Welcome to my new coping mechanism, because I have no idea what I just got myself into.
Once upon a time, I regarded blogging as an act of self-indulgence and mild desperation: the keeping of a public diary designed to elicit pity and sympathy, a place where like minds could commiserate anonymously in cyberspace.
But no more. I get it. Even more amazing? "Julie and Julia" had nothing to do with it.
In brief, I have spent the last year turning in circles, twiddling my thumbs, and pondering existential questions such as: "What is the meaning of life?"; "Why did the worst recession since the '30s have to coincide with my graduation?"; etc. etc. I graduated from NYU with a BA in English and Cinema Studies; I went to work answering phones at a cancer hospital 5 months later. It's an amazing institution--if you aspire to work in health care. However, if you spend your last semester of undergraduate life writing a thesis on Pixar's "Ratatouille," the transition to answering call bells for dying patients can be a bit jarring.
Needless to say, I was miserable. Also, I had Lauren (then stepmother-to-be, now legalized Wicked Stepmother) encouraging (badgering, nagging, etc...) me to go back to school and "learn a trade." First she tried law school. No way. Then she suggested journalism. Yes, I love writing, but I could care less about reporting. Lastly, she went for graphic design. Interesting, but...
I was hesitant. However, after multiple commutes home from NYC (stepmother also works at the hospital), the idea of graphic design began to stick. It also evolved beyond graphic design. We began speculating on how I, the person who wrote the "Ratatouille" thesis, could somehow make animation relevant to the hospital that I felt I didn't really belong in. And lo, there was the niche. Apart from its more obvious application to medical illustration, I could use animation for patient education--especially pediatrics.
I scouted out suitable programs. Despite my vow to never give them another penny for as long as I live, NYU had the most viable option: a Master's of Science (good selling point for those laboratory people trying to cure cancer) in something called Digital Imaging and Design, which specializes in 3D graphics and animation. I met with Admissions and determined that I would have about 3 months to put together a solid portfolio and enroll in the spring--if the hospital approved me for reimbursement ($10,000 per calendar year, but really more like $7500 since Bush decided to tax it. Thanks for that, Dubya).
I wrote up a proposal for work and steeled myself to defend it to the death. I imagined myself standing in a windowless room full of faceless people, trying to convince them that my education was worth the investment. What I didn't expect was to get a response, via email and without any form of interview whatever, in a matter of days that read: Good news. We will pay for this degree.
Did I mention that my work is an amazing institution?
Now I had 3 weeks, not 3 months, to put together that portfolio, because starting in the fall semester meant more money for me. I raided my 29878172310 photos from studying abroad for the most "artsy" captures. I feverishly sketched 11 characters from my feature length animated screenplay, "Avalloc," and designed the entire package around it. Miraculously, it was enough. I submitted my material on a Thursday. In an unexpected show of efficiency, NYU accepted me on Monday.
My first graduate classes are "Art, Technology, and Design," and "Digital Production Process," and I am increasingly aware of the fact that what I have essentially signed on for is digital filmmaking. I am also acutely aware of the fact that I have zero background in all of the technical applications that I am required to use; I believe that one other person, in a class of 14, also has no prior experience. I am also one of two to be working full time while enrolled. My professor has already stated categorically that he will not take it personally if we fall asleep in class.
"Digital Production" requires that we maintain a blog with NYU, which I have done. However, I don't find it a suitable outlet for venting frustrations and gushing over triumphs; the former will, I'm sure, crop up in spades during this semester and beyond. So I have started this one, giving it a title that I hope is apt. "How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Pixel" exists to chronicle my journey into Firewire drives and 8-bit color schemes, and will contain everything I post to my academic blog and then some--including clips and articles that pertain to my great love for all things animated.
There are moments when I feel that I have gotten in over my head by enrolling in this program. But then, I also felt that I was in over my head when I began my employment with the hospital. The funny thing is, on this side of graduate school, I don't resent the last year as much as I thought I did. I worked a position that I never thought I could handle, in a high-stress environment, with people who were determined to push me over the edge--only I wouldn't go over. So I'm not afraid of what's in store for me in CADA (that's the Center for Advanced Digital Applications--my program's official title); in fact, I'll probably end up surprising myself. I suppose that isn't surprising at all then, is it?
Stay tuned.
Once upon a time, I regarded blogging as an act of self-indulgence and mild desperation: the keeping of a public diary designed to elicit pity and sympathy, a place where like minds could commiserate anonymously in cyberspace.
But no more. I get it. Even more amazing? "Julie and Julia" had nothing to do with it.
In brief, I have spent the last year turning in circles, twiddling my thumbs, and pondering existential questions such as: "What is the meaning of life?"; "Why did the worst recession since the '30s have to coincide with my graduation?"; etc. etc. I graduated from NYU with a BA in English and Cinema Studies; I went to work answering phones at a cancer hospital 5 months later. It's an amazing institution--if you aspire to work in health care. However, if you spend your last semester of undergraduate life writing a thesis on Pixar's "Ratatouille," the transition to answering call bells for dying patients can be a bit jarring.
Needless to say, I was miserable. Also, I had Lauren (then stepmother-to-be, now legalized Wicked Stepmother) encouraging (badgering, nagging, etc...) me to go back to school and "learn a trade." First she tried law school. No way. Then she suggested journalism. Yes, I love writing, but I could care less about reporting. Lastly, she went for graphic design. Interesting, but...
I was hesitant. However, after multiple commutes home from NYC (stepmother also works at the hospital), the idea of graphic design began to stick. It also evolved beyond graphic design. We began speculating on how I, the person who wrote the "Ratatouille" thesis, could somehow make animation relevant to the hospital that I felt I didn't really belong in. And lo, there was the niche. Apart from its more obvious application to medical illustration, I could use animation for patient education--especially pediatrics.
I scouted out suitable programs. Despite my vow to never give them another penny for as long as I live, NYU had the most viable option: a Master's of Science (good selling point for those laboratory people trying to cure cancer) in something called Digital Imaging and Design, which specializes in 3D graphics and animation. I met with Admissions and determined that I would have about 3 months to put together a solid portfolio and enroll in the spring--if the hospital approved me for reimbursement ($10,000 per calendar year, but really more like $7500 since Bush decided to tax it. Thanks for that, Dubya).
I wrote up a proposal for work and steeled myself to defend it to the death. I imagined myself standing in a windowless room full of faceless people, trying to convince them that my education was worth the investment. What I didn't expect was to get a response, via email and without any form of interview whatever, in a matter of days that read: Good news. We will pay for this degree.
Did I mention that my work is an amazing institution?
Now I had 3 weeks, not 3 months, to put together that portfolio, because starting in the fall semester meant more money for me. I raided my 29878172310 photos from studying abroad for the most "artsy" captures. I feverishly sketched 11 characters from my feature length animated screenplay, "Avalloc," and designed the entire package around it. Miraculously, it was enough. I submitted my material on a Thursday. In an unexpected show of efficiency, NYU accepted me on Monday.
My first graduate classes are "Art, Technology, and Design," and "Digital Production Process," and I am increasingly aware of the fact that what I have essentially signed on for is digital filmmaking. I am also acutely aware of the fact that I have zero background in all of the technical applications that I am required to use; I believe that one other person, in a class of 14, also has no prior experience. I am also one of two to be working full time while enrolled. My professor has already stated categorically that he will not take it personally if we fall asleep in class.
"Digital Production" requires that we maintain a blog with NYU, which I have done. However, I don't find it a suitable outlet for venting frustrations and gushing over triumphs; the former will, I'm sure, crop up in spades during this semester and beyond. So I have started this one, giving it a title that I hope is apt. "How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Pixel" exists to chronicle my journey into Firewire drives and 8-bit color schemes, and will contain everything I post to my academic blog and then some--including clips and articles that pertain to my great love for all things animated.
There are moments when I feel that I have gotten in over my head by enrolling in this program. But then, I also felt that I was in over my head when I began my employment with the hospital. The funny thing is, on this side of graduate school, I don't resent the last year as much as I thought I did. I worked a position that I never thought I could handle, in a high-stress environment, with people who were determined to push me over the edge--only I wouldn't go over. So I'm not afraid of what's in store for me in CADA (that's the Center for Advanced Digital Applications--my program's official title); in fact, I'll probably end up surprising myself. I suppose that isn't surprising at all then, is it?
Stay tuned.
Excellent "summation" I'm with you all the way! unfortunatly my knowledge of computering is well ??? I do love art and film animation and color and you ! so I will try not to be so critcal? I want to go see Meatballs in 3d tonight but 1st have to covince your new stepmom!Stay tuned.... Good Start Dad
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