Summer to Fall

A train ride and four nights later I was across the country and back to the NW. Not two days later an art opening was held with much celebration. Surrounded by family, professors, friends, art and array of delicious treats cooked up by Matthew, I knew I was home. It was life-giving to be able to tangibly and visually share a part of my New York experience with the people who loved, supported and prayed for me while I was living there. 

The following weeks included a move to Newberg, and a two week trip to Hawaii with Matthew and his family. The tides seemed to wash away the rumble of the MTA subway and the clickity-clack of 3,557 miles of Amtrack Rails. 

Summer in Newberg was beautiful. My routine looked something like this — 

• Morning coffee

• Freelance

• Friends

• Adventure

• Sleep

Freelancing daily felt wonderful—I am still not over what it feels like not to have Homework. An uncanny turn came one day while perusing Craig's list. It was a one sentence ad listing the need for "a graphic designer for branding companies and websites but not code them." That was it. It was comical compared to the long listed ads for a designer who can write java script in their sleep and create fortune 500 logos on a whim using windows. 

I decided to go for it. Shockingly, I received a reply the next morning and by one o'clock I was in an interview. My attitude sounded like — "Well, it's probably a production artist job… not interested, but good interview practice."

The interview went something like —

• We Love your work

Wow, Thank you -

• Tell us about New York 

New York Design firm, Art Opening, Blah blah, New York... 

• That is the coolest Business card I've ever seen

Wow, Thank you -

• Would a 24" iMac be ok as your computer?

Yes….(holy what? no, duh)

• Call you with an update Monday for a second interview

Great, Thank you. ( Dream job….Omg, I am never going to get this)

Sunday - 9:00 AM - Job Offer

Monday - 12:00 PM - Terms and Agreement

Two Weeks Later - Start Date

Two Weeks Later - Moved to St Johns with Lucas Tomlinson & Seth Terpstra, Bought a Car

A month later have I found my first rhythm since April. I now have the responsibility to 6 companies (branding each from scratch) + freelance. It feels more like I have all my clients InHouse with me, versus the normal picture of the InHouse Designer. All of the lessons learned in MarCom & freelance have been invaluable here. 

Thank you all who have loved and supported me through these life journeys. Your friendship and prayers mean so much to me. More Updates Soon.