My 15 Minutes of Fame on HGTV
By Elaine Rasmussen
I never thought about using television as a marketing tool other than local cable advertising, but then one day while watching an episode of HGTV’s Designers’ Challenge, a thought occurred to me. “Why not give them a call and see what the chances are of becoming a candidate to be on one of their shows.” So I did.
My first approach was to get online and go to the HGTV website. I looked under the program name and came up with the phone number for the production company. I called and spoke to a representative who suggested I put my name on a list of designers available for projects that may come up in my area.
Within a week or two, I was contacted by mail and asked if I would be interested in being one of three designers competing for a $75,000 kitchen renovation project in New Jersey for the Tucci family. Of course, I was excited to have the opportunity and the media exposure, so I agreed!
The next step in the process was the paperwork, which consisted of a letter of agreement, a business profile questionnaire, a description of what to expect from Designers’ Challenge, and an outline of the production process.
After that, I was introduced to the homeowners off camera for the initial consultation to get to know them and discuss their needs. I brought my portfolio and examples of my work for the homeowners’ benefit. On this first appointment, I took my preliminary photos and measurements and discussed the budget for the project. I was encouraged to meet with the client as often as necessary; I brought my contractor along for the second meeting to verify the feasibility of the proposal.
The producers requested that I provide three portfolio photos of my work for the introduction segment of the show. In addition, a budget breakdown of the project needed to be submitted for approval. A two-hour shoot was then arranged so that a brief interview could be conducted at my office.
I had a few weeks to make up a presentation board with detailed renderings, floor plans, and elevations, along with sample items of materials to be used.
Then came the “presentation shoot.” This is where it got a little nerve-wracking, but I decided to have fun with it and just be myself. After the presentations from all designers, the homeowner had a week to make a decision as to whom they’d choose as their designer for the project.
As it turned out, another designer was chosen for the project. That was fine with me because I was still able to promote my business and be listed on the HGTV Website. This project can be seen on their website under “Dream Kitchen”, episode DSC-1208.
Winning in Colorado
Every year or so, I spend a couple months in Colorado where I have a number of friends and family. Several months after my filming for the Designers’ Challenge project in New Jersey, I had temporarily relocated near Denver. A few weeks after I informed HGTV of the move, I received a letter inviting me to be one of three designers on a home office project in Colorado.
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| The home office before its transformation. |
The process was the same as it was for my previous Designers’ Challenge project, except this time, I was the chosen designer, so my involvement was through the whole renovation process on the Ridders’ “Rustic Home Office” project (episode DSC-1602).
The first and primary concern was to hire a reputable cabinet company that would agree to do the project at the budget allowed; I was fortunate to have found a wonderful company that worked with me throughout the whole process. I drew up the specifications for the custom cabinets and desk. The design included crown moldings, decorative panels, bench seating with storage compartments, smoky glass doors, and housing for computer peripherals. The tan and brown granite countertops surrounded the room, while the windows were adorned in colorful southwestern cornices, complimenting the pattern and color of the hand-knotted area rug.
While the cabinets were being built, I had to hire an electrician to install new recessed amber lighting and to change the location of outlets. In the interim, the Ridder family and I went shopping for furniture and accessories. We found most of what we needed at the Denver Merchandise Mart where a friend of mine owns a Southwestern furniture and accessory studio. This part of the process was taped for the show.
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| Another view of the space prior to renovation. |
While waiting for delivery and installation, I personally painted the office walls in a soft faux finish which enhanced the color of the rustic pine cabinetry. The day before the final shoot, I spent the evening with the Ridders going through their books and accessories to find ones that were appropriate for the room; it took until midnight to get it all together for the following day.
Behind the scenes—before the cameras roll—I was fitted with microphones and directed as I talked about the details of the room. Then the cameras rolled! I remember feeling a little nervous but quite comfortable because the Ridders were so completely happy with the result of their project. After about an hour, the cameras stopped and I said goodbye. Then the family was filmed in the room; they talked about how much they liked the new space.
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| The redesigned space allows the office to tie in more with the natural surroundings. |
The three participating designers never get to meet each other and have no idea who they’re competing against; the client is asked not to disclose this information. When HGTV sent me a copy of the episode, I saw the presentations of the other designers for the first time.
Designers need to keep in mind before volunteering for this particular program that the project can take months to complete. You’re not making any money during the process and the airtime can be up to two years after the final shoot. You’re also faced with all of the good and bad associated with any renovation, and the responsibility rests in your hands.
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| The office now has plenty of storage and display room. |
That being said, being on Designers’ Challenge was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. I had the opportunity to meet two wonderful families and I still keep in touch with them. I also gained additional clients in the neighborhood of the project home in Colorado and word of mouth from those viewing the show.