To Be Continued… Now.

He's Heeeeeerrreee!

Hey readers! Have I been away from this thread or what? I can’t believe my last post was the stop motion video back in March. So, a lot has happened since then to keep me from my appointed blogging rounds. Without further ado, here’s a quick rundown:

1. I graduated in June. Finally! I thought I was going to be in school FOREVER! And, I’ll tell you this: the last quarter was probably the toughest ever! In an nutshell: an excruciating mix of stabbing critique and mind numbing work. I experienced tiredness, desperation, and hopelessness all at the same time. But, much like with this blog, I refused to give up. In true fashion, I barreled through and broke free with a really nice portfolio of work, a certificate, a baseball cap, and a brand new, shiny Circus tin. Truth be told, I was only in it for the tin.

2. I went to Texas. Might not sound like that big a deal. People go to Texas all the time, right? But, most of those people have visited more than once city in Texas. For me, Dallas would be the only city I’ve experience outside of an airport, outside of car, and for more than one day. This trip however, took me to two pretty great cities: San Antonio and Austin, and this is what happened:

-I gained a family.

-I learned more about guns than I wanted to.

-I ate great food.

-I got shit-faced, compared myself to an ostrich, and skipped merrily down a city street.

-I learned chihuahuas are feisty and like to lick and destroy things.

3. I went to New York. Again, groundbreaking because the last time I was in New York, I wasn’t thrilled to be there. This time was a little better despite the torrential downpour while walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Things I learned:

-Rush hour on the subway sucks!

-You will encounter street vendors selling umbrellas only after the rain you’ve been walking, running, and slipping through has stopped.

-NY Cheesecake is so the business!

-Never follow drunk people to a party in a city that you don’t know.

-Times Square is actually that freaking bright.

4. I went back to Chicago. Okay, so quite a bit of traveling. Most of it was in the name of trying to get a job which I don’t have right now, but that’s another post. Chicago is amazing. The food, the people, the lake, the overall vibe just meshes with my soul. Unfortunately, I’ve only been there in the summertime, when apparently it’s very easy to fall in love. Things I ate there:

-a Chicago Dog

-Giordano’s Deep-Dish Pizza

-Garrett’s Popcorn

-A Potbelly Sub

And, I’ve started drooling, so let’s wrap this post up. Those are the top four things that happened to me since I gyrated to Lady GaGa. Tune in for more regular posts, because I’m back! Again.

Random.

So, my friend Tracie has started this random video posting on her YouTube page. I say that to give her a shameless plug and to make myself feel better about this random-ass blog I’m about to post. There’s no theme, so if you’re expecting one well, sorry.

School is back in session. This is quarter ten of what was supposed to be eight, so forgive me if I don’t do sommersaults. So far, it looks like another three months of the usual. Got my seventh-quarter application back. Has that come up before? Maybe not. Okay so, at the end of quarter six, students are required to submit fifty pieces of potential work for a final portfolio. The application comes back the beginning of quarter seven with suggestions and advice for formulating a completion plan. My feedback was pretty straight foward, which means operation “Complete Portfolio” is underway.

Did you know my first art director/creative partner is from Brazil? He’s a fourth- quarter. Student, not an actual fourth quarter. Like in the making of dollar or fiscal year? He’s from Brasilia or somewhere near there. His first name is pretty hard to pronounce, so he goes by his last because it’s easier. Kind of how I started going by Ty, because people couldn’t pronounce Tyrese to save their lives. Well, that is until Tyrese Gibson. Thank God for that! Our partnership is working out okay. Communicating sometimes isn’t easy, but it’s basically a lot me guessing what he’s trying to say and vice-versa. We’ve got two weeks to work it out though. No worries.

Apparently, a worsening economy means vending machine inflation. At school, it now costs $1.40 to get a twenty-oz bottle of Coke; $0.70 for a twelve-oz can. Which begs the question: why would anyone purchase the 20 oz bottle when you can get four extra ounces for the same price? I guess if you’re really into recycling or like the feel of cold plastic in your hand, it’s pretty tempting. Remember when a can of soda cost 50 cents? And, now I’m officially old.

Why is it I never remember to bring a towel with me when I go to the gym? And, by gym, I mean the one at the 2012 lofts. The one I have unlimited access to because of a friend who lives there. And no, not that type of friend. Secretly, I sweat like no body’s business. In fact, my forehead is getting shiny just typing this sentence. But, for some reason, in those times of deliberate exertion, I forget a sweat towel. And instantly, I’m that guy. The one whose getting sweat all over your favorite machine. The one who after he’s done with his workout, looks like he’s taken a shower with his clothes on. It’s okay though, because one day you’re going to ogle this sweaty bod. Mark my words!

I went to a new club this weekend. Well, it’s an old club, but new to me. And, on a Sunday, too! Who goes out on a Sunday? Apparently this guy. The place is called El Chaparral. It’s only “family friendly” on select nights, hence the Sunday night outing. Music selection: hip-hop, house, reggaeton, and r&b. Overall, pretty cool. A little too young for my tastes (damn! Getting older by the second here). Not to mention, the DJs have a touch of ADHD. As soon a song is recognizable they’re off to the next one. Not ideal for getting your groove on successfully.

Rating: 

Okay, my rambling is coming to an end. Thanks for hanging in there. Allow me to leave you with this parting act of passive aggression. If someone asks you for lemon pepper, always verify if they mean seasoning or marinade. If you don’t, they may unintentionally make you feel like an ass for making the wrong choice.

I Need Your Help!

So, I’m taking a class this quarter that deals with creating a personal identity. One that will set me apart from others when I venture out into the real world of advertising to find a job. This identity will eventually become a theme present on business cards, websites, letterhead, and thank-you notes. Essentially, I am initiating the Tyrese brand… my own and not that other guy’s.

 

Here’s the question: What are some cool concepts for an identity for me? From what I’ve been told, it can be just about anything. Example: One girl’s initials just happened to be KGB, so here whole identity centered around the Russian police: their history, parallels between them and her personality, work ethic, etc.

 

Here are two ideas I have so far:

 

1. An identity based one my toothy smile (yeah, if you seen pictures of me, this one makes sense). I could possibly tie this in with my quirky laugh.

 

2. An identity based on my shortened moniker “Ty”. Possibly playing on the whole concept of a “black-tie affair.”

 

Okay, and… go!

Resolution Update – 3rd Qtr.

So, let’s get to it shall we. Okay!

 

1. Try my best to stay positive.

Didn’t do so well with this one. I can count at least three acts of total idiocy on my part. All of them having to do with school and certain instructors that shall remain nameless. The one act I’m most disappointed with of course was the most public of the three. Not completely sure how much damage was done to my reputation as a sane, even-keeled creative, but I suppose everyone gets one… or three.

Rating: 

 

2. Lose 10 pounds.

Try 22 pounds. Thank you, thank you. Yeah, very excited about this one. One, because I’m slowly doing things better for me. Eating right (some of the time) and exercising regularly. Seriously, I’m running and no one is chasing me. Well, at least not that I know of. And two, I’m really feeling the new thinner me. Was kind of loosing hope that “sexy” could be a word in my personal description at one point. However, slowly it’s becoming more of a possibility. I’m even a little more confident, too. And, that’s without alcohol. Imagine that.

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3. Embrace Change.

Hmm… trying to figure out the major changes that happened this quarter. Well, my friend moving was one, but that’s more for him and not for me. Well, take that back. His moving has caused me to get out more and meet new people. I’ve actually experienced the GA Aquarium (pictures here), discovered three new gay bars, and eaten at a new restaurant. Not too bad. Thanks Jamen!

And, I guess a facelift for the old blog is in order. I’ll get right on that.

Rating: 

 

As always, hope you enjoy the last three months of 2008. Here’s a tip that might help: start with October.

I’m BAAAAAACK!

So, I took a little break from blogging. Okay, maybe more than a little, but whatever. I have a valid excuse. Okay, yeah I don’t have one of those. Do you want to hear what I’ve been up to, instead? Good. Okay, let’s start where I left off. Velvet Room? Wow.

 

Fourth of July. Absolutely amazing. My entire family decided to do Orlando this year. But, not like we usually do Orlando. This time there were no theme parks, no sightseeing, nothing but pure relaxation. It was the best holiday I ever had with blood relatives (some of which I don’t get along with too well). Pictures are here on my Flickr page.

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Chicago! Wow, what can I say about this city? It’s fantastic! Except in the winter time, which is what I kept hearing from everyone who lived there. Good thing we were there in the summertime experiencing what Kanyé calls “Summertime Chi.” The Lake? Awesome. I kept trying to convince myself that it was an enclosed body of water even though I couldn’t see the other side. The food? Oh my God! If I move to this city I will gain a hundred pounds… during my first winter. Nightlife? Didn’t get to gay it up, but the straight scene was off the chain! Shout out to The Funky Buddha Lounge for showing us tourists much love. Also, shout out to Lynn’s mom. She rocks! Overall, great trip. I’m going back, if not to live, definitely to visit. There are pictures, they’re just not posted anywhere public.

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The Circus, Quarter 5 (A.K.A. Ty’s 8th quarter). One word. Busy! The lovely Tracie and I decided that we’d take three teams classes despite the dire warnings against it. Well, now that it’s over, we can’t understand what all the fuss was about. Yeah, it was freaking hard meeting with different team members, being creative all the time (sometimes at a moment’s notice), the rewrites (my God, the rewrites), but we got through with less stress than we anticipated. So, big ups to us.

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Panel Quarter 5 (Quarter 8). Wow! Now, that’s the way a panel should go. Yeah, they didn’t love everything, but they told me why they didn’t like something and what I could do to fix it! Imagine that. Take note future panelists that are reading this blog. Oh, and for those of you just tuning in, Panel is the final critique of a quarter’s worth of work. It’s a big deal (No, it isn’t. Yeah it is. No, not really).

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Temporary Roommate. My friend Jamen has moved here to Atlanta to take a job. And, the decision was based on a three-minute conversation with yours truly. See! I was born to be in advertising! Okay maybe the fact that he’s always wanted to live here helped some. Anyway, he moved up with only one place lined up to stay: my condo. After living alone for almost two years, I actually enjoyed having a roomie again. And, he’s the most considerate one I’ve had so far with the exception of my mom (love you!!!). Temporary, because he’s in the process of moving out. Found himself a swell little pad in town. I’m excited, because I know have a in-town residence. Oh yeah! And, with him being here, I’m seeing more of the city that I’ve lived in for two years now. Crazy, huh?

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Black Gay Pride/Labor Day Weekend. I was slightly disappointed. Seems as if this humble celebration of pride has grown into something less inviting and more pretentious. Long story short. Fewer events. Astronomical prices to attend them. Even the Marketplace (you know, rows of booths with friendly people handing you free stuff) seemed smaller, more subdued and way less fun. Oh well, I guess this was bound to happen the bigger the event got, but man, I miss the old days.

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Moving from Jacksonville to Atlanta. Since Jamen was living with me when he started work, it stands to reason that he didn’t bring his whole apartment with him at first. Last weekend, we hopped in a car drove to Jacksonville, rented a U-Haul, packed his stuffed, drove back here and unloaded it at his new place. Big, big ups to my cousin William, Jamen’s friend Conner, and Tracie for making it the smoothest moving experience ever.

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And, that brings us to now. I’m sure I missed something important, but whatevs. Life happens too fast to blog about every second. Looking forward to writing again real soon. I believe I owe you all a resolution update since another quarter has passed in 2008. Can you believe it’s October? CRAAAAZZZY!