CG Artists: Collaboration is key

In my last post ‘What Has Twitter Done For You? ‘ I underlined how important it is to connect with your fellow professionals in order to grow in the CG Industry, this is because you are exposed to the different thinking methods of other CG Artists.

I also hinted in that post, that it is very easy in this day and age, to connect with others with the help of the Internet.

So why benefit from the Internet and start to connect with you fellow Artists in a different sort of way…COLLABORATE!

Every time I see inspiring CG Stills, Concept Art or a great 3D model on a forum, blog or magazine, I always think to myself, ‘I’d love to work with that guy/girl’.

Six months ago it dawned on me,  I can work with these Artists (provided they agree) whenever I want.

All it takes is an email, tweet or forum post to get you started, the important thing to remember is that you’re able to effectively sell your skills, obviously you need to have a pretty clear idea of what you want to create in order to convince the other Artist that it’s something for them worth doing.

I’m not saying the first person that you email will say yes, but I’m sure you will find another CG Artist who is willing to collaborate towards a common goal.

There are endless CG Communities and forums out there on the web, try CG Society, 3D Total, 3dm3, ImagineFX, there are literally hundreds of sites where you can find your ideal candidate.

The next time you come across a some CG Art or Designs that inspire you, why not think of a way you and the other CG Artist can collaborate on a project together, combining your specific skills with theirs to produce something fresh and new.

In my opinion it’s not always the best option to go for glory yourself, if you help others and they help you, you can collectively work on the same goal and have more of a chance of succeeding.

Yes…you have to split the glory, but that beats splitting nothing, do you agree?

Are you interested in finding another CG Artist to collaborate with?

Artist Mastermind Groups

What is a Mastermind Group?

Some of history’s most successful businessman, such as Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison and Henry ford used the concept of mastermind to achieve the great success that they did. Napoleon Hill’s 1937 classic Think and Grow Rich states “No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind [the master mind].”

A Mastermind Group is where a group of like-minded individuals form a team and leverage each of the member’s skills to achieve a common goal or simply leverage the skills of others to achieve your goals. 

Each member is an expert in a specific role/skill which will be fundamental to the success of the group in order to achieve the set goal. 

As part of a Mastermind Group and having such a fundamental role, you are accountable for your actions and involvement. Not being on the ball or not pulling your weight can easily cause the group to fail. The fact that you are accountable for your mistakes raises the bar to new heights, your quality of work gets better and you become more focused.

It is imperative that each member in the group trusts one another, respects one and other on a personal and professional level, each member knows their role and that the goals are set well in advance.  Having all these qualities creates perfect group harmony which is integral to obtaining success.

What is the purpose?

Every artist I know has one or more projects they are working on and although they can create a visual image of what they want to create, they do not have the skills to complete each necessary individual task. So begins the slow and time consuming labor of learning all the necessary programs to produce the work which will make up the end vision.

There are thousands upon thousands of artists out there each looking for like-minded artists to form creative alliances. Although each member will have differing perspectives and unique experiences when approaching the tasks, they will all share the willingness to work and add value to a common goal.

The overall goal for an artist would be to create a body of work which holds real artistic value, innovation and to be unique in a cramped uninspiring industry stifled by profits or corporate massaging. 

If you have been working for a company/house for many years and you feel that your creative flair is not being used to its full potential, you should consider joining a mastermind group for CG artists.

How can it help me as an artist? 

As a member of a Mastermind Group you will be able to bounce ideas off one person to another on a regular basis. Receiving unbiased comments is another benefit which help towards the growth of you and your group members.

This raises the bar to new heights and it creates definite purpose and meaning to your goals.

By speaking and spending time with talented artists with different skills sets, you become knowledgeable of their skills, this allows you to constantly learn as you progress towards the goal.

 

 

You can finally work on a project that is thought up by artists with similar mindsets and goals and as you work towards these goals you will create a body of work which is not compromised by money or corporate structure.

A Mastermind Group is where a group of likeminded individuals form a team and leverage each of the member’s skills to achieve a common goal or simply leverage the skills of others to achieve your goals.

The experience you get by being part of a mastermind group will only serve you well in the future. It raises your quality bar to new heights, it gives you self confidence, it gives you voice, and it allows you to network with other artists.

Where can I find a Mastermind Group?

The Internet is full of artist looking to create Mastermind Groups; I have set up www.CGartistDaily.com as a hub for Mastermind Groups and artist collaborations.

 

What is your biggest strength and weakness – Could you use that to decide what you want out of a Mastermind Group?