Kim Ruelo

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T17:28:00.001-08:00

I was cleaning out my old school papers and stumbled upon this thing I wrote in 8th grade. Reading it now, at age 25, I'm so thankful to be doing what I've always dreamed of. :)

new stuffs!

2011-10-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here's my cousin and I enjoying our new technologies! He got to test out his new 24-70mm prime lens on my Canon 5D Mark II, while I got to test out my new iPhone 4s HDR camera! Of course it's not as nice as the canon, but I must say it's pretty fancy smancy for a phone!

Love!

2011-10-15T18:10:00.001-07:00

Outside of art and design, I'm looooooove about badminton! Last year, I had the opportunity to design for a badminton company's shuttle packaging, Quantum Badminton!...Finally got the finished products last week! Here's some quick pics of the design, taken at practice today!

Captivating!

2011-10-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

So thankful to my friend, Hen, for sharing this video with me. Ryan Woodward uses both mediums at their best, using movement to capture such profound emotions...so inspiring!

The Confident Creative

2011-10-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

The other day I found out that a friend of a friend went out and bought $5000 worth of camera equipment. The idea of a non-photographer having access to better equipment than me had ticked me off. When normal consumers have access to prosumer products, I assume they will abuse and exploit the mediums of good photography and design. My attitude was that common folk weren't entitled to use equipment that people like me have been trained and dedicated to work with. It's like saying any old Joe Shmoe can be a doctor, just because he bought a white coat and stethoscope.

I caught myself internally fuming! ...but in that moment, I realized that I was missing something very important. Confidence.

Confidence....meaning full trust. I feel like it's something you acquire with a combination of experience and humility...something admirable and not arrogant. Confidence has no room for insecurity and cynicism.

So here are a few more thoughts on what confidence means to me...

Welcomes criticism, without being defensive
Actively listens to ideas, not waiting to speak
Encourages and mentors
Is open-minded, yet maintains integrity
Is willing to make mistakes and learn from them

Confidence is something I want to continually practice.

Lio Fox!

2011-09-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

My puppy sleeps like a fox!

How to Photograph with the Correct Exposure

2011-09-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE PHOTO BASICS PDF

Aperture and shutter speed are your two primary controls to adjust the exposure of a picture. These controls affect how much light enters into the camera and exposes the sensor to light.

EXPOSURE: The amount of light that enters into your camera.
APERTURE: The size of the lens opening, which controls the amount of light that enters into your camera. This controls the depth-of-field, telling the camera how much of the scenery you want in focus.
SHUTTER SPEED: The amount of time light can enter into the camera. This controls how much of a given moment you want to be recorded.

1. Think about what you want to capture (i.e. Close-up shot vs. large scene and blurred motion vs. in focus fast scene). This makes a difference on whether you want to start adjusting your aperture or shutter speed first.

OPTION 1: APERTURE
When controlling the amount of depth in focus is most important to you, setting your aperture, before shutter speed is the way to go.

OPTION 2: SHUTTER SPEED
If capturing the motion of your subject matter is most important, you should set your shutter speed first. Shutter speeds are measured in fractions of a second.

2. Once you set your first control, check your camera’s light meter with your second control until the meter reading aligns to the center of your meter bar. Once you get this perfect exposure, you can always adjust.

Notes: Shutter speed and aperture work inversely to each other. For example, if you have the right exposure set, but decide to adjust the aperture one stop higher, you would need adjust the shutter one stop lower by doubling the time the shutter is opened.

Free Chicago Landscape Backgrounds

2011-09-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Download Tribune Tower BG

Here's two versions of the Willis Tower in Chicago.

Download Chicago BG

Download Chicago Color Processed BG

Good Photographers Make Good Comedians

2011-09-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

Ok...not exactly...but it does take that similar skill of social awareness, control, and timing to get what you're looking for.

Last week, I had the opportunity to do my first engagement photos. It was a great learning experience. When it's not straight-up documentary photography, you have the challenge of manipulating the mood and emotions as your composing a shot. Here's some things I've learned from this engagement photoshoot:

1. Make the couple feel all cheesy about each other by asking them those coupley questions (i.e. how'd you meet, how did you propose, etc.)
2. If you're shooting with natural light, try to shoot early in the day or near dusk. Mid-day is the most challenging, because the sun is high, which creates harsh shadows.
3. Think about the mood you want to portray the couple and shoot in the style you are good at.
4. At the same time, ask the couple what they're looking for and ask for examples of what they like. It's always a fun challenge to fuse both what the couple wants and your own style...in the end, you both end up happy!
5. Always remind yourself to take a step back from your camera every once in a while and really look around for some beautiful moments that you could have missed otherwise.

So here's a preview of what I've got so far, along with post-production!

//Before//

//After//

//Before//

//After//

oh children..

2011-09-01T21:35:00.001-07:00

oh children.., a photo by kimruelo on Flickr.

I was looking through some old photos on my harddrive and this one never fails to crack me up!

From the Heart of Joe

2011-08-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, a spent a couple hours meeting this father, Joe Gura. He experienced the loss of his son who battled leukemia from 2-5 years old. Pastor Jason, from Faith EUMC is hosting a Leukemia benefit concert in a couple weeks. Feel free to come and join us! This band, called The Wrecking, will be playing, along with guest speakers Craig McKenzie and Phil Zielke of Phil's Friends.

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
Saturday, September 10
7p-10p

Easter Video

2011-04-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

I was requested to make a video that follows a theme of Light Entering a Dark World for NewCom's Easter service. They wanted it to be a celebratory video of Christ's resurrection. Light represents God and darkness represents anything that is separate from God (sin).

Oftentimes Christ-followers talk about being filled with the Holy Spirit. It's a feeling that's hard to describe and is unique to each person who experiences it.

I wanted to make an intangible experience into a concrete visual. The goal was to show what it would look and feel like to be shaken and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Generous Justice

2011-04-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

A lot of new things going on since the last post, one of which is that I joined the video ministry team at New Community church!

Pastor Peter asked me to create a motion graphic that introduces his sermon series, called Generous Justice.

It got me thinking about mini people, you know, the ones used in train sets. Each shot closely personifies these figures as people in need and those who are often marginalized.

Working with the motif of trains, we encounter people every day in passing, but this video challenges viewers to take a closer look at their surroundings. We are more than just individuals living separate lives, it's up to us whether or not we decide to reach out to others, beyond our fears of discomfort.

Jihan's Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

2010-08-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

I come from a very large family. To give you a better idea of its size, my dad has 12 brothers and sisters and my mom has 9. Each sibling had 2-12 kids. Coming from a big family and being borderline introverted, I generally fade back and quietly observe.

Although, one of the advantages of being a part of a Filipino family is that we tend to love photography and I really feel like it has allowed me to connect with my relatives throughout the years.

I am honored to have such great opportunities to document the fast-growing Ruelo clan, particularly my cousin's wedding preparations (I snuck in some wedding and post-wedding shots).

From Here

2010-07-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting B-roll from my new camera and finally got a chance to make my first film, shot by the Canon 5D MKII. Collaborating with my friend Hannah and a couple others from Faith Church, we created From Here. This is a short film about obedience, which follows three people who somehow encounter and affect each other. We took inspiration from the leaders in our churches and now we want to continue to challenge the movement within the church.

Written and Directed by Hannah Wagle and Kim Ruelo
Cinematography by Kim Ruelo and Joanna Grabenhofer
Music by Escape Philosophy
Featuring Aaron Sangha, Kim Ruelo, and Hannah Wagle

Avatar Avatar Avatar!

2010-04-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

Yes...I know...I feel 10 years late, but I finally watched it! Even though I didn't get to see Avatar in 3D, I found myself pleasantly surprised to find that the movie's hype and 2 dimensionality didn't stop me from enjoying it!

Besides the amazing visuals, I think Avatar really captured the essence and beauty that is found in pure reverence...which is something that I feel is often lost in our world, especially in my own schema. The humans' interests seemed so trivial and reckless, trying to obtain the unattainable "Unobtainium" rock...but the Navi Tribe saw the whole picture, placing all their value on their deity and life.

I admire and am blown away by the filmakers' vision to create this new world. The opportunity to expand peoples' realities of what we know is such an amazing responsibility for an artist to have.

Hello Tribune!

2010-04-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day at work! I'm so thankful to see how life has been unraveling in the past few months! It's also quite refreshing to be in an environment that challenges me to make good work and go beyond what's expected.
-----

It's kind of funny how this day started. Feeling unsettled, I started writing on the train ride to Chicago.

As I'm sitting on the train, I find myself thinking about hacking potential zombies. Last night, I had a grueling nightmare, warding off the undead with only a butter knife. It's quiet in here. Man, I hope nobody sits by me. Can't stop flinching at any sudden movement. It's kind of like being stuck in a Shaun of the Dead movie. Ah! Someone just sat across from me and I really hope that she doesn't bite my head off!...and I really hope she doesn't catch a horrible glimpse into my violent mind at the moment.

Someone: "Do you write a lot?"

Me: "Not really."

Someone: "Writing is good. I like to write down the funny things my kids say so I can bring them up when they're older."

Me: "Oh, that's a good idea."

Thank you random lady, for talking to me and hitting me back to reality!

Phillip Bloom: Skywalker Ranch

2010-02-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

Skywalker Ranch from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

Wow man. This really puts MTV Crib's to shame. I can't believe this was shot with a Canon 5D and 7D. I can't wait to get me one of those!

Kinetic Type

2010-02-24T22:30:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been making a couple videos for my home church. It's been nice getting away from the corporate world and having the chance to brush up on creative freedom!

cookayyyys

2009-12-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

we gotta lotta cookies for christmas and I couldn't help but catalogue them...

thanks to the grandmotherly neighbors of the Glen Ellyn Woods.

have a merry christmas!

print mag!

2009-11-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

Word has it that my Ninth Letter class' Ninth Letter book design got into the Print Magazine's 2009 Regional Design Annual. Luckily, Hans Design subscribes to it! Woohoo!...check it out!

affirmative!...right?..........right?!?!

2009-11-02T20:34:00.000-08:00

I find myself debating on whether or not to delete my facebook account and blog at times. It's like a World Wide Whine for help...but I realized that a lot of my negative perceptions on social networking is just me projecting.

People like me need to be weary of the internet, because it opens up doors for those of us who seek affirmation. Social net sites become outlets, where we can passively scream/express. It's like you can slip in just a little bit of thought in a sea of meta friends (who you cannot even keep track of)... and you find yourself waiting for one witty comment or even a little, blue thumbs up of approval.

Recently I've been thinking about the core of why I do the things I do (thanks to Pastor peter and his latest sermon). Strong design always begins at the core concept. My favorite part of the design process isn't the beginning or end result...it's in the middle... that "aha" moment where an idea is born. It's like your on cloud 9 and there's this snowball effect of excitement and ideas begin to stem from that original moment of clarity.

I've been finding myself frustrated at the fact that I haven't found opportunities to reach those "aha" moments. The work environment has been challenging and almost seems to debilitate creativity...but I'm starting to realize that my love for design does not stem from those inspirational moments of idea. God's design/purpose is far more valuable...and my tiny, inspirations are shallow in the scheme of things. This was when I realized that it's worth releasing my clenched fists in situations where crude design takes precedence over coherent design.

surreality of reality

2009-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm in the Philippines with my family right now. We've been island hopping like crazy so our sleep patterns have been changing a lot lately.

When I was taking a nap a few days ago, I was awoken by live, grand piano playing. It's such a strange thing to hear in the P.I. Manila is the most "Americanized," metropolitanish area in the Philippines, but it's still a very earthy environment. The streets are filled with pedestrians, pedicabs, jeepneys, etc. The buildings are strong and weathered from years of typhoons. The color palette of the environment is a bit gloomy from the overall eroded architecture and the overcast days of the rainy season, yet you could feel its charm and liveliness at the same time.

After waking up, I thought about reality's superiority to film and photography. If I were to juxtapose elegant piano playing with an unlikely scene to hold its sound, this movie wouldn't have the same powerful affect as actual experience. Yes, it may instill a slight emotion, but it wouldn't be recognized as an authentic oddity.

We take film and photography for granted, because they are artificially filled with constant holy moments. Decisive moments bombard each scene, where each frame is perfectly rendered.

It just makes me think of the trip to the Caramoan Islands. I was so busy trying to capture its essence (so that I could share it with ya'll)...but nothing could quite capture the true experience and grandness of those tiny islands, covered with lush palm trees and white, sandy beaches. Photography, moving image, and writing have their limitations. Beauty is captured and best felt with the eyes and mind given to us. If only my vision could screen capture experience. (I know...nerdy).

Catching Coincidences

2009-07-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Decisive moments are my favorite things to catch when composing a photograph. I haven't been shooting as much as I'd like to, but I have been "shooting" my screen...aka, screen capturing.

The web isn't static. Searches always change their order according to relevance. I happen to catch this juxtaposition in a Flickr search. It kind of looks like the girl's right arm in the bottom image is reaching up into the top image.

This one doesn't match as well, but it was kinda nerd-tertaining for me to see an eye mask looking piece of kelp right above an image with a guy's eyeless face.

I thought this was an interesting accidental diptych, a school bus and a wreckage below...it's like some ready made propaganda poster about school bus accidents or somethin related to youth and school violence.

Ok...sorry to exploit my past profs, but I couldn't resist! I tried my best to keep them anonymous. This isn't a coincidence, but it is a pretty entertaining catch. He meant to write "BFA catalog."

Another prof...

Lastly, my most favorite coincidence EVER. You will find 8 cylindrical shapes in front of this vertical, rectangular building. This is the silo. In the middle of the silo, you'll see a figure-like spec. That's me on google satellite!!!

...well, that's what I'd like to believe. There's no architecture in the middle of that roof, so SOMETHING is there...

work

2009-07-15T21:02:00.001-07:00

Here's where I've been spending a good amount of my life for the past
2 months...

The hallway I walk through numerous times a day.

Here's my office. I like my white walls with the burgandy accent wall.

Conference room. Design books galore! I should start looking through more of them!

Kitchen with the coolest microwave I have ever used in my life. It has a button for everything!...and you can set the time by toggling this knob thing.

View of the hallway when I leave.

movement

2009-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

I've been hooked on this tv show, called Lie to Me. It's about this scientist who helps with investigations by analyzing facial expressions and involuntary body language. I've always been into observing peoples' different mannerisms....but it's pretty cool how there's universal facial and body languages that we aren't even aware of most of the time.

Now that I'm more aware of those micro-expressions, or whatever they're called, I keep catching myself. ...like when I'm angry, my fist clenches or my right eye tends to twitch a little. Haha...ok, maybe those examples are a little too obvious. According to this show, you can sometimes tell how people truly feel by the way their lips move. You can also tell when someone is faking anger when it comes on too strong and fast, because true anger comes in phases.

It just makes me think of how a body is almost a prophet to our souls. I remember reading about how when we smile, even if we aren't happy, we can start to feel happiness. I guess body language can become a self fulfilling prophesy.

It makes sense why we're told to kneel when we pray. It's a posture that makes you realize that God is someone to be respected and revered. If you know how to read body language, you can understand what a person is communicating, whether they are aware of it or not...or trying to mask an emotion...weird...E-motion. If you watch someone's face in slow motion, who is trying to hide emotion, you can see their true feelings through their facial expressions.

From a design standpoint, I think it's interesting to become aware of this stuff. When communicating through visual mediums, every detail needs to be thought through. Yes...I just threw that in to relate the post to design. hehe...and this is how the post will end.

Modified

2009-06-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

So this is officially my third week working at this design firm. It's had its ups and downs. I never thought my own design integrity would be questioned so often. It's like I'm up against time and the aesthetics of a very corporate, traditional design agency.

Suggestions of reusing past designs for other projects makes me cringe. Reusing any old design to be sold as templates is like saying design doesn't matter and that everything is generic. If you can reuse a design, that means you didn't research the client well and really display what makes them who they are.

Another thing that really caught me off guard was their dependence on stock photos. Somehow, I expected the firm to do all their photography in-house...and if they didn't, I would start that up right when I got there. It saves a looooot of money...so I don't see why not! I really miss doing photography too...and the picture can be customized to fit what we specifically need.

It's been tough in unexpected ways. Afraid I had become that elitist designer I assumed I'd never be..but I realized that I really just wanna make good work that the client likes and, work that's made with care.

Although it's been slightly challenging, I feel like each day is getting better! I got to make a video for Bosch in Germany, design a logo, and a web site so far. Yesterday was a breakthrough, because I had a chance to do what I wanted for the web site and they ended up liking it!

I also got to photoshop another designer's photo for this ad. Abbott needed a fully clothed woman. hehe. Here's the image:

I love thisssssss stuff

Realization...

2009-05-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today was officially my last studio class.

I learned something today...life's easy when you work hard.

Creo Digital Ad

2009-05-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

My last design project at school is to make an identity system for this Comics Research and Education Organization. Here is a digital ad that introduces CREO:

It took me about 6-7 hours to make this 22 second animation, but I couldn't be happier learning how to do this stuff. I am officially hooked on AfterEffects. Before work starts, I really want to spend the next two weeks learning how to use AE better.

The Forbidden Mac Fruit

2009-04-28T22:32:00.001-07:00

During a crit a couple weeks ago, a few of my classmates and I were sculpting with an old, kneaded eraser. Karen made a tree near her mac, so I requested her to make the garden of eden! here it is...

doodling

2009-04-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

It's official. Last week, I accepted a design position for Hans Design. They found my work at the Ispace show in Chicago. It's really great that I don't have to worry about the whole after graduation job search thing and I'm really excited to start working for them in late May! I'll definitely miss school and all, but I can't wait to start my full-grown adult life! :)

I was on the phone with Bill, my new boss. My macbook and portable laptop desk (which is basically a broken, wooden shelf) were on my lap. I'm not much of a phone doodler, but for some reason I was inclined to drawing on my pseudo desk...

People say that doodles say something about personality. I read an article that says phone doodling is like a freudian slip. A person who draws big tends to be introverted and reserved, wanting to be more sociable subconsciously. Someone who draws small tends to be neat and organized. Geometric forms are masculine and shows someone who's practical and methodical in thinking. Floral forms show femininity. Trees suggest thinking in the past. I'm not sure if I'm convinced of these interpretations, but I'm intrigued.

Whenever I doodle, I usually draw organic, abstract forms that fit into each other somehow. They aren't supposed to represent anything, but when I was on the phone, I couldn't help but notice that they resembled fish...loads of nasty fish, being piled on top of each other. I'm not sure what that means, but it sure was entertaining for someone who's not crazy about phone conversations.

design wit

2009-04-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

I really appreciate this stuff.

thinkofthe.com

Facebook

2009-04-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

News just in...my mom has gotten Facebook.

Should I friend her? Heck no, she's my mom! We had a very mature discussion about this. Mom was the first to say, "It'd be so awkward!"

So yes, we mutually agree that we cannot be facebook friends.

On another similar note, one of my uncle and one aunt has joined the fb cult and asked me to be their friends. Now I am just ignoring their requests. I'm not sure what can of worms this would open.

Educate Don't Incarcerate

2009-04-13T21:04:00.001-07:00

They're complete.

Juvenile Justice

2009-04-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

My latest senior graphic design project is a poster series for the Annie Casey Foundation. After researching the facts, I realized that the U.S. juvenile system is messed up. A lot of kids are being locked-up and mistreated. I was inspired to do a "confinement" series, showing scenes of kids being constrained in different ways.

The slogan is "EDUCATE DON'T INCARCERATE."

It's been a struggle to find kids in the Chambana area since I'm not from here. At first I tried getting permission through Pam's school. They rejected the shoot, because it was too touchy of a subject. After calling a bunch of other schools, Leal Elementary, a more well-off school, responded.

Princial Landsman responded quickly to my emails. His school was perfect for my shoot. I needed a classroom, a playground with blacktop, and an urban scene. Leal had it all! When I got to the school, Principal Landsman kindly showed me around, provided me a ladder, found a classroom, and gathered great models. He had great artistic intuition and antipication. Without even being asked, he even found me a room that was small so I wouldn't have trouble setting up the yarn! The kids he chose were strangely natural at being photographed, even though none had experience with modeling.

Although it rained, hailed, and snowed today, the timing of the outdoor shoots were perfect. I only had to deal with clouds and light snow. After I told the principal, "Wow, your school is perfect for my shoot! You have everythign that I need!"

Principal Landsman replied, "It's like I could feel some outside energy working for you and this photoshoot."

After the shoot, I thought to myself, " The only way this day could get any more perfect is if the class I ditched today were canceled." I go home and get an email from my design history professor. The subject reads, CLASS CANCELED THIS WEEK. Man, I am overwhelmed with these blessings.

Anyway, enough blabbering for me. Here are some shots that were taken.

Tactfilled

2009-04-04T01:17:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I received this pen from Japan. A friend gave it to me on my 22nd birthday. Ever since then, it's been my most trusted and favorite pen. Writing with it was pretty much like writing with butter.

Everyday, I'd be drawing happily in my sketchbook, minding my own business and enjoying my wonderful, buttery pen.

Then, a couple of months ago, I made the mistake of letting one of my classmates borrow it. I didn't even remember who it was until today.

When I was sitting in class, this afternoon, I turned to my right and found my beloved pen in the hands of a semi-aquaintence/friend. My gut told me to grab the pen out of her hands, but somehow I caught myself saying, "Hey where did you get that pen?"

"Oh...probably from home."

"I HAVE THAT PEN! I GOT IT FROM JAPAN!"

[Semi-aquintence/friend looks at pen]

"Hmm...yeah, this pen is probably from Japan."

The end.

I didn't want to call her out on stealing my pen by accident, so I made the mistake of the overly passive attempt to reclaim my property. The rest of the class period, I couldn't bare to see her use up my dear pen's ink.

Welcome to my blog!

2009-04-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

I want to fill your mind with happy thoughts:

girleffect.org

This inspires me to make work that is both informative and uplifting. Political propoganda doesn't always have to take a negative spin to be effective.