Creating projects like 26 Treasures

Last week, I listened to John Simmons give a talk about creative collaboration at University College Falmouth. John talked the audience through some of the projects he’s been part of during his career. Organisations he’s worked with include Royal Mail, International PEN and Guinness. Some of this work was paid, some was voluntary.

Over the last few months, I’ve been working on many collaborative projects. And I’ve been overwhelmed by the time and effort that my many collaborators have put in. Writers, designers, developers, photographers, creative directors, lecturers and actors have worked with me, and worked with each other, pouring ideas and effort into projects of all sizes.

And not once has anyone spoken about money.

Money, of course, pays bills. And money gives a value to time. But it’s been refreshing - and delightful - to work with so many talented people, all of whom are valuable in their own way, with no mention of money, just talk of how to make things better.

Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open last weekend. In his speech after the match, he made a point of telling the world how important collaboration is, even in tennis, which looks like a solo performance. There are so many people behind the scenes, he told his fans, and without them I wouldn’t be winning sport’s biggest tournaments.

I’m sure many members of Novak’s team are employed by him, and paid. But there will be others who offer their friend time, energy, patience and love in return for nothing. Just to make Novak feel better and play better.

Collaboration can be so much more valuable than money. When everyone’s working together to achieve the same thing, it can put a smile on every face.

Rob Self-Pierson