P-o-i-n-t-less.

"One thing.  Three parts."

1. Do something pointless for an hour.
2. Document it.
3. Present it.
   

This workshop with Ian Anderson was a lot more self directed than the last and Ian really asked us to think on our feet.  We were told we were to know where we're going and that the end result should dictate.  He told us to think about the fact that we had to present it, could we justify that it was pointless?

So where am I going with this project and why?

I spoke to Ian one on one in the afternoon, and he told me not to be lateral and think so much about it.  He couldn't care less if I jumped on the spot for an hour.

So I went home.  And counted coco pops.

It didn't provide me with anything.  The end result lacked any sign of being self beneficial and was a complete waste of my time.

It was pointless.

This was essentially a sourcing excercise, with an aspect of editing.  We had to stretch ourselves whilst providing interest for those in the room.

The great thing about Ian's workshops are the presentation tips and also how to interpret a brief.  The learning curve today was that we all looked too much into the hour and not into what we were essentially being asked to do.  The presentation.  So the hour was indeed pointless.  Because we learnt we should look to what we are being asked to do and not to be seduced into doing the most creative piece.  I really need to listen to a brief, and work out what a client wants me to come back with.  Pitch as if they don't know what you have been asked to do.  And if they say talk for ten minutes.  Then fill your slot.  The industry is 50% design and 50% selling.  Be engaging - human nature will win them over.

The comments I got from Ian and the group surprised me and actually gave me some confidence!

And just incase you are wondering.

I counted 376.5 coco pops in an hour.  I drew each one, examining each grain.  This averaged at a pitiful 13 coco pops a minute.  20 grams when weighed.  This suggests that if you were to hand select each coco pop for your breakfast in the morning, your recommended 30g would take one hour and a half to make...