“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.”

  

Alright, I am back once more with a post in regards to my latest thoughts. If you know me, I think a lot about life and question my purpose. Don't get me wrong, I love life but I haven't yet found my meaning or my purpose it seems. It could possibly be right in front of my nose but I am too ignorant to notice. I am trying to create something that lasts and something I can hold on to.
      As of now, I have been thinking about everyone in my life. Whether you are here with me now or back home or around the globe, more than likely I think about you often. I am terrible at relaying that to you all. After college, I let life just sweep me away and in some ways I am scared I won't be given the benefit of the doubt. Basically, I feel guilty. There are so many people I care about and miss but they do not hear it enough. To solve this and feel like I am creating my purpose, I am going to strive to make it known that I care about you. You know who you are.



       While laying on the sofa yesterday, mindlessly watching "Jersey Shore" (forgive me), I reminded myself that no day is promised. "Am I living life to it's potential?" I asked myself. If something were to happen to me, people may say "She lived a happy life. She loved her cats and her crock pot" but who the heck wants that in their obituary? I NEED and HAVE to start LIVING LIFE! I need to run, take photos and dream a little. A little church wouldn't hurt either! I am content but I am not ecstatic and that is what I want.
        So, as I write this, I am deciding I need to make weekly goals. I want to challenge myself to explore  life a little more and true happiness. I hope you all will support me in this or do it for yourself.

xoxoxo

This above all, to thine own self be true. - William Shakespeare

I think I have reached that point in my life where I thought I was on the right track but I believe I am mistaken. Right now this realization is a little discouraging but I have managed to try and sort amongst the sea of worries and thoughts scattered in my mind. I even have Death Cab For Cutie playing along with me while I mindlessly try and convey something here. What is it I am trying to convey? I do not even know what that is at this point.

I am lost.

    I admit, I have come along way since I moved out on my own. I am happier than I was a few months ago. There are signs of improvement. I am once more coming out of my shell. 

     There are many things that cause me little bouts of anxiety and I am making an effort to roll right through them. Not many people know that I am not truly extroverted. Meeting new people has helped a bit. I have pushed myself to go out more than I usually do; that makes a difference. Cooking with a crock pot is one my latest hobbies. Fixing up the apartment has been a fun task and has allowed my creative side to come out. I got bangs! Who knew getting bangs could make you look different and sassy? Well, I am happy I took a risk and chopped some hair off. But now what?

    “The sweet girl. The vulnerable girl. The naive girl”. These phrases run through my head. Some individuals think this of me. As a 24-year-old woman, it is not the best thing to hear. What rings in my head is that I am portraying myself as an easy target. Does that mean I am an easy target? No. Will everyone target me? Of course not! Yet, I feel that maybe people really choose to think that is all I am and go with it. I have a story, a past but I choose to have a veil over walls that guard me. There are some individuals I can open up to but for the most part ( I am lucky to have you), I am not an open book. Instead, you see bow-wearing, sweetsie pie me. Not a terrible thing but I feel like a mime in the invisible box. I am stuck  and I did it to myself.

    What I feel most is that I care too much of what you all think of me out there. I shouldn’t. I know my intentions. I know my heart. I try. I fail. I am more likely to be closer with a guy than a girl. I hate rejection of any kind. I have a past but I have a future to decide. 

    What I would love, is knowing that everyone is given the benefit of the doubt or a chance. For me, I really strive to create friendships and to also be approachable. I desire meaningful relationships with those around me. I wish to know them and I wish for them to know me. I want them to know my truest intentions. 

    At this point, I have decided that I need to be bold in my decisions. I need to let things roll of my back more. A friend reminded me that there are individuals who demand weight in your world yet they do not and never will. I can decide that. I will say who has weight and meaning in my life. I need to speak up for myself. It is entirely like Pam from the Office when she comes to the same conclusion and demands what she wants. I want respect, loyalty, love and no drama. That is not too much to ask, right?

     I deserve it and I am out to get it. Are you ready?

"Many people worry about what other people will think of them.

But few realize the world forms its opinion of us largely from the

opinion we have of ourselves." 

- Les Giblin -

"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." 

- Eleanore Roosevelt -

Treading asphalt is when I think most clearly
I am reminded of all that been, is and was
It is like I am chasing after it all
But it does not make sense anymore

I used to tread asphalt and smile
Because I used I have a place to go
A heart to go home to, a place I belonged
Treading isn't all what it used to be

You consume my thoughts while I accelerate
The dash lighting illuminating the streams down my face
If only you and others knew what I tread home to...


An empty heart

I have never been all that versatile
With my words, that is
But you cause me to convey what I feel most
But conveying isn't all that easy

I struggle to find that balance
The one where I feel free and at ease
With you around me, my heart tenses
There is no freedom that I seek
How can there be with you around?

Stares and glares are avoided
But I see yours prying away when they can
I steal a glace every now and then
If our eyes lock, it only reminds us all of the words said
And that cannot be spoken again

And you cause me to convey what I feel most
And conveying isn't all that easy
I have never been all that versatile
But babe, I gave it a try

So, this was written 2 weeks ago and I am just now posting it...

I have come to the realization that I have taken the time to be thankful for everything that has been given to me. This week, I can honestly say I have seen how God is working in my life and how He provides for me.

This week has been a bit frustrating due to my car breaking down again and having something brought to my attention which was hard to hear. All in all, I feel like a failure half of the time time and that debt is creeping around the corner like luring  stalker. It is a scary thing to be here on my own, trying to find myself a new life, a new start.

Lately, I have been trying to put all the "bumps" aside and see all the great things I have going for me. And here is what I have compiled:

1) Parents are offering to assist with the car situation not they have to
2) I have a big sister who looks out for me and gives me advice
3) I have a great job with a source of income needed for my independence. Plus my team is so supportive!
4) Pets are great. My two cats are so sweet and make smile daily.
5) I have my own place and privacy. Some peace has been granted.
6) Friends are priceless. I have friends who come on a moments notice and look out for me. I have friends who love and appreciate me even though I am flawed. They talk to me when I am down, send me "get well" gifts, help me move and have thought of me and my apartment. They ask me how I am. Through them, God has provided me with so much.
7) When those around me do not know my situation but help me out. Panera Bread was closing the other night and instead of throwing away the left over food, they gave me extra; more than what I paid for. I felt so fortunate because it turned into two meals.

Through all this frustration, I have decided to start my organizing business or plan. We'll see where it takes me here in Nashville. With that being said, there are just a few things I am thankful for.


Seek your blessings.

xoxox0

...Bystander...

    

Why is it when there is a time to stand up or step in, most people do not? A show I have watched in the past always made me wonder what I would do in an uncomfortable situation? Would I speak up or just stand there?

    Well, tonight, I  was among the crowd that did not step in when I should have. I cannot exactly tell you why I did not but I am still kicking myself for not. Here is how it went down.

     I was standing in front of the cash wrap at one the hipster coffee shops in Nashville, deciding what all I should get to eat for dinner. Everything seemed ordinary. I was amongst strangers who sat quietly, staring at computer screens and conversing. Directly behind me sat on older gentleman with a girl who seemed around the age of four or five. Of course, all children pitch a fit at some point or another. Typically, if a child acts up enough in a public place, they are removed and taken aside to be spoken with or disciplined. Well, not in this case. She proceeds to whine, then cry, then yell, and then scream bloody murder. He sits there while trying to put her coat on and she continues to  scream. I figured he may just become so embarrassed that he would leave with her in hand. No. Instead, he freaks out and starts screaming at her and called her “stupid”. I shuttered and had to take a minute before signing my debit card receipt. Everyone somewhat froze in their chairs. One guy stood up with his jaw dropped. We call wanted to do something. I came so close to speaking to him and telling him to stop. I did not have it in me. 

       I wonder why I could not. This little girl obviously is a victim in her up bringing and then is being verbally abused in public. A small child being told she is “stupid” by her father figure. Wow. And no one said a word. It was not a concern of whether it was my business but a matter of what will this guy do if I step in and say something? I let “what ifs” take the place of action and I know can see I may be one of those bystanders.

       To be honest, I do not want to be like that. There could be a time when someone may really need help and I do not want to be scared. It should not come down to that. I do not want to be just another person who looks and walks away.

       So, how does one prepare themselves for such situations? I admire anyone who can step up to the plate at a moments notice.

The Cave - Mumford and Sons

It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's hand

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmania.com/the_cave_lyrics_mumford_and_sons.html
All about Mumford And+Sons: http://www.musictory.com/music/Mumford+And+Sons

A Little Restoration Would be Nice

I am really hoping that I am on the right track at this point in my life. As I approach my 24th year of existence ( I sound so dramatic... ), I cannot help but think “When is this all going to make sense?”. Right now, I would really appreciate some understanding of what everything means. It does not seem to be getting any easier. And these are supposed to be the “years of my life”.

It is very possible and very likely that I just over think everything and I care too much. Actually, this makes complete sense seeing as I fall into the ENFJ (Meyers Briggs) category. There was a time when I was so confident and happy with my looks and actions. Due to life happenings and heartbreak, it took a toll on my soul; what makes me. Now, I seem to wonder if anything I say or do is right. Maybe this is why I have started to resort to staying in more and keeping to myself; that I am fighting. Life is saddening when you allow the effects of the past to continue to inflict damage in present time. 

I am just now realizing how true this is for me. While I am so happy with how things are turning out and love many aspects of my life, I feel so lost in other parts. I over think, I worry, I doubt and I never used to as much as I do now. I am only 24 but there are so many things I cannot unbend. There are some things that I take so seriously and maybe that is what makes me stand apart from other people my age. Am I taking this life too seriously at my age?

Finding a solution to all these thoughts and worries seems far fetched. I feel that some of my worries can only be overcome by either what is meant to happen (Whatever that may be!) or by overcoming the actual worries. I do not believe either choice is simple or easy. I do not know what is meant for me and my path. I do not know God’s plan for me. I worry about that plan and I do not see how overcome worries when there is no clue or end in sight.

I guess I have to trust a little. Trust a little more in God and trust a little more in the human race to get me through this.

From Bedding to Success?

So, aside from the whole New Year’s resolutions thing, there is the whole aspect of finding one’s self because you do not know what the heck you are doing. At this point, that would be me.

Working in retail can kind of make you ask yourself, ‘What am I doing here?’ every once in awhile. The crazies you deal with and their choice of bedding can cause turmoil within! In all seriousness though, I have no clue what I am doing with my life or where I will end up. Yes, I realize no on does; no one can predict the future but come on, people! Sometimes I wonder regardless and would love an answer, an idea or just a hint! Am I meant to sell bedding and throws for awhile to move up the ladder? Is this something I need to invest more time in?

Really, this entry is about how I was working last night and came to thinking about moving forward and finding what I am meant to do. Am I up for the task of putting myself  out there? How does one sit down and figure it all out? How does one put themselves all in 100% everyday? Does that kind of motivation exist? Is it all confidence? Is it confidence and passion? I know I can figure this out but maybe I just do not believe in myself at this time.

Many would say I have drive and I do. I have the drive to work and work hard for my income and earnings. I have been blessed and given so much which has allowed me more opportunity. In return, I feel that I am capable of working as much as possible and caring for myself so no one fully has to. I know I have aspirations. I know I have goals.

I am thinking that working 3 jobs for about 3 months straight really took a toll on my thought process and faith in myself. It could also be the fact that when you feel alone in a new place, you feel so small; not as capable as you once were. It is all in my head and I need to snap out of it.

Maybe you have some inspirational words? Any wisdom you would like to share? 

Send it my way.

New Years Resolution #1 - Keeping a Budget

Here it goes with the listing of a typical New Years Resolution. I have taken on the task of sticking to a budget for my own sanity. Having worked 3 jobs at one time made me realize that if I stick to a strict budget and watch what I spend, I could work one job and enjoy my life more. The lightbulb has finally switched on!

      One gift I received for Christmas is “100 Meals for $5 or Less”. Once I started reading this book, it pushed me in the right direction to smart shopping and saving time. Maybe some people are already savvy when it comes to saving time and money at the grocery store. I need a lot of help when it comes to the weekly “milk, eggs and bread” purchases. 

        A few points that I have taken to heart from the book are:

1. Have a plan. Look and see what you have first in your cabinets and fridge and make a list. Then make a list of what you actually need at the store for recipes. Use everything that you have already to save money for your budget. Easy as pie.

1. Have a list. Typically, I would go in a store and just buy food at random and include it in my grocery budget. Many times, I did not even need these items and had no real use for them because I had no recipes to base them off of. Since reading this book, I have taken time to sit down and make a list of items I only need and have plans for. I have already noticed a big decrease in my grocery bill already.

1. Never shop hungry. This already may be known by most but every once in while due to our crazy schedules, we shop on an empty stomach.  I have done this too many times and when combined with my sweet tooth, I have ended up with more junk food one girl should consume.  So, my suggestions is bring a bottle of water with you or just purchase one as soon as you walk in. This is will suppress a soon-to-be raging appetite. 

 My owner pointer:

1. Organize your receipt for your budget when checking out. This is all done by how place your items on the conveyer belt. For my budget, I have a groceries budget, an apartment supplies budget, and one for my cats. I have simply put everything by category so when I am at home adding the totals, it is very easy to organize and figure out. It really saves time in the end. You can even highlight the categories, too, if you are more visual for categories. 

And there we go. This is one resolution in the works. I will try and keep you posted on my progress.

Yes, I Have Been On A Long Hiatus

      I would like to say it was needed seeing as I have been in a transition from one chapter to the next. Life seems so ordinary at this point but  so many tell me there is much that lies ahead. I am simply waiting to find out.

In Transit

I am unable to sleep. I have had one of those lazy days which included so much needed sleep. Now, my brain does not seem like it wishes to shut off. Joy.

I know I have not written in some time but I have had no motivation to write. Work takes over my days and by the time I actually have a free moment, I want to waste it on Facebook or playing Zelda. Lame, I know but it is my life at the moment. I have a had summer of enjoyable fun. I have made money. I have visited my sister in NYC. I went to South America and Haiti. I have grown. You know, the typical.

Now what? Summer is coming to an end and I am moving to Nashville. Nashville is 20 or so hours from my home, my family, what I know outside of college. With college out of the way, Nashville is the only change from my ordinary life. I have no idea what to expect. This is the first time I will be venturing away from the norm I have always know. I am excited but also anxious. I want to be successful.


My mind has been engrossed lately in who I am becoming and how I come across to others. Does this mean I am obsessing with myself? No. Literally, I want to be proud of who I am and not succumb to the pressures of what the world holds. I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I piss people off. I am sure I even intimidate people when I choose not to smile. Most people think I am a jerk. At least I know who I am and who I am trying to be. I have a ways to go but I know those who really care about me love me for who I am in the here and now.  Just know though, I am trying to better myself. I always reflect on how to live my for the better on a daily basis. That has to count for something, right?

"Lives of Fisherman"

Dear Friends,

  

     I have decided to participate in a mission workshop trip to Haiti this coming July. My dear friend, Philip Holsinger, is directing and leading this amazing trip to five fishing villages in Haiti.  He has previously lived in Haiti for extended periods of time and truly loves the Haitian people. Through Philip, I have come to desire experiencing Haiti and all it has to offer. Philip’s example has encouraged me to show the joy of Christ to the Haitian people while using my passion for photography.

     I have an extrodianary love for photography which God has allowed me to pursue. While I enjoy taking pictures of my family, friends, nature, etc., I wish to do something more meaningful with my talent. I desire to capture the heart of Haiti with my lens and provide them with a voice through my photos. It is time for me to give back through my passion and through my Savior.

     I depart for Haiti on July 20^th and I will return on July 29^th.  While this may only be a nine day trip, much time and effort has gone into each day we are there. We will be making the most of our time with the Haitian people.

     If you would like contribute a donation to my Haiti mission fund, I would greatly appreciate your help. You may contact me for more information on how to contribute.

      If you have any questions regarding funding or our mission, please visit: http://witnessmission.com/index.html or contact Brandon Tittle at bctittle@harding.edu.

       I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers for our group and the people of Haiti.

                                                                      Your Friend in Him,

                                                                                              

                                                                                  Mary Caitlin

Necessary Update

     An update is needed. Life has been a bit crazy since the last time I wrote. I signed the lease to my first apartment, I graduated from college, I experienced South America and now I am home for my last Summer in CT. Life is changing faster than I can adjust to it.

I cannot completely explain what all I've experienced in words so I will explain with photos.

Signed the lease to my first apartment.

Nashville, TN
May 1st, 2010

Graduation Day

MAY 8th, 2010

 

   Paz is "Peace" in Portuguese 

This was on the side of the building in Rio

 South America: Brazil

May 12th, 2010

 

It was raining the day I arrived in Rio. There was artwork displayed along the highway as if they were trying to hide the slums in the background. The rain drops adds an eerie effect to this depiction of Christ.

 South America: Brazil

May 12th, 2010

 This was taken on the bus from the airport to Rio.

 I quickly took this shot while viewing the landscape. The cross towered above the slums.

 South America: Brazil

May 12th, 2010

 

There was an amazing cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I could not get enough of the beautiful sculptures and row and rows of tombs. Creepy or not, I found everything to be worth photographing.

South America: Argentina

May 2010

These came in handy during my South America trip.

For more South America pictures, you will have to wait until my next entry.

 

My bedroom in my Nashville,TN apartment. 

There are still a few changes to be made. So far, I am happy with the progress.

You can see my collection of my photography already hung. That could not wait. More decorations will be add later.

Vanity Area

Bathroom

This is how everything looked when I left a little over two weeks ago. I just found out earlier this week that my part of the apartment flooded a bit due to plumbing issues. FAIL. Oh well.

Now, I am home for the Summer living life after college.

Up next: South America and what I experienced.

Note to a Friend

School is insane right now and I can say I am beginning to feel the overwhelming effects of my big transition. It is so scary at times and then other times, I am so relaxed about it.
Unfortunately, I have not found a significant job yet in Interior Design but I am fine with "settling" for a job (most likely waitressing) with some kind of income. I am used to doing what I need to do to take care of myself. I try to remind myself that I will be ok.
My school has been pretty much my home for the past 5 years of my life. I love it to some extent. Part of me is ready to move though. I think it is certain people that really make my university what it is. If you don't have those people, you sometimes feel lost, even with it being a small, private university. I have many memories I have made here that I enjoy but I am ready for that next chapter. The next chapter in the real world.


It cannot come soon enough.

Speak no feeling, no I don't believe you.

You don't care a bit.

Sorry for the Rendezvous...

I felt it was time for an update. I actually felt that much earlier this month but with school, a trip to Kansas City, a trip home and now school once more, I guess you could say that I haven't had the time. All in all, life has been pleasant.

When I last wrote, I spoke of being depleted and I would like to say that I've allowed time for thinking and some peace and quiet. That is not to say that I have not become frustrated or discouraged by friendships in my life. Oh, I have. The most important thing that I can remind myself is to take care of myself. I need to come first for a little while. Sometimes, I need to let others come second, as selfish as that sounds. In this time of my life, I am about to begin a new chapter and it demands attention.

How do I feel about graduating and moving away from my small college town of five years? Bittersweet. More so sweet. There are many parts of college and my own college that I will miss but at the moment, I am more than ready to start on a new leaf. I want to be challenged. I want to me new people. I want to live in a different place and call it home. Who knows if I will adapt the way I hope to but I cannot wait to find out. I believe God has a great plan for me to enjoy if I am willing. I would say I am willing.

The perks of being in my senior year are knowing what is right around the corner. Of course we all know what comes with senior year. Senior projects, internships, resumes, interviews galore, and many, many hard decisions.

I recently put up my senior interior design show. Yes, interior design is my major for those of you that do not know! That is for another post. It was challenging to work all the pieces together and get the details just right but I did it. I accomplished one of my last senior projects! I finished my resume and I've received some great feedback about it's strength. I hope that means I will find a decent job starting out. Now, to send my resume out everywhere! My digital portfolio is done and ready to be sent out across the globe (not really!) and I am relieved to have that taken care of. Little by little, I am wrapping up my last semester of college and little by little, it is hitting me.

I am almost done. I am almost out in the 'real world'. I am almost 23. Yikes!

Thoroughly Depleted

I am not even sure where to begin but I can assure you this will not be an entry about how awful life is. My life is not awful; no where close to being anything painful, regretful, or unappreciated. Could I say that 6 months ago? Mostly likely not but that is the beauty of life, of living; nothing lasts forever and time heals everything.

As the singer/song writer, Imogean Heap writes, "Everybody says that time heals everything all in the end. But what of the wretched hollow? The endless in-between? Are we just going to wait it out?", I could not relate more. You truly do have to wait it out. Transitions are so hard especially when they are not welcomed; unexpected. I used to grit my teeth when one would say to me "Just let some time pass" or "It will get better soon". I never believed them because I felt so trapped in my current skin. I could not deal with the cards I had been dealt. I learned in time to play with what I had.

After months of self reflection, positive growth, and standing up for what I believe in, I've come to find I love who I've become. If I were still living my life with the same people around me, I would not be who I am today. If certain wake-ups calls did not occur, I would not be free from turmoil and pain. Had God's plan not happened, I would be missing out on so much. Now, I've chosen to be who I should be. I still have improvements to make but goodness, I have come a long way and I'm so proud.

You may be wondering why I titled this post "Thoroughly Depleted". This is because I am. While I'm thrilled with my personal progress, I feel drained emotionally and mentally. I'm still enduring the trails of life and my patience has been more than tested. I have been challenged in my heart and mind with many situations. Constantly trying to remain strong when harmful intentions are thrown my way is exhausting. We all experience this at some point in time and we can only strive to stay true to ourselves. Our good selves.

It seems I find myself carrying the weight of a lot around me, like some of my friendships, projects, etc. I feel that I put my heart into so much especially with my relationships with others and it seems it is not always returned. Balance is difficult. Putting yourself first is difficult when you are so willing to put others first. I do not have all the answers in order to fix the situations other than to be myself and continue to be consistent. I know this is one of the many aspects of life; we all experience trials but this comes at a time when I desire more acknowledgment in some of my relationships. I strive to love those around me in the way they should be loved; to be there when they need me. However, I am my own best friend and that is how it will always be. You can never fully rely on others to provide what you seek; it has to come within yourself. Myself and I are close.

Instead of ending on a slightly negative note, I want to propose the idea of keeping ourselves in check. Be honest with yourself. If you need to improve on how your treat your friends, others around you, or even yourself, start now. It is never too late to admit wrong-doing and change for the better. When hard times come, you will need those people to help you rise above it, otherwise, it will be difficult on your own. Be there for others and be good to them but more importantly, be there for yourself. Before you can be what others need, you need to be what you need first.

"⁹Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. - Romans 12:9-12

Pray.

Yes. Please.

Watkins College of Art and Design

Photography

Photography is an evolving, dynamic medium and the images produced are as unique as the photographers who make them. Bring an exploratory spirit, creative ideas, and a desire to be challenged.

OUR MISSION

Students create artwork through understanding photographic processes and materials, critical thinking and creative techniques. Students produce and present work representing individual creativity and technical competence. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter a career as a professional artist or to continue their education through the pursuit of an MFA degree.

OUR PROGRAM

Photography at Watkins College is a dynamic program where you will gain technical and aesthetic skills in a variety of mediums. Beginning with a fine arts foundation, your studies take you into an exploration of the historical context of photography. You delve deeply into the fundamentals of black and white photography and then advance to studies in color and digital imagery. Experimental video classes will prepare you to embrace technology and multimedia. Alternative processes will build an understanding of historical techniques. Studio lighting will give you the technical expertise in artificial light with creative interpretation for both commercial and fine art photography. Internship opportunities, preparation of your senior thesis exhibition and the study of professional practices prepare you to begin your career as a photographer.

Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a stimulating and challenging career choice. It is also a complex study requiring creativity, artistic talent, and eye for details, conceptual thinking, technical skills and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

OUR MISSION

Students of the Graphic Design Department at Watkins will graduate with a professional quality, entry-level portfolio that shows technical competence, solid knowledge of design principles and highly conceptual solutions to communications problems in print, illustration and web-based and interactive media.

OUR PROGRAM

The BFA in Graphic Design at Watkins College begins with a strong foundation in the basic principles and elements of design and typography. The curriculum then builds in complexity until students graduate with a professional, high quality, entry-level portfolio.

Coursework effectively covers art, design, typography, technology, professional practices and the history of art and design. Small class sizes allow for each student to have individual consultations with faculty at every stage of their assigned projects. Graphic design electives, including internships with area advertising and design agencies, enhance each students education.

The curriculum culminates in the capstone course, Senior Portfolio Development, where each graduating senior works with senior faculty to polish off his/her portfolio. Finally, the graduating class, as a team, puts together a senior exhibition that features their portfolios. As many as 400 friends, family and design professional have attended this exhibition.

This would be a dream come true if I could do this....