Want to know the best way to get into your teacher’s good graces above all other things? Don’t ask the same questions over and over, don’t interrupt when they are speaking, and for GOD’S SAKE, REMEMBER WHAT YOU’RE TAUGHT. There should be some sort of a progression in learning, not daily memory lapses because you end up being too lazy to care to make an effort. Teachers are people too. And we do get annoyed when you don’t work hard. You CAN do it. It is your choice not to. If you’re shown how to use the eraser tool in Photoshop while adjusting the size and hardness of the brush, remember how to do it for next time!

Now that I’ve graduated with my design degree, panic usually is supposed to ensue (or so I’ve witnessed). Usually it’s a fight between going back for more classes/degrees, or finding a job in industry. I lucked out because my boss at the college recommended me for a teaching job working with high schoolers! So here I stand working with kids who are brand spanking new to the design world. After lots of trial and error this year, I’ve decided that kids everywhere could use a handy beginner’s resource to the industry, tutorials for programs, what to expect at college and in the long run, and a generic safe place to come to for questions.

When I was in college I didn’t get nearly as much help as I should have or wished I could have. The way I learned was effective for me (trial and error mixed with research) but may not be as effective for those who have difficulty with Macs or aren’t good at trouble-shooting programs. Those who fall into that category often become frustrated and give up on design all together when all along all that was needed was a little extra push of help in the right direction. I plan to be that push!

I appreciate and welcome feedback from now on. If there are questions, I will do my best to provide answers.