Siu Lan and the Magic Cookbook

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p>As we head out of our final week of mentorship with Sony Talent League, I am reflecting on what I have learned and what comes next. </p> <p> </p> <p>But first, I am thrilled for the Djossi Heroes team and am in awe of the talent of all finalists. I have to pinch myself to believe I am alongside them. </p> <p> </p> <p>I am incredibly grateful to have met and learned from the mentors, finalists, and THU team. I will stay in touch with mentors as I take my next step in this exciting journey.  I will be improving my pitch deck with more artwork with new artists and discovering the makings of a script.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Here is a recap of what I have learned:</p> <p> </p> <ol> <li>A personal connection to the story is part of every step.</li> <li>Think like a leader, student, and collaborator.</li> <li>Use fashion, music, and real life to build characters. </li> <li>Give each character a purpose.</li> <li>Get the opinions of kids. </li> <li>Just be yourself.</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p>A final takeaway from Sony Talent League is that I have found a place where I belong. This is a picture of me when I was 10 years old; I frequently made a stage out of kitchen chairs to tell stories or perform to a crowd of stuffed animals.  If I told my 10-year-old self where I am, I think she’d she very proud.  </p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"><div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBNDRiQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--6a293f77f4f6f6456510764a4552f5d91ff35af2/Week%2010%20Recap.png"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBNDRiQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--6a293f77f4f6f6456510764a4552f5d91ff35af2/Week%2010%20Recap.png"></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> </div>

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p>During a meeting with all of the finalists, a team kindly asked me:</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>“What is the secret sauce to doing this alone?”</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>My answer:</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>I am not alone! A leader does not exist without the collective. </p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p><em>I have been fortunate to learn from the artists and mentors. Also, I could not do this without THU, my fellow finalists and my family’s feedback and support. </em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Happenings</strong></p> <p> </p> <ol> <li>The series bible and pitch deck with the new artwork is complete</li> <li>Completing my Sony Talent League pitch video</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><strong>Mentor Highlight of the Week</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>A key ingredient to the secret sauce was <strong>Sally Slade</strong>. These kind words from Sally helped me solidify my perspective: I want to create a show where kids feel seen and heard and believe they are capable of incredible things. Just like how I felt when I watched Kiki’s Delivery Service as a kid. </p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"><div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBL3dKQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--6d14efa8e4516150b9531ce08d986463f53be534/Week%209%20Mentor%20Highlight.jpg"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBL3dKQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--6d14efa8e4516150b9531ce08d986463f53be534/Week%209%20Mentor%20Highlight.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> </div>

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p>As I lean on my <em>recipe for trust </em>from week one, I identify that I am feeling the pressure! Words of wisdom from Rhea help me through this. </p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"><div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBOEFFQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--725206e4fc8d54872bf5632234b52b30178461d5/Mentor%20Highlight%20of%20the%20Week%20.PNG"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBOEFFQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--725206e4fc8d54872bf5632234b52b30178461d5/Mentor%20Highlight%20of%20the%20Week%20.PNG"></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Happenings</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>My week will be focused on the story and editing my pitch video for Sony Talent League. </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Music Inspiration</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>"Under Pressure" by Queen is on repeat this week! </p> <p> </p> </div>

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p>Everything. Is. Coming. Together. How. Exciting.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Story</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>This week, I will be putting my writing skills to the test. I will rewrite the pilot, so it is 11 minutes instead of the original duration of 20. Duration is important when it comes to what kids watch! </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Artwork</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>When the artwork is finalized, I will add it to the pitch deck, bible and into my Sony Talent League video; <em>woot-woot!</em></p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Last Week in the Magic Cookbook Universe</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>Last week I practiced, practiced, and practiced my pitch. I filmed some footage for my final video, here is a sneak peek. That is the dish which inspired all of this; Stir Fry Macaroni! </p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"><div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcFgrIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--5c3ef353b491c6a1b31242e8986e03863610cf85/Screen%20Shot%202023-02-26%20at%202.27.05%20PM.jpeg"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBcFgrIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--5c3ef353b491c6a1b31242e8986e03863610cf85/Screen%20Shot%202023-02-26%20at%202.27.05%20PM.jpeg"></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> </div>

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p>My week was full of working with artists <strong>Marina González</strong> and <strong>Laura Lofaro </strong>on the artwork. This week my goal is to finalize the artwork and continue practicing my pitch as I will be recording my final pitch video with Sony Talent League next week. </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Story &amp; Character</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Character design, arcs and purposes and their learnings have been made. The next step is the clean up the artwork. </li> <li>When working on the characters I ask: Do they look like they are from the same world? How can we use fashion to create individuality and personality?</li> <li>Fun fact: The name Rufaro "Ro" means happiness. I chose this name because her character is part of Siu Lan's character arc of sadness to joy. <img src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdFA1IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--134becdb83c8c8cb4f46eac8cffaa3c13a441446/230218_MC_lineUp.jpg" style="height:990px;width:1934px;"> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Art</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Cover art and logo continues to flourish. The next step is to add characters and some <em>magical spice</em> to the logo.</li> <li>Key art will be given colour next. </li> <li>Fun fact: we added personal touches like the rice cooker, Chinese calendar, and Scottish plaid to the kitchen like my childhood home. </li> <li>An important step in growing this story and artwork has been getting opinions from kids. I always ask my cousins what their eyes go to and why. <br> <img src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdGI1IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a2e5d9bb25dfe77ee9f50e2f2483e5633b6b6da2/keyArt_lineart_03.jpg" style="height:1080px;width:1893px;"><img src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdFg1IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--76a825e5e61fae929871f732c2b98cb63dff7742/coverArt_col_05a.jpg" style="height:1080px;width:1920px;"> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Pitch</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <ul> <li>When the art is done it will be added to the series bible and pitch deck. </li> <li>Memorization has commenced! </li> </ul> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>Inspiration</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"> <p>I made a short video of my gong gong speaking about his favourite food memories. I may use this in the final pitch video during the credits or keep it just in my project diary. Here is a sneak peek! </p> <div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdVg1IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--787c375c88fe21374c66d3302fd4b8185104c0d3/Magic%20Cookbook%20Gong%20Gong%20Answers.png"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdVg1IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--787c375c88fe21374c66d3302fd4b8185104c0d3/Magic%20Cookbook%20Gong%20Gong%20Answers.png"></a></div></div> <div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdVQ1IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--1b84489ec8189a1b3b32e9e6aa34fb979dd8680c/Magic%20Cookbook%20Gong%20Gong%20Answer%20Two.png"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdVQ1IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--1b84489ec8189a1b3b32e9e6aa34fb979dd8680c/Magic%20Cookbook%20Gong%20Gong%20Answer%20Two.png"></a></div></div> </div> <p> </p> </div>

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p>Before we get into my project diary, here are two <strong>life-changing</strong> moments. It is moments like these that alter your perspective on yourself and your life. </p> <ol> <li value="1">A visit to Gong Gong’s house; We talked about his memories of food as a child, his favourite part about being a cook and his love for chicken, fish, and vegetables. <br><action-text-attachment content-type="image/*" url="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBbGowIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--184993cbc6864edd2e062b45273549c4adf269d6/My%20Gong%20Gong.jpg" filename="My%20Gong%20Gong.jpg" presentation="gallery" caption=""><figure class="attachment attachment--preview"> <img src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBbGowIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--184993cbc6864edd2e062b45273549c4adf269d6/My%20Gong%20Gong.jpg"> </figure></action-text-attachment><action-text-attachment content-type="image/*" url="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBbHYwIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--5e396c41950bb8639db452fac03b268c9fe41c72/Family%20Photo%20Wall.jpg" filename="Family%20Photo%20Wall.jpg" presentation="gallery" caption=""><figure class="attachment attachment--preview"> <img src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBbHYwIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--5e396c41950bb8639db452fac03b268c9fe41c72/Family%20Photo%20Wall.jpg"> </figure></action-text-attachment> </li> <li value="2">Mentor Highlight with Jeff Ranjo<br><action-text-attachment sgid="eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6ImdpZDovL3RodS11bml2ZXJzZS9BY3RpdmVTdG9yYWdlOjpCbG9iLzI4OTk5Nj9leHBpcmVzX2luIiwicHVyIjoiYXR0YWNoYWJsZSJ9fQ==--b06b03913b7ac984307cbb1818c4f444c19b8bf0" content-type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.trojan-unicorn.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6Mjg5OTk2LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--445cf38b591e085f54be8b2c1f64f1f145bf7eff/Untitled.jpg" filename="Untitled.jpg" filesize="284512" width="2360" height="1640" previewable="true" presentation="gallery" caption=""><figure class="attachment attachment--preview attachment--jpg"><img alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6Mjg5OTk2LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--445cf38b591e085f54be8b2c1f64f1f145bf7eff/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOlsxMDI0LDEwMjRdLCJzdHJpcCI6dHJ1ZX0sInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--7d2d6eb6a4815d6cb4a06e6a0c9d2534a7ef9c47/Untitled.jpg 1024w, /rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6Mjg5OTk2LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--445cf38b591e085f54be8b2c1f64f1f145bf7eff/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOlsxOTgwLDE5ODBdLCJzdHJpcCI6dHJ1ZX0sInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--212ad1e61f8b5a63f5ef21082ec72f1f9521659b/Untitled.jpg 1980w" sizes="(min-width: 768px) 67vw, 100vw" data-original-width="2360" data-original-height="1640" class="object-cover" width="2360" height="1640" src="https://www.trojan-unicorn.com/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6Mjg5OTk2LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--445cf38b591e085f54be8b2c1f64f1f145bf7eff/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOlsxMDI0LDEwMjRdLCJzdHJpcCI6dHJ1ZX0sInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--7d2d6eb6a4815d6cb4a06e6a0c9d2534a7ef9c47/Untitled.jpg"><figcaption class="attachment__caption"></figcaption></figure></action-text-attachment> </li> </ol> <blockquote><p>Art Happenings</p></blockquote> <ol> <li value="1">Siu Lan has been given a new style! A deciding factor in this was an important perspective: kids! My 12 and 14-year-old cousins gave their opinions!<br><action-text-attachment content-type="image/*" url="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBM1lKQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--376557b1e82958feae4ef09819372b5e48bfc786/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-13%20at%2010.31.47%20AM.png" filename="Screen%20Shot%202023-03-13%20at%2010.31.47%20AM.png" presentation="gallery" caption=""><figure class="attachment attachment--preview"> <img src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBM1lKQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--376557b1e82958feae4ef09819372b5e48bfc786/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-13%20at%2010.31.47%20AM.png"> </figure></action-text-attachment> </li> <li value="2">Next stop: the character side-kicks</li> <li value="3">Sketches for the cover art and key art are complete. Next stop: adding line art and then colour. </li> </ol> <blockquote><p>Story Happenings</p></blockquote> <ol> <li value="1">I am finishing the episode synopsis. In this process, I ask myself: What do the characters learn?</li> <li value="2">Giving characters a purpose! Who is the messy one? Who is the mischievous one? </li> </ol> <blockquote><p>Pitch Happenings</p></blockquote> <ol> <li value="1">Creating the bible and pitch deck around the art and story</li> <li value="2">Finalizing pitch script. Next stop: memorization  </li> </ol> <p> </p> </div>

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p><strong>What’s New in Art Direction</strong><br> Instead of living by the phrase, “Too many cooks in the kitchen.” I prefer to say:</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p><strong>The more cooks the merrier!</strong></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>I am thrilled to introduce <strong>Marina González</strong> and <strong>Laura Lofaro</strong> to the Magic Cookbook universe. We have conversations where ideas, creativity and imagination are shared; this fills my soul!  </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Goals</strong><br> Last week’s goals:</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Develop and share an art brief with the artists</li> <li>Create a project page in Notion for project management and brainstorming</li> <li>Rewrite the pilot and season one episode synopsis based on the feedback of introducing the folklore of the world at the start of the series </li> <li>Write video pitch script and schedule recording </li> <li>Build pitch deck draft</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>This week's goals:</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Rewrite the Season 1 episode synopsis in the series bible</li> <li>Complete pilot rewrites</li> <li>Art direct team in initial character and key art sketches</li> <li>Practice video pitch script</li> <li>Continue building the pitch deck</li> </ul> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"> <p><strong>My Workspace</strong></p> <br><p> Where the </p> <em>magic</em><p> happens! Fun fact: I keep red pockets on my desk for good luck. </p> <div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdDdqIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--6376bbf473fb3f9ea1008927afa888eb9b960180/Magic%20Cookbook%20Workspace.jpeg"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdDdqIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--6376bbf473fb3f9ea1008927afa888eb9b960180/Magic%20Cookbook%20Workspace.jpeg"></a></div></div> </div> <p> </p> <p><strong>Mentor Highlight of the Week</strong></p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"><div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdVBqIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--64f2c19dc8da38a24a9dedbf8f78679ee86c28d6/Week%204%20Mentor%20Highlight.jpg"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdVBqIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--64f2c19dc8da38a24a9dedbf8f78679ee86c28d6/Week%204%20Mentor%20Highlight.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <p><br>  </p> <p> </p> </div>

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p>As I begin my adventure in working with artists to bring new life to my show, I am learning to <strong><em>Art Direct.</em></strong></p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"><div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBa0xoIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--8017b9abacad88ea9803f0bd568763b1ee48c583/Week%203%20Mentor%20Highlight.jpg"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBa0xoIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--8017b9abacad88ea9803f0bd568763b1ee48c583/Week%203%20Mentor%20Highlight.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <p>Also, here is some <em><strong>musical inspiration</strong></em> that I found in my week: <br> Japanese Breakfast and Mitski come from the Alternative/Indie genre, which I believe aligns with the independent approach to life that the main character of the series embodies. This also gives me ideas for music composition! </p> <p> </p> </div>

<div class="lexxy-content lightbox-container"> <p>“One step back can be three steps forward,” is a tip said to me last week that impacted my perspective. (Shout out to the THU team!)</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p><strong>WHAT I DID IN MY WEEK</strong></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>I prepared a presentation of my project for all of my wonderful mentors and presented my project. It was an experience that brought nerves, joy, and connection, as well as learning. I was able to pitch my project and hear what worked and <em>what needs work</em>. Hearing their advice on what to do based on what I had is an opportunity I do not take for granted. </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p><strong>MY NEW GOALS</strong></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>My key takeaway from the meeting with all the mentors is to table the engaging components and <em>focus on developing compelling artwork</em>. This will help me pitch effectively because I want this show to be seen. </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p><strong>WHAT COMES NEXT</strong></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>1. Make a <em>m</em><em>ood board. </em></p> <p> </p> <p>2. I have been drafting a bible that can be used to build my pitch deck and final video. I <em>identified the artwork needed</em>, which will be the focus of my time with Sony Talent League. Also, I have begun my search to find an artist. </p> <p> </p> <p><em>3. Organize, organize, organize</em>. I have been developing a schedule, deadlines, and questions to bring to mentors and mapping out my work from start to finish. I always ask myself: what will I need? When will I need it? What will the artist need? When will they need it? What can I get done to make the other person's job easier? </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p><strong>HOW DO I FEEL?</strong></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>To be honest, looking at the schedule from start to finish feels exciting and scary. I get those intrusive thoughts in the middle of the night saying, “You won’t get this done,” or “Remember that mistake you made five years ago?!” But when I breathe and then look at this rationally, I know I can be flexible. This story that I love is going to be brought new life, and importantly, this is fun! </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p><strong>INSPIRATION</strong></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox-container"> <p>If you have read this at the time of posting, Happy Lunar New Year! While I spent my weekend eating almond cookies and shrimp dumplings, my mom made a watercress soup and talked about how it brought her back to her childhood home. As I slurped and splattered the broth, I stopped and remembered that this is why I am writing this story; food can transport you home. Isn’t that magical?</p> <div class="pswp-gallery lightbox " data-controller="lightbox" data-lightbox-target="container"><div class="lightbox__item"><a target="_blank" data-lightbox-target="item" href="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBbmpnIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--e8e6534fbd20710709025d776e0b11ee85cc5f0c/Lunar%20New%20Year%20at%20Home.jpg"><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBbmpnIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--e8e6534fbd20710709025d776e0b11ee85cc5f0c/Lunar%20New%20Year%20at%20Home.jpg"></a></div></div> </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div>