So, if the name of my blog wasn’t a big enough clue, I’m both an artist and an engineer. I applied to art schools as well as schools for engineering, and I still continue some studies in the arts. Art has been a passion of mine since I was a child, constantly doodling over everything. And when I mean everything, I mean EVERYTHING. I used to get yelled at in middle school for it, but complimented on it in high school. Go figure. Anyway, my family really knows that I have a passion for art, and they show it in the most random of times.

Old graphic design project from high school

For example, there have been times when I’m talking to my mother, and she says “Sometimes I wonder if I should’ve let you go to art school.” Sure, I get kind of mad since she tells me this NOW, but at the same time, I guess she had the right idea. My oldest sister ended up going to school for Graphic Design, and really didn’t end up doing much with it. I can’t say she’s not happy, she loves what she does, it’s just art school burnt her out. And my other sister went to school for Civil Engineering, and she pursued her career more, so of course my mom decided for me to go more along that path. I just want to add that the sister that’s an engineer is also feeling burnt out now, and my mom is realizing that its not because of the major, just the passion. Once you work yourself to the bone, its hard to see if there’s passion there anymore.

From left to right: Me, my sister (graphic designer), and her boyfriend

Any way, back to the point of this post. At the beginning of July, my sister (the engineer) got married, but about a year ago, she asked me if I could do her a huge favor. She asked me to design the paper goods for her wedding. Now, one would think, “Oh I just have to design the invitations and maybe 1 or 2 other things.” Nope. I had to design the Invitations, Programs, Table Numbers, Menus, Drink Menu’s, Guest Book signs, Specialty cocktail signs, etc. It was a lot more work then I thought it would entail. But in the end, she loved it, and that’s all I really cared about.

The programs were also fans!

But at the same time, it sparked some sort of revelation in me. At Hopkins, I was so busy with classes that I really didn’t have a lot of time for art. It’s sad, because it’s something I really love. So I’ve decided that this semester I’m going to try to do at least one piece of art a day, whether it be a sketch or something more intense. I think art helps get your creative juices flowing, and that can be applied elsewhere, especially in engineering. A lot of people don’t see the connection, but the main premise of engineering is problem solving. You not only have to logically solve a problem, but you need to be innovative. So, as a supplement to my studies this semester, I plan on being more artistic.

80% doodles, 20% notes

I mean, what’s there to lose in doodling all over everything, right? Except maybe a few points on a problem set, that is.