I stated earlier that my last blog post would be today, there is no particular reason except I am really busy and don't have time to keep this updated. I am not sure why I even started one but I am going to post some things that have been on my mind and leave you with those to think about as I say good bye!
I am putting this on my blog, well because it is MY BLOG and I can do what ever I want on it!
These are some things that have been bothering me for quite some time now and I am just going to put them out there! I hope you get something out of this, sort of what not to do, what to do when working in this industry... according to me, and what do I know anyway!
There are some that use the names of the teams they are on to get in, or have a reason to call other companies, and magazines to get their name out there! Believe me you won't get on the team by calling and calling a company or a magazine! You are only going to make them kringe when they see your name anywhere!!
There are some people that are so caught up in getting published and getting on design teams, I get it! I have been there, I have done that. But where does it end? At what point are you content with where you are? I can say that I am at that point right now. I am finished with the whole who is published most thing! There are women who are out there that are published over 300 times, are they household names? Are they happy? Are they content? Only they can answer that. But for me I would never never hurt someone to get ahead in any industry!
At what cost will you try to make a name for yourself in this industry?
There are some that are so far out there that it amazes me! Some that count replies on message board toots, and wonders why so and so got more replies on thier toot than they did! There are some that count how many replies on other peoples layouts and compare them to others.
There are some who keep literal track of other team members, who got what in the form of product, who got what in the form of money, who got what in the form of opportunities. Let's get this clear right now. When you are on a team, some will get more product than you some times, some will get asked to do special projects, some will get other opportunities from that company. I am going to repeat this in case anyone missed it.
When you are on a team, there will always be some that get different compensation, or producgts, or opportunity! This is business and it is up to the company who does what and who recieves what and you have no right to question that!
Keeping track of team members and questioning the company regarding others is not a good way to keep your job!
It really doesn't look good for you either if you sit by and say nothing when you are the one doing special projects for the company while you are the one doing the "keeping track of others" and "questioning the company about others. If it is good enough for you sometimes then who are you to ask the company about it when it isn't you this time?
Some that literally are so obsessed with what others are doing that they are turning everyone that comes in contact with them off! There are some that will only contact "new friends" because they think they can get something out of them. Some team, some publications, something for themselves.
There are some that get on a team, and instantly try to push and push their way in. They have to know what is going on, who is doing what. When there is an assignment they have to take over. They go above and beyond to make them self stand out! That is not a team player. That kind of behavior doesn't sit well with the rest of the team.
Complaining and keeping track of others short comings is not someone who is easy to work with. Being someone who isn't easy to work with is not a good way to stay working.
There are some that call and call and email editors and company owners, and other members of teams they are on to the point of annoyance! Do they think they are making a name for them selves? Yes they are but not in a good way! They want to be remembered and believe me they are! Believe me people are talking!!
There are some that will be so nice to your face while stabbing you in the back the whole while! What do they think? Do they think that cutting people down behind thier back to makes them look better? Do they think that breaking confidences will get them ahead? Contrary it make you look terrible.
When you cut others down to make yourself look better it can only make you look worse. Even if poeple react like they are interested in what you are saying, they are making a mental note that you are not the type of person they want to work with in the future. People get real sick of hearing someone cut everyone down real fast! Cutting others down and repeating things told in confidence will NEVER get you anywhere in any industry or in life in general for that matter!
I guess my advice is set goals, figure out what you want out of scrapping. Have fun while your accomplishing these goals, make new friends and grow as a person. Be a friend, don't always have to one up someone, or be in competition with them. Do not try to be always in the know, push and push for information. When your on a team, be a team player! Don't try to take over or make yourself stand out, it won't sit well with the rest of the team. Don't say negative things about anyone, don't repeat things told in confidence.
When you come across someone who people keep telling you to stay away from, listen to them. This is a small industry contrary to popular belief and what you do and who you associate with does matter! It will come back to haunt you if their actions are not something you want to be associated with. By all means treat others as you would like to be treated! Back stabbing someone to get ahead will only hurt you in the end!
