EYE CANDY

It's amazing what little things one can take for granted. Even something such as sight; while not so little, it's something I do take for granted, I hardly give it a thought sometimes and I of all people shouldn't. Seven years ago, I had a scare that any person, much less, a designer like myself, should never have to go through. I almost lost my eyesight.

I discovered I had a retinal detachment and it would have been easily fixed with laser surgery [not like lasik], however, the detachment was so severe, no simple surgery would do. I had to have a major operation in which a silicon buckle was to be placed around my eyeball. During the healing process, all did not go well and I had to have another procedure. I will spare all the details because it does get quite lengthy. I will say that for 3 months, I was an invalid. Pretty much under house arrest and stuck to the couch; I couldn't watch TV, draw, go on the computer, much less get up, and I had a patch over one eye. Looking out of the other eye just threw my depth perception off and made me queasy, leaving me to just keep my eyes closed.

Even though it's been 7 years, I've had a few setbacks, a few follow up laser procedures but overall, I STILL have my eyesight. The other day, I had my annual checkup and came out A-OK. Relieved? You bet. I can still continue to try and pursue this design passion I have and enjoy all the eye candy out there.

What are you thankful for this time of year? I hope it's not just during this time either.

summer camp fun

For the past 11 years, I've been attending my church's youth summer camp as part of the staff. This year, I was once again part of the Rec Staff and the theme for Rec was Top Model. We even had a runway show for all the teams and made them do crazy games.

I made a billboard for the Rec Staff:

I took a picture of each staff person and then drew them in AI to create their silhouettes.

I also made nametags for everyone and created 'flags' for 1st - 8th place for games using each silhouette:

Logos are just so E A S Y

I often cringe when I hear people say they don't understand why designers get paid money to make up a logo - "it's so easy! Just make a simple picture!" I beg to differ and when I try to explain, people just scoff and turn an ear.

I found an article on a website I love that explains the process. Too bad more people aren't aware of the tediousness designers go through to create such "simple" looking images.

Christmas Already?!

It seems every year stores start putting out the holiday products earlier and earlier; everyone starts commenting that it's way too early to be thinking about the holidays. But I must confess I think about the holidays about this time and I also start listening to Christmas music. Yup, that's right, I do!

I start thinking about Christmas time because instead of buying some of my friends presents, I host a Christmas dinner. Complete with invitations and favors and yummy food. Last year's favors were magnets, I'm trying to think of ideas for this year.

party party!

The other weekend, we celebrated my uncle's 59th [60th] birthday. According to my aunt, we should celebrate his 60th birthday THIS year because that's his age according to the Chinese calendar. Any reason to celebrate is reason for me!

We had a relatively good sized party with some of his friends from church, Lion's Club, ToastMasters, and family at East Ocean in Emeryville. A delicious dinner with a slide show, speeches, laughs, and tears.

I got commissioned to make the party favors. Mom bought a bunch of Ghirardelli chocolate bars and the rest was up to me.

Call me a nerd, crazy, stupid, or weird, but I love logos and fonts. Anything having to do with either one of those. I recreated the Ghirardelli logo and wrapper and made it specific for my uncle. I love the tediousness of figuring out logos, as well as cutting everything out with my X-acto knife.


I think it turned out pretty well - as always there are a lot of things I'd like to fix on and what not.

V was the resident photographer of the night, but I happened to catch a picture of her w/ my baby [Nikon D70].

Sometimes I wish I were more serious about photography and really be knowledgeable about the field. It'd be fun to retake all my photography classes again.

Happy Birthday, Uncle!