Preparing For An Interview: It’s Just Like College, Only With Gray Hair and Cellulite
Ahhh hubris, Will I ever learn?
So today I did a phone interview with Bethany Caskey of Rural Heritage Magazine about my draft horse art. Rural Heritage Magazine is bi-monthly magazine devoted to farming and logging with horses, mules and oxen. I was totally tickled when she asked for an interview.
Because it’s been awhile since I’ve done an interview I thought I should do a little studying. You know, so I would sound like I know what I’m talking about and don’t say things like
“You know like . . .”
“totally”
and worst of all “Umm . . .”
Most of the time when magazines or newspapers do an article on me they just look through the mountainous piles of online stuffs and then just ask a couple of questions. But I had a feeling this was gonna be an actual interview.
So the plan was to prepare for it by doing a little research by looking through that mountainous pile of information, so I’d have a wealth of artsy fartsy words at my brain’s fingertips. (figuratively speaking)
Eventually I babbled out some sort of verbal diarrhea the content of which I don’t remember because my subconscious has had to block out the trauma.
As I perused some of my writings it brought back memories of college exams and cramming at the last minute. Yes, I knew about the interview a few weeks prior, but why do then what I could put off until the very last possible second now.
After a few minutes of this, much like in real life, I got bored with myself and thought “Meh, what possible question could she ask that I wouldn’t immediately know the answer to?” And so just like in college, I slacked off.
And The Silence Was Deafening
So when she called I had my giant tumbler of Diet Coke at hand and got comfy on the couch, fully prepared to dazzle her with my elite equestrian artist-ness.
Bethany: (paraphrasing here) “So Mona, what would you like the readers of Rural Heritage Magazine to most know about you and your work?”
Me: “That having my artwork in their homes will bring them happiness, joy and prosperity.”
Okay, that’s not what I said. That’s what ran through my head because of my childlike tendency to amuse myself. Fortunately it went unsaid because I do have some impulse control. What I actually said was,
“. . . . Ummm . . . . err . . . ahhh . . . . that’s a good question.” (aw crap!)
Yup. I totally blew the cool artist thing I was shooting for, and I did it within the first 30 seconds of the interview. (awesome) Eventually I babbled out some sort of verbal diarrhea the content of which I don’t remember because my subconscious has had to block out the trauma.
But Bethany was a trooper and soon she had me relaxed and laughing. 45 minutes later I came to the determination that I liked her and thought she and I would get along really well in person.
So Bethany if you just happen to take a peek back on the blog, Thank you so much for your kindness. You made me at ease and relaxed and better still you made me laugh. All of those things are proof that you are a seriously excellent at your job. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the World Percheron Congress.
UPDATED:
Occasionally I am a little slow on the uptake. (Okay not just occasionally.) Bethany had said a couple of things which triggered something that didn’t quite sink in until after I got off the phone. Subtle hints that said she was creative in addition to her writing. So I Googled her.
Yup just as I thought. Bethany Caskey’s website is chocked full of really great horse art. Check it out!
Tags: About Me
Aww, you should have said it! I think that would’ve been cool in an interview. A great quote.
Bethany: (paraphrasing here) “So Mona, what would you like the readers of Rural Heritage Magazine to most know about you and your work?”
Me: “That having my artwork in their homes will bring them happiness, joy and prosperity.”
Contrary to expectations of people outside the arts, an artist with the ego of a cat just comes off as charming and witty. Especially if she’s that genuinely witty. I think it’s cool.
Besides, two out of three are provably true, and a good argument could be made for prosperity following when people are happier. They’re more likely to be productive than when they’re dragging around miserable. See, if I had wall space, you would have sold me on a commission with that line.
Thanks Robert.
It really was a fun experience. At the end of the interview I founf out she had been to the blog so no matter how cool I may have portrayed myself she already knew who I “really” was. 
You are just a hoot! as a loyal subscriber to Rural Heritage, I can’t wait till your interview comes out! I know it will be great and I hope they have lots of your artwork in there too!
as an aside, I always, always vote for amusing yourself. The ones who don’t get it are usually ok to leave behind. (and I used my impulse control there, because my first thought was they are miserable slugs…)
Congratulations!
Thanks Lorie. Honestly all the positive feedback I get here on the blog for my silliness or public degradations, has made my blog is my primary dumping spot for self amusement. (My hubby who is usually not amused by me, being the other) In real life in regards to my art and business, I play it pretty straight. Unless they know me well. Then let the mayhem fall where it may.
Congratulations on the interview and glad it turned out to be such great fun!