After a difficult project with illustration students I made this illustration for them. The project was difficult because some students lost motivation and could not complete the demands. I wanted them to understand that big projects cannot always be done in the final hour. Students often find it hard to organize their time effectively in long projects.
I tried to explain that this is a common problem for both students as well as professionals. I would call it: “The Monster”. The Monster appears when you’re confronted with your own limitations. When you don’t feel you have a creative solution,..At this moment I often see students “disappearing”. They leave class a bit earlier, miss the next class,.and gradually they abandon ship.
My advice; if the monster appears; become tactical. If you can’t shock-and-aw with your creations, than at least just deliver the minimum requirements. I think that part can be hard for art students because they have such strong relation with the products they make. The Monster is difficult; but bit-by-bit and with the help of critical friends it can be done. It’s not easy, but things are only easy if you’re a genius. Maybe the pyramid can be a reminder in the future.
