I'm often reminded from the status quo that the design industry at large is a very competitive market.
--Why does it have to work that way?
In many instances, this is just how the real world works. And in dark modern times, the competitiveness in people outweighs the compassion 10 to 1. Now, I've always thought that anyone can achieve anything that they want. Perhaps a little luck may come into play here and there, but for the most part people are capable of building their own paths in life. The upbringing throughout our common environment has taught us one thing. Pick a lifestyle that is both prestigious to societal standards and make sure your money bag is always full.
"I've had to learn to give up playing it safe.
Regardless of what some people say.
They're ashamed.
Because they don't know what it is to be brave."
--Does being desperate equal direct action?
In an idealistic world, yes. Let me describe to you an instance where direct action took presidence in my own path. I had attended a lecture conducted at the Eisner Museum in Milwaukee Wisconsin where several panelists from local design firms talked about getting started in the market. One particular speaker told us of how he got his foot into it initially as a student It was as simple as looking in the phone book under 'advertising' and calling every single number in hopes of any experience that they might offer. And it worked. Out of the hundred or so calls that he made, he found exactly what he was looking for. I found this rather interesting that sometimes it takes considerable lengths to achieve ones dreams.
"Dreams aren't delivered to you on a silver plate.
You must kidnap your dreams and hold them for ransom."
So I followed suit. Mere weeks later, I called and emailed any contact or number I could find. But I wasn't looking for any compensation other than a little insight into how some members of the local community went about their business. At one point, I took a tour of a small web design firm called Smart Interactive Media. They more or less build and maintain websites for various business' and organizations. I met the president. I told him my story and he told me his.
I repeated this process a number of times over at various firms and agencies. The goal was to get a sneak peak at how and why the industry works the way it does. And although many of the questions went unfulfilled, I feel I've gained a whole plethora of information that I can use as ammunition. In other words, don't settle for a mediocre action process. Unless that is what you want. Build you own path and make it as vibrant of dull as you'd like. Or build two paths and take both routes. See? None of it is actually written or solidified. Clay in your hands.
The next chapter is getting into the nuances that make up independent learning. This lends itself to tracking down national and international artists and entities to succumb to their life stories, books, resources, and direct action. In other words, don't wait for soul power to cross your psyche. Build it from within, and detonate all inhibitions. Connection is the best medication.
"This is how it works.
Wrench the gears and wreck society.
Isn't that what it's all about?"
