Introduction
Conceptual Unit Summary:
The Conceptual Project helps juniors learn how to think abstractly and communicate ideas in creative, nontraditional ways. The main focus is answering the question, “How can I use unconventional forms to express myself?” Students are encouraged to take creative risks by using mediums like poetry, music, art, animation, experimental film, and web design to share their opinions and develop a personal style. Along with creativity, students also build technical communication skills by learning to use professional tools and software such as cameras, audio recorders, Adobe programs, Pro Tools, WordPress, and Google Apps.
Reflection on My First Conceptual Project at Freestyle:
My first Conceptual Project at Freestyle was a new and challenging experience because it pushed me to think differently about how I express ideas. Instead of focusing only on traditional writing, I had to communicate meaning through visuals, sound, and design choices. In English, Film and Digital Media, I learned that creativity involves taking risks and being okay with experimenting, even if the result isn’t perfect. This project helped me better understand my own voice and showed me how powerful unconventional forms of communication can be when sharing personal ideas and opinions.
Art Reflection Video
The SF MOMA field trip was a really interesting experience because it let me see art that was very different from what I’m used to. Being surrounded by so many creative and abstract pieces helped me understand how artists use unusual materials, visuals, and ideas to express themselves. For the Art Reflection assignment, I had to think more deeply about what the artwork meant and explain my own interpretation in English, which pushed me to write more thoughtfully. In Digital Media, I focused on turning those ideas into visuals and paying attention to design and technical details. Overall, this project helped me grow conceptually by thinking more critically, artistically by appreciating different creative styles, and technically by improving how I use digital tools to communicate my ideas.
Behind the Scenes of the process
What I valued most from creating the Art Reflection Video was how it connected English and Digital Media in a meaningful way. In English, I learned how to clearly explain my thoughts and interpretations of the artwork while making my reflection more personal instead of just summarizing. In Digital Media, I valued learning how to turn my ideas into a video by using visuals, audio, and editing techniques to support my message. Combining writing with video production helped me better understand how storytelling can happen in different forms, and it showed me how planning, creativity, and technical skills all work together to communicate an idea effectively.
Parody Introduction
This is the cover created in Adobe Illustrator.
In order to produce this parody song, my partner Noam and I started by brainstorming things we both struggle with and thinking about how to turn those shared frustrations into something funny and relatable. This helped us come up with an idea that felt personal and natural. After that, we focused on choosing the right song to parody and decided on “Sofia” by Clairo because of its catchy melody and simple structure, which made it easier to rewrite the lyrics.
Once the song was chosen, we worked on fitting our new lyrics to the rhythm and mood of the original while keeping the humor clear. We revised the lyrics multiple times to make sure they flowed well and made sense. During the production process, we learned how important collaboration, timing, and audio quality are, and the project showed me how creativity, planning, and experimentation all come together to make a successful final piece.
Parody Lyrics
(Pop/Singing Section – Lulu) I’ve been cleaning all day long, but it’s still… a mess. Mess! Clothes on the floor, can’t even see… my desk. She can’t see her desk! Every time I’ll say I’ll fold, I… just don’t. Audible sigh I swear I tried, well, kind of don’t. My mom keeps saying this place looks like a zoo, But I can’t find the energy to pick up my shoes.
(Chorus – Lulu) Messy room I’m living in a mess, I swear I’ll clean it soon, I guess. Messy room, I’m losing all my spoons, Somewhere under all my clothes and moods.
(Pre-Beat Switch Rap – Noam) There’s a cup from last week and makeup on the bed, I said I’d fold my laundry, but I watched TikTok instead. I can’t see my carpet under all this doom. If someone walked in right now, they’d scream, “Clean your room!” Yeah, yeah… Yeah, baby…
(Transition – Noam) Transition! Hear the beat switch on the beat! On that beat! Oh, yeah! Shiba did it! I like the beat! Yeah, yeah… Shiba made it, baby! This is fire! Ski-yi-yi!
(Detroit-Style Rap Section – Noam) Yeah, yeah… Wake up, stretch out, start of the day, Grab my books, got dreams to chase. Mind on track, I’m ready to learn, Every mistake’s just a chance to turn. Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Good vibes only, never feeling lonely, Respect the rules, that’s how we roll. Big heart, bright mind, positive goal. Yeah, yeah, yeah! I’ll be keeping it moving, man, I’m staying strong, I’ll be staying here, this is where I belong. Yeah, I’ll play hard when I sing the song, Keep that beat rolling all day long, yeah! Yeah, yeah…”
Behind the scenes of what the song looked like during the editing process
