Arctic Palace Adcenter Edition

My normal life...sans job.

2008-06-29T13:55:00.003-04:00

This month was focused on putting my life back together. I looked for jobs for two weeks, realized that all I can do right now is make the book awesome and get ready for October. I talked to some amazing people in Advertising, and I hope to keep up with them. I made an amazing connection with a headhunter in Chicago. I got rid of half of our house at a massive yard sale, the result being that we are $144 richer, but we still have a lot of things to get through. I also took some much needed time off and I rejoined the human race. (I didn't realized how much I missed my friends and what I missed out on for two years).

The wedding is also underway. We still have a few more details to go...and a lot more to pay for - but it's going. I'm not yet a bridezilla :).

I also know that I can truthfully now say that I don't mind joining the adworld a little later. Next month, I'll be camping for three weeks straight, then moving out of our house. I will miss Richmond, but I'm ready to my next chapter.

I don't miss the Brandcenter yet. I think back on it and shutter and what we all went through. But I miss everyone.

I don't have a job.

2008-06-19T01:02:00.003-04:00

And I'm watching everyone I know getting jobs. I feel that it's because I've told everyone that I just can't go anywhere until October. But deep down there is that "do I suck?," feeling.

Logan is making sushi at 1am. Mike Myers is on Conan, the garbage smells bad.

Tuesday.

2008-06-10T12:45:00.001-04:00

I'm considering going to the Brandcenter to help Elisabeth put Sixty books in envelopes.

And I'm working on a website.

And watching TV.

...yep.

thoughts of the evening

2008-06-07T23:41:00.002-04:00

This week I acted like a 12 year old at the pool. Logan won a free membership to a swanky gym...one with a kid slide that's awesome. We played on that until the little kids came. Then we exercised and danced the day away. I worked a little on Logan's site. I yardsailed this morning. I spent too much at the mall on Tuesday. And the world lost an awesome light on Wednesday.

This past Wednesday at 8am, an amazing person who worked at Mckinney was killed by a driver who swerved onto the biker's side to miss hitting a dear. (I wonder if I would have done the same thing if it were me). I only had the honor of knowing him for 10 weeks - my internship - but I learned so much from him. A little about how to do cool things on the internet, but also that there's more to life than computers, work and the daily 9-5.

Rock on Clive. Rock on.

I went to Mckinney on Friday to pay my respects and to get my book ripped apart by my Mckinney mentors. I agreed with pretty much everything they said. One thing I had a hard time agreeing with - and I'd love to throw this subject out for debate - is that I shouldn't be telling recruiters and headhunters that I'm getting married. That I should be telling you - John Q hiring person - that I would change my life around for your job and that you don't care about me, you just want to see my work.

ya...here's the truth. I love advertising. I have companies that I dream of working for, but I won't cancel my wedding for any of them. I won't sacrifice my marriage, my vacations, etc...just so I can sell a product.

And I'm nice. I like to talk and have conversations. I like to tell you about me, and I want to know things about you. Become friends even. Not fake ones that are only made for the purpose of getting a job.

Now, don't misjudge. I'm not lazy. And I'll work weekends and do what it takes to get the job done. Want tangible proof - I've won awards. More importantly, I've failed and have learned from my mistakes. But I will never sell my soul to the ad world. And if you don't like that - don't hire me. I know there are agencies out there who feel that same way I do.

final thought :) Today I got to veg out with close friends (and newer ones) We played at the pool and just watched TV. It felt so good to be normal again.

Hi Slate.
Hi Lesley.

The aftermath

2008-05-27T15:50:00.002-04:00

It's been about a week since the recruiter session and I'm not entirely sure what to do with myself. I've been non stop working for two years and I find myself in a state of...boredom? I think this is what it's called. I won't keep the boredom for long. For there's a wedding to plan! A vacation in the future and...ugg...packing.

By the way...Massive Yard Sale - June 28th. Come.

What's in my future, who knows. I hope a very nice job where we can work all day and Guitar Hero/Rock Band at night (hint, hint, wink wink!!)

This biggest lesson

2008-04-05T17:40:00.003-04:00

This past month has been a mental whirlwind for me. A whirlwind that I created when I was 12 and it's finally showing its ugly face.

So, here's my big secret, I'm a bit crazy. The Brandcenter pretty much has owned my behind for two years and this last week, my mind decided to shut off and I became more a basketcase, then I have ever been. Having a somewhat massive assignment didn't help the situation and that group saw a side of me and I despise showing, but I'm glad I did. I let this school pretty much take over my life, thinking that advertising was the most important thing. This made me shy away from people (and to find excuses as to why I shouldn't like them) and to enjoy not only the things in my life, but the Brandcenter itself.

I'm now taking the steps to fix this problem - a problem that I've since high school - In the next coming weeks, there will be a new and improved Candice biking around Richmond.

One thing that I did get out of all of this though: The Brandcenter is a collective of amazing people. People that I thought would never talk to me, that we had nothing in common, let me just cry and complain about the same thing for seven days. I found out that we are all a family - an insane one, but a family and that we all want to see each other make it. There are a few people especially that I will be in dept to for their help. I don't think they know it, but they are the reason why I stay at the Brandcenter. Thanks guys.

I'm crazy. That's probably one of the reasons why I fit in this career.

And I saw Chicago. Eh, not bad.
Boston, much more awesome :)

Just realized

2008-02-24T13:06:00.002-05:00

A lot of my postings are about Advertising and my reflections on it - mainly negative.

1. I really do like the Brandcenter. Or...no...I like the Adcenter. The Brandcenter is too knew. But I'm not very fond of the feel of it. I'm sure it'll be better once the shine disappears and becomes a real school. But this whole experience has been cool and I'll miss when it's gone, I feel.

2. And now to say something compleatly random - CHEESE! RUN! YAY!

Seriously, I'll write a good post soon.

oh man!

2008-02-24T09:10:00.002-05:00

My apologies for the lack or writing. So many things has happened since my last post, which I will write about later.

Today, I wanted to write a post based on a friend's post that inspired me.

The things I have learned about Brandcenter on my 6th week.

1. There are no rules.
2. Party when you can.
3. Enjoy life outside of the Brandcenter
4. Put cool stuff in your book that you think reflects you.
5. There are no rules.
6. Don't be fake. Or a Sheep. Or pretend to be people's friend to get what you want.

yes.

My life as a Novinan.

2007-12-24T23:27:00.000-05:00

(that's someone from NOVA, or Northern VA)
I'm out of Richmond for the next two weeks traveling to Chicago and San Fransisco. I'm in Northern VA for the next couple of days to celebrate the holidays. If you've never lived the life of a Novinan, you must try it sometime. In Nova:

1. They can't drive worth a damn - actully we drive just fine, it's the rest of the world that sucks.

2. The houses are way way way too expensive.

3. We spend way too much money.

4. We don't like NOVA once we leave. Which is a terrible shame for it's not so bad. You ...just have to have a ot of money to live here.

While I've been here, I've got to experience a new culture - being a women. I'm one of those who don't like wearing makeup, nail polish, basically anything I have to waste my time in the morning on. (except my hair. My hair has to be pristine). My mom took us out to get my first manicure and pedicure...and it was fantastic. I got a french painting on my hands and green toe nail polish with little stickers. I feel like a girl right now! It's like the way I felt the first time I got my hair cut at a real boutique. Sure it's expensive, but oh so worth it!

Merry Christmas every one.

PS - Slate and Lesley, why haven't you written in your blog lately, it's been 3 days!

The End.

2007-12-22T02:09:00.001-05:00

I'm done with Advertising as I've known for 6 years. I'm done with being a yes man for every partner I've ever had. No it's not their fault - I did it to myself. I listened to them instead of putting their thoughts and my instincts together. I'm done with forgetting my loved ones and trading them for an all-nighters just so that a professor can give me a grade based on how they feel that day. I'm done with fake people. I'm freakin done.

I'm going into this amazing world of Advertising on my terms. I will work with partners who give a damn about their project, or I will work on it on my own. I will respect every opinion given, but my opinion will come first if I feel it's the right one. I will party. I will go home every night to the man who has been there since day one. I will work day and night to get a portfolio that I FEEL IS WORTHY. But, when I want to go home, I'm going home. I will not let anyone make me feel guilty again.

I will listen to my body. I will fix my brain. I will listen to everyone and I will ask for help. I will learn from my professors as they are amazing people who have traded their agency world to prepare me for the real world - but I will listen to my instincts as well.

I will realize that I'm also amazing.

I will not step on anyone for an opportunity - that's wrong.

You probably don't know why I wrote this - unless you've spoken to me in the past couple of weeks. But I really don't care.

I have nothing else to say to the world right now. I'm going to enjoy my family and friends and I will be back come after Christmas sometime. I'm on my way to Chicago and San Fransisco - two towns I've never seen.

To those who have listened to me, thank you. You have no idea how much that means.

Have a great holiday everyone.

Diamonds are not a girl's best friend...but pearls come close

2007-11-25T00:20:00.001-05:00

I'm one of those gals who aren't swayed by a diamond necklace or a set of earrings. Shaw's Jewelers doesn't make me swoon.

Give me Adobe Creative Suite 3 any day over a set of earrings.

However, tonight I fell in love with a piece that my mom gave me. My birthday is next week and tonight she surprised me with a pink pearl necklace - one that matches my wedding dress perfectly.

I'm getting married by the way. In October.

I've been looking for a piece since I got the dress in April, but haven't been able to find the right one. It's amazing what a mom knows and can do.

In conclusion - Necklaces that match dresses, Weddings and Moms are awesome ;)

The next shining star in Advertising

2007-11-23T23:15:00.000-05:00

I wonder if anyone in my class will be the next big thing to hit advertising. What will they come up with? What world will they save - or will it just be an amazing ad for Doritos, let's say.

I wonder if I might be the next big thing sometimes. Lately, I've been wondering what my role in the ad world will be. I don't think it's what I'm training for. Isn't that just like a student? They pay about 80 grand to make themselves the most amazing art director in the world - then realize that there's got to be more to life than photoshop, all nighters and concepts that may or may not be horrific, all depending on person's opinion that will be completely different from another's.

Don't be scared fellow ad people, I'm not leaving. I do love all of those things I mentioned - I wouldn't have it any other way. Ok, there'd be a couple of things I'd change, but not much.

But what else is out there? Can I really present my own work in the real world? Can I do my own research in the real world? How much is my protective world of the Adcenter is like the real world. I got a glimpse of it this summer at Mckinney, I liked it.

And what about the other side - the business kids? I feel more and more that I fit in the side just a little better. I admit I haven't taken classes to find out, but I think it might be time to start sneaking in.

hmmm...

speaking of business, back to work I go.

Oh, and one more thing

2007-11-17T00:18:00.001-05:00

You won't gain respect unless you give it first.
I pay too much for drama that I don't dish out.

It's too early!

2007-11-17T00:06:00.001-05:00

I'm ashamed of America right now. The time was November 1. There was still candy lingering on the streets from the night before. I leave the confines of the Adcenter...do the sight of men putting up garland on the light poles.

November 1.

It's now the 16th and it just keeps getting worse. Santa's mall seat was almost ready, people are wearing christmas sweaters, the radio has switched to Christmas only songs, and - of course - 18 million Christmas commercials.

As a future adman, I plan to abolish this. What happened to the Christmas season starting the DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING?! And further more, why am I subjected to the annoyance of Christmas cheer in the medium of commercials, but I'll be damned if I can find my favorite Christmas shows before Christmas Eve? If you're going to make me participate in the holiday advertising, then give me back my Christmas Story, my Charlie Brown, AND MY GARFIELD. Give me back "It's a Wonderful Life," and give it to me at least once a day. Give me back the joys of Christmas, the snow, the times where it wasn't just about consumerism.

Today's Culture: Clients

2007-11-02T22:32:00.001-04:00

http://whoneedsdesigners.com/

20: aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

2007-10-29T01:38:00.000-04:00

1. Dear God, what am I doing?! I could be making money, but NO! I decided to waste TWO YEARS OF MY LIFE at a school that sucks my soul! I don't even like Advertising! There's no point! And at the end of the day, I'm going to get yet another degree that says Master of SCIENCE and no one is going to hire me because I'm a hack. HACK HACK HACK.

I probably have this thought once a day. It really came through on Thursday when I was working on a particular project that will remain nameless. I felt like I had nothing left to give. I know others felt the same way that night. While our fellow comrads were celebrating a professor's birthday and other's were hobnobbing with big name Ad people, there were a handful of us stuck at the Adcenter, trying to solve the same problem.

Then Friday came. I never wake hating the Adcenter. In fact, I oddly embrace it again. How can I hate a place that is pushing me to something awesome. Alright, Adcenter, you win yet again. I like you.

2. My Thursday project gave me an opportunity to step inside a big league meeting - the Adcenter Board Meeting. Not important for some I know. But, I won't lie, I get star struck when I see the heavy hitters of Advertising. So sitting next to Bob Greenberg, was AWESOME!

I also got to watch how our Thursday projects came together. As my partner and I were struggling, another group had a tougher assignment - one I'm not sure I could have solved in the 8 hours they were given. I probably had never seen better writing from those two people - or at least what I could remember.

Alright, so maybe I did miss out on some fun events. But I did get to go to the board meeting and see our work come alive. That was pretty awesome.
Maybe I like advertising after all...

3. Ok, the most awesome part of all!!! First, I must say - I play my ears. Yep. I can fold my ears into themselves and when you see it for the first time, it looks like I'm missing part of my ear. I do it when I'm shy, thinking, or awake. Anyway, I was playing with my ears, and the amazing Bob Greenberg goes to introduce himself to me.
Bob: (sticks hand out to shake mine) - Hi, I'm Bob
Candice: (pulls ear out so he won't notice) - Hi, I'm Candice
Bob: wait, what did you just do to your ear?
Candice: oh...it's...uh...I'm nervous, that's what I do when I'm nervous.
Bob: Can I do that? (plays with his ear)
Candice: no! no it hurts, you have cartlidge in your ear.
Bob: Oh yea, well look what I can do! (flips eyelid out)
Let me remind you that this man is founder of RGA. This man could maybe hire me one day, maybe, I hope. This man is AWESOME!!! AND I JUST FASCINATED HIM BY FLIPPING MY EAR, HOLY CRAP!

The meeting goes on and my professor presents our work, and he did a great job.
Then
Kelly (another professor at the Adcenter): I think we should thank the people who are here for the good job. - (this is paraphrasing).
Group: (claps)
Bob: Wait, wait! You got to see what she can do!
Candice: (FOLDS EAR IN FRONT OF BOARD - THE BOARD CONSISTS OF ALL OF MY PROFESSORS, THE CHAIRMAN, BOB GREENBERG, GUY FROM CRISPEN, LADY FROM USA TODAY, BRIAN COLLINS!!!!, PRETTY MUCH ALL THE PEOPLE I LOOK UP TO! OMG!)
This made me like the Adcenter a lot more. If I don't get anything else from this place, I feel that I've made my mark with my ears.

I have a play review, but I'll save that.
Adcenter...sigh....

22: I should be working on something else...but I'm not, but I'm not, la la la la.

2007-10-22T22:23:00.001-04:00

Two amazing things, both involving the word Oomph have happened in the past two days

1. This group, called OOMPH!, came into my life. I'm becoming more and more of a German industrial rock fan. You should be too:

2. Introducing Oomphotography, a head shot photo company that Logan and I have started.
We are taking people on Thursdays. Appointments are about two hours and will begin at 8pm. You get 500 shots for $50. At this point we are only taking Adcenter kids and Theatre VCU kids. We want everyone, but we are also working on two majors at the moment and we want to start out with those that we know and love.

Please email us at oomphotography@gmail.com, or just ask.

23: The little website made 700!

2007-10-19T11:12:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all the 650 viewers out there. (I say 650 because I'm sure 25 was me, and 25 was the professor who made make this site - which I'm happy he did, even though I like saying things to people a little more than typing).

The things that I learned this week are:
1. Don't bank on jobs until you have something in writing.
2. Once you scan your card to get our of a parking deck, you can't scan it again once the gate comes down until you scan it back in.
3. A new trick that you can use if you get stuck in the parking deck for an hour...
4. Never put events and fun things aside for projects. Be amazing at the work, but don't live work 24 hours.

This weekend we are moving a fellow palacion to Fredericksburg. Steve and Emma will be the first of the Arctic Palace members to move, and hopefully stay, out of Richmond. I hope to hear good things from Arctic Palace: Fredericksburg Edition.

I went to the Folk Festival this past weekend. Not bad, but we moved through it so quickly that I really don't have much to report on it. (Refer back to lesson #4). But I did see a play that I was somewhat disappointed in.

The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, is an amazing play. I recommend reading - but I don't recommend putting the entire play on without cutting it. The book is very much how Henry David Thoreau thought. He was a transendentailist and the entire play is bascially about his thoughts about life. He goes to jail because he doesn't feel he uses what the govenment offers, thus not paying taxes on it. Again, great play to read, not great to do uneditied. I saw the unedidtied, and quite boring version of this show this Saturday. I won't mention the playhouse, because I feel that they will do amazing work later. (this was their first show).

To make an already long review short, the acting was medicore for the most part, I fell asleep during some of it (I feel this is more because I had been working too much that day), and I'm not sure what was going on with the music. It's 50/50 fault. The director and actors could have done a MUCH BETTER JOB. But, it was also the play. Because there is not much action in it, the director needed to edit this before rehearsal began.

If anyone who saw this play (Logan) would like to add their thoughts, I would love to hear them...maybe there was something I missed.

Yep.

24: Don't assign 4 projects to be done in 4 days!

2007-10-08T15:05:00.000-04:00

This weekend was a ridiculously busy one, filled with 14 assignments that have to be done by Thursday! But I was able to get away for a big to go to the Indian Festival. It was busy and colorful. I got a little Genesh which is the Indian God for marriage. I think it goes that the reason why Genesh's head is an elephant is because Shiva kicked Genesh's head off by accident. (correct me if I'm wrong). Good food, good music, good times.

I also saw Urinetown over at Swift Creek Mill. OMG, if you are in the central VA area, see it! It's probably the best show I've seen while in Richmond.

And it stars two very good friends of mine: Angie Shipley and Adam Mincks.

Dear Richmond Drivers

2007-09-28T01:18:00.000-04:00

I'd like to give you all a lesson in green lights tonight. When turning a Green arrow means go at your own pace, you're free to make a turn. GREEN LIGHT WITH NO ARROW MEANS WATCH FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC/PEDESTRIANS AND DON'T HIT THEM.

So I got hit tonight buy a greenish black car and his excuse was that he had a green light. My response was to curse at him at the top of my lungs and tell him to get the **** out of here before I called the cops on him - then wave at everyone - all while still holding onto my phone.

It was quite weird - for lack of a better word. When the car was approaching, I prepared myself to be hit and to be ready to go to the hospital - this was a split second thought. When I realized that I just got bumped, my first instinct was not to assure the dumb man that I was OK, but to yell at him and scare the tar out of him - and only then after I said to leave, did I realize that I might should have gotten some info. Meh.

So yes, definitely a karma-ic move on me for my last entry. I promise to watch fools crossing the road when they shouldn't be instead of hitting them. (although I did walk when I was supposed to...I had a white walking man light.)

And please follow the traffic rules. Hitting people is bad. It ruins wing night.

26:Why do people like Crocs and a word to Northern VA drivers

2007-09-25T21:29:00.000-04:00

1.
Dear NOVA drivers,

I know how you feel when you have to go the speed limit when driving in Richmond. I know how it's annoying when a car is going the EXACT speed as they should be going, thus making you arrive five seconds later than you would have. I know, because I'm a Northern VA driver, but see, you have to follow the rules here.

In NOVA, you must drive fast, or you will die. (If you haven't driven on 66, try it one day).

But while in Richmond, even if it's just for short time before you head on to a well paying - yet useless job, please don't try to hit me, or be an ass near my car. It costs too much to fix. And I know you have the money to fix it.

ps - to the new students, a red light, or a orange hand means stop - not let's see how fast I can run across the street before I get hit.

2. Crocs?

I have a friend at the Adcenter. He's smart and funny and is just gosh darn nice. But he keeps wearing funny shoes. These plasticky shoes that look like he's about to dance a Holland dance. There are many others that fit this bill as well. They wear a thing called Crocs. They seem to be the ugliest things, but yet many wear them. Please tell me if you like Crocs, as I'd like to know more about this culture. Convince me why these are awesome shoes :)

me as a train hopper and the class, yay :)

2007-09-17T23:09:00.000-04:00

27: A new culture

2007-09-17T19:34:00.000-04:00

Was going to write about Concord watchers, but today I observed a culture that I'm kindof in: Chick Flick lovers.

Not just for the woman, aged 21+. As I was working on a campaign, coyote ugly came on the TV at Buddy's. I was in a restaurent full of guys, so I sadly assumed that I wouldn't be able to watch one of the lamest, yet greatest movies I've ever seen. But they didn't change it. Two men, probably about 60 were watching it! I quote:

Man 1: Why are we watching this?!
Man 2: I like these characters. Look at her. She's a good actor
Man 1: When did you switch genders
Man 2: It's not a soap opera, it's movie!

two other men, about 40ish were also enthralled in this movie.

here's to the chick flicks! to the men and women who watch them!

should be working...but I'm not...

2007-09-12T22:17:00.000-04:00

so

Have you ever just typed in one letter in the address window to see where they led.

Well I have:
a - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A
b - http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=b
c- http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=c&btnG=Search
d http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=d
e http://www.eonline.com/
f http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=f
g - google mail
h http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=f
i http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=i
j http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J
l http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L
m nothing!
n http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=n
o http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=o
p http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=p
q http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=q
r http://www.r-project.org/
s http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=s
t http://www.att.com/gen/landing-pages?pid=3308
u http://www.arizona.edu/
v http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=v
w http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=w
x http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=x
y https://login.yahoo.com/config/login_verify2?&.src=ym
z http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=z

28: Train Hopppers, first presentations, lack of sleep and concord watchers

2007-09-12T00:15:00.000-04:00

Good week.

On Monday we dressed as an unfamiliar culture...in my culture's class. I was of course a trainhoopper. I would have pictures, but my wonderful teacher decided not to include me in his photos on his site...

I've read there are pictures coming ;) And I look like the most silly trainhopper ever for I'm pale pale white (no tan) and not like a trainhopper at all.

What I learned: Anyone is a trainhopper. No longer is it a Hobo thing. You need a ride, you hope a train. A few tips for train hopping.

Be in all black
avoid the Bull's (station police)
don't wear camo - the colors of the Freight Train Riders of America, a gang that kills anyone not in their group when they see you on the train.
become friends with the station crew, particullar the track crew
wear 3 layers of clothing
don't go into a car that can shut on you
have fun :)

Next week: Concord wathers - or former Concord watchers - and I don't mean the show.

On the home front:
Classes are nuts
Logan is good - a few auditions coming up
I bought a movie - TROOP BEVERLY HILLS!
The first Arctic Palace wedding will take place in a few weeks
I'm currently cleaning a drain with kroger brand drano

you?

A band, trains, and Week 30 at it's end.

2007-09-02T22:33:00.000-04:00

New look, new adventures!
This week I got go see the Steve Miller Band ("Fly Like an Eagle").

A new year has started up at the Adcenter. Assignments are bundling up, clicks have been created and reunited and the bloody AC on one side of the building has gone haywire.

Been a good week, I'm working on a movie project, a flag, a manifesto (coming soon) and a few others. A big project I'm working on is the culture of dumpster diving, when I and Jason Searcy found an amazing culture that everyone has seen, but has probably ignored. (myself included).

As Jason and I tried our hands at exploring dumpsters, a man named Russell came to the dumpster and found amazing treasures. He, Todd and Lilly would soon be catching a train to Georgia. They and their awesome dog name Freddy were some of the nicest people I had met in my six years in Richmond.

I'm doing a little reading on them now, a few neat facts:
Railway police: Bulls
Freight train hopping started during the depression and died down after WW2. It has picked up again.
The FTRA, Freight Train Riders of America are a gang that have been down to murder anyone that is not in their group riding their train.
Train hopping is illegal.

ok.....

2007-08-27T00:54:00.000-04:00

Four days has passed. It's looking good. I have made a flag. That's right. My homework was to make a flag. I will miss these homeworks as Monday is coming and I've rumors about the class I'm about to embark on - this class is the reason why this blog exists.

Woot!

I went to Aladdins today, it was yummy. And Project Res rocked.

Don't know what that is?! - http://www.yellowhouse.org

The Moment Before: again.

2007-08-22T22:35:00.000-04:00

crap crap crap crap crap.
Am I ready?
Did I get all the school supplies I needed?
Did I get my years worth of neglected work finished?
oooo, Loans came in!
crap crap, well, maybe not...maybe this will actully be a good year. A year with possibility, a year that I will find a good job.

Ya...I'm ready.

16 hours left.

I don't like Stupid People

2007-08-22T00:59:00.000-04:00

Saw most of the first years tonight for the first time. - yay - great people. They are very talented. Now I'm a little scared. I feel I shall learn a lot from them, and Yay Slate for being the most popular 2nd year :)

While I loved the evening out, this posting is about what happened after the day of drinking with the first years - this is to the drunks/freshmen/spastic newbies who don't understand that a stop light or an orange hand means STOP.

A car is much bigger than you, STOP RUNNING OUT IN FRONT OF CARS - THEY HURT! AND IF YOU RUN OUT WHEN I'M DRIVING, I DON'T STOP.

My goodness! I almost hit four people on Main Street! (and I was going under speed limit). What makes it even better is when they wear high heels and dark clothes. Those are my favorite. And then - the best part - they get mad at you when you don't stop! They give you this "I'm the shit," face and they take 45 minutes TO WALK TO THE OTHER SIDE.

I'm really not an old person who doesn't like to party - I love to party, I love to walk and drink and talk and have fun. But I also know what a red light means, and I tend to stop when there's a car coming. Won't you do the same?

I'm a mentor?!

2007-08-16T15:50:00.000-04:00

That's just so weird!

I had lunch with my wonderful Mentee, who I feel knows more than I do.
I'm gettin pretty excited about next week. I'm gonna be crazy, I feel it will be good.
And I'm almost done with "The Fountainhead." That's right, - almost 1 years after it was assigned. I'm almost done. Wouldn't Fenske be proud?!

It's really hot outside. In Richmond.

yep.

Welcome to Arctic Palace Fan Edition

2007-08-14T14:01:00.000-04:00

What happend to this place?

New thrift shops, new food places, and a messy house. Yep, back in Richmond.

I had an amazing time at McKinney and Durham. Now I must prepare for which that lies ahead. Adcenter.

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some run to the great thing so that they can have it thrust it upon them.

2007-08-14T13:57:00.000-04:00

http://sauconyrun2007.blogspot.com/

This is one of the best pitch attempts I have seen, nice job guys.

the moment before

2007-08-09T22:20:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is my last day.
I'm humbled. That's all I got.

2007-08-08T13:45:00.000-04:00

I like these:

4

2007-08-08T00:23:00.000-04:00

Some first year tips - now I can never compare to the great slate - http://sl8works.com - his knowledge is the greatest among all of us, but I feel I really should add something:

1. Think for yourself
2. Make stuff you want
3. If you feel you don't belong, leave. (I don't mean at 4am when you're still cranking out ads and Powerpoints, I mean when you actually sit down and think)
4. Learn how to draw
5. Know your computer skills (ADs)
6. Your copywriter is an amazing thinker, listen to him or her, and don't just wait for a line, they are there for more than just a line. Your Art Director is an amazing thinker, don't just think they are Mac Monkeys.
7. Go outside
8. Visit Richmond
9. You're paying $36,000 to go here, don't waste your time or your partners.
10. What the hell do I know, I'm just a second year.
11. Sine's, 21st, 7pm :)
12. Talk to people in the industry, outside of the industry and in other industries
13. Come to the Adcenter with expectations. You probably won't fulfill them all, but you will come out with so many more, for the school and yourself - yay after school specials!

What have I learned through my internship:
1. What most I learned last year was true, but not exactly - You have to bend what you learned to the real world
2. Being bored is a wondrous thing - oh the things you can do at an agency
3. If you're slow and you can't design a simple layout - you're a useless art director - that being said, THANK GOD FOR PRODUCTION DESIGNERS.
3.5. Design can be taught much easier than Conceptual thinking, or so I hear.
3.546. I need to learn how to design much better than I can now.
4. Project managers are amazing and life savers
5. Slate has the best blog, Lesley is the funniest, Case's is the prettiest
6. Shali Rocks
7. I ate too much
8. And more stuff about myself that I will try very hard not to forget come Adcenter time.

I'm excited. I can come back now.

5 days

2007-08-07T00:57:00.000-04:00

That's it, then it's back to Richmond :)

Went to the Chapel Hill on Saturday and Saw "Sicko" Not a bad movie, but a lot more one-sided than usual. The movie definatly made me want to move to another country though.

It's hot here.

It's been a year.

2007-08-05T00:53:00.000-04:00

One year ago I was in Ohio gettin proposed to my sweetie :)

(October 02, 2008 by the way, yay!)

Some great sites you should look at:
While we are at it: http://www.loganconner.com - good actor, good videos
http://candiceanderson.blogspot.com - my portfolio site

http://www.feedthepig.org/ - This is a new site from the Ad Council. It's shows you simple ways on how to save money.

http://www.accuweather.com - type in 23220, 27701, 20120 and you may be able to see Jim Cosek, a hillllllllarioius weatherman!!!

http://www.purple.com - just go.

One more week :). Then I can relax and enjoy my time off...wait, when's Adcenter?
(Bukes - I'm totally ready, let's blow this popsicle stand)

What I have realized just now

2007-08-03T10:51:00.000-04:00

1. I'm not too keen at keeping up with other's lives. So...
Dana - have an awesome time in life, come and visit
Slate - you're site makes me smile
Bukes - I'm glad you got to feel like an intern :)
Jill - Happy Birthday

2. I don't mention much about what I do, or throw out my site. Woops. I'm looking into that as we speak.

3. Advertising is great! - there.

4. I see many giving advice on the sites - why??? The best part about the Adcenter is learning IN ONE DAY that you are nothing, and finding out later that year, that hey, maybe you do have one ounce of talent that could maybe, just maybe win that award or even more important, get you that dream job!

It's hell, stop worrying about it, or you'll end up alone in a field holding your knickers and your printer wondering where the hell did you life go, then wonder off to Shockoe for a nasty coffee. Only to be insulted by the counter lady who used to work at the village cafe when you were an undergrad.

And save up $1000 to eat out

Adcenter, or adc (?) is the best time you will have in a long time. You will learn how to make ads, you will lose all cockiness (dear god, please please please lose this before you get to the Adcenter - or you'll end uplike...refer to paragraph before). And you'll learn about yourself :)

I'll see ya'll in 3 weeks!

Victory!

2007-07-30T22:36:00.001-04:00

WE WON!!!!! MCKINNEY GOT VIRGIN ATLANTIC!!

http://adage.com/accountaction/article?article_id=119608

I don't have many show able images, but I leave you with these :)

Happy Fourth of July!

2007-07-23T22:31:00.003-04:00

Alright, didn't have good enough (or allowable) pitch pictures. But I do have vacation pictures, yay! This last weekend, Logan and I celebrated a belated fourth of July and went to Asheville, NC - 4 hours west.

Asheville Eve: Pictures of places near my house.

Bottle Caps

2007-07-23T22:31:00.001-04:00

I'm on a bottle cap kick right now. This is my first creation. Walk away from the computer and you'll see a famous character.

Our Trip

2007-07-23T22:30:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, we went to Asheville and spent some time in the Pisgau Nat'l Forrest. This is in the North Carolina part of the Appalachian Mountains, near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

And Finally

2007-07-23T21:28:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time in Asheville, but the best part for Logan was the most wonderful place on earth - the Travel Center that was 45 minutes away from Durham.

And we're back.

2007-07-16T11:34:00.000-04:00

It's amazing what a pitch and your guy visiting can do to your blog time ;)
I have some thrilling pictures of what has happend in the last couple of weeks, and I shall put them up in a few. I had a friend of mine ask about the website title, so let's talk about this for a few :). The Arctic Palace was once a dorm at VCU that was owned by fellow "Palactions" (pronounced pa-lay-shons), Steve, Carl, Milo, and another guy that I can't remember the name of...Zach maybe?

It was called the Arctic Palace becuase they kept their AC running all the live long day making it 10 degrees or so in the apartment. Amazing things happend there and good times were had.

Now there are various hubs around the Richmond, VA area.
normally, I'm Arctic Palace Fan
There's Arctic Palace Westend (Steve/Emma)
Arctic Palace Downtown (Carl and Rebecca/Scott)
There was another Arctic Palace Fan, but Megan is moving.
Arctic Palace Weesssttt SSsiiidddeeee!!!!! (James)

*if the members of the arctic palace would like to add/correct, please comment :)

Free food, a baseball game and fine looking vistor team.

2007-06-20T00:50:00.000-04:00

McKinney is maybe 50 feet from the Durham Bulls (baseball) stadium. We got to attend a game on Business Week. Lots of food, a good game and a very handsom looking opponent team - The Scranton Yankies.

Picture!

2007-06-14T01:18:00.000-04:00

My picture that looms over the McKinney world. The picture I'm identified by.

Ya, I suck at this blogging thing.

2007-06-12T22:22:00.000-04:00

It's now been a week since I started my job. I have a couple of big things that are about to start. In the mean time I've been working on small things and abosorbing as much as I can. I feel very old and very young at the same time. I'm asking way too many questions and am slowly learning the process, the young part, and my fellow intern friends are all undergrad, old part.

Shopping on Saturday led Shali and I to the greatest place on earth! Yes kids, better than Diversity Thrift, but a lot more expensive (an oddly enough run by a VCU graduate) Look here, It's like a shack, but with stuff to buy in it!

http://www.305southantimall.com/

The best thing so far has been the trip for the bottle caps.
(On a side note, I now collect bottle caps, so if you know where to find me and have unwante bottlecaps, please let me konw). I met a wonderful person on Craigslist who has been collecting bottlecaps since 1998. She offered them to me. The only catch was that she lives an hour away from Durham. So, after work yesterday, Shali and I went to the outskirts of Raliegh. It was great!

I think that's it for now. I'll try to be better at this. (This blog is brought to you by Slate D., without Slate, I would have forgetten again).

7 Gnomes Found!

2007-06-04T23:41:00.000-04:00

First day at McKinney and I've been spoiled. I've met some awesome people, met a couple fo Adcenter Alum and things are good. I happend to be interning at a place that feeds me food at all hours of the day! I also will be working on some awesome accounts, not sure what yet, but will know this tomorrow.

The house is also very nice. Meet Shali, my roomate. She cooks, she's from California and she's very nice and damned smart. (She is in the photos below).

Maybe this whole Ad thing isn't so scary after all.

The Moment Before

2007-06-01T02:18:00.001-04:00

crap crap crap crap crap.
did I pack too much
Did I remember to pack everything
why hasn't my refund so i can pay rent come in
i already miss logan
the house is a mess, crap
crap crap crap crap

well, here we go. 7 hours from now I will be on the road to Durham.
ok...ya, it'll be good. ya. ok. good.

Day -01

2007-05-30T19:31:00.000-04:00

The flute guy is playing outside of my house, the smell of fresh paint from a board I just painted is looming outside my door and it's 90ish degrees here in Richmond, VA. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Candice, an Art Director wannabe, who is attending the VCU Adcenter. In two days I will be on my way to Durham to try my wits at Mckinney and Silver - home of the Travelocity Gnome. What will happen, who knows? It will be crazy, amazing and full of exciting stories that I will share here. Or I'll show pictures of random things, that'll be fun too. In the mean time, Here are my wedding dress pictures - yes, I'm also planning a wedding. Woot!