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Another final done! 4 more to go in these next two weeks. Thank God. I must have gotten 12 hours of sleep last night. So tired.
Today I have to worked on my thesis for Art of Research. Still need to do some work for tomorrow. Planning two parties this term: one, a going away party for D; and two, a party party for everyone.
I went to the travel agent today to book my flight for Taipei. I was going to go with my mom. But when we got there I saw this better deal for Japan, which was about half as much. I know I had my heart set on Taipei, but I also don’t want to spend unnecessarily. I’m thinking about just calling the whole thing off. I’m not too sure that this is a good time to be spending money right now.
Registered for classes yesterday and added a ShootSell class today. Don’t know if I want to get in there yet because I discovered that there is a TDS Proctor and Gamble project that opened up. It’s a branding course and I’ll be working with ID Majors. Kinda left field for me and my major but I’m interested because it has to do with Branding, a subject that I’ve recently found fascinating. I’m up in arms still about those classes.
Never knew that Michael Jackson was a damn good beatboxer
I woke up late for Branding Strategies and therefore an hour late to Branding Strategies. I stayed up all night laying out the paperwork for our project and decided to take a quick 30 minute nap. That nap ended up being an hour and 30 minute nap! But after all is said and done, our presentation went off without a hitch. Elena was there to crit today, which was engaging as usual, but the majority of crit was done by most of them class. I’m just glad to be done with one final!
Tonight I’ll be up working on my next final which is paper for Critical Practice with John Brumfeld. I like his class, and plan on taking his Advertising and Propoganda class next term, perhaps even Critical Practice 2.
I’m registering for classes tomorrow at 1pm. Going to take two Ad Studios, perhaps three if Mikio lets me into the Agency. I’m trying to take some Graphics classes as well, just seems like the work is getting thicker for its own good. I’m getting scared of taking more than 3 studios, which is scary to me. I keep telling myself that I should be used to this, but for some reason I’m bombarding myself with more studio work. It’s like I want to do it all! Gotta learn to calm down and let the lessons soak in.
Had TV Concepts today and Lee and the class liked my idea for my commercial. The assignment to pick an attribute about ourselves and create a self-promo. I picked my height. I did pretty good, but it was Josephine who really went the extra mile for this assignment. Her idea was awesome! I would tell you what it was, but I’m being vague on purpose just in case she (or me, if I wanted to STEAL it from her–muhahahaha) wanted to the sell the idea one day.
Other than that, I worked on branding strategies today, all day. Matter of fact I’m just finishing up printing up the written part as I type this. Three weeks just wasn’t enough to get this project conceptualized and crafted. If I hadn’t explained it in previous blogs, the assignment was to make a trash can conveying the brand attributes from well-known brands. Our team’s was Coca-Cola.
As if all of us weren’t stressed out already, the shit really hit the fan today as I had to stop my teammates from literally physically fighting each other. Well, at least the girl that is. I could’ve sworn she was close to smacking the guy. To make a long story (and a lot of bitching) the problem is still not resolved and I’m afraid that a temper like that just leads to other personal issues within. It’s a shame that she let it get to the team.
Still, for a minute there I could’ve sworn they were fucking each other, by the intensity of her hate for this guy. We’ll see tomorrow morning. I have to make a presentation about this in about 3 hours. I don’t plan on sleeping much this morning.
So I found this today as I was looking for the video for “I Wish” by Skee-lo. This led to “I Wish” by R. Kelly, which led to this song… Charice Pempengco–Napakang WOW!
A second wind has come over myself and my group for Branding Strategies. One of our team members, realizing that crafting a “clear” trash can was more difficult than initially thought, has relented to Plan B; a plan that I discussed with my other group member to simultaneously work on while we fashioned the initial crafted piece. Ironically, inspiration for this version of the final project came about (literally) as we were sitting in the exact environment we planned on housing the trash can.
The situation comes at a good time, as we have all but run out of time in order to get this project done. Plan B doesn’t look as neat and clean as we had hoped the “clear” trash can to be, but it fits in with all the aspects of the brand we’re trying to project. What’s more important to me, however, is if I can get both of my teammates to reconcile, given that we are now at odds together. I’m meeting with the two this evening at around 7 in the library to discuss finishing of the model.
I’ve never considered myself a leader. Yet many times I find myself in precarious situations whether by default or otherwise in that defacto role. I find no pleasure in dealing with the politics in these particular situations, and usually find myself in agony, worrying. To be honest, I would rather sleep better. In every situation, I wish I had the magic words in order to “make everything better.” Other times I feel unappreciated and taken advantage of because I have a big heart and care too deeply about the personal situations at hand and the people that I am helping, contributing and collaborating with.
For our class in Branding Strategies, we have to create a trash can (yes, a trash can) based on the brand we have chosen. Our group took on the huge task of choosing Coca Cola. We have spent the past three weeks analyzing what the brand means, the design, and other aspects leading up to the final project. Unfortunately along the way my team mates have hit a snag in their relationship and I am forced to become the mediator between them. It’s not been easy for the past several hours, and I’m feeling pessimistic that we’ll be able to finish on time. Despite my personal feeling that this project should have been assigned at the beginning of the class in order to allow more preparation and better craft, it has added to the need for urgency of getting a project and proposal done; a familiar feeling that I’ve experienced before and will again later. Up until now, I thought school has been rather tough, but now it’s ramping up to be a lot tougher in these last three weeks of the term.
In other news, I have to prepare for my fourth term review despite all the work I have to do for the other classes. God, I am really not looking forward to anything at all about this week. One side of me just wants to say fuck it. Actually, ALL OF ME wants to say fuck it! But for some crazy reason, I have to push on. I have to keep going. I have to prove to myself that I’m worth this; that I’m worth my future.
I’m praying that I can get through these next few weeks. God knows it’s going to be the craziest.
Busy now more than ever as week 11 passes and 12 looms its ugly head in the horizon. Wow! 12 weeks gone like that. Seems so quick! I could still remember the first days of class this summer. But I’m so glad it’s coming to an end. This term has proven to be quite tough both professionally and personally. I think I’ve definitely over-exerted myself this term. Hopefully after this, five classes won’t seem as touch anymore and I’ll learn to manage my time a little bit better. Been working to the bone these last several months. I have to remind myself that the fight is not over yet, and now more than ever, I have to dig deep.
These pages on the blog have helped tremendously and it’s only now in this term that I’ve come to appreciate it’s usefulness towards my practice in writing. Sure, I want to become a good Art Director, but more importantly, I’ve learned, that I want to become a better Art Director. Mikio says that sometimes student’s would come to him saying that that “just discovered” that they are a better Copy Writer. The fact of the matter is, they were just a shitty Art Director. haha
But with some reassurance, I was reading a book called Disruption by Jean Marie Dru. In the book, he states (somewhere along the lines) that most Art Directors and Creative Directors in the US started out in Advertising as a Copywriter, opposed to Europe and Asia. The reason for this is because as a culture in the US, the central idea opposed to the Visual Aesthetic is more important. In Europe and Asia, visual is king. On one hand, this is bad news for me in the US as a emerging Art Director. On the other hand, it gives me hope for finding a position outside the US in Europe or Asia.
Honestly for me right now, hitting the Middle East has been somewhat on my mind. Reason being that the industry here in the US is all too saturated. Sure, I’d love to say here and play, but the lure of overseas living as well as the cost of living has been a serious looming thought. I just hope that I’m lucky enough to get this kind of opportunity.
Other than that, Taipei is almost in the bag. I canceled my previous plans in lure of a more appealing tour trip that my parents help arrange via their travel agent. My dad even offered to pay for the whole trip just to see that I had a safe planned voyage. I would’ve said no, except that I AM broke. haha They even offered to pay half of the fare if someone else would simply accompany me. Its a weird proposition, but hopefully I’ll find someone else to go.
Anyway, gotta get back to finals.
The gallery at Art Center is now featuring a retrospective of photographer André Kertész entitled André Kertész: On Reading. The exhibit will be open for a short time only June 26th-August 23. For more information on Kertész, check out the Wikipedia page or see the exhibit for yourself. The exhibit features hundreds of photographs and a reproduction stage of the life and times of the era.
ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN APPOINTS LORNE M. BUCHMAN AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
July 8, 2009, Pasadena, Calif. – The Board of Trustees of Art Center College of Design announced today that Lorne M. Buchman has been appointed its President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Buchman, only the fifth president of Art Center since its founding nearly 80 years ago, will take office in October 2009, succeeding Dr. Frank L. Ellsworth, who has served as Interim President of the College since Fall 2008.
Dr. Buchman was unanimously selected by the Board following the enthusiastic recommendation of a committee of faculty members, students, trustees and staff that conducted an international search over the past ten months.
In making the announcement, Board Chairman John P. Puerner said, “I am confident that Lorne will ensure Art Center continues to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment and is able to maintain its leadership position at the center of excellence and innovation in higher education. Our students’ experience will be elevated by his balanced approach to learning.”
With a wealth of academic leadership experience, Dr. Buchman’s presidency of Art Center marks his return to art and design education. Previously, Dr. Buchman served as Provost, then President of California College of Arts and Crafts. There he spearheaded the 1994 strategic plan that led to the creation of its renowned San Francisco campus, and he was instrumental in the success of the historic capital campaign that made the new facility possible. During his tenure at CCA, he also oversaw significant enrollment growth, launched a major public programs initiative, engaged in bold community service initiatives, and diversified the faculty with several new hires. Most recently, Dr. Buchman served as President of Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center where he led the institution in a plan to transform from a graduate school to a multidisciplinary university. A trained theatre director and scholar, he has also held a number of faculty and administrative positions at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of a book on filmic adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays.
Upon accepting the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Buchman said, “I’m thrilled to be joining this extraordinary community, and I look forward to the chance to build on its distinctive and distinguished history. Art Center has always been one of the most highly-respected independent colleges of art and design in this country, and I couldn’t be happier about this opportunity. This is a fabulous
moment in my life.”
Dr. Buchman serves as Principal and Founder of Buchman Associates, a private consulting firm he established in 2000 whose focus is identifying philanthropic and private investment sources to develop facilities for non-profit organizations. A principal project of Buchman Associates included his work as Executive Director of the highly acclaimed Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, California, an international center dedicated to disability rights and universal access that will be a home for people with disabilities to live independently and without discrimination.
In addition to his work in higher education, Dr. Buchman is actively involved in community service. He has served on the Board of over a dozen organizations, including Haifa University, Youth Enrichment Strategies, San Francisco Art Institute, Redwood Day School, The San Francisco Jewish Museum and the Berkeley Shakespeare Festival. Dr. Buchman earned his PhD from Stanford University and received a B.A. from the University of Toronto. He is married to Rochelle Shapell, an attorney and professor of law. They have four children. “With representation from students, faculty, alumni, staff and trustees, the search committee represented a true cross-section of the Art Center community,” said Robert C. Davidson, Jr., Trustee and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “While we considered many outstanding individuals for the position, Lorne emerged as the clear choice to lead Art Center. The entire Art Center community will no doubt benefit from Lorne’s deep understanding and appreciation of design and the creative process, and his ability to articulate and implement a strong strategic vision for the College.”
Of Dr. Ellsworth’s accomplishments, Mr. Puerner said, “Frank has done a remarkable job at moving the College forward during our time of transition and his contributions will have a lasting effect on Art Center. We thank him for his work on behalf of Art Center and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”
About Art Center
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, Art Center College of Design is a global leader in art and design education. Art Center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines, as well as public programs for all ages and levels of experience. The first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status, Art Center provides opportunities for students to create design-based solutions for humanitarian and non-profit agencies around the world. During the College’s almost 80 years, Art Center’s alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live, and important issues in our society today.
Right now I’m wondering what kind of day it’s going to be. Today is my aunt’s funeral service and burial. A lot of my family’s friends are going to be there. Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins that I haven’t seen in years will be attending. In some aspect its kinda sad that we only see each other at only these occasions. On the other hand, I’m glad that its sparingly as there is a lot of drama in my parent’s little band of friends. Between us cousins is a little different. We treat each other like REAL cousins, and with the love of REAL cousins. I guess it’s different compared to friends, yea? Anyway, I’ve been pretty preoccupied with a bit of sadness this whole week, and been pretty bummed. I’ve spent some time revisiting family and haven’t really had time to give my work some real effort. Its sucks, because I’m so used to just working constantly. Pile THAT with a full schedule and finals coming up, and I’m ready for a drink dammit.
On the other note, I got in touch with a travel agent that my buddy Tim recommended. Taiwan bound come Monday. Still have to look for a place to stay though. But I’m sure that won’t be hard as even the travel agent said that there are a lot of places to stay in Taiwan. We shall see. Off to the Monkey King…
Recently, I’ve been putting together a trip to Taipei, Taiwan during break and yet again, I’m flying solo. Sure, I could use company, but as I found out last year on my trip to the desert, its so much more fun exploring a place by myself. I really feel like an Indiana Jones taking in all the sights and really getting to know something on my own. To anyone else Taiwan doesn’t seem like the “premiere” destination. After all, there’s Hawaii, Japan, Europe, Australia, Mexico, and even the Caribbean. But knowing me, I’ve never been fond of the conventional and wisdom just goes to show, straight from the Monkey King himself–you never want to be where everyone else is. Besides, ever since meeting Tim and D, and other Taiwanese friends, I’ve taken up a curiosity with the place. And after actually reading up on the history, geography, language, and people of Taiwan, that curiosity has turned into a fond regard for the country.
So in that respect, I’m currently setting my sights on a mini-vacation during my break. From what I understand, this time of year is hot and humid like a MFer. That’s all good, maybe I’ll come back a few pounds lighter. haha
I thought these commercials were pretty lame at first, but as of late, they’ve become one of my favorites!
My favorite…
Hey readers,
Just posted up a new section for all my essays and copy. Enjoy!
-RAD
Tonight while I was meditating, I thought of someone that I hadn’t thought about in years. Funny that I did because I truly missed her. Anyway, I woke up from my trance and couldn’t get back to sleep. It was around midnight and I decided to get up and go to the Chalet, the local bar here in Eagle Rock.
I’m doing research on the gentrification of Eagle Rock and how things have changed in the past several years. My next step in my research is to interview someone. I went with no idea of what I should ask and/or how to ask the questions. I don’t know if I’ll be able to use any of it, but I’m glad I experienced a good practice round. Can’t wait for the next time. I learned that people will say anything when drunk. It’s kinda funny.
