The media are not toys… they can be entrusted only to new artists, because they are art forms.
(McLuhan, 1954)
May 28, 2025
I made the first post on February 28 and I’m writing this on May 28. It took me exactly three months to write the second one.
Three months ago feels like at least a year ago. It feels like so much has happened. So, what has happened?
Finalized my first book design portfolio, both digital and physical.
Met Tom and showed him my portfolio. He’s one of only two people I’ve shown it to in person—the other being the owner of the secondhand bookstore, The Monkey’s Paw.
Worked on a self-initiated design project focused on branding, logo design, and ad templates.
Participated in RGD mentorship sessions with my portfolio and design project.
After the sessions, I decided to focus on book design rather than marketing-driven graphic design, even if that means working longer as a custodian at the church.
Designed three self-initiated book covers and one more for submission to the Penguin Random House Canada Design Award. The book was Son of Elsewhere by Elamin Abdelmahmoud.
Right after submitting it, Kyle Schruder—one of the RGD mentors—told me about a portfolio review by PRHC. I worked on it for two weeks, but really focused for a week, since I was also preparing for my photobook workshop, which ended up being cancelled due to no signups.
I submitted the updated PDF portfolio, which included two photobook projects from the previous version and three new book cover designs.
I felt exhausted after the submission, so I’ve taken the last three days to rest.
On the first day of my sort-of vacation, I cleaned my apartment. It had gotten messy because I hadn’t tidied up while working on the submission.
On the second day, I spent more than six hours reading A History of Western
Philosophy by Bertrand Russell to prepare for a meeting with my reading buddy, Young-Jae. We planned to meet the next day—which is today. That evening, I worked at the church and also finished watching the Evangelion movie series, which I had seen before but started rewatching recently.
On the third day—today—I finished reading up to the section we agreed on, wrote down my thoughts, and met with Young-Jae.