Please post your interview narrative here.
Please keep the following in mind:
For this assignment you need to:
1. Brainstorm, and then further refine, a list of effective questions to ask your mentor during an interview so that you can create a comprehensive portrait of them. (Of course, you should be prepared to ask follow-up questions to your mentor’s responses, and allow the interview to take on a life of its own.)
2. Establish a time and date to conduct the interview (this may or may not be during your regular WLE visit)
3. Conduct the interview (prepared with framing questions)
4. Transcribe or write-up your notes from the interview
5. Craft a polished narrative portrait of your mentor using his or her responses to your interview questions.
Requirements of the final narrative:
• Professional in appearance and structure
• Engaging and interesting to read (your audience is other students exploring potential career or life choices)
• Posted on-line (blog) for your mentor and other students to review
• 3-4 typed, double-spaced, pages (pre-blog)
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Jessica Wells Interviewing Ken Finn
Exploratorium
J: What is your job title?
K: ‘I am the High School Explainer Program Manager’
J: What do you actually do?
K: ‘Ha, well I definitely have other duties besides my title. But, uh, that’s the way it is with non-profits, you have to take on other responsibilities, it’s not so mapped out. You know, if it was more corporate, people would have their ranking.”
J: What did you want to do growing up?
K: ‘You know the typical fireman, astronaut, artists. But while I was in college I knew that I wanted to go after a degree in the sciences. I had always loved and had been successful in that subject.’
J: Where have you worked before?
K: ‘Well I started working at the Exploratorium in 1986, so yeah. But while in college I worked in an ice cream store. I was also a summer camp counselor.’
J: What did you expect from this job when you applied?
K: ‘I was expecting lab work.’
J: What is the most unique thing about your job?
K: ‘Its safe to say that its never the same old same old. You can rely on the fact that everyday is pretty unpredictable. Especially because we deal with the general public’
J: Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
K: ‘More wealthy. That would be nice’
J: Do you feel like you have changed as a person since you have been employed here?
K: ‘Yes. In many aspects of who I am, I feel I have changed. Both professionally and personally.’
J: Have you ever almost quit your job?
K: ‘Yes, but I was to follow another person. It was a case of if you leave I leave. I felt that I was ready to make the decision to quit to be with this person. But we stayed here.
J: What advice would you give to someone just starting?
Out here?
K: ‘Give it a year, give it a year to get used to the crazy politics.’
John Carreon
Whet was your childhood dream/career?
A fireman
What did you pursue?
Well I started as a JCYC (Japanese Community Youth Council) councilor which was 2 years ago. I took on the job at Chibi Chans because it was similar to what I did in the summer which was working with kids as well.
What are the pros and cons of your job?
Pros are that I get to work with kids and see how they develop in to people, and also being a role model for all these kids. Some of the cons is it is really tiring to keep up with them and they just have so much energy.
Are you still a student?
Yes
What are you majoring in?
I am doing a child development major to get my AA degree.
How was It like in high school when you where looking for colleges?
In high school didn’t really have any effort in looking for a college. I did though participate a lot in class and I just tried to enjoy what I had in high school and I was just having fun with the work.
What is it like after high school for you?
Preparing for school and graduating, but it was more responsibly and freedom.
Germain:
He grew up in England and went to high school in Boston. After high school, he was focus on theatre and he went to Stanford University where he got his English Major, Honors Thesis in Modern British Drama.
After finishing school his plans were focused on his writing skill as a journalist. He joined as associate editor the magazine Silicon India. Using Wireless editing and writing, he became manager and ran events in Silicon Valley. Those events were there to bring people together to talk about Tech and entrepreneurship. After several years he thought about law school, and moved to Paris to incorporate a law firm. He worked in securities offerings and he finally saw that it didn’t fit with his personality/skills. He decided to return to the journalist and came back to Boston to work as a beat reporter for Boston globe and other newspapers. He worked on local issues about church, scandal, education which were interesting but a hard work. He wanted to return to Silicon Valley and talk with old contacts. He got back into “blogosphere” type of world that was developing online publication. He reconnected with Yogesh, one of his old contacts and raised money for Pictureal with the goal of acting as moving product along the marketing materials. They built product development, coordinating the work with engineer in India. Personiva was born.
He didn’t learn how to sell in college, he picked up skill from the other persons working at Personiva, and kept using the communication and writing skills he had learned in college. The writing has a great place in the communication; 95% is email. He has to think on his feet, handle many things at once and finding a way to prioritize everything.
The idea of Pictureal was people uploading videos (family videos), developing a service that takes care of them, but the time and the money weren’t right for this kind of business. They started to ask what people thought of Personiva’s original work, and to think how to connect Personiva tech to Pictureal. They started working with HP which is the first business that has been developed from people’s feedbacks. The project was evolving days after days, always thinking about what the next idea was. Technical, complimenting skills were used a lot. One person doesn’t have every skill, to work at Personiva, one person must be able to contribute in ideas and skills. His technical knowledge has grown over time, picking creative, management, communication and presentation skills from the persons around him
A typical week plays out with setting goals that need to be met at the end of the week. Monday, he sends out communications to meet ups end of week, expectation of when materials will come and think of how to prepare the team for coming events; each day he try to conquer accomplishments. At the end of the week, he hopes that most the goals are met. Each day he has to think of strategizing everything and think of what the clients are looking for, talk with the client and think how the ideas can be made. The traveling is also a big thing, every two weeks, he goes to Chicago or New York for two or three days, meeting people.
He finds companies that are interested by direct outreach, cold call and after he develops relationships with clients, having diner, having non-official meetings. They meet people who believe in what they do to spread “Personiva” in conferences or networks.
Hanora
Interview
Neil:
I grew up in New Jersey. It was very enjoyable as a child. I loved to play games and hang out with my friends. As I grew up things began to become clearer to me. I went to high school and hand many good friends. I then started looking at colleges a found I wanted to go to Syracuse, which I then did. I had a very pleasant and knowledgeable time there. There I studied physiology and cultural geography. After I finished up with school I wanted to explore the culture so I moved out to California. After living here for a few months I started looking for a job. I then stumbled upon an ad on craigslist for Toolworks. So I went on the interview and they seemed to really like me. They then called me back for another interview and I got the job. I was really excited about this new job and see how I would fit in. As years passed I really realized how much I loved my job. Everyday I would get up and be excited to do what I loved. The thing that really inspired me to peruse this job was that I love to work with people who are unique, from different cultures, not as fortunate, and who have different places then where I come from. This has helped me to come up with what I would like to do in the future to. The past few months I have been getting prepared to continue helping others by moving to Africa. There I will work in a small school-helping student with their education of speaking English. This is a very big step for me but I am ready for the change and hope it will make a difference in the end. And to show them some of my favorite things to do too like reading, writing, jogging, art, and meditating. While they can show me some of their favorite hobbies too I hope to spend about three years there and then decide if I will stay longer or come back to America.
Argent,
Argent:
Why did you want to be a teacher?
Frank:
Well, I found out that I wanted to be a teacher when I was in college. My good friend had a kid and I did a really good job of taking care of him and he said that maybe I should be a teacher. And ya know, I was a major at psych, during the hippy years, which was kinda like what’re you going to do with psych during those years... So I decided to start teaching.
Argent:
Wait, so how long have you been teaching?
Frank:
Well, let me see… I’ve been a teacher since 1973…
Argent:
Damn that’s a long time. Have you always been teaching preschoolers?
Frank:
Yeah. Kids are the answer. They’re going to be a new generation. If we start teaching them now, start teaching them morals and good behavior, they’ll carry it on as they grow up. A child’s mind just absorbs everything the child learns. So it is important during these years they learn a lot of things. Ya know, Hitler thought the same way too. There were many children’s books that furthered the Nazi cause, propaganda for children ya know?
Argent:
Wow Hitler huh… I coulda sworn that Saddam had trained some kids to be killers. Weren’t they called the lion cubs or tiger somethings? Well, I guess it’s something like get ‘em while they’re young?
Frank:
Yeah, but it just goes to show how precious a child’s mind is. Which is why it is important that we teach them well. So that they grow up and contribute to the society instead of destroy it.
Argent:
So you’ve been teaching for a really long time now, have you always taught around here?
Frank:
Oh, I was born in Philladelphia, and I worked at a Monisori school for about 19 years. It was all right but then it was more like getting on your boss’s good side. I remember I had this boss, and I may have angered her or something. And she would ignore me for the whole week except for Fridays, where she would then call me into her office and make me do all this stuff. She would say, “I need this done by Saturday, etc.” Basically ruin my whole weekend. Man she was a mean person. So after a while I left, because I wanted to make some real money, because teaching has a crappy salary. I tried a federal job, but that also had crappy wages. So my friend told me to try this truck stop job. Which I didn’t like at all, because you don’t talk to anybody, and you have to refuel the truck, check the tire pressure by hitting this metal thing and listen to the sound to hear if it needed more air or not. So worked there for about 4 months and went back to teaching. So I started teaching at St. Patrick’s in 1981 for about 19 years. Then I started teaching at Clementina for a couple of years, and then here for a few more… so maybe I’ve been teaching over here for about 22 years… I was also substituting over on the east for a few years while I was a junior. My rule was that you could do what you want, talk to your friends and all, as long as you don’t bother me and cause any problems, or be too loud. Then some teachers’ would actually leave you stuff for the kids to do. And it’s like I’m a sub… do you actually think that they’re going to listen to me tell them to do this stuff? So I was like to hell with that, do what you want.
Argent:
Ha ha ha. Yeah I know what you mean. Even for myself I never really take subs seriously… I don’t think many people do.
Frank:
Yeah. I think it is just something passed down.
Argent:
For teaching this long, you must have a favorite part of the job.
Frank:
Yeah, when the kids go home.
Argent:
HAHAHAHAHA!
Frank:
Seriously though, we use to have a lot of these but we don’t do much any more, but field trips. Because they’re hands on, you get new scenery and the kids get to go places and see different things other than the same classroom while learning. I also like it when the kids start to pick up letters and words and go on a roll reading things.
Argent:
So are these the reasons why you teach?
Frank:
Well, yeah. If you really want to get to know the kids you should really get to know the family also, so that there is a trust with you and the parents. Because they are giving you their kids, and kids are precious, they’re the future. I actually taught this one girl, who came back many years later so that I can teach her daughter.
Argent:
Whoa. That must have been a flash from the past. But why do you think that teachers don’t get paid a lot? I mean they’re teaching the next generation of adults. Shouldn’t that be a high paying job?
Frank:
Well, I believe that no amount of money equals a child’s life, so I think we should be paid more, because there’s a lot of money out there, I mean I have a friend who’s a librarian, ya know the person whom you go to and ask “hey I need this book” and they search it up for you, she makes $45 an hour, that’s more than what I make…
Argent:
That’s crazy.
Frank:
Yeah, well it is not that teaching is not important; it’s just that it doesn’t seem to be a priority. People just say well you’re just baby-sitting, but it’s more than that. If we close down all the schools, then what would happen to the parents and the kids? We pay more money for people to watch our money than to watch our kids. It just seems a bit whack to me.
Argent:
I’d have to agree. Thanks for the food Frank.
Frank:
Sure no problem. So you thinking of being a teacher when you grow up?
-argent
Derick Dragon interview w/ Aditi Shekar
D: please give me a brief history of yourself.
A: Well, I was born in India but i grew up in Tanzania because my mom worked for the U.N. I am now 22 years old, I graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a degree in marketing.
D: What exactly is your job title and what does that entail?
A: I am the Project Coodinator and that means that I am in charge of fundraising, teacher outreach, and marketing. I also oversee the youth philanthropy program.
D: How did you become involved with Donors Coose?
A: My family was involved with Donors Choose and I learned about it from them. I interview with Becky (boss) and got the position.
D: What former training/education do you have?
A: B.S. Business Administration, Double Major in Psychology.
D: What are your likes and dislikes?
A: I like Root Beer floats, flowers, and dogs. I don't like people who take things for granted, seafood, and frogs.
D: What are your hobbies and interests?
A: I like to Ski, Horseride, Hiking, chcking E-mail, social marketing, international development, fashion and small details.
D: what do you plan to do in the future?
A: I plan to rule the world, and start my own organization that promotes social good but can sustain itself.
-DeCorrah
Interview with my mentor
With Tara McDough
D: what did you want to do when you were younger?
T: I wanted to do something with languages. I studied French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. It was really interesting
D: what experience did you need to get this job?
T: I worked at many theatres across the nation. I was actually over experienced.
D: what training do you have? How does it help?
T: I went to college and majored in psychology and theatre arts
D: What do you like about your job?
T: there is a lot of variety. There is always something new to be done. I’m working for a worthy cause; for something I’m passionate about. Also I love being a big fish in a little pond
D: How long have you been working at the S.F. Playhouse theatre?
T: One year
D: what do you dislike about your job?
T: Here there is always something to de done. And I always want to do everything
D: do you feel like you make a difference in your society?
T: Yes. Theatre is powerful and meaningful
D: how does this job help you to get other jobs?
T: Working in theatre gives me the experience to talk to people
D: What was your first job ever?
T: I worked at a clothing store at the mall. But if your asking for the first job I worked for my dad, killing bugs
D: What was your first job out of college?
T: I worked at a small box office in Boston. It was my first theatre job also
D: What do you like doing on you spare time?
T: I do improv. But I really don’t have a lot of spare time. I sow cook and sow
D: Do you like being on stage or off-stage better?
T: I like both, artist and administrator. Unlike others I don’t want to give up either one. But I do run an improv company
D: Is it different planning plays?
T: yes sometimes it can be harder. I have to do more with less money. Because of this were sometimes not respected
D: What were goals when you were younger?
T: in high school it was to go to college. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I didn’t go to grad school.
D: what other jobs can you apply for with your experience?
T: I can apply for any office job and get it easily. I can go into sales because of my experience in sales. But non-profit is hard because profit jobs have more resources
D: what are you plans for your future?
T: I would like to be paid to run an improv company and learn about non-profit management.
Isabel
Where were you born?
I was born in the country of Laos, though my family remained there less than a year after I was born.
(If you moved) Why did you move to SF?
Well, the question should really go to my parents who relocated the family from Boston to San Francisco many, many years ago. I moved back to San Francisco after college because of many reasons. My top 3 reasons would have to be: I am pretty close to my family; I love the weather; there are few others cities in the nation that has the cultural diversity and liberal viewpoint of most parts of the city.
Where did you go to school (high school and/or college)?
I went to high school in San Francisco; specifically, I went to Raoul Wallenberg T.H.S. For college, I originally attended the College of William and Mary in Richmond, VA. I was, and guess still am but to a lesser extent, a Jeffersonian enthusiast. Thus, like any good stalker would, I went to the same college he attended centuries ago. After a year of unbearably humid summers, freezing winters, and a conservative community in much need of diversity, I decided to move back to California where I transferred to UCLA. At UCLA, I double-majored in International Political Economy and Sociology.
What were your first jobs and how did you like working there?
A long time and many majors ago, I had intended to get my degree in Art History. Thus my first jobs were in that field. My first “real” job was as a docent at the Diego Rivera Museum at the City College of San Francisco. I absolutely loved it there. When there were people there for a tour, I was able to share my love and knowledge of the murals with them. When there wasn’t anyone there except me, I was able to be all alone with the beautiful murals. Though I eventually changed my major, I still indulged in my love of art and cultural history with docents jobs at museums. During my first year at UCLA I was a docent at the Fowler Cultural Museum on campus. It was, in my opinion, one of the best jobs on the whole campus. On a bustling campus of about 35,000 people, I got to escape to the gorgeous museum which was located in a somewhat secluded corner of the campus. It was a perfect balancing tool to the hours I had to spend studying the economic policies of the Brazilian government in the mid-twentieth century.
How did you start at OFC?
Like any good San Franciscan, I found OFC through Craig’s list. I was a little involved in the LGBT community through many great friends and was previously somewhat aware of OFC through word of mouth here and there. Thus it was great to see an opening at the organization when I had returned to San Francisco.
What are some reasons you like working at OFC?
Well, first and foremost I was attracted to OFC’s mission and work in promoting social justice and equality for the historically oppressed. I also love working at OFC because there is a great balance in the work and programs we do. While we attend rallies and produce educational materials, we also throw Halloween parties for LGBT families and have trip to places such as the Bay Area Discovery Museum.
What are your plans for the future?
I do plan to return to school. My time at OFC is somewhat of my sabbatical from school. The reason I took this “sabbatical” is because I just couldn’t decided if I wanted to go to law school (as I had planned for years) or go for my graduate degree in Economics. While I wholehearted love school, I think the time off school and research jobs (I was a research assistant at UCLA after finishing UCLA, which meant a lot of the same work) has been real good.
What are your likes and dislikes?
That’s a long list, so I just give you just a few. I live in San Francisco and am the daughter of two chefs, so I love to eat. Something else I like to do and am lucky to have plenty of living in San Francisco is see great live music. Spending a lot of time in public spaces I would say that my most prominent dislike at this current moment is simple rude individuals. While I am certainly not Mary Poplins, I almost always try to courteous of others. I always ask myself what I would do in a situation and thus it completely rattles my mind when I see one person being entirely rude without provocation to another when she or he could choose to be nice. Perhaps one is suppose to eventually just get accustomed to rudeness living in the city, but as someone who has lived in major urban areas the majority of her life, I am still not able to brush off discourtesy.
What do you do on your freetime (hobbies)?
Currently, my two favorite ways to spend my free time are somewhat on the opposite end of the spectrum. Firstly, my parents are both chiefs and we have large family dinners with our extended family and friends all the time (be it at home or at a restaurant). We’re also I would have to say my favorite thing to do on my free time is to go backpacking by myself (or camping, if I’m feeling a bit lazier). California has some of the best parks in the country and while I like backpacking with friends and family, being by yourself in the woods is amazing. Then there are the other good-old standby hobbies such as reading, eating, and sleeping.
Anything else you would like to add?
I just wanted to say that thank you again for all your hard work. What’s more while a lot of people can work hard, you were also very efficient at your work.
Jasmine Martinez
Mentor Interview
Interviewee: Davonne Mark
-What do you do?
I am a legal secretary at the District Attorney’s Office. I type up complaints that are generated through court to retain defendants. And I supervise students for work experience.
-How did you get this job?
My friend’s father found out about it at the human resource office and made us apply for it when we were 18 or 19.
-Did you think you would be doing this?
No, I had no imagination at that time, I was too young, and I had no idea what wanted to do.
-How did you feel when you first began working here?
When I first started working here I felt overwhelmed because there was lots of work
-Do you like working here?
I am thankful that I have a good paying job, and I enjoy it. But, I’m ready for a new challenge.
-What were your expectations about this job?
My expectations of this job were that I thought I was going to be generating complaints, typing motions, and doing transcriptions.
-What was your first impression of this place?
My first impression was that it was a mess, and it had no computers, everything needed to be done by hand, and the time management was off because they didn’t update their office supplies.
-Why did you choose this job?
It was a promotion; I used to be a supervisor.
-How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been working here since 1990, so I’ve been doing this for 17 years.
-Do you think that working here has helped you grow as a person?
Yes, I’ve learned how to work in a political office, and I’ve learned how to work on a P.C. I’ve been able to work with different diversities, and with that I’ve learned about different cultures, and I’ve gained a different work experience.
-What have been your challenges?
My challenges have been being promoted to being a supervisor, and learning how to do it, and also keeping friendships separate from work.
-What steps did you take to get here?
The steps I took to get here were getting my education, so I had to finish high school, go to college, and I had to take a test for the civil service to see if I qualified for the position.
-What would you change about your job?
What I would change would be I would want more courts in the misdemeanor unit for support, so clerical staff.
-How do you feel about a usual workday?
I feel good, its not very complicated, but its very repetitious, and I’m glad to have this job.
-What have been your Career changes?
I’ve worked at the General Hospital in the X-ray room, and in City Hall I dealt with the marriage records. And I was also a supervisor, and now I’m a Legal Secretary.
-What are your future goals?
My future goals are to be a probation Officer and to make more money. I want to have 2 condos and I want to retire when I turn 55.
-What inspires you?
In the beginning what inspired me was that I wanted work experience, money, and I wanted to become a supervisor.
-If you were able to choose a different career path what would it be?
If I were able to do something different I would want to be an interior designer because I love and enjoy it. You have to like what you do so you can do it for a long time in life if that’s your passion.
-What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are that I like to do interior design, teaching kids, I like to walk, and I like to learn. I also like to listen to inspirational music, which is Gospel music, and I like to eat.
-What advice would you give to someone who would want to work here?
Some advice that I would give to someone would be to go to school, take a legal secretary class, and to get a certificate that proves you have the ability to do the job.
-What do you like and dislike about the world and life?
I dislike people who are rude and only care about themselves instead of other people. I like babies, trees, the grass, butterflies, birds, and everything god made, even human beings when they’re nice.
-What do you like to do on your free time?
I like to go to the movies, hang out with my girl friends and eat. I like to go to concerts, go to the gym and exercise, and walk for meditation.
-Is their any advice you can give me?
I would say to work hard, stay focused, remember your goals and always keep them in mind to achieve. Don’t settle, and if you believe your wishes will come true. And most importantly, believe and you shall receive.
Ashley Duran-Colburn Interviewing Rita DiLorenzo of BlackLabelSF
A: Where were you born and raised?
R: I was born in San Pedro, CA, but we moved to Banning when I was 3 years old.
A: Where is Banning?
R: Its like 20 minutes from Palm Springs, no West Palm Springs. Its near the Mojave desert. When I was 18 years old I left and moved to San Francisco.
A: What did you do when you came here?
R: Went to SF State. My interests initially were in drawing. I began my degree at State for visual arts, but after 2 years I left - no - took a break. Thats how most of my adult life was. I would work a couple years and then switch jobs or take a break from school.
A: So how did you decide to pursue design?
R: It was really just a whim. I realized I wanted to be involved in the creation and construction of clothes. It seemed like my calling. But still, I couldnt commit to one company. I would work a year in fashion and then take a break and work odd jobs, like at the public library or bartending or at an art gallery. I had a lack of confidence in my work, and I couldnt handle the high stress of the job. It was a big commitment and it scared me. I ended up going back to school and finishing my degree in visual arts at State and went to Apparel Arts to learn the technical aspect of fashion construction.
A: Did you specialize in anything in particular at Apparel Arts?
R: I chose to specialize in pattern making, which is what I do like a lot, but I would perfer to work in the design, drape, pattern process. I worked in the corporate world, but I didnt like it because I couldnt be in control of every part of the apparel process. When you work for a company like Banana Republic, you can only work in one section. If your a pattern maker, you make the pattern. If you a designer, you dont drape, you only sketch. Theres never the room to experiment.
A: So which companies have you worked for? Or what experience do you have?
Well i've worked in pattern making for Old Navy for a year, Janeville (Gymboree) for 4 months, Bebe for 1 year, now I freelance for Banana Republic. On the side Ive done costume design for Hubbard Street Dance Company in Chicago and the Robert Moses Theatre Company. Ive made a friends wedding dress, a leather gown for a photo shoot. Now im running my own company and hoping to be successful :)
A: Yes, BlackLabel SF. What is your vision or goal for the collection? What type of woman do you design for?
R: God I hate it when im asked that question. Every interview I get asked that and I never know what to say... but I try and follow my instict of what I feel is chic and wearable. As much as I love that high fashion, crazy, artistic type of clothing, I know it wont sell.. So i aim for a woman who wants to be chic and stylish, with an air of elegance, but still really causal. Like how I mix jersey silk knits with a charmeuse, or have fun and make playful taffeta dresses that hold their shape without unnecessary padding... I really try and follow my own creative vision.
A: Who are your greatest style influences?
R: I love Anna Sui's prints, and Dianne VonFurstenburgs chic and wearable fashions. I love high fashion, so I love how Marc Jacobs makes bold choices to mix high fashion with wearable styles.
A: What are your ultimate goals for BlackLabel?
R: Well I've been trying to spread brand awareness, and getting the BlackLabel name recognized. I want my message to be communicated, so that people understand who im designing for and they can recognize my style influences. I would love to get investors soon to help expand the company. A Flagship store would be great, you know, so I can say I have stores in LA, New York, London, Milan, but im home based in San Francisco.
A: Any department stores or larger stores?
R: Well, you have to understand that department stores have a different ordering system that what were used to with boutiques. While a boutique may keep ordering you every season because they want to have an local designer, a department store most likely wont reorder. They could check sales for your line after a month and then decide to drop you if it wasnt successful enough. So no Macys or Nordstroms in the future. However, it would be kinda cool to be in Barneys. I just love Barneys.
A: What publications have you been in?
R: Well California Apparel News featured an article about BlackLabelSF, and the local fashion magazine 7x7 might feature a fashion shoot of BlackLabel.
A: What is the step by step process of taking the sketch to the racks?
R: First its the design, the sketch done in an office that is in most cases presented to sales reps who tell you what can be fixed or nitched. Then its draped (raw fabric or scraps on a modern form) to see how that particular fabric will hang or if the design needs to be tweeked (like shortening sleeves or dropping a neckline). After being drapped, the cut up fabric is laid out onto large paper to make the pattern. The pattern and fabric is sent to the cutters and then the sewers to make the sample piece. This piece gets tweeked some more until its perfect. Then this is sent to the sales reps who take it to the buyers. Once orders are in, theres marking and grading to get the right size proportions and measurements. The cutters and sewers then are in full speed to mass produce the final product that is shipped to boutiques.
A: What is the most challenging part of owning your own company or being a designer?
R: Managing all the work that needs to be done. Its a lot of work for one person. I have to balance the business and design aspects without going crazy.
A: How much of it is business and how much is creative?
R: Its about 50/50 business to design... yeah somewhere around there. But I love the challenge. Its a high risk, high stress world, and thats what keeps me going. The deadlines, the constant challenge...the possiblities of failing are just as high as succeeding. Its my own high. I love it.
A: Thank you!
What Is your full name?
Mabel Alejandra Negrete Alfaro
What is your Current occupation?
Artist, Teacher and Programming Administrator
Was I Not the greatest Intern EVER?
Honestly, I think you were a good intern. I like your sense of self- motivation. This is very uncommon of youth of your age. I also like the
passion you put towards what you seems to understand the most.
I believe physics is one of your strengths and I think your project
conceptually was very interesting and fun. In fact, since the day you
proposed the idea I was very impressed by your design and I was looking
forward to see it done. However, as you also know, the project was a lot
more challenging and the obstacle of not having the worm gear on time became
your central focus, but to reassure you, this is very common. Overtime, I
believe experience will show you that not always we get what we need or
want. So in those instances, we need to seek alternatives solutions right
away and not wait until the last minute especially if one has a deadline. To
do this for example, I highly relay on my improvisational and creative
skills. These are very critical skill which I believe over time you are
going to be able to handle it for yourself. So, I think you handled your
frustrations fairly well. Just for the future when you are given the freedom
to making anything try to seek different directions early on so you always
have a plan B or even C if A doesn't work.
Now in terms of helping us in simple task like cleaning the space or
prepping materials for the teachers, I felt you were disinterested and while
we don't like to force people to do these types of tasks, ethically we don't
see when people are disinterested in a good light. We strongly believe in
sharing responsibilities and each person taking initiatives in this area. In
fact from the director to the person who takes care of the animals, we have
a strong commitment to not divide the labor in ways that increases
hierarchies. So, all share the work that we most dislike. Thus everyone is
responsible for cleaning because as you noticed the place get messy and it
needs maintenance. So, in the future if you happen to be in another
internship or a paid job, pay attention to this kind of details because they
do matter.
How long have you been @ MSW?
All together, 6 years
How did you get there?
I started as a volunteer when I was attending City College (2001) majoring
in art and education.
Do you like what you do?
Yes, I enjoy teaching, making art and developing programs that involves art,
technology and science. As an artists, I have always been very inventive. I
enjoy being a teacher because it is funky and I love learning new stuff. I
like to administer and develop programs because I am interested in
contributing alternative practices to education.
Does this job help to make you who you are in any way?
Absolutely, the workshop is an ideal work environment to practice science
with arts methodologies. As a multidisciplinary artists who happens to be
interested in theories of social ecology, identity, space and technology, I
can connect my personal investigations and relate them to students academic
learning.
Would you rather be doing something else?
Not at this moment, but in a couple of years I will be going to Grad school
and my goal for the future is to teach also adults. Most likely, I will be
teaching Public and Conceptual Art Practices.
Why do you stay with the MSW?
As I mentioned, this is an environment that offers me a lot of opportunities
and liberty to be an artist, teacher and administrator. Actually, it is rare
to find places like this one.
Could you please just give me a little bit of a background about
how you fit The MSW into your life, and just some of the benefits of
being a part of it?
Well, the science workshop is very important to my life at his moment
because I get to try interesting curriculums that in some ways have direct
connections to my artistic practice. For example, this summer I'm going led
two classes. One is focusing on making toys with simple electronics and
another one on animation with a focus on Habitat. So, concepts like habitat
and low-tech game making relates to my work which explores ideas about space
and participatory art.
INTERVIEW BY LOGAN TO MABEL
FINALLY!!!!!
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