It was a busy weekend, with both the Race for the Cure and Agora 6 taking place on Saturday. These are two of my favorite annual events here in Columbus and I was still pleasantly surprised. Both provided an interesting look into what Columbus has to offer - from dramatically different perspectives.
Part I: Race for the Cure
My morning started at 5:00 a.m. It was my second year volunteering in "SurvivorPalooza" and I can't imagine working in any other place. I must not be alone, because at least half of us were returning volunteers from last year. It was fun to see people a year later and it made it even more exciting. I'm not a very emotional person, but Race for the Cure is one of the most emotional and humbling things I've ever experienced. Having my own cancer scare two years ago, I understand what it's like to get that call. I can't imagine what these survivors and their families have been through. You can't spend the day with them, hear their stories, read their "In Memory of" cards and not be changed.
There's such a feeling of unity and hope mixed in with the sadness in the survivor area. I asked one woman how her day was going and she got choked up. She said she had no idea that this day would be so emotional - she was only six months into her treatments. Other women would proudly boast their remission times, and everyone would cheer for them. We opened water bottles and peeled bananas for women too weak from treatments and surgeries. These are things most of us never have to think twice about. A well-known doctor was volunteering in our tent and women were running over to her all day, screaming, showing off their newly grown hair. She knew every single one of them by name and told them how great they looked. There's a good chance that I'll never see most of the people I talked to that day. The fact that I did get to meet them, cheer for them, or even open a bottle of water for is a huge honor.
None of us saw the race, but I'm sure it was pretty amazing, too. We heard a lot about the bikers who had lined up, wearing pink wigs, and revved their engines while the runners passed. I saw a lot of men in pink wigs that day. Last year, Heather's Team had a small tent next to us. This year, it wasn't there but the members of her original team stopped by for a while. You could tell it was an emotional day for them. From what I was told, there were more than 45,00o people there that day and 4,200 were wearing a pink wig.
After the event was over and everything was packed up, I went to grab my sweatshirt and keys only to find that both were missing. It was one of those moments where everything seems to stop for a few seconds. I had left everything, including my phone, I.D., and money, in my locked car. This left me trapped downtown with a pack of gum and $5. The people I had volunteered with, who I only knew from this event, were checking the area and making phone calls within minutes. Several phone calls and half an hour later, we found my keys (someone had accidentally taken my stuff when they packed up) and the whole group cheered. I don't even know most of their names, but I worked with some really awesome people that day.
If any of you are reading this, thanks to everyone who put this event together, ran the race, volunteered, and made an appearance as a survivor. Congratulations and good luck.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Let's get a few things straight
When I tell people that I am a designer and work from home, they typically respond with envy and ecstasy as they imagine sleeping in, unlimited creativity, and the freedom to casually work from coffee shops every day. Even when I try to explain that it is, in fact, hard work, I think most people still tend to glamorize the late nights and deadline rushes. So, this is for everyone who has considered freelancing or going out on their own. Let's get a few things straight:
Yes, you can work in your pajamas.
You can work in sweatpants, or the jeans you've worn for three days and it never matters. Right now, it is almost 1:00 in the afternoon and I have yet to change. The catch: it's not always by choice. I've been working steadily since 6:30 this morning, coordinating with clients, preparing documents, and sending out proofs. Wearing sweatpants is comfortable and makes sense, but I personally miss getting ready for the day sometimes. And, it's awkward if anyone comes to the door.
Yes, you can sleep in as late as you want.
But you're still on a deadline. Your clients, for the most part, are still going to be working normal business hours. While I personally work better late at night, it isn't always the best option for my clients. If they need to contact me, or I have a question, it helps to be on similar schedules. If I ever sleep in, it is usually during a stage of the project that involves little client communication, or after working a 12 hour day. Sometimes you get up early and stay up late - for days at a time. This isn't the art school, "those were the days" late nights, either. These are the nights where your eyes and back hurt, your creativity has been zapped, and the deadline is getting closer and closer. Working as a freelancer involves serious commitment, discipline, and sometimes, sacrifice.
You work whenever you want.
Much like the previous statement, this can be completely true. And it can hurt your business. Clients want people that they can contact easily. That has occasionally meant taking phone calls earlier or later than normal business hours, or even on the weekends. I would definitely suggest setting up contact hours and enforcing them (holding both yourself and your client to them). If you want to work into the night, great, but it's also good to be available when your client has a question the next morning. My schedule is typically fairly flexible, so I enjoy grabbing coffee or running errands in the afternoon. I've had some really cool opportunities that I wouldn't have had with other jobs. One of the most important things you can learn is time management.
It is so fun.
Finally, I get to run projects. I get to concept them, meet with clients, research cool concepts, and learn new things every single day. I actually get to be creative! I have the freedom to try new things and experiment. That said, I have also had to learn about the financial aspect of owning a small business. I literally fell asleep reading about it all. I've had some amazing opportunities and met some great people, but I'm also the one who has to deal with the difficult clients and any problems that might come up. If there is a computer problem, file issue, difficult client, printing issue, or lack of creativity, I have to deal with it. I've had more fun in the past few months than I've had in years of working for other people, but, I've been through more stress, too.
You get to do whatever you want!
You have complete creative freedom over the projects that come your way. Until your client has an idea. As a designer, I feel like my most important responsibility is to create something that the client feels good about. That has meant that some of my favorite designs have never gone beyond the concept stage. As a designer, I have certain standards that I stick it to. I have a lot more freedom than I have previously had, but it doesn't mean that the clients aren't going to express their opinions and have requests as well. Some of the best advice I've received was to "Fall in love with your client". You have to know them, be their biggest supporter, and really want their brand to show through. That definitely doesn't mean that you can let a client walk all over you, but you have to remember who you're doing the work for.
I didn't write any of this trying to discourage someone from trying their hand at freelancing or going out on their own. My goal here was to be really honest about what it actually means to work on your own. It's one of the most educational and enjoyable things I've done thus far. It is also one of the toughest, most challenging, and most stressful. It isn't for the lazy, uninspired, shy, or weak. If you are considering going out on your own, there are tons of useful programs and sites out there to help. I'd be happy to answer any questions or send along any tips. One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to network - both offering and accepting help. Good luck!
Yes, you can work in your pajamas.
You can work in sweatpants, or the jeans you've worn for three days and it never matters. Right now, it is almost 1:00 in the afternoon and I have yet to change. The catch: it's not always by choice. I've been working steadily since 6:30 this morning, coordinating with clients, preparing documents, and sending out proofs. Wearing sweatpants is comfortable and makes sense, but I personally miss getting ready for the day sometimes. And, it's awkward if anyone comes to the door.
Yes, you can sleep in as late as you want.
But you're still on a deadline. Your clients, for the most part, are still going to be working normal business hours. While I personally work better late at night, it isn't always the best option for my clients. If they need to contact me, or I have a question, it helps to be on similar schedules. If I ever sleep in, it is usually during a stage of the project that involves little client communication, or after working a 12 hour day. Sometimes you get up early and stay up late - for days at a time. This isn't the art school, "those were the days" late nights, either. These are the nights where your eyes and back hurt, your creativity has been zapped, and the deadline is getting closer and closer. Working as a freelancer involves serious commitment, discipline, and sometimes, sacrifice.
You work whenever you want.
Much like the previous statement, this can be completely true. And it can hurt your business. Clients want people that they can contact easily. That has occasionally meant taking phone calls earlier or later than normal business hours, or even on the weekends. I would definitely suggest setting up contact hours and enforcing them (holding both yourself and your client to them). If you want to work into the night, great, but it's also good to be available when your client has a question the next morning. My schedule is typically fairly flexible, so I enjoy grabbing coffee or running errands in the afternoon. I've had some really cool opportunities that I wouldn't have had with other jobs. One of the most important things you can learn is time management.
It is so fun.
Finally, I get to run projects. I get to concept them, meet with clients, research cool concepts, and learn new things every single day. I actually get to be creative! I have the freedom to try new things and experiment. That said, I have also had to learn about the financial aspect of owning a small business. I literally fell asleep reading about it all. I've had some amazing opportunities and met some great people, but I'm also the one who has to deal with the difficult clients and any problems that might come up. If there is a computer problem, file issue, difficult client, printing issue, or lack of creativity, I have to deal with it. I've had more fun in the past few months than I've had in years of working for other people, but, I've been through more stress, too.
You get to do whatever you want!
You have complete creative freedom over the projects that come your way. Until your client has an idea. As a designer, I feel like my most important responsibility is to create something that the client feels good about. That has meant that some of my favorite designs have never gone beyond the concept stage. As a designer, I have certain standards that I stick it to. I have a lot more freedom than I have previously had, but it doesn't mean that the clients aren't going to express their opinions and have requests as well. Some of the best advice I've received was to "Fall in love with your client". You have to know them, be their biggest supporter, and really want their brand to show through. That definitely doesn't mean that you can let a client walk all over you, but you have to remember who you're doing the work for.
I didn't write any of this trying to discourage someone from trying their hand at freelancing or going out on their own. My goal here was to be really honest about what it actually means to work on your own. It's one of the most educational and enjoyable things I've done thus far. It is also one of the toughest, most challenging, and most stressful. It isn't for the lazy, uninspired, shy, or weak. If you are considering going out on your own, there are tons of useful programs and sites out there to help. I'd be happy to answer any questions or send along any tips. One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to network - both offering and accepting help. Good luck!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Make you sweat
I just finished my second yoga class of the day, I am sore all over, I have a deadline tomorrow, and I now smell like a coffee house. This might just be one of those nights where I just sleep in what I'm wearing...
My time as guest DJ completely rocked, and it's been really cool to hear from people who listened. I'm hearing from people I haven't talked to since high school, and people are sending me their addresses, requesting playlists. The time in the studio was great, and the DJ was really cool. There was a wreck on the way there, so I just made it in time despite the fact that I had given myself an extra 20 minutes. That definitely distracted me enough to get rid of any remaining nerves, so I was pretty calm when I walked in. I was taken back to the studio about 5 minutes before we went on, and the only things I had were verbal instructions, some notes I scribbled, and my playlist. Luckily, the DJ was great about explaining everything and getting me ready to go back on. When I was finished, I had so many messages. I think one of the best parts of it all was sharing the excitement of it with everyone. Thanks again, folks!
I ended the day with one of my favorite people. We had sushi at this great place right by her apartment, then we got Jeni's ice cream (Dark Chocolate + Sweet Buttermint for me, Berries and Bergundy + Dark Chocolate for her) and ate it in her kitchen while her cat ran around us. It was nice to just end the day relaxing and laughing, catching up. I'm kind of doubting it's going to work out, but I'm really hoping to move down there soon!
Life returned to normal today, with lessons and deadlines. After this deadline, I'm going to revisit my own site and do some redesign over there. I did it a while ago and have learned some great new stuff. Yesterday was really good for me in a lot of ways, which I may/may not go into later, but I'm excited now. I've found a new drive, a new direction. I may/may not have a photo shoot on Friday, but I definitely have Race for the Cure, a wedding, and Agora on Saturday. Never, ever sit still.
My time as guest DJ completely rocked, and it's been really cool to hear from people who listened. I'm hearing from people I haven't talked to since high school, and people are sending me their addresses, requesting playlists. The time in the studio was great, and the DJ was really cool. There was a wreck on the way there, so I just made it in time despite the fact that I had given myself an extra 20 minutes. That definitely distracted me enough to get rid of any remaining nerves, so I was pretty calm when I walked in. I was taken back to the studio about 5 minutes before we went on, and the only things I had were verbal instructions, some notes I scribbled, and my playlist. Luckily, the DJ was great about explaining everything and getting me ready to go back on. When I was finished, I had so many messages. I think one of the best parts of it all was sharing the excitement of it with everyone. Thanks again, folks!
I ended the day with one of my favorite people. We had sushi at this great place right by her apartment, then we got Jeni's ice cream (Dark Chocolate + Sweet Buttermint for me, Berries and Bergundy + Dark Chocolate for her) and ate it in her kitchen while her cat ran around us. It was nice to just end the day relaxing and laughing, catching up. I'm kind of doubting it's going to work out, but I'm really hoping to move down there soon!
Life returned to normal today, with lessons and deadlines. After this deadline, I'm going to revisit my own site and do some redesign over there. I did it a while ago and have learned some great new stuff. Yesterday was really good for me in a lot of ways, which I may/may not go into later, but I'm excited now. I've found a new drive, a new direction. I may/may not have a photo shoot on Friday, but I definitely have Race for the Cure, a wedding, and Agora on Saturday. Never, ever sit still.
Monday, May 11, 2009
My 15 (60) Minutes
I just finished up another round of deadlines and one intense yoga class. Tonight, we did "angry yoga" complete with a mix of angry music. The mix was strangely satisfying to create. We're both going to be sore tomorrow, but I think the class was good for both of us.
Tomorrow, I will be the guest DJ on CD101. I've been alternating between completely calm and totally stressed out all day. I put together a playlist about a month ago, and I figure it's a good sign that I still feel good about it. I had some amazing friends who helped me out and gave me some tough but good feedback. The list (ahem):
1. Menomena: Wet and Rusting
2: Psychotic Girl: The Black Keys
3: Debaser: The Pixies
4: Son's Gonna Rise: Citizen Cope
5: Dull Life
6: 23: Blonde Redhead
7: Look Up: Mirah
8: Penelope: Pinback
9: Sleep Tonight: Stars
10: Italo: Anathallo
11: You Can Have It All: Yo La Tengo
12: Little Bit: Lykke Li
13: 1901: Phoenix
My friend helped me pick out a few outfits tonight (gotta have options) and I'm feeling pretty good about it. I've done speeches and TV stuff before, and I was the designer for a radio station, so it's not completely foreign to me. While a small bit of stress lingers, I am thankful that my voice never quivers or changes pitch with my nerves, and I don't break out in hives. I have friends who do both, and it seems unusually cruel. I think my face went numb earlier, though...
On a side note, Bob Marley's Three Little Birds just came on shuffle and he is ever-so-calmly telling me not to worry. Ah, timing.
If you feel like hearing my voice, tune in (101.1FM) or log on (cd101.com) to CD101 from 1-2pm, on Tuesday. It will either go really well and you can be like, "Hey, I know her!" or it will be really awkward and you can be like, "Oh. My gosh. Listen to this train wreck." Either way, you will be entertained, right?
Tomorrow, I will be the guest DJ on CD101. I've been alternating between completely calm and totally stressed out all day. I put together a playlist about a month ago, and I figure it's a good sign that I still feel good about it. I had some amazing friends who helped me out and gave me some tough but good feedback. The list (ahem):
1. Menomena: Wet and Rusting
2: Psychotic Girl: The Black Keys
3: Debaser: The Pixies
4: Son's Gonna Rise: Citizen Cope
5: Dull Life
6: 23: Blonde Redhead
7: Look Up: Mirah
8: Penelope: Pinback
9: Sleep Tonight: Stars
10: Italo: Anathallo
11: You Can Have It All: Yo La Tengo
12: Little Bit: Lykke Li
13: 1901: Phoenix
My friend helped me pick out a few outfits tonight (gotta have options) and I'm feeling pretty good about it. I've done speeches and TV stuff before, and I was the designer for a radio station, so it's not completely foreign to me. While a small bit of stress lingers, I am thankful that my voice never quivers or changes pitch with my nerves, and I don't break out in hives. I have friends who do both, and it seems unusually cruel. I think my face went numb earlier, though...
On a side note, Bob Marley's Three Little Birds just came on shuffle and he is ever-so-calmly telling me not to worry. Ah, timing.
If you feel like hearing my voice, tune in (101.1FM) or log on (cd101.com) to CD101 from 1-2pm, on Tuesday. It will either go really well and you can be like, "Hey, I know her!" or it will be really awkward and you can be like, "Oh. My gosh. Listen to this train wreck." Either way, you will be entertained, right?
Friday, May 8, 2009
Got me a movie, I want you to know
It's been such a busy week. This is the first time I haven't been working furiously, researching, or studying for one of my projects. I launched a website earlier in the week, had a big deadline on Wednesday, launched a new project on Thursday, and had three deadlines today. I have two deadlines on Monday, and then will be working throughout the week on a pretty big project. Staying busy is great, but it is also stressful when everything is due at the same time. I've barely slept, eaten, or left this chair all week.
The stress really hit me on Wednesday. First, I mailed a letter. Without a stamp. Yep. It was an important letter, so I'm really hoping that it somehow comes back to me. That was after I completely misread an email and got a little hurt/offended by what I thought a client was saying. It took me an hour and four more run-throughs to realize that my tired eyes were jumbling the text, and that the client was actually being really, really nice. I wanted to drive an hour and hug her after that. My other clients loved my concepts today, and after hearing my voice on the phone and thinking I was sick or sleeping, my contact ended her final email with "now get some rest". I appreciated their kindness more than they realized.
After spending so much time in my apartment, I was more than ready to go out. There was a show in a small venue that seemed like a decent option. Unfortunately, my friends are as tired as I am and weren't up for it. I realize that going out alone is an option, and one that I am fine with, but my mind ran through the various uncomfortable possible scenarios. For instance, you could run into someone you kind of know, and then you have to explain that you're just, you know, chillin' alone. I'm too tired to deal with that tonight. I ended up in the candy aisle, with every intention of renting a movie (ice cream + movie = way too single girl night, but candy somehow seemed better?). I ended up with Welch's fruit chews and no movie. It's going to be me and Mr. Darko tonight.
Tomorrow, I am going to yoga (finally!) and then going to the Crew game. It's a big anniversary for the stadium and the weather is supposed to be great.
Oh. And. Hair: did.
And: I go on the radio on Tuesday. I replaced TV on the Radio with the Pixies in one final move today. I already respect myself slightly more. I will try to focus on the music and not on the fact that my stomach goes numb when I think about going on the air...
The stress really hit me on Wednesday. First, I mailed a letter. Without a stamp. Yep. It was an important letter, so I'm really hoping that it somehow comes back to me. That was after I completely misread an email and got a little hurt/offended by what I thought a client was saying. It took me an hour and four more run-throughs to realize that my tired eyes were jumbling the text, and that the client was actually being really, really nice. I wanted to drive an hour and hug her after that. My other clients loved my concepts today, and after hearing my voice on the phone and thinking I was sick or sleeping, my contact ended her final email with "now get some rest". I appreciated their kindness more than they realized.
After spending so much time in my apartment, I was more than ready to go out. There was a show in a small venue that seemed like a decent option. Unfortunately, my friends are as tired as I am and weren't up for it. I realize that going out alone is an option, and one that I am fine with, but my mind ran through the various uncomfortable possible scenarios. For instance, you could run into someone you kind of know, and then you have to explain that you're just, you know, chillin' alone. I'm too tired to deal with that tonight. I ended up in the candy aisle, with every intention of renting a movie (ice cream + movie = way too single girl night, but candy somehow seemed better?). I ended up with Welch's fruit chews and no movie. It's going to be me and Mr. Darko tonight.
Tomorrow, I am going to yoga (finally!) and then going to the Crew game. It's a big anniversary for the stadium and the weather is supposed to be great.
Oh. And. Hair: did.And: I go on the radio on Tuesday. I replaced TV on the Radio with the Pixies in one final move today. I already respect myself slightly more. I will try to focus on the music and not on the fact that my stomach goes numb when I think about going on the air...
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Doesn't make sense, but it works
If you were to put all of the people in my life into one line, I don't think the line would make much sense. I am friends with people who could not be more opposite of each other or even me. The one common factor: they are all really, really great people.
It has been a pretty crazy and weird week. I have a lot to deal with, and two really big (life altering) decisions to make. Throw in killer allergies and you have me, simply hoping to balance it all. It would be an understatement to say that my friends have really stepped up and been there for me. They have really taught me what the definition of a friend is, what friendship means, and how to make it work.
I've re-written this three times now, trying to find the best way to describe what my friends have done and meant this week. It sounds too Hallmark-y and runs on too long for anyone to really read. In short, my friends have shown me that friendship is about putting each other first, supporting one another, and showing each other grace. They have protected me, taken care of me while I was sick, cheered me on, talked me through some tough decisions, shared important parts of their lives with me, shared concerts, dinners, cats, and back yards, and told me I was okay when I needed to hear it.
And really, if you think about it, things are okay. Thanks, guys.
It has been a pretty crazy and weird week. I have a lot to deal with, and two really big (life altering) decisions to make. Throw in killer allergies and you have me, simply hoping to balance it all. It would be an understatement to say that my friends have really stepped up and been there for me. They have really taught me what the definition of a friend is, what friendship means, and how to make it work.
I've re-written this three times now, trying to find the best way to describe what my friends have done and meant this week. It sounds too Hallmark-y and runs on too long for anyone to really read. In short, my friends have shown me that friendship is about putting each other first, supporting one another, and showing each other grace. They have protected me, taken care of me while I was sick, cheered me on, talked me through some tough decisions, shared important parts of their lives with me, shared concerts, dinners, cats, and back yards, and told me I was okay when I needed to hear it.
And really, if you think about it, things are okay. Thanks, guys.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tea and Sympathy (Bottles and Bones)
I spent 12 hours at my desk today and didn't even realize it. I took breaks to do things like shower, vacuum, do some dishes. This is how it's been.
The Black Keys was uh-mazing. Had I been able to move, it would have probably been too much handle. As it was, I didn't even have room to put my hands at my sides (seriously). The woman in front of me had Stevie Nicks hair that she kept flipping back into my face. She was also taking up about ten feet of space. The guy behind me was about seven feet tall, drunk, and dancing, so his elbow kept going into my back. I tried to pretend it was a massage. Despite all of these things, they put on a really, really good show. Somewhere in the middle, everyone kind of accepted that we were all sweaty and close, and we all kind of just went with it. That night I realized that a good friend is one who throws herself between you and the two guys fighting behind you.
The next day, I woke up with sinus/allergies/a cold. I have three running projects that are keeping me busy. I had two call backs on full time jobs, had quite a few people contacting me about my new classes, and put a bid in for an apartment close to downtown. That night I realized that a good friend lets you freak out, invites you over despite your sickness, gives you a blanket and tea, and watches Reality Bites on a rainy Tuesday.
My first yoga class in the new studio went really well. I just had my regulars this week, but I've now had four new people contact me about coming to a class. I've started a blog here. I walked in and the class before us was chanting. The teacher is also the owner of the studio, who I had never met. She bounced out a few minutes later, jumped up and down, and ran over and hugged me. She's totally eccentric, and I love it. The class was great: it was hot, we had wood floors, and we listened to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs the whole time. Love my students!
Today, I am still suffering from pollen or the cold. I finished up one project, will finish another tomorrow, and picked up a new project today. I've been able to make new contacts, learn some new skillz, and finish up projects on the side. It's been a really interesting week that has made me so, so thankful for the amazing people in my life. And now, almost 14 hours after my day began, I am going to watch a movie...
*Points to anyone who recognizes the title of this entry*
The Black Keys was uh-mazing. Had I been able to move, it would have probably been too much handle. As it was, I didn't even have room to put my hands at my sides (seriously). The woman in front of me had Stevie Nicks hair that she kept flipping back into my face. She was also taking up about ten feet of space. The guy behind me was about seven feet tall, drunk, and dancing, so his elbow kept going into my back. I tried to pretend it was a massage. Despite all of these things, they put on a really, really good show. Somewhere in the middle, everyone kind of accepted that we were all sweaty and close, and we all kind of just went with it. That night I realized that a good friend is one who throws herself between you and the two guys fighting behind you.
The next day, I woke up with sinus/allergies/a cold. I have three running projects that are keeping me busy. I had two call backs on full time jobs, had quite a few people contacting me about my new classes, and put a bid in for an apartment close to downtown. That night I realized that a good friend lets you freak out, invites you over despite your sickness, gives you a blanket and tea, and watches Reality Bites on a rainy Tuesday.
My first yoga class in the new studio went really well. I just had my regulars this week, but I've now had four new people contact me about coming to a class. I've started a blog here. I walked in and the class before us was chanting. The teacher is also the owner of the studio, who I had never met. She bounced out a few minutes later, jumped up and down, and ran over and hugged me. She's totally eccentric, and I love it. The class was great: it was hot, we had wood floors, and we listened to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs the whole time. Love my students!
Today, I am still suffering from pollen or the cold. I finished up one project, will finish another tomorrow, and picked up a new project today. I've been able to make new contacts, learn some new skillz, and finish up projects on the side. It's been a really interesting week that has made me so, so thankful for the amazing people in my life. And now, almost 14 hours after my day began, I am going to watch a movie...
*Points to anyone who recognizes the title of this entry*
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