By Julie Thompson
Julie Thompson is a freelance writer, www.juliethompson.yolasite.com.
One of my guilty pleasures is watching the reality tv show Design Star.
Every season, those 12 bright and shining faces begin the season with such hope, such confidence, such swagger, I immediately form opinions about who is the real deal and who can’t hold a paint brush. By the end of the first episode, I’ve chosen my favorites and have been sucked in for another season. Week by week, I follow the drama as some designers shine, and others self destruct. And every episode at least one person ignores their gut instinct “for the good of the team,” or stands by and watches someone paint the ceiling a shade of “you’re going to lose” blue.
“Say Something” I yell at the screen. They don’t listen. I can already picture Vern’s sad eyes tinged with contempt as he does his walk through.
This process of wavering confidence fascinates me because as a writer, I recognize it all too clearly. In any creative endeavor, including running a business, it’s easy to have doubts and turn into a pretzel to satisfy a client or colleague, particularly when the rent is due.
Designers, chefs, writers, architects and all creative entrepreneurs are hired for their expertise and discernment. We are expected to have an opinion and professionally convey it. Other than the sheer fun of watching someone sweat to complete a task in an insane amount of time, shows like Design Star, remind me of the importance of having and expressing my artistic point of view.