Q & A

Q: "Yeah....so, re the blog title: don't you design book covers and stuff? What's the deal yo?"
A: I did. Or rather, I do. For the next week and a half at least. I'm leaving a 2 year career in publishing to venture into the world of education.

Q: "Why?"
A: The easier answer: I needed a change and was thrilled at the opportunity to be part of in an environment where you work with lives instead of books. As an African American and gay man, I'm very sensitive to the needs of those in "the minority." I want to be in a position where I can empower others to reach beyond their limits. It may be cliche, but the future of our world really does rest on the shoulders of the young. Not enough people are able to accept that and realize they have a responsibility to do something. I don't want to be one of those people who goes around thinking "That's not my problem" or "I can't do anything about it."

The harder answer: For years I've been depressed. I've constantly looked at my life thinking "This is not who I want to be." On the outside, things look great. I'm some kind of American ideal: A young, summa cum laude college grad with a steady, creative job, no major health or financial problems, many good influences and opportunities in his life... I'm so appreciative of all that. However, on the inside, things are different. I still don't feel like I have a passion or a calling. I struggle with being more assertive and less people-pleasing. I overload my schedule with things that look good on paper because I'm too afraid to do the things that I enjoy. I want to be a Sylvester-Stallone kind of masculine while still having sensitivity and cultural awareness. Most days, I'm just "too gay" and not "black enough."

I keep telling myself that that I have a plan:

• Step 1: Teach for X amount of years.
• Step 2: Become a strong, confident man.
• Step 3: Move to CA
• Step 4: Keep teaching until you transition into a career as a screenwriter. Emmys and DVD commentary will eventually follow.

The truth is that I don't know much about what I'm doing or where I'm going. If I don't make a change and take a risk NOW, it will set the precedent for a lifetime of safe choices. I never want to feel too safe to take a risk.

Q: Dude, that was really serious. Let's talk about ice cream instead.
A: Ben & Jerry's vanilla all the way baby!

Q: So, if you're a designer or whatever, why are you using a lame, pre-made template for your blog?
A: Shut up.