Hey everyone!
Hope this post finds you doing well, as I have once again lacked to update you lately. So to make up for lost time, let's get to it:
After finishing my job with Speedy, Phil came up for a few weeks. It was an amazing time having him here and we got to travel a bit too. We met Jason, Jeanne, Chris, and Austin in Washington D.C. where we stayed with Alabama's Congressman. We toured the monuments, including the Smithsonian, and climbed to the top of the Capital Dome! (Pictures will be coming soon). It was a worth-while trip, thanks to Chris and his sweet connections. I hope that my parents will be able to make the trip soon and I would like to go back again as well.
Last week Phil and I traveled to Gulf Shores where we spent some time at the beach with his brother, sister-in-law, and their three kiddos. We had a good time although I think whomever invented the nerf sword should be confined to a small room of three year olds armed with said weaponry. Then maybe they will think twice before releasing something like that into the market. The beach was beautiful and the kids really enjoyed crab hunting and I agreed as Jacob their three year old shouted: "I was having TOO MUCH FUN!"
On Wednesday Phil and I hit the road again headed to Memphis. I had an interview with White Station for a new full time position. I think it went really well, but it will be a few weeks before I hear if anything will progress from the interview. It was great to show Phil a little bit of the city and for him to meet all my WSYG buddies.
I spent Friday running errands and packing for my internship with Jacksonville. I made the drive earlier today and have arrived safely back in the grand state of Florida. So far things are going well and I am exited to get the summer started. Derek, our guy intern, will be here next Saturday and I will move into my host family's house next weekend as well.
I will do my best to keep you updated along the way and as always I'd love to hear from you!
For now, I'm going to get some rest but as always thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Plans
Hey everyone!
That's right. Plans. I actually have plans.
As I mentioned in my last post, I had an interview with Mindvolt in Athens, Alabama. I really enjoyed the people there and especially Daisy the basset hound that I immediately be-friended. Hopefully some freelance opportunities will come from that meeting, and possibly a job in the future.
As of, well, yesterday I gave Speedy my two week notice. I am saying goodbye to the smells of fresh copies accompanied by the clang of filing cabinets and saying hello to 11 weeks in Jacksonville, Florida. Working at Speedy has been a GREAT learning experience but to say that I am excited about the summer would be an understatement. I will be the female youth intern for Argyle Church of Christ. My first day is the 24th of May and I will probably head down to Florida on the 23rd.
My last day at Speedy is May 1st and during that time I will be packing up my life to move back in with my parents. I'm sure my brother is jumping with absolute glee to have a "boy apartment" but I will miss it. On the 13th Phil and I are flying to meet Jeanne, Jason, Chris Lawson and my what I call "second brother" Austin in Washington, D.C. They're driving to stop at Six Flags in New Jersey but Phil and I decided to skip that part seeing how we're not avid roller coaster fans. While in Washington we're touring the White House and staying with a Congressman. I have never really seen DC before. The last time I was there I marched in the Inauguration Parade but all I can remember is being frozen in snow. It should be a great trip!
That weekend Phil and I will head to Gulf Shores to meet his brother, sister-in-law, and their three hilarious kids for some time at the beach. The kids have never been so it should be grand, especially since they're so young. Sand castles are going to happen for sure!
Two weeks ago I went to Orlando with my family and last weekend I was in Louisiana visiting Phil for the Easter Holiday. As you can see, I love to travel and thankfully my little Civic has been up for the challenge.
Also earlier today my best friend Daniel McCoy applied for the job that I'm leaving. I was thrilled to learn that he's starting on MONDAY! That means we will actually achieve our goal of having the same job at the same time - even if it's only for two weeks.
Speaking of jobs, I am hoping that something will turn up by August. I have hopes for Harvest Creative in Memphis and possibly Mindvolt in Athens, or even a church in Atlanta - but you never know what could happen in a few months.
Well everyone, that's about all that's new here. I hope everything is going well for you and I'm sure I'll keep you posted! As always, thanks for stopping by.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sunshine
Hey everyone!
Well, today was a rare and beautiful day. All week we have been slow at Speedy (ha!) leaving me with small tasks such as vacuuming and punching holes. Due to the slower pace I was offered the afternoon off, and even though my job isn't very stressful I was in need of some time away from my cubicle.
I decided to grab some lunch and sit outside in front of my old haunt, Biggin (the art building). It's a beautiful day and the first day of spring. Goregous! I soaked up a little sun and read an amazing book called 48 Days To The Work You Love by Dan Miller. Basically it discusses everything conerning your "vocation/career/job" but in a spiritual light. If you've just graduated and are swimming around in the job pool, I would highly suggest this book. I am only half way into it, but it has given me a sense of comfort and boosts of encouragement that I've been looking for.
I do have some new updates for you by the way. Let's start with the bad and end with the good. I got another generic HR rejection e-mail from Dave Ramsey. Granted no tears were shed over this rejection and I actually found it amusing. After recieving dozens of these kind of e-mails you start to see a pattern. Is there an HR template for that kind of thing? Probably. Ah well, at least it's closure.
Now on to the good news. I have an interview with a firm in Athens, Alabama on April 2nd. It's called Mindvolt and another Auburn grad works there. Apparently they have six dogs that hang out in the office, so that should be interesting seeing how I'm more of a cat person myself. I'm excited to speak with the creative director, Chad, because we met a year or so ago when he judged the student show. Regardless of how things work out, it should be a good experience.
In other news, my brother Jason and is fiance Jeanne have been in Honduras for the past week on a mission trip with our campus ministry. I'm eager to hear their stories and see the pictures from their trip. Oh and on Sunday I'm headed to Passion City Church in Atlanta with my new small group from Church of the Highlands. I haven't visited this particular church to see what they're all about but I'm going to on Sunday to see for myself. I truly enjoy the small group because it's for post-grad and graduate students. It is SO refreshing to be surrounded by people my age at a similiar place in life as well as the content of our small group is spot on. We are talking about discerning God's will for our life, how to make decisions, finances from a spiritual point of view as well as sharing what God is teaching us daily. Ahhmazing.
Well I'm going to get some work done around here, but I hope each of you have a beautiful weekend!
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Well, today was a rare and beautiful day. All week we have been slow at Speedy (ha!) leaving me with small tasks such as vacuuming and punching holes. Due to the slower pace I was offered the afternoon off, and even though my job isn't very stressful I was in need of some time away from my cubicle.
I decided to grab some lunch and sit outside in front of my old haunt, Biggin (the art building). It's a beautiful day and the first day of spring. Goregous! I soaked up a little sun and read an amazing book called 48 Days To The Work You Love by Dan Miller. Basically it discusses everything conerning your "vocation/career/job" but in a spiritual light. If you've just graduated and are swimming around in the job pool, I would highly suggest this book. I am only half way into it, but it has given me a sense of comfort and boosts of encouragement that I've been looking for.
I do have some new updates for you by the way. Let's start with the bad and end with the good. I got another generic HR rejection e-mail from Dave Ramsey. Granted no tears were shed over this rejection and I actually found it amusing. After recieving dozens of these kind of e-mails you start to see a pattern. Is there an HR template for that kind of thing? Probably. Ah well, at least it's closure.
Now on to the good news. I have an interview with a firm in Athens, Alabama on April 2nd. It's called Mindvolt and another Auburn grad works there. Apparently they have six dogs that hang out in the office, so that should be interesting seeing how I'm more of a cat person myself. I'm excited to speak with the creative director, Chad, because we met a year or so ago when he judged the student show. Regardless of how things work out, it should be a good experience.
In other news, my brother Jason and is fiance Jeanne have been in Honduras for the past week on a mission trip with our campus ministry. I'm eager to hear their stories and see the pictures from their trip. Oh and on Sunday I'm headed to Passion City Church in Atlanta with my new small group from Church of the Highlands. I haven't visited this particular church to see what they're all about but I'm going to on Sunday to see for myself. I truly enjoy the small group because it's for post-grad and graduate students. It is SO refreshing to be surrounded by people my age at a similiar place in life as well as the content of our small group is spot on. We are talking about discerning God's will for our life, how to make decisions, finances from a spiritual point of view as well as sharing what God is teaching us daily. Ahhmazing.
Well I'm going to get some work done around here, but I hope each of you have a beautiful weekend!
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Marching Along
Well I can't believe it's March!
Things are going well at Speedy. We have been really busy this week and I have had little time to look up from my computer screen. I also got PAID! Wahoo it feels good to have income again!
In other news, I'm speaking to three classes of 9th graders at the Jr. High next week. I'm going to be discussing graphic design and my experiences. I'm really pumped to hang out with kids again, it's been a while.
Speaking of kids - I have some exciting news! Ready?
I'm going to be a YOUTH INTERN AGAIN! That's right - one more summer of GLORY before the real world sucks me in. If I haven't settled into a professional position before May, then I will be the next female intern for Argyle Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida. My fellow guy intern is Derek Nichols, and we've been friends for a few years. I anticipate another glorious summer filled with mud pits, creek walking, painting houses, slip-n-slides, teaching and building relationships with teens. We're going on a few mission trips stateside while I'm there too. I couldn't be more eager to intern again. I also think it's hilarious that God brought this opportunity my way because I recall saying to Him "I am NOT going back to the state of Florida". He loves to do that, but hey, every state deserves a second chance.
Everything else is going well here. I'm just marching along and continue to search for a professional job. I have had little luck, but hopefully I'll have some more interviews this month. I also got in touch with Harvest Creative. They aren't moving into their new office till August, so perhaps something can work out after my internship. "All shall reveal itself in due course" (100 points if you can name what movie that quote is from).
Well I've got to go clean, and as always, thanks for stopping by!
Things are going well at Speedy. We have been really busy this week and I have had little time to look up from my computer screen. I also got PAID! Wahoo it feels good to have income again!
In other news, I'm speaking to three classes of 9th graders at the Jr. High next week. I'm going to be discussing graphic design and my experiences. I'm really pumped to hang out with kids again, it's been a while.
Speaking of kids - I have some exciting news! Ready?
I'm going to be a YOUTH INTERN AGAIN! That's right - one more summer of GLORY before the real world sucks me in. If I haven't settled into a professional position before May, then I will be the next female intern for Argyle Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida. My fellow guy intern is Derek Nichols, and we've been friends for a few years. I anticipate another glorious summer filled with mud pits, creek walking, painting houses, slip-n-slides, teaching and building relationships with teens. We're going on a few mission trips stateside while I'm there too. I couldn't be more eager to intern again. I also think it's hilarious that God brought this opportunity my way because I recall saying to Him "I am NOT going back to the state of Florida". He loves to do that, but hey, every state deserves a second chance.
Everything else is going well here. I'm just marching along and continue to search for a professional job. I have had little luck, but hopefully I'll have some more interviews this month. I also got in touch with Harvest Creative. They aren't moving into their new office till August, so perhaps something can work out after my internship. "All shall reveal itself in due course" (100 points if you can name what movie that quote is from).
Well I've got to go clean, and as always, thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Something New
Hey everyone!
Ah well I do have a little news to share with you. I have taken a full-time job with American Speedy Printing here in Auburn. I started last Wednesday so it's all very fresh right now. I thought it would be a good idea to work in the print side of things so that when I do find my professional job I will be able to realize how the printing processes play into design.
So far it's been a mix of doing small design tasks (similar to my work at Relevant of filling in numerous templates or recreating documents) and repetitive manual labor such as sticking seals on thousands of birth certificates or making copies. I'm thankful for the opportunity and I'm enjoying seeing how design goes through the various printing processes. They run a few old-school presses and ones with plates so I hope that I might get some more experiences working with those.
In the meanwhile I'm still searching for a professional job in the South East. I just took up some contract design work with Adventures in Missions so I am very excited about that. I continue to apply to anywhere with a working email address and check search engines like SimplyHired or Monster at least a dozen times a day. I still have some hope for the Harvest design firm in Memphis, but they won't have the space to add anyone on till at least June.
That's all I have for now! Oh and my parents got a crazy little fuzzball of a kitten we named BOO - she's adorable and fierce as most kittens are. Everyone have a lovely Valentines day and as always, thanks for stopping by.
Ah well I do have a little news to share with you. I have taken a full-time job with American Speedy Printing here in Auburn. I started last Wednesday so it's all very fresh right now. I thought it would be a good idea to work in the print side of things so that when I do find my professional job I will be able to realize how the printing processes play into design.
So far it's been a mix of doing small design tasks (similar to my work at Relevant of filling in numerous templates or recreating documents) and repetitive manual labor such as sticking seals on thousands of birth certificates or making copies. I'm thankful for the opportunity and I'm enjoying seeing how design goes through the various printing processes. They run a few old-school presses and ones with plates so I hope that I might get some more experiences working with those.
In the meanwhile I'm still searching for a professional job in the South East. I just took up some contract design work with Adventures in Missions so I am very excited about that. I continue to apply to anywhere with a working email address and check search engines like SimplyHired or Monster at least a dozen times a day. I still have some hope for the Harvest design firm in Memphis, but they won't have the space to add anyone on till at least June.
That's all I have for now! Oh and my parents got a crazy little fuzzball of a kitten we named BOO - she's adorable and fierce as most kittens are. Everyone have a lovely Valentines day and as always, thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Metaphorical Filing Cabinets
These days as I hear the lovely g-mail chime I can already read the messages looming in my inbox.
"We have no available positions at the moment but we will keep your resume on file should something become available in the future. Love, Kisses, and Rainbows - HR"
Okay so I made the last part up, but really in this drowning economy those automated responses tend to flood my inbox these days. Sometimes I sit around and wonder if those filing cabinets truly exist or if it is HR's friendliest and most professional form of rejection. What has become even worse than the typical automated rapid-fire responses are silent rejections. Those are the ones that simply refuse to dignify your inquiries with a response.
I believe my favorite rejection email to date is from Skirt Magazine in Memphis that stated "We have filled the position. - Skirt"
Wow. Down to one sentence. That's a keeper because of it's blunt honesty. I have enjoyed the emails from various places across the South East that try to sugar coat their messages with "We liked (or enjoyed) your work, but we aren't looking to add anyone to our team". That's basically like saying "Hey at least you have a cute personality..."
I have to warn you - it's not smart to pray dangerous things like "God close the doors you don't want me to walk through". I think sometimes we forget that God will actually DO what we pray for! Well, I forgot and now He's reminding me in His own way.
So for now, I will continue my quest. If you have any suggestions of what I should do while being here in Auburn until...well...who knows how long, I'd love to hear 'em. As always, thanks for stopping by.
"We have no available positions at the moment but we will keep your resume on file should something become available in the future. Love, Kisses, and Rainbows - HR"
Okay so I made the last part up, but really in this drowning economy those automated responses tend to flood my inbox these days. Sometimes I sit around and wonder if those filing cabinets truly exist or if it is HR's friendliest and most professional form of rejection. What has become even worse than the typical automated rapid-fire responses are silent rejections. Those are the ones that simply refuse to dignify your inquiries with a response.
I believe my favorite rejection email to date is from Skirt Magazine in Memphis that stated "We have filled the position. - Skirt"
Wow. Down to one sentence. That's a keeper because of it's blunt honesty. I have enjoyed the emails from various places across the South East that try to sugar coat their messages with "We liked (or enjoyed) your work, but we aren't looking to add anyone to our team". That's basically like saying "Hey at least you have a cute personality..."
I have to warn you - it's not smart to pray dangerous things like "God close the doors you don't want me to walk through". I think sometimes we forget that God will actually DO what we pray for! Well, I forgot and now He's reminding me in His own way.
So for now, I will continue my quest. If you have any suggestions of what I should do while being here in Auburn until...well...who knows how long, I'd love to hear 'em. As always, thanks for stopping by.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Want Ad
In recent weeks most of my job leads have turned up as dead ends. I have quickly realized just how unfriendly the economy is right now, especially if you just graduated college.
So consider this a want ad.
I am a graphic designer, searching for employment, preferably in the South East. If you know of ANYONE with a business or church or hot dog stand (ew I hate hot dogs, but you get my point) that would be interested in hiring someone for their design needs PLEASE contact me at meforrester@gmail.com
In the meanwhile, I will be searching for some kind of part time employment here in Auburn so I don't begin to "crawl the walls" or go "stir crazy" as my Dad puts it.
Also, even more than contacts of people you might know that are hiring, I would like to ask for your prayers. It never hurts to petition the one who created the idea of "work".
Thanks again, and I will be sure to keep you posted as the search progresses.
So consider this a want ad.
I am a graphic designer, searching for employment, preferably in the South East. If you know of ANYONE with a business or church or hot dog stand (ew I hate hot dogs, but you get my point) that would be interested in hiring someone for their design needs PLEASE contact me at meforrester@gmail.com
In the meanwhile, I will be searching for some kind of part time employment here in Auburn so I don't begin to "crawl the walls" or go "stir crazy" as my Dad puts it.
Also, even more than contacts of people you might know that are hiring, I would like to ask for your prayers. It never hurts to petition the one who created the idea of "work".
Thanks again, and I will be sure to keep you posted as the search progresses.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Job Hunt Continues
Hey everyone!
Well I feel that it's way past due for an update around here. Yes, I did officially graduate from Auburn. I have the paper to prove it! Since then I have begun my epic quest for employment which continues to be a rather elusive entity. Last week I visited Memphis, TN and had a few interviews.
The first was at Speak Creative. Unfortunately they are not hiring, but I had an "informal introduction" which went well. I think if something should develop there I would learn quite a lot about the industry. They did advise me to continue to learn as much as I could about web design because that is where they are growing the most.
The second interview was for a part-time design job with White Station Church of Christ. It went very well from my perspective and I was very comfortable answering the questions that they had for me. I am not sure how this one could work out seeing that it is part-time, but you never know!
The third interview was with Harvest Creative. I have to say out of my other interviews (including the one in Birmingham in September) this one was the most enjoyable. I really clicked with the staff there, and they were very complimentary of my work. I am expecting a follow-up call at the end of the month after they decide where their new location is going to be.
Since returning to Auburn I have continued to apply for various openings in the South East and have yet to hear back from anyone else. I know that the economy isn't very friendly right now, especially if you're new to the "real world", but something will turn up.
So you might be wondering what I have been doing in my spare time. Well to answer that inquiry, I have taken up several freelance projects. I am in process with the following: Map design for the Alabama Historical Association through the University, t-shirt design for the site Politics4All (I actually have a meeting with them tomorrow morning), t-shirt series with the organization called Loveless based on India (I'm SO excited about this one, I love their apparel!), edits for the Sound of Hope so it can go to print soon, a logo design for a consignment shop in Tampa called "Fresh Threads", and a few others that I can't recall at the moment.
Through my interviews I have decided to listen to the advice of those in the industry. Web design is growing and the need for web designers is becoming very essential to secure employment. I have decided to sit in on a web design class while I am still in Auburn. Granted I did take this class in the past, but I need it again because I didn't catch everything the first time through.
So that's where I'm at for the moment. I want to go ahead and apologize if I twitch a little should you ask me the question "Do you have a job yet?" because I don't have a solid answer for you. I appreciate the inquiry though and I will be sure to keep you updated as I continue to search for work.
If you know of anyone in need of a graphic designer please contact me at: meforrester@gmail.com! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Well I feel that it's way past due for an update around here. Yes, I did officially graduate from Auburn. I have the paper to prove it! Since then I have begun my epic quest for employment which continues to be a rather elusive entity. Last week I visited Memphis, TN and had a few interviews.
The first was at Speak Creative. Unfortunately they are not hiring, but I had an "informal introduction" which went well. I think if something should develop there I would learn quite a lot about the industry. They did advise me to continue to learn as much as I could about web design because that is where they are growing the most.
The second interview was for a part-time design job with White Station Church of Christ. It went very well from my perspective and I was very comfortable answering the questions that they had for me. I am not sure how this one could work out seeing that it is part-time, but you never know!
The third interview was with Harvest Creative. I have to say out of my other interviews (including the one in Birmingham in September) this one was the most enjoyable. I really clicked with the staff there, and they were very complimentary of my work. I am expecting a follow-up call at the end of the month after they decide where their new location is going to be.
Since returning to Auburn I have continued to apply for various openings in the South East and have yet to hear back from anyone else. I know that the economy isn't very friendly right now, especially if you're new to the "real world", but something will turn up.
So you might be wondering what I have been doing in my spare time. Well to answer that inquiry, I have taken up several freelance projects. I am in process with the following: Map design for the Alabama Historical Association through the University, t-shirt design for the site Politics4All (I actually have a meeting with them tomorrow morning), t-shirt series with the organization called Loveless based on India (I'm SO excited about this one, I love their apparel!), edits for the Sound of Hope so it can go to print soon, a logo design for a consignment shop in Tampa called "Fresh Threads", and a few others that I can't recall at the moment.
Through my interviews I have decided to listen to the advice of those in the industry. Web design is growing and the need for web designers is becoming very essential to secure employment. I have decided to sit in on a web design class while I am still in Auburn. Granted I did take this class in the past, but I need it again because I didn't catch everything the first time through.
So that's where I'm at for the moment. I want to go ahead and apologize if I twitch a little should you ask me the question "Do you have a job yet?" because I don't have a solid answer for you. I appreciate the inquiry though and I will be sure to keep you updated as I continue to search for work.
If you know of anyone in need of a graphic designer please contact me at: meforrester@gmail.com! Thanks so much for stopping by!
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