In last weeks introduction session we had the opportunity to sit together and briefly introduce ourselves to the group and decided on a regular time slot of 16:30 on a Wednesday via Teams to meet outside of the Friday lectures.

Other than learning my teammates names and their disciplines I know little of their previous work or ambitions.  It seems logical that this first meeting would include getting to know each other and learning a little about our practice to date, with the overall ambition that we can begin to formulate a concept for our project that meets all of our needs and shared values. I am aware of the creative power of collaboration when a strong team culture is embedded (Sawyer, 2017) and it is my hope that by conducting introductions in this way we can begin a culture of openness where contributions are valued.  I am also aware of the innovative outcomes achieved when successful collaboration within creative practice occurs and single out one of my recent favourite fashion collabs as a reference of good practice (figure 2).  

In readiness for this meeting, I prepared 3 slides as a visual prompt to support my verbal explanation.  I feel fortunate that I am a part time MA student and therefore have had over a year to explore my research theme of ageing bodies and how I might be able to embed design longevity into my pattern cutting practice.  The previous modules have included verbal presentations and I feel well versed in talking through my practice.

I explained that my experience was in pattern cutting but that I had owned businesses in the fashion industry and was responsible for the design and delivery of a fashion BA in my role as a programme leader.  My contributions to the team may include;

• Team leading
• Project Management
• Presentation (verbal)
• Research (data and qualitative)
• Pattern Cutting
• Garment Construction
• Costings

There are gaps in my skill set that I hope to address in my future practice and these include;

• Use of CAD packages for technical garment drawings
• 3D Simulation of garments on to digital avatars

I made notes as I listened carefully to my team mates as they talked us through their experience, skill set, post-grad ambitions, research to date and values.  I highlighted potential links and similarities in our work and areas within which each team member might support my own practice going forward (figure 6); 

I am all too aware of time – having a deadline of 24^th March for this module it is the shortest time we have had to complete a project.  I am also concerned that to generate breakthrough innovation through collaboration takes time.  Bringing small sparks of ideas together cannot happen overnight (Sawyer, 2017).  I am reminded of Janines suggestion in week 1 to produce a Gannt chart!    

I suggest to the group an idea that I have been formulating for an exhibition concept.  Last years cohort of Creative Pattern Cutting MA graduates had a small-scale exhibition in The Toast House at Huddersfield University, but I would like to explore ideas to showcase on a grander scale that I can invite professional contacts, research participants and friends/family to view.  I share my concerns for our final exhibition with my group who all agree that a project concept that supports us all in this way would be beneficial.  We agree to explore a business idea together along the lines of;

• Exhibition space in abandoned/empty spaces on the high street
• Bringing new graduates from creative degrees together
• Match making independent creatives to encourage cohorts of likeminded, multi-discipline individuals to work/show case work together
• Developing an app (along the lines of a professional ‘Tinder’!)
• Providing all the fixtures and fittings for such creatives to rent and curate exhibitions easily and affordably
• That such exhibitions on the high street should be welcoming and ‘do good’ in the communities within which they are situated.  Move away from elitist and exclusive concepts that are not inclusive to all members of society – this may include workshops, cafes, meet the artists, shop, inviting branding etc

From todays team meeting we set some targets which are as follows;

• Andy – to set up Miro board for us all to contribute our ideas
• Rebeka and Nimrata – explore locations in Huddersfield that we can use as a ‘mock up’ for our idea
• Jake – website building for the app
• Rebecca – write project brief to contextualise our ideas (to include a Gannt chart)
• Andrew/Akash – brand identity
• Courtney – research East Street Arts, MACAO
• Mitali – therapeutic art workshop

Reference List;

Dscene. (2023). Discover adidas x Gucci Spring Summer 2023 Collection [Photograph]. Design Scene. https://www.designscene.net/2023/03/adidas-x-gucci-ss23.html

Sawyer, K. (2017). Group Genius (3rd ed.). Basic Books

Wade, C. (2023). UnBoxt Group Shot. [Photograph]. Huddersfield.