Manovich’s five principles:

1. Numerical representation: Browser can read the code, pulls up image instead of having to download it
2. Modularity: Small elements make up the bigger picture – pixels, code, text, etc
3. Automation: Machines programmed to learn/steal information for blueprint, without human involvement
4. Variability: Different, infinite versions of something
5. Transcoding: Have one thing and turning it into another format, cultural layer & computer layer

One of Manovich’s principles of new media I found most interesting is the idea of transcoding. In new media lingo, to “transcode” something is to translate it into another format. Thanks to this technique, we can combine different types of content and create new, unique forms of expression and interaction. Some examples include the ability to scan traditional books into digital formats like PDF files or e-books, or videos and photos transcoded into multiple formats and resolutions when uploaded to social media platforms. This transformation is not only technical but also cultural, as it changes how we perceive and engage with media. The cultural layer of transcoding encompasses traditional media forms, such as literature, cinema, and art, whereas the computer layer includes the digital encoding, algorithms, and software that process and present these cultural forms. Manovich highlights the importance of transcoding by pointing out that “it belongs on the side of human culture on the level of representation, automatically entering into dialogue with other images and other cultural ‘semes’ and my ‘themes’. But on another level, it is a computer file that consists of a machine-readable header, followed by numbers representing color values of its pixels”. The ability to transcode includes a conversation with various cultural elements and themes, enhancing accessibility and user experience. These cultural and computer layers are intriguing because they themselves are not fixed, but rather change over time. As hardware and software keep evolving and computers are utilized in new ways and for various tasks, it transforms. And with culture, new trends, genres, values, etc. are always emerging and evolving as well. Hand in hand, the cultural and computer layers ultimately influence each other, with the computer layer affecting how culture can be presented to audiences, and culture affecting how computers perform and create media.

Lesson 1: Don’t Be Embarrassed

This part of the passage is motivational because I think many artists can relate to wanting their artwork to be appreciated and accepted by others. With that desire in mind, they believe people have high expectations of them, which can make them anxious and terrified if the outcome is otherwise. As a current VP of graphics for one of the school’s student clubs, I also have the fear/embarrassment of showing others my work or their judgment on it. This passage reminded me that everyone is subjected to their own opinions, but also that it is okay if it is not good, understood, or liked. This ties back to the opening line: “Art is for anyone. It’s just not for everyone.” Embarrassment can hold back an artist from truly doing what they want or intend to.

Lesson 21: Define Success

This part of the passage is interesting to me because I think the response from many artists is that people, in general, define success as having “money, happiness, freedom, “doing what I want”…having people see what I do.” But the author suggests that success is something else—the time to do your work. This stood out to me because time is indefinite, or everlasting. However, for every human being, time is rather definite, in the sense that the clock is ticking, or we are constantly losing more and more time. So with that in mind, I understand what the author is saying: success is having the time to create and develop your work while having the chance to focus on other things outside your career. The author’s definition of success is something that not everyone can achieve.

so yum hehehehe