I’m in the line of work where I get to meet a lot of people. All sorts of people. Interesting people, people who think they are interesting, people from around here, people from other places, strange people, funky people, impressive people, lots of enthusiastic people, people who need favors, creative people, night people, morning people.
Truth be told, I don’t run into many normal people; a lot of them claim to be, but I guess they just can’t hear what they’re saying or see what they’re doing. Baffling people.
When I meet people and they ask me about my work, after the litany of industry complaints (I’m not the type of person who will try to make you jealous of my job), I’ve coined a sweet little professional axiom I like to throw out there: Everybody has a story to tell, and it’s my job to make sure it sounds good. It might not be a very profound adage, but it’s an inspiring reminder when I have to deal with boring people, and it’s the part of my job that I really like.
The pointed phone calls and letters nitpicking my grammar and spelling skills are fantastic, as well. Persnickety people.
I like that my job requires me to meet people, because I probably wouldn’t do it otherwise. I’ve been burned too many times – a harmless aside to an unfamiliar person turns into a half-hour tirade on an unrelated topic, an innocent greeting and introduction quickly escalates into an unsolicited lecture from an unauthorized or unreliable source. There are a few tell-tale signs out there that help me avoid potential social hazards (stains, Tea Party insignia, popped collars), but strangers are always full of surprises.
You know what I’m talking about: it’s risky business striking up a conversation with somebody you don’t know, and your schedule and peace of mind are at stake. It’s easier just to keep your head down and hope nobody picks you out of the crowd to be their new best friend for the next hour. But that’s no fun, and if I’ve got to deal with an occasional freak show on the job for some reason, at least I’m on the clock. Besides, when I’m meeting somebody new, it’s usually work related, and I’ve got a few tricks of the trade to make sure the discussion isn’t shanghaied. It comes with the territory.
Recently, our feature writers Natalie Voss and Cynthia Ellingsen profiled 10 of the more industrious people in town who make a living (or a nice supplement) making things. The items this collection of people produces (from handmade guitar amps to wedding dresses) are as varied as their personalities (some liked to talk, and talk, others needed a little coaxing to get a good quote), but they all have something in common – they were created by passionate people.
I hope you enjoy meeting them, as well as the other characters inside, as much as we did. Good people.