I've been asked to work on a lot of weird assignments over the years. Some, more weird than others. And when I think of all the odd things I've been asked to do, the metal project immediately comes to mind: alter, embellish, enhance, or change the metal pieces in as many ways as possible. My kitchen looked like a science lab as I attempted to complete the assignment in a mere two days. In the end, I altered, embellished, enhanced, and changed 93 metal pieces. 75 of those pieces made made my cut. All of those made it into the idea book. And 35 pieces made the print ad. Whew. I got lucky. Thank goodness I thought to use the oven as a means of which to alter. It was my saving grace.
I also remember the time I was asked to create wedding packages for the Today Show. This assignment had very specific, but oh-so-odd requirements. I was asked to design gift baskets, guest books, and goodie bags for specific locations: a tropical wedding, a European wedding, a wedding on a western ranch, and a wedding in the Orient. Talk about a wide array of styles. It was literally mind boggling to switch back and forth between themes as I worked on the project. When all was said and done, the Today Show changed their mind regarding the wedding theme packages they were going to offer. Thus, my work never did make it to the big screen. In a way, I was relieved because the idea of having gift baskets and albums I designed shown to millions of Americans sort of blew my mind.
Currently, I am working on another odd assignment. I can't say that it is as weird as the metal project. And it is not nearly as stressful as the wedding package task. But it is still what I would consider to be a bit out there, which is probably why I have been thinking about all the other odd things I've done over the years.
The reason I mention my current assignment is because every time I am asked to create something that I consider to be difficult or weird, I think that I will never be up to the task. And every time I work on these projects, I second guess my ideas. I question my qualifications. And I doubt my ability to complete the job. This assignment is no different. The self-doubts are raging.
I recently wrote of industry secrets and how much I hated them. The reason I mentioned secrets was because of the project I am currently up to my eyeballs in. It's not that it matters what I am doing, and it's not that I care whether or not people know what I'm involved in. No, that's not it at all. It's about the time in between - those days from when I am given the assignment and told that it is confidential, to the time it completed and gently placed in the mail, never to be seen again. For me, that is the exciting time - the in-between; the time that is accompanied with self-doubts, crash and burns, and finally, the satisfaction of actually completing a task that only days prior seemed impossible and beyond my abilities. This is what I consider to be the definition of accomplishment.
Therefore, what I really wanted to talk about is the actual process of the journey, not the end result. Because for me, the exciting time is the process of getting to the end of the race. And I am so bugged that I can't talk about what I'm working on, since so often I am able to formulate ideas in my mind when I share my thoughts with others. Sometimes, just talking about the journey provides inspiration that is applicable to what it is I am trying to design. Additionally, this project is pretty weird, and I think others might find it interesting to know the behind the scenes process of how things get from point A to point B. At least I know I find that to be interesting.
The odd assignments are what force me to step out of my comfort zone and step into a new zone - a zone that is often so beyond what I know, that it redefines the definition of any kind of zone at all. And always in the end, I am surprised when I complete these odd tasks. And that's what I want to write about - the journey of discovery.
Today I remembered why it is that I welcome these challenges, in spite of self-doubts and questioning the oddity of the tasks. It's the journey. I love this journey called LIFE. I am the captain of my ship. Where I sail depends upon how I navigate the ship in the sometimes calm, and sometimes tumultuous ocean. And since I'm the navigator of my journey, I would really like to be able tell people how wonderful the scenery is along the way.
Sounds very cool! I'm glad you're having a good time. Can't wait to see what it is!
Posted by: Helena | October 01, 2006 at 12:31 PM
Kelly you ROCK. I wrote about life and what a journey and continuous learning experiece it was. I am sure your work will be beautiful.
Posted by: Chiara | October 01, 2006 at 08:31 AM
Well Kelly... you pretty much rock everyones socks!!! :o)
Posted by: Wendy Reed | September 30, 2006 at 02:27 AM
so tongue-in-chic isn't exactly the today show but a little bird told me it's author is totally desperate for some guest book ideas....
;) Love ya!
Sorry I'm such a ditz about commenting..love the reading :)
Posted by: KA | September 29, 2006 at 11:53 PM
Love your outlook on life! You are such a wonderfully talented and inspirational person.
Hugs,
Thena
Posted by: Thena Smith | September 29, 2006 at 01:20 PM
Hi Kelly--How are you? Glad to see you blogging. I still have to go through the rest of the archives. This post was SO appropo considering the HOF assignment re: coming up with a technique...I needed encouragement. I have a great idea, but the more I think about it, the more I doubt myself, KWIM? I would LOVE to know about your *secret assignments*--sounds so mysterious.
BTW--I'm also 40-something, and have a husband who works at home...(you DID say your dh works at home didn't you?
GOTTTA GO--GREY'S ANATOMY time ya know....
Take care.
Mary Ellen
Posted by: Mary Ellen | September 28, 2006 at 09:42 PM
you have our attention! can`t wait to hear about it. if you need to spill, none of us will tell. I am so envious of your creative side, and to be able to make money while creating. so out of my league. I have worked on an airplane for 21years. it doesn`t get more boring than that. no creative side to that,well maybe trying to get our toothpaste thru security. GA tonight!!!
Posted by: Becky | September 28, 2006 at 01:08 PM
Kelly, you will do JUST FINE!!!
Posted by: Adrienne | September 28, 2006 at 12:23 PM
Oh my goodness! I don't think I could come up with 93 ways to alter metal! And the wedding baskets/albums/etc. . . At one point, I contemplated going into the basket business. I loved the thrill of the hunt when finding unique things . . . I did several using baby bathtubs .. . know how much stuff you have to have to fill one of those little babies? ROFL
Looking forward to hearing all about this latest project! Oh, and don't doubt yourself. . . you always come up with some great ideas.
Posted by: heather | September 28, 2006 at 11:40 AM
WOW! Loved reading the stuff that you've done (Today show???) and the stuff that you're working on now. Hopefully we'll be able to see them soon!
Posted by: slammie | September 28, 2006 at 10:39 AM