Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Reaching for the stars

I've finally managed to decide on what courses I'm going to take next quarter. For all of you that are interested in what I'm going to challenge my brain cells on this winter, here is the list;

Research Methods and Trends (required)
The theory and applications of the principles of scientific research in the graphic arts will be covered, including a systematic study of the scientific method, hypothesis generation, the nature of theory, types of research design, and measurement. The study of problems in the graphic arts includes ink and paper, reproduction methods, and quality control. 


Contemporary Publishing
An examination of how various contemporary publishing entities are responding to changes in technology with an emphasis on editorial, production, circulation/distribution, and marketing issues and concerns. The course will begin with a review of historic book models and practices with respect to their continued influence on todayFs formats and designs. The advantages and disadvantages of the various kinds of publishing mechanisms are discussed, together with an exploration of the divisions now occurring between print- and web based deliveries of content. The degree to which the intellectual content of books is changing in response to technology will also be covered. 


Marketing Concepts
An introduction to contemporary principles and practices of marketing. The course is structured around the process of marketing planning leading to the development of successful marketing strategies, including the commercialization of products and services in domestic and international environments. Focus is on environmental scanning techniques, setting and evaluating measurable objectives, innovating and controlling the interrelated components of product/service offering, planning and executing the marketing mix (channels of distribution, price, and promotion), and enhancing customer relationships through the delivery of customer value.


Managing in a Global Environment
An analysis of comparative global business behavior and organization with particular emphasis on values, authority, individual and group relations, labor-management ties, risk tolerance, and motivational techniques. The course will prepare students to recognize different values and cultural factors in the global business community and how these shape and determine appropriate management behavior. The problems and opportunities of transferring management practices from one culture to another will also be examined. 


I'm very excited about all the courses and I can't wait to start, but first of all I have to finish this quarter..





Sunday, October 18, 2009

Chinese dinner at Riverknoll

One of the greatest things about studying abroad is experiences new cultures. A main an important ingredient in a culture is food, and when it comes to the Chinese culture; delicious food. Two of my classmates made me some proper homemade Chinese food. Thank you so much! Now, I have to dish up some traditional Norwegian food - anybody got some ideas on what I should make? Please write your suggestions in the comment section! Thank you!

Trout
Soup
Vegetables
Shrimps + eggs

Noodles and vegetables


Amazing tea after dinner


Memories of Toronto

Concert!

The amazing band!

Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto
The building is designed by Frank Gehry!

CN Tower - Yes, we had dinner in the thing at the top!

Will I reach Manhattan with my knowledge in Digital imaging techniques and materials?

Maybe, maybe not, but I know a lot more than when I first moved here. I'm exploring the picture; gaining knowledge about different printing techniques, materials, processes, color analysis, printing standards, fundamental statistics and most of all my interest.

I have to start thinking about my minor concentration and I have, it looks like it's going to be marketing or publishing. Marketing will gain me most when I move back to Norway, but publishing, art history and typography is also interesting. My weakness is that I can find everything interesting. You might not think that it is a weakness, but when it comes to making decisions about my future, it might be.

I have to choose two courses for my winter quarter. The two others are already set, I have no choice. I have to take Research methods and Statistics; Decision making. My third course is going to be Marketing Concept and my fourth course will be either Typography, Bookbinding or Contemporary Publishing. As you can se, I'm keeping my options open whether I should concentrate on Marketing or Publishing. The courses I choose, will hopefully, give me an insight in both areas, so that I will be able to make a decision when spring quarter arrive. Will I go for marketing or publishing? Maybe something complete different, like design or art history?

But will I reach Manhattan? If I want to, I will, but my goal is not to reach the high society in Manhattan. My goal is to absorb as much of life as possible and be happy no matter where I am. I am happy now. I actually think I could be happy anywhere as long as I am challenged mentally and still have the opportunity to relax physically.

Relaxing is something I needed and did a lot of this weekend. After an exciting weekend in Toronto, the mid term week was crazy. 2 exams, 3 lab reports due and hardly any sleep. But I survived and I don't regret going to Toronto! I loved it!

We (Søren, Vince, Prashanth and I) drove straight from Rochester to the concert on friday (Oct 9th). Them Croocked Vultures - they where fantastic!! I loved it!! After the concert we went back to the hotel and headed out to get some food. On saturday we walked around town and spend 4 hours in AGO, Art Gallery of Ontario. Yes, three guys survived fours hours in an art gallery. I am impressed. I got lost between the 60's expression and the old Vanity fair photographs, my brain drifted and my imagination took me to another place. For those of you that haven't been with me to an art gallery or exhibition before, this is what happens to me. I get lost and I don't keep track of time or the people around me. I love it!

After spending plenty of hours on our feet we had a rest at the hotel and then went for dinner at the CN tower in Toronto. I had a four course delicious meal and it was all amazing. The tower moved around so we could see Toronto. To be honest I was more amazed by the food. Nam nam! After a perfect meal we were ready to check out Toronto's night life. On sunday I spent the day in the car with 3 hung over guys, but I was all worth it because I had some olives in the night! Søren and I actually made 2 quiches and a danish potato, egg, ham meal when we got back. Nam nam!

My time is running out, I have to go and play volleyball for the Cougars! More words, feelings, pictures and thoughts will be posted.

I think my pictures is starting to get overfilled with words, so I'll post some pictures to balance it.



Tuesday, October 6, 2009

random order

To my two amazing brothers: I miss you, you are both unique and I am so proud of you both.
To my beloved family and friends: I'm fine and having a great time. I'll see you at christmas.
To my mum and dad: Thank you! I miss you both so much!
To my rock star: I love you!

Sake bombs, bed shopping, OPL, America, Stefan Sagmeister and me!

Sushi

Sakebombs

Why is it so hard to set words on experiences and feelings? Is it because it's too personal or because our vocabulary isn't wide enough, or a mix of both? I don't have the answer, but I'll try to explain and tell my story now.. with words and pictures.. I'll share as much as I possible can, but I will still keep something to myself. Even tho "you have to experience it to be able to understand" is a cliche statement, I believe there is something true in it... enough philosophy.. Mum and dad I MISS YOU!

I haven't been updating my blog in a while (yes, I know this is only my second posting..) so I think I have paint backwards this time..

I saw Stefan Sagmeister yesterday! He is brilliant!! For all of you that missed his inspiring talk about life experience, design and happiness, you can watch part of it on www.ted.com. RIT (my school) arranged a design competition some weeks before he came were the students had to come up with a design that touched someone's heart. And here is some of the results:

I miss you mum!

When you sat down in the sofa you would be able to read the text.
By the way, the girl next to the sofa is Yi, my classmate and friend from China.

No explanation needed.

This is what made my day - creativity and Stefan! Oh and Søren did the weekly shopping that day! Thank you!!

A material object that have made my nights a lot more comfortable is my new bed. It was a new experience to make it fit in my room (I had to move stuff around, and there isn't that much free space in my room to do that), but I love it! It's huge and comfy! It is more comfy than my bed at home! It is making it a lot more difficult to get out of bed in the mornings, but it is worth it!

Apart from reading chapter after chapter about ink, color management and statistics, I'm working as a graduate assistant for one of my professors and for the OPL. Open Publishing Lab. I'm hired as a graphic designer on the ReDesign team for their homepage. (http://opl.rit.edu) So today I went out with Liz (another cool classmate) to get some markers and marker paper and I can't wait to make some sketches again! I do a lot of design stuff for my professor as well and my brain is so happy when it gets a break from all the technology science it have to absorb when I'm studying. Even tho my brain and I have to absorb a lot of new information I still love it. Every day here is a reminder of how much I enjoy learning. Listening to people stories and experiences. Expanding my knowledge. Exploring the bigger picture.

Ohh, bigger just reminds me of everything in America. It is big! Even the thin sliced cheese isn't thin compared to thin sliced Norwegian cheese. It is thick! Still tasted good tho =) And so far I haven't been able to finish my food when we've been eating out or ordering food. Or I have finished it, but the day after..

My words are getting boring - I'm done.