Inspiration

Ode to GameStop
Most people see this sign and think that it is a waste of time, that there is no purpose in what they are selling. That most of their consumers are smelly and do not have any social lives. Now, in this modern day, the attitude towards gamers has changed. There is something for everyone. Why has this attitude changed recently? I believe it is because there is something for everyone and everyone wants to find an escape. There are also other reasons as to why the attitude towards gamers has changed. Sometimes when the world seems cruel and all your “friends” call you names, video games are there for you, when you need to feel validated and loved. You can also live out your wildest fantasy, if you want to ride a broom in Hogwarts, or fight orcs as Aragorn-you can! A lot of people will see just a game, but all gamers know that there is more to the game. As we all know, art can come in many forms and video games are a form of art. The storytelling, graphics, and voice actors all come together to make this magnificent art. There is one central location that we go to, to get our own piece of artwork, where we all share a common interest. We made friends while sharing these artists' work; where we all shared adventures together. As games have evolved into more multiplayer and co-op, we have had opportunities to stay up every night at sleepovers trying to get to that one last level; trying to compete with each other to prove who is the best. This also proves who has your back and is willing to sacrifice the victory, sacrificing their perfect score, for you to come back into the game. Late nights with games are what can make bonds with friends stronger. Video games do not care who is behind the remote. You can be any color, gender, sexual orientation; you can be who you are with no discrimination. The online community can be harsher, but it is getting better as the attitude towards gamers changes. GameStop was the place to be when the Halo3 launch came out; or when Activision introduced Guitar Hero; or when they introduced Call of Duty World at War- which launched the franchise's best multiplayer aspect: zombies. When people see a GameStop logo we see opportunities to make friends, to embrace the stories and connect with the main character. Then we as a community share our opinions in the game whether we like certain aspects of the game, just like The Last of Us. We agree that it is one of the best games of all time and were ecstatic when they announced the second one. Unfortunately, my friends and I agreed that the gameplay and artwork was amazing, but the ending to the story left us a little unsatisfied. We, as a community, can share our opinions and make friends. Just like Michelangelo or Picasso, these artists are legends in the making, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and other hit games has influenced pop culture significantly. A world without GameStop would be unimaginable. Like a world without the Mona Lisa, that has inspired many songs and stories. We see GameStop as others view an art gallery. Just because our art is digital does not mean it can't inspire others to see their true potential, feel better about themselves and have an escape from reality. So, next time you look at a GameStop logo, remember, it is not just a store. It is an art gallery that inspires individuals; it is a place that gives “Power to the players”.
By Emma Mark3 years ago in Art
Words & Pictures
I bite my plastic straw as I suck overly-sweet iced vanilla latte into my mouth, unreasonably nervous and hyper-caffeinated (not the best combination). I’m trying to draw the ‘50s-style stool at the counter, but my sketch looks more like a weird robot with wonky legs. I am a terrible artist, and this person is going to see right through me immediately; there’s no way they’re going to want to work with me. My leg bobs up and down, which is not helping my jittering hands or pounding heart. I shouldn’t be here–it’s Wednesday! I should be at my comic shop picking up new releases. I’m just about to get up and run for the door when the person I’m meeting walks in. I recognize them from their profile pic–they have straight, shoulder-length brown hair, round glasses, and a curvy figure. They’re wearing a green shirt under denim overalls. Their gray eyes are piercing. They spot me immediately and make a bee-line for my table and I somehow manage not to curse out loud.
By Bex Jordan3 years ago in Art
Say Cheese!
The diver flashed his camera at the strange creature, capturing an image of her waving a bony, clawed hand at him. Her blue hair floated out behind her like a flag gusting on a rather windy day.
By Maddy Haywood3 years ago in Art
The Cat-skull Lamp. Content Warning.
Years ago - perhaps a decade ago now - I stayed home from work to recover from a cold. I still lived with my parents; dad was outside doing some kind of yard work and mom was at work. I had just gotten back in bed after making a cup of hot tea and checking on my brother when I was surprised to hear my mom come home.
By Megan Baker (Left Vocal in 2023)3 years ago in Art
The Whispering Stars
Vincent van Gogh's painting "Starry Night" has always held a magical allure. With its swirling skies and luminescent stars, it seems to beckon viewers into a dreamlike world. Tonight, we delve into this world, where stars whisper secrets and reality is as malleable as the vibrant colors on Van Gogh's canvas.
By Stevie Johnson3 years ago in Art
Beacon Of Hope
https://sites.ualberta.ca/~mhirji/water.html Anybody who has read my stories would know I have a complicated relationship with my family. I have not seen any one of them for almost four years, however not a day goes by when I don't think of them. Above is a link to my talented dad's art page. Under watercolor in the water section is a painting called Beacon of Hope. That painting speaks to me. I feel I am the one in the water, with only my head above. I feel so overwhelmed by life, overstimulation, the lack of empathy-you name it. Yet there is no denying that someone out there is looking to save me.
By Sid Aaron Hirji3 years ago in Art
The tale of a lover birds
How the story started. A man was dating a beautiful damsel, and they were so much in love and they both shared things in common, and no secret was kept from each other.
By James stephen Kalu3 years ago in Art
Less is More: Embracing the Elegance of Minimalist Design
Minimalist design is a design approach that emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and the removal of unnecessary elements to create clean and functional aesthetics. It originated in the mid-20th century and has since become a popular style across various fields, including architecture, art, interior design, and graphic design.
By Lunart3 years ago in Art
The Sisters' Feast
The sisters sat upon their bench, using flowers from the garden to create garlands that would hang in the hallways and from the windows. It was a tradition and their garden never failed to amaze. It was always bountiful, blooming in the brightest colors with the richest scents.
By Katrina Thornley3 years ago in Art
B.I. Mona Lisa
“Mona, you keep moving. You will need to hold very still.” “How still, Mr. Leo?” “Still like my stargazing eyes, or my steady hand. Watch, as it intrinsically strokes and caresses the page with all these magnificent symmetrical shapes and color. Marvelous! How about it, Mona?”
By Beautiful Intelligence3 years ago in Art
Alan Arkin
Alan Arkin, a name that resonates with versatility and artistic brilliance, has captivated audiences for over six decades with his profound acting skills, directing prowess, and musical talents. Born on March 26, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, Arkin embarked on a remarkable journey that showcases his resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to his craft. From his humble beginnings in the theater to becoming an Oscar-winning actor, Arkin's life serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists worldwide. This biographical account delves into the profound impact Arkin has made on the entertainment industry, highlighting his achievements, challenges, and the enduring legacy he has carved for himself.
By Yamira Ureña García3 years ago in Art
To Make Money, Or To Make Happiness?
To make money, or to make happiness, that is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the mundane that leads to outrageous fortune, or to take arms by pen to fill the emptiness. I felt the best way to introduce the central idea of today’s post would be with an appropriately mutilated excerpt from Shakespeare’s vault. I know I’m not the only one who’s looked at life like this. If you made it this far, that’s probably why you’re here too. Why is it so impossible to feel like you’re doing something that’s not only worthwhile, but at its most selfish, base level of existence…FUN? And why can’t you make money doing it?
By Nicky Lazos3 years ago in Art