I figured that it would be best to start off with an overview of what it is I'm trying to get out of this blog...
I am a textile student at ECA currently taking part in a collaboration with a fashion student. During this project I wish to record the process of taking part in a collaboration and compiling it all in a book (as well as on this blog). Not only do I want to record my own experiences but also the experiences of you the audience who may have taken part in projects similar to this.
I suppose you could call this a 'how to' project book looking at the disadvantages and advantages to working with someone not in the same area of study as yourself.
Ideally what I am trying to get all you readers to do is comment on things that I'm doing, giving your input on the project, and if you yourself have done collaborations then FANTASTIC! Tell me about them...Did they work out for you? What would you do differently? Do you have any advice to give me to help push my collaboration with Emma further and really make it a success. Please feel free to share with me...Upload images and links!!! GET INVOLVED!!!
NB: I promise to upload images of the collection lineup in due course!
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteAs a textiles student, I collaborated with a couple of fashion students a year or so ago. On the whole it was a very valuable experience in which i learnt how important it was to listen to other people's ideas as well as being confident with one's own ideas. The project forced me to work to deadlines, knowing that I would be letting someone down if I didn't complete a design when I said I would.
There were times when I felt like I was being used to do what the fashion student wanted rather than collaborating, but as soon as I realised that I just had to be confident, assertive and prepared to compromise there were few disagreements. The project turned out very well and it was great seeing my print design on the fashion students garment. The collaboration worked very well and was well worth all the hard work.
p.s. loving your blog! hehe
A year ago I collaborated with two fashion students who's designs and ideas where far different than mine. It took us a long time to agree on things and because of this I felt we really hindered ourselves from making a design that was really impressive. Instead I, the textile designer, came up with an idea that was happy with but didn't really have the much needed wow factor.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, the designs where used and the garments where made. I do think ,however,the reason it failed as a collaboration was, I was looked upon as a technician rather than a designer.
So I am glad you are bringing the collaboration process to other designers. Makes me less timid about going out there and asserting my ideas and making it work the next time round.
Claire