Thursday, February 02, 2006

Ah, Brilliance

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that a career in graphic design is in my future. The trick is determining what degree I need, and what classes will get me there. I'll probably be doing running start at Clark this fall, so I need to see what they offer. I recently got another Photoshop book from the library (great place to look) called "The Hidden Power of Photoshop" or something like that. The author says his goal is to provide advanced, practical training not usually found in manuals or other guides. Anyway, currently that's where I'm headed.

Pete, your CD is awsome! I loved track 8 (What's Happening?)--overall very well done.

Jonathan recently got a few new CD's. The first is "Dream Big" by Rubber Band--they have a unique sound. The first track, "Banjo Boy," was one of the highlights--a hillarious rap song about a fella who plays the banjo with a few breaks of Cripple Creek in between verses. (No, I don't make a habit of listening to rap, but this is clean, funny, and has more musical taste than most.) With a few exceptions, it's a pretty good CD.

Mike Marshall and Chris Thile released their new live album. Unfortunately the recording quality isn't tops, and their talent gets them carried away in a few 'songs.' There were several redeeming tracks, but depending on what kind of music appeals to you it's probably not worth your money.

J also got David Grisman's "Hot Dawg." More jazzy than most bluegrass of that era, it's a good CD. If you like bluegrass but have doubts, turn on KBOO on Saturday morning, listen for a few hours and I'm sure you'll be convinced that anything better than what they play is worth buying. (Occasionally they'll play some neat tunes, but on the whole, the program is usually a contest to see who does the best rendition of "She's gone and left me all alone and blue.")

Quote of the day:

Will Rogers: Reflections on American Life

"Our president delivered his message to congress. That is one of the things his contract calls for. It’s one of the few stipulated duties of the president—to tell congress the condition of the country. This message, as I say, is to congress. The rest of the people know the condition of the country, for they live in it, but congress has no idea what is going on in America, so the president has to tell ‘em."

Painting of the day:

Thomas Moran,Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, painted sometime in the late 1800's











Try to say this word over and over (get the pronounciation right): Truthtworsy

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks benj!

Well, I would certainly back you up in your desire to focus on graphic design as a potential vocation. You have amazing talent, and that would be one of the best ways to exploit it and bring in a good income (as opposed to being an artist...:).

Benjamin Berkompas said...

Dude, graphic designers are artists!! (i know what you meant). From what I've heard, it would provide a good income, and would probably be fairly family-friendly--I could paint in my spare time. Actually, there are quite a few talented artists out there who make a good bit off their paintings--the three fellows I linked to on the right under "Art" seem to do pretty well--they're also famous, that must have something to do with it ;). But in that world, you have to get your name out there before the cash starts to roll in. It doesn't seem like it would be a very steady income though. My dream job would be to own a banjo factory, and do graphic design and painting on the side :D--like that'l ever happen. Thanx.

Anonymous said...

Ah, a banjo factory? Am I hearing correctly? :) You dream of owning a banjo factory?!! Dude...

...that's awesome!... :)

Yeah, I know people like Kinkade and others make a good income off of their works, but that's only because they're world-renowned. :) I definitely think you have the talent to do as well as any famous artist, it's just that you don't exactly strike me as the sort of person who would particularly enjoy that all that much... Maybe I'm wrong. :)

Anyway, from what I've heard of graphic design as a vocation in terms of web design and logos, it's a great profession to be in. :)

Benjamin Berkompas said...

Ya, a banjo factory. Never mind, that interest is probably exclusive to me--it's not everybody that has the vision and ambition to start a banjo factory! Seriously, graphic design definitely offers great opportunities for someone who wants to work from home a lot, and enjoy other hobbies on the side.