It is great when successful people do share some knowledge, when it comes to efficient, profitable, or else commercially meaningful artistic practice. We exceptionally noticed Jocelyne Beaudoin’s advice.
Jocelyne Beaudoin’s advice
Jocelyne Beaudoin generously explains some critical aspects of the creative process in the fields of set design, prop styling, visual merchandising etc., in her interview in atelierdore.com., where she openly speaks about three common truths that affect the actual work.
The need of being physically involved in the creative process
Being asked about her advice to people who are interested in working in set design or prop styling, Jocelyne thinks that there is no other way to acquire the proper skills, than learning hands on, especially at the very beginning of a career. Understanding early on the tools and limitations, is an important thing. Thus someone gets the requisite skills, only after some reality checks. That is an aspect none should ignore, especially young professionals.
“I think you need to know how to do many things, and you need to know them hands-on. I feel nowadays that a lot of young people, they don’t want to go through the process. They think that they can just instantaneously be whatever and that it shows in the work. […]”
A wide visual vocabulary is allways required
Artistic knowledge applied to commercial purposes can not be gained effortlessly, or only hands on. Being keen on art history for example, makes planning in visual communication an easier and a longer planted path. So it is true that someone has to constantly look at images, at art in all its forms.
(For example George Lois, The Greek American Master Communicator says that he was used to restlessly visit great Museums every single Sunday of his life.)
“So I think the important thing is to learn the physicality’s of what you do and also, obviously look into the history of what’s done because you can learn a lot from that. And it’s very important I think to have a wide visual vocabulary. So to look at images, to look at art in all its forms.”
The willingness to compromise
Another critical point, especially when being hired, has to do with compromise in terms of collaboration. Sometimes is really exhausting insisting on things you might see so obviously but still have to be proved to your clients, your bosses, your colleagues. How far would you go for a disagreement? A sacrifice for the greater good, the willingness to “take one for the team” sometimes is the right thing to do.
“Sometimes I have to do things that I don’t agree with but you know that’s part of the job, I’m hired. I’m not doing my own personal work I’m hired to do a job and get the job done. And if I don’t like it I might say this is maybe not the best solution here but if that’s what they want, that’s what they want, they are the clients.”
Rewarding experiences after all
But how about these exceptional times, how about the rewarding experiences? Real magic happens:
“When you’re working with someone where you can contribute to their vision or
Most importantly we would say, when your two visions together can blend into something much greater than your individual visions is the most rewarding. And it doesn’t matter what the format is or the medium.”
We really think everyone who is in a creative field for the right reasons, can identify with such a point of view, and maybe being aware of the above is a way to save money and time.
Visit Jocelyne Beaudoin's extra long portfolio here.
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