1. Onuma, Ken. "Stray Music Video for ARZE." BISMCS 472 Advanced Media Production Workshop. February 1, 2024.

In this music video, I worked with ARZE to create a visual narrative for the song "Stray." The video tells the story of a boy who, after washing up on the shores of Washington on a cold night, embarks on a journey seeking love, warmth, and shelter in the state’s harsh, gloomy environment. Despite his efforts, he ultimately decides to leave in search of a fresh start elsewhere. I developed key production skills through this project, including conceptualizing a story from start to finish and using references to plan the shots that would best convey our narrative. I also honed technical skills like video editing, as well as camera and lighting techniques, which were crucial for achieving the desired visual tone.

I selected this project for my portfolio because it was both the most rewarding and challenging project I’ve completed in a video class. It gave me the opportunity to lead a team, turning a creative vision into a finished product. The experience taught me the importance of planning and teamwork, especially when coordinating shoot dates and managing the difficulties of filming in cold weather while keeping the artist safe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqbSiYCk_08

2. Onuma, Ken . "OASIS 3D Environment." Feb 2024

In this project, I created a 3D environment called "OASIS" using Unreal Engine, featuring a misty coastal scene with dynamic water, waves, and a lone boat drifting in the atmosphere. The goal was to expand my understanding of environment design by experimenting with new visual effects and tools. I aimed to create a tranquil yet mysterious scene that captured the moodiness of misty coastal waters. Through this project, I developed skills in using Unreal Engine’s water simulation tools, particle effects for mist and smoke, and advanced techniques for mapping and shaping environments. I also refined my understanding of lighting to create the subtle and immersive atmosphere needed for a misty setting.

I chose to include this project in my portfolio because it represents a key checkpoint in my growth as a 3D artist. It allowed me to build upon what I had learned from my previous projects, like "Passage," and explore new techniques that pushed my creative boundaries. Much like with my previous project, "Passage," I faced technical challenges due to my computer’s limited capabilities. These constraints required me to optimize real-time rendering and adjust settings to manage performance, such as reducing quality during editing and underclocking my PC. Additionally, navigating the learning curve of new tools and techniques meant frequent research and troubleshooting, which made the process both challenging and enriching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOFC59KHi0I&themeRefresh=1

3. Onuma, Ken. "Intersecting Realities: Exploring the Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Implications
of VR and AR Technologies." B WRIT 135, 6/5/23.


In "Intersecting Realities," authored by Ken Onuma as part of B WRIT 135, published on June 5,
2023, the author delves into the impacts of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
technologies. Coming from a background in 3D modeling and virtual design, Onuma explores
not only the technological aspects but also the social, emotional, and cognitive implications of
these emerging technologies. The paper aims to dissect how VR and AR influence human
interaction in both virtual and real-world settings, examining their effects on mental, social, and
physical well-being. Onuma's interests, drives a comprehensive study into how these
technologies shape human behavior. This work is an academic pursuit within the interactive
media major, seeking to understand the existential risks and benefits of VR/AR in shaping
human interaction and societal norms.

Choosing "Intersecting Realities" for my annotated bibliography was pivotal in highlighting my
academic journe. This work, a blend of my passion and scholarly pursuit, represents a crucial
step in my development as a scholar. It wasn't just about showcasing my work but also about
illustrating the challenges and learning curves I encountered while researching something. The
process of exploring VR and AR technologies, a subject deeply intertwined with my major in
media. Also exposed me to the complexities of technology's impact on society and individual
behavior beyond just using it. In essence, this paper is a showcase to my evolving
understanding and critical thinking through research. marking a new skill that has helped me
immensely since.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xxdlAsdIM9-8Hrewzwv7mwaT_fKLNER7/edit

4.Onuma, Ken. "Passage 3D Environment." December 2023.

In this project, I created a 3D environment titled "Passage" using Unreal Engine, featuring a mysterious, foliage-covered door in a dense and overgrown setting. The environment blends beauty and realism, aiming to evoke a sense of mystery and discovery within a lush, immersive space. Inspired by a desire to build captivating worlds, this project allowed me to explore the creative potential of Unreal Engine despite the limitations of my computer hardware. During this project, I developed foundational skills in various aspects of Unreal Engine, including modeling, texturing, rendering, blocking, lighting, and creating cinematics. While I did not engage in coding, the project gave me hands-on experience with the technical and artistic elements required to bring a virtual scene to life.

I chose this project for my portfolio because it represents a significant milestone in my journey as a 3D artist. As my third attempt in Unreal Engine, it stands out as a high point in my early work and serves as a testament to my growth and commitment to improving my craft. The project presented several technical challenges, particularly due to my computer’s limited processing power. To overcome this, I learned commands to lower the quality of foliage during real-time editing and even underclocked my PC to ensure stable performance. Navigating these obstacles often required researching tutorials and troubleshooting issues, making the learning process both challenging and rewarding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKzbCrQoC4

5. Onuma, Ken. Abeona, 23 Feb. 23. 2021.


In Abeona, Onuma was tasked with creating an application UI for B IMD 250 published on
February,23,2023. The designer chose to create a travel application for women to safely travel
the world. The goal was to allow women to get information on safe places for women to travel
through a safe community that also acted as a travel guide and reviewer of sorts. Through this
User Interface, Onuma was able to design and present the application to be reviewed by
professionals in the field.

I chose Abeona specifically because it was a new design type I had never approached. Through
the class I learned the approaches and research that goes into creating an interactive
experience for people. This then allowed me to take this into future projects with a similar
approach of considering the users/viewers of my works and bettering them.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1WgkFPqsjydp8N4v7JxNwznKECjIv9GgV

6. Onuma, Ken. "Little Things." Screenplay, June 8 2021

"Little Things," a screenplay written by Ken Onuma, for CMS 370 A Sp 21: Basic Screenwriting
portrays the emotional turmoil in a domestic setting. The narrative unfolds in a snowy winter
home. The script highlight s the deterioration of the couple's relationship, showing a stark
difference between their past happiness and current distress. The screenplay uses powerful
imagery and sharp contrasts paint a picture of a family in crisis, struggling to hold onto the little
things that once brought them joy.

In writing "Little Things," I aimed to explore the complex dynamics of family relationships and
the impact of unresolved conflicts in a creative and fresh way. This screenplay is significant to
my portfolio as it shows my venture into more emotionally charged and character-driven
storytelling. The challenge was to convey deep emotional turmoil and the gradual breakdown
of a relationship through minimal yet powerful scenes. This work marks a significant point in my
development as a storyteller, showcasing my ability to create compelling narratives on top of
my other works as well.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1WgkFPqsjydp8N4v7JxNwznKECjIv9GgV


7. Onuma, Ken. ESD SCHOOL DATA: Q: 31, 32, 33, Safai Anthony, Nguyen Nathan, Onuma
Ken, Hopoi Qyiauna, 12 Dec. 2023.

In ESD SCHOOL DATA presented by Safai Anthony, Nguyen Nathan, Onuma Ken and Hopoi
Qyiauna the group in BIS 232 A Au 22: Introduction To Data Visualization was tasked with taking data from the Edmonds school district to create visualizations and reasoning behind the data for presentation purposes. The group explores the communication between teachers and parents and how that may affect a child's performance in school. The work found that the more involved the parent the better the child would do. The group also explored the impact race had on communication with teachers in relation to the child's performance. They found that white/Caucasian families had an easier time communicating resulting in better performance for the child.
I chose this presentation for my annotated bibliography because it showcases my skills in
evaluating and visualizing data an important skill in our now digital-based world. This work
drove me to evaluate and visualize data in a different way and allowed me to spearhead my
way into other data-based work in my minor computer science.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zfuDQNnyanFD4URo6_2wlKPtuPnGfqYpAZCFVt-MmSI/edit#slide=id.p


8. Onuma, Ken. "Raise the Red Lantern" and "The World Before Her": Women's Oppression and
Their Fight Back. BIS 324 A, 6/12/23.


Onuma's essay, written for BIS 324 A and dated June 12, 2023, examines the historical
oppression and violence against women and their resistance to such treatment. The essay
specifically analyzes two films: Zhang Yimou's "Raise the Red Lantern" and Nisha Pahuja's "The
World Before Her." Onuma explores the different forms of oppression depicted in these films,

including patriarchal control, societal norms, and political ideologies, and how these forms are
manifested in various parts of the world. The essay highlights the use of cinematic techniques in
these films to portray the struggles and resistance of women against oppressive systems.
Onuma's analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of women's
oppression and their resilience.
I chose this essay for my annotated bibliography because it reflects a crucial aspect of my
academic growth and understanding of global issues. The analysis of women's oppression
through film helped me deepen my comprehension of the complexities and variations in how
women are subjugated and resisted in different cultural contexts. This work contributed to my
development as a scholar, enhancing my analytical skills and broadening my perspective on
gender studies, film analysis and global issues. It represents a key part of my journey in

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bUouwQiFrBl2B5J8Afp3FWsQQWHUye1L5aUfY8Yvm5o/edit?tab=t.0