PROJ3CT: A WEEK in N9NE

In Conclusion...

2010-01-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

Since my last posting, while finishing the piece that this PROJ3CT started, I realized a lot about myself, my thoughts about life, my ORIGINAL goals as an artist, and what I need to do if I'm ever going to "make it" as a creative. Regretfully, since the time I started this PROJ3CT, a few personal dramas helped land the completion of the piece on the back burner ...fortunately it was eventually concluded that transferring the energy back to the work, and pushing on would be the best plan of action.

As for this, PROJ3CT: A week in N9NE (and for the following PROJ3CTS for that matter), I learned a valuable lesson or two as well. The first of these is/was to realize (as I continue to create PROJ3CTS) I must not forget about who I am as a creative, but remember to keep realistic goals in site. As an artist, I believe most creative ventures, even when planned well, oftentimes benefit from loose or abstract guidelines. But in the same breath, as a designer, I know deadlines (whether client-based or not), should be taken seriously, therefor I must ensure the majority of my goals are, indeed, attainable. Finding a marriage between these two remains a motivating challenge. On a side note though, I've also realized I need to be more weary about relying on mother nature for any kind of assistance. As much as I love to work outdoors, this PROJ3CT reminded me that nature is rather unpredictable, and can bite you in the hind-parts if you're not careful!

So with that, good day to all. To my people, I'll see you when I see you. To my fans (and/or "JonathanBeach" Twitter followers), thanks for the continued support! I look forward to providing you with a better "PROJ3CT" experience the next time around. Luckily enough though, the finished product was recently featured in a show in Cincinatti, Ohio ...which always helps to motivate.

The video portion of The Spinning Mind of the Determined: A self-portrait is below.

Happy 2010,

Jonathan

The final day...

2009-09-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

With this, probably the second to last posting of the week, I'd like to confirm that it's indeed been a wild, unpredictable ride this time around. I was reminded how inclement weather can reeeeally affect projects planned to mainly be recorded outdoors. And how friends can help with moods and overall enjoyment, but can also help to further delay things if not careful. But really when working for self-satisfication, rather than for a monetary goal, the later of the two points mentioned can/should be taken with a grain of salt ...as enjoyment of life is a number one, mot important kind of thing ...welll for me at least.

With this posting, and the writing I just finished that will soon be on-line at the reCollect Creative blog, I'd also like to confirm the completion of all of the itemized tasks, minus the animation sequence ...which will follow with a completed "In Conclusion" posting, and maybe even an artist statement. Regretfully, with all of rain I was handed, I wasn't able to finish all of the recording until last night ...which hasn't leave me with enough time to pull everything together just yet. And since I need to switch back to some design work to help fund this and other future "PROJ3CTS," things will be placed on the back burner after today (which has to be paused now as I'm looking at a 5 hour drive to make it to DC in-time for a business meeting tonight).

I hope to be able to revisit and complete & post all of the elements (including in-progress screen captures and scans) by this weekend ...fingers crossed. So with that, till we meet again...

(jotted September 28th @ 11:10a)

Officially.

2009-09-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Thinking of jotting...

Feeling good...

2009-09-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

So I continue to chip away...

(jotted September 27th @ 3:40a)

& Saturday is Saturday after all...

2009-09-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Not much to report today ...yet. I woke up early and knocked out 1 of the 2 remaining photo shoots. And though skies were overcast this morning, I able to set up and get things done. I won't complain because it could've been raining again. Oh & I was able to collect on the bet I won yesterday, so things are pretty good ...Sushi and Sashimi never get old!

Off to shoot some more images. A little research will follow; then back to the base to get some drawings, planning and writing done.

Till then...

(jotted SATURDAY September 25th @ 3:45p)

Easing it on out during night 5..

2009-09-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

After wasting nearly an hour looking over notes, researching ideas (that don't seem to be panning out correctly), making phone calls etc. etc., I'm realizing how far away completing ALL of my PROJ3CT goals really is. And due to weather problems and tightness of schedule, I'm further realizing I need to detail my PROJ3Ct out second by second if I'm going to have any chance at completing anything worthy of warranting future "PROJ3CTS"...well sections of seconds that is ...Soooo now that's what I'm moving towards.

(jotted September 25th @ 11:55a)

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After more soup and some random snacking, I reviewed my previous plans, and started detailing out the seconds of my video piece. It took quite a while and 20+ detailed listenings of the soundtrack (including tedious sections of stopping, starting, restarting, rewinding, fast-forwarding in addition to full play throughs), but I finally have the entire sequence mapped out.

My notes are even to the point that I don't think I'll need thumb nailing at all. As most of the piece in comprised of manipulated video and stills, I'm not sure why this shocks me. At any rate, I'll probably end up scanning my notes and count that towards m checklist vs. wasting time on unneeded thumbnails. In the same breath though, I now have a lot of busy work, sifting through and discovering new online sources for a few sections of the piece. And even with the extra work, I'm glad to have put in the time.

(thought to jot September 25th around 4:25p)

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About an hour ago, I was challenged to an on-line game of Mah Jongg Dimensions (LINK HERE) ...something new to me. Of course I denied the challenge, at first, but then an un-refusable wager was put on the line if I could beat the challengers all time high score within three rounds. I agreed..but then thought to myself I never saw this "high score," so I restructure the bet a bit. The challenger was given one round of the game they'd been practicing for months now, and once I was given a walk-through, I'd have three rounds to top what ever they scored. Things were agreed upon. 16,300 was the previous "high score" and they came close scoring 15,975.

Soo, it was now my turn. Using the game's soundtrack I scored an amazing 7,600 or so ...ouch!! Then I though to myself, my own music would probably help a bit ..so to the reliable, shuffle-friendly Ecstatic almbum I went ...2nd round 11,025 ...uh-oh, DANGER! So, I cracked my knuckles amped myself up and got a 17,050 on round three. I actually decided not to gloat ...and though not monetary, I'm looking forward to collecting my prize mañana ...YUM!

Well off to change close and go for a run. On a side note, I love how the rain stopped just in time for it to get dark outside ...laters.

(jotted September 25th @ 6:17p)

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I finished with my run and am (somehow) feeling pretty good. I was able to finish three miles tonight and still had some juice left in the tank. And while it's a far cry from the five and six mile stretches I was covering at the beginning of the summer, I do feel like the upcoming soccer season won't be a complete disaster.

The lemon chicken salad I just consumed was pretty good as well, so now it's back to work I go. Fortunately (most of) the rest of the night's work can be completed around the television ...as I don't mind a few distractions while drawing and doing photo manipulations.

(jotted September 25th @ 8:50p)

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Gobbled down a bunch-o-celery to help digest the extreme amount-o-wings I just consumed (again) ...Officially takin it easy tonight ...but slowly getting some "thangs" done.

(relaxing & jotting September 25th @ 11:15p)

Day five tightens up with more rain...

2009-09-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Was sick of sitting in front of the machine, and since I skipped my jog yesterday, I decided to do a late night work out to help get things moving again ...nothing much though, just enough to recharge the system. I consisted of the usual 100+ push-ups, 100+ crunches, and the 60+ oblique crushers ...divided into three sets and in front of some MTV Jams music videos.

Oh & during the work out, I was reminded how awesome/pimpish his highness (The Artist Formerly Know as Prince) is, when I saw the When Doves Cry video ...Hooray music videos!!

(jotted September 24th @ 1:05a)

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After some Milk, eggs, and a shower, back to it I go...

(jotted September 25th @ 2:14a)

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Video is uploading on one machine, while I do some frame-by-frame image manipulation. I'm glad I'm a little bit crazy already ( for the arts that is ;]! ), otherwise these late nights, and tedious manipulations would probably drive me there.

Really glad to have had Kanye's second album, Outkast's second album along with The Attack of the Clones album (Neptunes) to get me through the past few hours.

Crashing now though ...& really glad I napped earlier.

(jotted September 25th @ 5:23a)

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Arose around 8:45a and the it was to the kitchen I went for some grub and coffee. I kept it simple with a bowl of smart start ...regretfully (well not really "regretfully"), I decided to catch a few videos this morning and was handed some good ones ...such as Kryptonite (Purple Ribbon All Stars), All in My Grill (Missy Elliot ft. Big Boi & Nicole ...LTM) and In the Wind (Trick Daddy ft. Cee-Lo and Big Boi).

Was bummed as the rain decided to keep on going through the night though. This is reeeeally bad for completing things. Grr... Going to find and post a fitting video to help me get through this further delay.

(jotted September 25th @ 10:10a)

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Even though this inclement will give me more time to complete my indoor tasks such as story-boarding, blogging and tattoo sketching, the video I just added, surely, expresses my feelings about yet another delay.

(frustratingly jotted September 25th @ 10:59a)

Day four closing, but going strong...

2009-09-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ahh, more recording is in the bag. I think it's about time to have a salad to help wash down my recent pizza divulgences. Then I'll start uploading all of the video and stills...and oh yeah the soundtrack has indeed been tweaked again and reposted.

I really wanted to chill with some friends tonight, but that's not looking real good right now. What ta' do what ta' dooo...

(jotted September 24th @ 4:20p)

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Had to tweak a level or two of the soundtrack after listening to it with my computer speakers versus headphones (still headphones are recommended for the channel separations) . But any who, now it's off to set up the animation studio-o-seclusion...fully equipped with extra headphones, hard drives, charging stations, a massaging rocking chair, and much much more.

Oh & I just updated my personal blog and informed my Tweeps!

(jotted, re-jotted and re-jotted again September 24th @ 5:08, 5:29p & 6:14)

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Took an hour to nap and 30 minutes to enjoy a crab cake, a salad and a couple of scallops a bit earlier. The animation station is set up though and the uploading is going pretty good so far ...though I thought I lost another hard drive earlier (and had a little freak-out moment).

Also, I just created a small flash intro file using a song I thought was rather fitting. And since it's profanity-free and only a minute long, I decided not to have it controllable at all. Oh & if anyone knows the translation of the first few seconds, please let me know.

Uh oh, sounds like more rain is happening outside ..hopefully it'll pass before the morning.

(jotted September 24th @ 10:51p)

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Really diggin this massaging rocking chair (w/heat) action!!

(jotted Setember 24th @ 11:19p)

Day four started early, but a little later than I would've liked...

2009-09-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Well I started a bit later than planned ...7:15a to be exact. The beard has been touched up, a slice-o-pizza was consumed, and coffee is on now. Hopefully I'll be out and on my way to the make-up photo shoot and the scouting for the final location by 9a.

I do think I'll read over my notes and give the soundtrack a quick listen before showering though. It should help with the creative process...

(jotted September 24th @ 8:16a)
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Just reviewed the soundtrack ...didn't like a section of it so I tweaked it. Regretfully, I think I forgot to save in my haste to get out and about. At any rate, I'll check it out and repost later. Gotta goooo....

(thought to jot September 24th @ 9:22a)
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Just returned from my photo shoot ...and while there are no guarantees, I'll probably post some of the pics online to shed a little more light on my process. Also, my second location for tomorrow's shoot was found (with some luck), so I'm rather pleased about that. Plus, I just got an unadvertised 50% off of the stuff I bought for this afternoon's photo/video shoot. Go ME!

Any who, back to it I go. I just scarfed down a couple of pizza slices, so I'll surely have to run that off a little later. Peace..

(jotted September 24th @ 12:39p)

Soundtrack draft as promised...

2009-09-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

As promised, the (unedited -- Rated "R") 1st draft of the soundtrack can be found HERE.

As of now, it's comprised of N9NE songs from 50's first album Get Rich or Die Trying. I decided to hold off on adding the effects until the animation has some life to link them to.

..Oh & my hat goes off to The Neptunes, Timbaland, Dr. DRe, The Riza, etc, ect ...those who can make a living at creating MONSTER beats ...it truly is hard work.

(jotted September 24th @ 2:38a)

Day three eases to a close..

2009-09-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Just completed more sound editing, and decided to have snack so I'd have some energy for my afternoon exercises ...peanut butter on wheat crackers with some raisins sounds basic enough.

(jotted September 23rd @ 2:09p)

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Exercise time...

(jotted September 23rd @ 3:52p)

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My mood turned a little glum earlier as it started storming and killed my photo/video shoot plans for the afternoon. I guess I'll just catch the sun rise, and start a bit early tomorrow. On a positive note though, I just finished up a business call...Looks like a little more design work may be coming my way ...and I have a good feeling it'll be an enjoyable meeting of the minds ...a fellow creative.

& Oh yeah, prior to that conversation, I enjoyed some soup and piece-o-veil (poor poor baby moo-cow), after my midday workout of 25 minutes on the bike, 100+ push-ups, 100+ crunches (gotta attack the core), followed by 60 or so oblique-sit-up-attackers ...ps all of the ups were broken into three combo-sets..not tryin to end up lookin like the Governator or anything ;-)

(jotted September 23rd @ 7:22p)

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Just finished planning out the timeline for the animation portion of the PROJ3CT...all but the final 20 or so seconds that is ...which I'm pretty amped about. Regretfully six or so chicken wings found their way into my belly while I was doing so. I think it's time to take a break and watch Criminal Minds.

(jotted September 23rd @ 9:02p)

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Hooray! I'm finally done selecting tracks and finding sounds to finish up the audio for the PROJ3CT. I decided to skip out on my second workout of the day in order to complete the soundtrack (enough before adding video etc. that is). I'll be launching what I've completed before I hit the bed for the night ..as well as adding the intro clip to the blog.

(jotted September 23rd @ 11:09p)

And then Day 3 starts...

2009-09-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Dagnabbit!!...got caught up with the soundtracking and missed the reply @somaevets sent in response to my late night call for Twitterers. Twitter needs to get started on programming an alert-chime or something similar ...just a thought.

On a positive note, the soundtrack is FINALLY starting to shape up...been having fun with echos, and now looking forward to adding the extra effects here and there.

(jotted September 23rd @ 3:09a)

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Just got hit with a couple of power yawns, so I'm going to take that as a sign to wind it on down for the night. I do think I'll try to catch a hip-hop video or two before calling it a night though ...as I need some rhythmic inspiration for tomorrow's soundtracking.

Regretfully, I won't be getting too much sleep tonight, as I'm OFFICIALLY behind schedule ...at least I know some of the shots I want to capture tomorrow.

(jotted September 23rd @ 3:47a)

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Perrty tired this morning ...down at 4a then wakened at 8a ...then accidently crashed out till 9:30a ...another 1.5 eggs and cheese toast ...plus some fruit & cottage cheese for breakfast.

(jotted September 23rd @ 10:04)

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Hey young world! I figure since I posted this to my twitter (@jonathanBeach), why not here as well... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGF7CqCPfr8

Yum! The coffee just finished a' brewin ...and a' pourin ;-)

(jotted September 23rd @ 10:36a)

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I'm back working on the soundtrack and am happy to report I'll be leaking an in-progress version before the end of the night ...as (with a few tweeks) I'm pretty happy with the late late explorations of this morning/last night. Well back to it as I still need to find a new track or two to fill in a gap or two ...and then the effects.

(jotted September 23rd @ 11:18a)

Day two pushes on...

2009-09-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

..Around noon I decided that I'd keep the old format of jotting things down as they happen. In reviewing Project: WE3K THRE3, I realized the random updates were my favorite part of it all...therefor, I think I'll have to cross that item off my previous list at some point. Hmm...

Got caught up formatting the blog after my last post. I'm still not satisfied with the look, but I'm getting closer. At any rate, I think I'm going to take a break here soon. As I plan to work into the late night and put in two sessions of aerobic activity today, I'm OK with breaking before and/or after reaching certain goals.

Oh yeah, and for breakfast today, I enjoyed a 1.5 egg (2 egg whites & 1 yolk) roast beef & cheese omelette with a small bowl of Smart Start cereal ...& my current weight is a not so lean 178.6 ...don't worry, these stats will all make since "soon enough."

(jotted September 22nd @ 1:46p)

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Wowsers ...just realized how long I've been away from the machine ...ouch! In my defense, at least I've gotten in 30 minutes on the bike, and two "Jello Sets" to get some circulation back in my arms (don't worry, as always I'll explain later)...showering afterwords of course.

Plus, I had some pretty decently spicy "high-fiber" soup for dinner ...and then some yock-a-mein noodles because I was still a bit hungry ...oh, and I had to clean up afterwords, then check my voicemail and answer text messages. So I guess when you factor in my initial break, 3+ hours isn't sooo bad. Still, I'm glad this is only day two.

Any who, back to the soundtrack I go...

(jotted September 22nd @ 5:32p)

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Another 4 hours and some change have been logged working on the soundtrack for the animation project. Regretfully, I've realized I don't have enough source material to complete it just yet...taking a break though, to grab some water, do some stretching and go for a nice, relaxing jog to help get the juices flowing. It's looking like it's gonna be a long night. Gotta love it!

(jotted September 22nd @ 10:04)

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Ahh, day two is starting to wind down. I'll surely be working on things for the next few hours, but I wanted to, at least, get this post in before the clock strikes midnight. My next stop is to visit the good folks at 7-11 ...as I feel since I just returned from my late night jog, my energy level is sure to drop here soon. On a side note, I can't believe the two and a half mile I just ran felt something like the six I was covering at the beginning of the summer...Ahh well, at least I started to find my rhythm after a mile and a half. Hopefully I'll be back up to 3.5 or 4 miles before the end of the week.

Back to the grind I go!! ...maybe some Twitterers will be up tonight to help keep things interesting?!?!

(jotted September 22nd @ 11:38p)

New formatting established during day 1...

2009-09-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sooooo, I've started out late already. At any rate it's breakfast time.

(thought to jot September 21st around 10:12a)
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Just finished launching Project: WEEK N9NE to it's new home/title: PROJ3CT: A WEEK in N9NE.

(jotted September 21st around 1:18pm)
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Just finished formatting the new blogosphere. Of course, more changes are on the way but this will do for now. Regretfully it seems I got caught up in the Zone for a while, and missed some phone calls ...Maybe this is a sign. I had contemplated cutting off my phone before, and only checking my messages at 9a and 9p ...hmm maybe I'll do this after all ...I guess only time will tell.

(jotted September 21st around 2:53p)
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I'm not quite sure why, but I'm reeeally really groggy right now, so gonna take a nap. Hope it helps as I need to have a good productive night to make up for how slow I've been moving.

(jotted September 21st @ 4:02p)
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Awakened from my slumber to help run some errands. Man-o-man I's B's tired

(jotted September 21st around 4:26p)
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So halfway between awake and sleepy, I decided to keep up with the planning and initial creative stages of the proj3ct. Basically for the rest of the night I:

Solidified the concept of reBirth

Established & listed the PROJ3CT's goals on the newly formatted sidebar

Started digging up needed materials (i.e. tripod & accessories as well as still & video cameras -- as I realized I have to start shooting by tomorrow if I'm going to have any chance at reaching the prior-mentioned goals).

Decided I'd leave my phone off and check voicemails/texts at 11a, 5p and 11p each day to help avoid distractions

To help with efficiency, I decided to update my progress only twice a day at/around the 11a/p hours ...and simply reCollect my thoughts versus taking the time to jot things down throughout the day (and post at a later time)

Worked on tracking the soundtrack for reBirth using purchased songs and found effects

(...ended the night of September 21st @ 1:12a)
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Welcome to A Week in N9NE...

2009-09-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Originally this was going to be another "Project" in the same breath, format & regard/disreagrd as "Project: WE3K THRE3" ...you know another "good read" chronicling my life as an artist caught up in struggle, turmoil, and pissed-off-edness, letting those who helped me get there truly know of my disapproval. I was going to spill a few more things that I know for certain and call out some (lame--spytech) people by name, all while creating another artistic "thang" for web-goers to enjoy. But now that I've thought about it a little more, I'd much prefer to change from my "Projects" of homelessness and disapproval to "PROJ3CTS" of growth, meaning and understanding.

Of course this new PROJ3CT will retain some of the feelings that I listed before, but at the same time it will -- at least -- let me get back to making, more so than documenting. It will allow me to get certain sentiments off my chest while staying busy and creative. And it'll let people get an idea of where things are with me ...just in case questions need to be answered in the near future. Plus with this new format in reaching specific goals, I'll be able to continue with the PROJ3CTS ...as I'm looking forward to adding another layer into my repertoire as a creative.

So with that, welcome to PROJ3CT: A Week in N9NE. September is the month and the goals for this one are a little more clear. I hope you can find some enjoyment in my making and documenting. This should be a rather busy week for me. And since it's already past 1pm on day one, I need to finally get started.

Let the games begin!! Peace.

-Jonathan