It's Official!
I have completed my Bachelors degree of Science for Graphic Design through the Art Institute of Portland! [WAHOO!]
Friday the 19th of June, 2009 was the "BIG Day!" A double whammy of both a Portfolio Show, and the Graduation Ceremony itself. The event was located on campus, in the open space on the 2nd floor, and started for me at 9:30 am, for VIP visitors [potential employers], at 11:30 am, and family / friends at 1:30 pm, ending for all at 3:00 pm.
The graduation ceremony started at 4pm, ending around 5pm, held at the Gerding Theater across the street from the campus.
Since I attended my high school graduation ceremony, and had a camping party to catch up to that already started the day prior [located 30 miles off the Washington Gorge, near the "Bridge of Gods."] I decided to attend only the Portfolio show, then head out to the campsite.
The show itself was more important to me then the actual ceremony, as it was a potential lead into new / possible job leads, and for myself, a bigger "graduation" ceremony then the actual event I chose not to attend. [not to mention required to attend ;D ]
This day was not only a big accomplishment for me individually, as it was a very long, hard, yet life altering and self discovery adventure / road. It was also a big accomplishment for my family as well, for I am the first of my generation (of all my cousins / siblings) to complete a college degree, not to mention my fiance, who was proud of my accomplishment, witnessed and supported the entire process, from start to finish.
The day was not as I had expected it to be, and I felt more relaxed then I usually do in such events. Aside from the slow start, and few down time periods waiting for visitors to head into our area, the event went relatively fast, and sped up even quicker once family and classmates began to visit. The book [and myself / skills] were easier to talk about then I imagined, although I don't think I described the book / a project the same twice the entire time I was there...not sure how I pulled that off ;D
I felt bummed that I could not print more examples to show at the time I was at the print shop, or at least a few days prior, yet I had been in a bit of a funding budget. Instead I tried to describe as best as possible the basic functions / intent behind the project.
I sold myself on primarily being an interactive / print designer, also with ID and front end web skills, as I discovered recently I have been the most attracted to these design areas.
...
I would / could go on more about the day / event...yet I need to get off the computer as I am so tired, my brain is going on melt down from the weekend camp trip, and the travel back home.
I am grateful I have a day to enjoy my actual bed, and relax after the weekend celebrating before the next chapter starts:
the job seeking process of starting my career as: a professional graphic designer!!! O:
More next time on the portfolio show, and the camping trip 6-'09 itself [in their own threads]
--
haeclark