I've learned so much since starting my diploma 4 years ago it could fill pages, Lessons in designing- some I took for granted that I knew already-I didn't! And many lessons in general life, but since I don't want to bore you I'll stick to a few key points!
Some good ideas
- Use as few 'little books' for recording as possible-it is far simpler to have EVERYTHING in one place
- Keep instructions
- You may need to keep set working hours if you don't want your project to take over your life
- Never pay in full until the job is done
- Be wary of working with friends
- Clients are likely to change their minds- a lot
- If you are working with funders keep a record of everything as you go along, keep it in order in a folder, every idea and scrap of notepaper with a price on or some other small detail, it will really help in the long run.
- If you are making a deal with someone concerning large sums of money make sure you have the details clearly written down and signed by both of you.Even if they are your friend. Be clear on what is expected from each person.
- If you are working with your friends make sure you still see them socially and it isn't always about the project.
- Everything really does take longer than you think it will.
Personal patterns
Writting up my portfolio for the diploma has highlighted certain patterns I have/have had as a person. It has shown me areas where I have grown and areas to work on.
The main pattern I noticed was that i was starting projects (some permaculture based and some art/craft based) and then never finishing them. This made me feel like a failure, my projects never seemed to get off the ground, Then I noticed that in particular I was never around for harvesting my fruit and veg. Mushrooms would shrivel and spinach would bolt, this very much coincided with the fact I never stayed anywhere very long without travelling. In the upheaval of moving it is hard to keep a thread going if you aren't properly prepared for it. Things get forgotten or lost or in the case of a veg patch,you simply aren't there to take care of it.
Creating The Nest in Skye was very empowering for me because I started a project, finished it AND it was sucessful. I was reminded I am very capable of pulling a project together successfully and should give myself more credit.
I have noticed overall that being more settled geographically and making time for myself to be creative is helping me produce many more finished projects.
Knowing myself...
Good planning and time forcasts are essential, even if they are rough estimates.
Short term projects are good confidence builders.
When I'm involved in a long term project I need to design and implement the ideas and start work without a long gap to keep myself and others inspired. I know inspiring others about an idea is one of my strengths but I can't do that unless I am inspired myself.
The main pattern I noticed was that i was starting projects (some permaculture based and some art/craft based) and then never finishing them. This made me feel like a failure, my projects never seemed to get off the ground, Then I noticed that in particular I was never around for harvesting my fruit and veg. Mushrooms would shrivel and spinach would bolt, this very much coincided with the fact I never stayed anywhere very long without travelling. In the upheaval of moving it is hard to keep a thread going if you aren't properly prepared for it. Things get forgotten or lost or in the case of a veg patch,you simply aren't there to take care of it.
Creating The Nest in Skye was very empowering for me because I started a project, finished it AND it was sucessful. I was reminded I am very capable of pulling a project together successfully and should give myself more credit.
I have noticed overall that being more settled geographically and making time for myself to be creative is helping me produce many more finished projects.
Knowing myself...
Good planning and time forcasts are essential, even if they are rough estimates.
Short term projects are good confidence builders.
When I'm involved in a long term project I need to design and implement the ideas and start work without a long gap to keep myself and others inspired. I know inspiring others about an idea is one of my strengths but I can't do that unless I am inspired myself.
'New Beginnings'
Pyrography and watercolour.2012.