I didn’t expect it to happen this
way. I moved to Los Angeles from
Hawaii, my native state, in early summer. I was prepared for a period of adjustment as I learned the lay of the
land and began a job search.
In fact, I figured the job thing might
take awhile because I wasn’t even sure I wanted to continue as a graphic
designer. I barely survived a
couple previous positions. The
environments were impersonal and unfriendly. I sometimes wondered if any of my “colleagues” knew I
existed. I would sit in my cubicle
badly wanting to interact with other creative spirits and learn from
experienced designers.
Be careful what you wish for.
Actually, no, let me say it another
way: Wish for what you actually want.
I now have a job I didn’t even know
existed, yet just happens to be my dream job. I dove in two months ago with a warning that autumn/winter/end of year is the
busiest time of year for the IMAGE: Global Vision studio. They weren’t kidding. And I couldn’t be happier.
I won’t pretend it hasn’t been
stressful at times. But in those
moments when I’m juggling ten things at once — key cards, menus, logos,
websites, corporate invitations — and worrying that I just can’t keep up, I
take a deep breath and remind myself, “This is exactly what you wanted. Feel lucky. Rejoice!” And so I do. Every day.
It has been exciting to learn so much
so quickly. The designers here
blow my mind with their high level of skill, speed and imaginative leaps of
faith. Sometimes I get down
thinking I’ll forever be a turtle in the land of jackrabbits. Then I realize, these folks have been
at it awhile. I’ll get there. Oh yes I will.
I know I’ll improve because the gifted
ones are also incredibly supportive. No solitary confinement allowed around here. The artists peer over each other’s shoulders, pitch in with
helpful critiques, and I’m pretty sure Regina has occasionally peered into my
soul. I know because suddenly I
didn’t doubt myself anymore. The
family vibe here is genuine and reassuring.
I first met Regina Rubino and Robert Louey this summer when a friend referred me. I didn’t expect a job offer. I would have been grateful for a little
guidance about career stuff. Do this, girl. Don’t do that.
When I was invited to join the studio I was overjoyed because I’d also
just found an apartment in Venice, a city I fell in love with on the day of my
interview. I now bike or walk to
work. In Los Angeles? Uh
huh. I’m still pinching
myself.
I know it’ll be great to finally have
some time off during the holidays after a long, possibly exhausting sprint to
the finish line. I’ll go home to
the islands and see my family. I’ll have so much to tell them.
But the thing is, I love
to work. I get a little stir-crazy
on vacations. So why should I mind
that I fell into a mind-boggling, creative maelstrom? It’s fun. In
part because the whole studio seems to do so well with sharing a project, each
artist taking on an element and then coming together with the confidence that
the finished product will mesh, glow and hit the mark.
A lot of people I’ve
known can’t do that. They’d rather
work on their own — yes, probably in a cubicle somewhere. I feel sorry for them. If I sat there and did my own thing day
after day I wouldn’t learn as much — or as fast. There is something so special about being in a group. The process of collaboration is incredibly
valuable, priceless, and very hard to find. To think that I discovered the best of all worlds by taking
a high dive during the most frenzied time of the year.
So it goes.
Sink or swim?
Nah. I say, dive and thrive.
~ Janelle Toner
