I am somewhat amused by the amount of attention my ‘Frustration’ post had garnered and after reading everybody’s comments (thank you so much!) and me posting about what they wrote, I have to see the half-full side of this business. I think you all will agree with me that there is nothing as amazing as when that job you had been working on for such a long time is finally installed and just perfect.
Last week I installed a project in the Hamptons. To have the client walk into a finished home and to see how what was just in my mind’s eye come to life through their expressions…it was such a highlight. Because let’s face it, I don’t think anybody’s in this industry to get rich. We are in it because what we do brings an added dimension to ourselves, which others benefit from.
So many times people say that what they’re here to do is to just please the client and I say to that, “I am where I am, because I was being pleased by what I did creatively”. It is the result of my creativity that gives me the impetus to go into the office every day and do what I do. I hope this is true for you as well.
#1 by cindy hattersley on July 1, 2009 - 9:59 pm
I am a designer whose design style is probably more dissimilar than similar to yours. However you constantly inspire me to go outside my box and do the unexpected. I recently subscribed to your blog and am so impressed with your humility and willlingness to share your knowledge with the most inexperienced. An artist that is willing to share his experience & knowledge with the neophyte is so refeshing. Hats off to you for your generosity & kind spirit.
P.S loved the last post on frustration…we can all identify
#2 by Wendy on July 2, 2009 - 12:19 am
Ahhh..this is so true. I often wonder what life would be like if I didn’t do what I love. I understand that some people have to do what they need to do to survive…but its such a blessing to be able to enjoy the work that you do. Very inspiring post!
#3 by Merri Cvetan on July 2, 2009 - 12:40 pm
No one told me I would be spending the majority of my time on the phone, doing paperwork and solving problems (good problems “what color to use or style of drapery will look best” and bad problems “where is my fabric or why isn’t this finished?”).
Had someone told any of us the creative part of this business is where we would spend the least amount of our time would we have pursued design? Fortunately, none of my teachers revealed the truth. The creative moments make it all worth while.
http://www.milwaukeeinteriordesigncoach.com
#4 by Ivan Meade on July 2, 2009 - 1:23 pm
I can’t wait to see this project !!!
#5 by Tricia - Avolli on July 2, 2009 - 1:34 pm
I feel fortunate to have found my passion several years ago and am able to do what I love. This is a true gift and one that I treasure.
The library image is gorgeous. Please show us more!
Tricia – Avolli
#6 by Sonya on July 3, 2009 - 2:35 pm
I am in perfect agreement about the pleasure it brings to complete a good project and share in that joy with the client. I didn’t find your “frustration” post to be of “half-empty” mentality because I, and probably everyone else, imagine that you derive great pleasure from your work the majority of the time. To continue your analogy of childbirth, the pleasure I find at the end of a project allows me to forget to all of the pain I experienced up to that point, otherwise I’d probably never take on another client, LOL. To hear that you occasionally have to deal with the same frustrations as an unknown designer like me was refreshing! I’m am looking forward to your new book.
#7 by brillante on July 4, 2009 - 4:09 pm
Pleasing the client, Yes
Directing the client toward new ideas, Yes
Satisfaction on a well finished project, Yes
Client and designer working together, Great!
#8 by Trish on July 5, 2009 - 7:49 pm
Yes, there is nothing more rewarding than that wow on a client’s face. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.