Our creativity is our most valuable asset, and you are reacting to influences of other minds all the time. Learn how to harness the power of your peers and leverage the benefits of collaboration! Designer and blogger Megan Hunt, owner of Princess Lasertron, shares strategies and techniques that will help young designers initiate successful collaborations with other professionals. Students will learn how to identify their strengths, form relationships with people who can help nurture and improve a Big Idea, and execute a collaborative project to be proud of. Read the accompanying talk on Princess Lasertron at http://princesslasertron.com/2012/02/creativecollaboration !

1. CREATIVE COLLABORATION
the power of partnership in design
megan hunt

2. Great things aren't just achieved by great leaders,
but by great leaders who exist in relationship to an amazing group.

3. Artists who collaborated
Michelangelo, inc. (+ 13)
Monet, manet, renoir, degas
Braque + picasso = cubism

4. Identify your strengths
+
Assemble your team
=
Make magic!

6. Wait!
before you collaborate...
“What will I gain through this partnership?”

7. the goal of collaboration is not collaboration, but better results.

8. BARRIERS
Unwillingness to reach out to others
Unwillingness to share your talents with others
Inability to find the help you need
Anxiety about working with people you don't know

9. Make three columns on a sheet of paper
123

10. 1. strengths
What skills do you bring to the table?
What are people always asking you to do?
What would your mother say about you?

11. 2. big idea
What project or goal are you working toward?
Write down 3-4 steps you need to take to accomplish it
What has to happen for you to feel like you've succeeded?

12. 3. what's left?
List skills and talents needed to accomplish your big idea
Cover your bases
What strengths do you need on your team?

13. Now discuss!
Share your strengths and goals
Remember the barriers to collaboration
Is there someone you can help?
Is there someone you need on your team?

14. finally...
Going forward with a Big Idea

15. Treat professional collaborators like clients
Respect their time
Explain the project's value
Be transparent

16. Volunteer to help with industry events
Ask your professors
ama/aiga/chamber of commerce
Silicon prairie news.com

17. Write thank-you notes
(thank you!)

18. Megan hunt
Princess lasertron/camp coworking
meganhunt@gmail.com
@lasertron
@campomaha