The Interview

On Thursday, I finalized on my portfolio design and layout. Went down to Bras Basah Complex to get it printed.

Kalis asked me, "Do you know of other print shops other than Bras Basah?"

Bras Basah Complex, or Shu Cheng(literally Book City), is kinda like the only place to get documents professionally printed. I mean, the place is filled with, well, books, and of course print shops.

I was there a while ago to get some screenprinting supplies from Art Friend. After getting my stuff, I was approached by a trio of secondary school kids from Dunman High School. Apparently, they were doing a general survey on Bras Basah Complex.

Basically, they asked what I thought of the place and whether air-conditioning the complex was necessary.

Personally, I LOVE Bras Basah Complex because it is NOT urbanised. I like the complex because it is old and ageing. The apparent signs of wear and tear simply reflects the richness of the place itself. Very vintage flavour to the place. And vintage is IN.

About air-conditioning the place, I'm a firm, "HELL NO!" The charming thing about Bras Basah Complex is that it an open-aired building. Practically everywhere you go, it's air-conditioning, air-conditioning and MORE air-conditioning. It's a relief to know that un-air-conditioned complexes still exist.

Nowadays, all the massive shopping malls LOOK and FEEL the same! It all started with Vivo City. Then the AMK Hub came along and looked like a wannabe Vivo City. Before AMK Hub, when you think of Ang Mo Kio, you'd never in ten lives expect a upmarket shopping mall! Then Suntec City jumped on the bandwagon, face-lifting the Galleria shopping sector. The boardings came off and voila! ANOTHER WANNABE VIVO CITY! Throw in the Gap boutiques and Gloria Jean's Coffee, and voila once more! A la Vivo City.

(But I have to say, this indoor musical fountain they erected in the Galleria of Suntec City is damned cool! Intelligent use of technology, lighting and sound. A truly mod piece of art.)

When asked about what could be done to improve Bras Basah Complex, I just said that they could change the escalators because they seem to always be down.

Then on Thursday when I was there, I saw this notice that they put up at the escalators, saying, "...change escalators...frequent breakdown due to old age...sorry for any inconvenience caused".

Elderly escalators! That's hot!

Anyways on Thursday, I also went to Art Friend to get a presentation folder for my portfolio. Spent S$83 on it! When it comes to building a personal portfolio, quality CANNOT be compromised. A designer's portfolio is his 'rice bowl'. I've learnt to respect my portfolio and protect it with all my life. In fact, it is good courtesy to treat a designer's portfolio with respect.

Then came Friday, the interview day. It was scheduled at 3.00PM. But I had to work the whole day on Friday too. So I got permission from my manager to MIA from work to go for my important interview.

I was kinda nervous in the morning, but was distracted from all troubles because I was working. I was the only poor lonely soul scheduled to work the morning shift at the Snack Bar. But thankfully, they kinda recruited a new staff and scheduled her for the morning shift too. Provided me with some company because the afternoon shift people would only have come at 2.00PM.

In the blink of an eye, it was 2.30PM. The afternoon shift people reported for duty and I realised I had to go for my interview!

From Suntec City to LaSalle College, I basically walked the whole way. Suntec City...Rochor Flyover...DHL Balloon...Bugis Junction...Bugis Street...OG Albert...Sim Lim Square...Burlington Square...LASALLE COLLEGE!

I walked for 20 minutes in a slight drizzle. When I reached the college. I was pretty much washed down a bit. I felt so icky because of all the perspiration MIXED WITH rainwater. Not exactly an ideal state for an interview. But thank goodness I was early, so I had time to freshen up in the toilet.

I loved the signs on the toilets! Too bad I don't have pictures of it.

Then I was brought to this reception area where I waited to be interviewed. I was rather a nervous wreck, but somehow managed to calm my nerves. The lady from the Academic Department said that the interview is basically about how you carry your ideas across. Communication skills. She said to be confident and it should not be a problem getting the spot. But she also warned that because the interviewers are lecturers, they might come across as a little strict.

I was barely a 10-minute wait before it was my turn.Turned out there were only 2 interviewers. I was nervous, but confident. Just kept on smiling! Whenever in doubt, JUST SMILE. It was kinda my proudest moment when I handed my portfolio for them to see. And I talked about treating portfolios with respect, but I didn't feel too much respect when only one of the lecturers looked through it.

But then again, I guess they were just acting anal because they WERE quite anal in their attitude. Not particularly friendly, but it would be unfair to say that they were nasty too. I thought I answered their questions pretty well because I very well know what I am striving for. Just that many a time, I found myself tongue-tied. I was furiously thinking on my feet that when the words came out of my mouth they just got all jumbled up.

When I told them that I read design books and design magazines, they IMMEDIATELY asked me what design magazines I read. I told them I read IDN and ish magazines. And they told me that I should probably move on to reading design journals and that 'there are many design magazines like HOW, Communication Design, etc out there'.

I thought it all ended quite well thought they REALLY didn't show any positive emotion. I had to pop the question to seal my fate:

"SO DOES IT MEAN THAT I'M IN?"

They still continued being anal, refusing to give a solid 'yes' or 'no':

"Based on this interview and your portfolio, I would say that you are definitely ready for entry into Level 1. But of course they would have to process the application and all. The Academic Department will email you again, or you very kan chiong, can always call up and ask if you haven't heard anything for some time."

Translation:

"Yes, Kang Yong. You've made it in. Welcome aboard!"