“Find out what you’re passionate about,” said Nick Campbell as he opened his SXSWi panel “Be Creative, Get Paid”. It’s no revelation to hear that in order to be happy, you need to do something you are passionate about.
Campbell's passion explodes through his arm motions.
Passion is something that Nick Campbell possesses. Campbell brought up something that is relevant to all creatives, and that is the fact that the playing field is now completely leveled with access to information and software tools that become so easily available. I am a photographer, so many of the things Campbell said, I have already encountered. Thankfully, Campbell chose to open with a topic I understand.
Anyone can purchase a good camera and software for under $1000, watch YouTube videos and be fairly proficient with the tools that were once esoteric and available to a limited population. Now that the internet has made learning so easy, a mentor is no longer needed, and the price of education has dropped to the price of an internet connection. “Knowing the tools is not enough,” said Campbell.
So, what’s the solution? Become an expert.
No epiphany, but sometimes ideas like these need to be beat into people’s heads so they can learn and move forward.
“Learn the hard stuff,” said Campbell. Campbell explained that knowing the tools is not enough. Knowing the “how” is not enough. You need to know the “why”. In other words, knowing all the buttons in Photoshop, or in whatever design program you are using is something that anyone can learn and use. However, understanding other aspects of design, such as color theory, typography, art direction, and more is what will help define you as an expert. Campbell said that the difference that will set you apart is to be able to make “the decisions”.
An executive producer from abroad asks Campbell for advice on dealing with clients
Decision making, and problem solving are what make someone valuable. This is something I always tell my clients when we begin to discuss logistical issues as we plan the execution of projects. I say, “Don’t worry. That’s my job. You just tell me what you want. It’s my job to solve any problems and make it work.”
There certainly are a lot of people who can take a photograph, but knowing how to take a photograph that captures and/or communicates the right idea is a skill that takes time to achieve. This can be applied to any field, and although Campbell used photograph as an example, design is Campbell’s field. The only way to get better, according to Campbell, is to challenge yourself.
“Deadlines: make everything happen,” said Campbell. Campbell said that in order to hone your skills, give yourself small projects and deadlines so that you will create problems to solve, and a time frame in which to complete your task. So, whatever your field, if you feel like the competition is gaining on you, start assigning yourself new personal projects that will help gain some footing. Even then, being the best in your field is not enough, according to Campbell. He suggests that if you are the top dog in your area, go somewhere else where people are better and you have room to grow and learn.
Good luck! Get to work!
Campbell enthusiastically addresses an instructor for the Austin Art Institute
