Graduation Day

Graduation Day was last Friday. What a wonderful day it was! I don't do much patting on the back for myself but as I stood there in my cap and gown and honor cords I realized that I had achieved much with a GPA 3.98. Hard work and setting my priorities got me to this point with help and encouragement from teachers, students and emotional support from friends and family. I can look back on this moment and remind myself that I can do great things which will bolster me through hard times and rejections.

There was a long line of instructors clapping and, the most amusing and fun, blowing bubbles! Afterwards my family treated me to a Thai dinner. Of course, I had to have one of my favorite drinks; a Thai ice tea.
Now it's back to looking for graphic design work.

Dodged a Bullet

I almost had a job. The good news is that I didn't get it and the bad news is that I'm still unemployed. The guy said he was impressed with my resume and said you're hired. I was supposed to start in two weeks. He also suggested I check out the website of his affiliate partner and graphic designer. The designer's website was all photography. The guy changed his mind about hiring me when I asked for a job description and asked if his affiliate partner had an online design portfolio. Those questions were "uncalled for". He also had his temporary assistant give me the news.

I believe I dodged a bullet and my advice is that if you have any doubts about a job - don't take it! I had qualms about this job but thought at the very least I could add to my portfolio because the guy said he had a variety of clients.

Another Flyer for LWAF

A flyer was created for the Lake Wilderness Arboretum summer plant sales. Previously graphics had been used for their flyers but this time I used photos that I had taken at the arboretum. The PR person liked the flyer a lot but for some reason couldn't download the file. She would open it first and then get an error message that it might be write protected and couldn't download it. I asked her if she could download it first, then open it. But she claimed there wasn't a download option. We both use the same email provider and when I get an image I have a button for "view" and a button for "download".

I tried sending the flyer to myself from a different email account and was able to download and open. I tried sending it to a friend who was able to download and open the file.

The good news is that she is starting to ask me to do flyers instead of me contacting her.

Updated Business Card

I've updated my business card to make it look more professional. A filter was used on the leaves to give more definition. Just a touch of noise and a subtle treatment with a brush was used in photoshop.

A different print shop is in order due to the fact that Iprint has made it more difficult to use your own design. An hour was spent trying to adjust the design to allow for the bleed but no matter what I did the Iprint system kept pushing the graphics past the bleed line and cutting off the leaves. There was an error message that claimed the image was below 300 dpi but my file's image size shows 300 dpi. I'll try calling their tech support and see what they say.

I'm also checking out Zazzle for an alternative print option. Their prices are lower and they allow you to setup a store to sell your designs on many different products.