Finding the Gaps – The Importance of Side Projects: Part 1

This week’s lecture consisted of an interview with various graphic designers coming from different areas in the field. They were asked about their thoughts on side projects and what would they like to do that they are not currently doing.

Side projects are quite popular amongst people working in the creative field. Many see it as a way of executing creative dreams, an opportunity to learn something new or to just let off some steam. All aspiring designers dream of working on large scale projects and prominent clients in their respective field, all the while executing all the creative ideas that would make everyone’s jaw drop. However, the realities of life may result in having to work on not so creative, more conventional projects, which is normal. Everyone was there at some point.

A side project makes way for more experimentation. It can also be a form of discovering oneself creatively, try out different styles, or even create something inspired by leading designers without any interjection of clients. Side projects are important in terms of developing the creative mind, but also, a side project can ultimately lead to paid job opportunities that one may not necessarily get through their regular paid job. Most designers agree on this. They highlight the fact that nowadays time is of the essence which leaves little time for anything extra, but they reiterate also that there is value in side projects.

Simon Manchipp, founder of SomeOne – a leading design company in the UK, elaborates on the abovementioned points. As an agency, he states that work is continuously coming in, so there is barely time for side projects outside the agency, however he says that instead of simply being a service, where that wait for clients to some in, they are also starting to create their own products. In return, it gave the agency an opportunity to explore other territories, including the way their clients think, the process the clients usually go through when initiating a project and the such. Similarly, Sarah Boris says that side projects have landed her numerous job opportunities. Moreover, she points out the side projects are important as they bring out the designer’s true style and creative personality – a sense of authorship and Kristoffer Soelling from Regular Practice puts it. they are self-initiated, one has complete control over the timeframes, amendments and requirements. In her opinion, side projects may also be a better showcase of creative skill than a typical portfolio.

On a different note, some designers also agree that side projects should be something different than what one normally does. Julian House and Adrian Talbot from Intro believe so as otherwise it might as well be an extension of one’s mainstream work. In ideal circumstances a side project would be something different, yet in the long run, it would benefit the mainstream job. Meaning that any learning outcomes or achievements that come along with the side project can also be useful to the day-to-day job. The point is also brought up by Sam Winston.

Following up, unlike the other designers in the interview, Sam Winston brings up the point of personal space, and the reverse-psychology of doing “nothing”. He argues that by stepping back and allow some personal space, it will be easier to see the bigger picture and finding ‘the right answers’. As humans, we are geared into thinking that by dedicating more time on something, it will be done. However, at times, it is better to step away, for in the moment you step away, better ideas will start coming to mind.