End of Summer

Summer for me lasted only 6 weeks, and ended a few days ago. My plan was to update this site, do some art projects, and simply RELAX for awhile. (I don’t know how to relax, I always get a guilt trip if I’m not being productive). That didn’t end up happening…. my 2 summer courses ended up consuming me, for the better.

The first was a “advanced web design” class. The teacher set us up in groups of 5, gave us a client to develop a site for, and then let us loose. I had 2 developers, and 3 designers in my group…. I had THOUGHT I was the type that preferred to work alone, but instead found that I really ENJOYED having others to bounce ideas off of. Plus its really nice not having to do EVERYTHING, and getting to concentrate on what I do best. (God knows I never enjoyed doing “group work” in any of my other classes).

Our client was the LogHouse Museum in West Seattle. We gave her a pretty great site, featuring a “content management system” so that she could update it herself. The site still wasn’t quite done when class ended, so I have taken over the maintenance and finished it. I like the museum director alot, and did’nt want to leave her with a unfinished product. (I’m considering it community service) http://www.loghousemuseum.org
Thats another character flaw(?) that I notice at work. I dont like leaving unfinished work, that someone else will have to finish. (It may be a good work ethic, but its so annoying not allowing myself to go home on time).
Anyway, the class was awesome. For once I wasn’t doing ‘schoolwork’, but ‘real work’ where people were actually depending on me.

My 2nd class was a “web careers” class, where we worked on our resumes, portfolios, and had guest speakers from the industry. It was taught by the 1st (and favorite) web teacher that I had. I’ve come a long way from that first class, and I’m now ready to find a job. http://www.rengland.net

During these 6 weeks off, I’ve become “official”. I’m getting paid for my first design job 🙂 I’m still pinching myself over that one. Shes a dear friend of mine, and I can only hope I can come up with a site that benefits her. (the process has been a challenge, and deserves a post of its own!)

I’ve been sending out resumes all week, and had my first phone interview today. Happily, I didn’t tank it…and actually sounded like I knew what I was talking about 🙂 Competition in Seattle is tough, so hopefully I find something quickly. In the meantime, there’s ALWAYS more to learn, skills to develop, and projects to keep me busy!