Final UPDATE: Wish Me Luck!
Okay, VWers...I don't often do this, but I think I'm in need of some positive thoughts, well-wishes, and all the good luck you can spare.
As you may or may not know, I've recently moved to Atlanta, GA with my boyfriend, who's getting his Master's in Philosophy at GSU. Anyway......I have not yet completed my degree, but instead I'm looking for a job around here that will let me apply my skills AND pay enough to cover all my expenses. I've applied to a few places so far with no luck. My boyfriend is living off loans/assistantship money, and I am completely independent. SO....
Today I am going to Trader Joe's (Midtown area) to apply for a sign-painting position. This job would allow me to be creative, make art by hand (which I greatly prefer to the computer graphics crap), AND cover my expenses quite generously.
I have to present a sample of work or a portfolio to be considered. I haven't really refined my portfolio as such, and I actually haven't created much of anything in the last two years at least. So I'm just taking a large pad of newsprint with a few chalk drawings/quick paintings....hopefully the "unprofessional" presentation won't hurt my chances, but then, TJ's is pretty laid back. Plus, the sample signs I've made so far have been so much fun to make, and I think they might be just what they're looking for. I've no idea how many other applicants they've gotten, what my competition is like, etc.....but I think that (knock on wood) my previous experience and education will work to my advantage.
I'm shaking with nervousness and excitement....I really want this job!!
I'll let you know how it goes today and if I hear back from them. And either way, I'll upload photos of my recent signwork to show you all, because I'm just so damn proud of them!
ehhhhhehhwishmeluck! thanks in advance, b/c I know how awesome you all are with these things...
That's some awesome artwork you got there, CW! I'd hire you if I was a manager there.
:)
Awesome!
I love that art piece. :)
*WOOT* you are awesome CW! You're a shoe in for sure!!!! I'll keep a thoughts for you!!!! :)>>>
dude, that totally looks like something from TJs. if they hire anyone but you they are idiots.
Okay...so.....
I want to thank you all again SO much for the love and support! You've all given me such confidence, and I wouldn't have made it this far (and remained mentally intact, ftmp) if it wasn't for all of you.
I called the Midtown TJ's, and it turns out they've hired someone else. :'( :'( :'(
What sucks is that I left my notepad of drawings with them, figuring I'd at least get an interview and be able to retrieve it then....now I have to drag my ass up there and humiliate myself by asking for my stuff back, while I skulk out past whoever else got the job.
BUT!
They told me that the Sandy Springs location is also looking for a signpainter, and when I called them, they still hadn't filled the position.
BUT....the quickest way to that store from my place is by MARTA rail + bus, and the trip takes just over an hour (according to google maps).
IF I got the job, I could more than afford a monthly unlimited MARTA pass.....but I'm still going to have to waste 4 whole trips on my current (limited) pass, just to go up there and back. But still, damn, over an hour....
Should I go for it?
I think it is defintely worth considering! You were so psyched about doing it for the frst store--why not try it out for the second? What is the worst that could happen?? And, if you get the job and it turns out you don't like it--then you can always quit--no harm really!
Your art is really good! This could be a good oppurtunity for it to be seen and possibly derive other commisions from it!
You go with your bad self Carrot!
now who the hell would NOT be totally blown away by this?
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/3946/dscf7264wg7.jpg
bah.
I pity the fool who didn't hire you.
As for the other job, it depends on whether you want to spend all of that time traveling if you did get it. If it's something you'd like to do, go for it. You're definitely talented.
i agree with hh. would you be going in 5x/wk? i feel like as sign painter maybe you could work something out that you came in once a week to give them stuff or something?
CW, you are the second person on VegWeb in the past week that got bad news concerning a job application. This is all about the crap economy (highest unemployment in 5 years - 6.1%).
I must agree with Capture and say GO FOR IT. If you were not in the running, I don't think they would have told you about the other store’s position. I would like to think TJ has a much higher ethic than that. More importantly, they don't want to burden the sister store with applications from people who don’t have a shot; this is certainly not in their interest..
Because you will not have to drive that hour to/from the job, at least you can read, use a laptop, whatever on the commute. You will learn to adapt to the commute. If you get the job and can’t stand the commute, you can always quit.
Trust me when I say you are not going to "humiliate" yourself by asking for your stuff back! It concerns me that you are so hard on yourself. We’ve got to come up with a way to stop that negative thinking. You truly need to see in yourself what all of us here see in you - a kind, compassionate, sensitive young woman with great artistic ability. Believe in yourself. I'm not blowing smoke here. Ask any other person who has posted in this thread, all whom have known you longer than me, if they disagree with me.
You are going to walk in with your head up, with the pride and confidence of knowing your talent and skills, tell them (with a smile on your face) you need to pick up your portfolio. Thank them for their consideration and walk out with your head high. Perhaps ask if that store has any other openings available. Then do everything you can to get on at the other store. You are fully capable of doing this. You know it, I know it, as do all the others who have posted here. ;)b
Wishing you the good fortune you deserve, mai vegan bull sister. :-* ;) Even if you don't believe in luck, know that you have the talent to get you where you want to go. Make your own luck. ;)b
Side-note: What's a Maori-style tiki face doing on an Oktoberfesty beer sign? :lol: Heli is confused.
okie dokie folkies, I figured I owe you some further update/explanation...
First of all, THANK YOU so much, Cap, Hespy, HH, Mr. C, Heli, and everyone else who has encouraged my efforts and given me such lovely comments. :)>>> Honestly, I've been so far out of "the loop" of the art world, and I don't know what defines good work or talent anymore. Even if I'm nothing too extraordinary to the professionals, it feels so nice to be appreciated by friends, even the online ones...your thoughts and opinions mean so much to me.
As for the TJ's job, I'm going tomorrow to collect my work from the Midtown store and go straight to the Sandy Springs location to fill out an app. there....I meant to do that today, but uh, things have been keeping me tied up around here...
I figure (with the help of all of your added encouragement) that it would be worth it to take 2.5 hours out of each day to travel if I get the job. I would have to be there every M-Th, 7 am to ~3:30 pm, since it is an in-store position with those hour requirements, but it seems perfectly reasonable for my lifestyle. Plus, the MARTA trains/buses are pretty reliable during those peak commuting hours, and again, the job would more than cover the expense of a monthly pass.
oh, and Heli: Trader Joe's stores have this sort of island-y theme going on with their decor and even employee uniforms...some form of Tiki dude always seems to pop up somewhere, so I figured he'd make a cute addition to one of their signs. 8)
so...
*another deep breath*
Tomorrow's going to be a big day. This time, I'll be better prepared for disappointment, but I'll still go with the confidence as if I'll be their #1 candidate.
Thanks again, my lovelies!
;)b
Good luck CW!
I'm totally rooting for you!
:)
*Woot* Good luck CW! You're work is really good--I study art so I should know ;D Maybe one day I'll get to write a paper about you! That would be sweet..."the artist started as a sign painter and unbelievably was actually tuned down for one job, but her immense success that came through her continued perseverance has landed her in the icon circle of modern artists."
Pssh... JK Rowling was turned down a bunch of times. It doesn't mean anything about your art.
Happy travels tomorrow! Rock their world.
good luck! I know you will get it!!!
maybe that other girl will quit and then you can transfer to the closer store...later!
PS I have a killer band hat for you to accompany your uniform!
Will ship out this week ;)b
Alright, final update on the Trader Joe's job:
They're no longer taking applications for the sign painter position.
:P
Damn, I really wanted this one....but I guess it's just another lesson about living in the "real" world, that we certainly can't always get what we want, and that flat broke beggars can't be choosers, so I've gotta move on and keep applying elsewhere.
*sigh*
I'll probably update my blog here and there in the near future with more updates regarding my employment and such.
Thank you again for all your kind words!
Alright, final update on the Trader Joe's job:
They're no longer taking applications for the sign painter position.
:P
Damn, I really wanted this one....but I guess it's just another lesson about living in the "real" world, that we certainly can't always get what we want, and that flat broke beggars can't be choosers, so I've gotta move on and keep applying elsewhere.
*sigh*
I'll probably update my blog here and there in the near future with more updates regarding my employment and such.
Thank you again for all your kind words!
We're in the same boat. We can't always get what we want but if we try sometimes we just might find, we get what we need. Sorry, couldn't resist doing it.
It's tough getting a job. I wish you luck.
CW: Sorry about your disappointment over not getting a TJ sign painter position (would have been an ideal job for you), but really like your "move on" attitude. ;)b Keep plugging away, you will be successful, but may take longer than you anticipated, given the poor economy and high unemployment now. ;)b
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