WTF

You know...I find, as I'm sure many of you do, that life often likes to screw with me. It's nothing personal. It's screws with all of us, some more than others I suppose. I had everything all planned out to get my camera. I had decided on the type, set the money aside and then with a snap of it's cosmic fingers, life changed the course. Bills came up, plans changed. I also realized that as a student I probably don't need to be spending over a grand on a camera. I realize in the pro world, that's chump change. But I'm not pro. So, I'm going to buy this camera instead:

It's still a decent camera and it's got some bells and whistles on it, but it's not going to cost me an arm and a leg. I think that once I actually start making money after I graduate, if I really need an SLR camera, I will have a little more cash to allot. That's the theory. However, I'm sure life will inevitably throw me another curve ball. And since I don't play baseball I will either duck and it will miss me OR it will plow right into me and cause me grievouse bodily harm. That metaphor is now DEAD. And I am tired.

Next Week!

Yay! I'm finally going to get my camera! I've decided to get the Nikon D40. I'm getting the kit that has two lenses and a camera bag. I think I'm going to get it from Wolf Camera because they have an excellent extended warranty and they offer free camera cleanings with the warranty. They also offer camera classes with the purchase of the camera. There are certainly some places online that I have found to be cheaper, but they cannot match the warranty or amenities (is that the right word?) of the Wolf store. I look forward to posting photos on here with my fabulous new camera...

Me + Paint

I realized today that I haven't ever posted any of my artwork online. So I thought I'd change that. I put pictures of many of my pieces up on my Flickr account (see link to left) and I also thought I'd ad some teasers (above). Perhaps one day I'll open an Etsy shop and put some things up for sale. In fact, if you're interested in any of the pieces, let me know. I've got some more current stuff in my portfolio, I just haven't photographed it yet. By the way, even if you aren't interested in buying any of these, I welcome feedback.

new things to love

After hating on the PC the other night, I decided I want to share some love instead on this fine evening. I have found a new blog (thanks to marta) called Black Eiffel. I think this blog will be added to my short list of blogs that I read daily because it's gorgeous. It's a wonderful mix of fashion, music, design, crafty things, and beautiful photography. Also, Rachel is a fellow graphic designer. It's no wonder I was immediately drawn to her blog. Looking at Rachel and Marta's beautiful blogs makes me want to redesign mine and perhaps I will this weekend. I will also be working on this over the fin de semana:

It's a homemade journal and you can find the tutorial for it here. The moment I saw the tutorial the wheels started turning and I began to think about which papers I was going to use. This is one of the super fantastic things I found through Black Eiffel. I hope this inspires some of you as much as it did me. Enjoy!

exception to the rule...

So I just bitched excessively about PCs in general, but I happened to come across this from Steampunk and have decided to recant my statement that I hate all PCs. Instead I would like to state that I hate all PCs except this one because it is freaking awesome! If you go here, you will see how this guy revamped his Dell monitor step by step. I wish companies would start manufacturing designer computers like this. C'mon Mac, I know you like your rounded corners, but can I please have something with swirly bits on it? I know, that was harsh. I didn't mean it. I'm sorry, I love your rounded corners.

that wretched contraption

Maybe when I get my Macbook, I'll have a pc smashing session

My friends, if I don’t get a Mac soon, I’m going to go over the edge. I don’t think I can properly put into words how much I loathe Microsoft. Even once I have my beautiful new Mac at home, I will still on occasion have to work on a PC. I currently work in the library at school and I am being forced to work not only on a PC, but a PC with Office 2007, a program most assuredly designed by Satan.

They have asked me to redesign some of the pamphlets and such for the library and I was happy to oblige, but oh how I long to be working in InDesign. That longing is equally matched by my intense desire to rip this vile machine from its cords and toss it out the nearest open window. Or, better yet, through the nearest window. Glass shattering as this demon device plummets to its death below would be much more dramatic.

Fortunately, my father has agreed to help me buy a shiny new Mac around Christmas time. Of course, that will all depend upon how many checks are rolling in (my dad owns his own consulting business). Whether I have his help or not though, I will be getting a Mac soon. I have to. For my health.

Design Nerd, et al

image from iLoveTypography

I am a design nerd and therefore, love almost all things design. You might think “well ‘design’ is a vague and expansive word” and you would be right. But I stand by my statement. I think what I love most about the design is the actual process behind the finished product. The idea or creating something tactile out of a whim in your head is amazing to me. Not to sound egotistical, but I’m always amazed when I’ve created something out of a blank canvas or sheet of paper. I absolutely love watching other people create too. The whole process fascinates me.

So, lucky me, that I should be majoring in Graphic Design. Thus far, I have found the semester to be rather intriguing. I’m enjoying Typography immensely. There’s something very relaxing about studying typefaces and letters. It’s something that we so easily take for granted, especially living in this age of technology where we have 6,000 fonts readily available at our fingertips. Of course, because I am addicted to the blogosphere and all things related to it, I went in search of type (and design) related blogs.

I already knew about Typographica, but have recently found iLoveTypography, and discovered that I do, in fact, love typography. The blog is not only well laid out, but it’s also quite playful and informative. I also found FontSelf, a site will hopefully soon release its typography project that allows you to (easily) turn your own handwriting or found type, or whatever, into a bitmapped font. It’s not available yet, but they have a video showing its possibilities and also several fonts that they have created with their program. I'm looking forward to toying around with that application.

Also, I have discovered Wordpress, another blog hoster and am thinking of switching but need to look into it further, so I will post an updated url if I decide to move. I want to make sure all my loyal readers know where I'm at. All six of them.