New Year, New Research

Hey guys, just trying to squeeze in a quick update about my senior project. So far during my break I've slept in, ate tons, and found some useful articles that kind of help me figure out my EQ (which reminds me, I need to update my header EQ). I checked out this book from the library called The Editor in Chief: A Management Guide for Magazine Editors. Long title. So the first few chapters talked about organization, but then I got to the middle of the book where it covers staff treatment and management. There was a chart/quiz kind of thing that was outlined to determine what kind of leading personality you have, and how you can utilize your strengths to help your staff. In my case, following the chart I found that I am a hands-on type of leader, meaning that I like to do and learn by example. So ways that I can help, say, the designing department, is by showing and creating an example of my own, explaining the process along the way. That way they can see how I did something and do it themselves (give or take a few changes to make it their own designs). I found that really interesting, and it kind of makes more sense now that I think about it. When I get back from break, I'll definitely try to lead like this in Yearbook. Anyways, that was a piece of research I really liked, and I thought I'd share it here.

Blog 9: EQ

1.   I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

2.  Review the following EQs:

 a.  What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

• Yes, I think this is an appropriate EQ, but it is quite vague. If it was restated so that it would not have just one specific answer, or had a more detailed word choice besides "healthy weight loss", I think then it would be much more valid.

 b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

• Yes, this is an EQ, but like the previous one, it is also vague. It should be more specific so that it addresses the type of conviction or criminal investigation.

 c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

• Yes, this is a better EQ. It points out what they're EQ is trying to answer, with "...that best satisfies a customer." It also makes it more specific since what the EQ is answering, is not too broad.

 d.  How can an Anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

• Yes, this is the best EQ out of the previous ones. It starts with "wow" instead of "what," allowing more flexibility in answers. It also addresses the topic that this person is presenting on, and a specific issue that they want to answer.

3.  Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.

• How can an Editor-In-Chief best direct a publication in order to ensure a quality product?

First Deadline: Hard Work x1000

Hey guys! Man, November has been such a busy month. Like, the busiest month in yearbook so far. Our first deadline was yesterday, November 18th. Unfortunately not everything has gone smoothly, so we're racing to get everything turned in. Even if we are a few days late, it's important to remember that everything has to be good quality and not just a bunch of photos and text thrown together. It's the content that has to be fine-combed to perfection. Despite some setbacks on deadline, we only have a few pages left to turn in! My mentor Mimi Orth also visited today and look at everything we had. She was quite impressed with how things we're coming out, so that's awesome. It's great to get feedback and advice from some one who's an expert at design and publication. Anyways, my goal is to get all of the first deadline spreads to be turned in before Thanksgiving Break.

Also, to give you guys the gist of how much work these spreads are: the design team and myself have spent 4 out of 5 days of our weeks cooped up in Strand's back corner, going almost blind from staring at the screens so often. ...Okay, I might be exaggerating a bit, but it is a huge time commitment and it's so worth it when we look at the final pages.

May be unrelated, but we reorganized our little "cave" in the back corner. We have a bunch of yearbooks from other schools to get inspiration from (no, we do not steal ideas :P).

The proof file of our cover. A proof file is a file that the printing company sends back a few weeks after you turn in the original file. It's how our printing company, Herff Jones, says, "Is this really how you want this to look?"

The cover is by far my favorite part of the book that we've worked on. I think it really exemplifies iPoly's little "moments."

The ladder. A ladder is like a calendar/planner hybrid. It just shows where pages go in order in the yearbook.

I spent a full day helping design editor Mira and copy editor Posada collaborate on a spread, called a division. A division is like a mini-table-of-contents in certain sections of the yearbook. We decided on doing a fun little story on a few select seniors (they may know who they are...).

On a final note, I will hopefully finish up my independent component before January! And don't forget to keep Instagram-ing your photos to go into the yearbook!

Prepping for Design Clinic: The Gathering of Yearbook Gurus

Hey guys, big event happening on Saturday. Every yearbook publication is to take part in an event called Design Clinic. What is that even?

Design Clinic is an event where schools from the area send their yearbook publications to present the progress of their respective yearbooks. This is a big deal, because many experts on graphic design, copy writing, and photographers gather to critique the progress. Basically, the yearbook gods are judging us. It's pretty scary, but exciting and really helpful. The event will be coordinated by my mentor, Mimi, and... IS IN THE MPR. HERE. It's awesome that Design Clinic is happening at our campus. It's never happened to us before!

Of course, as nerve-wracking as it is, it also requires a lot of work. So the past few classes, the staff and editors have been rushing to finish up spreads. Last Tuesday and Friday were particularly busy for me. I've been occupied with helping the designers fix up and improve their assignments, and assigning staff members to take photos and interview students. Most importantly though, our cover (who isn't excited for the cover, seriously.), is 98% done. Also, this post is photo heavy, but hey, you guys are behind-the-scenes with us.

From @ipolyyearbook on Instagram. We usually have quick 10 minute meetings before class to discuss what needs to get done. Here, we were looking at the layout of the first 8 pages of the yearbook, and discussing what would go after them.

Cesar and Nathan working together to create their second spread. I've assigned Nathan to teach Cesar basic graphic design skills. A lot of progress has been made by our newest designer. His spreads will definitely be seen in the yearbook.

Our coverage and business editors, Malorie and Alexis. They're making flyers for advertising our Instagram.

Nitjasin and Bryan are looking over a staff member's story. A lot of times, copy must be edited and re-edited, by both a designer and a copy editor. The designer needs to know what the copy is about in order to create his layout, while the copy editor checks mistakes and accuracy.

Elijah in the process of designing another spread. It's tough making new spreads when most of them start to look similar. I took some time after class to help him by comparing his earlier one, to this one. Visualizing the similarities in a designer's spreads helps them design their next one, making it a bit more different each time.

Emmely was going through photos from Hot Dog Day. We've got a lot of great shots of people (mostly stuffing their faces with hot dogs).

Selfies are mandatory.

I helped the designers with Photoshopping cut outs. Basically, we have to outline the person or object and separate it from the background. It's time consuming, but adds a lot of interest to the spreads. Also, that's Richard throwing a bowling ball in the background. A great cut out opportunity!

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1.  What is your working EQ?

• How can an editor best direct a publication to ensure a quality product?

2.  What is a possible answer to your working EQ?

• Organize the staff in an effective and communicative way. This allows for the editor to monitor the progress, problems, and other situations that may occur within a publication's staff members.

3.  What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ? 

• My most informative source would be a book titled The Editor In Chief: A Management for Magazine Editors, by Benton Rain Patterson and Coleman E.P. Patterson. A lot of chapters in this book really emphasized the importance of team-oriented work and establishing effective methods of communication and relationships with a staff. Building up a strong foundation of trust and responsibility between staff members and the editor is essential to creating a successful product.

4.  Who is your mentor, or where are you volunteering, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

• My mentor is Mimi Orth of Herff Jones Publishing. I work alongside her in elective, after school, and often on weekends to create assignments,manage a staff, organize the progress of the yearbook, offer insight to spreads, teach lessons to the class, and manage other business regarding the creation, printing, and distribution of the yearbook. What I do relates to my EQ because it is taking my position as Co-Editor In Chief and allowing for me to justify it with experiences from directing an entire publication.

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Approval

1. Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours. 

• I will be responsible for overseeing, participating in, and directing the completion of the first 32 pages of the yearbook, in order to meet our first deadline date. I will be working alongside the design team and will also be designing a few spreads myself. I will also be assigning work, schedules, lesson plans, and grades to the staff and editors. This will be done through each elective day, after school and lunch meetings, and time outside of school. 

2. Discuss how or what you will do will meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

• I will be taking files, photos, and descriptions of what I do every time progress is done on this component. The evidence will be shown in the final design of the 32 pages, which I will post on this blog as each one is completed. 

3. And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.

• This will demonstrate my skills as an editor-in-chief, putting me in charge of a student-run publication. It will emphasize the importance of an editorial position, where I will be managing, directing, and influencing the work behind creating a product, alongside fellow staff members and editors within a publication. This component will also allow me to learn the functions of a publication, and allow for a greater deal of involvement in each department of a publication.

4. Link on sidebar.

Cover Madness: We Can Afford Color?!

Hey guys! So my mentor, Mimi, came in to visit during elective today, and I was able to talk to her about the yearbook's progress. She was there to critique our cover design and suggested we keep up the improvements in our production, which we definitely needed advice on. The cover has totally evolved from what we originally had in mind, but for the better. Unfortunately, it's not completely finished, but it will be done hopefully by next week, just in time for our first deadline. Oh man. As an editor, the cover is a big deal. A. Big. Deal. So we often spend a lot of time on it, mocking it up and scrapping it, revising and then deleting. This year is going to be a challenge since it's so different than what we usually do, and it's going to be in full color. COLOR. WE CAN AFFORD IT. Anyways, it was a relief that Mimi was able to come in and give great advice on how to organize the book, as well as the staff's duties. What would we do without Mimi. So after her quick visit, the groups continued working on their stories and spreads. I was particularly focused on helping the designers, checking over some copy with the copy editor, and conversing with the photo team about getting a lot of good pictures to go on the cover.

Elijah and his amazing cover mock up. Be excited.

Hung up some more inspiration from magazines onto the walls for reference.

The Design Corner, E. Garcia and B. Trang. Half of the Fantastic Four.

Some other staff members working on their weekly spread. Cesar is our newest edition to the Design team, and we're starting him off with his very own spread.

Old work from yearbook camp (also my mentorship). The entire feel of the book has definitely changed since summer. A lot of work to do with these revisions... But we're on it. And no, this is not what will be in the actual book. I can't spoil it yet, sorry.

Working with the Copy and Design Editors, B. Posada and N.Q. Phyakul. The progress we've made today is outstanding.

So that was pretty much what happened today. Subliminal advertising time: we need photos for our cover, guys! If you can take some pictures with Instagram or your own camera, send them in to the iPoly Yearbook Gmail. It would be awesome if your photo made it onto the cover. That is all. :)

Blog 6: Second Interview

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?

• My mentor is Mimi Orth, and she works for Herff Jones, a publishing company specializing in the printing of yearbooks.

2.  What five questions will you ask them about their background?

• How did you learn about Herff Jones, and what made you want to work for them?
• Can you describe what working for Herff Jones is like?
• What do you like most about working for Herff Jones?
• What challenges did you face in your work experience with Herff Jones, and what did you do to solve these challenges?
• Can you give a brief history about Herff Jones?

*Additional question that I might ask

• How did you choose your major, and how has it helped you in your work?

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

The Pentagon: 

(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?

• So far, a positive thing that has happened is starting off the yearbook on a good note, by using what I've learned during mentorship as a guide. For instance, I have been constantly planning and changing what the elective will be doing for the next two months, and how it will be executed onto visual spreads. I've begun to add elements of how an actual newspaper publication is run, so that yearbook can be modeled after it and allow for a better way to cover stories. 

(2) EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?

• A piece of research that has definitely improved my understanding of editorial publishing would be an article called "So You Want to Be an Editor: Information about a Career in Editing." This article solidified the meaning of being an editor and running an editorial-oriented publication. It also had a lot of information about what qualities and work habits an editor should keep in mind while working in a publication. I like to refer to it often when I find myself looking for ways to turn the yearbook staff into a much more organized and balanced team.

(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?

• What has worked so far, would be the ease of getting research and information on my topic. I was able to find a lot of information about what editorial publishing is. I was also able to connect it to the Yearbook elective, making it easier on me, time-wise. I can use my experience in Yearbook and running it as a publication during the year to refer back to. 

(4) What hasn't worked so far?  

• What hasn't really worked so far is contacting my mentor. Because she is required to visit every school, every two weeks, in almost every city in Southern California in a slotted amount of time, I have yet to really sit down and talk with her about my topic or get an interview. I do plan to interview her next week or possibly this weekend.

(5) Finding Value:  

•  What is a potential question you would like to study this year?  (working EQ)
• How can an editor best direct a publication to ensure a quality product?

•  What do you plan to do for mentorship?  If you haven't found a mentor yet, then discuss where you are currently looking and who you are talking to to find it.  
• I plan to work with my mentor at school during elective to teach, direct, and advise the staff while the content of the yearbook (product) is being produced. 

Finally Chose a Senior Topic!

I think the biggest problem I had entering this year was what to do for my senior project. I was so sure of one thing, then all of a sudden something else seemed better, then somehow after changing my mind, I was back to square one. A main reason why this seemed like such a struggle was that this year, both Stacy and I are Editors-In-Chiefs of Yearbook. That's never happened before, and it kind of made that requirement of "the Editor-In-Chief's topic is yearbook" change; how were we going to do the same topic? Another reason was that I personally didn't really know where my interests were focused on. I hate to say it, but I really didn't know what I wanted to do, and I was just frantically running in a giant circle.

About a week ago it pretty much dawned on me. Process of elimination. I know. And researching on the Internet for related terms and topics. I went through, "I don't like that," to "I can do that," to "I should do this," and on and on until I narrowed it down. Obviously, I knew I had to incorporate Yearbook. I also really wanted to do Graphic Design, because last year, I was Design Editor. However, we have a new Design Editor, so I figured doing Graphic Design wouldn't be a good choice. But, I liked the idea of incorporating my new position in Yearbook, and the elective as a publication itself.

Yearbook -> Publication -> (Co) Editor-in-Chief -> In charge of publishing the book -> Editorial Publishing.

I may or may not have patted myself on the back.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1. Who do you plan to interview? Why?

• I plan to interview my mentor, Mimi Orth. During my mentorship, she gave great advice and constructive criticism on my course work. I feel that the way she guided me is what is an essential character for an editor, and I would like to listen to her perspective on my topic. I would also like to ask her questions on her past work in publication, and what she has learned and experienced from them.

2. You have to ask 5 questions. What additional questions do you plan to ask?

• How long did you work in publication, and what was your most memorable experience from it?
• What were some common or reoccurring issues you would come across while working in publication?
• From your experiences, what are some important qualities that an editor should have while running a publication?
• How did you organize your staff, and how were you able to manage numerous deadlines in a publication?
• Where do you get inspiration for your product, and what do you think is the most efficient way of connecting your product verbally and visually?

*More additional questions I might ask:

• From your experience on working with so many schools, what do you think is a common thing that many staffs struggle with?
• Trends and styles are always changing, which influences the way a product looks. What do you predict will be popular among print publications this year?
• Did you ever experience a time where a publication's product was not executed well? What was that time like, and what can a publication do to avoid a situation like that?

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

1.  List your topic here: Editorial Publishing

2.  What do you plan to do this year to show growth in each of the ESLRs?  Be specific and use an example.  Examples can come from senior project, model assembly, core, and/or participation in senior class ASB or other organizations on campus (clubs etc).

• iPoly Citizen

• In order to grow as an iPoly citizen, I will acknowledge the interdependence that I need not only as a student, but as an individual. I will definitely be active in class committees and engage with other classmates in the planning and running of events. I also will try my best to attend as many events as possible. I feel that holding a lot of events, parties, and whatnot is a wonderful way to bring our senior class closer as a whole, and build a lasting impression of the high school experience. Also, it's good to have some fun and enjoy yourself. Bonding, communicating, understanding, and learning with my graduating class will really help make my senior year memorable. 

• Effective Learner

• I understand that it is solely my responsibility to learn and understand what is being taught for my benefit. Throughout my time at iPoly, each course, component, and project has shown me the importance of application, awareness, and self-influence. For this year, I definitely plan to keep up-to-date on every assignment with my planner. I will also try to ask more questions, because detailed and thorough explanations do help me in the long run. Also, I'll try to study material at home as well. It's my obligation to use my creativity and understanding to set an example for others in my classes, as well as improve on myself as an individual student.

• Effective User of Technology

• Even though I'm a tech junkie, I still admit that I need to improve on my skills. With project-based learning, however, I find it much easier to apply technology into our components and so on. Using programs such as PowerPoint, Word, Photoshop, inDesign, and so on, not only visually represents the material being taught, but also helps me make a personal connection to what I'm learning. I'm a visual learner, and I love to take material and visually represent it in my own way. This year, I will use the best of my skills to integrate different technological mediums to further visually represent material, as well as allow for more creative freedom. I want to expand my knowledge on using certain technology, like the iPads. Integrating technology is something every student should be able to use.  

• Effective Communicator 

• An example where I can be an affective communicator can come from my participation in the Yearbook elective. As Co-Editor-In-Chief, it is my responsibility to represent the voices and personalities that iPoly has. Working with my yearbook staff has shown me that each staff member depends on me as a leader, and also on each other, while I depend on them and my editors. Teamwork is interdependent, and although it can be tough, it is highly important to be able to communicate efficiently. Being put into project groups for three years has also taught me that listening to what everyone has to say is fundamental in teamwork. This year, I will definitely work on my communication skills, especially scheduling and planning. Talking through email, Facebook, and texting is not sufficient in leading a group or getting things done. I'm a quiet person but this year I want to change that. I want to establish consistent and effective communication with my classmates, so that every person is comfortable with what is going on and what needs to be done.

Blog 2: Summer Mentorship Component

1. Mentorship Log
2. Mentor: Mimi Orth - (626)798-1680
3. What questions did I have during the mentorship?

• How do the various elements from the professionals (advertisements and magazines) impact the way a yearbook looks?
• How does today's print and electronic trends influence a yearbook theme?
• How can a yearbook theme be visually represented by its' spreads?
• How can the audience/student body of a school be best represented by a yearbook theme and its' design?

4. What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?

• The most important thing I've gained from my mentorship is that no matter what a yearbook staff likes or doesn't like, their opinion should not ultimately affect the final theme of a yearbook. Throughout the entire experience, my staff and I were adamant on creating a theme that solely reflected the school and its' students, and not just our personal likes and dislikes. This is crucial in creating a yearbook, mainly because it is the theme that influences the rest of the decisions that are to come; for example, what tone of voice our stories would use, what design elements we would utilize, and how we deliver it all into a single spread. Because our school is so unique, our design and coverage should visually represent the characteristics that make I-Poly and its' students what it is. 

5. How did what you did help choose a topic? Explain.

• At first I wanted to do Graphic Design. But because my position and duties in Yearbook has changed, I now want to do Editorial Publishing. Also, what I did under my mentor did not only cover Graphic Design, but the influences that it has on visually representing a school. I learned a lot about what goes into guiding and editing what my staff does. I also got the opportunity to learn more about the backbone of a successful yearbook theme, with trends and inspiration from professionals being the first priority.

Blog 1: 2013 2-Hour Presentation Reflections

Literal:

1. (Know) What presentations did you see?  Name the topic and the person's first name.

1. JorgeE - Electronic Dance Music
2. JessicaB - Making an Album
3. MarilynG - OBGYN
4. DominicZ - All Star Cheerlead (Safety)
5. NicholasG - Automotive Repair
6. AlyssaS - Yoga
7. ArianaK - Machine Programming
8. EmmaS - Yearbook
9. RachelH - Deaf Culture
10. DarleneD - Cancer Survivors
11. DanielL - Car Audio
12. CherylW - Veterinarian Oncology
13. AlexM - Running a Bike Shop
14. JeanetteD - Wedding Dress Design

2. (Need to know) What questions do you have that haven't been answered about the senior project? 

• How much does talking time count for your overall presentation grade?
• How much information is required to be put in the presentation slide show?
• Do the activities have to be group-oriented?
• Is it possible to include more than 3 important sources in a senior presentation?

Interpretive:

3. What has the most important part of the senior project based on what you are seeing in the 2-hour presentations?

• The most important part is essentially making sure that the three answers to an individual’s EQ is clearly explained with in-depth detail and activities supporting them. In order to ensure a successful EQ, the three answers must correlate to a person’s entire senior topic, and showcase the individual’s progress of learning and understanding of their topic. 

Applied:

4. What topic are you considering doing and why?

• I am considering doing Graphic Design as my topic because I am currently the Design Editor of the Yearbook elective, and I am also due to become next year’s Editor-in-Chief along with another student. I will be responsible for the artistic aspect of next year’s book and thus choosing Graphic Design is ideal.