bean

It's done. I've finished. The monkey that's been on my back for the past 6-ish years has been cast off...at least temporarily.

My school has a really competetive, small but highly accomplished graphic design BFA program. They let in only 20-25 students every year, and those students all take the same classes at the same time for the next 2 years. Until you get into the BFA program, you're technically a "pre-graphic design" major, which means if you graduate without going through the program, you'll have a basic BA in general art with an emphasis in graphic design, which isn't quite as good (I know, it's not about the degree, but the education isn't as good, the quality of work isn't as refined, and the contacts aren't as strong as in the BFA program). So if you work really, really hard, you can get through your lower-level stuff in 3 years, submit your portfolio in the 4th year, and get out in a total of 6 years.

I took 4 semesters off, and went part-time for much of the time I've been there, so this is my 8th year. I guess I didn't take it as seriously as I should have because I was too busy getting married, and I thought the job I have would turn into a good design job. Well, the marriage thing didn't work, and I spend more time writing code than designing anything, so I got serious about school.

I've spent more sleepless nights and had more panic attacks stressing over my portfolio than I can count over the past 5 or 6 years. No matter how care free I was; no matter how far ahead I was on all my other work, the thought was always in the back of my head, "I could be working on my portfolio right now." ...and today, I submitted it. All the other students, and several of the professors all tell me I'll get in, but I'm still not sure. If I don't, it's not bad because I've got one more shot in the spring, and I'll get in for sure then. But it's just weird to not have that looming over me.

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Tonight: I'm forgoing the Babyland show I was going to go to in order to go drink heavily with some of the other sleep-deprived, worn out BFA applicants.

Tomorrow: I find out whether I can really relax for a bit or if I have to pull myself together and get back to work on my portfolio.

Wednesday: My favorite bar in Hollywood, to celebrate my birthday (after midnight), and hopefully my acceptance into the aforementioned program. I'm expecting lots of bites.

Thursday: My birthday. Calmer, mellower...I might invite some friends over...not sure yet.

Friday: The real almost-birthday event. Dinner at a hip little joint in hollywood, a club which is either going to be supercool or supersucky but should be fun regardless because those wacky SGLA kids know how to have a good time, and miscellaneous mischief. Hopefully some decadence and debauchery too, but it's not looking like that sort of night, so I won't keep my hopes up.

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Oh!!!! ...and I might be going on a road trip to SF next month with some of the other Long Beach kids!!!!


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-bean!