Fall semester started so that's one more thing added to the plate. I've decided to switch my BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) emphasis from 2D design to Visual Communications. People ask my why, and I feel that it'll be more beneficial to my road of becoming a freelance illustrator.
I want to tell people that just because it's more of a graphic design area it doesn't mean I can't apply my love for printmaking and poster design towards the field.
I'm going to miss the deadline for the next print of the two weeks, because of machine error (darn those printer spray head thingy-ma-jigs!) I'm really bummed out because I want to keep on schedule and build momentum. But that just means I can get down and dirty and get two prints done within two weeks. I refuse to give up on my goal!
Here's a WIP of Foo Dog. He's been getting a little bit of a design lift.
Last week I was able to do the 100, 2 colour Animal Collective print run all by myself.
I think I did it just to prove a point that I could get it done. Needless to say, I would give myself a D+ if it were a test.
I was able to get all of the prep work done properly and even mixed the colours right.
Printing itself?
It was pretty traumatising.
When I print my own work I feel pretty relaxed and happy. But printing for Travis and getting a job done for him? It was pretty stressful.
But it wasn't stressful because I didn't know what I was doing.
It was stressful because if I messed up the print, it wasn't my work that was getting ruined.
It was his.
And boy did I mess up (I hate to admit).
I was off to a good start, but working on the second colour killed me and my hands.
I had issues with the registration of the two colours, clamps coming loose, the counter-weight to the pulley not functioning correctly...it was a disaster. I think I fudged 15-20 prints out of 100.
And while that might not seem like too many, it is. I still feel pretty ashamed and bad about it.
But at the same time, it was a great learning experience.
I learned that:
I really didn't need to prove a point to anyone. And that it's ok to not be perfect. I'm still learning.
I can't do a complete 100, 2 colour print run quite yet without shredding up my hand and being on the verge of three blisters.
That even though it was a horrible experience and I wanted to cry my eyes out when I got home I still love the process and work.
You never know if you really love doing something until it gets difficult. If you still enjoy it through the rough times then you truly love it.
Although, I will admit that I put off posting on the blog because of this.
I mean, who wants to proclaim to the world about how they failed and ruined lives?
Ok maybe not the last bit. But I definitely didn't feel like writing about it.
I didn't want people to think that I wasn't perfect.
But I feel that it's necessary to write about my failures and be honest about it because it's a learning experience.
And I also want to be more honest with myself about making mistakes and being imperfect.
Salt Lake City Comic Con was also this week! I hope some of you were able to go and experience the magic!
I was extremely impressed by the turn out and the event itself. It was like a small slice of the San Diego Comic Con. Vince and I met a lot of awesome local artists and illustrators (I was a bit shy so he did way more talking than me) that have helped inspire me. I'm even thinking of getting my own table next year.
One of my favourite artists that I met was Candace Jean. I love how her illustration style is so soft.
I adored one of her pieces so much that I had to take this handsome fellow home:
These artists are the ones that really inspired me to continue working hard, and to work harder.
I hope you guys have had a super September so far!
Fall will soon be here. And then winter is coming.
-Shirley
Awkward moment of the week: Emailing a teacher and then calling them by the wrong name in a reply.
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