So, a bit about this jazz window thing and why it was such a fantastic experience.
One of my clients was approached by volunteers from the jazz festival to participate in a window decorating contest. I agreed to the idea, then saw the potential for a larger project.
There are five stores connected to said client, (Scott from Certainly Cinnamon) including my own. That was two. I thought, if only I could convince these other businesses, (some of whom had never used my services) then we’d have a huge mural!
Well, after some talking, another client (Dave from United Book Stores) joined up. Dave is a jazz aficionado, and was excited for the project with a lot of great ideas. Mamoya Sushi and Little Mysteries agreed and we were on.
Like any project dealing with so many people/variables, there were many hiccups. The rules for the contest dictated implementing designs that weren’t immediately available, Everybody was taking vacation at different times, and me still getting my brand new business off the ground. Time was running out.
The research involved was pretty heavy too. I had never done portraiture as a window mural before, which must be layered according to colors in reverse and applied backwards. I love Jazz, but didn’t know a lot about the history or key players. The whole thing was a tad daunting, but I had been looking for a challenge…
With a lot of work and little sleep, I managed to work out the designs and get them all up by the first. It turned out the deadline was a type-o on the handout, so I had the work done WAY before due. This was a good thing, though. I was done and had time to try and muster publicity, and I think it might have inspired more participation from neighboring businesses.
On judgement day I was told CBC’s Costas Halavrezos (the judge) would be by between 2:30 and four, so I camped out & stalked him outside Certainly Cinnamon. At about 4:30 I was putting my stuff away and about to wander off when he arrived. I’m afraid I gushed a bit…
Waiting out the judge’s decision that evening, I decided I had already won. A bunch of businesses banded together to bring visibility to ourselves, the way any community should work. I had met a huge challenge with flying colors, boosting my confidence. I got to learn a lot about Jazz & project management and enjoy the festival. What more could I want?
Well, about 10 minutes after this epiphany and 10 minutes before I had to leave for the Shuffle Demons, I got the call to say that we had won!
The Idlers & the Shuffle Demons were amazing. I had managed to get in touch with Richard from the demons, and he autographed my sketch of them. The next day I showed up in my kilt to receive the award on stage at the festival. Wow, I hadn’t had stage fright in so long! The prize turned out to be a trip for ten to go sea kayaking, a prize that splits up between five businesses quite nicely.
With so much going on in Halifax on the same weekend, (Kiss, Tall ships, Pride 2009, and more!) it’s been kind of rough getting publicity, but hopefully we’ll get something more on the go.
Well, this is probably longer than a blog entry should be, but it’s only #2. Besides, this has been a hell of a ride!
Thanks for reading,
Iain Keith Murray BFA