I asked ~Tsume-Yamagata to do a sketch for me, so in the interest of 'all's fair in the world' I'm going to offer some sketches too.

SO, if you've ever wanted to see me sketch something, now is the time to ask!

1. ~Tsume-Yamagata : dragonfly : DONE!
2. ~Yoda-the-Kindawise : Jabberwocky
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In other news, school is back in session. Here goes for my last year at Uni!

That's right. May 1, 2010 is my graduation date. Be afraid, world; I'm coming after you next.

So, I've been thinking for quite a few months now that I wanted to do an independent (as in, not related to school) book design project. Initially I was considering Alice in Wonderland pretty heartily, but my mother gave me quite an argument against that choice and steered me in the direction of Oz.

As much as I would still absolutely love to do Alice I believe that there were a number of compelling arguments against that choice. Therefore, I am currently studying some Oz stories.

Now, before some of you guys get a little stuck on copyright, let me point out an excellent resource: Gutenberg.org. On that wonderful site there are plenty of books that have lost their copyright and are open to butchering. Among these books are pieces by Dickens and Thackeray which certainly made finding some of my textbooks this last year a little easier.

I told a friend of mine what my goals with this project were, and he got extremely excited about the idea. He has asked if he could partner with me on this project, as he was interested in doing the illustrations. I'm not one to refuse a fellow art major an opportunity to expand their portfolio, not to mention one who is a coworker who makes the drudgery of the call floor go by more pleasantly, so we are currently plotting out a project that will hopefully reach its full culmination (as in, completely finished) before Spring semester starts rolling. Optimally that means December or January.

If you know much about Oz, or want to take a fresh look at this delightfully childish series and give your two cents about what you'd like to see designed and illustrated, please tell me. It's certainly not my regular style, and I think it will prove a refreshing challenge. I could use all the help I can get.

If you are interested in owning a copy of the final product please let me know; if we can generate enough interest we are hoping to do a real professional print job with a large run. I'm hoping to get price quotes in about two months. This is a non-profit project, so we'll be sure to keep the prices as cheap as possible, but a large portion of the price will depend on how many people are interested (the more copies then the cheaper per unit it will be).

This project will hopefully go well and give me the experience needed in order to spearhead a project encompassing the entire Oz series. If you're interested in being an illustrator then keep your ears open. I just might need you in the future.

This past Friday (the 3rd of April) I attended a portfolio review. The drive up was miserable; nearly four hours, and a portion of that was in blizzard conditions (I hate school vans, especially when I'm the one driving). I just want it to be Spring, and I want the rain to come. I love the rain. Not such a fan of snow. (Apparently there are people in this world who don't believe in snow; they think it is a contrivance that only happens in the movies.) But I digress.

So, as a student who has one year left in school before I graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design, I bared my portfolio and waited for the brutal tides to destroy what pitiful shreds are left of my ego.

To begin, this year's review was four times larger and twenty times higher in quality than last year's (I attended as an observer last year, and it was pretty shoddy business). The point of these reviews is to expose students (either graduating or nearly graduating) to a professional audience, where they can get feedback (or possibly a job) as they emerge as designers. I went in order to prepare for next year, and it was a tough thing. I showed only pieces that were done from the beginning of last semester up to projects that are still being worked on. I got some amazing feedback, which I hope to remember (I did write it down, but I cannot read my handwriting) long enough to implement and better my work.

A few things that I can summarize for the benefit of others:

a) People like small, brightly colored objects.
I had an accordion-fold book that was designed like a children's book which briefly outlined a history of Offset Printing. Despite this not being my strongest piece (in my opinion), people seemed to gravitate toward it. That was almost always the first thing that was picked up.

b) Typography is quintessential.
I already knew this, but it was pounded even deeper during the review. A large portion of the professionals who reviewed commented (either good or bad) about my handling of type. It is in the handling of type that style can and will be defined. Color is important, as are other elements, but typography is the strongest factor of all. Figure out the type, and make sure it is working. If it's not working, nothing is going to work.

c) Size affects impact.
There is something about a large work of art. The same thing goes for the size of a portfolio. When showing a piece make sure it is large enough to be seen, but don't make it so large that it becomes cumbersome. Some people like heft and size; I took a smaller, almost pamphlet-like summary piece to substitute for a portfolio in order to facilitate a more personal experience (and a clear in-progress mood) with my work. This, however, was far too small for the taste of many. Now, I don't like the huge portfolios that take up three feet of space when they're open, but I believe a nice medium can be (and indeed, should be) achieved. Your work should make an impact, and size will help to convey that message.

d) Presence.
This kind of goes along with c. Part one of this is the presence of the actual projects. Give them some sort of context to work with; bring a few of the actual pieces along with you so that they can be handled and experienced. This will allow them to see things in context. Part two is the presenter's presence. Dress nicely; show that you have a professional attitude toward your work. Don't make excuses. Smile and graciously accept what they say. You don't have to agree with it, or implement their advice, just make them feel like what they're saying is being listened to. Validate them. Now, there is invariably the type of person who just wants to talk to you in order to impress you with their own awesomeness. Don't be intimidated. Just smile, because, amazingly, smiling helps all input to go down easier. (You can always laugh at the people who are full of themselves later. They make for great stories.)

If you come to a dull moment in the review, perhaps no one is standing around your portfolio or talking to you, don't stop smiling. Greet everyone who looks at you with a cheerful face, and they might become intrigued enough to talk to you. Your attitude will sell you and your work, so make sure it's a pleasant one.

Well, that's all I'm going to say for now.

Happy April, Ya'll!

Alright, so had this in her journal, and I rather like being given the opportunity to shamelessly flaunt the work of others. So, if you comment on this journal I will feature three of your works. I'll only feature 10 people, though! So be selfish and claim a spot quickly.

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Dreamseller - Preview [link]
Lolly Witch, page 35 [link]
Sangria - Haiku Exercise [link]

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Colorblind [link]
Queen of Hearts [link]
Flight [link]

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Sun [link]
6 of 6 [link]
My Invisible Friend [link] (I couldn't help it! This piece makes me chuckle every time!)

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Dear January,

It's been a while. I apologize for being so curt with you so far; I'm afraid I didn't want to admit how much time has elapsed. It all goes so quickly, and one introduction is followed by another, and everything fades into the obscurity of memory.

Things are going alright so far, I'm sure. A positive attitude would make it all look so much more amazing, but none of us are perfect, even if some of us are perfectionists.

I'll admit some excitement regarding the inspiration I'm sure you'll surprise me with. You know, I got a scanner from a friend, so hopefully I'll be able to ask the world for their opinion on my execution of that inspiration.

Indeed, the more I think about it, life is amazing. I've just got to look at it right. Opportunities are springing up, despite the shadows of missed chances. Sometimes, after hard things are done or thought about, it's difficult to allow that light to creep in to show what has popped up in its absence. It's almost tempting to turn a back to the shadows completely, and to forsake failure and potential alike. Trying to escape darkness, though, makes it more difficult to find the way out of it.

So, good morning, January. Let's take this time together, with what time and material we're given.

Sincerely yours,