Chucked by Dave Werner
When I was in college, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to be when I “grew up.” Sifting through the newsprint pages of course offering guides, and clicking through department websites, there was always one overwhelming feeling: none of this sounds like what I want to do. So I fell into the Music and English majors sort of by default, because those were closest to the things I enjoyed. Still, it felt premature and strange to throw all my career aspirations into those buckets. I was equally interested in the extra-curricular activities on the side, like helping with the entertainment committee for a charity event, drawing illustrations for our school newspaper, and playing in a band.
One day, it clicked: I just liked being creative. That desire to be creative has fueled a lot of decisions in the past five years. Going to grad school for design. Moving to Atlanta, Brooklyn and San Francisco. Jumping at opportunities.
School is structured, organized, and has clear goals. Do this for 4 years and get this degree. Take this class and learn this. It’s all laid out for you, and there’s comfort in seeing hundreds - if not thousands - of people on the same direction as you. No wonder there can be such a messy transition into the real world when we finally have to find that first job on our own. There comes a point where you realize no one is going to tell you what to do anymore. No one is going to hold your hand and tell you what your long-term plan is, when to quit a job, where you should move to, or when/if you should get married and have a family. You know - all the big, important, overwhelming stuff.
Life isn’t so clearly cut into semesters and diplomas. So when we come to these critical life decisions, we have to be proactive. We have to write down the pros and cons and weigh them. Talk to family, friends, and mentors and get their diverse perspectives and advice. Do our research and homework. Make the most educated guess we can and follow our gut instinct, because 9 times out of 10, it’s probably the right thing to do. We’re never too busy to explore and pursue our passions.
“I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted.
I am only very, very curious.”
-Albert Einstein
Dave Werner, Designer and Creative Director and Nintendo Master
and President of the Dave Werner Fan Club, San Francisco
Dave’s Blog
Dave’s Portfolio Site
If you would like to submit your own personal experience to Chucked, email it over to: sarah@minus-five.com
June 10th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
You know, Dave Werner is the reason why I got to learn about Portfolio Center, the reason I found your blog, and Tania’s blog, and your whole crew of PC expatriates. He’s unbelievably great at what he does and is one of those people who makes me want to get up off my ass. Dave - what does one have to do to be your friend?
June 10th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
that’s easy. to be dave’s friend, you only have to have one of those “dave werner is a friend of mine” shirts i made up a couple of years ago. or join his fan club.
June 11th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Dude. Thanks for the mention Minus. Just one minor correction: April wanted you to know that she is now in charge of the fan club.
Ana - Facebook > Search > Friend Request > Okay.
June 11th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
april is going to need the t-shirt to make her role official. whenever y’all get up to ny, we’ll have a proper ceremony. alison wants to provide vocals/organ skills and katie said she’ll handle the incense shaking.
June 11th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Well, at least the San Fran contingent of the fan club! Although I’d be happy to lead the whole thing.
Ceremony sounds awesome…as does an NYC trip.
June 11th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Dave Werner is my Co-Pilot.
(2008 shirt idea)
June 11th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
PS- Hi April!!
June 13th, 2008 at 9:06 am
a: we’re totally making those shirts.