akgunsblog

[akgunsblog]

Building My Portfolio Website with Web Development Basics

Designing a portfolio website sounded simple at first just a few pages with some info about me and my work. But once we started diving into the technical side in our VCODE 202 class, I realized there’s much more to it. From learning how websites are structured to actually applying CSS layouts like Flexbox and using Bootstrap’s grid system, the project turned into something both challenging and rewarding.

One of the key concepts we focused on was responsive design. We learned how websites should adjust based on screen sizes — not just look good on desktops, but also function smoothly on phones and tablets. This included using tools like media queries and percentage-based widths to keep layouts flexible.

Another important topic was the Bootstrap framework, which made the design process easier. I used containers, rows, and columns (.container, .row, .col-md-4) to organize my content in a way that looked clean and worked well across devices. Bootstrap also helped me add consistent styling like buttons, spacing, and cards without writing too much custom CSS.

The PDF shared with us for this module explained things like:The difference between main axis and cross axis in Flexbox. How to use justify-content and align-items to align content. When to use flex-direction: row vs. column. The purpose of container, row, and column in Bootstrap layouts

By following those guidelines, I was able to build a site that includes:• A homepage that introduces me. An about page with a short bio. A projects page that uses Bootstrap cards to showcase three of my works with descriptions and images

Throughout the process, I also became more aware of cross-browser compatibility and the importance of validating HTML/CSS via the W3C Validator, which was also mentioned in the PDF.

Even though I had limited web experience before this course, working through the concepts step by step helped me understand how design and development are closely connected. This project gave me not just a live portfolio, but also a better grasp of how the web works behind the scenes.

[akgunsblog]

Creating an Interactive Game on Scratch

We had to make a small interactive project for our class. At first, none of us had a clear idea, but then we decided to do a game on Scratch. It sounded easy at first but… yeah, it wasn’t that simple.

The game starts with a character named Avery. She’s trying to get ready and asks, “Which deodorant should I use?” The player gets to choose between a roll-on or a spray. If they pick roll-on, Avery says something like “That was the eco-friendly choice!” But if they go for the spray, she’s kinda like “Hmm… maybe not the best for the environment.”

After that, we added options like turning off the lights or the air conditioner before going out. We didn’t want the player to be confused, so we put big “yes” and “no” buttons instead of making them click on the actual light or AC.

Also, when you choose one option (like “turn off the light”), the other option disappears. That part took a while to figure out, not gonna lie. Avery responds based on what the player chooses. And at the end, she says “Now I’m ready. Let’s go outside!” and the background changes to nature. It’s kinda sweet.

In the end, I saved the final version to my computer and I’ll send it to the others so they can continue. I think it turned out well — it teaches simple eco habits in a fun way, especially for kids.

[akgunsblog]

Planning a Horror Triptych

For this project, we were asked to create a triptych video based on an emotion. We choose "scared" as group. It needed to be abstract and experimental, not like a traditional story with clear events or characters.

Right now, we are still working on putting the three screens together, because the final clips aren’t fully done yet. Two of them are still in progress, but we already have a clear idea of what we want the final triptych to feel like. The plan is to create a really unsettling atmosphere using different types of visuals. my part will be like empty hallways, strange movements in the background, dark empty spaces, and details that feel wrong even if you can’t explain why.

For the sound, i decided not to use any full background "music" but tv static glitch. Additionally, i will use low ambient noises, whispers, static, ringing sounds, things that stay under the surface but make everything heavier and more uncomfortable. The idea is to keep the tension alive without making it obvious or dramatic.

Each screen will show a different angle of fear, but they will all connect emotionally. It is not about telling a clear story; its more about capturing the feeling of being lost, watched, or trapped. When the three videos are finally placed together, we hope it will give the viewer uncomfortable kind of fear that stays even after it’s over.

[akgunsblog]

Turning a Horror Movie into a Tragedic Love Story

For our midterm project, we had to do something kinda crazey. Not jst watching a movie and talking about it, but actually take a full movie and turn it into a trailer for a completely different genre. Yeah. Sounds easy but it is not. At all.

I choose Final Destination 3. You know, the one with the rollercoaster accident and eveyone dying in super weird ways. That one. Originally its a horror movie, obviously. But i had to change it. Like, totally change the vibe.

I decided to turn it into a romantic tragedy because honestly, I felt like there was this hidden connection between Wendy and Kevin that got totally crushed by the crazy events. I rewatched the movie just focusing on the small moment little looks, smiles, and the way they cared for each other. I cut out the blood and the scary stuff, added a soft sad song, and made the colors warmer to make it feel like a fading memory. Editing it made me realize how much you can change a story just by choosing what to show and what to hide.

In the end, the trailer felt like a completely different movie, like a sad indie love story instead of a horror film. It was honestly so fun to create something totally new out of something already known. Maybe next time I’ll turn an action movie into a comedy or something, who knows lol.

[akgunsblog]

The Living Painting: Melancholia’s Ophelia Secene as a Tableau Vivant

In the history of art, it is a common occurrence for different ideas to produce works inspired by each other. Cinema also has one of these disciplines, and many directors add deep meaning to their films by taking inspiration from classical works of art. Lars von Trier’s 2011 film “Melancholia” was one of the examples that caught my attention in this sense. The film includes a scene that refers to John Everett Millais’ painting “Ophelia”, completed in 1852. In this article, I would like to examine how the scene in question is reconstructed using the tableau vivant technique and the effects of this visual choice within the film.

John Everett Milliais’ painting Ophelia talks about the tragic death of the character Ophelia in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. In the painting, Ophelia is seen lying in water, surrounded by flowers. This scene is interpreted as a symbol of the loss of innocence and madness. In the film Melancholia, the main character Justine is shown lying in water in her wedding dress. This scene is a direct reference to the painting Ophelia.

This scene in the film is located in the first minute and is presented in slow motion. Justine is lying on the water in a white wedding dress, holding a wedding flower in her hand. The background is made up of natural objects, elements and mostly pale colors. The lighting and shadow play is soft and natural, affecting the melancholic atmosphere of the scene. The use of fixed angles of the camera allows the viewer to feel as if they are watching an actual painting.

Lar von Trier aims to reflect the inner world and psychological state of the main character Justine to the audience with this scene. By trying to draw a parallel with the painting of Ophelia, he allows the audience to see the scene as a work of art and gives the emotional impact of the film.

[akgunsblog]

Bringing Noir to Life: My Comic Book Design Inspired by Sin City

This week I had an opportunity to design a comic book for the studio! First of all, I watched the movie called Sin City that my professors recommended us to watch last week. Then I tried to get inspiration from this movie while designing my comic book. Actually I wanted to color a specific object in the photos I used for the photo-roman but I couldn't do it because of some problems and I came up with a different idea. I made a rule for myself and started using one photo in its original color on each page and the I used the rest in black and white. Finally, I added some effects and speech bubbles to my comic book to make it a bit more colorful and fun. Even though some of the comic book design didn't work for the whole thing, I had a lot of fun while making it!

Sin City uses visual storytelling to bring classic film noir style into the digital age. The high contrast black and white images, strong shadows, and selective color accents make the atmosphere darker and more dramatic. The characters inner monologues and sharp dialogues pull the audience into a world of crime, betrayal, and revenge. As a vcode student, I think this film shows how minimal but powerful visuals can create a strong impact in storytelling.

[akgunsblog]

The Beginning of Suspense: Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is definitely a legendary thriller. Even though it was made in 1960, it still has a strong and disturbing atmosphere. The movie follows Marion Crane, who steals money and runs away, ending up at the Bates Motel. There, she meets Norman Bates, the owner of the motel. At first, he seems shy and polite, but soon, things get much darker. And of course, the famous shower scene One of the most unforgettable moments in cinema history.

Psycho is not just a scary movie, it also explores human psychology very well. Norman Bates is one of the most interesting and unsettling characters in film history. Even though the movie is in black and white, its atmosphere is so strong that you don’t even notice. With its music, suspense, and surprises, it is still a classic that pulls you in. If you haven’t watched it yet, give it a chance but think twice before taking a shower!

[akgunsblog]

The Loop of Time and Visual Storytelling: Twelve Monkeys and Our Mini-Narrative Assignment

Twelve Monkeys is a film that questions time, memory, and destiny. It is not only about the story but also how the story is told. The film uses repeated images, symbolic objects, and detailed scene design to create a strong narrative. This makes it an important example for visual communication design.

Our mini-narrative assignment has a similar goal. We need to tell a meaningful story with only a few scenes. In Twelve Monkeys, the main character Cole sees the same childhood memory again and again. This technique makes the story more powerful. We can also use repeated objects or scenes in our narratives to create a deeper meaning. The film also shows how the past and future are connected, which can be useful in short storytelling.

From a visual communication design perspective, Twelve Monkeys shows that storytelling is not just about dialogue. The film uses colors, locations, and repeated scenes to create emotions for the audience. This reminds us that in our assignment and design projects, we should use visuals, not just words, to tell our stories.

In conclusion, Twelve Monkeys is more than just a movie. It teaches us important lessons about strong visual storytelling. Our mini-narrative assignment also aims to create meaning with small but powerful details. By using techniques from the film, we can design visual stories that are both simple and impactful.

[akgunsblog]

Fatboy Slim - Praise You

The music video for Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” felt really unexpected to me, but in a good way. It doesn’t look like typical music videos at all it is not polished or perfect, but that’s what makes it so unique. Spike Jonze, the director, filmed it in a very simple way, with a small team and no special effects or fancy setups. It felt more like something you’d accidentally come across on the street rather than a planned performance, and that made it feel personal.

One thing that stood out to me was how natural everything felt. The reactions of people watching the dancers weren’t planned, and it was interesting to see how confused or curious they looked. It made me think about how art doesn’t always have to stay in its own space it can mix with real life. I liked how the video didn’t treat the audience as outsiders but as part of the whole experience.

Overall, the video gave me the feeling that art doesn’t always have to follow rules. It can be messy, improvised, or even awkward, and that is okay. It reminded me that sometimes the simplest things can feel the most real and leave the biggest impact. It made me rethink how I see both music videos and creativity in general.