So.... I think i'll just pack up my bags and move to New York.
But really, it was a great trip. Originally I wasn't even going to go but I'm so glad I did. The experience is something I'll never forget!
I think it also helped that I had been to New York a few times before because this time I was so much less interested in the sight seeing and just so intrigued with all of the design and interesting things happening around me. It made it so much easier to take everything in. Each different place we visited started a new creative spark in my mind and brought new ideas and concepts that I had never thought of before.
I learned a lot about interviews, portfolios, and the daily schedules of a graphic designer. I got to hear successful and not so successful stories from people along the way which helped me to realize I'm not doing everything completely wrong, there are people out there going through or have gone through the same things as me, with more to come!
One of the biggest things I've taken out of this (which corny or not) is to not hold back. I've always thought that when I graduate from UNCC that I will return back home to Wisconsin were most of my family and friends are, and try to get a job in the city blah blah blah. Which I very well may do! But I think after this trip and talking with different people and their experiences I really want to figure out what I specifically want to do, and I really want to travel and try new things and not be afraid to go somewhere else if it's for something I'm really going to enjoy. Because family and friends will always be there.
So thanks Dave and Eldred for taking us crazy people on a trip to New York, it was both insightful and a kickass time.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Manhattan
Last day in New York whyyyyy :(
Today we toured some design schools.
First stop was Pratt Institute, of course it was raining and of course we were late :( oops. We met Kacie there and she showed us around some of the class rooms and labs, and got to see some of the student work.
Dave let us stop and get Starbucks before the next design school. Thanks Dave!! you saved me.
Parsons design school was next where we got a detailed tour of the school/classrooms/studios etc. They really have a lot of resources for students which is great. I wish we had more access to things like that, but that's why they pay more I guess ;) plus I love Charlotte. The downstairs gallery had a lot of creative and breathtaking pieces that we got to explore on our way out. Even saw a few from my homeland Wisconsin/Minnesota.
It was a pretty easy going day, which was great for our last day in New York. We all parted ways for awhile. Me, Ariana, and Kendall headed back to Queens for some MUCH needed sleep. I think the most we had all week was about 3-4 hours a night.... but totally worth it. We woke up, got ready, and headed to meet the rest of the crew for some New York Burgers yum yum.
As a celebration of our last night in New York and a great inspirational experience, we had a few drinks with each other followed with some good music and games from a few different bars. It was a great way to end the trip, and I couldn't imagine it with any other people. The fact that our class clicks together so well just makes everything a hundred times more amazing, these are some great people!
Today we toured some design schools.
First stop was Pratt Institute, of course it was raining and of course we were late :( oops. We met Kacie there and she showed us around some of the class rooms and labs, and got to see some of the student work.
Dave let us stop and get Starbucks before the next design school. Thanks Dave!! you saved me.
Parsons design school was next where we got a detailed tour of the school/classrooms/studios etc. They really have a lot of resources for students which is great. I wish we had more access to things like that, but that's why they pay more I guess ;) plus I love Charlotte. The downstairs gallery had a lot of creative and breathtaking pieces that we got to explore on our way out. Even saw a few from my homeland Wisconsin/Minnesota.
It was a pretty easy going day, which was great for our last day in New York. We all parted ways for awhile. Me, Ariana, and Kendall headed back to Queens for some MUCH needed sleep. I think the most we had all week was about 3-4 hours a night.... but totally worth it. We woke up, got ready, and headed to meet the rest of the crew for some New York Burgers yum yum.
As a celebration of our last night in New York and a great inspirational experience, we had a few drinks with each other followed with some good music and games from a few different bars. It was a great way to end the trip, and I couldn't imagine it with any other people. The fact that our class clicks together so well just makes everything a hundred times more amazing, these are some great people!
Grey Day
Today was awesome day.
Started off with a good New York bagel and coffee, on the way to MOMA. Riding the bus and subway gets easier and easier every day, and in some ways is a bit meditative.
We got to MOMA on time, which was good :), and waited for everyone to get there before we went in. While we waited there was a screen projection on the wall with a podium next to it that had blank pieces of paper that said "I visited New York and..." and a few of us drew some cool little sketches and smart comments.
The MOMA was really inspirational for me. I saw a lot of great design work and a variety of mediums. It was awesome to see Starry Night and many others we learned about in Art History, but, not to sound rude, I was more interested in the photography and design sections of the museum. I really loved seeing Barabara Kruger's art though, that really stood out to me. I did a research project on here at my previous college and I've always been intrigued by her art and the way she works with photographs and typography.
Next up was Grey Group which was a great experience. We took the elevator up a few stories and were immediately welcomed by the bubbly receptionist who was excited to see us. The presentation by their company was great, not to mention they had a killer studio space. I would love to work there.
We got to see a lot of great commercials produced by Grey Group. One of my favorite being the "imagination" one by Canon. I think Stephanie presented that in class to us and it gives me chills every time.
The second lady involved in the presentation was really helpful for me. She answered a lot of questions about jobs/interviews/portfolios.
Some notes I wrote down from her:
AIGA was our last stop. Siiiiiick skateboards man. Lots of cool designs and illustrations. Design truly can be anywhere you look. Something like AIGA is something really special too that I need to take advantage of. It's crazy to think this network spans all over the United States.
Only on more day in the city.... :'(
Started off with a good New York bagel and coffee, on the way to MOMA. Riding the bus and subway gets easier and easier every day, and in some ways is a bit meditative.
We got to MOMA on time, which was good :), and waited for everyone to get there before we went in. While we waited there was a screen projection on the wall with a podium next to it that had blank pieces of paper that said "I visited New York and..." and a few of us drew some cool little sketches and smart comments.
The MOMA was really inspirational for me. I saw a lot of great design work and a variety of mediums. It was awesome to see Starry Night and many others we learned about in Art History, but, not to sound rude, I was more interested in the photography and design sections of the museum. I really loved seeing Barabara Kruger's art though, that really stood out to me. I did a research project on here at my previous college and I've always been intrigued by her art and the way she works with photographs and typography.
Next up was Grey Group which was a great experience. We took the elevator up a few stories and were immediately welcomed by the bubbly receptionist who was excited to see us. The presentation by their company was great, not to mention they had a killer studio space. I would love to work there.
We got to see a lot of great commercials produced by Grey Group. One of my favorite being the "imagination" one by Canon. I think Stephanie presented that in class to us and it gives me chills every time.
The second lady involved in the presentation was really helpful for me. She answered a lot of questions about jobs/interviews/portfolios.
Some notes I wrote down from her:
- believe in what you put in your book (this was one of my favorite points she made)
- have variety in your portfolio
- clean work up from school assignmnets
- have good typographic hierarchy
- get to know the person/company you are interviewing for
- do spec work
AIGA was our last stop. Siiiiiick skateboards man. Lots of cool designs and illustrations. Design truly can be anywhere you look. Something like AIGA is something really special too that I need to take advantage of. It's crazy to think this network spans all over the United States.
Only on more day in the city.... :'(
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
DUMBO
Day three in New York and it was a long day! Especially off no sleep from the night before... But I can't complain, we got to experience Brooklyn all day.
Every single place we stopped today was an experience and I learned a lot from each one. The first was swayspace, a print and digital studio. I admire people that do printmaking and print media design, it takes a lot if patience and a certain type of person to be able to do something like that, but I'm not sure is something I would pursue.
Next up was red antler which was a favorite of mine so far. Their presentation and enthusiasm was impressive and I learned a lot about the design process and how they work trough solutions. Not to mention an awesome view of the Manhattan bridge.
After lunch was carrot creative which was a different experience than the others we've seen so far. Although I feel like it is a very successful and creative atmosphere, the HR lady in charge didnt seem interested in our excitement about becoming future designers... But they had a cute puppy.
Carrot creative was very different from our next stop at the JoeyCompany where they welcomed us with open arms. It was refreshing and encouraging to have someone so excited about a group like us who are interested in the future of graphic design. Joey Company does a lot with advertising which was interesting to experience because its along the lines of something I may be interested in getting into.
Overall, it was a great day seeing even more diverse sides of design and just how many things out there come from the world of design. Again, it's a great chance to learn and get a feel for different areas I could see myself pursuing. It's helpful, it's like getting a head start in thinking and planning the future.
This trip so far has only increased my love and interest in graphic design and motivates me to be better and better. I think it lit a fire under my ass to work hard because those are the ones who make it.
Plus! We walked over the Brooklyn bridge which I was very happy I did.
Sagmeister Exhibit
I really enjoyed Sagmeister's exhibit at the Jewish Museum. I think the whole class thought it was pretty interesting, as soon as we walked in everyone was quite and mesmorized by the videos playing on the screens. The way he worked with Typography and different mediums was so awesome. My favorite video was the one on the back wall where he created typography out of different elements like splashing coffee, coffee creamer, fish bowl, and a few other things. I think seeing this exhibition really sparked my first ideas for my final project concept. All over New York everywhere I looked I saw different typography, some really good and some really really bad.
Second day on the town
Second day in New York for the field study... Got a little earlier start this morning and a better feel for the subway. Even had time to sit down and enjoy a bagel and coffee.
Warner music group was a favorite today, along with many others I guess. It's interesting to learn the process and see how a job works that has both print and web. Kacie mentioned that she worked with Basecamp program, where they share file and ideas and projects. This reminded me of my experience now with my internship where we are using google drive to share files and ideas. Sometimes I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing, but then I see others doing the same thing, or not really sure in themselves either and in some ways makes me more confident.
Teagan got me really excited about my dream job working for a surf magazine in California. I really didnt even know that was a real life dream until she mentioned she did that for awhile. It's cool seeing so many alumni working in so many different areas, it makes me feel more comfortable in y decision to travel or try new places. I just need to go out and find the opportunities!
Some things can be so awesome and motivating and some things make you feel low... But design is competitive...
In the society of illustrators... I was blown away. So many talented artists and designers, it's crazy to think about where they all end up.
Not to mentioned got to catch a New York Yankees game tonight which was awesome. Good beer and hot dogs make for a good night in New York.
What I love about New York is you could be all by yourself but never feel like you were really alone.
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