Process Analysis... Get Pumped.

I chose pictures that showed people (or animals) going against the crowd. "Dare to be different" was the main idea I was going for. So I literally googled "dare to be different' and that's how some of the images popped up. I chose the pictures of Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj because they are two of the most outrageous, unique self-expressers out there. They aren't afraid to take risks and they do whatever the hell they feel like doing. They express themselves. They are individuals. I chose pictures of my friends and me because in these particular pictures we are being goofy A.KA. we're being ourselves. The picture of the flower that is hot pink while the rest of the picture is black and white is significant because it pops and your eye goes right to it. The picture of the dancer represents following your heart and doing what you love to do and going after your dreams. The parrots are just so colorful compared to most birds...how could I leave them out? The picture of Harry Potter is in there because J.K. Rowling has one of the most praise-worthy, incredible, unmatched imaginations ever. Ever. None of us can compete with her (although I'd love to see someone prove me wrong). The very last picture is my favorite. I love the quote; it sums up my argument very nicely. I ended with two black and white pictures because I wanted to keep it simple and get the point across. Flashiness would've been too over the top (thank you, Captain Obvious). Spice Girls I added in because they're cool and each has their own thing going on. They're confident and themselves. The various animal pictures are pretty much the same. There is a bunch of the same and then one oddball (i.e. zebras facing forward except the one daring to be different who is facing backward). The cow jumping with the dolphin is basically just a you-can-do-anything-that-you-set-your-mind-to picture.

I started off the pictures with the "Follow Your Heart" because an arrow gives a sense of direction. It is pointing you down a specific path. I felt this was symbolic in a way because I wanted it to be like a journey and the first picture is inviting you down the road of individuality. Next I chose Lady Gaga because, well, she's Lady Gaga. She is a leader therefore I needed to have her leading the line of images. Plus her outfit is shocking and a great attention grabber. The next few images were random. I had my reasons for choosing each picture, but I didn't have a specific place for any of them. I knew for sure that I wanted to end with Lady Gaga, the pink flower, and the girl with the quote. Those were what I felt to be the most powerful images. I also cheated a little: I began and ended with words. I liked the impact that the words left at the end and I liked the direction given at the beginning. Bright colors stand out. That's why the majority of the pictures are brightly colored. Standing out is part of being an individual, being your own person.

Strip Me by Natasha Bedingfield was an easy choice. I love her. I love that song. The lyrics are so fitting: "And if you strip me,
Strip it all awayIf you strip me,What would you findIf you strip me,Strip it all awayI'm still the same
cause when it all boils down
At the end of the dayIt's what you do and sayThat makes you who you areMakes you think about it,Think about itDoesn't itSometimes all it takes is one voice
Take what you wantSteal my prideBuild me upOr cut me down to sizeShut me outBut I'll just screamIm only one voice in a millionbut you aint taking that from me"
Natasha's chops are out of this world. If you disagree... Shreya and I will come to your house when you're asleep and eat all of your food... then beat you up and vandalize your property. If you're laughing... you're next. The music is steady. It isn't a dance/electronica, shake your tail feathers on the dance floor kind of song nor is it a Celine Dion ballad that makes you want to gauge your eyes out because the depressing lyrics enter through year ears and seep out of your eye sockets leaving tear stains on your cheeks. It burns. Instead, it's a slower head bobbing melody that is perfect for a concert in your local shower. I originally planned on using "Express Yourself" but I thought that was too obvious a choice. I wouldn't change my selection now. Natasha is my home girl... plus she's British.