New Dreams

After much research and serious thought about the art store I so desperately wanted, I finally realized it wasn't what I really wanted, so I stopped. I just stopped working on everything related to the business. There was just so much I had already done so I partially feel I've wasted time that could have been spent elsewhere, but I think it helped me analyze my situation better and recognize what I really wanted to do. I really miss art, my own art, and school. I'm looking more into graduate school so that I can teach.

I've been struggling with graduate schools for photography. Tuition is expensive, living costs are expensive, and even if I managed to get an assistantship my first year, it probably wouldn't cover the cost of everything I need to pay for. I really debated UNM in Albuquerque, NM, but making up 15 hours of Art History courses  would be ridiculous just to go to graduate school. I'd considered OU in Norman, OK for a while, but for some reason I didn't feel impressed.

Of all places though, I'm drawn to University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. There doesn't seem to be anything spectacular about the program (other than in-state tuition seems more achievable) but I feel like I fit there. I didn't really meet any faculty other than the chair or even any students, but I still feel like that's probably where I should be.

As much as I hate the idea of moving and the costs associated, I'm looking for jobs more closely related to what I want to do in Arkansas. Hopefully, I'll find find at least a decent job, move to Arkansas, apply and be accepted to the graduate program at U of A and then be able to move to Fayetteville and get in-state tuition. I've found some prospective jobs already, but I just need to do some updates to my portfolio, website, and resume first. Crossing my fingers already that everything works out!

Motivated

For my Spring Break- yes, I still get one as a full time employee- I'm going with my dad to Kentucky to a comic book and toy convention and to visit family. It's a pretty big con so I'm excited about cosplaying at the convention. I'm pretty dead set on going as the New 52 Harley Quinn. It's gonna be a lot of work and money, but I think it will be worth it in the end. I'm so excited though!

And since I want to do this cosplay so bad, I'm trying to work out every day that I can to get into shape by the time the con rolls around. So far, I've done great with my core strengthening exercises, but I have trouble with actually doing my cardio for the day.

I also recently found a couple of schools that are offering completely online degrees for Photography. Although they are more expensive, it would still cut out the weird transition and costs of moving just to go to graduate school. Also, if things work out with the art store, then it would be even more difficult for me to relocate just to attend school. Although I haven't actually applied or been accepted, it's still pretty awesome to know that my options are opening up.

Now if I can just get my business plan finished. :P

Dinosaur Bones

That's what I feel I'm digging up by posting here again. Thought it would be nice to give some actual updates since I don't really post status updates on facebook anymore.

I'm working full time as a secretary for NSU's Communication, Art, & Theatre department. I was lucky to get the job only two months after graduating, but it's definitely not something I want to be doing forever. It has great benefits and I love the faculty I work with, but most of the time this job is overwhelming and I get frustrated with everything I have to do in such a short amount of time.

I'm still working on opening my own art store though. I've heard rumors of someone else opening one, but have seen nothing yet. I'd love to be able to open for next fall. I keep dreaming about it, but I'm finding it hard to be motivated enough to finish the business plan. I think I'm just going to have to set some serious goals about working on this if I want it done. Hopefully, if I post it somewhere where I see it everyday, I'll actually work on it.

At the same time, I'm still debating graduate school. I would love to have a Master's for Photography, but finding the right school and getting the funding are my concerns. If I could take some online courses while working with my store, that would be amazing. I doubt that I could find something that awesome, though.

I guess I'll see what the future brings.