This year has been a big one for personal and career changes. Sometimes the universe just falls right into place and hands you a key to the next portion of your path. If you know me, you know that I believe in fate, destiny and karma. I believe that there is a greater force -- let's call it simply, energy. In the last year, I feel as though I've made great strides in discovering myself, accepting who I am at the core and encouraging personal flourishing. I have sent positive energy into the universe. I have been confident in myself. I have had faith in the power of envisioning a destination and attaining it. All in all, I'm attempting to put my best foot forward.
But what is all of this worth if my daily positive efforts do not encounter another persons' efforts? If I do not affect anyone around me, then how can my life advance to the place that I envision it? I have been shown over and over this year that momentum in my life is accelerated substantially through chance encounters.
Last semester, as I mentioned in a previous blog post, I wanted to leave a mark on JMSB and go out with a bang. I intentionally stepped up my game and proved to myself and my class mates that I am intelligent, well-spoken and can hold my own in a professional setting. I made some marks on professors and I am giving myself a huge pat on the back for having done so. These professors are now showing me what it means to have connections, a strong network and most importantly, mentors. I am learning what it is to be in the "real-world" and to maneuver through bureaucracy, politics, and older men who think they're above me. :)
The professor I work for has put me in contact with the art director of Little Burgundy shoes. She is an amazing women! She has made me feel so right in my choices so far. I am headed down a similar path that she was on at my age... and look where she is now! And she's only 32. Who knows what this connection will mean once I'm finished my graphic design diploma and looking for a job.
Although I always suspected it, this year has solidified that the chance encounters you make can change the trajectory of your life. Not only in a professional way, but in a spiritual and emotional way as well. I now seeing meeting new people as an opportunity for change, excitement and a new perspective. I met an extremely interesting young woman this summer who was bursting with positive energy and hope. She said that meeting people was her favorite activity since she believes you can learn something new from every person you come across. She went on to say that everyone sees the world in different colours and opening your mind will enable you to see the world with more vibrancy. Takes the negative "personal gain" twinge out of networking, right? It's not about networking, it's about building new relationships.
These chance encounters can happen at any moment! You have to be ready. Think about it when you dress in the morning. Think about it when you have a sour face on after a long day of work. Think about it as you take the metro. Thinking about the possibility of these chance encounters has made me a more open-minded person. It forces me to put a smile on even if I'm not feeling so great. And all around it makes me more thoughtful and kind towards others. Who knows how the person next to you could end up changing your direction or outlook?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Italia in a tiny, tiny, nutshell...
As an example for one of her classes, my mother asked me to create a video composed of pictures, voice over, music and transitions...
What better topic to create a video of than Italy!? I had over 2000 pics to choose from and could talk about it for hours. Quite frankly, it was a great sum up of the trip for me; even though there was absolutely no way this video could do the trip justice... None the less, a touching reminder... and it was definitely liberating to talk about it and work on it, sort of like trip closure.
I've tried on countless occasions, unsuccessfully, to upload the vid through Blogspot. So here's a link to the vid on Youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KNj4c0__MM
What better topic to create a video of than Italy!? I had over 2000 pics to choose from and could talk about it for hours. Quite frankly, it was a great sum up of the trip for me; even though there was absolutely no way this video could do the trip justice... None the less, a touching reminder... and it was definitely liberating to talk about it and work on it, sort of like trip closure.
I've tried on countless occasions, unsuccessfully, to upload the vid through Blogspot. So here's a link to the vid on Youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KNj4c0__MM
Monday, October 18, 2010
Creating Consciously
I've recently discovered my passion for conscious creation; that is, creating with the earth and sustainability in mind. In a recent assignment for school, I had to come up with a book front and back cover. I could choose any book or invent the book and invent the blurb. I'm dedicated to not wasting any projects throughout this diploma! Every project will be aimed at a final vision. A vision of me and where I want to be in the (near) future. I'm a big fan and believer in positive thinking. I believe that if you continuously send positive energy towards envisioning yourself in a specific position, place, type of relationship, eventually, you will end up where you want to be. Positive energy attracts positive energy. At the very least, my projects will depict my interests and will tell a story about me.
Speaking of completed projects that speak volumes about me:
The promotional videos that I directed and edited (with the help of JMSB video tech), are officially done and links are posted online!! I'm am thrilled with the final results! Three promo videos for the two classes I am assisting: Service Marketing and B2B Marketing. Three promo videos that demonstrate the benefits of a customer focused strategy, the importance of a design mind in marketing, the necessity of relationship based marketing and the advantage once graduated of having taken these courses. All aspects that I can attest to and that I'm truly passionate about! I'll post a link to them soon...
In the mean time, check out my book front and back covers!
Speaking of completed projects that speak volumes about me:
The promotional videos that I directed and edited (with the help of JMSB video tech), are officially done and links are posted online!! I'm am thrilled with the final results! Three promo videos for the two classes I am assisting: Service Marketing and B2B Marketing. Three promo videos that demonstrate the benefits of a customer focused strategy, the importance of a design mind in marketing, the necessity of relationship based marketing and the advantage once graduated of having taken these courses. All aspects that I can attest to and that I'm truly passionate about! I'll post a link to them soon...
In the mean time, check out my book front and back covers!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Burden of Honesty and The Time for Change
I left home at 17, eager to be independent and eager to get away from the constant squabbles between my father and I. I was home this weekend for thanksgiving, over 7 years since I moved away. I got into a discussion with my sister. A discussion that bore far too much resemblance to the arguments I had moved away from, a discussion that focused around my lack of empathy for my sister. I had said things that offended her, hurt her feelings, made her feel judged. I hadn't even thought twice about the sentences that bothered her. To me, there were just observations, sheer honesty. The fact is, I'm an honest person. Back in the day, when I was 17, argumentative and hard-headed (not much has changed), I felt deep guilt when told that I was insensitive. These arguments made me feel like a horrible, selfish person. Possibly to protect myself from those feelings of guilt, I came to terms with the fact that I was simply an opinionated and truthful (at times, loud mouthed) person. I was not being selfish, I was being me.
There comes a time in your life when you have to let go of the negativity that lingers from your adolescent angst. I realize now that I am so hellbent on identifying as an "honest and upfront" person in large part due to the need to prove to my family members that I am not selfish or insensitive - I'm just honest. I say something that hurts someone and rather than owning up and attempting to change, I say "Sorry, this is me". Change is hard, I guess I was avoiding it.
Now that I understand what type of person I am, and now that I understand that my blunt, and sometimes brutal, honesty hurts people, what am I to do? Here comes the lesson, sometimes it's better to simply keep it to myself – swallow my pride and swallow the need to say what’s on my mind. It's proving to be incredibly tough.
During my discussion with my sister this weekend, my father had had enough and intervened: "That's enough! Erin, you hurt her feelings, don't ask why, ask what you can do to change the way she's feeling! Andrea, your sister will not change, you may have to grow a thicker skin! This is about social and emotional intelligence! This is simple, think about what you say and how it makes others feel!!" he said (...yelled...).
I must say, this yelling session did bring back those defensive feelings from high school. It made me want to stand up to my father and show him that my opinion counts. But in this case, he was entirely right. I am proud of the fact that I am an honest individual who doesn't hold back and shows my true emotions; however, I am now old enough to put my pride aside and understand that sometimes, my need to be honest is simply not as important as others' comfort.
But, this blog is about working towards becoming a well-rounded and successful businesswoman and therefore, all post should be directed towards this cause! As touched upon by my wise father, this weekend of realization has shown me a lot about business interactions and the need to be as emotionally in tune as possible. If my goal is to one day run my own business, I need to understand people and be able to successfully maneuver around any and all social interactions, emotionally charge or not. I need to have a firm grasp on when to keep my mouth shut and when to add a little white lie. Not for my own advancement in a specific position, but so as to avoid hurting people. Hurting those around me inevitably causes me a great deal of pain, long-lasting guilt and causes them to resent me. I'm at the age now that I'm ready to let go of my pride and the hard-headedness of the 17 year old in me. I want to work at being a better adult, one who can become aware of their faults and work at them, one who's fair, one who's respected and constructively critical when needed. Change is hard, I get that now. I see it all clearly and I'm ready to grow up.
There comes a time in your life when you have to let go of the negativity that lingers from your adolescent angst. I realize now that I am so hellbent on identifying as an "honest and upfront" person in large part due to the need to prove to my family members that I am not selfish or insensitive - I'm just honest. I say something that hurts someone and rather than owning up and attempting to change, I say "Sorry, this is me". Change is hard, I guess I was avoiding it.
Now that I understand what type of person I am, and now that I understand that my blunt, and sometimes brutal, honesty hurts people, what am I to do? Here comes the lesson, sometimes it's better to simply keep it to myself – swallow my pride and swallow the need to say what’s on my mind. It's proving to be incredibly tough.
During my discussion with my sister this weekend, my father had had enough and intervened: "That's enough! Erin, you hurt her feelings, don't ask why, ask what you can do to change the way she's feeling! Andrea, your sister will not change, you may have to grow a thicker skin! This is about social and emotional intelligence! This is simple, think about what you say and how it makes others feel!!" he said (...yelled...).
I must say, this yelling session did bring back those defensive feelings from high school. It made me want to stand up to my father and show him that my opinion counts. But in this case, he was entirely right. I am proud of the fact that I am an honest individual who doesn't hold back and shows my true emotions; however, I am now old enough to put my pride aside and understand that sometimes, my need to be honest is simply not as important as others' comfort.
But, this blog is about working towards becoming a well-rounded and successful businesswoman and therefore, all post should be directed towards this cause! As touched upon by my wise father, this weekend of realization has shown me a lot about business interactions and the need to be as emotionally in tune as possible. If my goal is to one day run my own business, I need to understand people and be able to successfully maneuver around any and all social interactions, emotionally charge or not. I need to have a firm grasp on when to keep my mouth shut and when to add a little white lie. Not for my own advancement in a specific position, but so as to avoid hurting people. Hurting those around me inevitably causes me a great deal of pain, long-lasting guilt and causes them to resent me. I'm at the age now that I'm ready to let go of my pride and the hard-headedness of the 17 year old in me. I want to work at being a better adult, one who can become aware of their faults and work at them, one who's fair, one who's respected and constructively critical when needed. Change is hard, I get that now. I see it all clearly and I'm ready to grow up.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tough being sustainable in Mtl
Being in school surrounded by people wasting paper - printing the same images over and over, I've become rather jaded about my future as a designer. Is it really necessary to waste in this profession?? Isn't there a way to create in a sustainable manner?! Where can I study sustainable design!?
We live in a pre-apocolyptic world - and I don't think I'm being over dramatic about it.
A friend of mine recently told me about presentations given by Harvard professors - Harvard Thinks Big. Professors discussed topics they were most passionate about. Psychology professor Daniel Gilbert discussed sustainability and the climate crisis. "A war on global warming should seem as crucial to us as the War on Terror." - Gilbert.
Here's an article on Harvard Thinks Big:
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2010/2/12/professor-harvard-event-professors/
But why aren't we more involved in a war to save our planet? According to Gilbert, the threat of global warming does not appear immediate, immoral, imminent or instantaneous enough for us to feel physically unsafe and therefore, our survival instincts don't kick in and pump up the pressure to REACT!
Check out the video and become a little more conscious:
http://vimeo.com/10324258
There was recently a not-for-profit film created called Home that was released through digital medias to encourage society's involvement in the fight against global warming. The film states that in fact, we have ONLY 10 years to completely change up the way we're doing things or... we're literally, fucked. (My first and only swear in this blog and I stand behind it).
Here's the blurb on the vid:
So, back to little old me and the spec that is Mtl. I've come to the point where I can't sit back any longer and ignore the responsibility that I have as a visiting homosapien to this planet. I'm starting to feel honest regret and sadness when I see waste. I'm starting to loose sleep over it. I do my best on a daily basis to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE. Yet, I'm surrounded by friends who think they can't make a difference and surrounded by teachers who encourage useless printing and numerous copies of the same document. Beyond that, I take the metro (instead of bike). I use aerosol products. This summer, I used my A/C. I eat meat. It seems like an impossible fight! It's overwhelming and truthfully depressing. Visuals of our destroyed oceans, rivers, glaciers, extinct animal life, logged forests make me choke up. I'm feeling the weight of my indebtedness to this planet and I must act. I'll reinforce positive behaviour from those around me even though I get looks of annoyance. "Who is this know-it-all?" they think. "How condescending!". I will push through, you can give me your looks, we are talking about our planet and the future of our progeny. The only way to get people involved is to break the cycle of naivety and ignorance.
Our entire education process must be geared towards conscious living and reducing waste. Why don't we have electronic textbooks yet? Computerized exams? People need to be shown by example. People need to be shunned for negative behaviour. The only way to do that is to teach and encourage the youngest and, as GenY, we must step up. Evidently, the older generations (I'm obviously generalizing here) are set in their ways, hard-headed and as nature dictates it, on the outs. Therefore, the fight against the climate crisis is our task to take up! Set examples for those around you and think local rather than global. Focus on the community rather than international. Support sustainability around you.
In the mean time, I will attempt to create in ways that make the planet smile. Reusing, reducing, recycling, DIY, baking, purchasing home-grown produce, eating less meat, buying products made locally, biking as much as possible, reusing bags, reusing bottles, air- drying my hair...
Here's a link to a great blog dedicated to a love of nature. Great, funky recycling ideas. DIY projects. Art with heart and love of the earth. It's inspiring:
http://blog.designsquish.com/
We live in a pre-apocolyptic world - and I don't think I'm being over dramatic about it.
A friend of mine recently told me about presentations given by Harvard professors - Harvard Thinks Big. Professors discussed topics they were most passionate about. Psychology professor Daniel Gilbert discussed sustainability and the climate crisis. "A war on global warming should seem as crucial to us as the War on Terror." - Gilbert.
Here's an article on Harvard Thinks Big:
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2010/2/12/professor-harvard-event-professors/
But why aren't we more involved in a war to save our planet? According to Gilbert, the threat of global warming does not appear immediate, immoral, imminent or instantaneous enough for us to feel physically unsafe and therefore, our survival instincts don't kick in and pump up the pressure to REACT!
Check out the video and become a little more conscious:
http://vimeo.com/10324258
There was recently a not-for-profit film created called Home that was released through digital medias to encourage society's involvement in the fight against global warming. The film states that in fact, we have ONLY 10 years to completely change up the way we're doing things or... we're literally, fucked. (My first and only swear in this blog and I stand behind it).
Here's the blurb on the vid:
We are living in exceptional times. Scientists tell us that we have 10 years to change the way we live, avert the depletion of natural resources and the catastrophic evolution of the Earth's climate.
The stakes are high for us and our children. Everyone should take part in the effort, and HOME has been conceived to take a message of mobilization out to every human being.
For this purpose, HOME needs to be free. A patron, the PPR Group, made this possible. EuropaCorp, the distributor, also pledged not to make any profit because Home is a non-profit film.
HOME has been made for you : share it! And act for the planet.
Yann Arthus-Bertrand
HOME official website
http://www.home-2009.com
PPR is proud to support HOME
http://www.ppr.com
HOME is a carbon offset movie
http://www.actioncarbone.org
More information about the Planet
http://www.goodplanet.info
So, back to little old me and the spec that is Mtl. I've come to the point where I can't sit back any longer and ignore the responsibility that I have as a visiting homosapien to this planet. I'm starting to feel honest regret and sadness when I see waste. I'm starting to loose sleep over it. I do my best on a daily basis to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE. Yet, I'm surrounded by friends who think they can't make a difference and surrounded by teachers who encourage useless printing and numerous copies of the same document. Beyond that, I take the metro (instead of bike). I use aerosol products. This summer, I used my A/C. I eat meat. It seems like an impossible fight! It's overwhelming and truthfully depressing. Visuals of our destroyed oceans, rivers, glaciers, extinct animal life, logged forests make me choke up. I'm feeling the weight of my indebtedness to this planet and I must act. I'll reinforce positive behaviour from those around me even though I get looks of annoyance. "Who is this know-it-all?" they think. "How condescending!". I will push through, you can give me your looks, we are talking about our planet and the future of our progeny. The only way to get people involved is to break the cycle of naivety and ignorance.
Our entire education process must be geared towards conscious living and reducing waste. Why don't we have electronic textbooks yet? Computerized exams? People need to be shown by example. People need to be shunned for negative behaviour. The only way to do that is to teach and encourage the youngest and, as GenY, we must step up. Evidently, the older generations (I'm obviously generalizing here) are set in their ways, hard-headed and as nature dictates it, on the outs. Therefore, the fight against the climate crisis is our task to take up! Set examples for those around you and think local rather than global. Focus on the community rather than international. Support sustainability around you.
In the mean time, I will attempt to create in ways that make the planet smile. Reusing, reducing, recycling, DIY, baking, purchasing home-grown produce, eating less meat, buying products made locally, biking as much as possible, reusing bags, reusing bottles, air- drying my hair...
Here's a link to a great blog dedicated to a love of nature. Great, funky recycling ideas. DIY projects. Art with heart and love of the earth. It's inspiring:
http://blog.designsquish.com/
The crest of an artist
I remember the sensation of pure pride and joy while walking through the halls of John Abbott College, showing off my paint stained hands and clothing. What a badge of honour it was. I was an art student and I got the study the best thing in the world.
Now, 7 years later, my hands are once again covered (to a much lesser extent as I've learned to manage my mediums) with paint and the side of my hands stained with lead. I still feel that sense of pride. And to tell you the truth, I feel it in a much more spiritually fulfilling manner. I'm not proud because of the cool kids in my class or the reputation of the art students or the clique I'm associated with. I'm proud because I've reached a level in my life where I feel truly whole. I am doing what I'm good at and I'm lining myself up for a successful, fruitful, happy career and future. It feels so, so good.
The magical world of studying arts is no longer unattainable or a naive choice. I know myself now and I know what direction is right for me. And I've found something that compliments all facets of my education, interest and skills. Satisfaction!
Now, 7 years later, my hands are once again covered (to a much lesser extent as I've learned to manage my mediums) with paint and the side of my hands stained with lead. I still feel that sense of pride. And to tell you the truth, I feel it in a much more spiritually fulfilling manner. I'm not proud because of the cool kids in my class or the reputation of the art students or the clique I'm associated with. I'm proud because I've reached a level in my life where I feel truly whole. I am doing what I'm good at and I'm lining myself up for a successful, fruitful, happy career and future. It feels so, so good.
The magical world of studying arts is no longer unattainable or a naive choice. I know myself now and I know what direction is right for me. And I've found something that compliments all facets of my education, interest and skills. Satisfaction!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
First Impressions
So, if you didn't know, faithful readers (Hello? Are you out there somewhere?), I started school up again! Yay!!! Graphic Design at InterDec College. Hence the lack of blog posts and my inability to watch the last 3 episodes of Big Brother. Team Lane!
I won't lie, my first impressions of the institution where I'm presently undertaking my diploma were.... well, pretty harsh. They definitely made me question the decision to take out two loans in order to finance this endeavour.
Out of the 5-6 people who I've dealt with within the Administration, half of them have mislead me, half of them seemed confused, and the majority have prominent lisps. Not to mention that they file documents (I'm talking serious documents here) in paper file folders which get passed around between seemingly incompetent individuals. Obviously I'm prejudice since I am of the generation of constant computer usage and a non-stop, hook up to some form of technology; nonetheless, having my precious documents just floating around in file folders, makes me rather nervous. Electronic signatures anyone? I'm also rather worried about them loosing my documents since a close friend who attended Lasalle warned me that the administration has a reputation of "misplacing" important forms...
I dealt with a man at financial aid who was pushy, condescending and who appeared full-on bothered to be answering my simple questions. According to him, the answers were very apparent and I was the one who should figure it out. I spent a couple of weeks tormented trying to figure out my loan situation, calling the government's (incredibly crappy) financial aid office and leaving phone messages for the jerk who help me (that were never answered).
All in all, I was a little worried right off the bat, my sense of cognitive dissonance was strong due to the cost of the schooling and I wanted to feel secure in my decision and have faith in the people who were tending this next step in my educational career.
I jumped the gun a little with the negativity, I hadn't yet started school after all!
Day one:
Ok, so Interdec College is connected to Lasalle College, which means fashion departments, marketing/administration departments, esthetics departments, food/service departments, and finally, the design departments. All in all, some serious cliques and some serious styles. Literally 40% of the school is rocking the highly trendy and disturbing "half shaved head". Judgmental looks all around. Double kisses going off left and right. Leggings, leggings, leggings, oversized salvation army sweaters, glasses without lenses, fake combat boots and many, many, many, gay boys. I was a little intimidated.
Classes throughout the first week were slow to start off. Alot of explaining, reading of outlines, discussing needed materials, going over cellphone usage rules. There are so many rules at this school! Almost felt like I was back in highschool,... well, a much more stylish highschool. You'd think that students who are paying such a high fee to attend the classes would actually act as if they want to be there. I quickly learned that there are several of my colleagues who just don't give a f____. Texting away, facebooking, not listening to explanations, not understanding simple directions, not knowing how to use a ruler (???? seriously people?!). And after all that, turning to me to find out the specifics of what needs to be done - ummm helllll no! Needless to say, I definitely stand out and I know, with confidence, that this is an opportunity for me to shine. There will be no timidity from me, thank you very much! I'm not going to hold back from answering every single question asked by the professor.
And so week one began, me sitting at the front of every class, chatting up the professors on breaks, answering all the questions directed to the class and basking in the positive after effects of my marketing degree: the knowledge, the marketing mindset, the terminology, the ability to multi-task, the ability to study/complete homework on time/still have time to relax, the ability to follow directions and read assignments before asking questions, all of which aided in my "star" status in classes. All in all, not to gloat (although, why not gloat? I have worked rather hard to get here), but I feel as though I am far ahead of a few of the other students.
Now on to the positives of InterDec, because I do feel rather thrilled about how these past two weeks have gone!
Firstly, the teachers:
Approachable, positive, happy to be teaching, professionals in their field, eager to give advice, encouraging of creativity/thinking outside the box/controversial artwork, eager for participators, welcoming of conversation with students. I truly feel as though I have a lot of learn from these people and hopefully, some valuable contacts to be made as well.
Secondly, the classes:
Creativity, Colour Theory, Design Rules, Page Layout 1, Maquettes and Mock-ups, Image Processing!
Although I may be a little ahead in the theory of some of these courses, I'm enjoying every step of the learning process. I don't want to miss a thing! Gotta get back to the basics. Feels incredible to sit down and draw for 4 hours and have that be my class. Pretty much my heaven.
A homework assignment I've been working on this week for my creativity class - Draw a Volkswagen Beetle with these 5 following personalities: Irreverence, Pain, Confused, Athletic, Bored, Pain.
Also exciting about the classes, throughout the 1st semester, the majority of our work is done on drafts tables. The Profs want us to feel inspired by our own creativity and brainstorming rather than by google search or the computer design programs. It's enlightening. It's made me realize just how much I turn to the internet for inspiration with projects.
All in all, it's starting to pick up and it's really starting to be fun, super fun in fact. I'm enjoying all aspects, even the most mundane (measuring, aligning, drawing boxes). And I can already feel my creativity flowing beyond my school projects, I've been taking pictures, drawing, coming up with ideas for art, coming up with ideas for my T.A.-ing.
I feel great!
I won't lie, my first impressions of the institution where I'm presently undertaking my diploma were.... well, pretty harsh. They definitely made me question the decision to take out two loans in order to finance this endeavour.
Out of the 5-6 people who I've dealt with within the Administration, half of them have mislead me, half of them seemed confused, and the majority have prominent lisps. Not to mention that they file documents (I'm talking serious documents here) in paper file folders which get passed around between seemingly incompetent individuals. Obviously I'm prejudice since I am of the generation of constant computer usage and a non-stop, hook up to some form of technology; nonetheless, having my precious documents just floating around in file folders, makes me rather nervous. Electronic signatures anyone? I'm also rather worried about them loosing my documents since a close friend who attended Lasalle warned me that the administration has a reputation of "misplacing" important forms...
I dealt with a man at financial aid who was pushy, condescending and who appeared full-on bothered to be answering my simple questions. According to him, the answers were very apparent and I was the one who should figure it out. I spent a couple of weeks tormented trying to figure out my loan situation, calling the government's (incredibly crappy) financial aid office and leaving phone messages for the jerk who help me (that were never answered).
All in all, I was a little worried right off the bat, my sense of cognitive dissonance was strong due to the cost of the schooling and I wanted to feel secure in my decision and have faith in the people who were tending this next step in my educational career.
I jumped the gun a little with the negativity, I hadn't yet started school after all!
Day one:
Ok, so Interdec College is connected to Lasalle College, which means fashion departments, marketing/administration departments, esthetics departments, food/service departments, and finally, the design departments. All in all, some serious cliques and some serious styles. Literally 40% of the school is rocking the highly trendy and disturbing "half shaved head". Judgmental looks all around. Double kisses going off left and right. Leggings, leggings, leggings, oversized salvation army sweaters, glasses without lenses, fake combat boots and many, many, many, gay boys. I was a little intimidated.
Classes throughout the first week were slow to start off. Alot of explaining, reading of outlines, discussing needed materials, going over cellphone usage rules. There are so many rules at this school! Almost felt like I was back in highschool,... well, a much more stylish highschool. You'd think that students who are paying such a high fee to attend the classes would actually act as if they want to be there. I quickly learned that there are several of my colleagues who just don't give a f____. Texting away, facebooking, not listening to explanations, not understanding simple directions, not knowing how to use a ruler (???? seriously people?!). And after all that, turning to me to find out the specifics of what needs to be done - ummm helllll no! Needless to say, I definitely stand out and I know, with confidence, that this is an opportunity for me to shine. There will be no timidity from me, thank you very much! I'm not going to hold back from answering every single question asked by the professor.
And so week one began, me sitting at the front of every class, chatting up the professors on breaks, answering all the questions directed to the class and basking in the positive after effects of my marketing degree: the knowledge, the marketing mindset, the terminology, the ability to multi-task, the ability to study/complete homework on time/still have time to relax, the ability to follow directions and read assignments before asking questions, all of which aided in my "star" status in classes. All in all, not to gloat (although, why not gloat? I have worked rather hard to get here), but I feel as though I am far ahead of a few of the other students.
Now on to the positives of InterDec, because I do feel rather thrilled about how these past two weeks have gone!
Firstly, the teachers:
Approachable, positive, happy to be teaching, professionals in their field, eager to give advice, encouraging of creativity/thinking outside the box/controversial artwork, eager for participators, welcoming of conversation with students. I truly feel as though I have a lot of learn from these people and hopefully, some valuable contacts to be made as well.
Secondly, the classes:
Creativity, Colour Theory, Design Rules, Page Layout 1, Maquettes and Mock-ups, Image Processing!
Although I may be a little ahead in the theory of some of these courses, I'm enjoying every step of the learning process. I don't want to miss a thing! Gotta get back to the basics. Feels incredible to sit down and draw for 4 hours and have that be my class. Pretty much my heaven.
A homework assignment I've been working on this week for my creativity class - Draw a Volkswagen Beetle with these 5 following personalities: Irreverence, Pain, Confused, Athletic, Bored, Pain.
Also exciting about the classes, throughout the 1st semester, the majority of our work is done on drafts tables. The Profs want us to feel inspired by our own creativity and brainstorming rather than by google search or the computer design programs. It's enlightening. It's made me realize just how much I turn to the internet for inspiration with projects.
All in all, it's starting to pick up and it's really starting to be fun, super fun in fact. I'm enjoying all aspects, even the most mundane (measuring, aligning, drawing boxes). And I can already feel my creativity flowing beyond my school projects, I've been taking pictures, drawing, coming up with ideas for art, coming up with ideas for my T.A.-ing.
I feel great!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Pa-Pa-Pa-Patterns
I was reading Lake Jane.
A blog for the curious at heart, girly-girls, procrastinators, nail biters and eternal dreamers.The most recent topic blogged about was the Dwell Patterns by Heath Ceramics. These vibrant, funky tiles would give life and rhythm to any space yet not overburden it. These are not like other tile patterns, these were a product of the design company Dwell which creates goods for the modern home. And truthfully, they've done a beautiful job with these tiles - they are futuristic yet as a whole, not angular (as you would naturally envision something futuristic to be). The design background of the creators is definitely apparent. The patterns allow the eye to meander within the grout and slates, finding different repetitions and rhythms. It's all very architectural, yet, somewhat natural. A tile collection that speaks to Gen Y - half of them on drugs, a large percentage fancying themselves artists, the vast majority wanting to break away from the confines of previous generations, all of them looking to make their mark and establish themselves as individuals.
Check out the full collection for a visual trip right here!
And if you want to kill some time, happily perusing or need to find a gift for a fellow Gen Y'er, check out the Dwell site.
Speaking of patterns.... and visual trips.
Check out The Limits of Control. A film by Jim Jarmusch who did Broken Flowers and Coffee and Cigarettes.
I saw this film maybe a year ago... and it still haunts me. The visuals swirl around in my head. Virtually every scene provides splashes of colour and patterned backdrops - a film set in contemporary Spain, so the vibrant setting is to be expected to a certain extent. This piece is truly a work of art not only due it's cinematography but also the riveting story-line and incredible acting. Listen, I'm no film critique, but I do know that this film was beautiful and different and it drew me in. Truly inspiring for someone interested in the arts, philosophy, and with a strange sense of humour.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Calm Before the Storm
School begins in exactly 3 weeks! So this is pretty much the lull before the big bang. And this also feels like pretty much, the end of my prehistory. The end of my prologue. After this, who knows. This next year will change everything! The next year will start my new chapter.
I cannot wait to be submersed in an intensive graphic design program with passionate artists surrounding my everyday! I feel so happy and assured. Definitely not the feelings I had when I initially made the decision to go back to school. A few weeks ago, the fear of being beyond broke (with a massive loan over my shoulders) greatly overshadowed the excitement. The truth is that this is an investment in my future, albeit, a very large one. But forget the money, this is the necessary step. This is what I gotta do to get where I wanna be! The professor I'm assisting's words are ringing in my head: "Go for the jugular, don't be passive, don't think about the money - just focus on putting yourself where you need to be, who do you want to be in 20 years?". She gives me lots to contemplate. And she's right, if you want to be somewhere, you have to envision it and just go for it.
So before I get into the craziness that is September, I've been taking advantage of working from home, streaming Big Brother, making trips to Atwater Market, hanging out with girlfriends and making delicious meals with my lova. Last night we had a dinner of gourmet cheese (Camenbert from Quebec and France, Brie, spicy Gouda, Quebec Goat, aged Cheddar - accompanied by blueberries, olives and grapes), fresh bread, yummy salad and some lemon dark chocolate to top it all off. DELECTABLE and mouth watering as I think of it now.
September will mean my second trip to the Gaspe (to celebrate my Dad's 58th and his retirement), the filming and editing of promotional videos for JMSB undergraduate courses with yours truly as the Art Director :), the start of my graphic design studies, some fall camping and a weekend of PodCamp.
I feel so satisfied and positive about my choice! Cheers to the beginning of the rest of my life...
Friday, August 6, 2010
Appalled at JMSB's Curriculum Committee
I was recently informed by one of my former professors that the John Molson School of Business's curriculum committee has considered merging three highly influential and integral courses within the marketing curriculum into one course. These courses are Direct Response Marketing, Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications. For anyone whose taken even one of these, you understanding the detriment and negative consequences of merging 28 weeks of in-depth learning and development of hard and soft coveted skills into 9 weeks of force-fed theory.
What is the curriculum committee thinking???
This is a major step down for the school as a whole and the students who will have to suffer because of it. As a recent graduate, I feel that I have a duty to voice my opinion and represent the students who will follow me. I urge any JMSB graduates who have been fortunate enough to benefit from either of these three courses to SPEAK UP! Let the curriculum committee know how incredibly dense they are being.
Here was what I wrote to my professor when he asked for former students' opinions on the matter:
What are your thoughts on the proposed discontinuation of Marketing 460 (IMC)?
As a recent graduate from JMSB in Marketing, I can say with confidence that IMC was the only class which truly prepared me for a career in marketing. The IMC course gives the students a realistic view of what completing a real marketing project entails. Furthermore, I am shocked that this course’s validity and importance are being questioned since the trends in marketing point entirely toward integration of communications. This is the only class that allows students to grasp this trend and its implications.
Another trend that this course allows students to become knowledgeable about is that of experiential marketing. In order for companies to stay at the forefront of marketing, they must move towards experiential. How can JMSB boast “real education for the real world” if they do not offer students a course which teaches them about the aspects which are most important when moving into a career in marketing?
Employers are looking for recruits that are aware of the changes in the industry and who will bring a forward-looking and innovation-focused mindset to the company. JMSB allows graduates to have that advantage over other recruits by offering IMC. Discontinuing the IMC course would hinder the students’ development, their future success and the school’s reputation as “a business school focused on the real world and the students’ success”. In fact, discontinuing IMC would completely negate JMSB’s interest in their students’ success and their focus on the “real world”.
What are your opinions about combining advertising, direct marketing and IMC into one course?
Merging these three courses would remove the opportunities that students studying marketing at JMSB have to gain coveted knowledge and skills for their future career. These courses and their material test and educate the students in ways that other marketing courses do not.
Merging these courses would overwhelm the students with information. All of the highly important details would get lost. Further, these courses allow students to learn of different specializations within marketing; a merge of the three courses would be completely un-real world. The students are not paying thousands of dollars for their education to have this information shoved into their brains in 9 weeks. The students want to benefit from the courses and want to learn everything that they can. They do not want “speed-learning” they want a “real education for the real world”!
Advertising and IMC allowed me to gain a realistic perspective on what creating a campaign actually entails. Because of these two courses, I gained insight into the marketing world that I would have otherwise no been privileged to. I have entered into the work force a more knowledgeable, prepared, aware, confident and skilled individual because of the advertising and IMC courses.
If the curriculum committee does decide to go ahead with this merge, they are outwardly stating that they care more about budget, more about bureaucratic disagreements and more about their own agenda than the STUDENTS’ WELL-BEING and EDUCATION. The curriculum committee should be ashamed of their ignorance. I worry about the future of the students’ that have yet to pass through JMSB since this curriculum review makes it apparent that their best interest is not being taken into consideration.
What do you believe will be lost or gained by these proposed changes?
If these changes are in fact instated, JMSB as a whole and the graduates will be less coveted and less reputable. The skills developed because of these 3 courses are without comparison. This curriculum change will nullify the entirety of the committee’s interest in the students’ futures.
Therefore, what will be lost:
- JMSB’s reputation as an institution that cares about their graduates’ success.
- JMSB’s reputation as an institution that offers “real education for the real world”.
- The students will loose the opportunity to study at an institution that is at the forefront of business education.
- The students will loose the opportunity to learn of specialization within marketing.
- The students will loose the opportunity to develop coveted soft skills such as: communication skills, self-confidence, ease in group settings, listening skills, learning how to be effective and valuable team members.
- The students will loose the opportunity to develop coveted hard skills such as: developing presentations, developing campaigns, developing their cv and cover letter.
- All around, the students’ diplomas will be less valuable.
What will be gained:
- JMSB will be seen as an institution that cares less about their students and more about their budget.
- JMSB will be seen as an institution that offers speed-learning rather than in depth education.
- JMSB will be seen as an institution that is not interested in the forward-looking trends within the marketing industry but as an institution that is comfortable offering an outdated education.
- JMSB will be seen as an institution that offers a “one size fits all” education, with no real specialization and no real-life experience.
- The students will learn that cramming for exams is better than taking the time to learn.
- The students will learn that an outdated, theory-focused education at JMSB is as costly as an education at other business schools that actually offer courses on specialization, real-world knowledge and a focus on the actual trends within the industry.
Is JMSB not supposed to be focused on a real education for the real world? Is JMSB not supposed to be focused on their students’ education and their graduates’ success? Does JMSB not want to be at the forefront of business educations? Does JMSB not care what their students think or want? Why, after all the up-roar from the professors and the students involved in these courses, would the curriculum committee even consider implementing this change?
I am extremely disappointed and hope that future JMSB students can benefit from the institution that I benefited from; an institution focused on the future and focused on what was best for me.
Erin Willett
B.Comm, Marketing
What is the curriculum committee thinking???
This is a major step down for the school as a whole and the students who will have to suffer because of it. As a recent graduate, I feel that I have a duty to voice my opinion and represent the students who will follow me. I urge any JMSB graduates who have been fortunate enough to benefit from either of these three courses to SPEAK UP! Let the curriculum committee know how incredibly dense they are being.
Here was what I wrote to my professor when he asked for former students' opinions on the matter:
What are your thoughts on the proposed discontinuation of Marketing 460 (IMC)?
As a recent graduate from JMSB in Marketing, I can say with confidence that IMC was the only class which truly prepared me for a career in marketing. The IMC course gives the students a realistic view of what completing a real marketing project entails. Furthermore, I am shocked that this course’s validity and importance are being questioned since the trends in marketing point entirely toward integration of communications. This is the only class that allows students to grasp this trend and its implications.
Another trend that this course allows students to become knowledgeable about is that of experiential marketing. In order for companies to stay at the forefront of marketing, they must move towards experiential. How can JMSB boast “real education for the real world” if they do not offer students a course which teaches them about the aspects which are most important when moving into a career in marketing?
Employers are looking for recruits that are aware of the changes in the industry and who will bring a forward-looking and innovation-focused mindset to the company. JMSB allows graduates to have that advantage over other recruits by offering IMC. Discontinuing the IMC course would hinder the students’ development, their future success and the school’s reputation as “a business school focused on the real world and the students’ success”. In fact, discontinuing IMC would completely negate JMSB’s interest in their students’ success and their focus on the “real world”.
What are your opinions about combining advertising, direct marketing and IMC into one course?
Merging these three courses would remove the opportunities that students studying marketing at JMSB have to gain coveted knowledge and skills for their future career. These courses and their material test and educate the students in ways that other marketing courses do not.
Merging these courses would overwhelm the students with information. All of the highly important details would get lost. Further, these courses allow students to learn of different specializations within marketing; a merge of the three courses would be completely un-real world. The students are not paying thousands of dollars for their education to have this information shoved into their brains in 9 weeks. The students want to benefit from the courses and want to learn everything that they can. They do not want “speed-learning” they want a “real education for the real world”!
Advertising and IMC allowed me to gain a realistic perspective on what creating a campaign actually entails. Because of these two courses, I gained insight into the marketing world that I would have otherwise no been privileged to. I have entered into the work force a more knowledgeable, prepared, aware, confident and skilled individual because of the advertising and IMC courses.
If the curriculum committee does decide to go ahead with this merge, they are outwardly stating that they care more about budget, more about bureaucratic disagreements and more about their own agenda than the STUDENTS’ WELL-BEING and EDUCATION. The curriculum committee should be ashamed of their ignorance. I worry about the future of the students’ that have yet to pass through JMSB since this curriculum review makes it apparent that their best interest is not being taken into consideration.
What do you believe will be lost or gained by these proposed changes?
If these changes are in fact instated, JMSB as a whole and the graduates will be less coveted and less reputable. The skills developed because of these 3 courses are without comparison. This curriculum change will nullify the entirety of the committee’s interest in the students’ futures.
Therefore, what will be lost:
- JMSB’s reputation as an institution that cares about their graduates’ success.
- JMSB’s reputation as an institution that offers “real education for the real world”.
- The students will loose the opportunity to study at an institution that is at the forefront of business education.
- The students will loose the opportunity to learn of specialization within marketing.
- The students will loose the opportunity to develop coveted soft skills such as: communication skills, self-confidence, ease in group settings, listening skills, learning how to be effective and valuable team members.
- The students will loose the opportunity to develop coveted hard skills such as: developing presentations, developing campaigns, developing their cv and cover letter.
- All around, the students’ diplomas will be less valuable.
What will be gained:
- JMSB will be seen as an institution that cares less about their students and more about their budget.
- JMSB will be seen as an institution that offers speed-learning rather than in depth education.
- JMSB will be seen as an institution that is not interested in the forward-looking trends within the marketing industry but as an institution that is comfortable offering an outdated education.
- JMSB will be seen as an institution that offers a “one size fits all” education, with no real specialization and no real-life experience.
- The students will learn that cramming for exams is better than taking the time to learn.
- The students will learn that an outdated, theory-focused education at JMSB is as costly as an education at other business schools that actually offer courses on specialization, real-world knowledge and a focus on the actual trends within the industry.
Is JMSB not supposed to be focused on a real education for the real world? Is JMSB not supposed to be focused on their students’ education and their graduates’ success? Does JMSB not want to be at the forefront of business educations? Does JMSB not care what their students think or want? Why, after all the up-roar from the professors and the students involved in these courses, would the curriculum committee even consider implementing this change?
I am extremely disappointed and hope that future JMSB students can benefit from the institution that I benefited from; an institution focused on the future and focused on what was best for me.
Erin Willett
B.Comm, Marketing
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