Friday, June 30, 2006

First Week High

First week down, two and a half more years to go!

These first few days at school have mostly consisted of orientations and introductions. I’ve met my professors and they all seem to be very smart and talented people, as they should be! I’ve also made quite a few friends. It’s interesting to have classmates from different backgrounds -- from high school graduates to working mothers. I’m right in between!

So, how did I find my first week at Interior Design school? I’m happy to say that I’m becoming more convinced that this is right for me. (I should make it right for me -- I’ve enrolled already! Haha!) Remember those questions on my first entry? Well, it looks like I’m getting some answers. You see, studying development economics and all that social justice stuff at that school on Katipunan has taught me to look at things from a less self-centered point of view. There was something that was said by one of my professors that really struck me. He said that Interior Design is pure luxury. It is a necessity to build homes, but having an interior designer come in to decorate your house is not. It is a pure luxury which only rich people can afford. If you want to become rich as an Interior Designer, you will get rich, because you serve the rich. So that was what he said. For someone who wants to get rich, this would be good news.

But, but, but...Interior Design would be my future work. How can it be my life, my passion, and my contribution, if it only serves the whims and wants, not even the needs, of the few fat and rich people in their gated subdivisions? This thought really bothers me!

Good thing my professor came up with something. He followed by saying that Interior Design is indeed pure luxury, but we spread this luxury out to others who are less likely to be able to afford it. By training their students to become the “hirers” and not the “hirees,” interior designers do no small bit by providing jobs to other people who need it, like the draftsmen and carpenters. Yep! Pretty close to a Ms. Universe answer right? But that would have to do, I guess. I hope I would be able to put that into practice in the future, and maybe do something more. Only then could Interior Design truly be my work, my life, my passion, and my contribution. (Yes, sorry for the cheesiness. I’ve been reading too much Karim Rashid already, I know.)

With that said, I’m ready to do the artsy high! Creative Nametag Project, Drafting and Freehand homework, here I come!!!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Welcome to My Room

I don't remember when I decided I wanted to become an Interior Designer. I initially wanted to take up Interior Design right away for college. But due to certain factors (i.e. Mom!), I took up Management Economics instead. After that four-year course though, I still wanted to become an Interior Designer. And so here I am.

If you ask me why I
want to become one, I wouldn't have a clear-cut answer for you either. At the time, I guess, it sounded like something I could really get into. Naturally, I would always feel at ease in beautiful surroundings, and I would love to be able to have others experience that. I simply just like the idea of making things beautiful.

When I tell my friends that I'm starting school in a few days, they reply with one or another version of the following words: "Finally! You're about to fulfill one of your dreams. Are you excited?" I usually reply that yes, I am grateful for the opportunity and that yes, I am excited! But what I don't usually answer them with is the line of questioning that seems to find its way into my mind more frequently as Monday approaches, questions such as: Do I really want to be an Interior Designer? Am I even capable of becoming one? Is it the right thing for me? and Is Interior Design truly my passion?

I made this blog in part to help me answer those questions. This blog will contain writings about what I learn and do at school, and my opinions and feelings about it. I would also like to share my experiences with other people who may find it useful or interesting -- my friends, design students, professionals, anyone with a general interest in design.

So, hi. I am Misty, an interior design student in the Philippines. Welcome to my little room on the Internet. Your comments would be appreciated. Make yourself comfortable!