Hopes and Dreams

Exactly one year ago today was the last time I posted. This year, instead of posting again about the sadness, I'll talk about the one good thing that came from the most tragic event in my life.

When I was younger, my best friend, Maria (Ria, as I called her) and I would dream about becoming artists when we grew up. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a graphic designer just like my aunt. I’ve been fortunate enough to go to school for graphic design and have a job in my field.

On June 10, 2001, Ria died. To this day, her case remains unsolved and open. In Ria’s honor, the family started the RIA Foundation in 2002, and I have been privileged to be a part of the board. The RIA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the dreams of aspiring artists by promoting art awareness, funding educational opportunities in the arts, and bringing art programs to elementary schools.

Since 2002, the Foundation’s program, Art4Kids, has provided over 10,000 elementary school students an opportunity to express their Hopes and Dreams creatively through art. We currently visit schools throughout the school year in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California, and every January in Maui for 1 week. The Foundation provides art supplies and a t-shirt for children to paint their Hopes and Dreams on, which they get to keep.

While the art project has not changed and many of the Hopes and Dreams that have been shared are similar, every child has been different and special. It’s hard to put into words what I see and feel when I hear each child paint and share about their Hopes and Dreams. Seeing their joy eliminates long nights of prep and it really is priceless when a child’s smile can brighten your day.

We have also awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to aspiring art students to further their hopes and dreams as artists. Many of these artists have had continued success after their collegiate careers. Some have also showcased their gifts in the art exhibits we have hosted at the famed San Francisco Union Square.

Sharing Ria’s love for art to the world this way is bittersweet; I’m proud, but the reason behind it is so tragic. If I can encourage even a handful of kids to follow their Hopes and Dreams and see some of them succeed, then I’ve become more successful than I could ever have imagined.

Someone encouraged me to dream big and working now in a design position has proven that dreams do come true.

What are your Hopes and Dreams?

Ria Foundation

Forever 21

It's been over a year since I've posted anything. I should probably start up blogging again, but with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., it's an overload.
Today marks the 11th year without the biggest inspiration in my life. On this day, my life was forever changed. Ria encouraged me to dream big, follow my dreams, and not to give up on art. When I felt so uninspired, when I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, she always encouraged me and believed in me when I didn't. 11 years, tragedy happened and her beautiful spirit was gone at 21.
In these past 11 years, I've been at my lowest of low and have been encouraged back up largely due to her foundation. It's bittersweet to be a part of; it helps distract from the tragedy of it all most of the time. Having your best friend missing from your life can never be fulfilled again. I keep thinking one day, I won't cry as much. Hasn't happened yet.
In the first years, I wondered how I'd be able to go on with art and design - my biggest cheerleader was gone. It wasn't an easy process, but I'm getting by. I think about all our conversations and it gets me going. I see things and I'm reminded of her words and I feel her pushing me through it.
I miss you more than anything Ria. Heaven sure is blessed to have you, I guess they needed you more than I do.

copy cat!

I remember in elementary school, we used to hate when people copied each other, yelling at them, "COPY CAT!!!"

Now? If you use something similar - whether it's a hook in a song, a line in a book or speech, or an image - is it inspiration or plagiarism? Do we still yell out, "COPY CAT!!" - maybe not so blatantly anymore.

There are many things out there that people draw inspiration from, but where does the line get crossed, or where does it get blurred and fuzzy?

The latest controversy about plagiarism vs. inspiration is making headlines with the upcoming Olympics.

Personally, I see the inspiration, but plagiarism? I'm inclined to agree with the article, I expect something a little more if the intent is to convey energy and exuberance. The feeling I get from it is more of calmness and warmth. If it's supposed to represent nations coming together as well, why are there only 3 figures represented?

What do you think?

breath taking

We already know about my font fetish and how much I just love typography.

Came across a video demonstrating calligraphy and I was simply blown away. I've always had a love for hand calligraphy. Growing up, I loved watching my mom work on diplomas for schools or even writing a note because she had such great penmanship. And that is probably how my love for typography came about.

Check out this guy and the amazing work he does. There are some videos that you can view and you'll be amazed. I wish I could do that as effortlessly as he!

Happy Anniversary

The month of November is typically when everyone looks at their calendars and says, "asldkf$@#!! It's November?!?" realizing the holidays are around the corner, not to mention the close of another year that seems to have just zoomed by. We start to think of what we're thankful for, the frenzy of holidays, the shopping stress, etc.

For me, November is another sigh of relief that I can still see. 8 years and counting and we're still holding strong, I hope and pray it continues to do so. It doesn't seem like 8 years ago; I still distinctly remember feeling them sew up my eye when I woke up in the OR. The exhaustion of unrestful sleep because I had to sleep sitting up for 3 days straight. Then having to sleep with my head lower than the rest of my body for 3 days straight because I wasn't healing properly. And worst of all, the feeling that I might never ever see again.

November isn't 'just-another-Thanksgiving' month for me. It's a reminder of what could have been, what should have been, and what I really have right now.

So long, farewell?

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Tis the season...

I know, Christmas on the mind already? You know it! I generally start to incorporate Christmas music into my everyday listening around the end of August. Yeah, I'm crazy. Hahaha!

But I also start thinking about what gifts to get people, Holiday parties, snow, cozy fireplaces...I love winter.

I always have a harder time trying to figure out what to get designer friends since it has to be aesthetically pleasing, obviously! But I think I found a few things on-line that any of them would really like.

Of course you'd want something practical, functional, and like I said, nice to look at. What designer doesn't like Pantone? Make a statement with a splash of color!

And who doesn't want to settle in for a movie night at home occasionally? The most popular Sans Serif and the most recent, Art&Copy.

I'm sure they'll be a hit this Christmas!