“I’ve an idea for a game, I just need a team of programmers and artists” is in essence no different than “I have a idea for a movie, I just need a production crew”, and demonstrates a common misunderstanding of the nature of creative leadership in large productions 1/x
When you find yourself endeavoring to work in collaborative, challenging creative spaces, it is essential to be in the company of talented individuals to achieve your aims - and one great perk to this is often overlooked - ideas, really good ideas, will be abundant 2/x
The biggest factor IMO that separates a team that fails and the one that succeeds in the aim of actually *creating something great* is not the ideas presented. It’s the ability to manage, refine, iterate, tear down and build back up again, all while maintaining morale. 3/x
In the spaces Ive had the good fortune to work in this has continued to be true, everyone is an idea person! But on *top* of that they have another skill, one that they are incredible at, that could be more so considered their “job” than any creative input they may contribute 4/x
Those skills manifest as artists, programmers, modelers, editors, directors and hundreds more.
Having great ideas is literally baseline to be doing this. What else do you have to offer the team you will be working shoulder to shoulder with? 5/x
Having great ideas is literally baseline to be doing this. What else do you have to offer the team you will be working shoulder to shoulder with? 5/x
Lastly, for those who would pursue the role of creative leadership in team projects, *managing creative people* is the number one skill set. On top of the vision, the ideas, your knack for diplomacy and leadership will make or break your project. 6/x
So I would suggest to those who seek it to understand - that creative leadership is a huge responsibility to everyone you would ask to endeavor with you, and proving that you have the chops to hold that banner should come first, then ... draw upon yours and the team’s ideas. /end
As @Silirrion added, managing creative people is not dictating your creative decisions - far from it! It’s in fact the ability to navigate the broad picture toward the greatest contributions that can be made with the team you have, to “get out of their way” as Craig said.
Also I feel I didn’t give enough weight to the management of morale. In creative spaces, with creative people who are so personally invested, it’s utterly critical. Soft skills in providing feedback and providing insight into iteration instead of flat direction is essential.
Also: the finish line. How do you really get experience? Finishing things! Your first will not be your best. But reaching the finish line has given you a new understanding of what it takes, and you will better understand the process as you start a new one! #AlwaysBeLearning
