Fun Digi:InDesign

Although InDesign in a new program for me I am very familiar with Publisher, which is essentially* the same thing.  So, when we were asked to make a magazine spread, I was confident I would have no problem. Being creative is easy--getting the project to look the way you envision in you head is hard!  This was my attempt, I'm not satisfied and will rework by removing the hands, enhancing the city, fixing the blurbs and modifying my article to a few finer points. 

FunDigi: Photoshop (PostModern Self Portraits)

I have always wanted to know the ins and outs of Photoshop. I was very excited about the next assignment—using images that you’ve personally take, stock images from online, and collage elements we were asked to communicate a clear message and tone about something you could not tell about me by simply looking at me.

Fishing: I wanted to take it take it easy on my first attempt. Stock photography is sometimes hard to use, and make fit into your creativity box. So I simply took a picture of an experience I had while fishing and combined it with three separate stock images (the fish, the dock, and the background.) Next time, I’ll include more realistic elements—maybe a dock with others fishing, you should be able to see the rest of the line, and the pole. Also, a fish that size should have some weight to it—I wouldn’t be able to hold it up with just my thumb. Small changes would make this more believable.

Collage: I had a few different ideas on what I wanted to collage together, but I struggled to fit them into a 8.5x11. I believe the message is clear, and I had very good feedback on the images I produced, but to me it’s crowed and uneven. I would rework to create more fluid eye movement, and I’d figure out a way to include the staircase, but not have it jumbled into the middle. I scanned images from magazines I had at home, like Cosmo, Pottery Barn, and Kohl’s catalog’s and combined with a picture taken earlier that day.

vs. the World: This image is by far my favorite. I wanted to convey my self confidence to ‘rule the world,’ otherwise accomplish my goals in life. I also wanted to convey that I can do what it takes to do that—which is why I changed my faces. It also reminds me that you may have to wear many hats (faces) to get what you want. Something I’m learning how to do over time. I had taken a picture of the globe on display at the local aquarium (hence the fish) and compiled random pictures of myself from over the last year or so. I’m inspired by this image, and am considering incorporating elements into my logo. In reworking I would take out the fish on the globe, cover up my chest a little more, and remove the tag on the football pads. Overall this is my favorite work so far.

FunDigi:Illustrator

Open on a small computer lab--I just got kicked out of Intro to Photography because I didn't have my pre-requisites. While I was being degraded on my lack of ability I jumped onto ODU's class registration site, and luckily got into a class just downstairs. Fundamentals of Digital Art. Upon entering the already started class, the young professor immediately let me know that "The class was full, and there's a waiting list." Lucky me--I was already in.

Our first assignment was in Adobe Illustrator. Sounded simple enough--we were going to design a box for a toy. We had a around 3 weeks to complete the project; around a weeks in I was completely frustrated. I raised my hand, and asked for help-- I looked around and seemed alone in my aggravation. By the end of class #3 I had enough. I waited until the class left and asked the teacher to explain further how exactly I was supposed to accomplish anything when I could barely figure out how to use the tools. When she explained that I should just play around with the program, and I would eventually get it--I bust into tears.(Sounds vaguely familiar--reminded me of my frustration years ago trying to write my first Research Paper). I think I shocked the teacher, because immediately she felt bad. I being the complex and ridiculous persona I am--rushed out of there as to not let anyone see my cry mumbling "I think I've mad a mistake."

I should probably inject here--typically I'm a jack of all trades, and learn really quickly. I can change a tire, do hard mathematical equations, find my way around a foreign city, etc. So, when I couldn't figure out how to manipulate the PEN TOOL--I was beyond myself.

Anyway, turns out I hit a nerve. The next class, the professor handed out simple to understand, easy to follow explicit instructions on how to get the accuracy we needed to succeed. Whew--from there it was a matter of figuring out what I wanted to design, how and what message I wanted to convey.

In came Sexy Barbie. I used to love Barbie, but I'm also a feminist. Well, eventually while looking for a fresh perspective it hit me. Barbie undressed looked just like a centerfold in playboy magazine. So--Sexy Barbie series was born. I love the design of my logo, but struggled to get the overall look I wanted for the rest of the design.

If I was to do it again, I would use less pre-designed images (stamps) and take more time to create my own images. I’d also re-work the box layout, and make it more interesting. Work on my composition, and remove some unnecessary items. It’s on my to-do list to rework.

The start...

In a mere stroke of genius I decided I should go back to school for a BFA in graphic design. Just to clarify--no, I haven’t ever taken art classes, and no, I have no natural art ability. So yea, it’s normal to wonder ‘what on earth is she thinking?’


In my family, cultural exposure was the most important experience you could have. Grandma used to drag us begrudgingly into museum after museum, play after play, and all over the place—to ensure we were exposed. ‘No grandkids of hers were going to be left behind!’ I guess it’s only natural that I now consider myself an avid art appreciator. It wasn’t until I started school that I realized I had no real ability to value composure, color, or depth. Thus began my studies…

So, as I struggle through my first semester I thought I would share the art I created, and the struggles I faced. Enjoy!

Branding Myself...

So, I've spent at least 10 hours trying to figure out which host is the best for my own personal web page.  Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing, and can't tell the difference.  so....If anyone has any knowledge or suggestions, please share.  More to follow later.

Flat Tire, and No luck:

Some people have all the luck...

I left work yesterday, about a half hour late, and on my way to enjoy a nice relaxing evening at home. I jump in the car, and pull a u-ie (u turn) and Off I go. It's only about a 25 minute drive if all goes well, and Boy I can’t wait to get home. Then I hear a strange sound coming from my car...THWARP THWARP THWARP. Oh great, what could that be. Now I've heard about what a flat tire sounds like, but I've never actually experienced one. So, I do the only reasonable thing I can think of, and call my fiancée. "Hey, how do I know if I have a flat tire?" (Besides stopping the car and getting out to look) He said is it making a funny sound, and pulling either to the right or left? I said, it's making a funny sound but it doesn't seem to be pulling. So I pull over, and check it out...

Let me just stop for a second and say that being broke stinks and as many of you know you can't always afford the things you need. About 6 months ago I got an oil change and the garage attendant said to me, "Hey you're tires are pretty bad, and you're going to need a full set." (In a somewhat obnoxious southern accent.) I said yea yea...I need a lot of things, including but not limited to a vacation in the Bahamas. OK, I didn't actually say that I just thought it. I really said, "OK." So, a few more weeks went by, and I noticed my front tires were both a little flat, so again I pulled my fiancée, and said, doesn't that look low. The response was yes obviously, and we went to the nearest gas station to put air in them. Meanwhile I’m fumbling with the tire pressure gage, and he's telling me to put it away, I think he's being a know it all, and just doesn’t want to use it. It ends up that there's on the air pressure gun, and he doesn’t need it. Ugh!

Ok, back to the Story line. So I pull over and check it out, and guess what. I have a flat. My BACK tire is completely flat, thus the thwarp sound, and not only is it windy and freezing, but today I thought I’d be ok with just a vest on. NO COAT.

Now, being the modern woman that I am--I figured no problem I can take care of this. So I re-ring my fiancée, and say, yea so I definitely have a flat. He says do you want me to come (fix it). Silly me, I said, " No, No, I’ve changed a tire before this should be no problem. I'll call you when it's done.

So first...I couldn't get the spare out of the back. There's that bolt that you have to unscrew, and it was stuck! I've never changed a tire on this car before, and knew that I was definitely going to need some help. So I pulled into my very near by work place and as I was struggling to loosen the lug nuts (which didn't budge) a gentleman walks by and offers his assistance. I thought--Thank GOD for chivalry! I gasped yes, and he took over the task. As I stood back watching, he got the jack out of the trunk (which if I may add I also tried to get out, and couldn't) and he jacked up the car, took off all the lug nuts, and then pulled.

Nothing happened. Everything looks right, but nothing happened. Isn't this when the tire is supposed to fall to the ground, and yeah! we are almost there. Nope! Edwardo (the gentleman that stopped to help me) pulled with all his might for another 15 minutes, as we fiddled with the emergency break and the ignition key, the wheel lock, and even the instruction manual. So another co-worker came by, and he too heaved with all his might, and still nothing. @ this point I'm seriously considering, to heck with this, I could walk home. I need the exercise anyway!

Last resort, I call yet another co-worker and explain the situation, he says, "I’ll be right over I'll get it off in no time." I'm thinking, yea right. This guy always thinks’ he's soooo cool. So I wait, and here he comes. All 150 lbs of him, he gently moves the trunk matt over, and places his butt on the ground. Explains to me you sometimes have to give it a little kick, and WHALA! The tires off.

Edwardo, look at me and said how embarrassing. I look at him and gave my best attempt try to make him feel better about his manhood, and honestly without him, I couldn't have done it. But this Guy--this cocky sooo cool guy who kicked the tire off, he was my real hero! I gave him a kiss on the cheek and told him I owed him. Edwardo put the spare on, and I was off.

I realize this is bordering on an essay, and I'm sorry, but I just have to tell you the rest.

Now, if ever you find yourself in this situation, and you are single! This is how you know who the better man is. I had just started the car up, and stood there next to Edwardo, offering my gratitude in the form of a hand shake. He leaned in as if wanting a kiss on the cheek as I had just given the other guy, so I obliged, and offered to buy him lunch. he said sure sure, but how it wasn’t necessary. I insisted, and would drop off lunch the next time he worked. So I hopped back into my car, and on my way I went! I hadn't been driving for 2 minute, when i get a call from Mr. Cool (the hero, who did about 1% of the work, but without him I would have been stuck) and he says, "If I really want to show how grateful I am I can go do X!"

Ok, I have to stop again, because what he actually asked me to do wasn’t important. It's that he actually felt entitled to SOMEHTING, and instead of walking away knowing that I considered him a hero, he needed something, and that was his repayment. Yes he actually needed repayment. Much like in Seinfeld, I didn't actually mean that I owed him, but I guess I did.

So, I did it. I did what he asked me to. (Which was simply go tot he store and get him some peanuts), and then I walked away.

Man, give me an Edwardo ANYDAY!

So, instead of heading straight home, I met my fiancée, and we got me new tires.  Who knew tires could cost so much.  Glad that ordeal is done, and I think I'll stick with the man I've got.  Much like Edwardo he's selfless, and I can learn to appreciate that.

Somewhere in the Beginning:

I must have gotten it wrong somewhere. Growing up I came from a single parent low to middle class family, where we had the basic essentials, but not much else. My mom didn't have time to care about grades, but the overwhelming idea was that in order to do better--I'd have to make the grades to go to college and everything would work out just fine. So I focused, I made National Honor's Society, sang in the chorus, and worked at Kmart. I though this was sure to be good enough to get me into college.




So off I went, researching where exactly I wanted to be. I loved the city even at a very early age i though there would be nowhere else in the world for me but New York City. My first Choice New York University, my second Fordham, third was Hofstra, and last but not least SUNY Albany. Ok, well for an average girl, most of theses choices were out of my league, and wanting it wasn't going to pay the tuition. So SUNY Albany--here I came. (For those of you who don't know SUNY--State University of New York, a State School.) That was probably mistake number one. I had a partial scholarship to Hofstra, and might have done myself some good to consider it more seriously. Not to say that Albany wasn't fantastic! It was, and man I had fun in college. Mistake number two. Although I had a great time, I didn't pick a major based on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, instead I picked based on the classes I enjoyed taking. I never did an internship or joined any extra curricular groups, to network into a career path. Instead I lived the regular college life.



After graduation, I lived and worked in jobs that I enjoyed, but weren't on a career path I was interesting in taking, or rather didn't develop into a career path quickly enough. So I'd move to the next opportunity and again after a while I'd be in the same situation. Stuck in yet another job that wasn't where I wanted to be, and had no idea where to go next.



So I moved.



Ha! What a silly thing to do in the middle of a recession. I set myself back about three years, and again ended back exactly where I didn't want to be. Then what? Tune in tomorrow to see a few more steps I've taken to try to gain self respect, and some aspect of success in my twenty something’s. Does anyone else seem to be stuck in this predicament?