4 answers
Ian
Student
La Cañada Flintridge, California
1
Question
Updated
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Hello everyone, does anyone have any advice regarding balancing creative liberty with the constraints of assigned design projects? Any techniques you have used to spark curiosity or ideas within yourself? #Spring26
I am an incoming sophomore to the Parsons School of Design at the New School, majoring in fashion design. #Spring26
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4 answers
Randall Harmon NCIDQ, RID
Interior Designer - Hospitality
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Randall’s Answer
Hi Ian,
I'm not a fashion designer and I have a relative who is. I believe what I'm about to pass on to you is relevant for both of us no matter the discipline. The most important thing you can do to unlock you creative freedom is to become expert at "construction". The deeper your knowledge of ow to construct a garment the better you will be about figuring out how to bring your vision into reality. Concepts are wonderful but the real magic is in execution. Don't be a designer who thinks in such a way the some minion n a back room is responsible for figuring out how something will be made. KNOW it for yourself. That's how you become respected not only for your creativity but also for your technical expertise. The foundational skills unlock more possibilities than you can possibly imagine. "The life you want is on the other side of the sh_it you don't want to do."
I'm not a fashion designer and I have a relative who is. I believe what I'm about to pass on to you is relevant for both of us no matter the discipline. The most important thing you can do to unlock you creative freedom is to become expert at "construction". The deeper your knowledge of ow to construct a garment the better you will be about figuring out how to bring your vision into reality. Concepts are wonderful but the real magic is in execution. Don't be a designer who thinks in such a way the some minion n a back room is responsible for figuring out how something will be made. KNOW it for yourself. That's how you become respected not only for your creativity but also for your technical expertise. The foundational skills unlock more possibilities than you can possibly imagine. "The life you want is on the other side of the sh_it you don't want to do."
Sabrina Caballero Vega
11
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sabrina’s Answer
HI Ian, Balancing passion projects ,and actual work is difficult yes but not impossible. Something that always works for me, is to designate the amount of hours you would like to dedicate to each project.
For example let’s say I have to attend to a client and get to storyboarding a personal project of mine. In order to achieve some progress in both sides I dedicate an hour and a half to each project, this can either be timed or a clear estimate of how long it will take you to either make some progress of finish the task. That way you will be able to get pre occupied while waiting for the clients response.
Sincerely, Sabrina
For example let’s say I have to attend to a client and get to storyboarding a personal project of mine. In order to achieve some progress in both sides I dedicate an hour and a half to each project, this can either be timed or a clear estimate of how long it will take you to either make some progress of finish the task. That way you will be able to get pre occupied while waiting for the clients response.
Sincerely, Sabrina
Andrew Dixon
Graphic Designer
8
Answers
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Dear Ian,
Congrats on your question. That is indeed a very difficult balance. I sometimes design what the client wants and then I design what I think it could be. They will often be upset if they feel you aren't listening to them. If they're paying, give them what they request. Rock out on your personal passion projects.
Let your light shine,
Drew
Congrats on your question. That is indeed a very difficult balance. I sometimes design what the client wants and then I design what I think it could be. They will often be upset if they feel you aren't listening to them. If they're paying, give them what they request. Rock out on your personal passion projects.
Let your light shine,
Drew
Irene Smolyanskaya
Designer Creative Draper Educator
36
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hello,
It seems like two separate questions to me.
1. Creative drive vs assigned projects.
I've had a long and successful career in the garment industry of New York, and found that a creative spark will always find a way to manifest itself. For example, at the upscale designer house that I'd worked at till 2021, there was a team of Creative Directors, but they didn't themselves sketch every single garment and every seam on it. There was a department of Senior and Associate Designers and their Assistants (and the Assistants' Interns) who actively offered ideas, and some of the ideas were actually accepted and were implemented as part of the collections.
Of course, many ideas got rejected as well, but it only depends on what the Creative Directors are looking for, this particular season. It was my strong impression that the most creative individuals were given more of the freedom (as in: here's an inspiration board, let's see your take on it). Those people were also quickly promoted to the next level: an Assistant to an Associate to a Senior Designer.
I realize that some companies that are more mainstream are more frequently 'recycling' their styles, a season after a season, with just minor updates. If it sells, they make more of a very similar item. There would be not so much creativity involved in the process if you are employed at one of those.
That means, that there is a job for everyone out there. Someone creative and experimental would work at a higher end company, while someone with less of an imagination but diligent and disciplined would find employment at a mass production place.
2. How to generate ideas?
Honestly, I've never had any issues with that. Things that work for me: taking a day off and going into the woods or hiking the hills, or stopping at the Met to see my favorite art and check out the most recent exhibit, or people-watching on their lunch break in Manhattan, you name it. Just open your eyes to the world around you. It is full of inspiration!
Alternatively, now there is the AI generated content. But that falls out of my area of expertise.
I am really happy for you, Ian, to have the means and ability to attend Parson's School of Design. It is an excellent training ground for creative talent. You will be fine...
The best of luck,
Irene
It seems like two separate questions to me.
1. Creative drive vs assigned projects.
I've had a long and successful career in the garment industry of New York, and found that a creative spark will always find a way to manifest itself. For example, at the upscale designer house that I'd worked at till 2021, there was a team of Creative Directors, but they didn't themselves sketch every single garment and every seam on it. There was a department of Senior and Associate Designers and their Assistants (and the Assistants' Interns) who actively offered ideas, and some of the ideas were actually accepted and were implemented as part of the collections.
Of course, many ideas got rejected as well, but it only depends on what the Creative Directors are looking for, this particular season. It was my strong impression that the most creative individuals were given more of the freedom (as in: here's an inspiration board, let's see your take on it). Those people were also quickly promoted to the next level: an Assistant to an Associate to a Senior Designer.
I realize that some companies that are more mainstream are more frequently 'recycling' their styles, a season after a season, with just minor updates. If it sells, they make more of a very similar item. There would be not so much creativity involved in the process if you are employed at one of those.
That means, that there is a job for everyone out there. Someone creative and experimental would work at a higher end company, while someone with less of an imagination but diligent and disciplined would find employment at a mass production place.
2. How to generate ideas?
Honestly, I've never had any issues with that. Things that work for me: taking a day off and going into the woods or hiking the hills, or stopping at the Met to see my favorite art and check out the most recent exhibit, or people-watching on their lunch break in Manhattan, you name it. Just open your eyes to the world around you. It is full of inspiration!
Alternatively, now there is the AI generated content. But that falls out of my area of expertise.
I am really happy for you, Ian, to have the means and ability to attend Parson's School of Design. It is an excellent training ground for creative talent. You will be fine...
The best of luck,
Irene