Friday, January 27, 2012

Filled to Capacity | Alison Garnett


Somehow I managed to shrink my favourite hoodie and turn my white socks purple all in one washing nightmare. There's something to be said about the ability to run effectively and efficiently at capacity without ruining everything. Luckily today Alison Garnett, Creative Director at Critical Mass, is here to talk Work-Life balance and how to run at supercapacity. Hopefully she won't notice my socks.

MINIBIO
Like most of our speakers Alison has moved about a bit in the industry: with stops at OCAD and Sheridan, as well as a jealousy inducing year in Florence studying painting. Upon her return she worked for companies ICE, HendersonBas, and Taxi before her current position at Critical Mass. Along the way Alison's been involved with her own freelance entity called SuperCapacity as well. Sometimes, busy just isn't enough.

THE WISDOM
Alison may run at full capacity, or even super capacity, but she definitely advocates a proper work-life balance. Family is paramount to her; work must always come second. Even though you may need to be a jack of all trades, available to do anything at anytime for work, family must come first. Being able to find your limits with work whether it be family related, or not, finding your limits and your balance will keep you healthy and creative. Don't always rely on your work to fulfill your creative needs either. 

ALISON SAYS
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE
Get exposed to opportunities
Your first job isn't about getting it perfect
Get recognition, get experience, get work in your book
Fake it 'til you make it

FILL YOUR CREATIVE NEED
Don't always rely on your job
Do Pro Bono
Volunteer for cool projects
Take part in contests

IT'S JUST ADVERTISING
So have fun
Don't be so serious
Make cool shit 

WORKS
If I tried to pick a piece of work or two to show off here I'd be doing an injstice to all the other amazing work Alison has done. Instead I'll just post a link to Alison's personal sites and tell you to check out everything. alisongarnett.com & mylalaland.com

SO?
For someone like me who can't ever handle the simple task of not screwing up laundry Alison Garnet is astounding. An incredible designer, family member, creative mind, painter... plus more, it's a wonder to me and an inspiration to work harder and try to reach that capacity for greatness we all often hope for. I just hope I didn't over do it on the soap again.

Need more? Say hi: Alison on LinkedinTwitter.

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