Clarity,
Office 17622,
PO Box 6945,
London.
W1A 6US
United Kingdom
Phone/ Voicemail:
+44 (0)20 3287 3053 (UK)
+1 (561) 459-4758 (US).
Hi Everyone,
Nice to see you all again (virtually), sorry for neglecting the board, life was a storm for a while.
Anyway, long story short, I'm in business with my friend who is a fashion designer, full partnership half and half. TOGETHER (ME coming up with the concept, her adding to it), we did a photo shoot, designed the look book for fashion week with a graphic designer and TOMORROW is the deadline for print. I am an editor/writer by trade, and we agreed that I would run the show on the print leg of the journey.
She's been involved with the entire design process (giving opinions with each revision) and just yesterday she wants to play it safe, I'm supposing out of fear, and change the text flow; she's seen the layout before. She said it was "amateurish" and that it was "her vision", but her suggestions just look boring and safe, doesn't fit with the design or concept, just completely wrong. I can be swayed, not obstinate; but I won't compromise my high standards for print. I didn't interfere with her fashion designs, because I don't know what I'm talking about and I trusted her, but she's not trusting me and she's treating me like crap (*NOTE, through bronchitis and a whole bunch of life/financial/time sacrifices I put COUNTLESS HOURS, MONEY and EFFORT into this, along with the graphic designer, I got the location, the photographer, one of the models, the printer, paid half of everything; she works all day, and spews opinions).
I'm ready to pull out and ask for all my money back, because I'm sick of her not trusting me professionally and not being grateful, quite frankly; she tried to do this herself before and nothing came of it; together, we're making magic. I NEED THIS TOO; this will launch my career as a copywriter in this city, so I need the look book to look BETTER than average, to have MORE punch than the rest. It's not just about her.
I asked the I Ching:
*What needs to be done about this situation? I got 17.2.4.5 to 19
*What will be the likely result of having a heart-to-heart with her about this? 6.3.4 to 57
*What is she likely to do? 44.5.6 to 32
Thank you so much for your help. Really need it. xx
I believe the first casting is about sticking to your standards. You have to lay that out, firm and fast and in a professional way, to say there is no other option for you, this is your career, this is where you shine, this is the value of your expertise within the project... you need the same faith placed in your ideas.
Second, I think the heart to heart would be fine. Don't say anything cutting, use language that keeps the unity of the situation and makes it clear you intend to respect her and you merely want the same. Trust me; I trust you. Above all, don't let the nerves and "willies" of the situation erode what is apparently a winning combination. And don't back up either on your own creative value, on what you know to be your trade.
She will, I believe, recognise that nothing can be created without risk and that even a bit of unpleasantness and friction have creative possibiltiies if they are treated appropriately, professionally, and with respect for both points of view. She's nervous but I think from the outcome: 32 -- that she can also see the longterm, get over her fears, and learn to enjoy the ups and downs of an intense creative collaboration. That is Yin power, and you've got it in this alliance.
All the very best, please let us know how it turns out. Sounds like a partnership of real possibility. XO Arabella
17.2 seems to suggest that you shouldn't let her lead in matters she's not experienced in. 17.4 seems to suggest that you should stick with her (while reaffirming your terms with her) for the time being, as it will benefit you.
You should both stick to the plan. She shouldn't be trying to change it singlehandedly. Especially as this is a starting initiative, she should trust you enough to give you the chance to fulfill your role in the endeavour. You could mention this to her. I hope you have things in writing. If not, get it in writing so she doesn't mess around like this in the future. You two should have a contract with each other.
I hope you have things in writing. If not, get it in writing so she doesn't mess around like this in the future. You two should have a contract with each other.
Clarity,
Office 17622,
PO Box 6945,
London.
W1A 6US
United Kingdom
Phone/ Voicemail:
+44 (0)20 3287 3053 (UK)
+1 (561) 459-4758 (US).