so 45,000 times 3 years of graduate school = hella lot of money.

[textileowl]

Therefore, the graduate school thing is currently pushed back at least a year.

$1100/month school loan payments is way too much to spend hoping I can get a fantastic job (+70,000) in fashion and not burn out within the first few years.

Having hashed out the numbers with Jeff's parents, who were fabulous and - while difficult - know money and the economy much better than I do.

So what to do for now?

Work at Mascot - so far I enjoy it and am keeping the flubs down to a minimum.
Work at David's part time when possible - they pay more per hour and it's a good side job even if only for a couple of hours

Research  grad school some more.
- Email UNC and find out what was wanting, what I could improve and what they want to see if I apply again
- Look into more schools

Theatre work when/if possible

Develop a couple of research and sewing complete outfit projects to build portfolio.
This should include undergarments, headgear, and accessories

- linen 1780's gown
- medieval?
-regency?
- victorian
- something 1900's?
-menswear
-  opinions, suggestions?

We've also discussed moving to a cheaper apartment to help save money and try to get our debt controlled. Jeff's parents have offered a one bedroom they own, which they've been having trouble renting out. It's a good bet we'll take it and most likely on a reduced rate. It would mean moving, but we have been anticipating that all year and it also gives us a chance to really plan out how we want the space to work, to organize and ditch things that have been taking up space - metaphorically and physically.

So here is where we'll stay for a while. We need to try and be more social, get out and enjoy Columbus while we can.

Would anyone like to help??

Comments

[devikat.livejournal.com]

I'm looking at UNC too... although there's also a program at Univ. of Virginia... But UNC has the Costume Tech specialty that I really want. I just don't know what kind of background the people applying usually have, especially how it compares to what I've done so far.

I took a few years off after college, and didn't do anything theater, because I was convinced I'd never make any money on doing the historical costumes that I wanted. Not only that, but I hardly sewed for my self for the longest time. Now in the last year I've done a lot of different shows, and I'm starting to get back to my own personal research... I just feel like there must be tons of people who've done more than I have...

So, if you don't mind, I'd love to hear more about what work/shows you've done, etc... Maybe we can give each other ideas about what area we can improve on?

[textileowl.livejournal.com]

Heh, I graduated this fall with a degree for Textiles and Clothing Design. I've not done a whole lot of theatre ever, but was in charge of garb for a one day renaissance festival for three years. I also made two dresses for a fashion show last year.

I need to look into to the theatre scene here, which is alive though small, and see if I can't manage to get more experience.

I'll let you know what UNC says when I manage to email them about the questions I have. It's a hard email for me to write.