kApTuredmaJiK
In this section I will talk about our project as a whole and how it progressed
Day 1
Today we got put in our groups. Amy seemed upset that she couldn't have me in her group due to use being the odd ones out as artists and she thought we would have worked well together however I disagree as I believe we would have had too many creative differences.
My group consists of me, Kayleigh who is a makeup artist, Alison who is also a makeup artist and Jazmin who is a photgrapher. I was already made aware that there would be two makeup artists and a photographer per team and So I think I'm pretty happy with the selection I got for my team.
The project
We had to come up with a business idea for the project and I had suggested something like the selfie booths I have seen online where they are a fully designed studio spaces but we turn it into a real studio and offer makeovers to the clients . I think would be the best use of all of our collective skills.
After some discussion we decided to make it goth themed as we are all alternative girlies and I have never seen a gothic themed selfie studio before so I think we're already fitting into a niche which is great!
We wanted to make sure that it didn't feel halloweeny so we wanted to make sure it would be open all year round, classy and romantic goth. To use the word alternative to be more inclusive and we want to create a safe space for the community.
Task 2
During the beginning of the group project we were tasked with many objectives all at once, such as, naming ourselves, creating a website, creating a logo, writing a manifesto, writing an ethical statement, creating a business model canvas, and a pitch document.
We set up many meetings almost every week to discuss these as a group and Alison took the minutes. we then delegated tasks so that we would always have something to do.
Slowly bust surely we got through the task list and our business took shape.
(example shows meeting 2)
How it went
So originally we chose my idea to do a fully themed studio that had mutliple sets where our customers could get full makeovers and have their portraits done by a professional photographer. This way we could use all of our skills as Interior design is quite niche although it can branch into many things. I was so happy that the group liked the idea and so we ran with it. Initally we viewed the idea through rose tinted glasses and had many discussions about renting a church as our studio, creating many packages and developing expertise photography techniques for specialty printing services.
I wanted to fully realise the potential of these gothic sets. Thrift old furniture and restore it, design abstract themes, and design these spaces to my upmost potential. The idea kept growing and growing and the girls started talking about turning it into a real business after Uni but I wasn't too convinced any of them were that serious especially since they have all talked about other plans for after they get their degree.
Eventually we realised we had to pare down our idea as we only have a short amount of time and Tina told us that in previous years some groups couldn't pull off their executable due to the council taking too long to respond to emails. We then decided our executable should be a photoshoot day where we bring in models and have the full experience of the business without having to take any of the risks of business.
This is where I thought it would be fun to create 3D sets for the project that we could superimpose the models onto with the use of a green screen then we wouldn't have to worry about trying to source furnishings in such a short time or trying to find a cool space to set up the studio in.
Unfortunately I was shot down here as Jazmin our photographer said she didn't know how to use a green-screen and be able to edit the photos the way she wanted to which is fine but I surprised she didn't want to learn this new skill so that she could add it to her arsenal of photography abilities.
Below ar some ai generated images of my ideas of 3D environments I could have modelled for the project using Adobe Firefly
This is where I started to find it really difficult to work as part of a group. There were communication issues, and a lot of creative differences. I tried my best when it came to helping with the research and finding academic sources for Ancas project as we worked in the same group but I have to admit I'm not very good at that and I will say that Alison and Kayleigh picked up my slack on that front and it got to me that I wasn't being very useful or a team player. I decided I would take stride in my role as brand manager and really do it justice for my team by creating the best elements I could with my design knowledge.
I felt as though I wasn't doing enough for the team even though I was reassured countless times that I was doing more than enough, staying up all night after night creating powerpoints or readjusting the website and group blog to fit our brand. Then when it came to other things there was pushback from some in the group whos feedback was not constructive at all and frankly unprofessional. It seemed that nothing I created fit their idea of the project and they let me know at every turn and I did my best to defend my designs but they just weren't happy with them but they left it until the last minute to tell me and so I would have no time to do any alterations.
In every group there will be at least one person who doesn't do as much work as the rest or doesn't care as much about the project and I definitely felt that in this project, at times I think I was the one who filled that role, not that I didn't care about the project just that I find it very hard to stay motivated with written work as reading and writing can be difficult for me.
All in all though I think when it came down to the wire when we had deadlines we got on calls together and kept eachother motivated to get the work completed and thats what matters and when we did our pitch presentation I think the panel could tell that we are all passionate about the project and believe that if it were a business it would help the alternative community.
Reflection
Experience
I overall had a pretty challenging experience with this unit as my mental health has been getting in the way of my success in this course and me wanting to leave. This was also heightened by the fact that Jazmin seemingly wanted to claim the project as her own and not let anyone have a creative vision or output for the photoshoot.
I think we also failed to relate the project back to the community especially with the executable element as we were so focussed on having it being successful to our vision of what the real business would be doing day to day.
Refection
Upon reflection of this unit I have and component 1 I have realised that my contributions to the group although valued, were not to the same level and may have dropped us a grade because I didn't have my blog ready. I also seen that I could have had more responsibility when it came to the project but I let someone else take the control away from me as well as letting external influences affect my ability to do the tasks I was delegated to the best of my ability.
Action
If we were to do this project as a whole next time I think I would argue my creative ideas better so that I could have an actual role to play in the group. I would take the tasks I am delagated and succeed at them. I think I would also change the executable idea to a paid charity event where we posted flyers on alternative fife facebook groups, offer makeover and/or photoshoots for a price and then actually donate all the proceeds to a charity like The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.