Grad school... what was I thinking? No but seriously, it has been insane, I've pretty much done nothing but straight work work work for the past 8 months, I barely even went snowboarding! But come May 8th, I'm free for summer! So I can't wait. So this card above was part of one of my projects for school, it's a sleep recipe card for wearing socks to bed.
So stay tuned for site updates with my grad projects and some other fun stuff. Oh, I did learn some Flash while at school! I also updated my resume and I'm super proud of it, go check it out in the info section! k, well that's all for now, see you in like 3 weeks! xoxo.
posted by melissa at 12:37 pm |
[ 10.27.2006 ]
Woah, can you believe I haven't updated this thing in like 5 months! Well lots has happened. But first of all, that cute puppy in a hoodie up there is Lopan. It belongs to my friends Joey and Laurie. I'm his godmother. He is the cutest thing I have ever seen.
So, I'm in grad school now at Tyler School of Art. I absolutely LOVE being back in school. I have met such great people and being back in a creative enviroment is amazing! It's def a lot of work, but so much fun. I'm still doing freelance as well. Roxy 07/08 in compleeeetay! I also did some outerwear for Grenade and am working on some other softgoods.
In other news, i FINALLY updated my online portfolio. You can now check out the Roxy boards and some other stuff. I should be adding the Grenade and more Jetty stuff soon! -xoxo
posted by melissa at 10:00 pm |
[ 5.04.06 ]
The weather has been amazing lately so I have been kind of slacking on work. I'm getting back in the vibe today though... kinda! haha. I got accepted to MICA and they awarded me a scholarship, so now I'm trying to decide between them and Tyler. MICA is still a little bit pricier than Tyler, so that might be the deciding factor.
So sososososs So soo much to do the next couple of weeks. So hectic, but i'm excited! So go check out school-shoes.org and order some sweet shoes! xo
posted by melissa at 5:43 pm |
[ 4.20.06 ]
I've been busy working the past couple of weeks. Hopefully I'll have time to update my portfolio soon. I just get so wrapped up in the nice weather that I haven't had time. So check back soon, I promise I'll have work up eventually! xoxo-m
posted by melissa at 8:56 pm |
[ 4.3.2006 ]
So it's officially official, I got accepted into the MFA program for Graphic and Interactive Design at Tyler School of Art. yay!! It's pretty insane and I'm super excited! Thanks to everyone who supported me, pushed me, wrote recommendations for me, and inspired me! So back to school for me! c r a z y!
This past week I've been working on the online portfolio for my sister Sara. She's graduating from West Chester University this year. She is a studio arts major concentrating in painting and drawing. Be sure to check it out by going here. But remember, it's still in the works!
Spring weather finally arrived on the east coast which has gotten me extremely excited for the summer! Even though I'm a winter girl at heart, I do love me some seashells. xo
posted by melissa at 3:12 pm |
[ 3.1.06 ]
If you checked out the Women's Half Pipe competition in the Olympics you saw Kjersti Buaas from Norway riding one of the Roxy snowboards I designed the graphics for. She won the bronze! The whole experience of designing the boards was amazing, so to be rewarded by seeing it the Olympics was insane! Thanks to everyone that has supported me and helped me accomplish my dreams! I can't wait to see what else is in store for me!
I definitely have some new stuff to add to the portfolio section, hopefully I'll get to compiling it soon. I've been busy with a couple new projects, but applying to grad schools has been number one. That's all close to being done so I'll get back to design, design, painting, and design soon! Please be sure to leave a comment and tell me how much you can't wait to see it!
Also, some of you may have seen me featured in Spark Weekly. I feel really honored and lucky to have my profile and words in a local publication. Just two things to correct, in the first question, i did not have an internship with Roxy, i work with them on a freelance basis. Also, even though I think Shaun White is an awesome rider, I wouldn't (and didn't) say he was the face/ambassador of the sport. I feel there are many different styles in snowboarding, and there are other riders that represent the sport just as well as Shaun. I guess with journalism, sometimes your words can be switched around, so I just wanted to correct those things. Thanks for checking out my site, please let me know what you think of my work!!!
posted by melissa at 9:06 pm |
[ 1.29.05 ]
Just got back from being away for two weeks. First a trip to Stratton, Vermont for some sweet riding. Then over to Las Vegas for SIA (Snowsports Tradeshow) where I checked out the Roxy Snowboards I designed as well as the t-shirts and hoodie I did for Grenade Gloves. It was awesome to see everything in person and also to meet up with people I usually talk to only through email. Everything seemed very well perceived, I can't wait till the stuff hits stores. Things have slowed down a bit for a sec while I apply to grad schools, but I promise to have lots to show soon...
posted by melissa at 3:05 pm |
[ 1.05.06 ]
Happy '06!!! Hey, yes I am alive. Just suuuper busy with life. I just got back from an amazing snowboard trip to Mt. Sunapee in New Hampshire with Monica and her fam. The riding was sweet! I'm heading up to Stratton in Vermont in two weeks for some more. Then it's off to Las Vegas for SIA and to see the Roxy boards in person. I hope I don't cry tears of joy.
Besides working on design, I've been busy with a little part-time job working at a Kinetic skate/snow shop, and getting stuff together to apply to some grad schools. Fun Fun Fun. I have some new work to add and may get around to it today, but if not, check back soon! Now get off your computer and go riding!!!!
posted by melissa at 11:36 am |
[ 10.13.05 ]
Instead of doing work that I neeed to be doing, I painted on some plain purple vans that I got on sale at UO for like $12.99. I'm actually very proud of them. I hope it stops raining soon so that I can wear them around!
posted by melissa at 10:29 am |
[ 10.10.05 ]
The past little while (and last summer) i've worked on the online portfolio of thee extremely talented, sweet hearted, well named; Melissa Biczak. Be sure to check it out! Not only has Melissa been great in getting me awesome freelance for Hang Ten, she let me design this online portfolio, which was a lot of fun! It's fun doing design for others that you love yourself! That's the way life should be!
It's getting chillier over here on the east coast which gets me dyyying for snowboarding season. This season should be sweet!!
okay... now back to work.
posted by melissa at 9:38 pm |
[ 10.5.05 ]
posted by melissa at 10:32 am |
[ 8.27.05 ]
Just got back from a perfect one week vacay in the Outer Banks in North Carolina. So beautiful. The water was like 80 degrees, crystal clear, perfect. Fun days full of swimming, fishing, surfing, bonfiring, marshmallow eating, mini golfing, hole in oneing, sleeping, relaxing, ferrying, go kart racing, sun bathing, sun burning, eating outing, picture taking, surf shopping, flip flopping, and more. We rented this cute little cottage right next to the beach. I wish I never had to leave.
But alas, back to work...
I finally updated my portfolio with some work I did while at Spy. I also added tees I did for Hang Ten and Jetty. If you haven't yet, check out dick stockwell and look under "ea series" - you'll see my little profile and a tee I did for them. Also, if you haven't, order some jetty tees. Order the polaroid tee or the 21st Street Long Sleeve tee and own my stuff. Also go to a Hang Ten Store and buy some sweet stuff designed by moi or the another fabuous Melissa.
Still working on Roxy boards, got asked to do more tees for people, and may be helping another local skateshop with their identity. More and more work work work. On the minus work front, i'm looking so much forward to a September full of semi permanent, possible LBI trip, another possible trip to the Outer Banks, and a VC Reunion. xo!
posted by melissa at 7:45 pm |
[ 7.17.05 ]
Just got back from a trip to the Newly remodeled Delaware Art Museum with my mom, sis, and nanny. My favorite painting at that museum is "The Mermaid" by Howard Pyle...
They expanded the modern art section which I was happy about and had a good selection of photography. Didn't have time to make it to the DCCA, that'll be later this week. Also later this week me and the DE kids plan on seeing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the IMAX theater in Philly. We tried going on Saturday but it sold out to quick.
This weekend I'm heading down to Rehoboth with Moni. So excited for that, maybe I'll get some sun on this pale skin. Lots and lots in store. Girls gotta eat (and go shopping) so before all that fun I gotta work work art work. I'm also looking in to heading back to school to get a teaching certificate in case the freelance starts to disipate.
posted by melissa at 6:42 pm |
[ 7.17.05 ]
I'm super busy with work but I've also had time to play. It's nice to be around the people that you have the most fun with even though sometimes they drive you a little insane. Today I'm going to the new Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts. Catch ya later!
posted by melissa at 12:50pm |
[ 6.15.2005 ]
yes, it's official i'm leaving the west side, back to the right side. i'm so excited to get back to my life, my family, my friends. it's been great out here but it's just not something i want anymore. i enjoyed my time here, and am glad i can now check some stuff on my life's to do list.
Moving back was a big decision, it was easy to make for some reasons, hard for others, but there is so much I want to do, and now i will have time to do it. I will have time to focus on some amazing freelance opportunities I have as well as to put more effort into developing more of my style. I'll also be able to relax, hang out, and be inspired by the people that mean most to me. Thank you everyone for your constant love and support.
I will also have the time to do more with this little twentyfree thing.
posted by melissa at 1:42 am |
[ 5.16.05 ]
So, it's like 1:04am. I'm stuck at the Vegas airport. I have absolutely no clue what's going on and I don't think the airport does either. But they do have free wireless internet, so that's lovely. Vegas was a lot of fun. Nice girly trip full of laying out at the pool (it was like 100 degrees), shakin booties, eating yummy food, shopping fancy stores, and more. I defintely have some photos coming soon. I'd upload now but my wire is in my suitcase and that is somewhere in the airport or maybe outside. People are freaking out and complaining. I think it is some kind of mechanical problem, I'll wait as long as I have to rather then flying in a plane that isn't mechanically perfect. What is going up and complaining to the people gonna do? Nada. I'm sleepy.
posted by melissa at 1:04am |
[ 5.9.05 ]
I think I personally own the world record for brand new car damages. First my sister accidently scraped the bumper, then a couple making out didn't notice their car rolling forward into mine crashed into my bumper, then a North County San Diego Bus side swiped my back bumper, then I scraped the whole back door on a stupid old truck pulling out of a driveway. I feel sorry for my poor little car, but she'll get fixed and I promise to take much better care of her. And to all you crazy San Diegan drivers, I took off the sticker that says "Please hit me!" So please, drive like you actually know what you're doing.
On a lighter note, you've probably noticed 20free redone... finally. Not everything is totally how I want yet but at least now it is organized and new and fresh. Please let me know what you think of the new layout!
In life I'm still trucking away at Spy with some amazing [still has to be a secret] freelance work. It's crazy how things just happen. In non-design related news, I'm heading to Vegas this weekend with some NYC ladies. I will be meeting up with my best girl Monica as well as Kara and some other girlies. I'm so excited. I'm sure I'll have tons of crazy photos to show. Then in a couple more weekends I'll be heading back east for some Delaware fun. My best boy Tyler is gradgeeating and I have to see if his little party can top mine! Will he have two slip and slides and a pinata, I doubt it!
posted by melissa at 10:02 pm |
[ 4.12.05 ]
I had the pleasure of being back east for about 47 hours this past weekend. I flew out of San Diego at 10pm pst on Friday and finally arrived at my house at 12pm est on Saturday. Never ever fly to the airport in Baltimore. It's ghetto. It was kind of a last minute trip to see my fam and check up on my dad who had some surgery on his heart. He's doing great now and I'm so glad I got a chance to check up on him. While I was home I had Lettuce Feed You, Ritas 2x and Home Grown, defintely enough DE food to last until the next trip. Skipped out on Mayflower sushi, defintely next time.
Freelance work wise I have a secret project that I can't mention until I'm sure it definitely gonna happen. It's crazy though, so keep your fingers crossed! I was also added to the Jetty Art Crew so check that out. Their new line should be up sometime in May. I also finished two more tees for Hang 10 whose first store just opened in Myrtle Beach, SC, so if you're down there be sure to check out all the great stuff.
I'm setting a deadline for this site re-do. It should be up May 1st. There are a couple of things ahead of it on the list that I need to get to before I waste time on my own thing. So you'll have to wait and look at the wood grain a little longer.
posted by melissa at 7:57 am |
[ 3.27.05 ]
Happy Easter everyone! Above is a pic of the Hello Kitty easter egg dying kit my mom sent me. I had a nice easter, first big holiday I spent away from home, and I survived. I know I promised a new site and I swearrr I'm working on it, so keep coming back then one day you'll be sooooo surprised cuz twentyfree will be all fresh! That's all for now.
posted by melissa at 8:28 pm |
[ 3.17.05 ]
So my little sister came to Cali to visit last week. It was great having her here. We went to Sea World, some beaches, up to LA, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. She also celebrated her 21st beeeday. I don't know if I'm the best person for 21st birthday celebrations, I woulda just bought her a bunch of vanilla latte's but we went out nonetheless, had a great time, and picked up a bunch of marines. Haha. I have another fun visitor coming later tonight. My buddy Ty. I'm excited, I wish someone would come visit me every weekend!!
So I need to redo this whole nasty page. I'm so over the design and I need to organize my work better. There's so much stuff I want to do, I just need to find the time to do it. I want to buy another domain and make it super personal then have another businessy type stuff. I need to do more art for myself. I need to do more water color. I want to take classes somewhere for art and I want to enter more competitions. I want to design a snowboard. I want to open my own snowboard shop, have my own line of clothing, go to grad school, be a professor, have the summers off to live at the Jersey shore. I keep telling myself I'm only 23 and I have plenty of time, I just can't wait to do it all.
Sooo check back in the nearly future and hopefully this nasty site will be redunnnnn.
posted by melissa at 06:27 p.m. |
[ 1.27.05 ]
What is that you may be asking yourself. Well, it's a photo my mom and brother sent me when I told them to take pics of the snow for me, since I'm in negative-snow land (soCal). Well, if you can't guess... you'll never know!
So, I just got back from SIA (snowboard/ski tradeshow) in Vegas. It was a lot of fun seeing all the snowboard gear and new designs. I just got a little bummed b/c every company is doing the same thing and nothing really stood out too much. Not even the Rome boards. Bummer. The best thing about Vegas was that i got to hang out with some Delawareans. Ty, Joey, and Jim came out for the show. It was a lot of fun hanging out with them, it was like a piece of home right there in Vegas. It kiiind of made me super homesick though and when they left to go to the air port, I really wished I was in the taxi with them. But I know I'm doing the right thing right now being in Cali, it's just super hard.
Speaking of friends, my NYC girlfriend Monica got a design job working for Brooklyn Industries. She's designing outerwear now and eventually going to take over the world. She's also a supermodel...
Modeling clothes on their website. Sooooooo cute!!!
Well I'm gonna get to resting up, Vegas wears you out. I'll add more stuff soon and I'm eventually gonna redesign this whole webpage shindig thing. So check back soon! xo
Oh and that pic up there, is my mom's garden gnome buried under a bunch of snow with his little red hat sticking out. haha
posted by melissa at 9:30 pm |
[ 1.5.2005 ]
I'm finally saying goodbye to my little car. My 1995 Honda Civic must be sold cuz it's not Cali-worthy. No but seriously, it's time to move onto something a little newer with less mileage. I've had this car since the summer I graduated high school, a whole 5 and a 1/2 years a go. We've been through a lot. Driving to the beach, to the mountains, to NYC, and everywhere else in only under about 178,000 miles. We've had our share of mishaps like when the hood flew up and crashed through the windshield, when the parking brake was possessed and the car decided to roll out of its parking spot in the parking garage and crash into a couple other cars, when someone decided to back into it in the mall parking lot, when somebody decided to drive to close and knock my side view mirror off, and when some old guy decided to slam on his breaks for no reason smashing the front bumper. Aw memories! It's still in great condition, with pretty new tires, and now sticker free! So go buy it if ya want a piece of my life!
So my time off is winding down, I go back to Cali on Saturday. It's been nice being home. It has given me a good amount of time to get my life here together to ship out west without getting all super stressed. I went snowboarding the other day with Ty to good ole' Blue mountain, on my cute new Rome snowboard. I'm trying to go tomorrow with my sister, but it's gonna rain so we'll probably go Friday. I should have pics to show you from that.
A couple people I've designed stuff for are getting their websites up. Aphrodite Clothing and Dick Stockwell I'll let you all know when stuff gets posted. Jetty picked two of my designs for their new line. One will be a tee, and the other a long sleeve one. I'm excited cuz I got to name one. I named it "21st Street", which probably means nothing to you, but it means the world to me. It's the street on LBI that my grandparents have their beach house on and that I've gone to since before I was born. Sweeeeeet! Thanks Nick!
posted by melissa at 6:17 pm |
[ 12.30.04 ]
I wish all of you a happy, happy, new year! Here's my 2004 in a couple sentences.
January: Design internship at Fourstar Dist. Living in CaliCali. Riding at Snow Summit. Trade show in Vegas.
February: Started last semester of school ever. Took classes in Graphic Design and Photography. Snowboarding on weekends.
March: Still working on senior portfolio, lots of late nights, all nighters, food from Newark Bagel. Made self promo, sent to lame designer in NYC. Accidently left portfolio on bus so I couldn't get it reviewed by the headhunter. Found out I was invited to the Art Directors Club portfolio review. Spring Break snowboarding in Jay Peak, VT.
April: More sleepless nights at the studio. Finalizing senior portfolio. Couple portfolio reviews in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and NYC.
May: Final sleepless nights at the studio. My BFA show at the Year End Show. Got my painted skateboard and book design in undergrad art show at UD. Graduated.
June: Hula Graduation party. Beach with Monica. Relaxing in Newark. Turned 23. Started twentyfree. Started working at UD doing web design.
July: Freelance work and UD work. Random beach days. Relax.
August: Family vacay on LBI. More freelance and UD work. Sent out mini books trying to find a job in Cali. Wisdom teeth taken out. Moved out of Newark apartment.
September: Designing my bootie off with UD and freelance. Still looking for a job in Cali.
October: trip up to NYC to visit Monica. work. still looking for a job in Cali. Got an interview with Giant Distribution. Planned a trip to Cali.
November: went to Cali. didn't get Giant job, but got offered a freelance gig at Spy Optic. Still lots of freelance work.
December: went back to Cali for Spy freelance job, lots and lots of work. Got hired FULL TIME. Came back east for holidays.
Other memorabile things from 2004: Living in Newark, the cutest town ever. Going snowboarding with all my favorite buddies. Selling my Hello Kitty snowboard for $450. Hanging out with the cute boy. Being a model for one of Kathy's paintings. Getting acoustically seranaded by the cute boy. Painting skateboards. Tyler's never ending entertainment. Living with Jarred, Tyler, and Kathy and all the fun times we had. Eating coconut with the cute boy. Playing with Monica in NYC. Getting lots of freelance jobs. Getting lots of freelance jobs with cool people like Jetty and Aphrodite. Spending quality time with the fam. Gosh, I could go on, but I'm starting the get really sad about all the things I'm gonna miss on the east coast.
So yeah, I got a full time job now at Spy Optic. I have now officially entered the real world. Thank you very much Randy. I appreicate your confidence in and support of my artistic talents. I'm really excited to start this new part of my life. Spy is in Carlsbad, so I'm looking for an apartment around that area. I'm also trying to figure out what I'm doing with my car. So many things to figure out! Yikes.
Being in Cali is fun, but it's nice to be back east for the holidays. I got back on December 23rd and don't go back until January 8th. I finally got my new Rome board. I haven't been riding yet though. Hopefully I'll get to go soon!
posted by melissa at 11:19 pm |
[ 12.13.04 ]
That's an aerial photo I took on my plane ride back to California. I'm not sure exactly where it is, somewhere snowy and mountainy though! So I'm here again until December 23rd, then it's back east sweet east. I've been working at Spy Optic for about two weeks now. It's a lot of work but defintely a blast! One step closer to the dream job! I'll let you all know as soon as anything becomes more permanent.
I haven't gotten a chance to do any Christmas shopping yet, but I'm really looking forward to it. I'll probably go later this week and this weekend. I'm starting to think of a lot of good idears, so if you're lucky enough to be my bud or a close family member, watch out!!! Speaking of Christmas, here's what I want... A new digi-cam, an epson 1280 printer, a new hair straightener, the Golden Girls DVD, amber earrings 2g, iTravel, ohhhh i could go on, but i won't. We'll see what Santa brings me.
I haven't gotten a chance to work on toooo much freelance stuff. I did do a site for Ty's photography. He's super talented, so check him out. I'm also finishing up a couple other things, so hopefully I'll get em out to show ya soon. Jetty liked my designs are might be printing them. I'm sooooo excited for that, i'll let you know when that happens. I just would like to thank Nick from Jetty for all his support, help and for giving me this opportunity.
posted by melissa at 10:44 pm |
[ 11.24.04 ]
Hope you all have a delicious turkey day! I'm really looking forward to it! That photo is of me and little Hammy/Homey. He's such a cutie. He's Ty's family's hamster. I added some stuff to Twentyfree today. Make sure you check out the photos section for pictures from my Cali-venture and the randum section for some new mixed media stuff and a little skateboard design.
I picked up the new Gwen Stefani album yesterday. I really really LOVE a couple of songs, but some of the other songs were disappointing. I expected every song to sound different b/c she worked with so many different people. But some of the songs sound too similar. Oh well, that's just my opinion.
So the weather here on the east coast has been totally nasty since I got back from California. I don't think I've seen the sun once and today it's raining. It is nice to be home though, in the east coast atmosphere, I just wish it would snow.
posted by melissa at 2:14 pm |
[ 11.22.04 ]
I'm finally back on the right coast. I got back last night. I had a layover in Salt Lake City which was fun. I have lots of photos that I promise I'll post up soon. It was a pretty productive trip. I ended up not getting the job at Giant, but did get to do some freelance work there. I then got offered a freelance job at Spy Optic, which I am totally excited about! So I'm going back to Cali on November 30th, till Christmas time. We'll see how that goes. So I'm home for 10 days then back west for me!
I've been working on a ton of stuff and as soon as I get it all together I'll get it up to show you all. I'm just kind of bummed right now cuz I'm still on West coast time and everybody on the east coast already ditched me and went to bed. Somebody wake up and play with me!
posted by melissa at 12:07 am |
[ 11.9.04 ]
Where'd I go? California! I'm on the left coast right now trying to land my dream design job. I have a couple things I'm working on, so we'll see how things go. If it's meant to be something will happen. If not, I have a ton of back up plans. So we shall see what happens.
California is beautiful as usual. It's a little colder than I thought, but no worries there. I haven't gotten a chance to do much exploring but I will soon. Hopefully I'll have some pictures to put up too. While I've been out here I've been working on a couple freelance projects and fun design stuff, so I'll try to get that up soon to show you all. That's all for now, I'm way exhausted...
posted by melissa at 11:29 pm |
[ 10.26.04 ]
Nothing, abbbsolutely nothing, can compare to a Wawa French Vanilla Capuccino. It's sweet creamy flavor is way heavenly. I just automatically smile when I think of getting one. It's appreciating the little things in life that make everything so perfect and Wawa french vanilla is super perfect. I've been everywhere, even the trendiest/fanciest coffee shops, and nothing beats it. Just wanted to share my joy with the world!
Okay, so now it's totally official... I'm going to California on November 4th. I'll be attempting to fulfill my dream of getting employed out there, so we'll see how that goes. I don't want to jinx anything so I won't go into to much detail, but keep your fingers crossed for me anyway! I'm going to be staying with my favorite Cali-fam, the Redanz's. They're great people, and Shannon, the youngest daughter, entertains me to no end! I'm super excited to go out there again. Maybe this time, I'll find Shaun White. So you better watch out little boy!!
Monica visited this weekend and we went down to Rehoboth Beach to visit our friend Amy and talk wedding plans. Oh did I ever mention I was going to be a bridesmaid? Monica and I are gonna be in Amy's wedding in April. It's a cute little beach wedding on the Indian River Inlet in So-Delaware. I get to design the invitations!! Talking to Amy and Monica got me totally itching to go snowboarding. Tyler ordered me (supposedly) Rome Blue. I'm so excited for a sweet fresh new board. I don't know what coast I'll be shredding the most on this year, but wherever there's sweet snow, I'll be happy.
Today I finally saw "AKA, Girl Skater" and I was way disapointed. It was just boring. The skating was decent, but just boring. I kept noticing my mind wandering while I was watching it. I mean I can't really talk b/c my skateboarding skills are pretty much zero, but I wish that dvd showed a little more heart. I know those girls have it, but that video didn't prove that. Oh well.
That's all, I now leave you with this foulness.
posted by melissa at 11:29 pm |
[ 10.21.04 ]
The Switch webpage is finally completay. So ch-ch-ch-check it out! Click the pic sweetie! I'm so proud of how it came out. I want to thank Tyler for being my personal little art director on the project and helping out with some of the content. I'd also like to the Zach for his help and Phillup for his design advice! I'd also like to thank myself for all the time and design sweat I put into it. I still have to work on a couple things, but it's up and running so that's all that matters. If you have any art/design/photos you'd like to contribute to the art gallery, let me know and I'll hook you up! That's all I have to update you on this second, something else is brewing in my life, but I'll let you know about that as soon as I straighten out the details.
posted by melissa at 2:39 pm |
[ 10.11.04 ]
Check this out, another update in less than a week. Today I redid the rest of the pages on this here webshindig. Now they all fit together and there are no more crazy pop ups.
I also would like to thank Randy from Giant Skateboard Dist. for linking me on his site. I feel really honored! I also want to thank him for his advice, support and compliments of my work!
The other Melissa forwarded an email to me today that really means a lot to me. On my beloved LBI, the US Army Corps is planning to perform a beach nourishment project. They believe this is a positive thing for the beaches there. However, in other areas where this has been done "the dry beach was extended far into the surf zone, and a steep slope was created at the water's edge. Jetties were buried in the sand. Surfers, swimmers, fishermen, and divers all experienced negative effects." To read more about this please go here and sign the petition against it to "support the investigation of alternative nourishment techniques and designs that aim to alleviate the problems while providing adequate storm protection." Thank you!
Today I made rad new business cards. Maybe if you're lucky you'll get one! I'll post 'em later to show ya what they look like. They're all Melissaish and doublasided!! I'm working on a lot of stuff so check back soon for all of it!!
posted by melissa at 11:17 pm |
[ 10.09.04 ]
So while I was there Monica took me into the Diesel store. If you know me, you would know that I'm not super into labels, except if it's Volcom, but she showed me the cutest vest. It was gorgeous! What does it look like you ask? Like this I say
So, Volcom finally realized how amazing I am. No, they haven't hired me as a designer, yet. But, they did add my little piece of art i submitted to their public art gallery. You can check out the full gallery here. I'm pretty honored. It's pretty rad to have my name on the Volcom website. I submitted the mixed media piece I did for my Nikita cd booklet. I now wish I woulda made something more Volcomish, but I just wanted to see if they'd actually post something I did, and they did!? So, maybe I'll submit something cooler and see what happens.
So I'm getting more and more signs that I need to get out to California very soon. So stay tuned for info on that. You skate/surf/snow business people will be hearing from me very very shortly!
posted by melissa at 11:40 pm |
[ 9.30.04 ]
I also landed another awesome design opportunity with Dick Stockwell Clothing. Their site isn't up yet, but they are a clothing company out of California that collaborates and promotes artist and designers. I want to thank Brent for asking me to be a part of that. I'm super excited to be a part of something that promotes artists like me. I'll be designing graphics for them as well.
I also have been asked to design a couple more web sites and logos for a bunch of other local companies. So my life is just full of design, just how I like it. I'm also thinking I'm gonna go out to California for a little bit in the near future and land my dream job. It's time to get out of Delaware, even though I do love it so.
I added some sketches I've done to the Randum gallery. I plan on adding more and more and eventually redo that part of the site making it a little more organized. So check back for that. So I must admit life is pretty sweet. Thanks so much for checking out my site, I hope you enjoyed it. Love you all! xo.
posted by melissa at 06:07 pm |
[ 9.24.04 ]
I'm really happy with the work I've been doing for UD lately. I feel like my design skills have matured a lot by being there. It's not my style, but at least I know it can be done! Freelancing is going really well. The Switch webpage is in full effect and I'll hopefully get that done soon. I have two more things to design for Aphrodite for the winter line. I'm doing webpages for a couple other people and businesses. I have two more clothing design prospects. I even have some logos to do. I'm really really happy the way life is right now. It will be totally fulfilled when I get that full time job in Cali.
I got sick of my old aol im name. I made it freshman year at UD and it just doesn't fit me anymore. So in homage to my roots I made a new one... "youlovedelaware" It was also inspired by my California little buddy, Shannon Redanz who told me Delaware is SO the boonies. When I was in California, some people didn't even know where it was. I love Delaware and am proud to be a Delawarean so there ya go. Like it or not. Send me a message!
So I'm designing my butt off but life is perfect! Thanks for visiting my page and please leave me a comment! xo
posted by melissa at 5:32 pm |
[ 9.16.04 ]
posted by melissa at 2:42 pm |
[ 9.13.04 ]
posted by melissa at 6:20 pm |
[ 9.3.04 ]
School started at UD this past week and me working in Newark I got really sad seeing everybody moving in and going to classes. It's weird going to school your whole life, then not. Oh well, whatever. I got two new projects to start at work and two more freelance offers. But right now, I'm heading up to LBI for the long weekend. Later landlubbers.
posted by melissa at 11:11am |
[ 8.28.04 ]
I'm still on the J-O-B search. I've actually heard back from some companies saying they like my stuff, but I haven't scheduled any interviews yet. I'm still working on freelance stuff, and if you didn't already check it out, I made a freelance page. You can get to it by clicking on "freelance" when you first go to www.twentyfree.com. I'm too lazy to link it.
I went to the beach yesterday with my mom and sister. I'm starting to become less and less a fan of Delaware beaches. The water isn't clear and the people are weird. This was actually only the second or third time I was there the whole summer. I spent the past two whole summers living there. I think I've got to stick to Jersey, the water at LBI is crystal clear and the sand is way softer. Eh, whatever.
Oh and I'm just curious as to who is actually visiting this site, so leave a comment and tell me!
posted by melissa at 10:08 am |
[ 8.22.04 ]
Somebody stole Munch's "The Scream." That's so messed up, but the story is crazy. Click here to read the article.
posted by melissa at 9:56 pm |
[ 8.14.04 ]
So I read "Close to Shore" while I was there. It was about the 1916 shark attacks on the NJ coast. It was pretty good, it was actually more educational that entertaining. But whatever. Then the other night my mom and I were flipping through the channels and on Animal Planet there was a movie called "16 Days of Terror" or something, and it was the movie of the book. Pretty funny coincidence. That book was also the basis and inspiration for Jaws.
I also did some work while I was away. I made the intro page for Melissa's webpage, and she was able to approve it since she was vacationing on LBI too that week. I also designed the splash and main page for Switch, I gotta go get that approved later this week. I also designed a webpage for the band "One Degree of Separation" It was my first "pro bono" job. A girl I know from VC and Snowboarding Club, Sarah, is the lead singer and she needed a webpage done and I was the girl to do it. I'm glad I can help people out with my design, it feels good.
So today we're moving my little sister to her new apartment. So that's where I'm off to now. All freelance stuff has and will be posted in the randum section of twentyfree for now. So check it out!
Oh and say a little prayer for my buds Jarred and Tyler who are in Florida and North Carolina repectively and might be getting blown around by Charley the hurricane.
posted by melissa at 1:28 pm |
[ 7.28.04 ]
Two things I realized while starting to fill out this entry, one - I've been 23 for exactly one month today, yikes. And two - it's already 4:02 and I've done nothing at work today besides try to inspire myself by checking out art stuff online. sigh.
So I have a couple "freelance" things in the works which is suhweeet.
1. I was finally asked to design the Switch (Skate and Snow Shop) webpage. It's about daaaaamn time.
2. Another rad Melissa, yes there's another one, asked me to help her design some stuff including and online portfolio for her fashion designs.
3. Tyler's mom wants me to design invitations to her party in the style of my grad announcements.
4. And last but def not least Monica wants me to design a webpage for her too.
Plus I have to finish my freaking mini-books to send out to potential-cali-jobs, paint my room pink, paint more skateboards, and swim in the ocean. Gosh my last month of summer is pretty full huh? Today was nice, I talked to 3 VC alums at the same time, it was like a studio renunion, Mara, Phil, and Karla. I'm glad I didn't take that experience for granted, I totally knew what I had when I had it and cherished every moment. I do miss those studio days and nights and days and another night. Y'all continue to inspire me today.
Okay, 2 more hours of work, maybe I should actually do something.
posted by melissa at 4:02 pm |
[ 7.19.04 ]
Forum, Special Blend, FourSquare, and Jeenyus have all been sold to Burton. Supposedly they were in a lot of debt and Burton bought 'em for $1 plus the debt, but that might just be gossip. Four Star Dist will still keep C1RCA and C1 Denim, which made 'em more money anyway.
more of the story here...
posted by melissa at 12:11 pm |
[ 7.9.2004 ]
Check that out, one rad kid courtesy Four Star Distribution Sponsor Me website.
posted by melissa at 01:16 pm |
[ 7.8.04 ]
Info page is done, for now anyway. I test drove the forester today, we are soulmates, and that sunroof, totally sweet!
posted by melissa at 11:21 pm |
[ 7.7.04 ]
Today was not a gorgeous day. It rained soooo freaking hard and the power went out twice at work. Not too fun, but I was working so no worries. Today I discovered I have wrinkles. I have no clue where they came from, they weren't there yesterday, I don't think. Maybe I'm not getting enough sleep, mmm I think I am. I'm 23, not 33. I shouldn't have wrinkles. Ewwwwweeeuck. Oh well whatever, there's always botox. yo.
Oh yeah, I added the randum section, kinda lame design, but at least it's there.
posted by melissa at 10:29 pm |
[ 7.06.04 ]
Today's weather is gorgeous, so I decided to make my 3 day weekend a 4 day one. I've been car shopping and I think I found what I want. I'm not doing the jeep thing anymore cuz i was told they suck. So, I'm thinking a Subaru Forester. I've fallen in love with the 2003. It has a huuuuge sunroof and other rad things. So we'll see, I gotta sell my baby (1995 Honda Civic) It has hmm about 170,000 miles on it, so we'll see how much we can sell her for, then we'll see if I can afford the subaru.
I added more pictures to the photo page, I'm working on the randumb section to show you the design work I've done. This summer's going by faster than I thought. I still gotta get my wisdumb teeth out before I go to Cali. Ewwwww.
posted by melissa at 1:58 pm |
[ 7.1.04 ]
How can this kid be so talented and he's only 18 and never went to design school. How is he so young and already had design featured in XLR8R, Elemental, Complex and more. Dude he even has his design in a McDonalds commercial. I don't like you Chuck Anderson, stop showing me up.
posted by melissa at 3:52 pm |
[ 6.29.04 ]
So another birthday came and went. I had so many birthday wishes from all of you, I felt so loved! Thanks everyone!! I spent the weekend on good old Long Beach Island, NJ. My grand parents own a beach house there and I've gone there since before I was born. The island sure has changed a lot. The cute little beach cottages that once speckled the island are now huge beach mega mansions. My Mom Mom always says she thinks the islands going to sink. Hopefully it will last a little longer because it is so beautiful there. The weather was perfect and the ocean was crystal clear.
I really fell in love with the California sunshine and the amazing beaches. However, this weekend reminded me how awesome the east coast is. After living in Cali for a year or whatever, I definitely don't want to be far from the Jersey shore. Yeah, the DE beaches are okay, but something about LBI just makes me so happy. I didn't want to leave. Check out the photos section of twentyfree for some pics of the vacay.
So I'm still job hunting, and so far I've heard back from Vans and Ezekiel, two totally rad companies. Ezekiel already said they wanted an interview, but I'm waiting on Vans, I just resent them a pdf of my portfolio last night when they told me they couldn't view my website... ooops. So we'll see. Looks like they'll be a Cali-venture coming shortly.
posted by melissa at 6:37 pm |
[ 6.25.04 ]
Welcome to twentyfree. I finally got it together and decided to get my own part of this little shin dig known as the web. You may be asking yourself, what the heck is twentyfree? Well, on June 28th, I turn 23. Yes, 23. That's freaking old in my opinion. Number wise anyway, cuz honestly I still feel 18 and still look 16. When I was 12 and thought of the age of 23, I thought I'd be married with a kid, a house, and a dog. Boy was I totally wrong huh? But my life is perfect and I'm right on track, so no worries. At 23, I'm still a kid. So I first wanted to name it something like twentythreeforward, meaning this is me at twenty three and on. Then I just came up with twentyfree. Sounds funny when you say it out loud, looks cool typographically (double letters are always rad), and I knew if I just didn't choose something soon, I never would. So, that's that, twentyfree.
So now you may be asking yourself, what the heck is twentyfree gonna be all about. Well, my dear friend, whatever I can conjure up in this little head of mine. It's basically all about me, a place where I can be totally selfish and vain. Right now it's just this little [blog], some links to your left, little random polaroids [that change when you hit refresh], and my design portfolio, up top. But this will eventually hold my life. My designs, my art, my photos, my thoughts, my merchandise, and more and more.
So bookmark me dude. Thanks in advance.
posted by melissa at 6:03 pm. |