August 04, 2005
Star Performer
I was surprised at work today with an award. The funny thing is that I really didn't expect it. Mostly what I do at work is for the paycheck. That, and bitch. I'm a self-admitted whore. I know that's not the popular attitude -but there it is.
I was heading outside to smoke last Friday and one of the other media designers saw a washing machine I had drawn on an intern’s computer. He was busy doing quality assurance.
"Hey, Shawn did you draw that Milnor?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Nice job."
I must have had that look that my face because he said, “No, seriously. It looks great.”
"Thanks. I think I'm in what will be known as my toaster period."
This last remark was made because earlier in the day another one of the educational designers had commented that I drew a great toaster.
I braved the humidity as I stood smoking and looking at the graveyard twenty feet behind our company’s back door.
For some reason these two comments sort of stayed with me through the weekend. I started wondering if this is who I've become? The "toaster guy"? Seriously?
It's a strange place that artists dwell? Somewhere between reality and art? Or maybe this is it. Maybe it's just what I'm good at?
Or maybe I've just gotten comfortable. I don’t feel comfortable? I do think I could be doing something a little more interesting with my so-called gifts.
Otherwise…welcome to my toaster period.