Week 04 - Outcome & ambition
You will be working towards achieving the following learning outcomes detailed in the Assignments tab:
LO1: Research — Select and deploy appropriate research methodologies to inform the needs within a project.
LO4: Distil — Position a creative strategic insight that has been distilled and refined through an informed investigation.
LO5: Imagine — Deliver appropriate and innovative ideas that embrace risk, have contemporary relevance and question the boundaries of the discipline.
LO6: Make — Select and utilise relevant tools, skills and technologies in the delivery, iteration and sustainable production of an outcome.
LO7: Collaborate — Demonstrate inclusive and empathetic strategies to plan and execute a project across distributed collaborative situations.
LO8: Design — Realise a final solution that evidences its strategic journey and clear relationship between form and function.
LO9: Communicate — Communicate effectively in a range of contexts and situations to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
TUTORS ADVICE
Be critical about the final outcome of your project, and engage with your peers and individuals outside of the creative industries, to analyse your ability to engage with your target audience.
Lecture video - Watch and reflect
In this final lecture of brief one, we continue with the creative practitioner interview series and are asked to reflect on the following questions.
Questions
On reflection, how have self-initiated projects helped shape your studio identity?
What are the main differences between self-initiated work and collaborative, client-led projects?
Lecture video - Outcome and Ambitions podcast
Christopher Miller - Offshore
Christopher emphasises that self-initiated projects are important for two reasons. Firstly they act like a filter showing what’s important to your practice in terms of what you enjoy working on and your values and secondly, what’s working within your practice and your working methodologies. This is also important to show this within your practice as it may open up opportunities with potential clients.
Veronica Fuerte - Hey
Veronica talks again about why side projects are very necessary in her practice. While commercial projects are important for cash flow and the day to day running of the studio, self initiated projects help with creatively and freedom to explore areas that you might not get in everyday client briefs, its a great way to keep on learning and stretch your own abilities.
Vince Frost - Frost collective
Vince says that participating in the client's projects has been a really great form of expression in terms of the visibility of the business and that solving other people's problems visually has shaped their identity to achieve the best outcome and solution.
Sam Bompas, Bompas and Parr
Sam says that self-initiated projects were absolutely crucial to getting started at Bompas and Parr. He states when they first started, no-one wanted to commission them and their own self-initiated projects really put us on the map.
He also states “If you think about it, if you’re working in the creative industries your client is the one that's making tonnes of money and they’re commissioning you with a tiny fraction of it, to do whatever it is you're doing, be it marketing budgets or the creative budget or the design budget. That is an infinitesimal amount of their overall budget.”
THOUGHTS FROM THE PODCAST
I thought the practitioners’ advice was key to why these self-initiated projects were so crucial as a graphic designer.
These are my notes on why this could be beneficial:
Creative freedom: When you create your own brief, you have the freedom to choose the subject matter, theme, and creative direction that truly interests and inspires you. This allows you to work on projects that align with your passions and can lead to more enjoyable and innovative work.
Personal growth: Self-initiated projects provide an opportunity for personal and professional growth. You can challenge yourself, explore new techniques, and expand your skill set, which can lead to a more diverse and well-rounded portfolio.
Portfolio enhancement: Self-initiated projects can serve as powerful portfolio pieces, showcasing your creativity, skills, and unique style. They demonstrate your ability to take the initiative and work independently, which can be attractive to potential clients or employers.
Experimentation: A self-initiated project allows you to experiment with new design concepts, styles, and mediums without the constraints or limitations imposed by clients or external briefs. This experimentation can lead to breakthroughs and innovative design solutions.
Control over timelines: You have control over the project's timeline, allowing you to work at your own pace. This can be especially helpful if you want to take your time to perfect your work or if you need to balance the project with other commitments and you can dip in and dip out when your own time allows.
Build your own style or brand: By working on self-initiated projects, you can develop a unique design style or brand identity that distinguishes you from other graphic designers. This can help attract a specific niche of clients who resonate with your work.
Learn about self-discipline: Taking on self-initiated projects teaches you self-discipline and project management. You'll have to set your own goals, deadlines, and priorities, which can be valuable skills in your career.
Client attraction: If your self-initiated projects align with your target client base or industry, they can be a magnet for those clients. They'll see your work and recognize your ability to address their specific needs.
To summarise, I can provide creative freedom and flexibility to explore my own interests, enhance my portfolio, and set myself apart as a graphic designer. This could ultimately help me grow as a designer in the fields that interest me and attract clients and who appreciate your unique skills and vision.