Face to Face
April 16|2003

Prior to this project's launch, when I first began calling Directors, I was extremely nervous. Before I even picked up the phone, my hands would turn numb. And my throat would tighten up. I was out of control. I guess, that was just a natural reaction from a young gun like me. I didn't know who I was up against.
But, when I went to the "Portfolio Night", I was finally able to match up names with faces, and reading their personalities helped me understand them better, as well as the community, itself.
I realized that they're human beings as well! I had nothing to be affraid of, and they were just there to help out.

Since my show started, I changed my attitude towards the people I looked up to, and the ones that I would network with. Having the chance to meet up with some big names, gave me a sense of comfort and confidence. Now I can freely face them, like real people. You should all try this excercise as much as possible. It really pays off. it's a matter getting into the groove of things.

The word "INTERVIEW" has such a strong stigma attached, compared to an ordinary "feedback session". It's almost like an exam compared to a test. I mean, anything we do has to be taken seriously to succeed.
I think, it's a psychological thing, where you put too much pressure on yourself simply because it's labelled as an interview rather than just a friendly meet. Just relax and be yourself!!! But think of it this way; if you just go in, thinking it's just a feedback session, and you impress them in every way, they could hire you on the spot if they had an opening. They wouldn't just let you go and regret it later. If that doesn't happen, at least you went out with some valuable lessons learned. That's important too. Be patient and persistent!!! It will pay off, somehow.

alek, just thinking.