Author Archives: savannah lynn

Self Reflection 03

Summarize what work you completed for PUB448. In addition to the three mandatory self-reflections (this one included), how many of the other 13 assignments did you complete? Did you pass all of them? 

I am proud of the work I’ve completed this semester. I fell behind a few times due to sickness and some mental health struggles but I’m proud with what I’ve accomplished and proud that I made it through the semester. I completed all but 2 of the reading reflections (the second & fourth ones) I almost finished the fourth one this week but I have so many papers and a final due this week that I didn’t want to stretch myself too thin. That said, I passed all that have been graded so far. I submitted a few assignments that required revisions but I think that they will pass on the second go as I am in a better headspace than when I originally wrote them.

Return to your first two self-reflections. What did you identify as your goals, challenges, and areas for potential improvement? Did you follow through on your plans, achieve your goals, and see the improvement you were hoping for? 

I actually completed the biggest goal that I had for myself this year today (April 13)!!! I got a big girl job! It happened really organically and I am so excited for this next step in my life. I have really honed in on my skills this last semester and I’m really proud of the design work that I did. The creative outputs this semester were definitely my favourite part of this class and I LOVED getting to make a podcast. I think I might try and actually pursue something with podcasting because it was genuinely SO MUCH FUN. I was challenged by the reading reflections (as expected) but I loved that I was able to choose which assignments to do. I really struggled with my mental health this semester (finally found a great therapist though which is GREAT) and the ability to take breaks when I needed to was so so helpful. I am really proud of the work I did this semester and having to make revisions challenged me to think more critically and be proud of the work that I was putting out.

Tell me about the most important new ideas and/or skills you developed in PUB448, and how you might draw on them in the future. 

I learned how to make a podcast! That was for sure the coolest thing this semester and I’d love to explore that more and become even more skilled in this area.

Bragging time: what’s the one thing you’re most proud of in this course, and why? You are not allowed to say “nothing”! 

I sound like a broken record but I’m really proud of the podcast I created. I think that the questions I asked were engaging and fun, and thats a huge part of being a podcast host. I am proud of the creative outputs I made this semester the most though.

Final thoughts?

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. This semester was a really really tough one for me and I felt in the dark for a lot of it. But knowing it gets better and life ebbs and flows. Thank you for a wonderful semester Hannah, you are a wonderful professor and I wish you all the best on your sabbatical. I will miss your teaching and your many jokes 🙂

Photo by Ann H

Creative Output 03

What topic did you choose, and why? Why was this topic an appropriate fit for this publishing medium, in your opinion? You might want to think here about form, audience, barriers to access, and other specific characteristics of the publishing medium.

I made a podcast for my final creative output and I actually had so much fun making it. We discussed life, balance, a little bit of mental health, and it was just a nice conversation with a friend. I think that this topic is very suitable for this medium as podcasts are often conversations between two people. As for my audience, I’m not sure I want many people listening to me talk because this was just my first attempt at making a podcast. I think that affluence in podcasting comes from experience and the thought of maybe actually starting a podcast sounds exciting. Podcasts are super easy to access, and if I were to pursue this I would definitely get it available on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. so more people would be able to listen

Describe a specific choice you made as a creator and explain why you made it. 

For my cover art, I wanted to find a pretty random photo of myself because thats what this podcast is about. I don’t actually know. It’s supposed to be spontaneous and unscripted and fun.

What did you learn about this medium by actually working in it (as opposed to just reading about it or analyzing it)?

I learned that the editing technique is very similar to that of YouTube videos. The functions are primarily the same, and it’s less stressful as theres less features, no colour correcting or any other video editing that is necessary.

Photo by KoolShooters

Media Analysis 04

The media that I chose for this weeks analysis is a video titled J.K. Rowling | ContraPoints and discusses the anomaly that has been the discussion of J.K. Rowling in recent years. ContraPoints is created by Natalie Wynn, and boasts a large 1.55M followers on YouTube. It works to combat the far-right online and open conversation challenging social and political issues.

This piece of content was created in regard to the controversial comments that have been made by J.K. Rowling about trans women over the years. She has spoken about opposing gender recognition reform legislation in Scotland, and rightfully so, was met with criticism online. While these tweets started in 2019, she has continued with this narrative even now in 2022. This video by ContraPoints was made in 2021, so the context of this creation is still relevant. Natalie Wynn is a transgender woman, so the motivation behind this content may be personal, but also opens important discussion about these hurtful words from a loved author. This discussion is important, and Wynn uses her platforms to discuss this in a playful way.

This video is very direct in its argument about the transphobia from J.K Rowling. Wynn’s discourse about this social justice issue does it in a way that is not attacking, but well balances facts with empathy. There is not much to imply when it comes to this video, as Wynn is very direct about her critique of Rowling. However, this topic does bring up the issue of transgender identity is overshadowed by JK Rowling being cancelled.

Having this content in this form was very useful, as a lot of people are looking for more long form content online, and this video is very descriptive and entertaining. This video has a high production value, and uses the Harry Potter theme which is a great selling point for viewers. Wynn’s offers lots of details, and easily breaks down the tweets, as well her content is easy to digest, and doesn’t require prior knowledge of the issue to interact with it. This content was published on an already well received channel with a large audience.

This piece of media inspires me to create content that is clean, well written and just genuinely looks good. For my final content creation, this can be applied by good editing, organizing, and preparation for my podcast episode. This medium was very appropriate for this social change issue. Wynn does a great job of connecting different platforms (i.e. connecting twitter to youtube) and creates content in a way that is entertaining and informative.

Photo by Melike Benli

Media Analysis 02

This zine was made in 2014, however the context in which it was created remains the same. The media is highly controlled by large corporations with deep pockets, and white men continue to write the narrative. This zine was created by The Opportunity Agenda, which is “a social justice communication lab” with an impressive website and good backing. They work to counter well funded agencies by fighting for policies that support and amplify the rights and voices of all. I think that their goals precisely align with what this zine is trying to do. 

This zine it particular is very specific in that it is fighting the dominant narrative. The social justice movement is pushing back against the notion that we are supposed to be dormant and simply accept the “close-mindedness, fear, and an unwillingness to question deeply held stereotypes and assumptions” that we see in society. This zine is a direct statement for sure, there is nothing implicit about their desire to fight the dominant narrative. 

This medium is an interesting one in my opinion, as zines are less highly consumed than podcasts or YouTube videos. I think that as zines are independent from commercial considerations, they can only serve a quite small audience, and the people who are consuming it likely share similar opinions and views of the world. This concept of resisting the dominant narrative is a topic that I think is very important for more than just the specific zine community to hear about. I don’t think that this publishing medium was very beneficial to the social change goals of its creator. I think that it was very well made, but doesn’t serve the purpose it was intended. This message is something that affects everyone, and I think that a less niche medium could have been used to spread this message even more. 

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Reading Reflection 03

The main point that is made in this reading is that it is important to create meaningful experiences through this medium. The act of connecting the creator or guests with the listener is a really important aspect of podcast creation. This reading in particular covers the issues of underrepresentation within the podcast realm, as well as the reoccurring theme of intersectionality and how that can be applied in a podcast setting. This reading also focuses on the importance of having guests and asking meaningful questions, as they can help listeners to understand the guests and their experiences. The last point that I think is very important is the detail into which this reading explains the process for creating a podcast. It is detailed in its description which covers the steps necessary to create a podcast, the costs, the guests, the equipment, and the funding. 

I think that the main goal of this reading is to display the importance of inclusivity and diversity within a podcast. They really highlighted the theme of intersectionality and how it can be implemented in a podcast through meaningful questions that connect the reader to the guests on a personal and professional level. The thing that I understand better since this reading was the process of creating a podcast. I mentioned this above, but the steps that are necessary and all the different factors to consider when making a podcast are something that I really didn’t fully understand until this reading. The main questions that I had were about what the process looks like when deciding on what guests to have featured? What is the criteria that one must meet to be featured on this podcast? 

This reading can be used to understand how podcasts can be used to connect the creators to its listeners. It is a useful tool to inform, entertain and connect with others. This reading in particular really highlights the emotional connection that can happen between a creator and their audiences, and showcases how podcasts can be truly meaningful mediums. Podcasting is more than just “I have an opinion so I’m going to make a podcast”, it doesn’t always have to serve something, and it can be more than just a stream of income.  This reading highlights the significance of creating content that is meaningful, and relationships that are meaningful. 

Photo by Cup of Couple from Pexels

Media Analysis 03

Just a PSA for this assignment, I was very ill with the flu during this weeks class so my answers to this media analysis are entirely based off of my experience listening to the podcast as I missed the class where we were able to ask questions and have discussions. 

This podcast was published in June of 2021 so the historical contexts are very aligned with current events. The guest speaker, Grace Nosek, is a barred attorney in the US, thus many of her judgements throughout the podcast touch on both American and Canadian policy issues involving environmental politics. The podcast itself is ran through SFU and the guest is employed by UBC so there are likely academic standards that they must rise to. The goal of this podcast is to open discussions to what is really going on with the environmental crisis and what we can do on an individual level, but also holding large corporations responsible as well.

This piece of media is very critical to the contributions that the fossil fuel industry has made in regard to climate change. Nosek is very critical about the narrative that has been majorly controlled by the pockets of big corporations, and the support they have received from different government officials. This podcast is a very direct statement about the social change that is necessary when it comes to environmental policy and climate change. 

This piece of media was very effective for this topic in particular as it allowed the viewer to really hear the passion that Nosek has for this topic. Had this been in the form of a blog post or other written form of communication I think the intended impression would have been different for the viewer. By utilizing audio content Nosek was able to express more emotion into the topic. 

I think that this piece of media could have been better if it was published on a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music. Although perhaps it was published to SoundCloud to avoid bias or to save money (I’m not entirely sure how podcast publishing works) I think that would make the podcast more accessible and more easily found. SoundCloud is a slightly more obscure platform that Spotify etc, and the feel they could have gotten more exposure for this podcast if it were on a different platform. Spotify has such specific algorithms and they have many different ways to promote media, if someone were to search up environmental podcasts, the algorithm could have pushed this podcast as a recommended listening. 

I do think that this publishing medium was a great choice for the social change goals of this creator. Podcasting is a great way to open discussion, and as mention above, gives the creators the opportunity for others to hear how passionate they are about a topic. 

Photo by George Milton from Pexels

Creative Output 02

A zine about being less sad.

What topic did you choose, and why? Why was this topic an appropriate fit for this publishing medium, in your opinion?
I think that the purpose of a zine is that it can be whatever you need it to be. I chose the topic of a how to guide: being less sad (through the global pandemic and possible third world war). This topic seemed fitting as I, along with many others, have been struggling throughout the pandemic to maintain hope for the future. Further, with everything going on on the other side of the sea, there is so much that is unknown and that we cannot do much about. This topic was fitting for this medium as it was simple and easy to understand. 

Describe a specific choice you made as a creator and explain why you made it. 

the zine more artsy. I would have loved to have made it more abstract and design oriented, however I did not have the mental capacity beyond my doodles. Using purple ink was just a personal touch, as I love my purple pens. 

What did you learn about this medium by actually working in it (as opposed to just reading about it or analyzing it)? 

What I learned about this creative output is that it is easier than I believed it to be. In my mind I had a version of what a zine was meant to be and there was a lot more pressure. It doesn’t need to use thick card stock, beautiful printed colours, or be tightly bound. You can create something really cool with a single piece of lined paper and purple pen. 

Photo by Eva Elijas from Pexels

Self Reflection 02

Portfolio setup was something that was rather easy for me to complete, as I already had my website set up and functioning from a previous class. I have completed most assignments for this class thus far, however I have fallen behind the last week before reading week. As expected, the reading reflection was the one that put me behind, as I have so much reading for my other classes the motivation to write a reflection was too daunting for me apparently. While the world has gone a little bit crazy, I may or may not have had a little mini breakdown over the state of the world. The last week before reading week I also had several assignments and a midterm. I am hoping that I will be able to catch up this week as I am only 2 assignments behind so its definitely manageable.

I think that I am excelling in the creative output sections of the class as well as the media analysis as I have the most experience in these areas. I also find the creative outputs the most fun and engaging as they allow me to use my skills in graphic design and allowing my creativity to flow. As mentioned above, I am really struggling with finding the motivation to complete some assignments as I am very overwhelmed with a lot of areas of my life, and the state of the world is not helping at all. I am struggling with life both in school and outside of it, so it’s been tough to stay on top of things. After my mini mental breakdown last week though, I’ve been working hard to work on my mental health by getting to bed earlier, fuelling my body with whole foods, and writing in a journal. I am hoping that by utilizing these self care practices I am able to stay on top of things for the rest of the semester. As for any help, your support throughout the semester has been very helpful, makes me feel safe, and that I am capable of completing my work. 

Creative Output 01

What topic did you choose, and why? Why was this topic an appropriate fit for this publishing medium, in your opinion? You might want to think here about form, audience, barriers to access, and other specific characteristics of the publishing medium. 

I chose the topic of misinformation as it is something that I have always found very interesting. Misinformation is a very dangerous thing that is plaguing a lot of the world due to the internet and the ability to disseminate information quickly and efficiently. I thought that the poster design was interesting as it forces people to look away from their phones, but also has the ability to be shared online (ironically). Because this poster can be printed and posted in daily life, while also being available online makes it much more accessible. Those without access to the internet can see it in real life, and those who are glued to their phones will see it too. I think that a lot of people need to see more content like this, as misinformation is rampant on the internet and can seriously harm people, especially through the pandemic. 

Describe a specific choice you made as a creator and explain why you made it. 

For the design, I noticed that I contrast is the biggest thing that draws my attention to something. The bright colours in the first design, and star light to dark contrast draws attention to the words. I also think that if things contain too much text, it can become overwhelming. Having only a few words allowed for the message to get across clearer. 

What did you learn about this medium by actually working in it (as opposed to just reading about it or analyzing it)?

I learned that less is more. Using a photograph that speaks more than a lot of words could, and ensuring that the message is clear. Working with poster design allowed for easy consumption and allows it to be accessible both online and IRL. 

Reading Reflection 01

The main point this article is trying to make is that art can be used to challenge the consumer capitalism that is currently rampant in society. The anti-consumerist activists use culture jamming to topple existing power structures. High power corporations have created the dominant discourse, and shaped the beliefs, values, behaviours that serve their own interests. These values of consumerism are being challenged by different organizations through culture jamming, through the internet, posters, billboards, and even garbage cans. These campaigns by activist groups bring awareness to the consumerist model and force people to become active participants in changing the world.

After completing this reading, I better understand that culture jamming is an important part of combatting consumer society, and it is something that should be much more widely spread. I had never heard of it before, nor Adbusters, and I think that they have a powerful message that can be disseminated much more. A few questions that I had in regard to the reading was on guerilla semiotics, and the occupy wall street movements. Some questions about Occupy wall street were answered in class, where I discovered that it was a protest in New York City economic inequality, challenging the influence of money in politics. Though I still have some questions about guerilla semiotics.

This article discusses the mediums that can be used within culture jamming, from poster and billboards to the internet and radio. I think that this reading also shows that this movement can go even further. Especially since we are in the social media age, I think that apps like Instagram and Twitter can be great spaces to get these messages out. That said, there is the challenge of both platforms being privately owned. This article really highlights that these powerful corporations are the ones creating the values and ideals of the consumer, thus doing whatever is necessary to ensure their own survival, and a considerable profit. Activist groups like Adbusters and Project Plakatiranje work to challenge these corporations, all while creating a more diverse and sincere world.