Welcome to my blog! My name is Amanda Glassen and I am currently a junior at Indiana University South Bend, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in integrated new media studies with a concentration in graphic design. In 2015, I received an Associate of Fine Arts in visual communications through Ivy Tech Community College. A mother of two rambunctious little boys, my time is mostly divided between picking up the trail of destruction they leave behind and working towards my degree. When I do find myself with a bit of free time and some energy left, I enjoy spending it with my family (that does not involve cleaning), exploring the outdoors, reading and of course, designing. I love to learn and experience new things, though I often have to push myself out of my comfort zone to accomplish the latter. As an introvert, I have found design to be one way to better express myself.
Though I did not begin my formal education immediately out of high school, I have always had a passion for the arts. From a young age I knew I wanted to "create" for my career, although I was never certain how. I would switch between acting, writing, and drawing, never satisfied committing to just one. Ultimately, I found that I was too shy for acting, too captivated by other people's stories to write my own, and extremely intimidated by the talent surrounding me to become a full-fledged artist. However, after taking a graphic design course in high school I was hooked. I had found my niche, knowing that with the right training anything was possible. I still have deep reservations about my own talent, but I feel confident that once I have completed my studies at IUSB, I will have the skills and resources to be successful in my career. I still have no idea what I want to do once I graduate and I'm not sure I ever will. Nevertheless, I look forward to the adventure that lies ahead, as the road could take me anywhere.
If you were to ask me what my favorite of anything was, I would have difficulty answering the question. My tastes are so eclectic that they almost seem to contradict at times. Nonetheless, I can still name things that would be in my "list". Vincent van Gogh is arguably the artist I admire the most, as his passion and emotions pour out of his work. Lost and Game of Thrones would likely be my top two shows, with Parenthood and How the Universe Works up there as well. As far as films go, I feel I would do a disservice to so many by only naming a few, but I have seen Titanic (1997) close to thirty times. Growing up I played the trumpet, so I have an appreciation for classical music and film scores, as well as enjoying music from almost all genres. I would love to be able to create a film, piece of art, or piece of music that moves people, as I have always striven to create something that speaks to a deeper level than aesthetics only. My inclination towards media and the arts has always been due to the emotions that it can invoke, be it love, sorrow, or fear, all without limits.
