It’s the beginning of the quarter, new students are rolling in, and so are the questions. the one that struck close to home is “Do I need to know all the new designers that are out there?” (paraphrase) my answer “No”

I recently went through a similar self inflicted traffic jam when it came to branding blogs. I needed to know who was the industry expert, who’s blog should I read, what do I bookmark and then going through the archives to read every post tagged under “logos”. And of course I feel inadequate when a fashion blog that I never heard of is mentioned as one of the most influential in the blogosphere.


My advise to anyone who thinks they have to be a know it all in the Industry is to first realize that you don’t. It’s more important to have a clear idea of your point B and what vehicle you want to use to get there. Information overload can take away the enjoyment of discovery along your Freeway.

Know what you love and what you enjoy then happily endulge yourself with that, not on what you think you should know. From there add and subtract at your will. There are blogs, designers, other random sources of media and information that I no longer follow due to the fact that they no longer fuel my Freeway. But the ones that have taken their place give me exactly what I need.

Being a FIDM student can be stressful enough in itself, don’t add to it by taking the fun out of the journey. Remember “Happy Travels”. Now go, clear the road and enjoy the ride!

One step forward, just glance back. No Fear, Just DIVA!

You all know what this means. So much do to and now it's time to prioritize. I am taking about a week or so off to finish my sketching midterm project and study for Textile Science midterm #2. I have some great ideas for posts that I would like to do but right now I have got to get this week under control!

But in the meantime here is what has been going on with me.......

• My tuition has been lowered from 12,000 to 7,500!
  
• I am still looking for a second job to cover my monthly payments
• I went to an AWESOME Stylists event held by the Fashion Group International LA, for which I plan on becoming a student member, and passed out some great information
• I was offered an RA position which will take care of housing for a min of 1 Qtr
• I am getting some business cards that I hope will better advertise this blog

Lastly, but very exciting I am the new contributing writer for AndSpeakingofPink.com an amazing blog for young fashionistas! I have to credit Toby Bloomberg of Bloomberg Marketing/Diva Marketing for introducing me to Luckie Daniels who is the head of the site as well as AStrokeofPink.com, check them out.

For my new readers I did a great interview with Toby here. (http://firstthreeinc.blogspot.com/2008/06/from-one-diva-to-another.html)

Okay now I need to run and get to sketching. When I get back I plan on having some great stories to tell you and some revelations I recently experienced. Have a great and productive weekend and week, I know I plan too! Happy Travels!

So have you ever heard the expression "Feast or Famine"? Yeah that's what I am experiencing right now. Serious feast which is causing a bit of a traffic jam....which actually can be a good thing...as I am currently learning.

My former career adviser now sister-friend told me that I have a tendency to "Poodle" , (basically get overwhelmed and go in the corner and shake), but I have gotten so much better because ever since she pointed that out I have learned my triggers.

• When I am overwhelmed I tend to "shuffle the food around my plate"
• I look at the same thing multiple times for a long time with no action
• I play free cell

So now that I know this about myself I have learned how to detect it in its early stages that I may combat Poodling with Productivity.

So recently this is what has been flashing in my brain:

1. This blog is really important to me and I want to keep it as informed as possible as you guys move along your Freeways, or find them in the first place.
   
2. After I became serious about my career I have been all over the Internet and man there are so many resources and companies and interesting things that I want to read, know and learn about, and share with you.
   
3. I don't want to look scatterbrained and just have random posts that make sense inside my head but not to my readers.
   
4. There are people and companies out there that I view as potential employers and I don't want to approach them in an inappropriate, unprofessional manner. I want them to see potential in me, my blog, and my current and previous experience.
   
5. I want my blog to have structure. I want my approaches to be consistent, whether that's with posts or contacting future employers, companies, interviewees.
   

So this is a taste of what I am dealing with: (last list I promise!)

1. I want a banner for this blog. Something really cool that has a car and the Fashion Ave sign and the freeway
2. I want a structured order for my posts
   
3. I have come across a lot of great sites and people that I would like to feature on the blog
4. I have come across a lot of great companies and news sources that I would like to read up on to keep me informed about the industry.
   
• The Moment - by the NYT that features guest bloggers
  
• The Business of Fashion

Those two are just at the top of my list...

So I'm gonna take some time out, crank up the Traveling Music, and write out some ideas. If you have any ideas feel free to leave a Stamp, I would love to hear them.