Organization is KEY!

It is very important to be organized in our field. And the thing of it is, that you have to start organized and maintain it. Everyone has their own way to organize themselves, and there isn't a right or a wrong way to do it. Whether its a large notebook with a spiral for notes, and dividers for handouts, or a folder and a binder or an accordian file system, just find what works best for you and stick with it.

I am the worst person when it comes to organization, and I think many of us left brain thinkers, like designers and artists, are. You have to almost force yourself to get organized.

This is my method. I have a folder. A bright colored one (so it'll stand out) and a black binder (so it looks more professional). In my folder I put all my sketches and doodles, and bubble plans, and anywork I did on trash paper, you know rough drafts, of any kind. And in my notebook I but all final work. And its organized in the order of the creative process. Commitment (the project requirements), Programming (adjacency matrix) Research (codes and trends). Then I include specification sheets, for everything that called my attention when designing, such as: appliances, furniture, wallcovering, fabrics; everything. I try to use as many color copies as I can, and if I get a chance to visit vendors, and showrooms, I include swatches and samples, whether I include them in the design or not, will be determined later.

At the end, I begin to sift through, and make selections from what I already have put together. This way I'm not hunting and searching when it comes to putting the final notebook together, or my presentation boards.

Now, I'm not saying that its the right way nor the only way, but its what I've developed after being stressed the heck out for 3 studio classes. But whatever works for you, stick to it! Once it becomes a habit, it will make your life easier as you move on to your more indepth and rigorous courses. It'll show when you present.

How do you get organized?