Jenny 042601
This page is clear evidence of people taking up bandwith in self-indulgent ways. If you choose to wade through all the minutiae and mutual glad-handing, you may find some interesting glimpses into the collaborative process. Otherwise, just skip to the pictures.
It all started out with a simple question about the title character in Paul G. Cwick's on-going chapters collected as The Invisible Co-ed:
Do you have a head shot of what Jenny actually looks like?...
You know, this is actually a very good question, as it relates to something I've been thinking about for months now. I've often thought that, if I had the chance to do the story all over again, I'd make Jenny a brunette, rather than a blonde (if for no other reason than to differentiate her from "Tiffany.") The character was originally based (sort of) on Jenny McCarthy, but over time, she evolved so that I almost imagined her more as a Jennifer Tilly-type. Since nothing in cyberspace is set in stone, I HAD thought about maybe going back & changing all references to her blonde hair to make it brunette, but so far, I haven't made a firm decision on it. At the same time however, I'm also thinking that, by now, she's pretty much established in everyone's mind as a blonde, so maybe I oughta just leave it alone & let sleeping dogs lie, so to speak.
...Because if you wake them up they won't tell the truth anyway.
You should leave her hair color set for exactly the reason you cited at the end. Without getting into a big thing about the whole philosophy of literary revisionism, I don't think it will make any difference to anyone who's already formed their mental images based on your present descriptions.
So I've been looking through some old catalogs & stuff, to see if I can find a pic with that certain special indefinable ***something*** that makes me think of "Jenny" when I see her. So far, I've found a couple of possible candidates, but I'm intrigued with the idea now, so I want to look a little while longer.
Keep at it. For what it's worth, I think that you would be better served with an "unknown" anyway. No celebrity baggage means one may pack their own grip.
I think you're right. I'll keep looking for a "non-celeb" pic. There's this one model in the Frederick's catalog who'd be PERFECT, except that I have yet to find a picture of her that I'm entirely satisfied with. There are a couple of pics of her that would be PERFECT, except that the idiot photographer cut off the top of her head, or they put some stupid text across her forehead, or something annoyingly stupid as that. Other than that, the "teasing" look on her face (and in her eyes!) is EXACTLY what I want & what I think of for "Jenny." In other pics of this model, she's either (a) not smiling, (b) not looking directly at the camera (which is a "must," as far as I'm concerned) or (c) is smiling, but not with **quite** the same quality that I want.
***WHEW!!*** Well, after poring through some old catalogs & literally wracking my brains trying to narrow my choices down to a mere five (and then FURTHER trying--without success--to narrow it down to THREE) I finally managed to come up with some possible candidates for that "Jenny" picture. And so, here they are, in order of my preference. To tell the truth, it was an awfully tough call between choice 1 & choice 2 as to which would be my first-favourite. (Choice 2 was ORIGINALLY my first-favourite, but eventually, I gradually moved toward the one that eventually became my choice 1. One of the things that moved me away from Choice 2 was the fact that the top of her head is missing from the original photo, which bugged me, and I wasn't sure if that would be an issue for you either on a technical level.) But the 3rd choice is, I think, pretty cool too; it reminds me a little of the video cover for TIW40, as she could be contemplating some of the mischief she wants to get into while invisible. There's also a 4th choice, but that will have to be sent on a separate e-mail.
This is my 4th choice for that "Jenny" pic. It looks slightly blurry (the original it was scanned from was about the size of a postage-stamp) so I'm not sure if you'd be able to do anything with it, but I thought I'd send it along anyway. In this one, she seems to (to me, anyway) have that same "mischievous" quality that I was really looking for; it even reminds me (a little bit) of the gal from "Gildersleeve's Ghost."
Anyway, look them over, think about which one strikes you as having the most impact AND which seems to best represent what Jenny girl is all about (AND, of course, which one will be most suitable for your needs on a technical-level) and with that feedback, we can then decide on a final choice.
Attached is an IV based on your first choice of Jennys.
I'll hold any editorial comment until I hear yours. Keep in mind that nothing's writ in stone; most of the elements are all on separate layers with most of the hard work in the can.
(With eyebrows raised & mouth hanging wide open): !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, my!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy smokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Oh Dear Lord, I think I'm in love.... "Falling in love again... what am I to do, I can't help it...")
I LOVE what you did with this picture! The overall "look" to it: the blue tinting (I like that; it kind of reminds me a little of "Man Who Wasn't There," the way they'd turn a kind of glowing blue before vanishing), the typography of her name and ESPECIALLY the flask with the radiant light & the little heart in the middle (Sweet! I LOVE IT!! VERY nice touch!) I honestly think this is even better than your picture of "Cat," and you KNOW how nuts I went over THAT!!
I was LITERALLY speechless! It was really weird, but even though I provided the original image & knew what she looked like, it was as though, for me, she didn't really become "Jenny" until I saw her in your image, and then, it was like BOOM! There she IS! Kind of like seeing an actor audition for a part, and that's one thing, but it isn't until they're in costume, with their lines learned and rehearsed that they really come ALIVE and BECOME the character. I had a similar reaction here: When I sent the picture, I thought, "Well, this is sort of what Jenny looks like," but when I saw your image, it was, for me, like: "There she IS!!! That's JENNY!! No question about it!"
For me it was the other way around. The neat thing for me is receiving your original photos and THEN knowing what she really looks like. I'm glad you think the IV still resembles her.
I'm actually ready to go ahead & post it right now, to tell you the truth, except for one teeny-tiny thing: I'm wondering if maybe we might keep ALL the other elements (the blue tinting, the typography, the flask, etc.) and possibly substitute the THIRD choice photo instead, so that she's looking at the flask (and maybe pondering what it will do for her?) What do you think? If you think that would be unworkable (or just plain a dumb idea), please don't hesitate to say so; as I say, I LOVE what you've got right here (and I think everyone who sees it is gonna fall in love with her too!) I'm just wondering if we maybe we should consider another option as well (and besides, well, because I'm GREEDY! **grin**)
In any case, as I said, I LOVE the pic and, like the first time I laid eyes on "Cat," I've right now got tingles & goosebumps running all up & down my back! (She's so darn CUTE, I'm not surprised Ted got so upset when she disappeared on him!) EXCELLENT WORK!!
You must believe that this [blue tint] was ultimately intentional. It all stems from the Erlenmeyer flask (I couldn't find a decent beaker). My original intent was to keep her coloring close to what you sent but I kept moving towards the blue. I knew you'd appreciate the echo [from THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE]. And, overall, it looks quite different from Cat, but similar.
Well, I love it! I thought it was inspired, it gives a (pardon the expression) haunting, yet romantic allure to the image! (And if I ever DO decide to self-publish.....!)
Promises, promises...
This was done with web publishing in mind all the way. The palette is way too limited to make an effective rack display. Of course, a vanity pub need not necessarily work under the same restrictions.
I hate to admit how many fonts and weights I plowed through to end up with University. I had considered a cursive but wanted to stay with a lead font like I used with Cat. The trick was coming up with the right density and merging with the picture in a way that would still read but not detract from Jenny's face.
Somehow, it seems to "fit" her personality, too. I mean, she's bright & spunky (although sometimes mischievous) and yet, deep down, she's basically a sweetheart (so to speak!)
I'll take your word for it--I liked the way it looked in the frame.
If you think that the whole thing should be punchier, I can always add a glow around the type (or make it ripple or the like). I have to admit, 'tho, that I like the subtler approach. But I'll defer to the author-with-art-approval.
I think the type is perfect as is; the subtler the more better it is.
I can't say you're wrong but I AM starting to warm up to the treatment with #3. Other than blipping out and making it all uppercase, I like how variegated it is. And it certainly projects more if that's to your taste.
And I don't want to tell you how much I deliberated over that bit [the heart]--but I will. The inclusion of the heart was serendipitous to say the least.
Well, like the blue tinting, I thought it was inspired, particularly since the story, at heart (pardon the expression) is ultimately a romantic comedy in nature. (News flash: Jenny and Ted are actually very strongly attracted to each other; they're just both too darn stubborn to realize or admit it yet.)
I wanted to have some sort of hot spot and as I had (ahem) removed any clothing and there was no jewelry or such, it was sort of Hobson's choice.
I'll attach the raw image just to show you HOW lucky a notion it was. The real trick was in how subtle to make it. Too little and no one notices, too much and it glares as a beacon.
I think you struck just the right balance between too much & too little. It's just enough to catch the eye without overpowering the other elements of the picture.
You need no more proof of the luck of the Irish than the fact that the heart formed by itself with the mirrored ends of the holder's thumbs. I'd always rather be lucky than good.
Now see, I never would have noticed that if you hadn't pointed it out! As you say, it really was a stroke of good fortune, as it added JUST the right touch (no pun intended) in JUST the right place!
As the tea cup inspired Cat, it was the flask for Jenny.
I'd noticed that! Again, I thought it was inspired.
I did give VERY serious consideration to #3. I believe that I can make it work as well as what you have in hand.
So why didn't I?
As useful as #3's eyeline would have been, I opted for #1. There were several reasons for this. In no particular order: #1 AM #1. I think the expression on her face is striking and harks back to many moments in your story. My only wish is that I didn't have to sacrifice so much of her left hair-doo. The other consideration was strictly in composition. If I moved the flask into proper position for #3, I would end up with a landscape sort of thing which I wanted to avoid. I realize this doesn't have to adhere to the strictures of book dimensions, but I wanted to keep it *somewhat* close to the proportions of most of the illos on your site--not to mention trying to set up some sort of connection with the Cat piece.
Bottom line: I think #1 presents the more compelling image.
And it's not a dumb idea at all. #3 is a very close second and would yield a very similar image to the one you have.
These are all very good reasons & I'll definitely keep them in mind as I make my final decision on which image to use (translation: I received the image based on pic#3, and the goosebumps--and some other things--STILL haven't gone down yet from my viewing it!)
Attached is a QUICK redo using #3.
.................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...........ohhhhhhhhhhhhhwowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww....!!!!! (Paul repeats entire routine of his first reaction: Goosebumps, cold sweat, eyes popping out, mouth hanging wide open, the lenses of his glasses melting, suddenly acquiring the need for a cold shower...) OUTSTANDING!!!!!
Jeez, I wish my paying customers got that jazzed. I do feel it necessary to remind you that Mac'N Mike is not liable for any personal or property damage suffered through the viewing of it's work product.
I'm pleased you like it. I think it's the best I can do right now barring substitution of #3 or spending twice as much time on it. I know I've related the 80-20 rule [80% of the work is done in 20% of the time] in the past.
I think both original images have things going for them.
DEFINITELY!!!
Here's where I must rely on the author's sense of which is more illustrative.
As soon as I can stop drooling over them long enough to evaluate them (somewhat) objectively enough to make the final choice, that is! It won't be easy, because they're BOTH so good! Mmmmmm! Beautiful work!
I don't want you to be objective--that's my job. And there's always a coin to flip. For what it's worth, I may have been wrong in picking #1... I'll leave it up to you as to which version deserves further treatment.
As I said, I'll DEFINITELY be putting a LOT of thought into making THIS decision!!
Good luck. If you want some real uninvolved opinions, ask passing strangers which they like. I'll leave it to your best judgment to avoid getting into a rumble.
Well, I think you've done an excellent, first-rate job on BOTH images. I don't think either of them need any more work at this point; from here on, it's just going to come down to me making a final decision between the two images!
Now I have to thank you for helping with this project. It's so much more fulfilling than doing The Usual.
Hey, if ANYBODY deserves the "thanks," it's YOU! It certainly was a delightful and even INSPIRING little surprise for ME ("inspiring" in that it's actually "inspiring" me to get back to writing stories again!) Again, thanks a MILLION times over for (a) volunteering to do the image in the first place, (b) coming up with such a striking, original, imaginative and tasteful concept and (c) doing (as I said) such an WONDERFUL job of it in the process!
(Hmmmmm.... [looking from one picture to the other] Decisions, decisions..... This is REALLY going to be a tough call... Now I know how the Miss America judges must feel...)
p.s. Will you be adding a page for this & the other image to your "Invisualizations" page by the way? Like you did for the "Cat" image? You should! I'll bet people would LOVE to know some of the thoughts, techniques and creative decisions that went into the creation of this image! (Those foolish mortals think that Great Art simply "happens!")
I suppose I should do just that if for no other reason than to keep the webpages from dustifying and blowing into the ether....
Well, after giving the matter a LOT of thought, I **think** I've finally reached a decision (sort of.) What I think I'd LIKE to do is...
Use BOTH pictures.
Now, now, before you start throwing those tomatoes & crying "Cop-out! Cop-out!" hear me out first (THEN you can pelt me with tomatoes if you want.) What I'm thinking is this: Do you remember how, on my website, the "Cat" picture actually appears TWICE? Once on the story-page and once on the separate "Cat" page? Well, since "Jenny, The Invisible Co-Ed," will probably run into AT LEAST as many chapters (or more) by the time it's completed, I'll probably do the same thing with THAT story as well: Set up the chapters on their own, separate page. And SINCE I'm going to be doing that ANYWAY...
What I'm thinking is this: Set up one of your two pictures on the "Stories" page just above the title: "The Invisible Coed," which will be linked to the page containing the chapters, and on THAT page, use the OTHER picture. That way, I'll be able to use BOTH pictures, for everyone to appreciate and enjoy. (And, not to keep harping on it, but they really ARE both too good not to use! If I were to pick ONE, I KNOW I'd feel guilty over people not getting to see the OTHER one. If this were a print-novel, I'd ask for one illo to go on the front cover & the other to go on the back or on the spine.)
So what I'm thinking is to put the #3 treatment (where she's looking at the flask) on the "Stories" page (as it is the more "alluring & provocative" pic), to pique people's curiosity to read the story (the newcomers, that is) and then use the #1 treatment (which is the more "welcoming" image) at top of the "Invisible Co-Ed" page, so that the first thing the reader sees when they click onto that page is Jenny's warm, sexy smiling face greeting them, a kind of nonverbal/visual "Welcome to my story!" It'll be a nice little surprise, like "Hello! What have we here?" So this way, I'll be able to use BOTH pictures.
Whatcha think?
Given that you're determined to use both,
you've probably come up with the best plan under the
circumstances.
Failing that, I was leaning a bit towards #3, for a
totally-subjective
reason which is probably not clear to ANYONE at this point except
the author. And that reason is, while the #3 picture still conveys
the same sense of a "romantic comedy" as #1, it also
has (as a result of the expression on her face) a slightly more
"pensive" quality to it, indicating that, although
the story IS comedic, there WILL also be some "poignant"
elements to it later on as well. (Jenny WILL have to shed some
tears before this story is over and--assuming I pull it off
successfully--our
hearts will ache with her. But it'll be okay-the sun will come
out again and unlike Cat," there WILL be a "happy
ending.")
And the #3 picture-for me, anyway-contains just a tiny HINT that
there will be something else coming down the road, besides
comedy/romance.
(Possibly I might have been pondering this on a subconscious
level when I chose the pic?)
It was really a coin-flip for me. Believe me, if I had a preference for one I would not be shy about lobbying for it. As you say, you have your own reasons for seeing certain things in each. I think even a casual viewer would have different emotional responses to each.
Re: the type/font of her name. My personal preference is for the #1 treatment, with upper-and-lowercase lettering and the subdued, semi-transparent font color. However, the lighter color of the #3 treatment IS more striking, and would probably be a better attention-grabber, especially for its intended use on the "Stories" page, as I plan to do.
Glad you were pleased and I haven't gone over my two-submission limit to clients. ...I offer chocolate or vanilla. It gives 'em one to keep and one to pitch.
Good heavens! If I'd had THREE submissions to choose from, I'd be lucky if I'd reached a decision before the next ice-age!! (I'd had enough difficulty choosing between the two; I felt like a mother choosing which of her children would live or die...)
And whichever you pick, I MUST do some final touch-up. Nothing too radical--just a necessary part of the process.
Well, like I said, I **think** I've come up with the solution. So at this stage, I'd say to go ahead & do whatever tweaking & touching-up as you feel is necessary. Then, when you're ready & satisfied with it, send me the "final, polished" versions and I'll go ahead & post them.
This was sort of a rush job. Not your fault, I just felt like striking while the iron was still reasonably hot. What I like to do is get that 80% done, stick it in a drawer, pull it out after a few days/weeks, and look at it with new eyes. Then the last 20% is more apparent for the extra distance in time.
I seem to be happier when I'm working a commission to certain specs and expectations. You'd think that it would be funner if one just went ahead and did whatever struck one's fancy. I like starting a job within a framework and then, at some point, breaking outside of the box.
This project was a great lesson in working with layers and blending them in different ways; using lighting effects; rendering textures; and working with gradients. The more I learn, the more convinced that I'm only scratching the surface potential of PS and I'm probably making thing's more difficult for not knowing the "tricks." I have spent some time in the tutorial but there isn't a whole lot there that is on-point for the manips we're doing.
I'll let experience remain my primary teacher. For example, #3 took me a fraction of the time of #1. Certainly I had a lot of the prepped elements on hand, but KNOWING what to do and in what order can't be beat.
I ran both versions past my mentor and he chose #3 with no hesitation. You have to keep in mind that he was looking at it without an FI perspective. He evaluated them in toto without the baggage we carry. #3 came up tops, in his opinion in composition. I've gotta listen to him. He's 20 years my senior and has taught me a heck of a lot over the years.
That's good enough for me; as a matter of fact, I even showed them to my Dad, who, as you say, doesn't carry any FI baggage either, and without hesitation, HE chose the #3 treatment as well as being the most striking.
That's interesting. It just goes to show how much WE know. I think we may excuse ourselves for being too close to the project. In a nutshell, I agree #3 is the more dynamic image; what raises #1 to a similar level is the fact that I spent much more time on it and it shows the extra finesse.
Well, this certainly is "above and beyond the call," as it were, FAR beyond the usual "manipping" job, there's no question about that!
Attached are the two Jenny IVs. They are full-sized, 32 bit files. Adjust as necessary for your site.
...they look great! As far as I'm concerned, they're good to go. I like the extra little touches you added (the borders & the "trademark" logo certainly doesn't hurt!) Soon as I cobble together that separate "Jenny" page, I'll post them immediately.
I suggest you use large thumbnails on the pages themselves so someone with the mythical average browser window may view the whole image without scrolling. Then you may link them to the full-sized files in case anyone wants to view and/or print in greater detail.
We definitely must be on the same frequency, because I was just thinking the same thing myself, even BEFORE I received the final versions of the pics. As you say, I wanted people to be able to see the whole pics if they wanted, without forcing the casual observer to have to scroll down the page to get to the story-links. So I will, in fact, do that very suggestion of making large "thumbnails" on the actual page, to link to the full-size versions.
It goes without saying (except this time) that I am still able and willing to make any changes you suggest.
Well, like I said: this here looks good to go & all ready & set to post. All that needs be done now, is for me to say, once again: "Well done! Excellent job!"