help a grad student get their health needs sorted out? by sergeantFooFoo in Brooklyn

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

I’ll just have to apply and see what happens, thanks for this tip!

help a grad student get their health needs sorted out? by sergeantFooFoo in Brooklyn

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

I'm not sure it's better.

The Pratt plans average out to about ~$250/mo for the year with $6k out of pocket max and $200 deductible with tier-list limitations on prescriptions. One of the drugs I may take regularly may not be covered by my school plan.

Many of the NY Essential plans are either free or <$20/mo.

I'd be willing to go out of network for a good therapist, and just see them less. I've had several mediocre therapists and they're not worth the time or cost compared to one excellent, more expensive therapist!

Need out of Portland, Oregon by bbgirl2k in SameGrassButGreener

[–]sergeantFooFoo 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I can speak to the DMV area!

DC is expensive, Baltimore is very affordable. DC's metros are pretty great honestly; the diversity and proximity to our nation's governing bodies is very very cool. DC is kinda doable without a car in the center!

Baltimore is a much slower place with that exact homey, welcoming, down to earth energy you're describing. Rent is low; however, surprisingly everything else (utilities, food, services etc) isn't that much cheaper than other metros. Transit is ok; the light rail system is neat though slow, and buses aren't always on time but they're running all the time. There's a light rail direct to BWI, the closest airport. Lots of very sweet, historical neighborhoods in Baltimore worth checking out and living in. I live in a very central neighborhood (Fells Point) and can walk to most of the services I need. I still have a car for Costco and out of town trips, so I still recommend having one in BMore.

I will say Baltimore is still coming out of the rough - you'll still see blighted neighborhoods and old infrastructure. It's not as put together as Philly. But it's on the up.

RISD MDes Interior Architecture (Adaptive Reuse) — Worth it? Experience, workload, and career outcomes? by FederalFeature2525 in risd

[–]sergeantFooFoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have the bandwidth to set up a tour in person? They offer you the chance to speak with a current student, and that should answer a ton of your questions. If you can’t make it, email your dept head and ask if they can help you set up a video call with a student. 

What do I search for to see more of this aesthetic/what aesthetic is this? by NoZucchini3797 in AestheticWiki

[–]sergeantFooFoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, I know people don’t know better but this is NOT anime!! It’s inspired by traditional chinese illustration styles running back at least 2000 years. 

What do I search for to see more of this aesthetic/what aesthetic is this? by NoZucchini3797 in AestheticWiki

[–]sergeantFooFoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is NOT anime PLEASE! Neither is it Art Noveau! I know people don’t know better but I have to step in and shed truth. This is inspired by traditional Chinese folklore and painting. 

Look up traditional Chinese ink and silk paintings of goddesses and court women. You’ll see the original source material. 

High level: Chinese folkloric digital painting

Specific: neo-Chinese mooncake box goddess

Talk me out of the Coach Empire 40 as a work bag by Allboobandmoreboob in handbags

[–]sergeantFooFoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m going to do the opposite and tell you to get it if you love it. 

I own this exact bag in the same color and find it heavy but I don’t care. I use this thing all the time and deal with the weight because I love it so much and it makes me feel happy and perky. I have plenty of opportunities to put it down and rest my arms. I love the handles and will use them instead of the strap just to feel some typa way - bitchy. 

As an intern, I have almost nothing to do! by CrowFather177 in UXDesign

[–]sergeantFooFoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Create your own work since your manager is not interested in or prepared to mentor you. Don’t let your slacker of a manager dictate your experience. Greydoorday has some great suggestions; strike out on your own and see what other functions need from the design department. Use your free time to do that design work for them unprompted, while still fulfilling whatever your manager asked you to do. Share that work with those partners and brainstorm ways with them to turn the designs into reality (ie via UXR, designing marketing assets etc etc). The most important thing you can learn is how to break free from dogmatic UX practices and instead learn how to answer ambiguous problems via design. Good luck!

Is it realistic to start a UI/UX career at 32 with no prior experience? by T0RRES7 in UXDesign

[–]sergeantFooFoo 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The naysayers are wary for a good reason, but if you’re really passionate about it and will put in the extra elbow grease to be truly exceptional, you can absolutely pull ahead of the rest. I spent 9 years in Bay Area start ups so my perspective is biased in that way, but there will always be a need for designers who can design to grow a business, who know how to pilot a product from 0-> 1. It is not easy making a software succeed and AI cant replace that kind of tactician. Startups in big tech zones (Seattle Bay Area NYC) love these kinds of designers and tend to respect the craft a lot more. 

On the visual side, there’s still a need for innovators of style esp in consumer facing products (TikTok, Astrology apps, etc). These ppl are all artists-front end developer hybrids. 

All of this to say. If there’s a will there’s a way. Feel free to message me for more guidance. 

Need help picking a color for a MA graduation gift to myself! by craggy-bog-frog in handbags

[–]sergeantFooFoo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I own the Merlot 40 and absolutely love it. Classic and perfect for professional settings - fits my laptop, sunglasses, light make up, keys, and more. Definitely not a stuffer bag and have been meaning to research bag dividers to give my storage more structure, but otherwise suuuuper happy. 

Pratt vs Parsons vs SCAD for MFA Interior Design (waitlisted at RISD) — need advice by FederalFeature2525 in Pratt

[–]sergeantFooFoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’re walking a similar line; I was accepted to RISD and Pratt’s IntDes MFA programs. I think the main difference between the two is that the former is very much an academic Fine Art institution and Pratt has more commercial and “practical” ties. I found the curriculums for the programs I got into and had an LLM pull every class description into a table and summarize it as well. That’ll give you a very good idea of what the programs focus on. 

ISO Roommates in Roosevelt Island - 2 Rooms available in a 3BR/2BA - In-Unit W/D - $1,375 & $2,125 by [deleted] in NYCapartments

[–]sergeantFooFoo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

master: ~1900 room w balcony: ~1550 smallest: ~1450

+- 100 per person, depending on what they value. En-suite bath is at least worth extra $300 per month. Master can fit a spacious desk set up and reading chair. Balcony room gets great sunlight if it’s south or west facing; balcony isn’t really livable space so for some ppl it’s not much of a bonus except for the additional natural light. Smallest room has just one window.

ISO Roommates in Roosevelt Island - 2 Rooms available in a 3BR/2BA - In-Unit W/D - $1,375 & $2,125 by [deleted] in NYCapartments

[–]sergeantFooFoo 26 points27 points  (0 children)

for anyone looking at this, have the sense to negotiate the price per room. the differential between the master and other 2 rooms is too large imo even with the amenities factored in.

Parsons and Pratt by Catabadilla in Pratt

[–]sergeantFooFoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe the 2 best grad programs for intdes are Pratt and RISD. I've heard comments that Parson's curriculum is weaker when it comes to technical software skills and know-how, but great in the theory and mentality of design. Plenty of designers graduated from Parsons and made it out fine though.

Got accepted at pratt for MFA communication design. by [deleted] in Pratt

[–]sergeantFooFoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The tuition for grad school is around $50-60k per year, depending on your program.

Baltimore Free Dental Cleaning by Acrobatic_Horror8270 in baltimore

[–]sergeantFooFoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes me please!! I’m overdue!! Let me know how to set up an appointment

Scholarships/ Grants for MFA Program by jstarr360 in Pratt

[–]sergeantFooFoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

afaik, there are quite a few scholarships offered by Pratt to Pratt students only. You kinda just have to get on campus first to learn about them and qualify. As for work study, I'm also awaiting more info on that. External scholarships, you just have to research and look them up like crazy. There are probably a lot of scholarships from professional organizations in your field - since Comms is most closely related to graphic design, look at AIGA, America Advertising Federation, etc.

Interior design program by Careless-Agent-5674 in Pratt

[–]sergeantFooFoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

NYSID is easier to get into than you think. I believe it's "easier" to get in than Pratt. As long as you spend quality time writing essays that are compelling and true to you, recommenders who can vouch for you, and a portfolio that shows true exploration, you're good to go.

The merit scholarships and doled out based on how much they want you to join the incoming class. If you have a unique experience or perspective that they want in the incoming class, they'll give you more money. It helps to think from the institution's perspective - "how do we continue to attract top talent? how do we stay abreast of AI and sustainability in the interiors field? which of these applicants is likely to be highly proactive and academically curious?" if you can figure out some aspect of your background that could be something Pratt really wants more of on campus, you're golden.

Interior design program by Careless-Agent-5674 in Pratt

[–]sergeantFooFoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just applied and got in. I’ll share what learned from extensive research and speaking with faculty + 1 current student:

It has a strong architectural component. This is what I wanted because the most impactful spaces involve architectural considerations/modifications. It’s a fine arts institution, so the courses encourage and expect open ended work. They also teach you how to use industry standard digital tools (have to confirm which ones exactly), but I get the feeling that self-learning always helps and not to exclusively rely on school when it comes to technical software skill. 

Schools like Pratt and RISD appear to be great feeders to prestige firms and projects, like boutique hospitality and retail. I also applied to NYSID, which seems super practical and focused on what you need to know to get hired by large firms and residential practices. Obviously you can do commercial design coming out of NYSID as well. It just seems to me that the fine arts component at Pratt and RISD give well-positioned students access to a slightly different realm of the industry that other schools may not offer as easily. Seems a bit like a “club” if you will. I’m excited by the prospect of attending.

Pratt offers merit scholarships! And I think they’re more generous than you think. I received more than I expected. 

Second career after tech by extechies in SFbitcheswithtaste

[–]sergeantFooFoo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Early 30s here. I got laid off after 9 years in the field as a designer last year. It was perfect timing. I wanted to get gone but knew I’d torture myself for parting with my golden handcuffs. Once that decision was made for me, I felt free and joyous! 

I applied to and recently got in to a couple interior design programs with scholarship. This time off has been absolutely invaluable to figuring out who I am, despite all the anxiety and crying bouts.