Design Forum Encouragement

[Shayla]

Not sure what to call this thread, but here's the idea.

How about if, in the next month, we try to come up with at least one* design we're really happy
with, then post it in that section? It's such a great thing, being able to see what others come up
with, and I'm also glad that there's a range of skill levels represented. So, whether you post there
regularly or haven't ever tried it, how about giving it a go? Not only might it inspire other framers,
but it will likely energize your designing.

P.S. I posted this here, rather than in that section, so more people can see it.


*You're right, we're supposed to be happy with every one. If you have so many amazing
designs that you just can't choose, then be thankful, and post anyway.

 

[FrameMakers]

Shayla, I have tried in the past, but it gets discouraging when you post something and get little to no reaction from it here. I post things on my shop's facebook page from time to time and seem to get more reaction there. I have liked every frame shop that I have come across on my personal account so that I can see what others have shared and like you enjoy the creativity of our industry.

 

[Framing Goddess]

I posted one there, Shayla, just because you asked so nicely.

 

[Shayla]

.....trotting off to look.....

 

[Lance E]

It is a great spot to post for feedback of the constructive sort, often on Facebag you only ever get Likes and ooohs & aaahs. Your timing is good - I have been tempted to resurrect the contests of old, albeit on a less frekwent basis. Who has their keen shoes on? Themes/topics?

 

[osgood]

, often on Facebag you only ever get Likes and ooohs & aaahs.

Do you mean Faceboob, Lance?


Ooooohs and aaaahs seem to be the order of the day in both locations.
It's always nice to get those, but,......yes, there is a 'but'.....sometimes a design is posted that may have some areas that could have been done better, but most of the time we are reluctant to say so.

I guess we do not want to run the risk of offending someone, so we say nothing or only say positive stuff.
If there is something in someone's design that is a bit shonky, and they get nothing but positives, it's likely that they accept that all is well and continue to use the same shonky design element in the future!

Having said that, one person's shonky element could be someone else's stunning element!

Now if it was your design, Lance and I thought there was something shonky about it, I would tell you, because I know that you would know that I knew that you knew that I was kidding!

 

[neilframer]

I like that word "Shonky".
I've used "Wonky" but to me that means something is physically out of whack, crooked or warped.

Shonky is kind of a blend of Sh#tty and Wonky and kind of means just bad looking, poorly executed or built, or bad design.

 

[Shayla]

Ormond, as relates to your comments, I agree that it can be tricky finding
a balance between staying encouraging while also offering constructive input.
I was thinking about this yesterday, especially in light of the description
at the top of this section. Everyone is welcome, which means not only the
experts, but also "newbies and those just wanting to learn".

The way I see it, if there's an effort made to create a sense of creative
welcome, then more people might post their designs. It can feel daunting
for someone to post here, knowing that the most skilled designers and
people who teach workshops/write books will be seeing their work. I've
been thinking about how there's one person superior to an arrogant master
of any craft, and that's the humble master. And any truly skilled teacher
knows how to inspire while at the same time giving helpful guidance.
Hopefully, that spirit will pervade here. And finding out how much help
someone's able to absorb can be as easy as just asking if they welcome
input.

As for contests, I think the success of it might depend on the nature of the
target audience. I'm not a competitive person, and as such feel more comfortable
with an open forum for sharing. But most of the folks here are shop owners,
which in and of itself requires a bit of a competitive streak. Who knows, they
might enjoy it.