My Second Semester of Graphic Design

Here we go for school round two! This is my second semester of Graphic Design at my local community college. I’ve been in school for about two and a half weeks now and so far, I’m happy to say I like all my classes so far. Of course, school always has its ups and downs, but overall I still don’t regret my decision about going back.

Waking Up Early

Last semester, I woke up early because I agreed to use up as much of my spare time for work study even when I didn’t have class. This semester, almost all my classes start at 8 AM.

It’s so hard getting your body to cooperate when you just aren’t a morning person. I try to go to bed early, but my body’s still just like “no”. Thankfully, I don’t have Wednesday classes until March, so I can use those days to recuperate and sleep in.

Classes

This semester, I’m taking classes that are very project-heavy. I’m taking Typography I, Graphic Design I, Computer Graphics For Designers II, and a late 7 week Freelancing For Designers class. An additional class that’s not required for my major but I was recommended to take is Color Theory. These classes are all pretty much three to four hours long, so they’re all lecture mixed with lab.

So far, my assignments are manageable and I do enjoy the ones I’m getting so far, so that’s a major help! Unlike my Adobe Illustrator class last semester, I’m hoping my Comp Graphics For Designers II, which teaches Photoshop, will be more informative. I have a different professor this time due to the fact that I, along with a few other classmates, wrote emails of complaint to the chair of the department. I thought my complaint fell on deaf ears but I’m glad he realized I wasn’t the only one who thought that!

Business card by artist @loulou_yan, SVA student

Goals

Last semester, I asked my 2D Design professor for if he knew a few places I could apply to as an intern. My goal this semester is to apply to those places with a somewhat built-up portfolio. Despite the fact that I’m just a freshman, it’s still possible to land an internship. I’m honestly hoping it’s a paid one, but regardless, I’d like to add it in as work experience.

Last week, my friends and I toured the SVA (School of Visual Arts) campus, located in NYC. It was such a dream walking through the buildings and seeing all the student work. Despite it not being a legit, traditional campus, I was okay with that. Thankfully, they also have a shuttle that can take you back and forth between buildings if needed. The amount of work the students put into their work and showcasing their WIP’s and finished products in the rooms were really awesome. I definitely could see myself working in there!

It stinks because it’s an expensive for-profit school, but that won’t stop me from applying. Therefore, a long term goal of mine is to make a kick-ass portfolio for future art schools. Hopefully, I can get into SVA as well as get a big scholarship.

Until next time!

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