Week 11 Collaboration

Group Exercise – discussion

Reflection

Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration

01 – What is the difference between reflection and criticism?

Reflection is silent, internal thinking about the idea or concept and looking at it from a distance. Where as criticism is discussed and communicated in a particular way.

02 – Can you reflect while you are designing?

I think I can sometimes but best way is to walk away from it to come back and look at it fresh eyes.

03 – Do you set aside time for reflection?

Yes. When I hit a wall or finding something is becoming time consuming and need to think of a better solution.

04 – Do you make notes on your reflections?

Yes, ill write them down so I don’t forget it and I try and visually picture the solution I have had to come up with.

05 – When is the best time to reflect?

Just before I’m going to sleep

06 – Do you compare your work to work by your heroes?

No I don’t really have a hero. I look at designs and if I like it I take note but don’t follow the rest of other artist work unless it directly relates to me.

07 – How do you benefit by comparison?

By comparing works you gain fresh ideas and set a personal bench mark that you want to achieve.

08 – What can be a disadvantage of comparison?

Lose your indivuality.

Blog Exercise – Moving On / Encouraging solutions

In regard to creative collaboration:

Discuss these questions - write a paragraph on each and use examples

1 . Are you brave enough to move on and adopt new and unexpected ideas?

Yes if my time frame allows enough time to adopt and expand on the unexpected idea. Recently my 2D design had many flaws but with suggestions from others a new idea was generated and I had enough time to build on it and bring it up to the level I had set for myself.

2. Describe how you have encouraged others with a solution to their design problems.

I always try to think of things that they may not have to re-spark their enthusiasm to the project.

Another student from a different class has lost a month on their timeline because they mx up the dates in their mind of the exhibition. From this the time she allocated to make some doll clothes for her characters on her set was reduced. Because the clothing is so small it takes time and is fiddly to hand sew. So I started brain-storming ideas to her and offered other resources she could use. Even after knowing the problem when I was looking at things around me I kept thinking what other materials could she use that would be more efficient. She said having me constantly throwing ideas helped narrow down the list but we also found that the best and quickest way was the way she is already doing things. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VouI75aWq8

When searching for "useful tools for reflection" because I probably could do with some techniques, this video was listed. I can tell that to help graphic artist that need to walk away from a project or plain bored at least use their Photoshop skills to keep them and other entertained. You never know something made like this could become a masterpiece.