What languages do you have at your school?

[Matyuv]

I don't study at school anymore so that's -1 vote from English and Russian

[Xenon]

The college I attend doesn't even offer tuition for language subjects, apart from English language of course.

[Matyuv]

Would you be learning another language if they did offer it though?

[Xenon]

I wouldn't, nah. We're restricted to three subjects anyway, so taking up a language would be out of the question.

[Matyuv]

Which three did you take up then?

[Xenon]

I took up geography, ICT and English language, though I'm really regretting choosing geography. Haha.

[Matyuv]

Wtf? Geography? why? is it the easiest?

You could have taken maths instead, at least it would keep your brain active unlike geography

[Xenon]

I hate geography because of the boring-ness of the work, and there seems to be a ridiculous amount of it as well.

I agree about maths... in fact it was my third choice but sadly I couldn't get in because I didn't have sufficient grades. Maths would surely be more interesting as well as more productive.

[Cairnie]

I actually did well in my GCSE for geo, for some reason. I mean I like learning about other countries and their enviroments but I'll have to admit I found a lot of it hard work, especially in the run up to my final exam. I did well in Maths, for the class I was in, but since I left my mad math skills sank to rock bottom. :B

[Xenon]

GCSE geography seemed to focus mainly on weather systems and the Earth's geology, but in college I've noticed it seems to be more about immigration and energy sources. I don't find "human" geography very interesting at all.

[Cairnie]

You should see Art & Design at college. When I went, it was more about writing about artists you don't even like, having to copy their styles, making papier maché helmets and burning newspaper, than actually painting and shit. They also took us to see a Damien Hirst and Sarah Lucas exhibition at the Tate Modern, which was very classy.

[Xenon]

Subjects are only really fun when you can make your own projects. Researching artists and being told what to produce defeats the whole point in art and design - art, after all, is about originality and difference. Picasso would never have become famous if he simply replicated other paintings.

ICT is a little different though and you do get a lot of choice in your project.

[Cairnie]

Actually it's important to make some research about different artists, even though I absolutely hated it, because that's where you even get to hear of them and decide whether or not you actually like their art. For example, I discovered Edward Hopper through college trips to the Tate, and liked his art very much. Sarah Lucas on the other hand is an edgy and ttly hXc cunt.

[Matyuv]

Researching artists and being told what to produce defeats the whole point in art and design - art, after all, is about originality and difference.

I don't agree. Eventhough it might not be too pleasant, you develop your own style by researching and copying the masters, let alone widen your knowledge about them and art in general. Completing tasks that others give you is also important, that's what design is about anyway.

[Xenon]

I think it's important to understand the artistic world, but that's not the same thing. I wouldn't research artists' work for the sole reason of gaining inspiration, the only tools I would use would be my mind and the landscape.

As for work production, I'm sure I'd get better grades if I chose to follow my own route rather than being given specific instructions, especially if my skills didn't lie in the task that was set.

[Matyuv]

As for work production, I'm sure I'd get better grades if I chose to follow my own route rather than being given specific instructions, especially if my skills didn't lie in the task that was set.

Sure, but that's how almost everyone (and designers in particular) work anyway, isn't it? They are given specific tasks and are paid for completing them.

I wouldn't research artists' work for the sole reason of gaining inspiration

Well, I would. Why not?

[Xenon]

Sure, but that's how almost everyone (and designers in particular) work anyway, isn't it? They are given specific tasks and are paid for completing them.

Well designers are given broad instructions so they can develop their own ideas. Like creating a modern house, for example. Some workers are paid for completing very specific tasks though, and I still believe these people aren't working to the best of their ability. But with these jobs, the workers are being paid for 'completing tasks', if you like, and not creating a nice original product.

Well, I would. Why not?

As I said, I'm speaking from a professional perspective. If I planned on becoming an artist and selling paintings I wouldn't draw a guy with a head of fruit because this has already been done (can't remember the artist's name). I feel I used the word 'inspiration' inappropriately, so apologies for that: really I just meant I wouldn't choose to copy styles or ideas from existing artists - I'd create my own.

[Matyuv]

As I said, I'm speaking from a professional perspective. If I planned on becoming an artist and selling paintings I wouldn't draw a guy with a head of fruit because this has already been done (can't remember the artist's name). I feel I used the word 'inspiration' inappropriately, so apologies for that: really I just meant I wouldn't choose to copy styles or ideas from existing artists - I'd create my own.

I might be wrong but I believe that copying others' styles helps you develop your own style (requires quite a bit of talent too though).

Well designers are given broad instructions so they can develop their own ideas. Like creating a modern house, for example.

I suppose you are speaking about a very experienced designer/architect, well, it's logical that the better you work, the more freedom you'll get. But an unexperienced designer will be just one of those:

Some workers are paid for completing very specific tasks though, and I still believe these people aren't working to the best of their ability. But with these jobs, the workers are being paid for 'completing tasks'.

Well, perhaps they might not like it, but it's the way things work isn't it? People do have to get by.

[Xenon]

I might be wrong but I believe that copying others' styles helps you develop your own style (requires quite a bit of talent too though).

As a beginner like myself, yep. But certainly not for those who wish to make money from their artwork.

I suppose you are speaking about a very experienced designer/architect, well, it's logical that the better you work, the more freedom you'll get.

Any designer wants to be innovative, that's what designing is all about. It's about using your imagination.

Well, perhaps they might not like it, but it's the way things work isn't it? People do have to get by.

Absolutely, but there's no choice involved. Those people have to work by commands to get money.

[Matyuv]

As a beginner like myself, yep. But certainly not for those who wish to make money from their artwork.

What's the difference then? If you start making money once you've developped your style completely it might be just too late tbh.

Any designer wants to be innovative, that's what designing is all about. It's about using your imagination.

Since we've started talking about money, then I believe it's more important that the designer's client like his work - which means a designer should follow all the instructions given by the client. Then use his own imagination to make it as good as possible, yes.