Throughout my degree, more specifically within the media studios, there has been little opportunity to create something as a solo practitioner. Making something with a team is certainly easier in some ways but limits your scope as a creative (in my opinion). Only relying on yourself throughout every aspect of a short film pushes you to think holistically during the creative process. It also means that your idea must be strong enough. To clarify, you are not able to gain different perspectives from someone invested in the work. So, the idea must have enough flexibility and reach to culminate into a final work.

In order to be successful as a solo practitioner you are required to be dedicated to the final project. It makes life much harder if you are not passionate about what you are creating. As I said above, you can only rely on yourself to see the project through. So, in order to cross the finish line, one must manage their time adequately. This may be my biggest weakness when working on an assignment, both solo and in groups. I’d like to say I work best when under pressure but this isn’t 100% true. I definitely work fastest when under pressure. As I progress in my degree, I hope to further finesse my time management skills. Next time I work solo I hope I remember to be smart with my time. That way I can hopefully avoid some sleepless nights.

My strength lies in the concept stage. I am often overrun by ideas and get very excited when brainstorming a project. Through using animation and I was able to express my ideas in a seamless process. It was much easier than having an idea and wondering how to capture it through film. In this aspect working solo was very beneficial. I would’ve struggles to adequately explain what I wanted to another person if I was in a group. 

To conclude, I excelled in the idea making stage and felt working solo was to my benefit during that process. I enjoyed working solo due to the ability to do basically whatever I wanted. I did not need to compromise or dull my aesthetic down at the behest of another person. Which I loved. I let myself down when it came to time management. However, I know I was very ambitious with my approach to the task. I did miss having someone else to riff ideas off of. My housemates fulfilled that role somewhat. Although they may not have understood exactly what I was trying to do. The Kmart knickers part may have threw them off. Overall, working solo was a great experience and I look forward to doing it again.