Comments on: Going Solo

By: MPrewitt

MPrewitt — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:40:57 +0000

It’s a funny thing.

I feel collaborative efforts are where its at. I’m

sick of doing things alone and not having

influences upon me. I’ve been baging out work

daily for the past 5 years and I’m at a point

where just doing work which I have full control

over has lost its magic. I’m not saying that

solo work is over for me, but I feel in order to

takethings to another level, I need to do things

in a collaborative environment. I’m not saying

that doing work with ANYONE is a smart idea,

but with designers whom are on your level

or beyond it is always a delight. I’m not always

thinking openly, My opinionated bias points

at times are NOT correct. I feel that having

other, solid designers working with you is a

win\win situation. Rregardless, yea solidtude.

I spent alot of the past 5 years pretty much

on that tip. I can recall days and nights which

rolled into one sitting with me alone, feeling

accomplished via work. I’m interested in living

my life now. I want to see my friends and fam

more. I feel I’ve neglected ALOT of people in

pursuit of me getting better.

It’s funny, I am, as of late trying to find the

BALANCE of a more full filling social life

and still doing work, both personal

and other wise.

By: jen

jen — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:00:44 +0000

I definitely think that having some kind of group project as a freshman or sophomore would be a really good idea. Even if we were just required to come up with ideas or something like that in groups, that would be better than working solo for 2-3 years and than throwing you with someone else. I understand that we should figure out our own methods and grow in design before working with others but I think that it would still be a good idea to create some form of interaction with other people other than in critiques.

By: megan deal

megan deal — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:34:06 +0000

I wouldn’t say I “wasn’t into it.” For me it just was not as comfortable, and I struggled with this new and discomforting thing for 9 long months. (Spine really is our baby…weird) Spine was challenging for many reasons, the team aspect, making up only a portion of these challenges. Regardless, I agree with you Ken…to date, working on that project was the most valuable experience I’ve had. It’s mind-boggling to think about all the ups and downs, good and bads, tears and frusturation that came along with that little 8×8.5 square. It’s more valuable knowing that someone else experienced those same feelings right along with me.

By: Quatzu

Quatzu — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:38:40 +0000

Yes. It took until my junior year to be comfortable working in a group. Although you weren’t into it, Megan (heh), Team Spine was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had yet.

By: megan deal

megan deal — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:06:51 +0000

Rach K…I think that’s a really valuable point. We all work very seperate for at least half of our undergraduate education. Should we be exposed to group projects from day 1? Chad?

By: rk47

rk47 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 07:23:54 +0000

Possibly, the reason that so many of us students are uncomfortable working in groups is because we don’t have very much experience in doing so. I don’t think many design studios function similarly as a classroom – 1 boss, 17 employees working on 17 individual projects, each with complete and total freedom. Therefore, I think working regularly in groups would be beneficial for students to experience starting in their first year as an undergrad, and continuing throughout their program.

By: rberesh

rberesh — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:46:05 +0000

tusting that people will do their part. yes an issue but it becomes interesting when you are faced with this problem and have to bounce back from it…using your quick thinking skills/problem solving which all apart of design and i think now more then ever rising more in graphic design. We are problem solvers, thinkers..and so on.

By: megan deal

megan deal — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:07:49 +0000

Rach and The Quatz: you both touch on an interesting point. I think we’ve all experienced that dreadful moment when we attempt to explain our ideas during crit, only to find that the seemingly genius thoughts in our heads, make absolutely no sense to anyone else. This 1) Makes us reevaluate our ideas or 2) re-articulate the idea so others comprehend. Certainly, working within a group allows us to “test” these ideas first, while also creating an opportunity for others to contribute their own perspective and bring new insight. When speaking of the generation and/or scrutinization of ideas, and then, of course the fabrication of such ideas, I think teamwork is the key to innovative outcomes.

I suppose my struggle then, comes from the uncreative portion of group work. The practical side. Trusting that everyone will do their part, and depending on individual follow-through when it’s needed most. I should join a soccer team. Maybe that would help.

By: rberesh

rberesh — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:18:07 +0000

group work. I think it is essential to design. it is nice to throw out an idea and have people look at you like what the hell are you talking about. then giving you a chance to explain and make sense of it all. working in groups also gives people a chance to make bigger ideas happen. “investing a little of yourself” don’t be so selfish with your self and ideas. they come to life when other people can relate. which makes the end solution much more gratifying.

By: Quatzu

Quatzu — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 15:37:57 +0000

I wish they were all group projects. I’m not even somebody with those slick People Skills, but I feel so much better with 2 or 3 other people to get dirty with. It almost seems like I’m more inclined to spit out weird ideas to a group, than I am to accept and run with weird ideas by myself. I do much more censoring when I’m alone. Weird.