Getting in the team spirit

As a designer I work with a writer as a creative partner on most of my projects. I find that collaboration on such projects is the result of creative needs versus the basic parameters of the project. Also, conflict forces commitment and crystallization of reasons for solutions, so sometimes working with a writing partner who has an opposite viewpoint or working style produces better work. I like to first work on the project alone and then get together with the writer. In most cases melding our ideas or selling one we feel strongly about to the other partner makes for stronger results. However, sometimes I like to work with writers who share similar sensibilities as mine. In this situation, I find that the collaboration results in building on top of each other’s ideas and yielding solid work. I really prefer working with another person to a team. It can be difficult to work in a vacuum, and just the process of defending an idea helps move things along. Also, sometimes a comment can spark an idea or you can build on your teammate’s idea. Here’s a brainstorming idea to use to get the creative juices flowing: Take an object and describe it to the group. The rest of the group has to try and figure out what you are describing. Sounds easy? Not necessary. Another brainstorming technique is to dissect the object that you are selling. Let’s say, for example, you are selling a bike: Instead of thinking of the bike as a whole, break it down into components such as wheels, spokes, peddles, brake cables and so on. This will generate many more ideas then thinking of it as a single object. How do you like to work? We want to know. Please send us your most fruitfully creative processes.