Experience

B. Summers

As a recent college graduate, I have found myself in Job Limbo. This is that point between college graduation and a career. In this place reside all of the pressures and anxieties of college loans, the pursuit of further higher education, finding a job with benefits, and moving out of or not going back to mom and dad’s house.

I chose a career in journalism, and almost all the jobs require at least five years of professional experience. This is a frustrating dilemma for me especially because I have been doing work like this in college for four years. I was the design editor for three years for my college paper, and on top of that, I graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Fine Arts and two internships under my belt. In my opinion, I am well qualified for these positions. To add a little bit more, a prospective employee is not just going to come into a new job, sit down with no introduction to the way operations are executed. Even if the employee is a wiz in the programs used at the company, it is guaranteed that he or she does not use the programs the same way the company does.

All of the above is said for this reason, experience is a must, but where you worked before, in college vs. professional, goes out the window when the work you produce is quality work.

An Observation

B. Summers

I consider myself a rather talented artist. I can draw well, paint a little, and take a good photo. I even like to write. The problem (if its actually a problem) is that I am a jack of all trades and a master of none. I guess I’m afraid to become one sided. I don’t want to be categorized as just a painter, or photographer, or just someone who draws well.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that I have moods. Sometimes I’ll want to draw with pencil or pastels. Cartoons might spark my interest one hour, so I’ll switch my style up to draw whimsically. Being able to create art however is cool, but I find myself locked in to whatever style I adapt to for at least a week.

Not too long ago I woke up on a Saturday and felt like using charcoals. A few days later I started painting on a canvas I had left alone two months ago. What I have been lacking is the discipline to draw what I want, when I want, for however long I want. You have to be able to create a consistent body of work in whatever medium you use. Nothing is worst than just having one piece of work in your portfolio.

In my opinion

B. Summers

Art is an ever-changing idea that evolves like opinions should. If justifiable, then it can be considered as art. It is beautiful to a group of viewers and not necessarily to the creator. The viewers make a work of an art a masterpiece. Just because one has made a drawing does not mean they have made art.

But who cares, its just my opinion.

In my opinion

B. Summers

In today’s Virginian- Pilot, under the Hampton Roads section, writer Shawn Day sheds light on the recent rise of graffiti in Virginia Beach. Judging by the photo for the story, this was just a tag. It was merely a large two color tag that spelled out YESH in bubble letters accompanied by the same word and 2008 in a simple font with dots all around. I would call this waist of spray paint vandalism and keep it far from the category of graffiti.

Tags are usually simple gang or want-a-be gang related notifications of a group’s presence. Like all men, people want to leave their mark on something, whether it is their community, the world, or a wall. Tags are often quick and lack the usage of a wide range of colors. The letters or symbols used are ugly because the vandals don’t grasp the concept of a good contour line.

Graffiti is art. It is a composition filled with emotion, a voice, and a concept. The emotion is expressed by the usage of colors. The voice is there to tell the story of the artist or group of people. The concept is to create a mural of multiple pictures and/ or words composed in a way that is more creative than that last painting.

Plain and simple, tags are ugly. Graffiti is beautiful. But who cares, its just my opinion.

The Commonwealth

B. Summers

Whenever I mention The Commonwealth, in Norfolk, VA, I am always asked if it belongs to music mogul, Pharrell Williams. The answer is yes and no. Pharrell is a silent partner in the three way partnership of Omar Quiambao, Larry Incognito, and himself. Omar and Larry are the primary owners. The Commonwealth is known for exclusive kicks and apparel, and of course clothing lines by Pharrell, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream.

The exclusive clothing boutique has been around for about four years since it’s opening in 2004. The goal of the establishment was to go the opposite direction of the mall stores. To Justin Jarnigin, one of the store managers, the atmosphere the store has is composed of skaters, hip-hop heads, and visual artists. Even though the store has some of the freshest kicks around, they are probably better known on the apparel side of fashion.

Still speaking with Justin, we asked him, what did he like most about The Commonwealth? He replied simply, “the vibe.” The environment is “more of a family type,” and “not everybody can sell what we sell.”

What’s next for The Commonwealth?
-The Commonwealth brand
t-shirts have already dropped
-Art Shows.
- The store has a cozy nook in the back of the store sectioned off for future art shows.
- More collaboration with other brand names
- The Commonwealth has a sneaker out with DC Shoes
- The Commonwealth recently partnered with the surf brand Stussy store in D.C. From that partnership, the store plans to establish a high end store to be called, For the Greater Good.

Advice for aspiring designers
-Use good quality shirts
-Go to trade shows (Magic and Agenda are popular shows)
-Going to a trade show is better than going door-to-door

Steps
-Sign up
-Rent a booth
-Build relationships and network

Thanks to Justin for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us.