Lady Gaga's Paparazzi music video (If you haven't seen this video, you should... very artsy) and taking strolls with Hayden Panettiere and many other famous faces, this drink has star factor. I would love to go out and buy some, but Neuro Drinks are presently being distributed only in California. However, their website gives everyone else the option of buying online with free shipping.

Talking about California, I am officially celebrating New Year's in California with my bestie. I bought my plane tickets so there is no turning back (not that I ever would). In undergrad, I would go and visit my best friend from high school about two times a year. According to those statistics, I am pretty overdue and I couldn't be more excited to get out of the chilly winter winds!

Photo courtesy of Drink Neuro Blog. Drink Neuro Blog Logo. and Product Placement Blog: www.e-basel.it/. Still from "Paparazzi" music video by Lady Gaga.

A Little Anatomical Design Gem

2009-09-23T18:03:00.004-05:00

Perusing the web as a procrastination tool has become vital to my sanity. However, I find some great artwork and learn a few tips, pointers and inspiration on the way so it can't be all bad, right? While working on the Frank Armitage website (which will be up soon!), I took a little breather and found this piece of creative graphic design. Loic Sattler of [LSD]Lysergid, a Berlin-based art director, illustrator and rich media designer created this Cover design for the Big Up Magazine, March 2009, issue 3. Of course, I love the use of anatomy in this piece, but all of his work is just incredible. The contrast, the colors, the geometric shapes mixed with organics, and the creativity = love, love, LOVE! Check out the rest of his work here.

Photo courtesy of www.lysergid.com. Cover design for the Big Up magazine March 2009 issue 3. Loic Sattler. 2009.

My What Dirty Hands You Have!

2009-09-22T15:27:00.007-05:00

Above is my final design for creating awareness to the public about the H1N1 virus (aka Swine Flu) for my Advanced Graphic Design class with Donna Hughes. Like usual, we were required to create three different concepts and choose one to refine. I didn't want to do the typical (dealing with pigs) so I played with the ways to prevent it. After a bit more research, I found out that the H1N1 flu virus symptoms are very much like the normal flu. This made the project a little more difficult to work with since I didn't want to do anything with porkers. I decided to work with a play on hand prints and the potential transfer and uptake of the virus through normal tasks with the poster fitting in the larger bus/El car advertising locations. This would give the viewer the potential to look and read the poster, so it could have more content on it than say a billboard.

My concept was pretty different from the final (the text wasn't fit into the hand), but the recommendations were exactly what I initially wanted to do with it (ran out of time for the concept crit). I was happy with the suggestions geared toward what I wanted to do in the first place and came up with the finished product. My favorite part of doing this was when I used the "envelope distort" tool with the grunge text to fit the content in the tell tale lines of the hand. The hand behind the skewed text in a flat light color indicating a clean hand with the dirty text as everything that one picks up (with the potential of picking up H1N1) during a day. The most disturbing dirty place that I found was using the remote (home and hotel). It makes sense, but it is one thing that I haven't thought about. Ewww. I disinfected my remote as soon as I found that little fact.

I'm happy with the end product. What do you think of it?

H1N1 Public Service Announcement - Dirty Hands. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. 2009.

What I have been doing for the past two weeks..

2009-09-13T19:36:00.009-05:00

Sorry, I have been a busy girl, so here's what I have been doing since the beginning of Labor Day weekend.

Saw the Harry Potter Exhibit (nerdy, but cool. I was selected to try on the Sorting Hat and I'm a Hufflepuff!)
Went to a White Sox game against the Red Sox (White Sox won, and they were in the best seats I have ever been in. Right behind home base only 15 or so rows up!)
Hung out with my cousins downtown and in Oak Park
went to my first drag show
Grilled out at my cousin's place
Took a walk by the lake with my cousin's pup (look at photo below. Lucky after the walk.)
Did some homework
Finished my first assignment of the semester
Worked my 20 hrs
Spent two days working on a hard-copy of my portfolio
Went to my cousin's house again to do laundry (5 weeks worth!)
Remembered, and cried for, September 11th
Went to Lincoln Park Art Festival with cousin to see one of her friend's band play
Went out to eat with my cuz and her friend at Charlie's Ale House in Andersonville and saw an old man pass out and spew at the bar and taken out by an ambulance. (Ew. Plus it was only 8 pm)
Attended a "Bachelorette" party all decked out
Went to Hogs and Honeys for it
Rode a mechanical bull
Went to Wicker Park to continue the night with dancing
Became much closer to a friend in my program
Checked out Renegade Craft Fair
Did/doing some homework (my head hurts)
and presently watching the Bears-Packers game (GO PACK GO!) with a bet in tow drinking coffee, though I wish it was a beer.

So there you have it, now you are all caught up! Unfortunately, my social life will have to slow down now otherwise, nothing will get done. Boo... :D

Sexy Surrogates

2009-09-03T23:48:00.008-05:00

These ads have been popping up all over Chicago in the form of billboards and bus stop posters for the upcoming movie Surrogates. Coming to the big screen September 25th, the films stars Bruce Willis, Rosamund Pike, and Radha Mitchell in a sci-fi thriller. I don't know if I will see the movie, but I think the ad campaign is impressive. Though I think it is a little odd that some look like Angelina Jolie and David Beckham (though they can be considered almost perfect), I love the metal and industrial vertebral columns working with the organic form of the human body. With the blonde, it is odd that the ribcage is not there (it isn't shown in the others either like it should be to be more anatomically accurate, but more obvious here). Nonetheless, the advertising delivers, but will the movie?

PS: I am unable to find the design firm the envisioned this campaign. If readers have any idea, comment me up!

Photos courtesy of movieviral.com. Ad campaign for Surrogates film. 2009.

Not an Ad, but Anatomical Design Nonetheless!

2009-09-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

Searching the web tonight before bed looking for some inspiration, I tripped over this site and I couldn't help but be amused at the image and the explanation. I just had to post it.

Anatomical mens brief in black from new brand Australian Obviously - UK exclusive to DGU Fabric: Cotton Modal/Lycra mix
Anatomical design

Obviously's revolutionary design forms the basis for what makes our underwear so comfortable. All Obviously for Men underwear products have an anatomically designed pouch into which you place your package. The U shaped seam that forms the base of the pouch is designed to sit directly behind your bits, up against your body. This ensures a snug fit for all your bits and provides the separation necessary to eliminate all the discomfort of regular underwear and provide the benefits listed above.

Photo courtesy of posmena.blogspot.com. Obviously brand anatomical design mens underwear.

And Finally.... My Interactive!

2009-09-01T23:57:00.003-05:00

Now for the end of my summer work. What I put in the most time and effort into this summer was my Flash class. To say the least, the class started out rocky. I was not understanding the logistics of basic functioning for some reason. Then to make things worse, we were learning action script on top of that. There is something with coding that I just cannot wrap my head around sometimes. When the semester was coming to a close, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to deliver a fully-functional interactive and then, a week before it was due, everything finally clicked. After that, I was able to enjoy creating the interactive.

Our assignment was to create a health-based interactive on the subject of our choice. As you can see from the image of the interactive, I chose the effects of obesity on health. This little interactive comes equipped with rollovers explaining the effects of obesity on numerous organ systems for different stages of obesity. Furthermore, I created a BMI calculator so you can see where you are with your weight as well. The calculator took up the most time but it was the most rewarding part to make in my eyes. I am happy with how the completed interactive turned out with the artwork and its functionality. I made myself crack up numerous times when creating the silhouettes. I started with the normal weight image and manually pushed and pulled vertices to make "him" carry more weight. Yes, I did have to search for references to make the "men" accurate and somehow I didn't get sick though I was pretty grossed out at times. All in a day's work of a medical artist I say. To play with my interactive, please click HERE.

"Obesity and Your Health" Interactive. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator and Flash. 2009.

Give 'Til It Hurts

2009-08-31T23:26:00.001-05:00

Though it may be early for Halloween, I just found out that every year, Lionsgate promotes the Red Cross and its new SAW (VI, if you aren't familiar) film with the "Give 'Til It Hurts" blood drive. And as part of the ad campaign tradition for this event, they include the SAW nurse... yikes!

This year's ad campaign was created by Ignition Print and was photographed by Co-President of Marketing Tim Palen - and is considered the wildest yet with the SAW nurse sporting a uniform you won't see at just any old doctor's office. The corset, designed by The Blonds, looks pretty sharp to me if you know what I mean. The Blonds have been designing and outfitting celebs such as Britney Spears, Beyonce, Rihanna and Katy Perry.

Though the image may be uncomfortable to look at, it does the job grabbing attention and getting the point across. Furthermore, you can see the craftsmanship and quality of the garment, the makeup and the lighting to make this an incredibly striking and beautiful image.

Oh, and of course I can't forget to let everyone know this too: Happy 19th birthday little brother!

Photo courtesy of current.com. "Give 'Til It Hurts" 6th Annual Halloween Blood Drive advertisement. Ignition Print - Tim Palen. Syringe corset by The Blonds. 2009.

Echo-echo-echo-echolocation

2009-08-30T22:50:00.008-05:00

Echolocation is a complex process and an even more difficult one to illustrate since most of the mechanism works with air, sound waves, and nerve impulses. However, I wanted to do something with my favorite animal in a biological illustration, so I was determined. Working with my newly experimented graphic style was much easier this time so that wasn't much of an issue like last time. Another factor that made this illustration difficult was the lack of accurate bottlenose dolphin anatomy; most of my findings were schematic in nature. This was why my initially-planned first illustration became my last. I needed to do lots of research to find what I was looking for.

What do you think?

Echolocation mechanism of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. 2009.

Do you have LowT?

2009-08-29T00:10:00.000-05:00

Hint: Only males go through this! Now there is a reason behind the mid-life crisis. Yes, decreased levels of testosterone in men create a "male menopause" more formally known as andropause. I was intrigued by this more recent finding so I wanted to create a print PSA dealing with this subject. Since there are many physical and mental changes when men undergo this time in their life, I decided to play with the idea of the "spice of life". I am satisfied with the idea, but it was difficult using numerous images and making them cohesive in one image. Yes, each one of those bottles are different images, as well as the shelf and the reaching hand. I used a few techniques in photoshop to create shadows to make the bottles seem close together and "grounded" on the shelf. Creating a homemade set-up and shooting the image and tweaking in photoshop afterward would have been a better solution in my eyes. If only I didn't have a budget (or maybe a high-end camera)!

"IsItLowT?" print PSA. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator. 2009.

You find out a lot about someone.... on a bus

2009-08-27T23:26:00.005-05:00

On my way home from work, I always take the same route. There are two sets of buses that pick up and drop off at the same location after I get off the Pink line so I don't have to wait long. However, I usually end up on my way home during the rush hour so the bus usually has standing room only. I'm fine with that, plus I don't want to wait any longer than I have to since it is approximately an hour commute. The bus that came up first was more packed than usual, like I mean me and 2 other people where the only ones that could get on. I thought it was a little funny, especially since being crowded in a bus bring out the best, and worst in people. There were plenty of complaints on why people were still trying to get on, there wasn't any room, couldn't get off, but seriously people? Everyone is trying to get home just like you. And if you are tourists, well welcome to Chicago on a weekday at 5:30 pm. Plan accordingly next time. All I could do is smile and pretend to not pay attention.

On the other hand, I found out some great things about people too. People sacrificed their seats for others, were very polite in this uncomfortable situation and I even was able to strike up a conversation with a woman that I was standing by (She was right by the driver so I was trying to give her some more space... yeah, it was that crowded.), and I think doing the same people watching that I was doing. Sure there were a few more complainers and the snobs that wouldn't move for the elderly, but I was impressed by others even more that were positive in the situation. Who would have thought that a bus ride could be an eye-opening experience? Life's little experiences and lessons happen when you least expect it.

Photo courtesy of mctavish.eu.

And the Beat Goes On

2009-08-26T23:29:00.004-05:00

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago just replaced their old, yet cherished, walk-through heart with one that holds interactivity in a modern fashion. This new 14-foot steel wall hanging has the image of a human heart beating projected onto its surface. Place your hand on the pulse station's hand grips and the animated heart will match your pulse. More interactivity of this heart displays the inner anatomy and the electrical function that will keep education entertaining. This technological wonder is part of the new, 15,000-square-foot permanent exhibit pinned "You! The Experience". Scheduled to open October 8th, the exhibit is designed to showcase for visitors how the human body works and how to make better decisions regarding health and mental well-being.

Tom Hennes, president of the New York design firm Thinc, is the new exhibit's primary designer. Furthermore, the "Inner Life of the Cell" creator David Bolinsky, and his team, XVIVO, were involved in creating this new exhibit. Wait, there is one more part: David Bolinski is visiting our program and in the main guest speaker in this year's Frank Armitage Lecture which is presented by the Biomedical Visualization to show new technologies in our field.

The UIC Biomedical Visualization program not only has ties with the new heart installation, but the old one as well. The 8-foot wide, plaster of paris heart built around a pillar was designed and created in our department by past faculty and others, including Professor A. Hooker Goodwin, the director of from the 1950s to 1976. Because of the construction, the walk-through heart had to be broken into smaller pieces. Some of the pieces have been given as mementos to the people or the families that have worked on the installation, so I'm assuming our department will have something somewhere. In our hallway, we have photographs of the construction.

I personally look forward to taking a look at this new exhibit when it is open to the public. I hope you do too!

Photo courtesy of msichicago.org. Heart in "You! The Experience" permanent exhibit. 2009. Museum of Science and Industry. Chicago, IL.

Oh Dura!

2009-08-25T14:26:00.003-05:00

Here is my first illustration completed for Advanced Illustration for this past and long gone summer semester. This illustration depict the dural membranes and sinuses of the skull, which are vital to take waste products and extra fluid away from the brain (sinuses) as well as helping the brain stay put (membranes). I wanted to work with my new graphic style of line and transparencies in medical illustration. Needless to say, it was more difficult than I would have expected in the way that I had to practice my restraint in creating too much detail. Plus, the view is very different angle compared to typical anatomical illustrations and photographs, so finding references was a bit of an issue too. Osirix became an essential tool for obtaining an accurate view for the illustration. In the end I am happy about the end product and I like the clean lines and subdued color palette. It is a very different style than what you see in most anatomical illustrations today.

Dural Sinuses. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. 2009.

I'm Back!

2009-08-18T10:42:00.001-05:00

It is so unfortunate that I have to take my little "vacations" from blogging when the end of the semester is near. Instead, I work on assignments until the wee hours of the night non-stop and then wake up in the wee hours of the morning. Let me tell you, like always it was intense. I blame myself for some of it, but you know, that happens when I want to have a bit of a social life. Well, it is all done and over for now, for a week now (Sorry, I needed to get some R&R too!). In the next week you will be seeing what I did over the past summer session of 10 credits in 8 weeks. Again, it was well worth it. I received my grades yesterday and did another stellar job and I am very happy about it.

This last week was pretty good as well. I hung out with my cousin in Madison last Friday and Saturday as well as drunkenly calling a college friend to come out at bar close; she did, (I had a great time and I couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like if I went to Madison instead of St. Norbert College for undergrad (no regrets at all though).) , went home for a couple days, went boating (My brother bought a pontoon. Yes, he is only almost 19!), did a ton of reading (I finally succumbed to the Twilight series.... addicting! Plus, it is a lot more fun when you can read for pleasure.), and visited a hometown friend. Plus, our final assignments weren't due until this past Monday, so I saved just a little bit to work on for the past weekend as well. Needless to say, I kept myself busy. And just like that, I'm back in Chicago and back to work. Though I still have another week of no classes, I will be updating a website, as well as working some more of my project research (I didn't quite do what I was supposed to and now I'm making up for my negligence.... ugh Lindsey!)

Now to reminiscing a few weeks back. The images that I have here are for my Surgical Orientation class. We had plenty of lectures in the class, mostly with speakers and surgical protocol; we even had a lecture/demo on surgical instruments by Autosuture working with foam intestines and stomachs that was really fun and interesting. The assignments that we had to do was research a surgical procedure and do a few sketches as well as illustrating 3 surgical instruments in different categories in pen and ink: I chose cutting, grasping, and clamping categories and used a digital pen and ink process. The surgical procedure is not finished or course, but it works for what we were asked. Initially, I wanted to do the Whipple procedure, but yeah... way too many steps. Therefore, I decided to do laser varicose vein removal instead since my I have family that are having issues with theirs. Take a look yourself!

Surgical Instruments. Lindsey Pionek. Adobe Illustrator. 2009. Surgical Procedure on Laser Varicose Vein Removal. Lindsey Pionek. Graphite and Adobe Photoshop. 2009.

Matthew Holt

2009-07-24T11:30:00.004-05:00

A couple days ago we had a UIC Biomedical Visualization Alum, Matthew Holt, come in and give us a presentation of his lifestyle and work process. He is a freelance medical illustrator that lives in Wisconsin close to the Illinois border. He knew he wanted to do freelance right after grad school and he has been doing that ever since. From what he said, freelancing seems like quite the lifestyle; never knowing when a job will come around or busy for a bit and making a lot of money in a short time frame and then not having work for awhile, working from home, being there with your children, pursuing other passions, being your own boss, etc. It was interesting to hear about the life of a freelancer, but I would not want to do that unless I had to. I would be a stressful little person constantly; I'm the kind of person that likes more routine in my life than not (even though I'm always up for a surprise). At least he loves what he is doing and it makes me appreciate that there are all kinds of people that have to opportunity to find their own niche that works for them.

What amazed me with his talk is the speed that Matthew can finish an illustration. He showed us one of a profile of the face completely rendered and from start to finish he said it maybe took him two and a half hours! Of course, he didn't start out this fast, but still that just blows my mind! I guess it is all in practice and when you have been doing this for so many years and you have your technique down, it reduces the time. Take a look at his website for more work by Holt and to see what else he does when he isn't illustrating.

Photo courtesy of bodyrender.com. Small Joint Replacements. Matthew Holt. 2008. Photoshop.

One Thing After Another

2009-07-14T23:20:00.002-05:00

My intention was to get this one out earlier, but I have been a busy person (not like that's anything out of the usual) with a lot of great and memorable experiences. It all started at the end of last week when our class finally had the opportunity to visit Abelson-Taylor, one of the top pharmaceutical ad agencies in the US right here in Chicago. Since this is exactly the direction that I would like my career to go, I was not going to miss it at all. To do this, I had to reschedule work that day which really wasn't a problem. That morning, however, was another story.

What should have been a 25 minute max commute, quickly turned into 45. The bus did not come the time it said it should have been on BusTracker and then waited for the Blue Line for 10 minutes and when it finally came, it was not going its normal speed at all. Awesome. I'm visiting a potential employer and I'm late. That just looks fantastic. After dashing up the stairs and elevator and sulking into the conference room where the visit was at the moment, I was pretty embarrassed. I do not like to be late; it stresses me out so I prevent it as much as I humanly cane. Gladly, it was okay and the visit was fantastic. It was more than I expected and was obviously pleasantly surprised. After the class left, I stayed after for awhile to get a deeper look at the company and meet some talented people with Vanessa Ruiz, who went through UIC's Biomedical Visualization program as well. It was a great experience that greatly validated my passion to go into this field and makes me very excited about the future.

The weekend was a entirely busy as I moved this weekend to a cute little place in the heart of Lincoln Park. My family came down to help, of course, even though they hate moving me. (Hopefully this will be the last time for awhile!) If you don't know anything about Lincoln Park, it is a great area; I am only a block away from the park, the conservatory and the zoo. However, parking is a bit of a problem, especially when you are moving with a full-size truck that takes up almost two parking spaces. That was an experience I could have done without! Surprisingly, we ended up getting one for the beast right in front of my building. At first, I was really disappointed in that apartment. Needless to say, there was no security deposit, therefore, there is not motivation for it to be cleaned. Also, some of the electrical was not the best shape. I was pretty upset that I moved in two weeks after my lease officially started and some of the stuff that was promised to me that it would be completed before I moved in still was not done. It is done now, so it wasn't too much of an issue (I think the building engineer could tell I was a little ticked when I officially moved in), but still pretty disappointing. After the fixing up and the cleaning, it has turned into quite the little pad I think!

After all of the non-homework responsibilities I have been back at the thing called "schooling". However, it has become a little overwhelming and I really need to catch up. (How many times have you heard that from me! Ha ha!) Like always, it will get done and done well. I work better under pressure and deadlines and they are coming up!

Photo courtesy of hi.baidu.com. Abelson Taylor Reception Space.

FAT!

2009-07-08T00:21:00.005-05:00

Getting back into school from a great weekend was tough, but I think I have a handle on it now. I was doing a bit of research online pertaining to my subject for my Flash interactive that I have to do for class. At the moment, we just have to create a little outline of what we want to include and how we are envisioning the layout. I am planning on doing mine about the different stages of obesity, particular health hazards, and BMI. While researching, I was thinking about adding the anatomy of an adipocyte, an individual fat cell, and I ended up finding this little guy. Though I have seen these critter, creatures, whatever you want to call them, I thought I would present them anyway since I didn't know that cells were included.

The stuffed cell is from a brand named Giant Microbes by Drew Oliver. Drew Oliver was initially a lawyer educated at the University of Chicago Law School, but creating cute stuffed microbes and cells and being his own boss was more up his alley. Started in 2002 to be an education tool for children, his small business attracted national attention a year later and the rest is history. The Giant Microbes collection contains Health (microbes like the kind that cause the common cold and the flu as well as cells), Critters (such as dust mites), Calamites, (such as those that are responsible for black death and ebola), and Exotics. Each stuffed microscopic 'critter' comes with information and illustrations about the real thing it is symbolizing. Get one for your sick friend or family member (they have a new Swine Flu one as well!), or as a little reminder to keep that waistline!

Photo courtesy of giantmicrobes.com. Giant Microbes Fat Cell (Adipocyte).

Independence Day in Chicago

2009-07-06T23:26:00.003-05:00

I have to say that this Independence Day was one of my best. My parents came down not only to bring me some of my huge packing bins, but to spend some time in the city and enjoy the festivities. I was so excited that I started planning right away for their visit, since they really haven't seen much of the city other than what is close to my apartment. I also planned and booked a little surprise for them by booking a Fireworks and Architecture Cruise from Shoreline. The day after I booked it, Mom gives me a call mentioning the cruises. She's not supposed to be looking into that stuff! I always do the planning when they come down! Crap! I quickly say that I saw that and called all of the places and they are all booked; the websites must not be updated yet. Being as stubborn as she is (that's where I get it) I was almost expecting her to book them anyway and not listen to me. I was just hoping she would just drop it and not look further the rest of the week.

Of course, when I planned everything initially, it was supposed to be a beautiful, warm and sunny day, but that's not what it turned out to be..... stupid weather. That didn't stop us though! Even through the annoying drizzle and rain, we started our day of fun at the Taste of Chicago. At least we had umbrellas, but we still ended up pretty soaked. All I was thinking through the whole time was "Please let the rain stop before 7 pm" while convincing my parents that we had to be to Navy Pier to get nice seats for the fireworks. While we were waiting at the bus stop to get to Navy Pier, one bus just completely flies by. AWESOME! We need to be there in 10 minutes to get the tickets before we board! Thankfully, another one came (and stopped) soon after. For some reason, the Ogden Slip dock where we had to be is not well-known or really well-documented on its location, so I'm still scrambling while my parents are probably wondering why the hell I was spazzing. We finally got there with enough time to spare and I announced my surprise. Mom was tickled pink and was so excited, and I think Dad was too (he tends to control his emotions more than Mom).

I recommend the Fireworks and Architecture Cruise to anyone. Considering being a Chicago resident, I learned a lot about the buildings that make Chicago the place it is. It was interesting to hear the thoughts behind the designs as well and all the little details that are often looked over. The cash bar was pretty awesome too being cheap (to Chicago standards) and high quality liquors. Needless to say we took advantage of that. Lastly, the best place to view fireworks are on a boat, hands down.

Afterwards, we headed to Navy Pier and ate and drank at Charlie's Ale House since we had cravings for a good burger. Yum! When we were done there and ready to head back we took public transportation back.... I was a little squeamish since it was at night and unfortunately the most interesting people come out of the cracks later at night. We did it anyway, I mean there were three of us so it wasn't a big issue. But when we were waiting for the Blue line with my parents sitting and me facing them and not paying attention, a man approached us, and being startled, I just automatically turn around and put my hand on my purse that was on my shoulder. I didn't notice what I did until the man kept on telling me that I was "insulting" because I did that. I'm sorry, but I would have done that to anyone, any time of day, anywhere in Chicago. He continues on calling me insulting, but then starts to ask us for money. Again, I'm sorry, but you think that I am going to give you money after you were just rude to me? Don't think so! I apologized, but he wasn't taking it. So he leaves, but then a minute later he starts on his rant at my from a distance. Great. "Welcome to the El at night Mom and Dad, this is why I don't travel by myself at night," I say. It was fine, but it still bothers me a bit. Whatever, I'm a young female in Chicago, what do you expect me to do with my purse?

Other than that little situation, the time with my parents was excellent. I am so happy that they had a great time and I was able to surprise them. They deserve it since they have done so much for me. They are the best parents I could ask for.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.com. July 4 -- Fireworks Over Chicago, Guy Flaneur, 2008.

Panoramic Views To Say the Least

2009-07-01T20:44:00.003-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

This week has been full of ups and downs for me. I obtained by keys for my new place yesterday, and I have been attempting doing projects for my classes, however, that has not been easy. I had to re-open 3Ds Max again to do a couple touch-ups to a piece that I am submitting to the AMI Salon, which, of course, did not come easy. After failing at working on that yesterday, I moved to using Osirix (mind you, I haven't used it for at least 8 months) to find a skull and position it in a way that will help me with accurately illustrating the skull at downward lateral view. Couldn't get that to work for me either. I threw in the towel and watched Flash CS4 tutorials on Lynda.com. Well, at least I attempted at doing something.

Today has been a better day and I have been able to work on both of the projects that I could not for the life of me get to work yesterday. At least they are kind of working today. Things are looking up for me, at least hopefully.

Something else has people looking up (and down) in Chicago. Just in time for the America's birthday, the Sears (soon to be named Willis) Tower has added a new addition.... glass. More glass you say? Yes, glass that you can stand on 103 floors up. The Sears Tower added "The Ledge", a glass balcony to their Skydeck so visitors can get a panormic (yes panORMic) view of the city out of America's tallest skyscraper. Though I am a fan of the Hancock Observatory, I may have to take a look at this new addition!

Video courtesy of The Today Show on MSNBC.com. Sears Tower Opens Glass Observation Deck.

My Inspirations

2009-06-25T23:55:00.012-05:00

Oh man, I have been a pile and I'm not quite sure why. Sure, I have been doing research on all of my projects I have to do and working, but I just cannot get myself to get any farther than that. I can always find plenty of other things to do/have to be done. I don't know, but I need to get out of this little funk soon. It will come back to me though, I will make sure of that.

One of our assignments for class was to find artists that inspire us to encourage our own style to come out in our illustrations. Here are mine:

Photo courtesy of drawingsofleonardo.org. View of a Skull. Leonardo da Vinci. c. 1489.

Leonard da Vinci
The Renaissance man, Leonardo was always not only painting and sketching, but discovering and inventing. His painting are beautiful and finished, but I always was more fascinated with his sketches. Even though they are just sketches, the detail and line work in them just blow me away.

Photo courtesy of ghostco.org. A Tree With Roots. Matthew Woodson.

Matthew Woodson
A local Chicago artist that graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 2006, Matt Woodson has a more graphic style. His use of line, blocks of color and patterns gives the illustrations movement and whimsy, yet have a strong sense of realism. He also uses some inner anatomy in some of his works.

Photo courtesy of muchafoundation.org. Summer 1896. Alphonse Mucha. Decorative panel. 1896.

Alphose Mucha
Always being a fan of Art Nouveau, Alphose Mucha has been one of my favorites for years. His decorative style, muted color palette and use of outline is very well done. Simple, yet ornate.

Photo courtesy of iamgabz.com. Personal project inspired by Miami Ink episode. Grzegroz Domaradzki. Pencil and Photoshop. 2009.

Grzegroz Domaradzki
Also known as Gabz, Grzegroz is a polish freelancer who creates paintings, commercial art, graphic design and storyboards. His style varies depending on what he is working on which can sometimes be quite a feat. My personal favorites are his drawings and illustrations. Once again, his use of line is what gets me as well as the heightened contrast. He also uses anatomy in many of this drawings.

I hope that I will be able to take something from these amazing artists and be able to create my own style to put towards my anatomical art.

100th Blog Post!

2009-06-24T21:02:00.007-05:00

There you are ladies and gents! If you have kept up with my blogging from the beginning, thank you and continue to read on, and if you are newer addition; welcome and I hope you obtain some knowledge as well as a chuckle from my life in the past 10 months, the present, and the future as a graduate student at UIC in the biomedical visualization program.

Now that I'm done with my little 100th-post celebration, I would like to talk about one of my newer fave artists who was saved for this special post. Plus, he also drew some medically-inspired art finally (well kinda)! Juan Fransisco Casas, 31, is a Spanish artist that works on huge photo-realistic works of are created and rendered with a blue Bic ballpoint pen. Trained as a traditional artist, he started doing these huge drawings 4 years ago as a joke to make something look like a photo but was far from it. It wasn't until he won 2nd place in a national art competition that he took these pieces seriously that he based on nights out with friends and sexuality. At the present, my new personal favorites are the ones above named Eating Vesalius and Licking Vesalius in ode to the tattoo first illustrated in Andreas Vesalius' book De Humani Corporis Fabrica. Check out more of Juan's art here! Now it is back to working on my thesis project proposal and Flash tutorials on Lynda.com!

Thanks again everyone!

Photo courtesy of juanfranciscocasas.com. Eating Vesalius (detail) and Licking Vesalius. Juan Fransisco Casas. Bic ballpoint pen. 2009.

Letting it All Hang Out

2009-06-19T20:59:00.005-05:00

The first week of our 8 week summer session is over and though I am trying to keep up with things the summer keeps on tempting me to relax, hang out, and to put it bluntly, just chill. I haven't quite stepped back into the class mode yet. It is nice in a way that our course load isn't that intense, so I still feel like I am in the clear.... I just don't want it to get out of hand, you know, since all of my weekends are already books for the entire duration. That will happen.

Though I say I have been a bum, I have:

Checked out artists that I admire for my advanced imaging techniques as well as choosing my scientific subjects to illustrate.
Taken my first Flash class and rewrote my crazy-messy notes (I swear, in the past month I forgot how to write.)
Gutted my room of unnecessary things that I don't want to move in less than a month.
Worked 16 hours and did my first tech help email and phone call. :D
Caught up with friends.
Watched Horton Hears a Who. (The animation is great and the humor is not just for kids.)
Worked on my online class, which thankfully has only one more week.
Talked with my thesis project committee chair and advisor about where I am going and what I have to do.
Went grocery shopping at my favorite cheap (but good) ghetto grocery store
Made a large amount of black bean salsa and chicken fajitas. (I missed having fresh produce.)
Sat and took in a wonderful summer storm.

So there, I can say I have done something with my life. One thing I'm glad I didn't do is what these little characters are up to. This anatomical imagery is from Tom Giesler, an illustrator and entrepreneur in the San Fransisco Bay area. His ties with the graphic design and medical devices industry, as well as his humor, can both be seen in these clean and simple illustrations, made to look anatomical charts. Take a look at his website as there are more anatomically-based images there!

Photo courtesy of tomgiesler.com. The spirit of sharing and Brimming with enthusiasm. Tom Giesler. 17 x 22", acrylic & digital, 2007.

Lazy Summer Days are Taking a Break

2009-06-16T23:49:00.001-05:00

My summer is now officially temporarily over. Today was the first day of classes of the 8 week schedule that our Biomedical Visualization program requires. We started off with Surgical Orientation which will prepare us for Surgical Illustration in the fall. Mostly, it is about not using mechanical pencils since the lead can easily break and could possibly fly into a body cavity of an individual having surgery. Okay, that was only one part of today's intro lecture and there will be more to learn! After that, we talked about the expectations in the next class, Advanced Imaging Techniques. Three high-quality works, eight mere weeks. No big deal when there are other classes to worry about as well. :D What I will like about it is that we can choose exactly what we want to do, in any media we choose, and in any style. Now I just have to think about what I want to do....that can be a feat in itself. We finished early like usual on the first day and went home.

While on the walk to class this morning, I received a pleasant phone call to start the day off right. My application for my new apartment went through! I am so excited to be moving to Lincoln Park since I will be by the lake and a block away from the park. I will be smack-dab in the middle of an awesome community and I can't wait to explore it more. The only thing is that everyone works out like crazy there, hopefully that will kick me in the butt to get myself back in shape. Sitting in front of a computer working on projects doesn't maintain the greatest figure even though I wish it would.

Now back from my tangent. I couldn't wait to sign the lease so I went after a little bit of lunch. Thank goodness I brought an umbrella since on the way back it was downpouring. My intention was to go to the grocery store, but now that wasn't going to happen. Nope, not without a car in the city and waiting for public transportation with bags full of groceries trying to hold up an umbrella when it is windy enough for it to turn inside out. That's just a bad omen and I have enough of them the way it is. ;) Also, I already had to walk a little bit from the bus and the gladiator sandals that I was wearing get slippery on the sole when wet so I could barely walk since my foot was slipping forward in the sandal but it's strapped to my foot and it is a thong design. OUCH! I had to walk differently so they wouldn't hurt me but then it took me even longer to get home in the pouring, windy rain. Once again, learned my lesson. Oh the joys of life at times!

Workin' It

2009-06-12T23:55:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am back in the workforce... well kinda. I have just started working as a graduate assistant at the UIC ITL (Instructional Technology Lab). I'm very happy to be there, but getting started is going to be the hardest part of the job. After finishing all the paperwork and what not, I didn't know exactly when I was going to start so I was just waiting and keeping myself occupied with other activities which did not include checking my email religiously when I wake up in the morning like I do when I'm in school-mode. One day, a fantastic, sunny Tuesday, I didn't check my email until 1 pm. I received an email from my employer (from that same morning sent at 8:17 am) apologizing for not responding for awhile and asked for me to come in at 1 pm that day. #$^&! Needless to say, I jumped up, changed my clothes, cleaned up a bit and was out the door. Thank goodness I only live a 15 minute walk away and I don't have to dress up too much for the job. I was so upset at myself when I was power walking to my first day of work already late. Great first impression Lindsey. Needless to say, the person that was training me wasn't really informed either so it was okay. He just laughed at the my explanation and we went on. Phew, I learned from that lesson, even though it wasn't all my fault. What if I was gone or had an appointment that day, you know?

Anyway, we started right then and there and needless to say, there was a lot of information thrown at me at once. The job requires being a tech help person to help faculty with Blackboard, a Web-based course-management system designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes delivered online or use online materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching. Therefore, I need to know it backwards and forwards, inside and out. Okay, I can do that. But wait, there's more! We are there to help with technology, which means other forms of software as well. This includes video-editing, knowing everything about all the Adobe products, VCR to DVD transfers, html language, and on and on and on. I dabbled in some of these programs but not to the extent to teach someone else at the moment. @$#^! Needless to say, I went home satisfied that I started working before classes, but now I have all this to learn as well! It will be fine though, I mean I didn't expect to not learn or do anything for the benefits that come with being selected for an assistantship. Still very happy, plus I have been having a great time enjoying my freedom to explore the city and hanging out with friends. Unfortunately, my social life will be coming back to graduate school level in a mere four days.

Skeleton Boy

2009-06-06T10:30:00.002-05:00

I'm such a big fan of this song, even before I took a look at this music video for Friendly Fires' "Skeleton Boy". This creative video, directed by Clemens Habicht, is simple. With a little bit of double-stick tape, a windroom, and millions of tiny bean-bag balls, this video is one to see.

Well, I'm off to enjoying another having a fantastic weekend in Chicago without (again!) having to worry about classes!

Video courtsey of YouTube.com. 'Skeleton Boy' by Friendly Fires.

An Amazing Use of 3D

2009-06-05T14:12:00.004-05:00

I came back from my "walking set" of chores, hungry and slightly tired (I probably walked about 5 miles) and I turn on the TV and start getting my lunch ready. My typical Discovery TV show isn't on on Friday afternoons, but with that, I found something so much better. This TV series, named The Human Body: Pushing the Limits, talks about real-life amazing scenarios with the help of some incredible anatomical 3D images and animations. At the moment, I am watching the end of Strength and onto Brain Power. Other than the episodes I am watching, there is also Sight and Sensation. This series is pretty amazing and even by only watching it for a mere 20 minutes as of now, I have learned quite a bit about the human body.... and I have taken numerous classes in biology and anatomy. However, this series is worded in a way that everyone can take advantage of. Catch a few episodes now or order the DVD set from Discovery. I may be a nerd for saying this, but the Discovery Channel is awesome no matter what is on.

Video courtesy of YouTube.com Part 1 of The Human Body: Pushing the Limits 'Strength'.
Photo courtesy of Photobucket.com 'Sensation' and Discovery.com 'Sight'.

Is That a Cavity? No, It's Art.

2009-06-02T23:25:00.005-05:00

Looking for an interesting way to get inked next? Try it on your teeth! Steve Heward is a trained tattoo artist that paints images on crowns at his Utah-based company, Heward Dental Lab. Amy Winehouse, David Letterman and Mickey Mouse are just a few celebrities that he has miniaturized and put in someone else's mouth. These creations range in price from $75 to $200 depending on complexity. Find out more about this ink job at toothartist.com.

Um, excuse me, but I think you have a little Simon Cowell on your tooth, just thought you should know......

Photo courtesy of toothartist.com. Tooth Tattoos. Steve Heward.

For the Love of the Game

2009-05-31T22:00:00.002-05:00

When looking for apartments this weekend in Wrigleyville and the Lincoln Park area (and stuck in traffic since there was a Cubs game) I noticed a die-hard Cubs fan wearing a shirt with this design on it. Pretty cool and I want one even though I'm not quite an intense fan of the Cubs yet.... I feel like I'm cheating on the Brewers. :D

Buy this design now on Ebay for around $20.

Photo courtesy of Ebay.com. Chicago Cubs Skeleton Shirt.

Need a Hand?

2009-05-22T23:00:00.002-05:00

When I saw these "handy" fixtures all over my former college roommate's bathroom in the house she is renting, I raved over them. She, on the other hand, would have done without and thought that they were kinda creepy. I first saw these helpful hands and feet months ago and I didn't want to post until I found the actual set for purchase. Without any luck, I surrendered and could not wait any longer to post. As you can see, the can hold things like towels, soap, toilet paper and drying racks. Though she is now in the process of finding a different place, I still want to tear out those fixtures for myself and replace them with something more traditional. I don't think the next potential renter or owner would care too much!

I did find a product comparable in function and design produced by designer Harry Allen. His designs are clever and bring a sense of naturalism to an otherwise rigid and typical design. To be more specific, one series that he created were casts of his own hands in different gestures to be use for holding anything that one can think of. Names such as Grab, C'Mere, Offer, Bestow and Om mimic the gestures and can be purchased for $79 each. Give yourself a hand and check them out!

Also, if any readers have any idea of where to find ceramic hand and feet fixtures like the ones above, please let me know by posting a comment. Thanks!

Photo courtesy for last photo from harryallendesign.com. C'Mere Hand Hook, Harry Allen, 2004, Resin.

John-Scott Project: Scott Portion

2009-05-21T15:49:00.002-05:00

After some much needed rest and vacationing, I can now get back to showing my projects at the end of the semester. Ha ha! When I say much needed rest, I mean it. This little beauty kept me up nights before it was due, especially the night before. This is a 3D rendered illustration depicting nutrient absorption in the small intestine via thousands of villi in the intestinal lumen. The yellow spheres represent fat globules and lipids and the magenta represent both carbohydrate and amino acids (building blocks of proteins).

A few of my fellow students and I had a party that lasted all night; all of us working and helping each other. The project was due at 9 am and I finally threw in the towel with what I have here at 7:30 am. At that time, I went home, took a shower, and went back to class for the critique. Too bad I noticed too late that the RBCs that I decided to add at the last minute were too small. It will be an easy fix when I want to open up 3D Studio Max again. Mostly it will consist of rendering and compositing the foreground once again. I really liked compositing the different render passes the most, but my lighting pass freaked out and made the image blown-out when the opacity was at 100% in Photoshop. Other than the RBC problem, I am happier with the image than I thought I would be.

3D Studio Max is like math for me. I'm not a fan, but I feel like I have a talent for it. With everything, I just think it needs more practice so I'm not struggling with the program. I will post the revised one when I get the courage to open up the program again! :D Stay tuned for the John portion of the John-Scott Project!

Nutrient Absorption of the Small Intestine. Lindsey Pionek. 3D Studio Max 2009 and Photoshop.

My Break Thus Far

2009-05-20T11:25:00.001-05:00

Well back from Vegas and Bachelorette festivities.... it has been great having some time to enjoy myself as well as getting some much needed R&R. As you probably noticed, we did not have any free wi-fi like I thought we would have in Vegas and I was a tad too busy since I have been back in Wisconsin. Though not much of a gambler, I doubled my money and also have a bit of a tan, ate some great food and drink, as well as getting my Mom a little tipsy on the last day. (Love you Mom!)

Back in the wonderful W-I, it was a friend from college's bachelorette party which was a great time. We mostly stayed in Appleton, but spent some time in Green Bay as well, taking in some of the memories from undergrad and working there. Thank goodness we weren't driving during the party! We all enjoyed ourselves and it was great to see the bride-to-be. Waking up, surprisingly without a hangover, a friend and I went to our favorite college weekend breakfast place, Nicolet. It was also the SNC graduation, so we caught up with a few graduates-to-be. After that, I went back home, just to go back the next day.

Yes, I went back to the same location the next day. I really wanted to see one of my friends and former co-worker, but she was working at the time that I was there. I really wanted to see Star Trek (yeah, yeah, laugh and groan) and I convinced her to come along with me. I met her where I used to work, went to the movie (which was really good by the way), and then went out to the best sushi place EVER (still haven't found one in Chicago as good Koko's). Next, it was back to Margarita's to meet up with others to go bowling for another one of my buddy's going way bowling party. After that, the rest is history. So far, I have been very happy with my break and my life right now; I have received the highest GPA for this last semester that I have ever received in my college years, I have an assistantship to pay for a large amount of my tuition as well as getting paid for it too, and I have a great family that has been very supportive throughout my whole life. On to some more of break!

In case you are traveling as much I have recently, check out the Samsonite Black Label "Hero" designed my Alexander McQueen. This suitcase mimics the functionality of the ribcage to protect and preserve all of you vitals. With a price tag of at least $349 (yay for sales!), I will have to wait to purchase one for myself until the full-time work thing labeled as a job comes around. Ha ha, only a mere year away hopefully!

Photos courtesy of Samsonite Black Label. SBL by Alexander McQueen "Hero".

La La La Las Vegas!

2009-05-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

Yep, out of Illinois, out of Wisconsin, to a place where I have no memories created prior. It is a well-deserved break away from it all and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I'm bringing my laptop with me so I hope there will be wi-fi so I can keep up with my blogging. Until then Viva Las Vegas! I just have to convince my Mom that she doesn't want to see Thunder Down Under. Ha ha! Well, it is Mother's Day.......

Photo Courtesy of LVABJ.com

The End in More Than One Way

2009-05-09T00:08:00.001-05:00

Well I have finished my first year at UIC for my Master's in Biomedical Visualization! Yay! That went extremely fast, but I'm glad it's over. This past week has just been crazy. Just like it is every semester, you think you have enough time to do everything but then all of a sudden BAM! It hits you on the side of the face when you don't see it coming. This semester was definitely the hardest when it came to the end. After re-dos, large projects, assistantship interviews and presentations I am finally able to sleep (images to come!). I'm not lying either. From Sunday to Wednesday, I slept for maybe 10 hours. Sunday I slept for 3, Monday I pulled an all-nighter with a few others, Tuesday I slept for 5 after our critique and then woke up to do my presentation PowerPoint that I got way into and stayed up until 4 doing it, then got up at 8. Wednesday night after presentations I went out to Duffy's with a friend to celebrate to check out the Spazmatics again. Didn't go to bed until 4, work up at 6:30 since she had to go to work, took public transportation home and then slept a bit. It was a good time and so worth it!

That night brought on another end. After a year and a half of ups and downs and goods and bads, I am done with my past relationship. It's unfortunate but it had to be done. We didn't talk for a week and it made me think about what was happening (well when I wasn't thinking about everything that needed to be completed.) It's unfortunate how it ended too in the way that when I called I was cut off with what I wanted to say, so I'm just going to say it here. He was a great guy, but we just couldn't make it work. We are two totally different people with different values and priorities and I wasn't one of his (or he made me feel that way). And I slowly but surely made him less of a priority because of this. Yes, I was angry and sometimes unfair, I will admit that, but it takes two to make things work, so I am not the only one at fault. There were many opportunities to improve, and they would initially, but then fade in a matter of weeks. I have went on this roller coaster too many times, and was starting to get sick. So that is that. He helped me learn about Chicago, helped me find my apartment here, and explored which was great. It's too bad the Hancock Observatory will never be the same but this too shall pass and I have learned from it and I will continue to find who will be good for me.

Too bad I couldn't find the actual illustrator's name for the image above. I would love to credit them, but Healthwise must have taken all the rights. Hope the illustrator was compensated!

Photo courtesy of Health.com. Illustration of taking a rectal temperature of an infant.

Design and God

2009-05-02T14:13:00.002-05:00

I'm in between renders and assignments, so I thought that this would be a good break. I know I will get everything done and I should be looking at the good side since I only have 3 more days of class but I still have so much to do! I can't believe how fast this semester went, it is just crazy to me. Maybe my mom is right about life going by faster when you get older. Graduating from high school seems like it was yesterday and I'm already halfway through my grad school years.

Anyway, above is a video that one of my professors from undergrad posted of a discussion about God and science at UC Berkeley. In this part of the discussion, Richard Dawkins talks about design in living beings. Quite an interesting talk, take a listen! Thank you Dr. Choudhury!

My First Publication

2009-04-30T20:17:00.001-05:00

Yep, that's right. My first medical illustration is officially published. I received my copy of the April 2009 Vol 44 #2 AANA Journal (American Association of Nurse Anesthetics) in the mail today. I am happy with the illustration focusing on the Triangle of Petit (AKA lumbar triangle) even though I did it without any formal training from a certified medical illustration program at the time. With that in mind, I can find flaws and I am finding ways that I could have done it much better if I created it now since I have almost a year of training under my belt. It just proves to me why this program is so beneficial. Nonetheless.... MY ILLUSTRATION AND NAME IS PUBLISHED! When the article is put online, I will post it, otherwise look for a hard copy!

Also, I went to a thesis project presentation for a fellow student yesterday to find out more. Her project involved the creation of an interactive providing size relationships with microscopic structures. The project is called Micro/Macro and she did a great job. I looked through the interactive site a week ago and thought it was great, however, during the presentation, she demonstrated all parts of the site even parts that I missed which impressed me even more. She created something complex, informative and spectacular and it provides a great resource to our field as well as provides me with even more inspiration and knowledge of creating my own thesis project.

3D Revisitation #4

2009-04-29T12:38:00.002-05:00

Sub-surface scattering, also known as SSS, is a mechanism in which light penetrates the surface of a semi-translucent object, is scattered by interacting with the material, and exits the surface at a different point. The light will generally penetrate the surface and be reflected a number of times at irregular angles inside the material, before passing back out of the material at an angle other than the angle it would reflect at had it reflected directly off the surface. Subsurface scattering is important in 3d for giving the ability to render skin, marble, milk, and jade. Have you ever noticed when you put your hand up to a light that it turns reddish? Yep, that's SSS.

This exercise was all about creating realistic skin texture as well as playing around the idea to give objects more depth and realism through a more fleshy appearance. Some people talk and work with this technique frequently and are fantastic with it. Check out this thread to see some great SSS models in the process.

At the moment, I am trying to work more with this technique with my villi for my final 3d assignment of the semester. This will take a lot of tweaking. Wish me luck!

SSS Exercise, Lindsey Pionek, 3D Studio Max 2009.

Revisited #3: Syringe

2009-04-28T02:01:00.002-05:00

Here's my syringe with the modeling, textures, and background. Happy with it, but mostly happy it is done! At least for now it is.

Syringe, Lindsey Pionek, 3D Studio Max 2009.

3D Revisitation #2

2009-04-27T21:43:00.001-05:00

This time is was the fun RBCs if you can't tell. I guess I didn't realize that we had to put them in a vessel, so I had to go back and work things around again for class. I really wanted to work with depth of field and blur on this piece and it was rather fun after I stopped worrying about the vessel texture too much!

I think I spend too much time on these exercises, but I'm relatively happy with all of them. More to come!

Red Blood Cells in Vessel, Lindsey Pionek, 3D Studio Max 2009.

Hemostat: Revisited

2009-04-27T21:32:00.002-05:00

Well here you are ladies and gentleman. You have seen this before, but now you can see what I have really learned through the semester by revisiting the exercise. I would like to come back to this later and snazz it up a even more with a few more tools, but with everything else I have to do at the moment, I think it works for a re-do of an exercise!

Sorry, the posts are going to be short, but frequent this week! Almost done with the semester, yay!

Hemostat, Lindsey Pionek, 3D Studio Max 2009.

Max Brödel

2009-04-23T19:54:00.001-05:00

Max Brödel is an incredibly important person for an individual going into medical art field. Actually, he is so important that he is known as that father of medical illustration. Max came to the US from Germany in 1894 with no formal medical education and initially illustrated for a gynecologist, Howard Kelly, at Johns Hopkins University. There, he started the first medical art department in the nation. His illustrations are detailed, intricate, precise and informative through his use of pen and ink or carbon dusting; two of his most well-known techniques. It only makes sense that a budding artist learns through copying the pros which is exactly what we were asked to do with an update.

Instead of working like Brödel did with carbon dusting (aka "painting" with tiny graphite shavings in layers, we were asked to copy his art using Photoshop. The first illustration is my rendition of Parovarian Cyst Between the Ampulla of the Tube and the Outer End of the Ovary (what a mouthful!) and the second is the original piece (not a very good scan; in the book the illustration is darker). Though I feel like I have done well, I don't think I am able to compete with the master... at least not yet. Ha ha :D I learned a lot about painting in Photoshop to create the best continuous tone and texture and I am even more impressed with this man's talent. This assignment solidified the reason I am studying biomedical visualization as well as opening my eye to detail to create beautiful, yet informative medical art.

After looking for some interesting photographs for ovarian cysts, I found this blog called Tumors Galore! Quite an interesting name and subject for a blog. Caution: if you are the type of person to get queasy with this stuff, do not venture, but if you are interested it is quite a find!

Parovarian Cyst Between the Ampulla of the Tube and the Outer End of the Ovary, Lindsey Pionek after Max Brödel, Adobe Photoshop*

*Image used as reference is from the book Operative Gynecology, 2nd Edition by Howard Kelly © 1906.

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T15:35:00.001-05:00

In celebration of honoring Earth Day, we had a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry since admission was free and we were able to talk with an individual about the history of the museum and exhibit design. Our professor and head of the department of biomedical visualization, Scott Barrows, has worked with the museum and had a few exhibits that he created a few years ago. There is quite a process that goes from concept to design to the actual exhibit and everything that goes with it. Unfortunately, all of the medical-based exhibits were under construction, but the rest of the museum was still awe-inspiring. It was a good educational break, but now it is back to the grind.

What to do with those Easter Leftovers

2009-04-14T22:21:00.001-05:00

Ok, I know this is random, but I just fell over this blog called: 100 Ways to Kill a Peep tonight when working on one of my assignments and I think it is hilarious! To be anatomy-appropriate, the one above is labeled "Beating Heart".

Photo courtesy of 100waystokillapeep.blogspot.com, Beating Heart

Knotty Ad and Billboard

2009-04-14T18:56:00.001-05:00

Another aspect for my graphic design assignment which was due last week. This time, we needed to create an ad and billboard pertaining to the subject chosen and make them cohesive. I wanted to play with typography in my ad and create a bold and eye-catching look. I really liked how that turned out, but then I had to figure out how to create a billboard since it is not advisable to have a lot of text on them.... for some reason. Ha ha. Therefore, I worked with a small part of the ad in tandem with a bold and interesting knot image. To make even more eye-catching, I chose to make the knot spill over the black typical billboard area. I like how it turned out and I think the class did too!

I am now in the process for the next assignment: package design. I like to choose things that are recognizable to everyone, so I chose a generic brand of clear bandages. It has been going well so far, but the bandages are transparent so I wanted to focus on that and make the package see-through and create an appealing design on that. However, there can be issues ahead when getting this printed at Kinko's for a comp instead of a high-quality printing company. I may be biting off more than I can chew, but I really like this problem-solving... I learn much better going through that process.

Ad and billboard design dealing with Crohn's Disease, Lindsey Pionek, InDesign and Photoshop, Spring 2009.

Today

2009-04-12T00:07:00.001-05:00

Well I have been sitting on my butt all day working on a mock business plan for my business practices class. For some reason instead of just working on the part that is due a week and a half from now I decided that I want to get the whole thing done this weekend. So far so good, I am very close to getting that done, but trust me I have plenty more to do. Weekends are interesting for me. Every time Saturday comes around I can tell I am sleep deprived during the week. This Saturday I slept until 12:30 my record.... not good, but at the same time I guess I needed it.

I do have something pretty cool to share today. While waiting to my printer to print many contract and copyright forms, I found this website called radiologyart.com. Artist and medical student, Satre Stuelke, decided to take CT scans to a different level. Instead of peering into the human body, he took a look into toys and food.... and diagnosed them. Who would have ever thought that you could discover an entire other way of viewing your favorite toys from days past? He also used Osirix software to visualize the objects. Make sure you check out the website and read the "diagnoses" of the object; they are quite entertaining!

Photo courtesy of www.radiologyart.com. CT scans of a toy elephant and small stuffed bunny, 2008, Satre Stuelke.

Jammin' at AMA

2009-04-09T00:36:00.002-05:00

Today for Business Practices we had a field trip to the AMA, the American Medical Association. How awesome is this city to have the headquarters right here?! The building was beautiful and we learned a bit about the profession of medical illustration in the real world. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. Their journal, JAMA, is issued every week and the company does all images and graphs to be as cohesive, informative, and clear as possible. It was good to take a look at another option in the medical illustration field with an internship opportunity.

After talking about internship opportunities, it was off to my internship. I will be done at the National MS Society at the end of this week and though it will be good to have an extra 20 hours a week to do homework, I have gained valuable experience and feel great about what I have learned and I will miss the people that I have made connections with.

Photo courtesy of ama-assn.org and jama.ama-assn.org.

2016 Hopeful

2009-04-07T22:47:00.000-05:00

It was quite a week for Chicago. Everything was beautiful and it was warming up (other than that freak snowstorm a couple days ago). I also noticed lots of Olympic flare going up around the city but didn't think anything of it. It was all for a good reason. The IOC (aka International Olympic Committee) was in town sizing up the city to see if it could be suitable for the 2016 Summer Olympics. I have to say that Chicago did a pretty good job promoting themselves. Their branding is impeccable; you can't help but look at the stimulating white space with bright ribbons of color simulating graceful movements of all of the sports. The website is amazing; I can't help but take a look at it everyday now. My favorite ad promoting the city is the swimmer over the Chicago River downtown... very appropriate and clever. I can't find it anywhere that I can post it, but you can check it out here.

The logo in itself is beautiful and with meaning. I don't want to sound biased, but I think Chicago has the best logo (even though it messed up the first shot). It's clean and sophisticated.

The IOC inspectors are now going to visit competing cities; Tokyo, then Rio de Janeiro and finally Madrid. Keep Chicago in your hearts for the future bid...if not only for the athletics, for the design.

Photo courtesy of chicagosuntimes.com, chicago2016.com, and blog.pinkergreen.com.

Body Furniture

2009-04-05T11:12:00.001-05:00

The body is rather beautiful and intricate. As a medical illustrator, I appreciate what our bodies can do and I make images beautiful, informational and appealing (at least I hope so). If you have some great self-esteem and a little bit of a geeky side, this is a piece of furniture for you. This lamp, created by Sture Pallarp from Sweden, enables you to add your own x-rays to display your medical history for you and your guests to see. A great way to use past x-rays and a great conversation piece! Learn how to make your own from scratch here.
Photo courtesy of www.gizmodo.com. Recycled X-Ray Lamp, Sture Pallarp.

If you want to go with something more than an accent piece, check out these anatomical chairs created by AK-LH aka Aksel et Le Helloco. This chair design has seven numbered limited editions. They have a few other anatomically-inspired designs as well. Check them out here!
Photo courtesy of www.ilovebadthings.com. Fauteuil Tante Wera Anatomical Art Chairs, AK-LH aka Aksel et Le Helloco.

Looking for more of a shock from your guests? Buy these creative (and a little creepy) bloody bath products. The Blood Bath shower curtain and bath mat are great complements to each other or can be bought separately and will for some reason, hold their own. I don't know what that could be! Pretty cool, but not quite my style. I think I would drive myself crazy with being paranoid if I bought and used these last two products.
Photo courtesy of www.spinninghat.com. Blood Bath bath mat and shower curtain.

Off to work on some 3D compositing!

Concept Art and the Copyright

2009-04-04T01:39:00.001-05:00

I have been a little off lately; this semester has been busier than I would have ever expected it to be. My life has been crazy recently even during Spring Break which was supposed to be a bit of a break, though I should have been working on stuff more. Therefore it is catch-up time as usual. This week was special in the way that I am starting some great big projects. Above are three concepts for what I would like to do with one (actually two) of them. Two of my professors are collaborating together to create an assignment in which we have to digitally visualize a physiological process: one to be 2d used for print and the other 3d for viewing in HDTV. I chose to illustrate intestinal villi absorption. I tend to be pretty enamoured with intestines this semester (if you haven't noticed, look for yourself here, here and another on the way) and it's not even intentional! I've always been interested on how the food we eat is transferred to energy, so I jumped at the opportunity to create this piece.

I found out quickly that this whole assignment was going to be a tough one. Medical illustration is all about accuracy and working at the cellular level is even more of a challenge to do that since we don't know exactly what histology look like when living and in situ. Creativity and accuracy in structure and proportions is what I was struggling a bit with while coming up with the concepts, but I am aware of that now. But that's what concepts are for: they are just a starting point to present issues and a potential final project. I had a great time painting in Photoshop to give my bland pencil sketches some color and character and creating concepts are really helpful in the thought process instead of just jumping in and it helps with creativity by working on more than one. I'm thinking making these concepts will save me a lot of precious time. The concept I will be working with is the topmost image.

I also added a © and year to my watermarks. Why you say? During my Business Practices class a local lawyer named Eric Scott Swirsky came in to give us a presentation dealing with copyrights and contracts. In the art field, creators can be taken advantage of from individuals using images made by someone and using it as their own; I guess it can be related to as plagiarism of art. Therefore, medical illustrators have to educate and protect themselves to evade this situation. It was a very informative talk and I learned a lot of essential information that I will be able to utilize now and in the future.

All in all, a good and busy week.

Concept designs for intestinal villi absorption, Lindsey Pionek, Photoshop, Spring 2009

Rage

2009-03-28T01:34:00.002-05:00

Rage:

fury: a feeling of intense anger
a state of extreme anger
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
something that is desired intensely
be violent; as of fires and storms
violent state of the elements
feel intense anger

One of our graphic design assignments was based on an article about rage and our goal was to create 3 concepts drastically different from each other in any genre we wanted. The only requirements was that one image and some form of text was to be used. Here are the concepts that I came up with and I'm pretty happy with them. If you haven't heard this from me before I like simplicity, irony and the unexpected and that's what I was going for in these concepts. Simple. To the point. Eye-catching. That's what you need in an ad which I chose to work on. I found a website on anger management as well as other potential burdening factors which I thought would be appropriate and went to town.

My second concept was the favorite from my "mock clients" so I spiffed it up, but they stated that not much needed to be changed which was nice since you know, always something else to do!

At least I'm not feeling any rage right now, it has been a pretty good day. :D I'm at home in wholesome wisconsin at the moment and I have a friend from high school that is getting married tonight. Though I have seen most of the people that I graduated with in the past 5 years, it should be an interesting time to say the least.

Ad concepts based on an article about rage, Lindsey Pionek, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, Spring 2009.

Oh Geez....Knees

2009-03-23T20:50:00.001-05:00

Well, I apologize for last week and not posting. It was quite the week, but now since it is Spring Break I can catch up a bit. Well this is one of the things that kept my mind busy last week. These knees kept me busy for a couple of weeks and the texturing, though it was fun, it took a long time. A lot of people opted to use already-created texture photographs, which is fine, but I preferred to actually paint the texture maps in Photoshop from scratch. Although there is always room for improvements (which I will do later), I think it is pretty good for my first shot, as well as how busy and stressful this past week was. Not only was I down in the dumps, but there were other assignments to do as well, and work on top of that. Phew! Just another day in my life I guess.

However, there was only one knee, but we had two more concepts to create: the x-ray and that cartoony ink and paint. Meh, the ink and paint was ok, but it was neat to experiment with. My personal favorite is the x-ray rendition that I created. Though another 3D max material map was used, Photoshop was used for the finishing touches. Hmm, I may be starting to like Photoshop more!

Well, that's all I have for now! Check out the knees of a couple of my classmates: Annie, Heidi & Josy.

(Also, I would love to show you my illustration of a TAP block procedure, but I was asked by the anesthesiologist that I collaborated with to wait until his scientific article was published, which will be next month! I will be published at that time as well! You will know when that occurs, trust me.)

Realistic, X-ray, and Ink n' Paint renditions of the knee, Lindsey Pionek, 3Ds Max and Photoshop, Spring 2009.

Time and Love

2009-03-17T00:04:00.001-05:00

Time cures everything.

Time gives you more experience, gives you the opportunity to learn, the ability to finish projects (this week is full of them), and the potential to heal a broken heart. All of these things I am experiencing right now and as I was looking through stock images for my ad comps for tomorrow, this one popped up on dreamstime.com. Soon I will have the TIME to write more often when TIME slows down a bit and I can get some much needed R&R at home during Spring Break next week.

Reality has been blowing this week, but this too will soon pass.

The Basics

2009-03-12T23:10:00.001-05:00

Here's my brochure that I created in my graphic design class. I chose Crohn's disease because I have a friend with it and I wanted to know more about it. She has to watch what she eats now because certain ingredients can make symptoms flare up in which she is unable to live life normally. I learned a lot about the subject and you can too now!

I have created brochures before in Undergrad and at my internship, so I enjoyed working on this one since I was able to be a little more creative. Here are the reasons for the design
elements chosen:

The simplicity of the brochure reflects "The Basics" of Crohn's disease.
The graphics reflect that Crohn's is an intestinal disease.
The stimulating yellow used signifies happiness and hopefullness with living with Crohn's, but can also mean to be too stimulated reflecting the irritation of the intestines
during flare-up.

So there you go, learn something and let me know what you think!

Crohn's Disease 'The Basics' brochure design for people or family members diagnosed with Crohn's. Lindsey Pionek, 2009.

Let Me Free

2009-03-11T00:21:00.001-05:00

I thought this ad was appropriate for how I feel today. Needless to say, this week has not been fun: I'm not working well on my assignments (or I'm being a perfectionist) and the boy is just not working out. Not. One. Bit. Therefore, I'm a little upset and just want to go to bed and not really write tonight. So here's another anatomy-based ad since we were talking about creating an ad in Graphic Design today as well as that the brain wanting to get out and stop thinking (like my own at the moment).

This ad is actually created for the Mexican contemporary art museum, Museo Tamayo de Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City. I don't quite understand the relevance, but I think it was well done, creative, and definitely memorable, that's for sure! The agency that created this piece is Draftfcb-Mexico headquarters. Draftfcb has a few headquarters around the world and have an impressive client list... take a look!

Ok, off to bed, hopefully a better (and more productive) day tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of AdPharm.com Print advertisement for Museo Tamayo, 2009

Protect Those Pearly Whites

2009-03-08T12:31:00.001-05:00

If I had sensitive teeth and saw this ad, it would probably influence me into looking the the product the next time I was looking for toothpaste. This ad for sensodyne was created by the Callegari Berville Grey Agency in Paris, France under the creative and art direction of Andrea Stillacci and Gregory Renault respectively. I like the fact that the ad is simple with great contrast and using the anatomy in a creative and clever way. If an ad make me giggle a little, is memorable, and gives me inspiration to create, it is a good one in my eyes.

Plus it never hurts to take a look at what established ad agencies are putting out into the world.

Ok, time to crank out some illustrations on a rainy Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Adoftheworld.com "Sensodyne Hard Hats", Callegari Berville Grey Agency

It's Official

2009-03-08T01:04:00.001-06:00

I am now a student member of AMI, the Association of Medical Illustrators. It's a big deal now in my head: I am an official student going through the process of being a certified medical illustrator. They provide you with this packet of stuff that is rather interesting to look at and helpful as well. It's still hard to believe I'm going through all of this; it is just flying by and I am learning so much.

I also kinda figured out what I am going to do for my thesis project, but I need to discuss the topic with professors to see if I'm getting ahead of myself or if it is time and complexity-appropriate. We will see soon enough! You will know about that when I formulate the subject more!

Today was quite a day which was full of equations with image resolution, display resolution, pixels, and all of that fun printing stuff. I felt a little silly because at first I could not for the life of me figure out how to calculate these equations. It has been so long since I have had to think about equations other than really basic math, but after walking away and thinking that I am idiot, it clicked. Phew, good thing because I thought I was losing it. I was also working on my graphic design projects and had to go and print a comp of my brochure (yay, more printing!) I felt a lot more confident going to Kinko's than I did in undergrad since I have had more experience and I knew what I was talking about instead of leaving it all in the employee's hands. Also, the guy was really nice and gave me my prints for free! I don't know why, but I won't complain. Now I just had to bring them back to my apartment through walking through the pouring rain, then on the El, and on a bus. Surprisingly, it all worked out with public transportation and the elements and I was able to get the prints home ink-running and crease-free! For that, I treated myself with Thai delivery. One of my roommates suggested Yummy Thai, located on Taylor street, and I'm glad she did... so good and cheap! I will be ordering from them again!

Photo courtesy of AMI.org AMI Medical Illustrator Source Book Cover

MRI and CT Scans Galore!

2009-03-06T00:14:00.001-06:00

Phew, what a week! My boyfriend was down at the beginning of the week and recently I have been catching up on assignments so I apologize for not writing as religiously as I should be... he tends to be a distraction at times. ;)

Anyway, the field of Biomedical Visualization is obviously all about accuracy. Therefore, it is best to have a reference to look at when you are creating medical art. However, that is not as easy as setting up a still life unless you want the smell of phenol and/or rotting flesh (gross, but the truth). Therefore, we have to improvise and use what we have learned as well as other sources. Though anatomy references are essential, there can be errors as well as limited views of the subject at hand. This is where CT and MRI scan databases come in.

Both MRI and CT scans are noninvasive medical procedures that are created in the way of taking small "slices" of x-ray imagery and stacking them. In this fashion, the image data set can be compiled to create a 3D image. CT scans create more detailed images, but carry a risk for the viable patient: radiation. Because of this, CT scans are limited to the number of times a living human can have this procedure performed. In contrast, MRI scans are much safer, but provide less detail.

Both of these are medical procedures, but are valuable to medical illustrators as well. We can create 3D images (such as our next Computer Applications assignment in which we will be creating 3D knee models from scanning data sets) as well as using the numerous cross-sections to use as reference in 2D illustrations. All-in-all, you can tell that it is very useful in the field of medical visualization and illustration. I have used OSIRIX and will be using MIMICS and I'm only in my first year of the program! (Note: the data sets that are utilized in these programs follow standard IRB and HIPAA protocol with patient confidentiality and names have been removed.)

Other people, such as the UK-based artist presented in this post, utilizes medical scans in a more artistic and free manner. Angela Palmer uses MRI technology to create some fascinating and memorable artwork. She works from her own MRI scans as well as others and etches the cross sections on glass and aligns them to create 3D images. She has also done some work in multimedia by creating video. Though not a science-based artist, she strives to create awareness through her art which is educational in itself. Take a look at Angela's portfolio site to see some more medical scan-based artwork!

Photo and video courtesy of angelaspalmer.com "Self Portrait", Angela Palmer; artnet.com "Self Portrait 4", Angela Palmer; and youtube.com "MRI Scan Art Video", Angela Palmer

Mac vs PC and Design

2009-03-01T18:47:00.002-06:00

Yet another video of how simplicity is overlooked in the design process by some. Why mess with a beautiful thing?

Give them what they want, but try to prevent them from going to the dark side of clutter.

That's all you can do.

The Life of a Designer.... at times

2009-03-01T02:45:00.001-06:00

This is how it is sometimes. I wish I didn't look this video up again; I keep rewinding it back in my head. Ha ha! I just better get used to the design process I guess. It is a little over the top, but there are some very true factors in it. Trust me, I have been there!

Video courtesy of YouTube.com

Test Your Reflexes....

2009-02-27T23:35:00.001-06:00

with these handy dandy reflex hammers! Look real? They're not! I actually modeled and rendered this little piece of equipment in 3Ds Max. When I finally got the hang of it (a couple times of starting over to get it just right), the modeling did not take long. I enjoyed this assignment for the most part, but my favorite was the texturing and playing with reflections, plus it made the most sense to me. I even added a fingerprint! I tidied up the situation a bit from the critique and created more of an appealing composition without overdoing it too much. All in all, I'm impressed by what Max can do... and this is just the beginning!

I'm pretty amazed by what my classmates have done as well. Some of them chose some really complex tools and I don't know how they were able to complete the assignment for some of them. I give them great respect for taking up the challenge. Check out 2 of my fellow classmate's blogs where they show their work: Josy and Annie.

Unfortunately, I was unable to see everyone's since I had to leave for my internship. It was good though, I have been learning so much from putting files on ours and other companies FTP sites by using FileZilla (so helpful!) for print as well as creating zip files and making sure that all the elements of a document are included. It may sound simple to you experts out there, but remember when you first were introduced to all that. I have to admit, this whole process is very humbling but I am blessed to having very patient and helpful people above me in the marketing department. I guess it is better to learn it now than later when I am actually in a full-time position.

Head Slime

2009-02-26T01:53:00.001-06:00

Remember that green goop from watching Nickelodeon? That's what the green stuff here reminds me of, but in a more intriguing, mature and morbid way. This is actually the cover for Root's Manuva recently new (August 2008) Slime and Reason album. The design was from a modern conceptual design studio, Oscar and Ewan.

Simple design, yet incredibly dramatic. Beautiful and at the same time could be used as an interesting 'drugs-will-turn-your-brain-to-Gak-so-don't-do-it' public service announcement.

Other than some fun and interesting graphics, I finished by medical instrument in 3Ds Max, but I don't want to spoil it for critique so you will have to wait for it until Friday! Otherwise, very tired from no sleep and lots of work; you can tell when I'm busy (unfortunately) because my poor blog goes without a post for a few days.... oh well, all in a day of life, right?

3D Max Mania!

2009-02-24T01:17:00.001-06:00

Everyone in our 3D Max (aka Computer Visualization) class is on the rush to get our instruments completed by critique on Friday. Seriously, everyone is scrambling to obtain their ray-traced reflections and realistic textures on their (hopefully) modeled tools. Our poor professor seemed very tired by the end of class today going from person to person to answer a plethora of questions. Thank goodness I am almost done with my instrument and I'm pretty proud of it. I can't believe how real you can get objects to look! Hope your excited to see the finished product, I know I am!

The syringe above is the one that I modeled previously and was a mini-project coaxing us into the shallow end of the huge pool of texturing. Texturing is all about making things shiny, realistic, have labels, bumpy, whatever you put your mind to. Modeling is the planning and frustrating part as of now and texturing is more experimental and well, more enjoyable to say the least. I know I will go back to it and improve more, but for now, it is suitable to post; it already took me 2 weeks to post this!

You know how it goes, busy, busy, busy but learning so many techniques and programs to benefit our career. It seems like a good deal to me, I still miss having the time/money to go out on the weekends regularily..... missing some of my undergrad experience, but UIC's BVIS program seems like it will be worth it!

"Syringe," Lindsey Pionek, 3D Studio Max.

My, What a Big Eye You Have....

2009-02-21T22:49:00.001-06:00

I think this one is for the record books people. This is by far the biggest eye that I have ever seen and it is in the US! Eye by Tony Tasset is a 12-foot diameter, fiberglass painted well, eye that is exhibited in Laumeier Sculpture Park in Saint Louis, MO. The detail of the iris and the ocular conjunctival vasculature is what captured me when I first took a look at it monumental piece. After doing a little bit of research, I found something even more interesting.....

Tony Tasset is a local! Yes, Tony received his Master of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art institute of Chicago and is currently a University Professor at UIC in the School of Art and Design. I guess UIC is the place to be! Though Tasset recently has been creating large-scale permanent sculptural pieces for the outdoors, he works in a variety of mediums.

Though not solely science and anatomy-based, he created the Capuchine Chandelier, which uses the skeleton as an art material. It reminds me of the Roman Catholic Church of Sedlec in the Czech Republic as well as the catacombs of Paris, though these places actually used the real thing. Finding out more more about Tony Tasset was a great experience and I may have to contact him to learn more! Well back to working on my own medical-based projects!

Photo courtesy of Laumeier.com "Eye", 2007, Tony Tasset and Blog.daytonc.com "Capuchine Chandelier" 2006, Tony Tasset.

Capacity

2009-02-20T01:08:00.001-06:00

Who would have thought to have done the tracheobronchial tree in glass? That person would be Anne Cattrell, a sculptor that lives in London. The piece, named "Capacity," is made from lamp worked glass as was inspired by interest in the sciences. Her particular focuses are in neuroscience, anatomy, and meteorology which inspire her in her creations. She also prefers to use glass because of its transparency and revealing properties.

'I choose the familiar, for example a cloud, so whatever language you speak there is a kind of universal understanding. It is the transformation and freezing into three-dimensions of this iconographic subject matter that interests me: what happens when you contemplate something you think you know but shouldn't really be seeing this way. This three-dimensional vantage point allows the viewer to examine the subtle shifts and rhythms which ceaselessly occur in the natural world and
within the body.' - Anne Cattrell

I can't believe how intricate she was able to be with the brochiole system. Unfortunately, I was unable to find out much more about her process or her artwork online. Hopefully I will find something more since she does have such an interest in science and art.

Now to me. :D Today was LONG. I thought it would be great idea to have Friday off of my internship so I could work more on my 3D Max assignment since I have to leave a little early sometimes. However, that only leaves me with 2 days to get 20 hours in. I did it anyway. It will feel nice to not have to run around tomorrow, but these last 2 days have been quite exhausting with 10 hours of my internship as well as doing classwork on top of that. It has been a great experience though and I would rather be busy than bored, even though I tend to stress myself out at times. I just need to step back and focus on the big picture and diligently work on my classwork.

Tomorrow I have my critique on my sexy cecum in Illustration Techniques. Hopefully it goes well.

Photo courtesy of denzeen.com. Anne Cattrell, "Capacity", 2000, Lamp worked glass.

The Mac is Awesome

2009-02-18T21:51:00.001-06:00

Even though we all may have argument on which computer system is superior, which I don't think there is just one computer that will be necessary for everyone, I do have to say Mac has it going on. Why do I bring this up you say? Being an aspiring graphic artist, of course you would expect me to say I'm a Mac person. However, I wasn't a year ago. The Mac is user-friendly and designed well. Sure, but you are probably thinking why would medicine be interested in Mac?

Well there is Osirix, a computerized medical imaging tool which can only be downloaded on Mac, that should say enough. If you need a little more convincing, you have to check out what the company Modality has been up to. I found a video on the Apple startpage with this company, which creates digital learning materials with a focus on the sciences at the time. I think having the potential to download learning materials on something that you carry around with you all the time (ie the Ipod) would be a great facet to the learning process. It is also more portable than a massive textbook, and when you have to travel via public transportation, it can give you extra time to learn that is otherwise wasted.

Who knows what the future will hold with the use of digital technology? I don't, but the whole world is ahead and I'm excited to see what I can do with my career in biomedical visualization.

Ok, off to do some 3D Modeling research before going to bed to go to my internship tomorrow!

Photo courtesy of iLounge.com. Modality Learning Tool (Frank Netter) on iPhone.

Sexy Cecum

2009-02-18T01:39:00.002-06:00

Here is my finished digital pen & ink illustration for my Illustration Techniques class with John Daugherty. Our assignment was to create an anatomical illustration using the pen & ink technique of something cylindrical in shape. I wanted to do the tracheobronchial tree, but I got wind of plenty of fellow students doing the same thing and I wanted to do something different. When I was doing research for my graphic design class about Crohn's Disease, and this little area of the body showed up (aka ileocecal junction), so I thought I would correlate it, why not?

I have to tell you, THIS MAY LOOK SIMPLE, BUT YOU ARE OH SO WRONG! I spent quite some time on this little guy by just trying to figure out how to make constant lines using the Wacom stylus and then figuring out how to do what I wanted and make it look nice. I think I did that, I guess I will find out during critiques on Friday.

Otherwise, Valentine's weekend was great, but now he's gone for a bit, but I can't complain much because now I have to get stuff done! Plus, Business Practices was cancelled for tomorrow so no class, therefore I am planning on going to my internship all day tomorrow and Thursday and get my 20 hours in so I don't have to go in on Friday..... this should be an interesting feat.....

Ileocecal Juncion. Lindsey Pionek. Wacom Tablet and Adobe Illustrator.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T22:00:00.001-06:00

My heart is only for you..... and some flowers. These heart-shaped vases are perfect for your Valentine's Day anatomy-loving sweetheart. Just add a flower and bring it to life! Both vases are from Esque Design, but are unique, just like the real ones!

Photo courtesy: Anatomical Heart Vases. Esque design. Top: www.unicahome.com. Bottom: www.supermarkethq.com

Bird Brain

2009-02-14T00:45:00.001-06:00

Well, Street Anatomy, you got to it first, I have to credit you for that, but I still want to show it. I saw this shirt on Threadless.com during winter break, but I just didn't think it was the right time to show it..... I guess I learned a lesson from waiting too long!

Anyway, this shirt design "Bird Brain" was created by Erin Jessica King. She is an up-and-coming, soon-to-be certified medical illustrator that resides in Boulder, Colorado. She got the idea from an anatomy class analogy. I have to admit Erin, those analogies are great!

The design website, Deadwilder Design and Illustration, is a joint collaboration between Erin and Allison Werberg (She went to the University of WI; go Badgers!). They have various biological-based companies that they have done projects for and have a fantasticly fluid, beautiful style! Keep it up with the medical and biological illustration!

Oh, Friday couldn't have come any sooner let me tell you! It was a long day today and forgot my coffee.... GASP! I know! I was about to die at my class this morning, but I survived, went to the internship and have been working on stuff all night and will be doing the same thing all day tomorrow until my boyfriend comes down for Valentine's Day weekend! Don't worry though, I have something for tomorrow!

The Hemostat, as I see it....

2009-02-12T00:21:00.001-06:00

Ok, well not really. But it is modeled as one usually sees a hemostat. This project was actually done like a week ago, but I had to tweek it here and there to actually get it so you can't see through its channel box..... it is the section where the two parts hinge together.... I didn't know what it was either at first, its ok. Anyway, there it is. I wanted to play with lighting and texture a little bit more before I showed it here, but being uneducated (or merely touched upon at the moment) in it at all, I felt like a monkey incesantly clicking on the mouse and keyboard with no results for like an hour and a half, so you will just have to wait and see it tranform over time. Plus I have to sleep and work on other things, so I thought it would be ok to let it slide for now. Please don't judge too much; it will get better.

Busy like usual, it was a work day. I learned about printing companies and talked to a rep and he showed me how to make sure all of my files were linked when sending them out. It was really helpful. So many little details, so many little details. I am learning though, that's the best part.

Hemostat models. Lindsey Pionek. 3D Studio Max.

3D Studio Max Updates

2009-02-09T22:24:00.001-06:00

Here are my first few renditions of working with 3D Studio Max: RBCs and their SEM texture and the wrapping of a Prilosec box. Both of them will more than likely will be refined more as soon as I have more familiarity of the program. I like how they turned out though. The program is really simple if it works right!

I am working on a syringe, and a reflex hammer right now, and I also finished the modeling of a hemostat, but for some reason, I forgot to save it on my flash drive so I could show it to you! Something to look forward to!

Today was a long Monday with classes all day and I had work to worry about too since my timesheet wasn't received last Friday (you know, if I want to get paid), and I still want to work on my pen and ink assignment tonight.... I may need some chai tea to keep me awake, even though I would prefer chamomile and go to bed.

All in the day of the life of an aspiring medical-based illustrator/designer. :D

Red Blood Cells texured SEM-style and Prilosec 3D models. Lindsey Pionek. 3D Studio Max.

Logo Design

2009-02-09T00:06:00.000-06:00

Since it was a pretty uneventful day of working on projects in 3D Studio Max, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign (yeah, I know, uneventful right?), and nothing is quite completed, I decided to show today a logo that I made a couple of weeks ago for a friend from undergrad. He's part of a group that does some pretty cool underground excursions in the Twin Cities. During the middle of Christmas break, when I was stir crazy from being in Wisconsin with all of the snow, he asked me if I wanted to create a logo for T-shirts and other memorabilia. I agreed and he gave me a bit of info and I had the idea right away, but because I didn't have anything to keep my mind stimulated, I forgot about it until he reminded me 2 weeks into my 2nd semester in the Biomedical Visualization program. I was already busy with school, but I felt incredibly bad (and a little stupid) for forgetting about it. So I finished it and thank goodness he loved it. I like it too and I got to play with some more tools in Illustrator and some more fun fonts.

I loved doing it even though I was busy....I want to improve more! :D

(Sorry everyone, for some reason, the logo jpeg didn't come up the first time when I did the actual post.... don't ask me why.)

TCCS Crawlers Syndicate Logo. Lindsey Pionek, 2009.

I Can't Keep Up!

2009-02-08T01:58:00.003-06:00

Hello, hello, hello. I know I have said this before, but I have just been busy, busy, busy and need to keep up with this mostly because I want to. :D Maybe I just have write smaller blogs than just HUGE ones once a week. Well, my best friend from undergrad came this weekend. It was good, we didn't do much, but I don't mind relaxation. We did go to an AWESOME breakfast place and it's close. It's called Sweet Maple Cafe. It's this little hole-in-the-wall place on Taylor Street and it has the best breakfast food that I have had in a long time..... I can't even explain it.

I have been working a lot with 3D Studio Max and texturing and everything..... to be coming soon. My internship has been brutal as usual.... so many deadlines, but I survived. Unfortunately, I was late getting out of there and my friend had to wait a half hour for me to get out of there and then when we were out to eat and work was calling me because one of my important emails didn't send.... rar. I should just be full-time. No, no, no, no, I love what I am doing in grad school, there would be no way that I would leave this program.

Anyway, here is my anatomy for the day. One of my roomates showed me this one t-shirt site (www.shirt.woot.com) in which they sell one shirt a day with a different design on it and a couple days ago the one above popped up. I think it is really neat how there are little quirky details like the cartoon guy drinking in the liver. Plus, you have to read the descriptions of the shirt designs...classic!

So here is my February resolution, to write more often using little blurbs, you know, how blogs usually are!

Photo Courtesy: Guts! www.shirt.woot.com

My Excursion to Milwaukee

2009-02-01T22:15:00.001-06:00

In continuation of my never-ending week of being so tired, it is Saturday. On this day I was on my way to go to Milwaukee to meet in the middle with my family for my birthday celebration and my Mom's (on February 3). Since I didn't go to bed until 3 because of upstairs, 9 AM came quickly and it felt like 6 AM. I rolled out of bed, finished packing, and was off to take the bus. I know I took out my U-Pass for the bus so I didn't have to fumble for it at the stop. When I got there, it was nowhere to be found. Seriously? It must have fell out of my jacket pocket so I left the bus stop to retrace my steps. As soon as I was up the the stairs to open my apartment door (with my very large and heavy bag, by the way) and realized where I put it..... in my back pocket. Needless to say, I was a little ticked at myself. I trudged back to the bus stop and thankfully didn't miss it.

I was off the bus and going to the Blue Line stop now. It came in a matter of a minute.... it was going to be a good ride and I was going to have plenty of time to catch the Amtrak to Milwaukee. Got on the train, sat down, and the doors do not shut..... here it comes..... "Beep beep" Attention passengers, this train is experiencing difficulties. Please stand by until we fix this situation." Awesome. What made it worse than standing there for 15 minutes, was that there were two individuals right in front of me sucking face on the El. Right in front of me facing my direction at 9:30 in the morning. While trying to avoid looking, the El finally started moving, but now I was worried about running late.

Though I made it, I was tired and sweaty. The Amtrak was nice though, I did get my own two large seats and I was able to sleep some. Eventually, it was time for the Milwaukee Airport stop and assuming since there is only one stop in Chicago, that there was only one stop in Milwaukee. I got off like I thought I was supposed to, but of course I was wrong. There are TWO in Milwaukee, but only ONE in Chicago..... it doesn't make sense to me. Anyway, my parents had to travel a bit more to get there and I waited. Eventually, they were there and we went back to the hotel, The Ambassador. It was a beautifully designed hotel with an Old World, Art Deco feel. We dropped off our stuff and we were off the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Titanic Exhibit. Not only was is a beautifully-designed exhibit, but it was a different way of seeing it and it blew me out of the water, no pun intended. I was impressed. We went back to the hotel afterwards and had drinks and dinner at the hotel. Very good and classy food. It felt nice to be with my family this weekend in such a nice place and be away from everything. Plus I finally was able to catch up on my sleep! Back to school now. Keep posted for more medical-illustration based blogs in this week!

My 23rd Birthday Week

2009-01-30T20:57:00.001-06:00

Yep, this past week (Wednesday) was my 23rd birthday. Though it was fun, I'm glad it is over. It was a definite lack-of-sleep week. I had so much to get done (which I actually did finish everything!) and needed some time to have fun. One of my friends from undergrad that lives in the suburbs and took me out without me know where we were going. We ended up going to Duffy's and after I was done with work for the day and ate and then others people that I met a few weeks ago showed up too. There was this deal that Amanda had that we could all drink beer for free for the first two hours and then only pay a dollar each after that. I think we all took pretty good advantage of that deal. There was also an 80s cover band later that was awesome that we had a lot of fun dancing to. I was feeling good that night and it was awesome to not worry about schoolwork for one night. Work all day the next day was a different story.... VERY TIRED, but I made it. Seriously, Thursdays have to change, I can't die at work every week.

Well this weekend was the beginning of public transportation issues once again. I knew that it was coming! Friday after I was done with work, I went to the BVIS computer lab since I had to work on this hemostat 3D Studio Max assignment since I was going to Milwaukee for the weekend. I accomplished quite a bit from the last time, but still was unable to finish. Anyway, at 11 PM, UIC has this opprotunity to take a free taxi service to our apartment. I have used it before and was pleased, but this was different. There was a guy receptionist (or whatever you want to call him) and he was the most rude individual I never want to meet. He seriously hung up on me and then when I called back he said that there was one cab so it could be awhile and then I asked how many stops the cab already had to take. He had no idea....HOW CAN YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHEN YOU ARE THE ONE ASSIGNING THE CABBIE TO PICK PEOPLE UP?! I was a little bit appalled, obviously, and then he said, and I quote. "so do you want it or not?" Yeah! I wouldn't be calling if I didn't. I don't quite want to walk around later at night with my most expensive investment in a bag on my back. Well after waiting, we ended up calling a cab and right when the taxi showed up, we see the UIC bus go by.....AAARRGG!

When we got out of the cab from our 4 minute ride, we heard loud thumping music. Being tired from running on "E" for about a week, I just had to say "COME ON!" The boys upstairs were having another party with the door wide open with stupid girls with high heels on the tile floor upstairs. Usually I can handle it, but I was just incredibly annoyed with the whole situation and I was exhausted and wanted to get some sleep for once. After going up there after an hour, they shut up and I was able to sleep after packing for the next day. Note to self: pick an apartment where there is no one above you.

Phew, this is a lot to write about! Continued tomorrow!

Determination

2009-01-27T01:20:00.001-06:00

de·ter·mi·na·tion
Pronunciation:\di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən\
Function: noun
Date: 14th century

1 a: a judicial decision settling and ending a controversy b: the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning
2archaic : termination
3 a: the act of deciding definitely and firmly ; also : the result of such an act of decision b: firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end determination>
4: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, value, or character of something: as a: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement b: an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal
5 a: the definition of a concept in logic by its essential constituents b: the addition of a differentia to a concept to limit its denotation
6: direction or tendency to a certain end : impulsion
7: the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue
From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

The last definition is actually surprising; I didn't know that. Determination: that is what this week has been based on. I have had so much to do: 2 typography projects for Graphic Design, 2 tutorials (and another one by Friday) for Computer Visualization, a traditional inking and digital inking assignment as well as preliminary sketches for Illustration Techniques, and reading for Buisiness Practices. I am almost finished with everything which is good, but I have been working my little tail off to get it all done and done well. I'm assuming this is how it will be for the rest of the semester, but I don't mind being busy too much. Plus I'm going to Milwaukee this weekend to meet in the middle to see my family, so that will be nice, but I won't be doing much school work. This is just how grad school is, but I am learning so much, I love it!

So today we were working in 3D Studio Max and we had to do tutorials for making red blood cells and a syringe. I finished them yesterday, but did some tweaking to make them transparent and more pretty. I think they turned out pretty good, since just before this I made my poor, pitiful rocket. I may have to put the software on my computer though, I think I would do so much more playing and getting to know the program instead of going to the lab all the time. We will see.

Plus, I don't know if any of you actually have noticed (you'll know if you go back a bit), but not much has been going wrong lately other than being overwhelmed with stuff a couple of days ago..... hopefully it stays that way. The only thing that really annoys and frustrates me is when people butt into conversations where they are not involved and finish my sentences when I am fully capable of answering a question presented to ME, not you. Well now that I got that out, nothing else is wrong. :D

RBCs and Syringe in 3D Studio Max. Lindsey Pionek