Creativity and New Media

For the creativity assignment, I had chosen to explore and use my imaginative side through the use of the online virtual world Second Life. This assignment was both fun and challenging because I had never used Second Life before, though I heard about its existence in the past and we also read about it in our class reading. Therefore getting familiar with how to use the different tools and navigating through the various worlds took some time, patience and practice. But, overall It was an exciting learning curve and I wanted to try out Second Life for myself and see what it was all about.

First the basics. I had to register and create a user name or avatar name (SundayD) and then download the Second Life Viewer. It's all free to set up, however you will need Second Life currency called Linden Dollars if you are planning to make purchases in the virtual world.

A quick note, I'm using a MacBook pro for the assignment, and the application is a battery drainer or as I like to call it a 'battery dragon' because the mac also felt like it was heating up.

After a bit of a hiccup trying to download the Second Life Viewer and trying to open it up, I was finally all set and ready to go.

Next, I set everything up and opened up the application, I re-logged into my account and when the platform opened up I was taken to orientation Island where I was allowed to create a basic starter avatar. Plus in this area, I learned how Second Life works and other important user information.

Additionally, here you are given a tutorial of how to move around, jump and even fly. You are then taken through a kind of building structure that's set up like a maze so that new users can practice how to move around and play with the different tools. You also start meeting new avatar as well. Moreover, you also get to change your avatar from a list of predesign avatar templates. 

I picked a vampire as my first choice to experiment with since Halloween is coming up and I figured I'd try out something fun and ghoulish but not too scary like a zombie. Nevertheless, Second Life lets you choose from different types of avatars such as new avatars, fantasy, vampires, or classic avatars. 

After I created my avatar I went investigating and trying out how to walk, run, jump and fly and I even chatted with other avatars and checked out the shops (Yeah, they aren't free and you'll need those Linden Dollars if you want to purchase any extras). 

Finally, after I was done exploring, reading user tips and watching tutorials and speaking with a few other avatars, I was ready to enter the Second Life universe. 

As I was leaving I was reminded that after I left the orientation area I wouldn't be permitted to return. In other words, it was a one-way ticket to the outside virtual world. But, all the needed tools were still accessible all around the screen, so I wasn't lost if I forgot how to make my avatar do something.

After I finally entered the virtual world, I was in the Second Life main courtyard. I was now ready to explore further which I did, by visiting different worlds or destinations and meeting more people scattered across the different destinations. I hadn't met any rude or disrespectful avatars, which was nice since the experience for new users can be intimidating.

Afterward I choice an adventure/ Fantasy destination, I was transported to my new island called 'Storybook Forest,' which I liked because of the different fairytale and fantasy landscapes and characters. After I walked around, I settled into the Alice in Wonderland theme area so I could work on and update my avatar uninterpreted.

I then changed my avatar multiple times, from the first vampire I picked to now other avatars until I finally settled on an angel that I liked because of the wings and so I started taking it apart in order to make him uniquely mine. ........................................................................................ 

First, I had to toy around with the different tools to see how I can create my own personal avatar, without having to spend any real money or Linden Dollars to make the modifications I wanted. It took me some time, but I found the different tools and the manipulation buttons that would help and then I started playing around with the different tabs.

I got rid of his shoes, the sword and the halo and changed his white hair to brown and added a whole body tattoo and took away the body armor. 

I then started working with the avatar's facial features and body proportions. It was fun but it was also a lot of hits and misses until I got what I felt I was looking for.

the process was so much fun that I even lost track of the time as I kept fiddling around and changing different parts of the avatar until it looked so different with its overly exaggerated features.

My Avatar isn't perfect, but I like it because it's so different and unique and I was able to have full creative control over what I was doing.

This is the final version, where I then added thorn up clothes to give him a retro look. He seems right at home within the Alice and Wonderland theme and next to the Madhatter.

Side by Side comparison of the original avatar and my own new and unique avatar.

After I was done finalizing my new avatar, I took him out to visit other virtual destinations and meet new people. However, a bit of a warning, there are some places that are x-rated and might not be suited for minors or those who will get offended by nudity.

My overall experience was positive and a lot of fun. I was able to be very creative with my avatar and I also even noticed that I could further let my creative show by designing new elements within the virtual world through the tools provided. However, at present, I don't have time to get too deep into the technicality, codes or further adding to the Second Life universe, but maybe in the future, I will return again and add some new fun things as well and even change my avatar again. However, one thing I think Second Life should do is allow users to put their own faces on the avatars (not sure if it can currently be done) but I think that would be even more fun.

Avatar flying.