Aorta Thence : A CreateAthon Story

I will carry the CreateAthon torch by:

Sun, 06 May 2012 21:18:00 -0400

Telling everyone I know.
Keeping in touch with my client
Being more aware of non-profits in the area
Helping out next year
Talking about the awesomeness CreateAthon is.
Sharing my new gained skills
Teaching others how to give back in creative ways.

I can’t believe it’s over:

Things I would change about CreateAthon to make it better

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:09:04 -0400

There is not much I would change about CreateAthon as it is the most amazing thing I have ever done, EVER. But if I had to change 2 things.

Make the Volunteer applications, more descriptive. I think that for volunteer applications should give more detailed responses. As we were picking our teams I couldn’t get a good grasp of who I had on my team. Most of my team decisions came from personal knowledge and advice from others rather than the application. I think that will give teams a better dynamic. I did get extra lucky and happen to have an amazing team.

More time for client collaboration. I wish I had more time to meet face to face with my client. I would have loved to have more opportunities to communicate with her in person, and more time to establish a connection with the non-profit.

createoncampus: We were all completely enthralled by this...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:33:20 -0400

createoncampus:

We were all completely enthralled by this machine! I’m not 100% on what it does because I think we were all blankly staring at the beautiful color.

Carter Printing, tell us your secret.

EDIT- I’ve found out their secret! Thanks, Christine Gordon.

“That is the inking unit (Magenta). This process used to be done manually but now they have automated dispensers (seen here) that make sure there is the perfect amount of ink on the rollers for printing.”

Carter Printing

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:26:27 -0400

Earlier this week, I posted photos of our field trip to Carter Printing. Not only is Carter Printing doing all of the printing for CreateAthon Pro-Bono, as well. But, it is the most amazing place in the word.

The sights, smells and sounds. :)

I want to start by saying it takes spectacular people to print things at that capacity. Those machines are large, dangerous, and confusing which is not a good cominbation if you aren’t expierenced, and well prepared. So, Kudos to the Carter Printing Staff.

Also, as a designer you see things like CMYK, bleeds, and spot coloring, but to actually see it in production is a whole nother’ ball game. Seeing it in production and seeing my work in motion was a heartwarming expierence. From the plates, to print, to cut, to ship; We got to see every element of printing. And the amazing work that Carter Printing does.

2 for you Carter Printing, YOU GO CARTER PRINTING!

What I learned about the way I work...

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:21:00 -0400

I learned that I work in spurts. Big Spurts. small spurts. Sometimes diligently. Sometimes in a slow pacing manner. But breaks are important to this working process. I appreciate feedback, a hot cup of tea.

I also learned that distraction is the devil. And once I start doing other things I will get really distracted. Especially when it comes to a big project. If I work straight through it, my head may explode. Something similar to this:

getadvised: #vcucreates2012 printer. Giant printer (Taken with...

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:40:49 -0400

getadvised:

#vcucreates2012 printer. Giant printer (Taken with instagram)

getadvised: #vcucreates2012 (Taken with instagram)

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:40:44 -0400

getadvised:

#vcucreates2012 (Taken with instagram)

getadvised: Taken with instagram

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:40:37 -0400

getadvised:

Taken with instagram

getadvised: #vcucreates2012 (Taken with instagram)

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:40:28 -0400

getadvised:

#vcucreates2012 (Taken with instagram)

getadvised: #vcucreates2012 (Taken with instagram)

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:40:22 -0400

getadvised:

#vcucreates2012 (Taken with instagram)

Would you like to stay up for 24 hours and create work for a non profit organization in need in the Richmond area?

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:41:00 -0400

What I learned about working with clients...

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:39:00 -0400

Be punctual. Don’t be late. Don’t be overbearingly early. BE ON TIME!

Be professional. It’s pretty simple, be professional. You are not only representing VCU, and CreateAthon; but you are representing yourself as a young professional. Don’t do anything too crazy, but alway remember to be yourself.

Communication is key. Email. That email thing. You should probably check it, and check it often. Because your client may be blowing it up. If you can connect it to your phone DO IT! because your client want to talk to you. They have questions, and they expect you to answer them.

Know your client. Once you know your client, it is soooo much easier to communicate with them. Especially when you are explaining something that is design, or marketing oriented. When you have created a personal relationship with your client it makes discussions, and changes work and flow more eloquently (yes, I used the word eloquently)

CreateAthon in other places

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:46:26 -0400

CreateAthon gives other locations the opportunity to help in their area, and help these non-profits gain a creative and strategic voice. There are so many benefits to this experience from working with others, team building, critiquing, and time management, to the obtuse things like strategic ways to stay awake and what can you build with 4 pens at 6 in the morning.

There isn’t one word or sentence, I could use to describe it as a whole, but I can promote it to you in the best way that I know possible. CreateAthon is an innovative way for creatives to give back to there community.

webecomelegend: Up And Up

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:13:37 -0400

webecomelegend:

Up And Up

How I feel about my CreateAthon Team.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:37:00 -0400

Collaboration

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:35:00 -0400

The Good:

The Good sounds like “Oh, Hey, I can do that.” or “Got it.” Without being overbearing or annoying. The good are excited about being awake at 4 in the morning and are pumped at the thought of working for the greater good. They are the epitome of collaboration. The good are born with a personality wired for good communication. I was very blessed, and had a group of people who were the good. Each of them had a different personality but the high amounts of communication, and just the sense of happy, made my createathon experience.

The Bad and the Ugly:

The bad include so many different types of people. People who are un-motivated and sleepy. People who want to play games, not literal games. Learning to take criticism is something that you gain over time. Some people haven’t type of environment to develop these skills which causes them extreme disappointment if their ideas dont make it, which makes you want to do this:

But the best way to deal with the bad (Results may vary) is to “keep moving forward.” Don’t let them stop the creative progression of your group and your goal, with their negative attitude. and dont forget to “kill em with kindness”

159 things I took from CreateAthon

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:15:47 -0400

Be careful with your caffeine intake.
Sleep the night before.
Work smarter, not harder.
Learn your client (front and back side to side)
Meet your team before hand.
Know your strengths.
Advil helps.
Spend the day before relaxing.
Don’t doubt yourself.
Be on time.
Don’t doubt your skills.
Allow others to shine.
Bring deodorant.
Be open to new ideas.
3d tee shirts are amazing.
Lists are a great way to organize.
Tis a great way to get to know your department.
Go outside and enjoy nature it brings in your creative spirit.
You have more in common than the shirt your wearing.
Learning how to stay up for 24 hours = life skill.
Working with people you’ve never met isn’t hard.
Learn how to accommodate flaws.
Package your files.
Be calm.
Manage stress.
Answers to the questions of the ad world.
Let loose.
Explore your space.
Perfume doesn’t help your 24 hour funk.
It takes at least 30 minutes to take a group photo with 30+ people.
Rivalries can be friendly.
Print in CMKY.
It is 100 percent acceptable to get massages from strangers.
Shoes are not required.
Details are key.
it is completely acceptable to run through the halls at 2am
Dont judge a guy in a super hero costume.
Peyton is awesome.
Creating a logo takes more than an image.
Create order among your team.
It is totally appropriate to jump out of a closet in another teams room.
Dont hold it.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Take a moment for yourself.
Meet the other teams, they may have ideas too.
Creativity is powerful.
Be strong.
Eat healthily.
Be glad you don’t have to code.
Chair RACES!
look for a deeper meaning.
Your non profit is counting on you.
Let CreateAthon bring the best out of you.
Don’t wait until the last minute to print.
Be honest.
Push your teammates to work hard.
Brainstorm.
Don’t be pushy.
20 minute naps only.
Snacks help curve late night hunger.
Think outside the box.
Spell check is a great friend in this process.
Mentors are there to HELP.
Analyze throughly.
Think “what is best for the client.”
DANCE!
Comfy pants is a must.
Be yourself.
Defend only when justified.
Don’t lose your client in your work.
Re-read your brief before you get to work
WATER, water, WATER
Figure out what you can bring to the table.
Make sure you relax after the event is over.
Laugh.
Avoid 5 hour energy drinks
Play video games (break time only)
Think about what you are doing for your team.
Listen.
YOGA!
Go over your checklist.
Put aside your pride.
Take breaks.
Wear socks or shoes in the bathroom.
Adobe is a close friend of yours.
Take pictures.
Visit headquarters.
Explore bed making with chairs.
Sketch, Sketch, Sketch.
Get inspired.
Think ” What does this mean”
Educate others.
DESIGN!
Avoid coffee if you can.
Focus as you work.
Keep an extra jump drive handy.
Teach someone a new skill, it give them something to bring home.
Wear your name tag.
Be bright.
Use Kuler.
Vent in private.
Organize.
Root on CREATEATHON
YOUTUBE
Eat moderately.
Don’t overdo it.
Sleep afterwards.
Concept.
Blow bubbles.
Come out with a new friend.
Pantone colors aren’t necessarily the devil.
Network.
Apply your skills from class.
Think Social MEDIA.
Draw silly things.
It is hot when you shove 89+ people in one room.
Toothbrushes come in handy.
The food isn’t leaving, you cant wait in line.
Check your attitude at the door. it will be available for pick up later.
Don’t add to much sugar to your tea.
Bring sharpies.
Deep Breaths.
Cheer loud for your home team. GO VCU!
Learn something new.
Critique.
Have fun.
Wear a smile.
YOU CAN DO THIS.
Don’t forget your charger.
Be there to help other.
Feel good because you helped change someones life.
Pick a good chair in the mac lab.
Try a different role.
“We are young”
Shower before the event.
Write your thoughts.
Back everything up.
Record your progress.
Get to know your mentors.
Crying can be a good thing.
Make a mental souvenir.
Save your files as PDFs.
Presentation is important.
Try art direction if your strategic, vice versa.
Use the chalkboard.
Make a moment.
CREATE!
Play with the plastic dinosaurs.
Dont be overprotective of your ideas.
Follow the schedule.
Know when to say when.
Post to the right blog.
Don’t feel obligated to be trapped in the room.
Pack light.
Double check everything.
Let it go, if it’s bothering you.
You are supported, by many.
You are a chosen one.
Be innovative.

Photo

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:15:32 -0400

The aftermath of CreateAthon 2012

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:14:19 -0400

After CreateAthon is over and the dust has settled. I can think about how amazing the event was and what I have taken from the event itself. There about about 159 things I took from CreateAthon, but I will only list the top five.

Don’t be afraid of the 24 hours. - It sounds very daunting on paper. And it sounds amazing when you tell your friends you’ve stayed up for 24 hours creating things. But in reality, 24 hours goes so fast. I was very tired. I have prepared some 5 hour energy’s in case i got burned out but the creative adrenaline kept me going.

My TEAM > Your TEAM - My team was amazing. I wish we had taken a team photo, as they kept me going. Each person had a different personality but I will say that I loved how laid back we were. There were intense moments. (cough cough) But all in all we supported each other, kept each other laughing, and lifted each other up to get to our common goal: VICTORY.

Getting it all in advance - I wish I had known exactly what we needed in advance. I thought we had everything. But once we got going we were missing things that could have really helped us. In examples; list of staff members and mentors, high quality photographs, and detailed bios of important figures in the organization. That could have given us an extra leg up.

Guiding hands of the mentors - The mentors really helped lead us in the correct direction. At one point, I think we had them all in our room. Andrea and her handy mentor help line was the most helpful thing ever especially towards the hours of actual production where we needed that extra push to get us through all of the kinks of creating actual work.

Getting the opportunity to work in that kind of environment - period. having the opportunity to create work, not only for a good cause. But getting to experience the pressure of creating things on a time frame, with an actual client in mind.

createoncampus: Stay Rested -Alecia Bailey (Social Media...

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:07:58 -0400

createoncampus:

Stay Rested

-Alecia Bailey (Social Media Squad)