Reflections

Going into my last semester as a digital design student, I can't help but to think about where I was when I first began my journey. I had just left the teaching world and started my first class in Illustration. I was so nervous about it. I had never really drawn anything in my life except the usual stick people, flowers and other doodles. I was very overwhelmed by the whole idea of drawing on the computer. But as time went on, I surprised myself in what I could actually do. I was proud of myself for once. I had second guessed myself for a while there at the beginning of it all, but now, I feel like I had made a good decision.

I realize that I'm not as "artsy" as most designers out there are. I haven't really taken any art classes, and when I did - I was so overwhelmed by it, that I decided it was best to drop the class at the time. I would try to draw things for a project and I was told my drawings were "too cute." I realize that they are and that I have a long road ahead of me when it comes to my art skills, but it will all happen in time. I just have to practice.

So now, as I look upon my completion of the digital design aspect of my education, I am trying to decide what type of designer do I really want to be? What do I want to do, what do I want to be known for? I would like to continue on and complete website development and get into the technical side of things, as well as continue with my skills in print - and I have to say, Flash has captured my attention as well. All I know at this moment is that I need to break out of my "cutsie" shell and expand my skills in design - there is only a few jobs where "cute" will make you successful - at least in my opinion.

I guess deep down inside, I just want to be able to compete with the rest of the world.

*here's a link to my portfolio website if you care to take a look: http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~hlink