New Years Lifestyle

Oh boy, already the end of January? I have a feeling this year is going to flyyy, as always. Anyways, during the holidays, I decided to not even attempt to eat healthily or exercise, and lived in gluttony for a couple weeks. The food was just too good and too available, and I know better than to pretend I have the self-control to stay away. However, with the start of the New Year, I did the expected tradition of promising myself a "new me" by beach season. I faced the swarms of newcomers at the gym, fought to the death for a mat spot in the classes, and began a strict regimen of waking up at 4:45 a.m. so that I could hit the gym before work (mostly because I know I just want to eat dinner and go to bed after I get home). Then one day at work, I received an e-mail from a co-worker informing everyone that "a few of the regular PMC members are unable to participate and they are looking for new volunteers". I had heard about the PMC before, and it was all good things. The Pan-Mass Challenge is a 2-day, 200 mile bike ride from sturbridge, MA to Provincetown at the tip of the Cape. The riders fundraise money for the ride, and 100% of all proceeds contributes to life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. First thought: Fantastic cause, I'm in. Second thought: 200 miles..?! Uhhhh... pretty far. BUT I knew that it was 7 months away, and after doing a bit of research, realized that that was more than enough time to train. Plus, I have been trying to set athletic goals for myself rather than worrying about what my weight is or how my jeans fit. It is far more rewarding to run a new distance, and it makes me curious to see how much farther I will go the next time.

So... long story short, I signed up, and could not be more excited!! I've set a financial plan for myself so that I can save up for a good road bike, and have mapped out a training plan for myself, while setting mini-goals like a 10K in March, and 1/2 marathon in mid-May. This not only incorporates cross-training, but will build my endurance, and confidence!

The fundraising minimum is $4,500 per rider, which seems a bit daunting at first. But, I know that if I start now, I will get a lot of support from my friends and family. Plus, we do a corporate-hosted auction at work which contributes to our fundraising.

All in all, between fundraising and training so that I don't pass out after 20 miles, I think I have enough motivation to keep me active for at least the next 7 months- much longer than any physical goal I have set for myself in the past. Not to mention, all of the veteran riders that I have talked to have told me how addictive it becomes. Needless to say, I'm hooked. I went to spin class tonight after 6 days of "I'm waaaay too tired to work out". Even though I was tired and ALMOST backed out, it felt amazing to be back on the bike, and I could feel a smile break across my face as I conquered the hills and jumps.

Stay tuned for the fundraising "marketing" that I am working on.

If YOU feel inspired, and want to contribute to this incredible cause- visit my donations page by going to: http://www.pmc.org/profile/KD0146

A new favorite thing to do of mine: grab a delicious hot beverage and the Barnes and Nobles Starbucks, and sit in a comfy chair for, potentially hours, delving in to books and magazines! I don't utilize my library much because it is so small, and most books of value have to be sent from other surrounding libraries. As I am impatient and a "gotta-have-it-now" kind of girl, the bookstore is a great way to find out about the latest and greatest. I don't feel guilty about reading in-shop either, because I always find at least one thing that I just can't leave without. One of the fun finds I found is Caffeine for the Creative Mind by Stefan Mumaw. Inside are quick, fun activities and exercises, with witty playful graphic layouts and typography.

I've begun working at an incredible architecture and interior design firm in Boston, and am helping out in the Graphics department as well as interiors. While I did not major in graphics, I have always had a strong attraction to graphic layouts, typography, and visual presentation in general. With this new position, I began researching and studying up so that I was knowledgeable on the job. I found How Magazine, which is a fantastic resource for Graphic Designers. The particular issue I picked up was dedicated to Promotional graphics and identity packages, which really caught my eye as I had just finished mine. I found this resume by Kenny Barela very fun and creative.



The most useful feedback I have received is the importance of standing out when sending a resume, especially in this economy. At a recent work party, the C.O.O. of the company (who I had mailed my package to) approached me and said, "You would not believe the crazy things people send us that we just toss aside. Or they will send us only a resume, in which case we will also just toss aside without looking at it." I am happy to say my mailing teaser is still decorating the desk of the Head of Human Resources.

It may derive from my appreciation for graphics, but I think it is imperative in ANY design-related field to visually present yourself well, and to stand out.

Many of my classmates from college that studied graphic design have incredible work, and very impressive websites to prove it. If they did not present their work in such a professional, attractive way, it would not do justice to the actual projects.

Here are a few websites of talented friends. Visit them for inspiration or just for a little entertainment for your day!

http://www.roxannewhitedesigns.com
http://www.caitlinsanchezdesign.com
http://www.alexflannery.com
http://akcreative.net

Crafty saves!

During my last quarter at SCAD, I took a Portfolio Preparation class that has prepared me in ways I can't explain! While it is an elective course, I would suggest EVERYONE going into the design industry take some sort of class in graphic design. My professor, while a professor of Interior Design, did her undergrad in Graphic Design, and therefore had incredible insight to graphic layouts and visual presentation. While Interior Design is NOT Graphic Design, it seems we are almost expected to have a foundation understanding of graphic layouts, whether it be for our presentations/project proposals or self-promotion. Now, don't get me wrong, I think that as creative thinkers, we certainly have an "eye" for what is visually pleasing, whether it be the interior of a building or a magazine layout. However, Graphic Design is a completely different area of expertise, and a lot harder than it looks (no pun intended). Anyway, the point I'm getting at is that because we Interior Design students did not have four years of graphic preparation, our professor urged us to look at examples of graphic layouts that inspired us, and use them to prompt our portfolio designs and resumes. Also, we were urged to be original with our portfolio cases, which can cost around $150!

You don't have to tell me twice to save money through DIY... so instead of splurging on the Pina Zangaro portfolio case I headed to my local Lowe's and found two pieces of metal (Can't tell you what section at this point...). Size 12 x 18, they were perfect for my 11x17 portfolio format! I drilled some holes to line up with the piano hinges i purchased (also at 12" and from Lowes) and also a pop rivet gun and rivets. The pop rivet gun looks intimidating to a newcomer, but is very easy to use! a few pumps of the trigger, and I had myself a Pina Zangaro impersonator!




For finishing touches, I used sandpaper to create a brushed aluminum effect, and I buffed the edges of the metal because they were very unrefined and sharp . Total cost was about $30, since I borrowed the rivet gun from a friend. Saving $120 means a LOT when you have tons of other projects, presentation boards, and process books to print! Hope this helps others in the same situation!

Also while in Portfolio class, I looked into an alternative to the average business card. My original inspiration came from the portfolio case, and I wanted the brushed aluminum. This, of course, was wildly expensive. However, I splurged/made a deal with a local metal cutting service company in Savannah and made 60 brushed aluminum business cards for $145... a deal compared to other options. As a cheaper, more mass produced alternative, I bought plexi material from our arts supply store and made use of the laser cutting machine that was *magic word* free for students to use. Using AutoCAD, I created the design for my business card with a cut-out of my logo. After cutting these out, I used your basic 1" mailing labels to print the information, and then adhered them to the back and front. The cut out in the plastic, covered by the labels, creates the effect of embossing- another characteristic I found to be rather costly. Here is the finished product, however, the images do not do the colors justice. I could not fix the contrast enough

So much fun!

So today I worked some more on my design website... www.kdewaaldesigns.com, I will advertise that link as much as I can, so get used to it! I think it is finally coming together, or as much as it can for a website built by someone who knows NOTHING about designing websites. I must say, the website generator that I used, www.wix.com, is pretty idiot-proof, and very helpful! The layouts are graphically pleasing, and there are plenty to choose from, with a range of professions that the formats cater to. I have changed around my format about 65 times now, so it looks nothing like the original format I selected, which I suppose is a good thing, because at least it is original now! I don't feel as though I am stealing as much of someone else's hard work.

Also, tonight, while shopping for a gift for a friend, I came across the most AMAZING website! www.perpetualkid.com. At least I think it is... with my somewhat "unsophisticated" sense of humor. There are thousands of small gadgets and gizmos, a phrase that I would only use unless entirely necessary.... The first parallel that came to mind is the section of Urban Outfitters that has all of the inappropriate, useless, yet hilarious office supplies, books, practical jokes, etc. However, this website is much more entertaining and less offensive. Here are some of my favorites:





oh Stan....

hello!

So, the journey begins! I have been meaning to start a blog, but have not had the time because of school, graduation, work... the usual excuses... Well I refuse to procrastinate any longer. I've been thinking about what exactly this blog should be limited to. Options thus far: 1) random finds from the internet that interest me, 2) Professional topics relating to interior design, architecture, and historic preservation, 3) Life updates (i.e. activities I am involved in etc). Finally, I've decided NOT to limit the blog to anything. It will contain all of the above, along with anything else I decide is worth reading and/or discussing. What finally brought me into the production phase is my recent purchase of the iphone (FINALLY!) I know, I know, I'm way behind and it's not even exciting... but I'm pretty pumped about having a camera handy at ALL times, along with all of the convenient apps, etc. I think it is going to be life-changing! Prepare for random pictures that I find even remotely interesting...

Anyways, day 1. Worked today, just the usual waitressing job. Exceeeept, I'm lucky enough to work outside, along a beautiful harbor, serving delicious seafood and drinks, with a fun staff. I really can't complain, plus the money is good. If anything would keep me from having motivation to grow up and get a REAL job, its this. However, I've been home for a month now, and to be quite honest, as fun as it is, I can not WAIT to start working at a firm, doing what I love. It's so hard going from college, working in such an incredibly design-centered environment, to coming home and having to really explore the options to stay involved in design. I am looking into volunteer programs abroad and local, as well as any organizations that I can involve myself in in the Boston area.

This website, http://www.buildingimpact.org/ has recently been brought to my attention, and I am definitely interested! It is a community based volunteer program that works in various areas of greater Boston to help those less fortunate. The program focuses on placing volunteers within their area of expertise. The idea is that by connecting yourself to your community through volunteering and involvement, you become more aware of needs and issues that can be addressed to build a stronger community. Very cool!