The BMW Job That Taught Me to Wait My Turn

A few months ago, I missed out on a job I really wanted. I read through the enquiry and could already picture myself there. 

I put together the proposal, sent it off and crossed my fingers. Then saw that another illustrator got it (no hard feelings, but when you run your own business - of course you always want the gig!)

I had my little "Well, that's a shame" moment, and got on with life (and live illustration).

Fast forward a few months, and I'm switching off on holiday with my family. No laptop, just food, pool, food, pool.

And then I got an enquiry from BMW. 

My thought process: "omg!" to “Heck yeah!” to “gah I don’t even have my laptop to reply”. I'd deliberately left my laptop at home to be a responsible adult who actually switches off while on holidays with her family. 

Instead that evening, I started downloading files from my Sent folder, piecing together a proposal on my phone and writing what I hoped was a kickass response to get the job.

Y’know what’s crazy? I'd only just test-driven a BMW (ended up buying a Mini) so I felt the universe winking at me. 

I got the job.

It was a live illustration activation to launch BMW’s latest iX3. When I arrived, it made me realise that the job I'd missed out on a few months earlier (also an automobile brand) wasn't actually the one I was meant to have. From the guests to the team, even the photographers - everything felt aligned. 

Sometimes we're so focused on the opportunity that didn't happen that we completely miss the possibility of something that's actually a better fit waiting around the corner.

Remember: Not every enquiry/client is perfect for you, and not every rejection is a mistake or personal attack on your business. 

If you're reading this and planning a launch, activation or corporate event and wondering whether live illustration could be the thing that gets people talking, let me show you what's possible. You can find out more about my corporate and brand event illustration services here.