After all of the advocacy work I’ve done for the library, I was hopeful that I was done. However, with the shutdown of the Institute of Library and Museum Services (ILMS), I am far from it. A lot of South Dakotans (myself included) made numerous calls to our SD legislators in hopes of restoring the library budget. We were able to come to a compromise and fund the library enough as a state to qualify for the federal ILMS grant.
It honestly feels like such a huge blow. I love my library so much. The resources it offers are vast and so helpful. In these trying times I’m able to go to the library without the expectation of having to pay for anything.
The loss of the ILMS grant means that South Dakota will no longer be able to continue the interlibrary loan system. The ILL facilitates the free delivery of books, movies, articles, etc., to patrons across state lines. Well, not anymore.
Despite nearly drowning in schoolwork as I race to graduate, I am still trying to get the word out. I made a slapdash Instagram post in Canva. But it’s still something. I guess I will be making calls to my state legislators this week. I’m really trying not to be discouraged.
In times like these, I try to remember that speaking up and gathering community is so important. We cannot remain complacent and must fight for what we love each and every day.
Anyways, go visit your library and soak up some sunshine yall.
I finally finished my first assigned ticket/project! It was a really simple task but still. I had to turn a bookmark file into an 8.5 x 11″ flyer. There were some bumps in the road. The bookmark functioned as a coupon for a free library bag, which would be odd for a flyer. I asked about that and then scrapped the coupon paragraph. Turning a bookmark into a flyer also made it interesting when trying to place images.
I learned how communication between a client and a designer goes. It was good practice! Another graphic designer was also able to look over my file. I’m still learning what versions of logos to use and where everything is on the I drive. I’ve never used the Share for Review feature in Adobe. It’s pretty handy and I think I’ll remember that for future projects.
Now I’ve got the hang of things (a little bit at least). I can’t wait to update yall on what I work on next 🙂
I’ve been working as an intern since March! So far I’ve learned a lot. There is so much to get used to, like the ticketing system and brand guides. The first month was mostly settling in, understanding processes and procedures. I even get my own cubicle.
My fun lil trinkets that occupy my desk space 🙂
I’m really blessed to have such an awesome manager and team at my internship. Right now, I’ve even gotten some tickets to complete. It’s a bit daunting but I know that I’m capable.
I can’t wait to share some intern project progress!
After a wild year of school, I think it’s official. I have senioritis. I’m not sure if it’s the gloomy weather or the final month before graduation, but I’m loosing bits of motivation and creativity.
I’ve been working on little projects here and there to keep myself creating outside of class. I think this has helped my design process.
So far I’ve made a fabric star garland. It took me a lot longer than I thought. It was fun to just zone out with a show and then see it come together bit by bit.
The fabric choice wasn’t my favorite, but I wanted to challenge myself to use what I already had. Because of that aspect, each star is filled with even more fabric scraps.
Not pictured, but I also hand sewed a felt calico critter keychain holder (similar to pic below).
This is not my image, just added for reference.
However, I chose to make a blueberry carrier instead of a star.
Well team, figuring out how to find your legislators has been a hassle. It’s what I’m working on currently for my library awareness social media campaign. Right now I’m in the midst of finding out how to contact legislators about library funding. I’ll update yall on that later.
Right now, I try to post every other day on my Instagram and Facebook accounts. I primarily repost SD Library Association updates, resources, and legislature updates.
I usually make Instagram posts using Canva templates. Ideally, I’d like to hand craft each post in Adobe programs, but I don’t have that time with school and work.
A recent postThe second post image
I’ve also started hanging up flyers in my spare time. I don’t have as many hung up around town, but I’m trying when I have time.
One of my posters I hung up
In the meantime, I’ll be starting up school and going to work. I’ll keep you updated!
I’m alive I swear! I’ve been busy with work and catching up on adulting. The current library campaign has also been taking up a lot of my energy. (sdlibraryadvocates on Insta and FB if you wanna take a look!)
I’ve been trying to create posts highlighting library resources and spreading awareness of the proposed budget cuts. I also had to make Instagram and Facebook accounts. That was the easy part, figuring out how to connect them was more difficult. I printed off 30 posters at my local library and have yet to hang them around town. I’ll get to that on my days off, this Wednesday and Thursday.
An Instagram post I designed in Canva
In other news, I’ve been preparing for school and buying books. Hopefully, I can keep the momentum going in the effort to save the library! I was able to talk to the president of the SD Library Association and find out that there will be more resources coming.
Winter break is in full swing! I’ve been meaning to blog, but I’ve been sooo busy. Between working, I went to see my family in Minnesota and then caught up with some old friends.
I tried Chilis for the first time with my friend Emma!I got all dressed up for my first Graphic Design job interview!I was able to visit my Grandma, Great-grandpa, and Aunt for a bitWent to my local library and found a book that wasn’t fiction lolContinued working on my Firey plush!
Another concert for the books! This September I was able to see Conan Gray at the Armory in Minneapolis. I was able to go with my mom. She wasn’t a huge Conan Gray fan, but his performance and songs was enough to get a 10/10 rating from her.
My mom and I in line outside the Armory
It felt like it took ages to get inside the venue. The doors opened around 6pm and we lined up a little after 3pm.
The stage backdrop! Which quickly fell as the concert started… So cool.
As someone who has been to the armory twice, my advice is as follows:
Line up early (if you want a front row spot)
Get balcony seats (if you want a decent view without having your personal space violated for a few hours lol)
Get merch towards the end of the show (merch lines will be slow to nonexistent)
Know where you parked
Make sure to check in with your body!
Conan had to stop in the middle of a song because someone in the crowd needed medical attention
Make friends in line/at the venue!
Whether it’s just small talk, gushing about the artist, or passing out cute friendship bracelets.
I finally finished my first assigned ticket/project! It was a really simple task but still. I had to turn a bookmark file into an 8.5 x 11″ flyer. There were some bumps in the road. The bookmark functioned as a coupon for a free library bag, which would be odd for a flyer. I asked…
With the clock ticking until graduation, I’ve got a lot of irons in the fire. This week has been crazy hectic and so far I’ve crossed some stuff off my to do list like: and believe it or not I still have a lot more to do 🙁 My growing to do list: I’m gonna…
Currently, I’m working on an ultra top-secret (not really) chatbot design. I’ve been given the chance to determine a chatbot’s graphic and overall branding. I started my process like any other project, with research. I wanted to get a feel for the chatbot graphic standard as well as fit into my criteria which are: I…
Hey ya’ll! It’s about time I got back to my roots– my arts and crafts roots. I thought I’d take you along my lil craft journey.
I’ve got two of my best friends birthdays coming up and I’d really like to make them some cute cards. Instead of choosing my go-to (handmade watercolor cards), I think I’m gonna try making Victorian puzzle purse letters. They look so intricate and I’m a sucker for any letter-making thing.
here’s an unfolded Victorian puzzle purse letter (not mine)here’s a folded-up Victorian puzzle purse (not mine)
A Victorian puzzle purse is basically an ornately folded letter! Kind of similar to origami.
I started my process by consulting google for some easy tutorials. I came across this one.
I got to work by using some old sketchbook paper, folding it accordingly, and then sketching out my designs. I wanted to keep the designs relevant to my friend. So I included little doodles of their favorite things and interests. I also wanted to make sure I had enough room for the actual message/letter.
The folding wasn’t hard, but getting the paper into the spiral/pinwheel took awhile. I watched this tutorial because it gave more direction on that part.
My finished Victorian puzzle letter!
The frontThe second layer (after opening it)The inside with doodles and the message (where the sticky note it)The back!
Have you guys made anything like this? Let me know!
Currently, I’m working on an ultra top-secret (not really) chatbot design. I’ve been given the chance to determine a chatbot’s graphic and overall branding. I…
Hey guys! As I’m sure you’re all aware, I’m really into music. I like pop, musicals, indie, rock, jazz, and even a bit of country. So I figured I’d walk you through some of the concerts I’ve been to and let you get to know me a bit better 🙂
My First Concert Ever May 2019
When I was 15 I went to my very first concert in Chicago. I was really into k-pop at the time and I was so psyched to see BTS (a very popular Korean boyband). I dragged my dad along with me and it was a really memorable trip. The concert, however, was out of this world and felt unreal. It was pretty windy and chilly. I remember BTS saying it felt like a winter concert! (If only they knew what winter really is like in the Midwest)
The Eras Tour June 2023
And yes, I made that mirror disco cowgirl hat. I’m crafty like that 😉
Surprise, surprise: I’m a bit of a Swiftie! While I’m not a super fan by any means, I still love Taylor Swift’s music and lyricism. I was able to use some of the money I had been saving up through high school to be able to experience the Eras Tour with my sister. It was so nostalgic for us, I remember getting her first CD and playing nonstop. The atmosphere was great and Taylor was soooo good. The backup dancers, the props, I just can’t say enough good things about it.
The Car Tour August 2023
This was a concert I decided to go to on a whim. My sister and I went to Minneapolis to see the Arctic Monkeys at the Armory. They’re a British rock band that’s been together since 2006. General admission was all standing, so we lined up hours before the doors opened to get a decent spot. It was so cool being that close to the band, and the opener was pretty good too! It was so fun being able to hear all of my favorite songs live.
TopHouse June 2024
TopHouse was a cool band that I was able to see for free in Sioux Falls! Every summer, Sioux Falls has free concerts at the Levitt. The band’s sound was very reminiscent of the Lumineers. It kinda had a bit of southern twang and was really cool to hear.
Hinterland Music Festival August 2024
Yep, it was that crowded. Only like 18,000 people
Most recently I was able to go to a music festival in Iowa for a day! This was a lot different than most concerts I’ve been to. It was neat to be able to see a line up of musicians that I liked. While the live music was incredible, it was really overcrowded and super hot. Despite the heat, I had so much fun and was finally able to see Chappell Roan and Ethel Cain live! They had such different vibes but the energy was electric and I’d bear the 96 degree heat all over again.
I do have a concert lined up next month, but we’ll see what happens.
Until then, see ya! Read more of my blog posts below.
Currently, I’m working on an ultra top-secret (not really) chatbot design. I’ve been given the chance to determine a chatbot’s graphic and overall branding. I…
