What a ride...
It hasn't been a roller coaster but it hasn't been a leisurely stroll either, it certainly hasn't been without its frustrations, stressful and emotional times. I've had to face some of my deep routed insecurities such as as public speaking- presentations, I am not over this personal hurdle but I did feel a bit better about the last one, so incremental gains in here .....maybe?.
On the plus side, there are just as many if not more positives to negatives. I've learned about Binaural Sound...which I didn't know existed and how it can help stress, anxiety neurological conditions (there is some debate about this being entirely accurate).
I've been in a recording studio for the 1st time creating a Podcast, it's actually hard speaking in a " flow" as the multiple takes and edits clearly show. It's almost like the presence of the Mic creates stutters, awkward pauses.....but that's all down to preparation, practice and technique.
There's no "I" in team.....
Working as a team to finalise a submission have all been new. One thing that stands out on reflection is clearly assigning roles. From High School through to 6th Form College I have had to hand in independent work, here a team or crew is involved. So who is doing what and by when, who's responsible for scripts, edits, time - project management, hiring kit, and most importantly clicking " submit" on Canvas are vital to successful production/submission.
New software and kit , here tutorials and Lecturers advice and guidance really help, however hands on "play around, make mistakes, and find out" gives you the ability to start using these tools. I am no expert but I know more than I previously did after 12 weeks.
So what advice would I give my 12 week younger self...
Time.... You may think you have enough time, you may estimate how much you need but you need to have some contingency or over estimate the time needed.
I wont say I have been down to the final hours but I have felt time pressure. Plus having enough time allows for unforeseen issues or mistakes to be rectified. Chip away at it , I don't have to cram it in, I know the deadlines, I know my schedule so space the work out. The balance here is to maximise the time not max the time out. It has to be productive time. As an example the blog takes 2-3 mins read, it's probably at least an hour or so in deciding a theme, scripting and images. So take it - break it in to stages before publishing it. It will feel and read better rather than a random 15 mins typing and rambling on
Being part of a team, play your part and support others to play theirs....
Be clear on the role you are given or take within the team, don't let them down. But your work doesn't end with your task, collectively you are all responsible. Keep discussing progress be prepared to help each other out, it's not one way traffic and one day you'll need help and support too!
Stick to the task/plan....It's easy to drift off and look at other aspects of the course to the assignment./task in hand ....
I find it all too easy, way too easy to focus on the aspects I am more comfortable with, but that can be at the detriment of the task in hand. Plus I need to pick up skills, refine them and be proficient in them, .sticking to a comfort zone never helped anyone and it certainly wont help me regardless of any preference .
Don't just rely on another screen view use an additional screen if you can, extend the desktop as there is a chance tabbing through screens may distract you from the task in hand , also on a complex edit focus and attention is key.
So use a note book and pen , whiteboard or post it notes etc. to detail what's in front of you.....going retro / old school is the way here ( my trusted T-Rex helps me here :-) )
Also it's rewarding to "tick off" what's been done...again small gains/reward here as it shows progression in steps rather than just a massive ask-requirement that's in front of you which could be a demotivator- OMG where to start , how much and by when moment!
Be aware....
Sounds an odd thing, use what you have to hand from a mobile phone, note pad to tablet for any thing that springs to mind, it could be the next personal piece of work, a chance photograph opportunity, something you remember you need to do, a theme of a Podcast......or even just a general check in prompt with the team/crew.
Having this approach certainly has helped me. At the end of day being an undergrad in a Creative space doesn't start at stop with attending University lectures and workshops, you shouldn't be able or want to turn creativity on and off.
Comments