Scary Summer

I've been on the look-out for jobs lately, and I'm starting to get back into being productive. I really hit a wall after graduation, seeing as so many people expected so many different things out of me. I'm kind of used to it by now, being on the verge of a breakdown at the end of every semester. However, this one came with more of a relief. Now I can do the things I've been wanting to do all throughout college: do gesture drawings without someone hovering over my shoulder, read books that aren't required of me, work on a part of my website that isn't due next week, etc. It's quite refreshing.

The next step is to get ready for Siggraph, since I have to be there for the full week to work as a Student Volunteer. I just ordered my plane tickets, as well as business cards. This time I can afford the indestructible cardstock, which makes me feel somewhat more accomplished. I arranged to stay a few extra days to not only take advantage of this summer thing that is non-existent in the North West, but also to visit some studios in LA and San Diego. I'm trying to finish my senior project ("Labor of Love") in order to push my portfolio to another level before I leave, as well. In addition to this, I'm adding my blog to my website, which also entails a new design. I want it to be a little more cohesive switching between my posts and my professional portfolio. I'm not quite sure if it's possible, but I'm pretty crafty with taking something that already exists and changing things around to make it my own. I wouldn't call myself a "webmaster", rather a "web-improviser" might be more fitting.

So, next step? I'm molding my resume into several versions to fit certain companies, types of jobs, and level of detail for my industry skills so that I can at least make some money while I figure out what I'm doing up here in Seattle. I have also begun the application process for Animation Mentor in order to fully grasp what it is to be an animator. I'm not sure if I can afford it, even if I were accepted, but at least I am attempting to make my future fall into place, right?

Until next time, enjoy your summer. I know I'm looking forward to mine :)

Last Semester of College

My last semester of college is about to start. I'm directing a 3 minute animation that is due at the end of the semester. I think we are off on the right foot and I'm really excited to see what we come up with. I'll post some sketches and test cell shading renders to give you an idea, but it's about Cupid in the modern world. During the semester, I will be focusing on theater directing (I finished my theater minor, but I wanted to keep taking classes!), MEL scripting, and peer mentoring for 3D animation. Of course, there's some random General classes I have to finish before the big grad day, but they aren't worth mentioning. All in all, it will be a hardcore semester and I think I'll appreciate the break. Well, it's time to rig. Later.

End of the semester

Finished with my second to last semester of my college career! Yay! I got bored after my last final so I decided to work on my website since I got a new host (godaddy.com) now. I'm super stoked that I actually have relevant work experience to put on my resume now :) . I'm officially becoming a professional and I love it! So I have a lot to do at work tomorrow and my animation is premiering in class on Friday, so hopefully it goes well. I will post the final edit on my website and put a link in here. Wish me luck! I spent the entire semester animating it ;)

Welcome!

Hey. I've never had a blog before. It's more facebook and (in the olden days) myspace and me making observations about the world. However this is going to be specific to my discoveries as an animator and artist. So be patient, I'll be rearranging a few things, and hopefully I'll have it up in a timely manner. Who knows. I'm currently working on getting www.sonyaballas.com up again (my host sucked and lost my faith...) and getting it organized with all of my work. You can visit it anytime, however if it doesn't work, blame Dotster.com. I paid my fees and did my time and it still doesn't work...

I'm not sure if blogs allow comments or feedback, but if it does, I'm always in need of a good opinion. However, if it doesn't I can always set up a comment section in my website. Happy tidings and I hope you enjoy my blog!