I’ve been mostly preoccupied with settling down into my new home, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been doing some kind of art. I’ve been doing a lot of playing with techniques as well as doing a lot of promotional works — working on my second portfolio book, promotional postcards, some client work — so I’ve managed to keep myself busy when I’m not running around getting things for my new apartment or applying for jobs.

Anyway, here’s some fun stuff I thought I’d share. First, just a collection of lighting tests I did. The subject matter is very boring — random girl’s faces OMG — but the purpose of the exercise was to play with mediums and lighting, not have some brilliant concept. These are very quick studies, about 30 each.

The next is a little treat — a preview of the cover of my new portfolio. It’ll be done by the end of this month, so check back later!

I’m refining this style the more I work with it, and I finally getting pleased with how it’s looking. I think part of the idea is to be less… finnicky. Blocky, whimsical shapes add to the effect, I think. What about you?

I had originally intended to have this format for my portfolio show, but due to unforeseen circumstances (the printer/maker moving shop), it didn’t work out. But I got it, eventually (a week and a half late), and it looks pretty good. Though I have some nit-picky problems with it, but overall I am very satisified.

In addition to a portfolio, I also wanted it to be archival. To make one, once a year, for the rest of my career. To look back on how I’ve changed, where I started, how far I’ve come… and also something to leave behind to future generations. It will be neat to have.

I actually got two, so that works even better! One to present to people, to show what I’ve done and so they can get their jam-hands all over it… and one to tuck away, for posterity!

…or at least, it was kind of fun to design an entire book (40 pages worth) all by myself. Because I’m a nerd like that. Now I want to do more!

The ACAD Portfolio Show was tonight and it was a mixture of fun, scary and nerve-wracking! I talked to sooo many people, while my voice did that stupid thing where it goes up an octave whenever I’m in a professional setting, but also got to hand out a lot of business cards so that hopefully means contacts. Got lots of great comments on my portfolio too (but I doubt anyone was going to totally rip into my portfolio right there, so I gotta take that with a grain of salt).

I also got to hang out with my classmates for a final hurrah, for a quick eat before the show and then at the after party. I’ll be glad to get out of the classroom and be making some income, but sad to be leaving all our weirdness/joking/feedback behind.

I have a few loose ends to tie up before I’m entirely done — moving out, turning in a project, convocation — but, for the most part, I’m out of the woods! It’s scary, but it feels good.