Blog Post #1

https://www.usdtl.com/blog/dmt-an-overview

https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/dmt/

My topic is the exploration of out of body experiences and why it has been normalized in our culture to pursue them through recreational activities. In other words: why young people feel the need to pursue out of body experiences in a world that is scary enough as is. This topic will explore- and its end result will appeal- specifically to the millennial and gen-z generations, and how the use of psychedelic tools (with a focus on DMT) has skyrocketed as a means to search within one’s self for a deeper purpose as the world crumbles around us. I selected this topic because the casual nature of the use of DMT is incredibly fascinating, especially when you see the demographic using it as well as its correlation to large and worldly events. Members of my generation, (Gen Z), have always been surrounded by terrible tragedy, especially with the speed in which info travels. An example of this being our oldest members being young children during 9/11. We were born into a lack of hope and a rise of overall despair- we feel small despite having big voices. All of these things translate into a desire to feel a deeper connection or purpose, hence the use of mind-altering substances.

I decided that I want to use animation (and potentially a mix of videography) as my medium. This process is often used to create scenes and experiences that cannot actually happen in our world. This ties into the topic because out of body, or otherwise psychedelic experiences can only be felt by the user- they cannot be replicated by simple means of videography or story telling. Animation will help me explore my topic as I transpose some common experiences that people note while partaking in DMT (an important note about DMT- it is the chemical released in your brain when you are dying. When you take it recreationally, you are replicating what it feels like to die- you are “dead” for 10 minutes. People use this to seek out answers about themselves, feel connection, and seek out answers about the human experience as a whole.) into a visually digestible experience. 

I have done animation in the past, and have been able to get some rough results from it. However, for this project I want to have the animation much smoother and more “industry standard” and polished. I plan to use 12 fps for a 2-5 minute film, which would be anywhere from 1,440-3,600 drawings. 

While there are some animated shows that explore certain psychedelic themes like Adventure Time or The Midnight Gospel which take overarching concepts and apply them to the narrative already in the show’s story, my project would be a one-off and deeper, more literal exploration of what one could experience on their own search for meaning. My project will be important to others because most people feel fear; fear about what is happening in the world, a fear of death, a lack of connection, etc. This project will explore these themes, with an overarching message of “you are not alone”. I have always been interested in animation, film, and TV. That is my secret dream goal- to create or be otherwise involved in writing for tv. I think this is a good step in that direction, while also calling back to other areas of study that would help my portfolio pop.