television

“It just doesn’t go away.”

Thursday, February 7th, 2008
by jbrotherlove

I’ve always been a big fan of fashion (I had a subscription to W when I was 19). But I’m regularly impressed with how often Project Runway teaches me lessons about the creative process; lessons that extend beyond fashion.

In the episode “Even Designers Get The Blues”, the show’s contestants are challenged to deconstruct Levi’s 501 jeans to create new looks. Most of them did a great job. Even Ricky, who has somehow coasted through the competition, created an exceptional dress and even won the challenge.

As the judges gushed over his dress he started tearing up (which he does in nearly every episode). When Heidi Klum asked why he was so emotional, Ricky commented:

“This is like a rollercoaster. You don’t know where to go. You don’t know if you suck. If you don’ suck…”

Michael Kors interjected with:

“It doesn’t go away. It just doesn’t go away.”

Kors’ comment stuck to me. I never thought a designer with his success would say something like that. But I’m grateful he did. It helped me to understand that my doubts as a writer and designer are normal. Even if those doubts may never go away.