I very recently joined a group on Facebook called the Purdue University College of Technology group. It's still new, so there isn't much there just yet, but maybe it will serve as yet another way to stay in touch with folks. Today I posted about an internship with SIGGRAPH for web design and programming, and I happened to see a post from Matt Bosma saying that the college is hosting Day on Campus this week and next (June 10-20), asking if anyone had a story about their day on campus, if incoming freshmen had any questions, or if alumns had any advice to share.
I remember my Day on Campus fondly, as a prime affirmation of confidence in selecting Purdue University for my undergraduate years. Although there were admittedly times throughout my education at Purdue during which I felt misled by some of the information I received that summer day, I must stress that so much was offered me that I had not come to expect, and ultimately I regard my days at Purdue with warmth and gratitude for the experience.
Still, here are some words I wish someone had said to me that day:
Don't just believe everything you hear. Do your homework and trust your instincts, and most of all, remember that it takes hard work to earn a degree - it isn't just given. No one is entitled to success. Always be aware of your personal goals and the steps it will take to achieve them.
And, for Pete's sake, don't stay up working four days straight in Knoy 346.
Best wishes.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
3 Months To Go
We're getting married in 3 months!!!
So much is going on - it's a bit of a wonder that we're staying on track. Naveen graduates this month, we move, then he begins work as a software gaming engineer next month. Meanwhile I'm beginning to look at animation opportunities in the area.
I've gotta shout out to my friend Chris Street who just made the journey over to Rhythm & Hues. That is so awesome! Congrats. It's really cool starting to recognize more and more names in those animation credits. ;) And hey, it beats selling books called "How To Sell Books, Volume One" for a living, right?!?
I've had a couple friends and even some former profs give me a hard time about not applying yet to some of the big studios out west. Trust me, I'd love to do that, and I'm hoping to try soon. It's complicated, and right now it's a real benefit being close to family before the wedding. I do intend to spend a good part of the summer getting back into some animation. We had a really rough month in late April with some awful news that set us back for about a month. Meanwhile we also had to find a place in Chicago, and quick - and what a find! So now with that out of the way, and most of the wedding stuff in place, I can start to focus back on what I'd like to do most.
I think I'd like to do a couple of shorts - like, 10-20 second pieces, definitely using some dialogue. I know the pantomiming projects were great at AM, but I really think I'd like to do acting with dialogue in my next projects. If possible, I might even want to create the dialogue as well, vs. borrowing from a favorite movie. I'll keep you posted.
... Meanwhile... Still Psyched...
3 Months To Go!!!!!! Best wishes, everyone.
So much is going on - it's a bit of a wonder that we're staying on track. Naveen graduates this month, we move, then he begins work as a software gaming engineer next month. Meanwhile I'm beginning to look at animation opportunities in the area.
I've gotta shout out to my friend Chris Street who just made the journey over to Rhythm & Hues. That is so awesome! Congrats. It's really cool starting to recognize more and more names in those animation credits. ;) And hey, it beats selling books called "How To Sell Books, Volume One" for a living, right?!?
I've had a couple friends and even some former profs give me a hard time about not applying yet to some of the big studios out west. Trust me, I'd love to do that, and I'm hoping to try soon. It's complicated, and right now it's a real benefit being close to family before the wedding. I do intend to spend a good part of the summer getting back into some animation. We had a really rough month in late April with some awful news that set us back for about a month. Meanwhile we also had to find a place in Chicago, and quick - and what a find! So now with that out of the way, and most of the wedding stuff in place, I can start to focus back on what I'd like to do most.
I think I'd like to do a couple of shorts - like, 10-20 second pieces, definitely using some dialogue. I know the pantomiming projects were great at AM, but I really think I'd like to do acting with dialogue in my next projects. If possible, I might even want to create the dialogue as well, vs. borrowing from a favorite movie. I'll keep you posted.
... Meanwhile... Still Psyched...
3 Months To Go!!!!!! Best wishes, everyone.
Monday, March 31, 2008
GDC Update and Retiring the World's Scariest Avatar
Hiya folks.
So, now that Animation Mentor is over for me, I believe it's time to retire my icon which I used there for a year and a half. I regret to say things have been so busy for me in the last month that I completely fell off the AM bandwagon. Things are starting to fall into place though, and I'll continue to use the logo on the AM alumni site, but I'm removing it from the blog sidebar to leave room for other artwork squares.
Still the World's Scariest Avatar
Retiring it is somewhat of an inside joke with friends who have been encouraging me to draw a newer, less creepy one. ;) It's on its way I guess.
Now for the much anticipated update regarding the Game Developers Conference.
It's pretty safe to say finally that Naveen has been hired as a software gaming engineer for WMS Gaming. We're very excited about this - it's been an amazing ride since GDC. I promised an update and there is much more I could blabber on about, but I can tell you that the obvious highlight was Naveen getting hired on the spot at the career fair at the conference. He is ecstatic about working with the team there on some really cool projects. They were completely open with him about whether he wanted to start immediately or finish school, and although the temptation of starting right away was strong, it made a lot of sense to decide to finish school and move back north from Florida permanently this summer. The weather is great but let's face it, it hasn't been the most pleasant experience for us. Midwest living will be great since we'll be fully moved in by the time we're married, and our new home will be only an hour or so from the ceremony site. There are lots of other advantages too, of course, including being much closer to family and friends than we anticipated (considering a potential move out west, etc).
Naveen is now knee-deep in project work for his final months at Full Sail, and we've begun apartment hunting. As for me, I'm knee-deep in wedding plans (we're about 158 days out, holy cow!), but I really look forward to finding a good animation opportunity in the commercial/game industry up there. It's definitely that time, and although art direction and graphic design has been great for building professional experience, I'm definitely feeling that call toward animation more and more.
We'll keep you posted on things. Best wishes to you and let me know how you're doing.
So, now that Animation Mentor is over for me, I believe it's time to retire my icon which I used there for a year and a half. I regret to say things have been so busy for me in the last month that I completely fell off the AM bandwagon. Things are starting to fall into place though, and I'll continue to use the logo on the AM alumni site, but I'm removing it from the blog sidebar to leave room for other artwork squares.
Retiring it is somewhat of an inside joke with friends who have been encouraging me to draw a newer, less creepy one. ;) It's on its way I guess.
Now for the much anticipated update regarding the Game Developers Conference.
It's pretty safe to say finally that Naveen has been hired as a software gaming engineer for WMS Gaming. We're very excited about this - it's been an amazing ride since GDC. I promised an update and there is much more I could blabber on about, but I can tell you that the obvious highlight was Naveen getting hired on the spot at the career fair at the conference. He is ecstatic about working with the team there on some really cool projects. They were completely open with him about whether he wanted to start immediately or finish school, and although the temptation of starting right away was strong, it made a lot of sense to decide to finish school and move back north from Florida permanently this summer. The weather is great but let's face it, it hasn't been the most pleasant experience for us. Midwest living will be great since we'll be fully moved in by the time we're married, and our new home will be only an hour or so from the ceremony site. There are lots of other advantages too, of course, including being much closer to family and friends than we anticipated (considering a potential move out west, etc).
Naveen is now knee-deep in project work for his final months at Full Sail, and we've begun apartment hunting. As for me, I'm knee-deep in wedding plans (we're about 158 days out, holy cow!), but I really look forward to finding a good animation opportunity in the commercial/game industry up there. It's definitely that time, and although art direction and graphic design has been great for building professional experience, I'm definitely feeling that call toward animation more and more.
We'll keep you posted on things. Best wishes to you and let me know how you're doing.
Pixels & Paint Art Show in New Albany
My friend and Purdue professor John Finnegan passed this announcement my way, and I thought some of you who are still located in Indiana may want to attend.
Showing: April 1 - April 30, 2008
Speakeasy Jazz will host a group art exhibit called “Pixels and Paint”. The works include both local as well as regional artists displaying a variety of styles, media and subject matter. Make an evening of experiencing the art, enjoying live music and staying for dinner.
There will be an artists reception on Thursday April 10th from 5:30 until 7:30 pm and the Speakeasy will offer a wine with appetizer special during the reception.
Speakeasy Jazz
225 State Street
New Albany, Indiana
Call 812.981.0981 for more information and dinner reservations.
Featured artists:
Richard Kopp, John Finnegan, Alan Larkin, Todd Herron, James Finnegan, Alex Linderman
Open to the public and free admission. All artwork is for sale.
Showing: April 1 - April 30, 2008
Speakeasy Jazz will host a group art exhibit called “Pixels and Paint”. The works include both local as well as regional artists displaying a variety of styles, media and subject matter. Make an evening of experiencing the art, enjoying live music and staying for dinner.
There will be an artists reception on Thursday April 10th from 5:30 until 7:30 pm and the Speakeasy will offer a wine with appetizer special during the reception.
Speakeasy Jazz
225 State Street
New Albany, Indiana
Call 812.981.0981 for more information and dinner reservations.
Featured artists:
Richard Kopp, John Finnegan, Alan Larkin, Todd Herron, James Finnegan, Alex Linderman
Open to the public and free admission. All artwork is for sale.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Phone Display Died
Hi Folks...
GDC update is coming, as promised.
Unfortunately today I'm writing to say that my cell phone display has died. It's really frustrating, because otherwise my phone is completely functioning - if it's on, I hear it beeping to alert me I have a new message. At least I know I dial *86 to access my voicemail, but sometimes the beeping means I have a text message, and unfortunately I've been receiving a lot of them but can not check anything. Both the outside and inside display systems are corrupted or something. It's possible that they are cracked on the edge of the screen where I can't see it, and may be leaking liquid crystals or something. All I can see is a white light.
I miss my handy alarm clock, my ever-ready notepad, and my list of contacts, not to mention a useable phone. By the way, Verizon said my warranty is expired, and I could upgrade to a new phone for free (I suppose that would mean I'd have to sign a new contract?) or purchase a new phone and have my numbers transferred. Too bad they can't also transfer all the other information I've been storing in my phone. There's no way that I know to retrieve text messages, photos, recorded sound, or text messages and notes online or transfer those things to a new phone. Oh well, enough griping.
For anyone who does need to contact me, you can still use that number, and leave a voicemail (which I check nightly). Otherwise, call my phone and I've left a recording with another number (my work cell) that you can use for the time being.
GDC update is coming, as promised.
Unfortunately today I'm writing to say that my cell phone display has died. It's really frustrating, because otherwise my phone is completely functioning - if it's on, I hear it beeping to alert me I have a new message. At least I know I dial *86 to access my voicemail, but sometimes the beeping means I have a text message, and unfortunately I've been receiving a lot of them but can not check anything. Both the outside and inside display systems are corrupted or something. It's possible that they are cracked on the edge of the screen where I can't see it, and may be leaking liquid crystals or something. All I can see is a white light.
I miss my handy alarm clock, my ever-ready notepad, and my list of contacts, not to mention a useable phone. By the way, Verizon said my warranty is expired, and I could upgrade to a new phone for free (I suppose that would mean I'd have to sign a new contract?) or purchase a new phone and have my numbers transferred. Too bad they can't also transfer all the other information I've been storing in my phone. There's no way that I know to retrieve text messages, photos, recorded sound, or text messages and notes online or transfer those things to a new phone. Oh well, enough griping.
For anyone who does need to contact me, you can still use that number, and leave a voicemail (which I check nightly). Otherwise, call my phone and I've left a recording with another number (my work cell) that you can use for the time being.
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