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Topic: Decision Time... (Read 510 times) |
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Cerberus
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Decision Time...
« on: Apr 10th, 2004, 1:49pm » |
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Greetings,
I have made a life altering decision. I have decided to return to school and obtain my college degree. No, I have not chosen nursing, not a bad choice overall, but in the end I decided that I would be ignoring my hearts desire. So, I've chosen a degree in Graphic Arts Technology. A Job that is extremely competitive and limited to a point in availability, however, art is my true passion and if I didn't consider that fact I would be miserable doing anything else.
As usual nothing is set in stone yet and I have not managed to get registered for the fall semester as I am waiting for the begining of the work week to aquire my transcripts from prior attempts at adult education to figure out what classes I will need and what will transfer.
Woobie is less confident of my decision for reasons of job availability and the possibility that my U.E. (Unemployment) benefits may expire before my schooling is completed. I believe, however, that I should be able to obtain enough knowledge and technical experience to land work in my field if that happens, which would also count towards my college credit. We will cross those bridges when they appear and Woobs remains supportive despite her worries.
Most of my schooling will be financed by I.E.T.C. (Illinois Employment and Training Center) and the rest should be covered by Federal/State grant money. Minimal quantities of loans are expected to be necessary.
PF to all,
Ramon
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I would rather face the end with terror than terror without end. - (Deitrich Sawatsky 194?)
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jonny
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If you dont like what your doing your just punching a clock and dragging through life.
Go for it, Ramon!!!!
...................................jonny
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ShariRae
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #2 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 2:20pm » |
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I agree with jonny here..Life is to short to spend it doin something you don't like...All will fall into place..just follow your heart!
Best of Luck
Shari
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Superpain
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #3 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 2:23pm » |
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You can doooo eeeet!
Do you have any experience with the programs you'll be using? Like photoshop, 3dstudiomax, etc?
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Chris
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Mikey
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;;D ;;DRe: Decision Time...
« Reply #4 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 3:21pm » |
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I done that for a few years Ramon, and loved it!!!
I used a program called MicroGraphix with Visual Impact.
My main job was editing for the sales dept. of a construction co. here in NC.
I had a blast doing it too!! Jonny's right Ramon, do what you'll be happy with doing.
Mikey, 
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snyder
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Re: Decision Time... modified
« Reply #5 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 3:34pm » |
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Ramon,
What's most important is not to give up. Keep at it. It took me a little over 8 years to get my BA in art and 7 1/5 years to get my MA in painting but I have never regretted the time or the struggle. I ended schooling without owing a penny to anyone. I have since, and always, had a studio to do my work which my 9 to 5 pays for and is also related to art. I work some with the computer graphics and regularly go the Art Institute of Pittsburgh to learn more about it every summer. I don't sell much work but I don't care. I have exhibited around the world a little, and am happy with what I do.
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>>> I just realized that all of the above was about me and I failed to make my point. If you really want to do this, and it certainly sounds like you do, you can/must stay with it. The rewards are there. YOU will know them. People around you may not see them but that won't matter. You will get to a point, if you aren't there already, where doing your work is as important as food and sex. (There will be little need for sleep.)
Good luck.
I'm wishing you well!
Bill
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| « Last Edit: Apr 10th, 2004, 7:14pm by snyder » |
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cathy
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #6 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 4:49pm » |
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Ramon Go for it and you know all of us will be right behind you all the way!!!! 
Cathy 
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cootie
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #7 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 5:41pm » |
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Follow yer heart and follow yer instincts.......they know more then you do !!! Yer a good artist.....we all KNOW that !!!! Wishing you the best of luck Pam
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Charlie
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #8 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 7:37pm » |
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Go for it.
You live in a time and place where it's possible. Be one of the bright ones who takes advantage.
Charlie 
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ivanov
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #9 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 7:54pm » |
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Ramon,
I just finished converting my fine art studio to electronic technology.
It took me two years but the benefits are numerous. I do graphic
design but basically I am a portrait artist. Since I have been chronic for the last fourteen year the BVR in Pennsyvania set me up with all
the computer and printing equipment.
If you need any advise with programing and equipment just let me
know.
Wishing you the best,
Dan
P.S. Bill are you from around Pittsbugh? I got my BS in Art and Design
from La Roche College which back in 73' was affiliated with the Art
Institute of Pittsbugh.
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Leesa
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #10 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 8:44pm » |
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I have to agree with my bro on this one Ramon, do something you enjoy!! Hell we all know how damn good you are so GO FOR IT!!!! The biggest reason Dave an I moved to TN for his to get his degree in computers. But life tossed some curve balls, but he WILL get what he wants!! So will you man!!!
Best wishes to ya, Leesa
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snyder
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #11 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 8:59pm » |
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To ivanov:
No, I am not from Pittsburgh. I am from Michigan.
To Ramon: Where are you going to school?
Bill
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Cerberus
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #12 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 9:29pm » |
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Wsnyder,
I will be attending Rock Valley College in Rockford to aquire my A.A.S. in Graphic Arts Tech. I majored in fine art at Hesston College in KS. I dropped out incomplete because of the fact that working full time (3rd shift at the time) and attending school during the day while juggling a family life at home really took my time off of my studies. I really had no time to do any homework, let alone complete all the drills required in drawing/ painting classes etc.
It is my hope that now I will be able to focus (at least for the immediate part) on studying. Financial supplementation will run out in Feb 2005 giving me 6 meager months before I will have to find work. It is also my hope that I can have the basics under my belt by that time (core and gen. ed. requirements).
I have used several graphics programs currently and in the past, however, none are regularly used within the industry. A viable copy of Adobe photoshop and Illustrator would help me get a leg up before those classes begin, but, I don't have XP and I hate win 98 (currently running Win ME) I would be willing to switch platforms but have no software for that to change over to. Too bad Win ME won't support those. I have a spare tower and CPU chip to create a third machine, but, the mother board is blown and I have no HD or CD roms to use in it either.....grrrrr  . Being without spare cash or parts slows things up a bit.
Art is my true love.....(there will be a painting up for auction soon) [sorry Mast ]. We will have to wait and see what happens with the rest I suppose...
PFDAN all!
Ramon
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I would rather face the end with terror than terror without end. - (Deitrich Sawatsky 194?)
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stevegeebe
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #13 on: Apr 10th, 2004, 9:32pm » |
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Ramon,
You have a gift that brings you joy and you also have an edge. True, others in this field are likely also gifted as you are.
Go with your strength and you will feel strong.
The field awaits. Pick up the bat.
Steve G
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Mastifflvr28
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #14 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 1:09am » |
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Cerebus,
Excellent descission IMO!!
You can always get work as a nurses aide to suppliment until you find the right job...right? (TEMPORARY!!)
Good luck, and just a couple more weeks until your painting goes up for auction. Girl toys this week...boys toys next week, THEN the new painting!!
Take care, tell woobsie I said everything will work out ok!!
Mast
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Mastifflvr28 (aka Michelle A.)
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Lizzie2
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #15 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 1:32am » |
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Ramon,
I am so happy for you that you are doing this!! You need to be doing what you love. When you do what you love, the rewards are even greater than the finances it supplies.
I know you can do it!!! We can stay up late online together doing homework in the fall! LMAO!!
Hugz,
Lizzie
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Woobie
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #16 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 9:08am » |
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on Apr 10th, 2004, 9:29pm, Cerberus wrote:
Art is my true love.......
PFDAN all!
Ramon |
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DANG = and I thought it was ME 
Oh well
Tina
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5-string
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #17 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 9:56am » |
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Do it Ramon.
The money we make is never enough,our work conditions are never quite suitable,vacations are never long enough if we're not doing what we want to do.
When we get paid to do what we have a passion for,life is gooood! Aint' nothin' wrong w'dat. my friend.
Good luck.
...Mark...
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Pegase
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #18 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 11:13am » |
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Hey dude... go for it... and dont be afraid... there'll always be a job for a good graphic designer...and they're well paid... I've been working in the industry for the last 6 years now (as a project manger and web producer)... and it's cool and motivating... U gotta stay humble though and must like working in team... A lot of people are gonna look at your work and ask for changes... and that's OK... U know sometimes i wish i could turn back time and take the same formation as you but I did two university degree in management and marketing so i now i'm stuck in my suit...
Pegase
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miapet
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #19 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 11:15am » |
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Congratulations on your decision . . I was an Employment / Workforce and Training Specialist for several years . . .and you do need to follow your heart . . .and, since you are aware of the competitive nature of the field you are choosing, you should be okay with the down side (maybe not being able to use it right away) . . .if I can make a suggestion . .if the school you are going to offers any internship opportunities . . .JUMP ON THEM . . .get your foot in the industry door before graduation . . .including using all your instructors connections . . .that way, you have a better chance of getting in the field!
Miapet
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Cerberus
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #20 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 1:13pm » |
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Woobs....You know you are always first.
Thanks all for the support, gonna need it.
Miapet, Ironic that you mention internship, My school requires internship or independant study for graduation. Which is the part that I hope to help me get my first graphic arts job...and maybe help me pay for school a bit too.
Now I gotta find a way to get the hardware and software I need for another computer.....wonder if IETC will help me with that if its for schooling purposes....I'll have to check...the graphics software I'll be needing is 600 bucks YIKES! and the new OS will be a minimum of another 200 and a new motherboard, HD and CD writable could end up another 2-300. hrmmmm. Anyone got some spare hardware? I need a motherboard that will support a 1st generation 1 gig Duron CPU. I though someone here was sending me some stuff to try out, can't remember who tho.....
Ramon
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Lobster
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #21 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 1:14pm » |
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Just out of curiousity, is this one of those fields where a degree is actually worth more than hands-on experience?
In certain fields self-taught people who have done a bit of for-free work to build their portfolio are more desireable than those who have a 'degree'... especially in the technology sectors.
Something to consider.
Rock, the self-taught
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| « Last Edit: Apr 11th, 2004, 1:16pm by Lobster » |
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ivanov
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #22 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 2:15pm » |
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Can't help you with the hardware but If you can get your hands on a
used Mac - I have $2000 worth of Graphics software you can have-
Photoshop - Illustrator- Painter-InDesign-ect.
Dan
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catlind
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #23 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 2:26pm » |
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Ramon, in 1996 I gave up everything (including a marriage) and decided to go back to school fulltime.
I won't sugar coat it, it was hard as hell, I was a single mom, and had 26 hours a week of classes and then all the homework involved and then trying to take care of 2 kids and run a household - needless to say it was not easy.
BUT it was do-able, and it was the absolute best decision I ever made of my life. My self esteem, my confidence level, my feelings of how I contributed to society - all those things became 1000% improved.
Yes it will be hard and money will be tight - but grants and student loans can help - and you will have frustrating times during it, but in the end I believe it will be the best thing you could have done for yourself.
My 2 cents worth
Cat
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Turts
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Re: Decision Time...
« Reply #24 on: Apr 11th, 2004, 9:19pm » |
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Ramon,
As the owner of a CEREBUS original, Ive got nuffin but praise and support for you mate. You obviously love, appreciate and are great at art. Follow your heart. Combine income with passion.
Turts
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'I'm very brave generally,' he went on in a low voice: 'only today I happen to have a headache.' (Lewis Carroll)
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