When I first started this program my intention was to work on the smaller scale of design, what I had in mind was working one-on-one with clients on various types of projects whether that be branding or print media. Over the past ten years I’ve been working on and off in the photography industry, either working for smaller studios that were contracted by larger companies or working on my own with individuals shooting various projects. My intention with design was to do something similar, working on a smaller scale either with individual clients or for a small design firm. I’ve worked for larger companies and didn’t have the best experience; the larger the company, the more dysfunction seemed to take place with various managers and management styles. Maybe it’s just a matter of trial and error to find the right fit or group? I generally like the idea of projects being more personal and getting to know people on an individual basis rather than being a small part moving in a large machine.
When I think about the impact of the work, I like to think that I can see the impact in real time by working closely in a more intimate environment versus working on a vast corporate scale. I’m someone that thrives when getting to know the people I work with and find a lot of comfort in knowing more about people I spend the majority of my day with. But as Joe mentioned, there is less financial security on the smaller scale of design work and the impact of your work must always carry large results in order to have continuous flow of financial security. In other words, the pressure is always on.
After Joe’s presentation my perspective did shift. I’ve spent the majority of my adult life struggling to survive in a world that is becoming exponentially more expensive and complicated. I want to be financially secure and not in a constant state of wondering where my next paycheck is coming from or how I’m going to afford maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. With that in mind, I’m certainly not opposed to working on a larger scale if that equates to financial security and overall less stress in surviving. I do need to work on shifting my perspective and maintain hope that personal connection can still exist within the larger corporate sphere, specifically in ways that are meaningful to my own identity as an artist and designer.