Towards the end of September I was invited to be a guest teacher for a class at the University of Central Oklahoma - it was a Design II class (mostly juniors) working on a project to push the limits of traditional invitation design. It was my job to guide them through this process over four classes. This gig also included a gallery showing - where the school hung 30 boards of my work and I shared my art and experiences with what seemed like a hundred or so students & faculty.
THE GALLERY
Even though it's just boards hanging in an art school it felt surreal to see a years worth of freelance work - from invitations to branding projects - hanging in that hallway. The last time my work was hanging in an art school was in 2004 - when I was an art student. It almost brought tears to my eyes. To think how much I've grown since school. To think of how much I've grown as a designer and thinker in just the last year. I spend a lot of time pushing myself (and sometimes even unproductively beating myself up a little) to be better. A better designer. A better strategist. A better writer. But in that moment when I saw all my work lined up - I just felt proud of what I've accomplished in just a year.
The students and faculty were so kind about my work. It was so much fun to geek out over letterpress and typography with kindred spirits.
THE TEACHING GIG
When I was art directing at an advertising agency, before I went freelance, I hardly had the patience to talk to interns. I learned throughout this teaching gig that there has been a major shift in my mindset. The desire to help these students become amazing designers, writers and thinkers is eye-opening. And the compassion I have for these kids is overwhelming. I remember how hard school was - the need to be amazing but not yet putting in those hours, weeks and years it takes to get there.
Over two weeks and four 3-hour long classes I directed and guided a classroom of 20ish students through an invitation project. Some of them had potential and some of them had natural talent - and almost all of them had this spark - this desire be designers. It was really cool to see that.
P.S. Would you believe that when I busted out my camera to take photos I had no memory card!? D'oh! My iPhone saved the day.
WHAT I LEARNED
I learned that it's not just about being a badass designer anymore. Over the last year I've become just as passionate about talking about freelancing (if not more so) than the actual work I've been doing. I want to share my creative process (from the design direction to the nitty-gritty stuff that makes designers more efficient - like to-do lists and estimating) with anyone who could learn from what I have to share. So I've got ideas. Big ideas. Stay tuned. (Hint: It starts with writing a book ... or 12).
I don't even know you in real life, but I am almost crying from being so proud and happy for you, too! Love seeing your work in the gallery! Did they let you keep the boards? : )
ReplyDeleteJessica - That's really sweet! Thank you! I didn't keep the boards - but I didn't ask. I don't think my minimalist guru, Liz, would approve. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, yes.. well, there is that. Still can't get over tossing the yearbooks. : ) Ha, ha!
ReplyDeleteWow! How amazing is that to see all of your work up on display?? So excited for you! I wish I had been a student in that course!
ReplyDeleteYikes, Kathleen! I sure wish I could have had such an inspiring college instructor.
ReplyDeleteIt strikes me that so much of what you are teaching is backed up by your own business, which is so infused with your personal style. You show how small businesses can bring their personalities into their branding/identities by doing the same yourself. I'm truly impressed with how well you intermingle your personal life and your business- with how your creativity influences all aspects of your life. Thanks for sharing!
Totally rad and badass. Writing a book...it's just so obvious for you. :)
ReplyDeleteKeep on sharing your passion. It's contagious and inspiring. I'm not a designer, but I love finding out how things work and you are such a natural storyteller.
Kathleen, this is so cool. I love that your work was displayed in a gallery. So I'm saving up my money from the new job I start on Monday and when I have enough, we need to talk about branding me.
ReplyDeleteJessica - Nobody will ever be able to get over the yearbooks! It was a pretty bold move.
ReplyDeleteKat - Thank you! It really wasn't a huge deal but I was proud of it.
Laura - Your comment made me cry (in a good way). Thank you so so much.
Nicole - Eee! I'm really excited about the book. I'm going to start with an eBook (or maybe series of eBooks) based on the Freelance Matters series. But a little more in depth and interactive. It'll be ready to go in January!
Brandi - I would be honored to work on your branding! Good luck on Monday! I'll send good vibes your way. :)
Let me just say, you were/still are a bad ass teacher. You taught me more in 2 weeks than I had learned in 2 years, and reading your blog still keeps the learning process going!
ReplyDeleteWe loved your design sense, your personality, and overall spirit! Thank you so much for all your time and advice! :D
in a word: badass. my old stomping grounds…sigh. i just felt a surge of nostalgia. anyway…congrats! that's such a cool thing. i would have just died to have someone like you teach a few classes while i was in school at uco. so cool.
ReplyDeleteplease, please write 12 books. you are exactly who designers need to be learning from. just one of many reasons i keep coming back to your blog.
Joanna - I'm so happy to hear such positive feedback! You guys have really great teachers there and I love the emphasis on illustration within the design courses. You're going to learn a lot before you graduate and beyond.
ReplyDeleteAnna - Ah, how cool that you went to school there! Thank you for the encouragement about the book - I can't wait to get started.