5 Reasons To Use StumbleUpon

Okay, so don't kill me, internet, but I actually haven't been pinning a lot lately. Don't get me wrong. I love to glance at the app every now and then, but I haven't been hardcore like on-the-actual-computer pinning.
(That's the technical term. You know what I'm talking about.)
I have been using StumbleUpon. Have you heard of it? It's kinda like Pinterest. Except, more men use it. And me, apparently. 

Reasons Why I Think You Should Use StumbleUpon

1. (Better) Creative Content. Pinterest has a Design section, yes, but to me, it just feels like an awful lot of inspiration, rather than tutorials. I can Stumble through the Graphic Design interest (my favorite) and see TONS of tutorials, freebies, and other articles that aren't available on Pinterest. I think the reason that some aren't on there is some just don't have pinnable images. (I try to keep my favorites on both, if possible.)

2. You actually read the articles. I don't know about you, but I rarely click through on Pinterest. And when I do, I'm often disappointed that it is linked to a picture, or worse, to a website that just  repins things and doesn't give the source. Or worstest, TUMBLR. Ahhh. I love StumbleUpon because I actually read the articles. And comment. And give love to the original writer.

3. You find the best stuff from all over the internet. Stumble all of your interests. It will find you some awesome, funny, and sometimes weird things from all edges of the internet. Because you aren't limited to using pictures, like you are on Pinterest, you can find some really cool articles. Or Javascript games. Like this one called Incredibox that lead to Dakota and I fighting over who could be the better mixer.

4. Lots more interests to choose from. 512! :) And if you "Like" (or Thumbs Up) enough pages from a website, SU will ask if you want to see more pages from this page, essentially adding it to your interests list!


5. Channels. Channels are like Stumbling a certain website. For example, recently, Dakota and I have been very into watching TEDTalks. They are very interesting, and make you think. TED has a channel on StumbleUpon. So I can stumble through TEDTalks and learn some new things! Some other channels I follow: The Beauty Department, DeviantArt, Food Network, and Cosmo. I just recently got into using the channels feature and can see how it will be VERY ADDICTING. Have you tried reading The Beauty Department? That is one of those websites that I can just keep clicking links all day long. 
I know StumbleUpon won't replace Pinterest in the blogging world, but at least give it a chance. You never know what kind of fun, interesting stuff you will come across!

Graduation Photo Dump

I am officially a college graduate! Well, not officially, because I have to wait until AUGUST for my diploma, but whatever. I participated in the ceremony, therefore, in my eyes, I am a college graduate.
It makes me kind of sad to be done, now that it's over. I feel like a whole part of my life is over. Most of mine and Dakota's relationship took place in college. Now that it's over, we will be spending far less time together. But really, we aren't one of those couples that are together 24/7. I will admit that I like to be home when he's home.. but I usually do my own thing. Anyways.
My graduation day started with lots of being lazy. We were both off  for the day, so we slept in. We went shopping. And then, I got my hair done. First time dying (erm, bleaching) in four years! My appointment was made for 1 PM to allow time to do everything, but my stylist didn't realize I didn't have any dye in my hair. The bleaching took like 20 minutes. Also, I didn't realize my hair was soooo long until Christina posted these pictures on Instagram later. I love her. If you are ever in the area, stop by and see her! She is seriously the best.Check out her Instagram of all the cool stuff she does! I really want some bright colors in my hair already. And its been blonde less than a week haha.
And what is really cool is she just left my natural hair the color it was.. so that it will grow out better than if she had dyed my hair darker. 

(Image Credit: Christina Steelman)
And she curled it for my graduation.. these curls lasted til after I got home.. like 10 PM. My hair is notorious for letting go of curls. But those stuck. Now I need to figure out how to use a curling iron.. Dakota loved it curled. (I use it and nothing happens. No curl. Tutorials, anyone, for dummies??) 

(Image Credit: Christina Steelman)
Close up of the color transition.. this is Ombre, folks! I love it!

(Image Credit: Christina Steelman)

And after waiting TWO HOURS for instructions, the graduation commenced, and I managed to find my parents afterward... (it was a MADHOUSE!) Forgive the cheesy smiles that will commence.....

My dad pretending to be short like us...

I obviously did NOT get the tall gene.


My mom wanted a picture with just us... :)




And of course one of my man and me.... First picture together in a long, long time. I definitely need to get in front of the camera more!

And here I am with my big smile..officially a college graduate!

Well, that's all folks. I'm done with college. Time to be an adult I guess.

But what if all I really want is a Capri-Sun and a fort with some coloring books?

Growing up is scary. But so exciting to start a new phase in my life!

10 Things I LOVE About Being A Designer

I figured that yesterday's post was a little too depressing. I didn't want ya'll to think that graphic design is a bad job to have.

It isn't. It's just one of those jobs that people don't see as a job. You would be surprised at how many people are taken back when I say I went to school to be a designer.

But in light of the fact that I am accomplishing my childhood dream of being a (monetize able) artist today, I thought I would give you some things that I personally LOVE about being a designer, and why I think it is the best job in the world. I am going to TRY and keep it to ten, because I think of new things I love every day, and this list could get long.

1) I get to make artwork. Every single day.

 

2) I get to hear "OMG. I love it!" when I finish a job.

3) Time goes by fast when you are doing something you enjoy doing.

4) I get to see my work on the side of trucks, on the side of buildings, on t-shirts.... (kinda vain, but it's still pretty cool.)

 

 

 

5) I get to solve problems in creative ways.

 

6)  People think I can do anything with a design. I see it as a challenge. A lot at my old job I would say, "I've never done it before, but I can certainly try!"

 

7) I get to learn something new almost every day.

 

8) There is a world of inspiration out there on the internet. Some days I feel like there are so many others out there better than me, but there always will be. But I can learn from them. And maybe, someday, somehow, someone will learn from me.

9) I get to communicate in non-verbal ways. Design is communication. I am not always good at the whole small talk thing. I don't make friends easily. But I can get my message across in design.

10) My job is also my hobby. I like to come home and talk about design here.  I like to play on Illustrator in my spare time. I get to love what I do, and still separate work from play. That's pretty awesome.

I hope this list doesn't make you too jealous. :P

But really,  I'm sure any profession you love will have a list like this. You just have to see the good parts. 

I am very glad to be graduating today. I have many people to thank for getting me here. More on that later. 

But now, now we celebrate!

 

Congrats to all the graduates from COS and other colleges!