Written by Kate Betts, contributor
Generate, SCAD’s annual art competition, took place on October 3. Students of various majors form teams and Generate challenges them to create complete works of art within 24 hours. For a straight day these students work non-stop in a location of their choice on campus to develop something amazing. From mood-boarding to developing a concept to implementing an idea, students work in a collaborative effort. Generate inspires effective communication and efficiency in students, who have to complete their task on a strict deadline.
What draws people to stay awake for an entire day to complete Generate? Vanessa Taylor, a fourth-year animation major, said, “It’s a challenge that I think everyone should undertake during their SCAD time. It’s an experience that anyone in animation or digital media-type majors needs. It teaches you to work as a team and come up with ideas fast and to work as a team in a high pressure environment.” Since Generate operates in teams of students, communication and camaraderie are key. These students all share a common goal and have to work together as a unified team to see it through.
Fourth-year animation major Cynthia Osaseri said, “I just wanted to try it out; I was looking to expand my skills and my perspective.” Creating a finished piece in 24 hours definitely pushes these designers to the limit and the result is incredible. It’s a learning exercise for all involved and gives students valuable experience in working under pressure but enjoying their project at the same time.
Will Bladon, fourth-year animation major, said, “I thought it would be fun to be a part of it.” Even though it’s difficult and intense, Generate is fun for students who are interested in story and character design.
Osaseri said that her favorite part of Generate is “bouncing off ideas, mostly, and coming up with something aesthetically pleasing that’s coherent enough to be understood.” Taylor said that her favorite aspect of Generate is “the camaraderie.”
Generate 2014 was a success with some great concepts and character designs coming out of it. The teams worked hard for a full 24 hours to complete the design challenge, gaining valuable experience in teamwork and meeting an intense deadline. For any student who wants to expand their experience in brainstorming, creativity, teamwork and deadlines, Generate is a great way to do so.
