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Creative Collaborations: Two Heads are Better than One
By Jennifer Brown Banks
Creative collaborations can be a great way to expand your
portfolio, increase your bottom line, and partner with
someone whose artistic strengths complement your weaknesses.
Whether the union involves a graphic designer teaming up with
a writer for the creation of a website, several authors coming
together to pen an anthology, or a lyricist providing just the
right words to complement a musician’s score, the team can
become a win-win situation for everyone involved.
But much like a marriage, approach these alliances sensibly
and with great caution. The wrong partnership can harm the
creative process like Kryptonite to Superman.
This epiphany came to me after working with folks who had
the best of intentions initially, but little compatibility
in key areas. I learned the hard way what makes for a good
personal union does not necessarily make for a good business
relationship. The price for the mismatch? Strained relations,
frustration, and lost productivity.
If you’re considering joining forces with someone for future
business growth and better opportunities, take heed. Here
are ten ways to make your vision a reality and create a
winning combination.
1. Get your project off to a good start by providing for
the “right fit.” Don’t be fooled. Not everyone we like, or
with whom we enjoy a friendship, makes a good business partner.
Is he or she like-minded? Do you have a similar work ethic?
Are your temperaments compatible? Choose wisely.
2. Not sure where to start? Get recommendations for
partners from people whose opinion you value—people in your
creative circle or writers’ group.
3. Put in writing who will be responsible for what and
when. The more parameters you have regarding roles, the
better.
4. Make sure your strengths and weaknesses complement
and do not conflict.
5. Learn the art of compromise. Even in the best
scenarios people disagree. Be willing to see your partner’s
perspective, and to find a happy medium.
6. Carry your weight. Nobody likes a slacker. Not only
does laziness create internal strife, but it can also be a
detriment to future referrals.
7. Brainstorm individually and collectively. (Some of
my best creative ideas come to me when I’m in the solitude
of a bubble bath, when my muse is not being pressured.) Your
“genius” may come to you while working in your garden. On
the other hand, the energy of another mind might set your
muse free. Whatever works, work it.
8. Make sure that you and your partner not only have the
same agenda, but also the same sense of urgency. If you are
very deadline oriented and the other person has to wait for
the “right mood”, expect tremendous stress, and potential
sabotage to the collective success.
9. Remember to treat your partner with respect and as
a valued professional. In too many scenarios, one person
wants to act like a parent or supervisor. Let go your ego.
“You are not the boss of me.”
10. Cheer each other on. The support keeps you both
motivated and bonded, and gives you a sense of fun until
you reach that finish line.
Not only can creative collaborations enhance your
professional horizons, but many have actually resulted in
romantic relationships, or long-term friendships. And
certainly there's no better profit than that.
BIO
Jennifer Brown Banks, Corporate and Creative Communications
Veteran Freelance Writer, editor and Consultant
http://www.writergazette.com/jenniferbrownbanks.shtml
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