Sort of sad it's over!
So I'm done with school. I've been impatiently counting down the days for weeks and now that it's over I'm sad! It's a bittersweet feeling -- I love learning but it's time to stop racking up my financial aid debt and start applying my skills to real life.
(This is the dress I completed for my Couture final -- I had to use a single concept and a combination of detail techniques, remember this post? I went with the concept of a church using pintucks and accordian pleating)
I want to talk for a minute about the past couple of years and what it has meant to me, so bear with me please. Remember two years ago when I was living in Savannah? I was pursuing a graduate degree in photography from SCAD and I got to this point where I was questioning my purpose there. I discovered the AAS Fashion Design program at Parsons while surfing the web and was instantly intrigued. But how could I tell my Hub that I would rather be spending my time/money on this other program in another state? Could I just stop my grad degree right in the middle of it? And was that REALLY what I wanted?
Well thankfully, my Hub is ridiculously supportive of me, and together we held our breath and uprooted from Savannah to NYC. Our only job was Oh, Darling! and we had barely anything booked to shoot for the year. But I started school at Parsons in Jan 2010 in full force and somehow, as the months passed, we were able to find couples who trusted in us and gave us beautiful weddings to photograph.
And now here I am a year and half later with all of my classes completed and working on my next steps. Why do I mention all this here on my blog? I just wanted to speak to anyone out there in the middle of a tough decision, a career change, or thinking about taking a new step in their life. I was terrified to tell people I was changing life plans, moving states, and trying something completely new. But in the end it was one of the best decisions of my life. I can't explain the knowledge I gained at Parsons, how much the hub and I have grown together as photographers and the experiences we've had living in this city. So I just want to say from my own experiences, trust in your gut and follow your dreams now, not later.
So what am I going to do with this handy-dandy fashion degree? I'm in the process of getting together a small collection that will launch this summer! I am beyond excited and hope you will like it as much as I do :) We're spending the summer back in North Carolina which also thrills me, I love that little state and hopefully we'll be able to return more permanently soon.
Whitney Deal
Reader Comments (39)
yay Whitney!! this is gorgeous. You are ridic talented in so many ways, and I love that you take chances and follow your dreams. Its so inspiring, more people should be like you, including me! I envy what you and your hubby did, amazing experience! I look forward to seeing your collection, no doubt it is going to be a show stopper. This dress looks like it is to die for! Not to mention who doesn't love Oh Darling!
xoxo
congrats, and here's to new projects, new beginnings!
Thank you Whitney! I've really enjoyed following your courageous move from the South to NYC and I am so happy it worked out so tremendously :)
I am definitely kind of having a frustrating career moment. I know what I want but not how to get there - I really appreciate the encouragement!
You are so talented and seem like such a lovely person, I can't wait to see what amazing things you dream up next!
keeping your encouraging words in mind as we prepare for our big move! courage!
Congratulations! That is an enormous accomplishment after taking such a leap. The dress is quite spectacular and I can't wait to see what you come up with next. I see much success in your future!
oh so beautiful....love the colour... can't wait to see the collection.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rosabellebyvasu
Congrats! That is such an accomplishment. You're so talented, I can't wait to see the line! I know I will drool over every piece.
Whitney, I think this post is so wonderful because I've also had the experience of changing direction. For me, the situation was not that I "changed my mind" about my initial career path, so much as I wanted to stay true to the fact that I am a person who has many different passions; I didn't want to limit myself to being or doing just ONE thing. So, after I earned my first degree in fashion design (from FIT--had lots of Parsons buddies! :-D) I went on to earn degrees in English and Education, too, because I loved literature and writing just as much as I loved visual arts and design. So your post today really struck a chord with me; I think we so often limit ourselves by buying into the cultural myth that tells us we can be only one thing in life, which, when you think about it, is quite ridiculous, since every single person I know is multifacted and multi-talented. How can any of us be or do just one thing our whole lives?! Anyway, I just wanted to chime in to congratulate you on graduating and to say that I completely relate and know exactly where you're coming from. (And have the student debt to prove it, lol.) And your couture dress is beautiful--great job! Can't wait to see what you create in the future. xo
the dress is lovely as is your post.
go forth and continue with all the many lovelies.
Congratulations! :)
Beautiful work, as always. I wanted to thank you for writing these words. I've been having a hell of a year so far and I've been thinking of switching directions. It's like your post was meant to be read by me, today, not a year from now, but today. Congratulations of your degree. You sound so very happy. I can't wait to see your collection. Best of luck and thanks for your words.
Thanks for sharing - it's always so easy to put things off, and so darn scary to just do them. The leap is the hardest part! And congrats on your final project - it's absolutely stunning!
congrats, whitney!!!!!
Congratulations on finishing school. I couldn't agree with your advice more - and I hope to live that way always!
congratulations!
and thank you for such an inspiring post.
your work looks absolutely stunning, btw:)
xx
Congratulations!!! What a huge step to leave one program and state to attend another. Sometimes the things that change us the most are the hardest to take. So happy for you guys that everything seems to be going so well! Congrats again my dear!
your work is so beautiful! thanks so much for sharing your adventure with all of us.
you have no idea how encouraging your words are - especially today - as my husband and I will be making our big move from florida to nyc in less than 2 weeks.
can't wait to see your collection!
Congratulations on all your incredible work! You went with your heart and for that I find you a very inspirational person :)
You are truly an inspiration, I look forward to seeing what is in store for you next!
Congratulations, Whitney! Amazing work. I am in a similar boat as well. I studied graphic design in college but it took me a while to realize it's really not what I want to do. I've recently discovered how much I enjoy cooking but am afraid to take the leap. I'm the type to have a wide variety of hobbies and I'm afraid that once I jump I'll just move onto the next thing!
Wow. this couldnt have come at a better time. I look up to a few bloggers, and you are one that Ive checked everyday for a long time now !! ( a little embarassed) I am in the middle of making that same tough decision. SCAD and parsons just happen to be among the schools that im considering. good for you for following your dreams!!!!! cant wait to see your new line!
What an immaculate dress! Congratulations on completing Parsons!
This post could not be more timely for me, I'm toying with a complete 180 in terms of life/career goals and loved hearing that its ok to follow your dreams. Can't wait to see your collection this summer!
the dress is stunning! i can't wait to see what you make next.
What an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing! I dropped my "real" job to go to grad school this year, in fiction writing, no less, so it is good to hear that other people following their hearts have doubts but ultimately feel that it's right. Here's to great leaps and your talent!
And NC wants you back, I'm sure.
Laura (maid of honor in Kelly and Brian's wedding last August)
Everyone knew you would succeed in whatever you chose to do! That's what you do... make things happen! I love it! I can't wait to see your collection! If you are near Greensboro, I'd love to see you and catch up... before you get all famous and stuff ;)
And, slightly a side note: I too am doing something completely different as a career/in life and it has been an interesting journey! There are future goals of owning a boutique one day... maybe I can carry your fashions! you never know where life will lead and it is wonderful to be open for options and new paths :)
big hugs!