Another Day in the Life

9am: arrive at my Soft Toy class - lay out my Princess Monster color drawings, sketches, early prototypes of my monster, and sewing supplies.

9:30: transfer pattern shapes of my princess monster to muslin fabric

10am: Start cutting out patterns. Begin to ask classmates where we should eat for lunch, as we have a larger break today before the next class, and the weather is beautiful. They all mumble something indecisive, (as usual)

10:30: Act jovial, as visitors from the Toy Industry Association bring their kids to see our class for "Bring Your Kids to Work Day"

10:40: One boy looks at my princess monster drawing. I say, "Do you have any questions?" And he asks, "Why is one tooth is larger than the other?" I say, "Well, she's imperfect. Like people are imperfect. And I thought it would be funny." Later, he says, "Good luck!" He seems nice, but I can't tell if he's being sincere or facetious.

11:00: Help my classmate figure out how to adjust her plush monster shape, so that it has more of a old-man beer belly

11:15: Start sewing my third prototype for my princess monster. Hear my Plush Toy teacher announce that she's five months pregnant with her fourth child!

noon: Start to freak out as hunger rage sets in

12:20: Frantically find cookies in my emergency snack box to eat, knowing that my classmates take forever to pack up and agree on lunch

12:30: pack up and head out the door to lunch, hoping the rest will hurry up

12:45: Run across the street to get "Parksberry" (a Pinkberry knockoff), only to find that their yogurt machine is broken!

1pm: Get exasperated waiting for the last student to join us for lunch, promptly grabbing two of my classmates to finally go find a new place for lunch

1:15: subway uptown to 42nd Street, then delight in the beautiful, sunny weather while wandering around Times Square

1:30: Finally decide to eat at Junior's, which I had never been to. They bring out free pickles and beets!! I have a chocolate egg cream drink, egg salad, and a delicious matzo ball soup. I decide that I love this place, for its retro decor & music and yummy homestyle food.

2:30: walk briskly to the MoMA, where we are meeting our History of Industrial Design teacher for a tour. We check out the 3rd floor exhibit of Industrial Design, and then the Elastic Mind exhibit, where I spot one of my ex-coworkers' new media art (and also co-alumni of UCLA). Especially amused by the interactive shadow monster art, the Jonathan Harris piece on internet dating, and the products for a "lonely man." Decide that I'll have to go back later, since it's crowded and I'm too tired to look at everything.

4:45: Check out the bookstore, since our teacher offered his staff discount to us. Note a couple book titles to mark on my wishlist.

5:15: Join two classmates to hunt for doll accessories for our plush toys. They need shoes and I need a tiara. We walk over to American Girl, which I've never been to. It's a madhouse of girls and doting parents, and I am unimpressed by the aesthetics of these dolls. They have maybe 30 variations of the doll faces to choose from. But I am surprised to see that the one doll option with the Asian face appears to be the cutest! (Seriously! Go see for yourself!)

5:30: walk over toward Build-a-Bear, where we also find "Friends 2B Made," (–which is like Build-a-Bear, but with plush girls and boys instead of plush bears and animals.) My classmates find a couple shoe possibilities, so they buy them as backup. I buy a princess outfit at Build-a-Bear that has a decent tiara, as a backup for my princess monster.

6pm: head toward the subway, then spot a 99-cent store. I stop in to see if they have tiaras. They have some, that aren't so pretty, but I buy one just in case (only 99 cents!). I also spot red, star-shaped child sunglasses that are party favors. I buy them for my classmate who has designed his plush monkey with star-shaped glasses.

6:20: subway downtown to Canal Street. I peek in a couple cheap Chinatown junky jewelry/accessories stores to browse rhinestone supplies. Nothing looks good.

6:40 stop in a fabric shop, where I find gold lamé fabric, thread, and pink rhinestones, with which I hope to create the perfect tiara.

7pm: get home, exhausted, have a snack, check my email, IM with a friend, and blog.

Now I'm going to watch 30 Rock with some leftover cheesecake from my roommate who spoils me, then hit the hay.

(Tomorrow I go intern with those cute little 4 and 5-year old kids again. And for Marketing class, we're meeting at the Times Square Toys R Us for another tour! I'll have to remember to go pick up an 80s Edition of Singstar and Karaoke Revolution's American Idol Encore while I'm there.)

Kid Genius and Psychic Asians

Today, one of the little kids in the Head Start program told my classmate that she wants to someday be a kung fu mermaid.

I don't even know how that works, but I think that is the coolest ambition I have ever heard.

Also, last Sunday, I had a rare opportunity for brunch with friends, who suggested I design something... that I was already in the midst of designing:

Friend 1: You should make an Asian doll!
Me: Funny you mention that... cuz, I am designing an Asian doll! For homework, we had to draw whatever kind of doll we wanted, so I drew an Asian one.
Roommate: Yeah, and don't put her in a Chinese dress. I hate that. So typical.
Me: Yeah, it's kind of stereotypical.
Roommate: Boring!
Friend 1: I know! Asian girls are stylish! You should make one in an A-line Chanel dress.
Me: Actually... the one I drew is in an A-line dress! And it does look kind of Chanel. That's so weird.
Friend 1: And give her wavy hair! Cuz they need to show that Asians come in all types.
Me: Well. I did draw her with wavy hair! You're like, reading my mind!
Friend 1: Yeah, and you can put her in all kinds of fashions... and not just that stupid "Haradookoo" stuff.
Me: Harajuku?
Friend 1: Yeah, see you know my language.
Me: Yeah, maybe I can put one in streetwear, and another in more high-fashion...
Roommate: And give her boobs!
Friend 1: And a booty! Cuz there are Asians with booty! Like me!
Me: Okay! I'll work on that.

I guess I am just on the pulse of what people want!
Or at least what independent Asian-American thirtysomething women in New York want.

Preschoolers in da Hizzouse!

Should I be bothered that I was stoked to dance to Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" and that "Apple Bottom Jeans" song with 4 and 5-year-old kids?

Last Friday, at the classroom where I intern, one of the little girls had brought in what she claimed to be a Hannah Montana cd. So the teacher played it for their usual afternoon dance break. Well, apparently it wasn't Hannah Montana. (Thank God!) But the teacher and I were diggin' it anyway. She even slapped her own ass! And the kids were dancin' up a storm.

It was kind of awesome. Don't you wish you were in this class when you were five? Or really, at any age? It reminds me of my girlfriends singing "Like a Virgin" when we were in grade school, not really understanding what it meant. We just thought it was a fun song.

Obviously there is a demand for catchy dance music for kids, otherwise things like Yo Gabba Gabba and Baby Loves Hip Hop wouldn't exist. You know I'll hit that scene if/when I have kids someday.

Meet the Cast

Here are bios of my classmates, to help you keep track of who I'm talking about in future stories about Toy Design school (names have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty):

Will:
Ex-Textiles major, next oldest in class after me, pescaterian, lactose-intolerant, and loves Bravo tv. Works part-time as a licensed masseur. Used to make plush toys with elaborate diorama sets as art projects. Used to live in Rhode Island and once lived in S.F. (and doesn't care to move back to S.F.). Once had ambitions to be a back-up dancer and loves Janet Jackson.

Nicknamed the "Wizard" or "Papa Smurf" due to his maturity, wisdom, and generally kind and calm demeanor. Is probably the most domesticated in the class, as he lives with his partner and a dog. Initially a quiet guy, but has surprised us with his dry sense of humor. Tends to get ambitious with impressive detail in his work. Design influences: H & R Puf 'n' Stuff, Raggedy Ann, Weeble-Wobbles. Interning this summer at Fisher Price in New York.

K-boy:
International student from Korea, previously the star of the Textiles major, highly fashionable. Long ago, served as a veejay for MTV Korea (!?) and also served in the Korean military (thus knows how to break apples and human necks with his bare hands). Also spent time in Rhode Island, studying hotel management.

In his late 20s, loves Mariah Carey and Disney songs. Wished he had the Barbie dreamhouse as a kid. Somehow gets away with inappropriate jokes and pinching everyone's ass in class. Manages to have dates ready any moment he gets free. Sits to my left and likes to show me cute boys on Facebook. Being a perfectionist, he sometimes obliviously insults classmates' work and regrets it later. Interns this summer at Mattel Barbie/Polly Pocket, in Los Angeles.

Jee:
International student from Korea, with a degree in graphic design. Loves video games, manga, Tim Burton, baby seals, Ewan MacGregor, and dark indie movies. Has the sickest marker-rendering skillz. Works way too hard sometimes, and doesn't eat or sleep enough. Hands are perpetually cold.

In her mid-late 20s and sits to my right, so we lament about our inability to meet appropriately-aged men while we are trapped in school. Says her icy cold heart doesn't let her cry, but is actually very compassionate and considerate. Still struggles with her accent and often asks Lilo and me for clarity on English words and American pop culture. Has a knack for getting hit on by guys who make food. Interns this summer at Hasbro, in Rhode Island.

Soo:
International student from Korea, with a degree in sculpture. Has a boyfriend in Korea (who might move to NYC for school too). Speaks with a slight British-Korean accent. Sometimes brings us Korean snacks or her own Korean cooking to nibble on. I once witnessed her nibble a carrot into the shape of a highly realistic finger. Used to skateboard and perhaps used to be a tomboy but is fairly girly now. Masterful sculpting skills makes her fearless with woodshop tools. Interns this summer at Manhattan Toys in Minneapolis.

Megan:
Quiet punk-rock-styled girl, third oldest in class. Used to make DIY crocheted/knitted toys and sell them. Frequently changes hair color and collects really unique, vintage-illustration-based tattoos. Smokes cigarettes. Raised without television and attended one of those unconventional-method-based schools like Montessori but not Montessori?

Loves Morrissey, Rockabilly, and Hall & Oates. Does not have a Facebook account. Favors designing plush toys and fairies. Loves french fries, recently broke from vegetarianism, and went back to having meat. Interns this summer at Alex Toys.

Lilo:
The other slacker Asian-American girl in class, has a Biology degree from Cornell. Used to be in an a capella singing group, sings while she works. Loves candy, Jamba Juice, and gemstones. Met her current boyfriend in high school. Became my class BFF when we discussed her strawberry-flavored Yan-Yan cookies on the first day of class.

Still a tween at heart; loves Hannah Montana and High School Musical. Really wants a furry kitten. Dresses 80s and listens to Blondie and Cyndi Lauper. Excels at unabashedly girly toy design with sparkles and hearts. Hates blue and loves pink and purple. Has tattoos of a panda and a unicorn and loves Tokidoki. Sits across the table from me, loves to talk and sass back at our classmates. Easily fears teachers and stresses out, even though they like her. Interns this summer at Fisher Price with Papa Smurf.

Carlito:
Ex-Fashion Illustration major and ex-Computer graphics major. Columbian roots, lives with family in Queens. Is Facebook friends with Marc Jacobs and always has cute sneakers on. Owns Tokidoki earrings. Always ready with a fierce pose for photos. One of three smokers in class. Doesn't eat pork, favors his Parksberry/Pinkberry with strawberries and mango. Frequents the gay dance clubs, sometimes with K-boy. Interns this summer at Madame Alexander.

Jan:
Ex-Interior Design major, Portuguese roots, lives with family in New Jersey. Early 20s, still calls her fiancé her "boyfriend" (and is forced to postpone her wedding until after graduation because school is so crazy). Takes smoking breaks with Carlito and Megan. Loves to watch South Park and collect vinyl toys with her fiancé. Has several pets at home and really wants to give away one of her rabbits. Interns this summer at Madame Alexander with Carlito.

Yajing:
The third Taiwanese-American girl in class, would be the Asian Ally Sheedy from the Breakfast Club. Has an Environmental Studies degree, is glued to her laptop more than I am. Friendly when spoken to, likes to comment on Facebook Walls, but is oblivious to anything outside of her little online bubble during class.

Always has her webcam on with her long-distance boyfriend. Proud of her PC, plays video games during boring lectures. Is secretly genius, as shown by an IQ test taken in Psychology and her love of drafting class. Loves eating takoyaki and breakdancing. Enjoys rendering plush. Interns this summer at Toys R Us.

Baby:
Ex-Illustration major, youngest in class, laments about not being 21 yet, gullible, super-conscientious about school. Generally wants to be everyone's friend. At FIT on a scholarship; takes pride in having never missed a day of class. From Staten Island and claims to be half-Italian-Asian because he's half Syrian.

Excels at pre-school toys and generally likes to put the same big cartoon eyes on all his toys. Owns VHS tapes with Star Wars and old cartoons on them. Enjoys "Golden Girls" and pick-up lines with ridiculous puns. Interns this summer at Hasbro with Jee.

Scott:
Ex-Illustration major, middle child of 7 kids. Designs absurdly funny toys. Extremely tall. Only 21 years old but loves Eddie Money. Loves ice hockey, but isn't from Canada (actually from Buffalo, I think). Builds things quickly in our hard toy class. I believe he interns this summer at Mega Brands.

Fred
Ex-Illustration major, 21 years old. Escaped political unrest (of Haiti?) as a child. Very muscly guy; one teacher asked if he was on steroids (jokingly?). Excels at vehicle rendering. Likes to say, "That's sexy," when giving compliments, which sometimes rubs others the wrong way (as we are discussing toys for children). Loves to quote Dane Cook and Dave Chapelle. Interns this summer at Toys R Us with Yajing.

Dan
Ex-Illustration major, ex-graveyard digger. Fast, compulsive sketcher. Loves Cyndi Lauper and Godzilla's enemies. Socially very shy but open to attending all kind of events. Loves to watch Gilmore Girls and bake cookies. Has longest hair in class and always wears black. Designs surreal and psychedelic characters. Has karaoke'd to Blue Oyster Cult. Interns this summer at a company (whose name I can't remember at the moment) in NYC that makes costumes and toys.

Miso:
(Me) Ex-web designer from California, with a degree in Graphic Design from UCLA. Oldest one in the class, youngest in my family generation. Fan of karaoke, Halloween costumes, dancing, knitting, rhythm-based video games, mid-century design, Japanese pop culture, and general cuteness. Addicted to shoes, Japanese stationery, internet and coffee, always needs naps.

Disappears impulsively in search of food or coffee. Sounds like a squirrel, snacks on Pocky, Hi-Chew, and clementines. Attracted to nerds and has a knack for meeting cute guys who live in the wrong city. Indulges in fruity cocktails and Vidal Sassoon haircuts. Would rather have a pot belly than go to the gym. Uses too much chartreuse, light blue, and orange. Interning this summer at Spin Master in Toronto!

***

Okay, enough procrastinating today. I must return to sewing up my princess monster, drafting vehicles, rendering dolls, and comparing Ancient art.