It is definitely more than just planning your day, sometimes I think you have to plan your week.
I have 2 great kids, an 18month old (Feno) and a very active 5yr old (Nes). Nes, is in baseball and soccer, and involved in school events likes talent shows and things like that. My guy, works at night and most of my classes are at night too, but its only a few days of the week. Luckily I don't have to work. But being a student and running a house full, and everyone on different schedules, its not easy.
Normally its me delegating who needs to be where and at what time. But I don't' know where it got so hard. Its like now I have to decide what class I have to miss, so Nes doesn't miss an event. or the guy has to leave work early.
I'm not complaining, I'm just venting, and I am realizing that perhaps I need to not just take the schedule day by day, but organize it at least week by week. Yea I think that's what I'm going to have to do, and I'm going to have to call some reinforcements (Grandma and Grandpa).
So next task: Design a schedule!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Technical Difficulties
My computer recently crashed, and my life is a mess becuase of it right now. So I just want to remind everyone to back up your work. I am sure kicking myself right now becuase I didn't! AAARRRGH!!!!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
My school recently hosted a Myth-Busters session regarding find a job, or an internship. Student services invited many professionals in all aspects of the design industry form an expert panel. There was a lot of information given, much of which is a little common sense, but is still worth being emphasized.
The first topic discussed was networking, and Kim Scott, who is a Director of Human Resources from Gemmy Industries offered a lot of advice from the perspective of an employer looking for an employee. She first suggests a few sites:
www.gain.net
www.dsvc.org
www.linkedin.com
She suggests to do everything you can to get "face time". Go to events, be willing to give up your time, and on these network sites you should get involved in discussion, but always remain professional. Because these discussions are like interviewing without actually being on an interview. And getting yourself noticed is definitely going to get you hired.
Many experts on the panel agreed that networking is the best way to get exposure, and in your quest be sure to look at the "best in the business" because it will help you become professional faster.
A senior graphic designer on the panel suggested we find a mentor, someone with a work ethic that we want to emulate. And the true secret is to be sure you dress the part, so even if you don't have the position your looking for, behave as you do, and be grateful for what you do have. Because, as he explained, we aren't looking for a JOB but BUILDING our CAREER.
Mr. Dave Powyszynski, AIA, a senior vice president at Aguirre Roden, Inc. explained what he is looking for in an intern, or assistant, or in any position for that matter is ATTITUDE. Remember that your potential employer is going to know a lot about you before you even walk in, thanks to Google, MySpace, FaceBook and other networks. And if there is anything that they find that doesn't reflect what their company is or stands for, you already lost the position before you even walked in the door.
A question was asked in regards to our portfolio's coming out of graduation. As he explained "quantity does not equal quality" so don't show every piece of work you have done since you started school, only show those relevant to the position available, and be prepared to show your thought process.
But the most important thing is to be honest. Don't say that you are proficient in something you are just learning, because in these times we can't afford to "fake it" until we "make it".
The first topic discussed was networking, and Kim Scott, who is a Director of Human Resources from Gemmy Industries offered a lot of advice from the perspective of an employer looking for an employee. She first suggests a few sites:
www.gain.net
www.dsvc.org
www.linkedin.com
She suggests to do everything you can to get "face time". Go to events, be willing to give up your time, and on these network sites you should get involved in discussion, but always remain professional. Because these discussions are like interviewing without actually being on an interview. And getting yourself noticed is definitely going to get you hired.
Many experts on the panel agreed that networking is the best way to get exposure, and in your quest be sure to look at the "best in the business" because it will help you become professional faster.
A senior graphic designer on the panel suggested we find a mentor, someone with a work ethic that we want to emulate. And the true secret is to be sure you dress the part, so even if you don't have the position your looking for, behave as you do, and be grateful for what you do have. Because, as he explained, we aren't looking for a JOB but BUILDING our CAREER.
Mr. Dave Powyszynski, AIA, a senior vice president at Aguirre Roden, Inc. explained what he is looking for in an intern, or assistant, or in any position for that matter is ATTITUDE. Remember that your potential employer is going to know a lot about you before you even walk in, thanks to Google, MySpace, FaceBook and other networks. And if there is anything that they find that doesn't reflect what their company is or stands for, you already lost the position before you even walked in the door.
A question was asked in regards to our portfolio's coming out of graduation. As he explained "quantity does not equal quality" so don't show every piece of work you have done since you started school, only show those relevant to the position available, and be prepared to show your thought process.
But the most important thing is to be honest. Don't say that you are proficient in something you are just learning, because in these times we can't afford to "fake it" until we "make it".
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
FOCUS, FOCUS
Today I had the hardest time to focus on my work. I sat in front of my computer and opened my CAD files and just stared at the floor plan I was working on for 10 minutes, just not knowing where to start.
Has this ever happened to you? Where you start on an objective for the day and as soon as you start to choose where to start, you begin to think about how to do it, then why that way, and then you begin to wonder if there's a better way becuase the quarter is almost up and you only have 4 weeks before you have to turn in the project and . . . well the train jumps tracks and your thought process and focus is just out the window. AARGH!
I decided to take a break and come back later, and the next thing I know the day passed . . . .
I just feel so frustrated with myself becuase I didn't accomplish anything! Help, anyone!
Has this ever happened to you? Where you start on an objective for the day and as soon as you start to choose where to start, you begin to think about how to do it, then why that way, and then you begin to wonder if there's a better way becuase the quarter is almost up and you only have 4 weeks before you have to turn in the project and . . . well the train jumps tracks and your thought process and focus is just out the window. AARGH!
I decided to take a break and come back later, and the next thing I know the day passed . . . .
I just feel so frustrated with myself becuase I didn't accomplish anything! Help, anyone!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Organization is KEY!
It is very important to be organized in our field. And the thing of it is, that you have to start organized and maintain it. Everyone has their own way to organize themselves, and there isn't a right or a wrong way to do it. Whether its a large notebook with a spiral for notes, and dividers for handouts, or a folder and a binder or an accordian file system, just find what works best for you and stick with it.
I am the worst person when it comes to organization, and I think many of us left brain thinkers, like designers and artists, are. You have to almost force yourself to get organized.
This is my method. I have a folder. A bright colored one (so it'll stand out) and a black binder (so it looks more professional). In my folder I put all my sketches and doodles, and bubble plans, and anywork I did on trash paper, you know rough drafts, of any kind. And in my notebook I but all final work. And its organized in the order of the creative process. Commitment (the project requirements), Programming (adjacency matrix) Research (codes and trends). Then I include specification sheets, for everything that called my attention when designing, such as: appliances, furniture, wallcovering, fabrics; everything. I try to use as many color copies as I can, and if I get a chance to visit vendors, and showrooms, I include swatches and samples, whether I include them in the design or not, will be determined later.
At the end, I begin to sift through, and make selections from what I already have put together. This way I'm not hunting and searching when it comes to putting the final notebook together, or my presentation boards.
Now, I'm not saying that its the right way nor the only way, but its what I've developed after being stressed the heck out for 3 studio classes. But whatever works for you, stick to it! Once it becomes a habit, it will make your life easier as you move on to your more indepth and rigorous courses. It'll show when you present.
How do you get organized?
I am the worst person when it comes to organization, and I think many of us left brain thinkers, like designers and artists, are. You have to almost force yourself to get organized.
This is my method. I have a folder. A bright colored one (so it'll stand out) and a black binder (so it looks more professional). In my folder I put all my sketches and doodles, and bubble plans, and anywork I did on trash paper, you know rough drafts, of any kind. And in my notebook I but all final work. And its organized in the order of the creative process. Commitment (the project requirements), Programming (adjacency matrix) Research (codes and trends). Then I include specification sheets, for everything that called my attention when designing, such as: appliances, furniture, wallcovering, fabrics; everything. I try to use as many color copies as I can, and if I get a chance to visit vendors, and showrooms, I include swatches and samples, whether I include them in the design or not, will be determined later.
At the end, I begin to sift through, and make selections from what I already have put together. This way I'm not hunting and searching when it comes to putting the final notebook together, or my presentation boards.
Now, I'm not saying that its the right way nor the only way, but its what I've developed after being stressed the heck out for 3 studio classes. But whatever works for you, stick to it! Once it becomes a habit, it will make your life easier as you move on to your more indepth and rigorous courses. It'll show when you present.
How do you get organized?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Questions are Good!
Its true there aren't any stupid questions, but sometimes you can't help but feel stupid asking them. Its hard to know your on the right track if you don't ask, and the worst, is feeling like you can't ask them.
I've been in a few classes, that are interesting, and engaging, and very informative, but I don't feel like I can enjoy it. There were many students in such a hurry to leave, because they had shows to watch, or people to meet, that I just can't focus because I am so engulfed with questions I just don't feel comfortable asking!
I know everyone has lives outside of school, believe you me, I am managing three lives right now; not only my own but also my kids', so I know how precious time is. But I also know not everyone lives the same way I do. And I have to be honest and tell you that there are many times, when I wish I could just run out of class, and take care of some other stuff I have going on. But the reality is that we are all paying for these classes, to learn because we will need to use that knowledge in our future careers as designers. And to be good designer you have to know more than how to hang draperies and how to select a good color pallate.
So slow down, breath, remember that these classes can't be DVR'd or TIVO'd and they can't be rescheduled. You have to try to absorb as much as you can while you are there, and if you don't understand, or you just can't seem to wrap your mind around it, ask. If you feel like you can't ask your questions, because other students are rushed to leave, write your questions down while lecture is still going. At the end of the lecture, read over the questions you jotted, and if they were answered during the remainder of the lecture, great! But if not, now you can ask. And guess what, the students that were in such a hurry to leave, won't be around to rush you.
Try It!
I've been in a few classes, that are interesting, and engaging, and very informative, but I don't feel like I can enjoy it. There were many students in such a hurry to leave, because they had shows to watch, or people to meet, that I just can't focus because I am so engulfed with questions I just don't feel comfortable asking!
I know everyone has lives outside of school, believe you me, I am managing three lives right now; not only my own but also my kids', so I know how precious time is. But I also know not everyone lives the same way I do. And I have to be honest and tell you that there are many times, when I wish I could just run out of class, and take care of some other stuff I have going on. But the reality is that we are all paying for these classes, to learn because we will need to use that knowledge in our future careers as designers. And to be good designer you have to know more than how to hang draperies and how to select a good color pallate.
So slow down, breath, remember that these classes can't be DVR'd or TIVO'd and they can't be rescheduled. You have to try to absorb as much as you can while you are there, and if you don't understand, or you just can't seem to wrap your mind around it, ask. If you feel like you can't ask your questions, because other students are rushed to leave, write your questions down while lecture is still going. At the end of the lecture, read over the questions you jotted, and if they were answered during the remainder of the lecture, great! But if not, now you can ask. And guess what, the students that were in such a hurry to leave, won't be around to rush you.
Try It!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Networking. . . What to do
The most heard advice at school is, "get involved" "start networking" "start bumping elbows with members of the industry." But we aren't given a clear cut instruction on how to start this important step in our career. Personally, I began by joining the ASID student chapter at my school, and all I did was pay my dues and, well, the year passed and I didn't do much. Then I began going to meetings, which were great, because we always had a guest speaker, and I learned a lot, but thats as far as that went. Then our chapter began to be more involved in the community; we gave a "face lift" to a nearby Senior Living Center in Dallas, and that was the greatest experience for me. Now, however, I'm taking a bigger load at school, and don't have the time to go to as many meetings and get as involved as I would like to. . .
But the fact remains, it is important and helpful to get involved in the industry, but you don't have to be physically somewhere to do it. There are online networking tools that can help you meet a great array of people at different levels in the business. Many of these sites offer webinars or podcasts that students can attend, or groups with discussions that you can get involved with and follow. There are online communities, much like MySpace, where you can bounce ideas off of each other on projects, or if you have questions as far as products or environmentally conscious design, or well, anything. Many of us Twitter, and Facebook, and that's great, and fun; just be sure to look for designers or designer groups to follow, this will help you keep up with the ever changing trends.
It is still a good idea to attend meetings any chance you get. Just try not to limit yourself to school chapters. Go to area meetings or if its available to conferences or markets like METROCon or NEOCon. What I love to do is, to go to showrooms, just be sure to call before you go. Let them know you're a student, and that you just want to come and look around. If they want your business when you are a designer, they will let you in. This will also help get your foot in when your looking for internships.
Try these sites:
http://www.linkedin.com/
http://www.ehow.com/
http://www.asid.com/
http://www.iida.com/
http://www.zabitatz.com/
Just to name a few, and if you know of any others please let me know. . . .
Happy Networking!
But the fact remains, it is important and helpful to get involved in the industry, but you don't have to be physically somewhere to do it. There are online networking tools that can help you meet a great array of people at different levels in the business. Many of these sites offer webinars or podcasts that students can attend, or groups with discussions that you can get involved with and follow. There are online communities, much like MySpace, where you can bounce ideas off of each other on projects, or if you have questions as far as products or environmentally conscious design, or well, anything. Many of us Twitter, and Facebook, and that's great, and fun; just be sure to look for designers or designer groups to follow, this will help you keep up with the ever changing trends.
It is still a good idea to attend meetings any chance you get. Just try not to limit yourself to school chapters. Go to area meetings or if its available to conferences or markets like METROCon or NEOCon. What I love to do is, to go to showrooms, just be sure to call before you go. Let them know you're a student, and that you just want to come and look around. If they want your business when you are a designer, they will let you in. This will also help get your foot in when your looking for internships.
Try these sites:
http://www.linkedin.com/
http://www.ehow.com/
http://www.asid.com/
http://www.iida.com/
http://www.zabitatz.com/
Just to name a few, and if you know of any others please let me know. . . .
Happy Networking!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Finding Time
A mother of two boys with busy schedules on weekends and weekdays. it sure is hard to find a good time to get, even a little, work done. I'm up working on my architectural floor plan for my Adv. Contract project. I have so many ideas moving in my brain: space planning and universal design concepts and environmental impact . . .
This is what I call a design high. And I love it! (even at 1:30 in the morning). When do you find time to work?
This is what I call a design high. And I love it! (even at 1:30 in the morning). When do you find time to work?
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