Designer Linda Warren (LW) and writer Candace Pearson (CP) ponder potential roadblocks in their continuing IM dialogue about collaboration.
CP: You seem to invite your collaborators—photographer, artist or writer—to contribute freely and let the creative process take over. Did you always feel that way or did you have some fear initially?
LW: I have always felt that way. In the beginning of my career, I had an excellent client-mentor, who was editor and copywriter, and always worked by first inviting the photographer and designer to the table. It’s really the only way I like to work—to utilize all the team players to their best potential. And, illustrators, photographers, writers, designers all think differently about subjects. If you’re open to it, that multi-layered thinking produces such interesting results.
CP: In my experience, not every job welcomes everyone’s input, which is too bad. Though sometimes, if I’m given explicit directions, down to character count and style, that can seem like word play. I’m forced to find creative solutions (and satisfaction) within stricter limits.
LW: Different projects require different skills and approaches. I also like the projects with defined parameters that often call upon my best design and thinking skills. It’s satisfying in a cerebral way.
CP: Yes, like solving a puzzle.
LW: This is what separates good, experienced copywriters and designers from the pack. Not giving up, and continuing to find solutions you are pleased with, in response to each perceived obstacle that might keep coming up.
CP: Back to collaboration roadblocks—can you name another?
LW: The client who has something specific in mind, and that’s all he or she wants. I appreciate the client who is willing to take some risks. Also, sometimes, I look back at old projects, and know they could have been better. Because of time or budget, I forged forward, and didn’t take the suggestions of the copywriter or photographer or illustrator, and realized later they were right.
CP: I sometimes see places I could have sharpened the language or pushed harder, played more with the designer’s ideas. I suppose that desire to always improve drives us. And unites us … Next, we’ll look at what turns a good project great. In the meantime, we offer a list of famous collaborator breakups and breakup songs. Please add your own!
Classic breakups:
Rodin & Claudel
Simon & Garfunkel
AOL & Time Warner
Classic breakup songs:
Collaboration IM: roadblocks—part 2
Designer Linda Warren (LW) and writer Candace Pearson (CP) ponder potential roadblocks in their continuing IM dialogue about collaboration.
CP: You seem to invite your collaborators—photographer, artist or writer—to contribute freely and let the creative process take over. Did you always feel that way or did you have some fear initially?
LW: I have always felt that way. In the beginning of my career, I had an excellent client-mentor, who was editor and copywriter, and always worked by first inviting the photographer and designer to the table. It’s really the only way I like to work—to utilize all the team players to their best potential. And, illustrators, photographers, writers, designers all think differently about subjects. If you’re open to it, that multi-layered thinking produces such interesting results.
CP: In my experience, not every job welcomes everyone’s input, which is too bad. Though sometimes, if I’m given explicit directions, down to character count and style, that can seem like word play. I’m forced to find creative solutions (and satisfaction) within stricter limits.
LW: Different projects require different skills and approaches. I also like the projects with defined parameters that often call upon my best design and thinking skills. It’s satisfying in a cerebral way.
CP: Yes, like solving a puzzle.
LW: This is what separates good, experienced copywriters and designers from the pack. Not giving up, and continuing to find solutions you are pleased with, in response to each perceived obstacle that might keep coming up.
CP: Back to collaboration roadblocks—can you name another?
LW: The client who has something specific in mind, and that’s all he or she wants. I appreciate the client who is willing to take some risks. Also, sometimes, I look back at old projects, and know they could have been better. Because of time or budget, I forged forward, and didn’t take the suggestions of the copywriter or photographer or illustrator, and realized later they were right.
CP: I sometimes see places I could have sharpened the language or pushed harder, played more with the designer’s ideas. I suppose that desire to always improve drives us. And unites us … Next, we’ll look at what turns a good project great. In the meantime, we offer a list of famous collaborator breakups and breakup songs. Please add your own!
Classic breakups:
Rodin & Claudel
Simon & Garfunkel
AOL & Time Warner
Classic breakup songs: