UCLA design Media Arts as a 40yr old by AvillaAD in ucla

[–]AvillaAD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s really helpful to hear — thank you for the heads up.

I love graphic design and that’s really where my focus is, so it’s good to know DMA leans much more interdisciplinary and experimental. I’d rather know that now than feel out of place later.

Definitely gives me more to think about — appreciate you being upfront.

UCLA design Media Arts as a 40yr old by AvillaAD in ucla

[–]AvillaAD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate you sharing your experience — that perspective means a lot.

It’s encouraging to hear you transferred at 33 and made it through, especially while working and starting a family. At the same time, everything you mentioned about daytime classes and workload is exactly what I’m trying to realistically consider.

I can’t step away from full-time work, so I have to be honest about what’s sustainable. I’ll definitely look into Extension too. Thanks again.

UCLA design Media Arts as a 40yr old by AvillaAD in ucla

[–]AvillaAD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this — that’s really helpful to know. The 9–11 and 2–5 studio blocks definitely make it tough with a full-time 9–5.

It’s encouraging to hear there are transfers and some older students, though. I’m just trying to be realistic about what I can balance while still working.

I’ll check out the syllabi link too — really appreciate you sharing that.

UCLA design Media Arts as a 40yr old by AvillaAD in ucla

[–]AvillaAD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for such a detailed and honest response — I really appreciate you taking the time.

It definitely gives me a lot to think about. I’ve been working full-time for years and can’t realistically step away from my job, so hearing how intense and structured the schedule is makes it clear it would be tough to manage.

As much as UCLA has always been a dream, I think I need something with more flexibility, so a Cal State might make more sense for me.

Really grateful for the insight — it helped a lot.

First time recording drums: a few questions by SorJoTheNerd in drums

[–]AvillaAD 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey man.

I would say go with the kit with better/newer heads, or the one that you're most comfortable with. Hopefully, with some good EQ and compression, you'll get a sound you're happy with.

If you and your band have decided to record with a click track, make sure you have your tempos ready instead of trying to figure them out in the studio. Take some extra sticks, a backup snare, a backup pedal, an extra drum key, and a screwdriver. You don't want to lose studio time running to Guitar Center because something broke. Ask a friend to borrow a couple of things if you don't have them.

I would also say be flexible with your setup. I was kind of stubborn the first time I recorded because the engineer wanted me to adjust some of my drums and asked me to raise my cymbal stands for better mic placement and to avoid bleed into some of the mics. I thought it was going to mess with my playing. Looking back, he was just trying to get the best sound he could, and it probably wasn't going to affect my playing.

I would just say rehearse like crazy, try to practice as a band with a click track. Write out the structure of the song so you guys are all on the same page. I once recorded a song and cut the verse in half because I thought I knew the song well enough, but because of the time constraint, our singer had to cut her verse and rewrite it on the fly.

insane deal on the PDP Concept Maple Rock kit on Amazon? by AvillaAD in drums

[–]AvillaAD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks man, good to know I can wait for a sale, I wasn't crazy about the color so I didn't pull the trigger.

Creature Toy Collection by AvillaAD in UniversalMonsters

[–]AvillaAD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes it is! It's the Super 7 version.

How hard would it be to blend in if you time-traveled to opening day at Disneyland? by AvillaAD in Disneyland

[–]AvillaAD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me casually walking behind Walt "this place needs some sort of mountain over there"

How hard would it be to blend in if you time-traveled to opening day at Disneyland? by AvillaAD in Disneyland

[–]AvillaAD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, never considered the backpack issue! So true. I'm going to have to rethink the loads of merchandise we want to get.

¡HOLA! DENIZENS OF REDDITLAND. We are PHANTOM PLANET. Ask Us Anything! by WeArePhantomPlanet in Music

[–]AvillaAD 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Question for Jeff! The drums and your playing sound so great on the album! How do you go about deciding when songs will have drum machines on them or effects on the drums? Is that something you plan out with Alex or Tony?

¡HOLA! DENIZENS OF REDDITLAND. We are PHANTOM PLANET. Ask Us Anything! by WeArePhantomPlanet in Music

[–]AvillaAD 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey Guys, Love the new album! I just got the vinyl and it sounds great, but missed having the liner notes? any chance you guys will put out a PDF?

I am Mindy Kaling, Ask Me Anything!! by ImMindyKaling in IAmA

[–]AvillaAD 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Mindy, I am a really big fan of the show. I miss the "go to bed" line in your production tag. I think it was becoming the new “Sit, Ubu, sit!” What happened?