The Interview
Personal questions
What is your favorite childhood memory?
It’s hard to pick just one, but probably our backyard dance recitals. Each summer, the neighbor girls, my sister and I decided on a recital theme, choreographed our own performances, made costumes & programs, invited all our neighbors and even provided refreshments at intermission.What are the five foods you can’t live without?
- Brandywine tomatoes
- Morel mushrooms
- Avocado
- Blueberry walnut pancakes from Al’s Breakfast in Dinkytown
- The 112 Burger at the 112 Eatery.
What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?
“Everyone comes into your life to teach you something.” This came out of a conversation I was having with my mom in the 4th grade. I was a pretty shy kid growing up and I still struggle when facing confrontation or with someone who’s being difficult, so sometimes it helps to look at the situation through that prism.(Joe: how true!)
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't working?
We have two little girls at home, so that takes up most of our time these days. Slowly but surely I’m starting to get back to reading, sketching, painting, yoga, photography and cooking.If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Bill Murray. I love his comedy, his movies and his approach to life.(Joe: this is somewhat of a surprise answer but I love it. He has been popping up all over and seems like a great guy to just hang out with.)
Professional questions
Why graphic design?
I’ve seen myself as “an artist” since I was three years old… there was never anything else I was going to do. The great thing is there’s a need in every industry for creatives. Since receiving my BFA in Illustration from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, I’ve created home décor products for Target, designed performance wear for figure skaters & NFL cheerleaders, created content for educational software, exhibited specialty toys & games at the American International Toy Fair and now I create calendars for one of the top calendar publishers in the country.
If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?
The amazing artists at Light Grey Art Lab. Following their adventures and seeing the amazing work they’re making inspires me to carve out the time to create and reconnect with my own talents.(Joe: to learn more about Light Grey Art Lab, check out their website at http://lightgreyartlab.com/)
Can you explain what you look for in a photograph in 10 words or less?
Balanced, clear, bright, vibrant images… basically a step beyond reality.What is your greatest mistake a photographer makes when submitting images?
Not being personable and accommodating. It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally you run across someone who just isn’t nice to work with! Life is too short to deal with difficult people if you don’t have to.What is your favorite part about your job? What is your least favorite?
My favorite things are being able to start fresh on new calendars every year, seeing new images from our photographers and hearing their photo shoot stories, discovering new talent and researching our Travel & Events calendars. My least favorite part of the job is having to tell people they’re images weren’t selected or sending out rejections.(Joe: I can tell you from experience, the rejection notice is also the least favorite part for the photographer…)
How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone trying to break into the calendar business – designers and photographers, alike?
I was fortunate to get my start through an internship at Target HQ, but each job I’ve held since that time has taught me something, not only about my creative process, but how to perform my best as a professional. A lot of other publishers are much larger than our company, but I think these suggestions should basically be universal…- Research and ask good questions. This way you can decide if the relationship with the company you’re reaching out to will be mutually beneficial.
- Read the directions. Most companies have what they’re looking for and how they’d like to receive it on their websites, whether you’re submitting work for publication or applying for a job.
- Put your best foot forward. Make sure your resume & inquiry emails are short, relevant & specific. Curate your own work and only post your best stuff in your portfolio… More often than not, you’ll only have seconds to grab someone’s attention.
- Follow through. If a company knows they can count on you for something and you’re easy to work with, you’re sure to be high on their list whenever a new project comes up.
- When in doubt, read these books:
- Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon A. Mackenzie
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
- When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron
Bonus question:
What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?
- Mary Chaplin Carpenter – The Essential
- Kenny Chesney – Lucky Old Sun
- Civil Wars – Barton Hollow
- Blackhawk – Strong Enough
- Carolyn Cruso & Robert Almblade – Tone Poems
- Check out Sara's profile on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-olson-ab89953/
- Follow Sara on Instagram - @srwolson
All images are copyright Sara R.W. Olson
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