Magnificent Mediums mARTch '24 completed - come check it out!

Your Main Character - Moodboard

Explanation: I have been using image generators for pictures of Estelle, but she does actually have a faceclaim. I wanted to explore more pictures that I could use for Estelle.
Credits: Made using Canva, free stock images from DuckDuckGo

Skeletons in Your Closet - Outfit Design

Explanation: I decided to design an outfit inspired by the prompt.
Credits: Made using pen and paper.

Graduation - Moodboard

Explanation: A moodboard inspired by graduation.
Credits: Made using Canva, free stock images from DuckDuckGo

Uagadou - Banner

Explanation: I made a banner for Uagadou.
Credits: Made using Canva. Images are from DuckDuckGo, Canva and the Uagadou page.

Technology - Article

Explanation: I was curious about this, so I thought I'd do some research.
Credits: Made using my brain, some articles on Reddit and ScreenRant and the Wizarding World Website.

Why Technology Doesn't Work in Hogwarts - A Study

by Estelle Nyx Head of Donut Quality Control xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Pretty much any muggle-born witch or wizard will have wondered why technology doesn't work in Hogwarts. It's one of the key differences between the muggle and magical worlds. Yet some technology does work in Hogwarts - analogue watches and alarm clocks seem to do just fine. In this article, we'll try rewrite this chapter of Hogwarts: A History and explain why.

Firstly, let's look at the reasons why wizards don't use technology in general. When the International Statue of Secrecy came in to action, wizards began to interact less with muggles, allowing them to use magical methods of transportation such as portkeys and brooms. In this way, the majority of the magical community separated from muggle society and as such, any technological advances it holds. In addition, much of the wizarding community prides itself on being able to do everything muggles can and more, without the help of technology.

However, muggle-born witches and wizards still use this technology in there everyday lives, with some of it being of great use e.g. Google. So why does it not work within Hogwarts?

A potential reason could be down to Hogwarts' unplottable status. Most technology uses GPS sensors which track it's location. If it's in an unplottable area, it may disable the GPS tracker and as such break the phone, especially as technology often relies on satellite signals which would presumably be blocked.

Another reason could be down to magic itself. Magic could emit an electromagnetic frequency. If so, high amounts of magic in places such as Hogwarts could potentially disrupt poorly shielded pieces of technology such as phones or laptops. But then, why do analogue watches work?

Alternately, magic could just disrupt complex electronics due to the complexities of the microchips/transistors within them. This would explain why simple, battery powered technology such as watches and clocks would still work.

A final reason could be that magic simply breaks the laws of physics as muggles understand them, breaking technology by disrupting the circuits within them.

It is unlikely there will be just one cause - the truth is probably a combination of multiple theories and reasons. However, there is research being done into why this happens and one day, it may even be possible for students to type up assignments!

Facing the Darkness - Banner

Explanation: Inspired by Estelle's positivity.
Credits: Made using Canva. Images are from Canva and DuckDuckGo

Bonus:

Love Story - Writing

Explanation: How Nate realised he was gay and what happened after. TW homophobia.
Hexcodes: Nate #056303 Aiden #860404
Credits: Made using my brain.

Nate had always liked Aiden. He was the class clown, funny and chaotic - the exact opposite of Nate. It surprised Nate when they became friends...

It was after class, in third grade. Both Nate and Aiden were waiting to be picked up; They were the only ones left. Aiden had been chatting to their teacher, Ms Summers. Nate had been reading a book.

Aiden sat down next to Nate, grinning. Nervously, Nate looked up.

"I've read that - it's really funny isn't it."

"Yeah. I-it's one of my favourite books."

"Do you wanna read the next one?"

"Yeah"

"I've got it at home - I'll bring it tomorrow."

And just like that, a new friendship was formed.

Aiden always chatted to Nate, making jokes and roping him into his pranks. Little by little, Nate became more comfortable, more confident around him, sometimes coming up with and implementing pranks himself. He joined Aiden's friend group - four boys and a girl who loved to make mischief.

Aiden had been the one to invite Nate onto the soccer team. He'd shown Nate how to play - staying up during sleepovers and sneaking out the the garden to show him new moves and tricks. It was on one of those sleepovers, in 5th grade, that Nate realised their friendship was more than just a friendship. Nate liked Aiden.

He told him the next day, at break. They'd been friends for years, never keeping secrets so Nate didn't feel like there was any reason to make this one.

"I like you"

"Only like? I though we were friends!"

"Ha ha. I mean - I think I have a crush on you."

Aiden sat up straighter.

"What?"

"I like like you."

"No you don't. Quit fooling around."

"I'm not joking."

"Get away from me."

Nate moved away, surprised. He hadn't expected Aiden to act this way. They were friends, weren't they?

"I can't believe I've been hanging out with you all this time. I knew you weren't normal."

Nate ran. He thought - he didn't know what he thought was going to happen. Aiden was never going to like him back. He didn't know why he'd told him. Aiden was right - Nate wasn't normal. But he wanted to be. Nate resolved to never fall in love with a boy again.

Secret Tunnel - Poem

Explanation: The Mirror of Erised
Credits: Made using my brain

She found it, beneath the frame
of one long gone, only legacy remain,
the founder of what she called home
where she no longer felt alone.

She stepped inside, looking to see
what the past and present mystery,
was hidden behind the dark, stone walls.
She turned hearing a loving call.

Her father stood, her mother too
'round her all creatures became anew
each hidden safely, free from harm
in a world where kindness is the charm

but she knew that it was not to be,
this utopia she saw.
She'd read many a book and knew
what this mirror was for

her gaze dropped and she turned,
still longing for the glass,
she'd try to make this world like that
and this time it would last

Spring Into... - Moodboard

Explanation: I wanted to explore using moodboards to create a larger image from multiple smaller ones. I used an image of a field of daises as my inspiration because they always make me think of spring.
Credits: Made using Canva. Images are from DuckDuckGo