At Kirkwood, I learned about the complexity of creating and choosing ideas that that are beneficial for both parties. Always check the product multiple times and never assume or expect that you know everything your client wants. I saw that at Kirkwood Printing and I constantly see it at my job in the creative department of Partners In Health.
I think I’m still figuring out how to balance work and personal experiences. I’m able to reflect on what I see, what I learn and how I can apply that to my life once this program is over. As time progresses forward, I’m changing. I don’t think I want to notice the change yet. I just want to let it take its course. When I see it, I will see it.
My Youth Designers Take Action project is taking a slow thoughtful pace. The thought process was very difficult because I had to “marry” my ideas. The term “marry” was first mentioned to me by my mentors. This means you hold onto the idea you think is best without the thought of “dating” other ideas. I was truly in love with this idea. Both my mentor and art director said, “take a moment and break it down.” Then, I should ask myself what I’m most passionate about, narrow it down to two things and then decide from there.
Choosing ideas was a frustrating process. At first my virtual mentor and I were two ships passing in the night. It was a little agitating but we got on the same page after a couple emails and a phone meeting. It was a really good experience even though I was initially bothered. I took it as a lesson for controlling impulsiveness and being insightful about the situation. I never told my mentors abut the frustration because in the end the experience was well worth it.
Tavi Francis, Youth Design Class of 2012
Nicole Armstrong, Mentor, Partners in Health