In competition, people are always at each other’s throats, constantly trying to undermine each other in order to gain an edge. In a lot of cutthroat industries, this is seen as the only way to get ahead.
We disagree.
Particularly in the creative world, joining forces to create a work of art typically yields better results than everyone separately attempting to produce the best work themselves. Collaboration is the new competition because everyone involved benefits individually and collectively.
We personally love collaborating with other creatives in our area, and here are some of their and our thoughts on the value and importance of collaboration:
“For me, collaboration is a necessary and very beautiful part of creating art. You push boundaries, experiment, and experience the unknown.
By laterally sharing ideas, you create something special. Some of my favorite art was created through collaboration.”
-Durrell Green, local photographer specializing in the art of film photography.
For ten years, I was on a Destination Imagination team, a program designed to foster innovation and creativity and build teamwork skills. In third grade, I was placed on a team of seven others, and we had to work together to solve challenges. Seven distinct minds produce different solutions, so we had to find a way to use our unique skills to work together.
It was difficult at times because our team was ever changing, but in the end we always found a way to work together. Without this team, we would never have achieved second place on a national level, but more importantly I would never have had the opportunity to create with such talented individuals.
That’s when I learned the power of collaboration.
When we bring our skills together, it is incredible how much we can succeed.
-H
“Collaboration for me has always been about the visual goal of both sides.
As a model, you are given a product to showcase, however you are given the freedom to express yourself through the clothing or product.
Collaborations are important to me because they allow me to give my spin on the product, be completely unique, and take control of my vision while still sharing ideas and thoughts with others, which is extremely beautiful to experience.”
-Deon, model and style influencer.
“Collaboration is everything in the creative world. Louis Vuitton and Supreme; Kygo and Selena Gomez; even Victoria Beckham and Target. Putting two or more minds together to create one tour de force will inevitably be better than anything one mind could do alone.
I personally would have never been able to get into the fashion world if it hadn’t been for collaboration. I did not have a camera growing up (and I actually still don’t), so if I had not worked with other photographers, I would have been limited to only the selfies on my phone (shudder).Coming together allows you to take full advantage of individual strengths while neutralizing individual weaknesses.
The highest form of art is being able to create and be apart of something that is greater than yourself.
– S
“Collaboration gives creatives a stress-free thinking process because they are not the only ones doing the thinking. It allows for expression amongst artists because it brings the best out of you.
It gives whatever you are creating a different tone, a different emotion because it is not your own.
It is a collective something that one creative would never be able to do alone because everyone is different.”
-Demetrius McCullough, Central Arkansas photographer focusing in portraiture and fashion.
We live in a highly individualistic society, and in a lot of ways, that is a good thing.
Paving your own way through life is one of the core principles that makes America, America. But we need to start seeing the value of the collective because no one can achieve their full potential on their own.
The creative world has long seen the merit of collaboration, and if we truly want to make America great again, it’s about damn time the rest of us did as well.
“In the long history of humankind, those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”Charles Darwin
Sabrina’s Outfit Details
Top: Goodwill
Pants: Goodwill (refashioned by Awaken Atelier)
Shoes: Steve Madden
Earrings: HipSway
Sunglasses: Aldo
Purse: BCBG
Watch: Plato’s Closet
Hannah’s Outfit Details
Top: H&M
Overalls: Forever 21
Shoes: Vince Camuto
Earrings: Express
Sunglasses: TJ Maxx
Clutch: Gift
Photos by: the Green Brothers
I was six years old when that happened to me,and obviously I didn’t think about the “appropriateness” of the length(it went to mid-thigh, by the way). I wore it because I loved it and it never crossed my mind that was inappropriate for school(it wasn’t).
This realization came after I went to college and was allowed to live–and dress–as I pleased. Its no coincidence that having creative freedom allowed me to explore and accept my true self. I can wear pajamas or a cocktail dress to class if I want to (I don’t), but knowing that I am free–and encouraged–to be myself has given me the confidence to fully express who I am,no matter the situation. I’m proud of myself and my body,and I think I probably would have gained that confidence sooner had I not been subject to a strict set of ridiculous rules when I was growing up.
Ensemble of Elan 