Finding a Niche

So. I'm sitting here in the studio which I have justly entitled "The Armpit of Auburn University". Seriously that's where they put us. In a basement. With no windows. In a small, confined space. Yes, that's exactly where we shall put the creative people. In a concrete box.

Regardless of our glum location, classes are going well. I just finished passing off my corporate identity to my professor. I think he liked the concept but he kept up the mantra stating "It needs to find a niche". And you're sitting there with the same thought that ran through my mind "What does that even mean?"

The longer that I'm in this major the more that question makes itself known. I was telling one of my friends the other day that "Art is not about art. It's about the defense of art." If you can defend your idea the basic concept of "It's art because I say so" is a reality instead of a clever bumper sticker. With my major there is no consistency or predictability. You never know what your project will be, what your professor expects of you, what makes your project good enough or creative enough, what your final grade will be (that's always a game of Yahtzee), or if even though the professor loved it through the entire production he could conjure the deepest hate and disgust for the work during the final critique. You never know.

When I was a freshmen I remember my mom asking me "So, it's mid semester, what are your grades so far?" I recall staring at her blankly with a honest reply "I have no idea. I could be failing or passing with straight A's. They don't tell us a thing."

Well it makes for an interesting educational experience in the major of flexibility.

Man I'm exhausted. I want you to know that I ran a 1.5 miles yesterday. I'm training with Rachael for a 10k in October (that's 6 miles). I can sit here and tell you that the farthest I've ever gone in my entire life is 2.5 miles. I actually had a really great run last night. I found my rhythm even though I ran a 14 minute mile. C'mon...I'm a designer. I sit in a chair with my face glued to a laptop. I'd say it's an accomplishment.

I've got to get back to work. I have another presentation tomorrow. Oh how I miss sleep - we're running on 4 hours at the moment. Wish me luck.