Blog #1 My Workplace October 11th
1.What is my workplace called, and what does it do?
My workplace is the Cartoon Art Museum. It provides archived history of cartoons and animation, and presents exhibits year round on many other cartoons as well.
2.Is it a small business, a medium sized business, or a large corporation?
The museum would be considered medium sized, mainly because it is a professional, but also because it takes up two floors of an office building.
3.Where is my workplace located and what does it look like?
The CAM is located two blocks south of Market St on Mission, in a building most people would simple walk by without noticing. The inside of the museum houses thousands of cartoons; original works and history in the galleries, and comics, graphic novels and guides for purchase in the bookshop.
4.How many people work there?
From what I know there are about five actual paid employees and a lot of volunteers. There are usually two or three volunteers a day, many from the Academy of Art, which is down the street.
5.What sorts of people does my workplace employ?
At the moment, CAM employs a Museum Director, a curator, a shop manager, and a supervisor for the weekends. Other than that, the people working around the museum are either part-time or volunteers.
6.Do most of the people there have a 4-year college degree, 2-year college degree, or technical certificate?
Most of the full-time employees have bachelor degrees, while many of the volunteers are either working for a degree, or have one already; most are in an artistic field.
7.Who does my workplace serve?
My workplace serves the general public, many tourists, and art students come in almost daily. Since the Academy of Art University is just down the street, many of the students there come in for research or other projects, or even volunteer.
8.What are the strengths of my workplace?
My workplace and those working there strive to prove that comics and cartoons are not just a simple and inconsequential art form. The main goal is to show the history and style behind comics and to explain how they are relevant to society.
9.What are the weaknesses of my workplace?
A large weakness of the CAM is actually its size. The street front is so small that you may actually miss it if you were walking by. While many tourists are looking for things to do and take notice of the front windows, locals don't give it a second thought and stroll on by.
My workplace is the Cartoon Art Museum. It provides archived history of cartoons and animation, and presents exhibits year round on many other cartoons as well.
2.Is it a small business, a medium sized business, or a large corporation?
The museum would be considered medium sized, mainly because it is a professional, but also because it takes up two floors of an office building.
3.Where is my workplace located and what does it look like?
The CAM is located two blocks south of Market St on Mission, in a building most people would simple walk by without noticing. The inside of the museum houses thousands of cartoons; original works and history in the galleries, and comics, graphic novels and guides for purchase in the bookshop.
4.How many people work there?
From what I know there are about five actual paid employees and a lot of volunteers. There are usually two or three volunteers a day, many from the Academy of Art, which is down the street.
5.What sorts of people does my workplace employ?
At the moment, CAM employs a Museum Director, a curator, a shop manager, and a supervisor for the weekends. Other than that, the people working around the museum are either part-time or volunteers.
6.Do most of the people there have a 4-year college degree, 2-year college degree, or technical certificate?
Most of the full-time employees have bachelor degrees, while many of the volunteers are either working for a degree, or have one already; most are in an artistic field.
7.Who does my workplace serve?
My workplace serves the general public, many tourists, and art students come in almost daily. Since the Academy of Art University is just down the street, many of the students there come in for research or other projects, or even volunteer.
8.What are the strengths of my workplace?
My workplace and those working there strive to prove that comics and cartoons are not just a simple and inconsequential art form. The main goal is to show the history and style behind comics and to explain how they are relevant to society.
9.What are the weaknesses of my workplace?
A large weakness of the CAM is actually its size. The street front is so small that you may actually miss it if you were walking by. While many tourists are looking for things to do and take notice of the front windows, locals don't give it a second thought and stroll on by.
Blog #2: My Mentor October 11th
1.What is my mentor’s name and job? (If I had more than 1, describe them both.)
Summerlea Kashar is the Executive Director for the museum. She oversees many of the business aspects of running the museum as well as the training of volunteers and staff. Andrew Farago is the Curator for the museum and oversees the set-up and deconstruction of exhibits and maintenance of the museum's exhibits. Eliane Sommerfield runs Education Outreach through the museum and also acts as Summerlea on the weekends. Heather Plunkett is the Bookstore Manager, and pretty much shows up everyday with a smile on her face. Like her title suggets, she runs the bookstore and oversees the volunteers that work with her.
2.What is their typical day (or week) like?
Summerlea and Andrew spend much of their time at their respective desks, working away. Heather and her volunteers mind the bookstore by taking care of purchases and displays, but will often have something entertaining playing on the computer if they are not reading. Volunteers such as myself and Marc mind the front desk, when not on a lunch break, and take care of ticket and membership purchases, as well as answering the phone and subsequent questions about the museum and services. At the front desk, you'll find that a sketch book is never to far away, if it's not open already.
3.How did they become interested in this field and what skills/education background did they need?
I am fairly sure that everyone at the museum has at least a like for cartoons if not a burning passion. Summerlea and Andrew both have degrees, and curatorial degrees are also available for those wishing to work in a more general museum setting. Most others have some type of art degree and the aforementioned passion for cartoons.
Summerlea Kashar is the Executive Director for the museum. She oversees many of the business aspects of running the museum as well as the training of volunteers and staff. Andrew Farago is the Curator for the museum and oversees the set-up and deconstruction of exhibits and maintenance of the museum's exhibits. Eliane Sommerfield runs Education Outreach through the museum and also acts as Summerlea on the weekends. Heather Plunkett is the Bookstore Manager, and pretty much shows up everyday with a smile on her face. Like her title suggets, she runs the bookstore and oversees the volunteers that work with her.
2.What is their typical day (or week) like?
Summerlea and Andrew spend much of their time at their respective desks, working away. Heather and her volunteers mind the bookstore by taking care of purchases and displays, but will often have something entertaining playing on the computer if they are not reading. Volunteers such as myself and Marc mind the front desk, when not on a lunch break, and take care of ticket and membership purchases, as well as answering the phone and subsequent questions about the museum and services. At the front desk, you'll find that a sketch book is never to far away, if it's not open already.
3.How did they become interested in this field and what skills/education background did they need?
I am fairly sure that everyone at the museum has at least a like for cartoons if not a burning passion. Summerlea and Andrew both have degrees, and curatorial degrees are also available for those wishing to work in a more general museum setting. Most others have some type of art degree and the aforementioned passion for cartoons.
Blog #3: My Role October 18th
1.What is my main responsibility? What is my “title”?
I mainly work at the front desk of the museum when not on a lunch break, and take care of ticket and membership purchases, as well as answering the phone and subsequent questions about the museum and services. At the front desk, you'll find that a sketch book is never to far away, if it's not open already.
I guess I could call myself the volunteer/intern since both types of work are offered through the museum.
2.What other types of tasks am I completing each week?
Last time I went, I actually helped Eliane and Heather set up and prepare for a book discussion and signing, an in-house local artist for the day, and the Yerba Buena Gallery Walk. I had to go make change at BART for the cash register, set up tables and food for the signing and walk, and help a tourist couple find a good place to eat.
3.What is a regular day like? Describe it from start to finish. Use examples and tell stories.
My regular day is sitting at the front desk, helping patrons and checking bags, doodling and drawing in my free time and performing needed tasks, such as running to BART for change, or taking out the recyclables. At the end of the day, once the museum side closes, i usually help count the earnings for that day, then record it and bring it to Summerlea before leaving.
I mainly work at the front desk of the museum when not on a lunch break, and take care of ticket and membership purchases, as well as answering the phone and subsequent questions about the museum and services. At the front desk, you'll find that a sketch book is never to far away, if it's not open already.
I guess I could call myself the volunteer/intern since both types of work are offered through the museum.
2.What other types of tasks am I completing each week?
Last time I went, I actually helped Eliane and Heather set up and prepare for a book discussion and signing, an in-house local artist for the day, and the Yerba Buena Gallery Walk. I had to go make change at BART for the cash register, set up tables and food for the signing and walk, and help a tourist couple find a good place to eat.
3.What is a regular day like? Describe it from start to finish. Use examples and tell stories.
My regular day is sitting at the front desk, helping patrons and checking bags, doodling and drawing in my free time and performing needed tasks, such as running to BART for change, or taking out the recyclables. At the end of the day, once the museum side closes, i usually help count the earnings for that day, then record it and bring it to Summerlea before leaving.
Blog #4: Project Brainstorm November 1st
1.Describe what I am thinking I’ll do for my WLE project.
I will be making art pieces for my college application portfolio, using the exhibits and history of cartoons as inspiration.
2.How did I come up with this idea?
Well, I needed pieces for my portfolio, and Ms Winn suggested using my internship to my advantage.
3.Why am I excited to actually do this project for the next 3-4 weeks?
Because, I'll be able to use the product for my college application to UC Riverside and Stanford. And everyone knows a Spartan can't wait to go to college.
4.In Academic Seminar, you’ll get help in actually planning out your project, but for now, type your brainstorm of what you’ll need to accomplish in order to finish your project in the next 3-4 weeks.
- Brainstorm concept ideas for pieces
- decide which ideas to use and revise initial concept
- start creating the actual pieces
- finish them!
I will be making art pieces for my college application portfolio, using the exhibits and history of cartoons as inspiration.
2.How did I come up with this idea?
Well, I needed pieces for my portfolio, and Ms Winn suggested using my internship to my advantage.
3.Why am I excited to actually do this project for the next 3-4 weeks?
Because, I'll be able to use the product for my college application to UC Riverside and Stanford. And everyone knows a Spartan can't wait to go to college.
4.In Academic Seminar, you’ll get help in actually planning out your project, but for now, type your brainstorm of what you’ll need to accomplish in order to finish your project in the next 3-4 weeks.
- Brainstorm concept ideas for pieces
- decide which ideas to use and revise initial concept
- start creating the actual pieces
- finish them!
Blog #5: Progress on my WLE Project November 8th
1.What did you do at your WLE today?
As usual, I helped out at the front desk, and worked on concept ideas for my project.
2. What did you and your mentor talk about regarding your project?
Well, we haven't really talked about it, since I only see my mentor for short amounts of time. But, Marc and I both have our sketch books out if there aren't many people coming and going.
3. What have you accomplished on your project so far?
..... beginning to brainstorm. That's actually about it. I mean I've started on one of the concepts, but it's only just started.
As usual, I helped out at the front desk, and worked on concept ideas for my project.
2. What did you and your mentor talk about regarding your project?
Well, we haven't really talked about it, since I only see my mentor for short amounts of time. But, Marc and I both have our sketch books out if there aren't many people coming and going.
3. What have you accomplished on your project so far?
..... beginning to brainstorm. That's actually about it. I mean I've started on one of the concepts, but it's only just started.
Blog #6: Leadership Skills November 15th
1.What leadership skill(s) am I using the most? (Think Critically, Complete Projects Effectively, Collaborate Productively, or Communicate Powerfully?
I think at the moment I am using Productive Collaboration the most, because I work at the front desk most days and with another volunteer, usually Marc.
2. How well am I using this leadership skill at my WLE? How could I improve?
Well, I'm almost never alone, so I'm pretty much working with someone else constantly. But I could be more vocal about things. Like I hung up on someone by accident because I didn't remember how to transfer a call, and I could have asked for help with that.
3.How does this leadership skill help me do my work?
When things get hectic, it takes teamwork to make them run smoothly again. Take last week for example; droves of people came in and Marc and I had to see that each person was properly paid for, their bag checked, and all the while he was still answering the phone and doing data input.
4.What leadership skill does my mentor use the most? Why?
Complete Projects Effectively and Communicate Powerfully. Summerlea is the director of the museum so she needs to stay on top of all of her work, whilst working to make sure every thing is running smoothly with the people downstairs (people in the bookshop, me and Marc, etc).
I think at the moment I am using Productive Collaboration the most, because I work at the front desk most days and with another volunteer, usually Marc.
2. How well am I using this leadership skill at my WLE? How could I improve?
Well, I'm almost never alone, so I'm pretty much working with someone else constantly. But I could be more vocal about things. Like I hung up on someone by accident because I didn't remember how to transfer a call, and I could have asked for help with that.
3.How does this leadership skill help me do my work?
When things get hectic, it takes teamwork to make them run smoothly again. Take last week for example; droves of people came in and Marc and I had to see that each person was properly paid for, their bag checked, and all the while he was still answering the phone and doing data input.
4.What leadership skill does my mentor use the most? Why?
Complete Projects Effectively and Communicate Powerfully. Summerlea is the director of the museum so she needs to stay on top of all of her work, whilst working to make sure every thing is running smoothly with the people downstairs (people in the bookshop, me and Marc, etc).
Blog #7: What I Learned, Reflection November 22nd
1. What have I learned about myself (what I can do, what I like) because of this WLE experience?
I've learned a lot about business and customer service from my WLE, which I think are both going to be very useful. Being able to sell my artistic skills in the future will depend on my ability to do business and make a good impression. Many people come in to the museum seeing if they can sell their work, or agents come in to try to set up an exhibit for their artist. The people that come in and simply leave a card don't usually get contacted again. But those who make the effort and are smart about which moves to make usually are scheduled or end up selling merchandise.
2. What challenges did I face during my WLE and how did I overcome, address, or learn from them?
Some challenges I had this time around with my WLE were, once again, transportation and commuting each Tuesday, interacting with customers on a regular basis and answering their questions, and working with others in a hectic environment. Commuting pretty much is just boring, so I bring something to do, like reading or music. Interacting with customers is job all on its own. Sometimes, though it seems more often than not, there are foreign tourists coming to the museum, so it's hard to understand what some of them are saying. Thankfully, Marc has a bit more experience with this so I can get by fairly easily with customers. Not only that, but on the weekends, or like today when most people have the day off, there are lots of patrons in the museum, thus making everything all the more confusing. Marc and I have learned to tag-team big crowds like this, and will switch off between the cash register and checking in bags.
3. What passions, values, or life lessons did I learn from this experience?
I really do love art, but cartooning is a true passion. Seeing all the different types of illustration in the museum and the artists that visit really show the dedication these people have for their passions. That same dedication and perseverance are lessons I can take away from this internship.
4. How was my creativity put to use during my experience?
I'm using my creativity quite literally in designing my WLE project. I'm using the history of cartoons to create a larger comic illustration to use in my UC Riverside Application portfolio.
5. How did my WLE placement affect me, a community, my environment, or a particular group of people?
Personally, I was able to improve on my artistic skills as well as communication with unfamiliar people. As for the community and environment, working in admissions at the museum I could handle patrons and other matters while Marc or Heather or Summerlea complete other things, making the museum more efficient.
6. What do I believe now that I didn't before about this profession?
There's an immense amount of work put into curating and running the museum! Plus this is a small museum, so I can't even imagine what a larger one like MOMA or the deYoung would be like.
7. What specific skills did I learn or practice during my WLE that are important in this profession?
See #1
8. If someone were to ask me why what I did at my WLE was important, what would I say?
I was able to create a piece for my college portfolio, which helped me to be accepted to the UC Riverside Art Department. I also improved skills related to interacting with a workplace setting during my internship.
9. How will what I have learned from my WLE affect the choices I make in the future?
Two words: College Acceptance.
But really, I learned how to market myself as an artist by speaking with local artists in the museum, as well as the history from the displayed artists and their experiences.
I've learned a lot about business and customer service from my WLE, which I think are both going to be very useful. Being able to sell my artistic skills in the future will depend on my ability to do business and make a good impression. Many people come in to the museum seeing if they can sell their work, or agents come in to try to set up an exhibit for their artist. The people that come in and simply leave a card don't usually get contacted again. But those who make the effort and are smart about which moves to make usually are scheduled or end up selling merchandise.
2. What challenges did I face during my WLE and how did I overcome, address, or learn from them?
Some challenges I had this time around with my WLE were, once again, transportation and commuting each Tuesday, interacting with customers on a regular basis and answering their questions, and working with others in a hectic environment. Commuting pretty much is just boring, so I bring something to do, like reading or music. Interacting with customers is job all on its own. Sometimes, though it seems more often than not, there are foreign tourists coming to the museum, so it's hard to understand what some of them are saying. Thankfully, Marc has a bit more experience with this so I can get by fairly easily with customers. Not only that, but on the weekends, or like today when most people have the day off, there are lots of patrons in the museum, thus making everything all the more confusing. Marc and I have learned to tag-team big crowds like this, and will switch off between the cash register and checking in bags.
3. What passions, values, or life lessons did I learn from this experience?
I really do love art, but cartooning is a true passion. Seeing all the different types of illustration in the museum and the artists that visit really show the dedication these people have for their passions. That same dedication and perseverance are lessons I can take away from this internship.
4. How was my creativity put to use during my experience?
I'm using my creativity quite literally in designing my WLE project. I'm using the history of cartoons to create a larger comic illustration to use in my UC Riverside Application portfolio.
5. How did my WLE placement affect me, a community, my environment, or a particular group of people?
Personally, I was able to improve on my artistic skills as well as communication with unfamiliar people. As for the community and environment, working in admissions at the museum I could handle patrons and other matters while Marc or Heather or Summerlea complete other things, making the museum more efficient.
6. What do I believe now that I didn't before about this profession?
There's an immense amount of work put into curating and running the museum! Plus this is a small museum, so I can't even imagine what a larger one like MOMA or the deYoung would be like.
7. What specific skills did I learn or practice during my WLE that are important in this profession?
See #1
8. If someone were to ask me why what I did at my WLE was important, what would I say?
I was able to create a piece for my college portfolio, which helped me to be accepted to the UC Riverside Art Department. I also improved skills related to interacting with a workplace setting during my internship.
9. How will what I have learned from my WLE affect the choices I make in the future?
Two words: College Acceptance.
But really, I learned how to market myself as an artist by speaking with local artists in the museum, as well as the history from the displayed artists and their experiences.
Blog #8: Professionalism November 29th
1.Remember way back when you were looking for your WLE? In order to find my WLE and get hired, I had to…
For this WLE, I had to call and make an appointment for training. The museum already has a volunteer program, so I just needed the training in order to work there for my internship hours.
2.The most effective way of looking for a job and getting hired is by…
Networking. That's how I found my internship last year at UCSF, through Mr Wild, and it was pretty awesome. This year I didn't have the same opportunity for an internship, so I had to search myself. The whole process was much more difficult and time consuming. Plus, I didn't have the pre-recommendation and vouching as with a networked job.
3.As a result of my WLE, I think being a professional or a responsible adult in the work world means…
Being able to work with others and on your own in equal situations. Meaning, I should be able to handle x amount of work on my own, as well as x and y amount of work when I can work with someone else.
For this WLE, I had to call and make an appointment for training. The museum already has a volunteer program, so I just needed the training in order to work there for my internship hours.
2.The most effective way of looking for a job and getting hired is by…
Networking. That's how I found my internship last year at UCSF, through Mr Wild, and it was pretty awesome. This year I didn't have the same opportunity for an internship, so I had to search myself. The whole process was much more difficult and time consuming. Plus, I didn't have the pre-recommendation and vouching as with a networked job.
3.As a result of my WLE, I think being a professional or a responsible adult in the work world means…
Being able to work with others and on your own in equal situations. Meaning, I should be able to handle x amount of work on my own, as well as x and y amount of work when I can work with someone else.
Blog #9: Life at Mt WLE December 6th
1.What did you do today?
The same as everyday.... well actually we had the Berkeley research group again today, so we were working with them throughout the day. I was racing one guy with chopsticks, while the other girls were "exploiting Marc's artistic talent" for free cartooning. All of course when there weren't patrons.
2.How have you improved as an intern?
I've gradually been able to handle working on my own as I learn more each week. At first i couldn't be left alone at the registar because I didn't know how to input complicated things, but now I'm able to watch the front on my own so Marc or Andrew can work on other things as well.
3.What about your workplace makes it a great or not so great place to work?
I love the variety of people that come into the museum. Some are tourists and just happen to wander in, others are total comic enthusiasts that come a couple times a month at least.
The same as everyday.... well actually we had the Berkeley research group again today, so we were working with them throughout the day. I was racing one guy with chopsticks, while the other girls were "exploiting Marc's artistic talent" for free cartooning. All of course when there weren't patrons.
2.How have you improved as an intern?
I've gradually been able to handle working on my own as I learn more each week. At first i couldn't be left alone at the registar because I didn't know how to input complicated things, but now I'm able to watch the front on my own so Marc or Andrew can work on other things as well.
3.What about your workplace makes it a great or not so great place to work?
I love the variety of people that come into the museum. Some are tourists and just happen to wander in, others are total comic enthusiasts that come a couple times a month at least.
Blog #10: The End December 13th
1. What final thoughts do you have about your WLE?
I really liked being able to see some of the in-house artists that came to the museum. Seeing their work and even how they work gave me more confidence in my own ability to create work.
2. How will this experience affect your future decisions or goals?
As for my future, would still like to go into scientific illustration. Even if cartooning may seem unrelated, I had the chance to see what some artists do in order to be displayed, and the processes used when creating something. I have not changed this aspiration, though I do have a better understanding of what I need to do in order to accomplish my goals.
I really liked being able to see some of the in-house artists that came to the museum. Seeing their work and even how they work gave me more confidence in my own ability to create work.
2. How will this experience affect your future decisions or goals?
As for my future, would still like to go into scientific illustration. Even if cartooning may seem unrelated, I had the chance to see what some artists do in order to be displayed, and the processes used when creating something. I have not changed this aspiration, though I do have a better understanding of what I need to do in order to accomplish my goals.
