Yes, I'm still here.

It's been too long since I've blogged. The last couple weeks have been absolutely insane for me. The insanity will continue for the rest of the month - but I wanted to quickly update you on everything that is going on.

First. GREAT news. I accepted a job offer! It was the internship I told you about a couple posts ago. I will start out as the marketing intern and will hopefully begin as a FT employee at the end of August-beginning of September. The people are great - the culture is amazing - the space is beautiful - the opportunities are endless. I can't wait to start. My first day is the Monday after graduation, June 21st. I won't have a break between school and work, but I am just fine with that because I am so thankful for this opportunity!

Second. Great/not-so-great news. My portfolio is complete!! Printed, bound and in the hands of my instructor so that I can graduate! Some blood, sweat and tears were shed while creating that little book but it was all worth it.  The not-so-great part is when I presented my portfolio to an industry professional yesterday. First thing that wasn't good: I was presenting to a creative person, not an account. There are significant differences between the two disciplines, so pitching an account portfolio to a creative professional is a big challenge. The whole time I was presenting, this gentleman (I'll call him Bob) had a puzzled look on his face like I was trying to explain quantum physics to him. At the end of my presentation, Bob told me that presenting my portfolio as a cookbook is a major risk and not many people are going to like it or even understand it. Bob said that if I presented my portfolio to his coworker, who is an account person, he would laugh at me and say that I'm crazy. I stood up for myself and said that I am willing to take that risk - my main objective is to set myself apart from all other account portfolios. If someone doesn't like what I've done with my portfolio, than I'm not right for the position or that company. Bob said, "Well fine - if you're ok with not having a job." I pushed right back, "I have already secured a job, so that's not an issue for me." He let out a sarcastic chuckle.

A couple weeks ago I met with a senior account planner at a top ad agency in Minneapolis. I explained to him the concept behind my portfolio and his response was: "That is excellent. You can't have a portfolio without a concept. Everything you do in the industry MUST have a concept behind it." I told Bob what this senior account planner said to me and of course, Bob just rolled his eyes.

I went into this presentation expecting criticism - constructive criticism. Bob should have embraced the idea of a concept within a portfolio without shooting it down right away. My portfolio is cutting edge and risky. Being a risk-taker is what gets you to places in life. I am a risk taker.

Some of my risks:

1. Going to a non-traditional school, The Art Institutes International MN
2. Writing a petition to the school president about major scheduling issues
3. Getting married while in school full-time and working part-time
4. Presenting my portfolio as a cookbook
5. Accepting a position that is a 3-month internship, with the hopes of a full-time position
6. Sticking up for myself. Telling Bob that if someone doesn't like my portfolio, it's not my problem.

I want to be ahead. I want to be cutting-edge. I want to set myself apart.

I was very upset last night after my presentation but as I reflect back I have realized that Bob is behind, I am ahead. Just because Bob is a professional and I am a new graduate, doesn't mean he is above me. I think I could teach him a thing or two.

Now, I'd like to invite you to come see my portfolio! An open house, Friday, June 18th from 9-12 is our portfolio show at Solera restaurant in Minneapolis. I hope to see you there!

Love.

ps. If you come see my portfolio, I'll have a tasty treat for you! Handmade!