So December 1st came and went. The weekend before was spent between my flat and Hobbycraft, focusing all my attention on creating a portfolio that would make me proud enough to present. And so the day came. The commute was smooth and the voices inside my head were loud, the good kind of loud. Hypothetical questions and potential answers, a constant role-play forcing me to anticipate. Be ready.
I arrived a few minutes early, my glasses steamed up as soon as I walked in. Everything went brilliantly. My mouth wasn’t dry. My mind was clear. My confidence was right where it should be. They were great too. The lead designer was so friendly – I could actually project myself working with her, bouncing ideas off of each other. The administration manager and Project Director were just as easy to talk to. I felt like I belonged.
A sip of water and off I was. Flipping through my hand-bound portfolio, through projects I was never sure would lead me where I was. It’s called experience. That’s the big word. The fatal word that turns so many heads away. Not enough experience, never enough experience.
But this time, it seemed to be enough – I’ve got a second interview next Tuesday! I have a week to respond to a design brief and sketch out a quick proposal to present on the 8th. Excited would be an understatement.
If I don’t screw this up, you might soon be reading the words of a full-time Interior Designer. Doesn’t that sound nice? It is the wind of change, I tell you. I can feel its soft breeze raising the hairs on my skin…
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I’m very excited for you. You describe an interview such as I never managed, and describe it beautifully. I love the elegance of your portfolio cover, and I really really hope you’re embarking on a new journey, for my sake as as well as for yours!
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Thank you so much!! I hope it all works out too. It would be the perfect way to start the new year.
So glad you like the cover too. I will admit I have a soft spot for it myself!
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Best of luck!!
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Thank you very much!!
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This is wonderful news but don’t take your eye off the ball. You still have work to do.
I too like your cover. It’s sophisticated. I’d love to see what’s inside – love to see the work you have done. Maybe one day you will share it with us.
Good luck next Tuesday. I will be thinking of you, and anxiously waiting to hear how it went :)
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Thanks, Gary!
I know… I’m mostly trying to stay focused and not project myself too much. Keeping negative thoughts out of the game is also a big challenge but I’m doing well so far.
I hope I’ll be writing one very excited post next week. Fingers crossed! :)
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There is nothing to be negative about. You have made a good first impression, otherwise you wouldn’t be asked back. Commit yourself to the design brief and sketch. Share your ideas with your friends and family. Get their input and feedback. Think of it as a rehearsal. It will help you prepare for next week.
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This may sound funny but I now live by the expression “fake it till you make it”. It’s not a matter of deception, as we know we are capable and love the idea of doing what we have our eyes set upon, it’s just that exuding a confidence, like you’ve been doing this for years, helps you so much when talking to others about your ideas … Good luck!
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WONDERFUL, Ellie! It sounds like after all of the struggles the timing is right and things are falling into place. I love interior design and hope to see some of your ideas posted. You are amazing!
I stumbled upon Great Britain’s Derren Brown last week and have been on a marathon of watching his shows on YouTube. The Brits have the best entertainment!
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I’ve got my fingers crossed for you. I wish you the very best of luck with it. Whatever happens, just getting to a second interview should be a confidence booster in itself. Anyway, I hope I’ll soon be reading the blog posts of a full-time interior designer. :)
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From distant Canada,but from the closeness of your blog come best wishes for your second interview1
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I’m so pleased for you! Congratulations, I can’t wait to hear how the second interview pans out. Sounds as though you aced the first :-)
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Thank you, Helen! I very much hope so. Here’s to an even bigger ‘whoop whoop’ next time. ;)
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Indeed! :-)
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Wow! How wonderful! Good luck for Tuesday! Please let us know how you get on.
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Oh Thank you so much, Ali. It went so well but I’m still waiting for an answer. About to write a post about it ;)
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Oh good luck! Waiting is the worst part!
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Hah, it’s like you’ve just read my mind. New post is called “the waiting game” :D
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Looking forward to reading it! 😊
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Good luck tomorrow; break a pencil or whatever you say to an architect by way of good luck…
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Thanks, Geoff! :D
I haven’t forgotten about our Sunday exploring London… Shall we arrange that some time in the new year? Hope I’ll be even more qualified by then…
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Yes let’s. Do you want to toss out a couple of dates!
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