Camp Firebelly 2011

Apologies for the late post, but we’ve been working through the night in preparation for our final client meeting this afternoon.

In case there are any concerned readers out there, the water heater is up and running again and we are very happily showered campers.

The day started out with a delicious breakfast of french toast made by Lindsay. After breakfast, we got to work on our campaign for The Center for New Community. Each of the three groups developed their concepts for a presentation to the CNC.

The presentation went swimmingly. We received some great feedback and much appreciation for our hard work. We got the green light to continue finalizing our concepts and really get down and dirty.

Our surprise studio visit for the evening was to… drumroll please… IDEO! Had I not been in the middle of downtown Chicago with plenty of strangers walking by, I would have squealed out loud like a twelve year old girl. We were graciously welcomed into IDEO’s office by Matt and Sara, who started off with a presentation explaining what they do and how they do it. It was a surreal experience for me (and others, I’m sure) because IDEO’s process is something many of my professors at Herron School of Art & Design made a habit of referencing and teaching. We learned a great deal about the culture at IDEO and what makes them so unique and sought-after. Following a very informative Q & A session, Sara took us on a tour of the office and workspaces. It was amazing to see where all the magic happens.

Much too soon, we had to leave IDEO. I think we all left very inspired, to say the least. We returned to the Firebelly studio and wasted no time in getting back to work. Let me just say, the studio environment here is nothing short of amazing. Most of us campers didn’t know each other three days ago. Now, we’re collaborating and creating some fantastic things like we’ve been working together for years. Any time somebody has a question or needs feedback, there’s always another person offering help and suggestions. We all come from different places and educational backgrounds, so it’s been incredibly interesting to see these studio relationships develop.

Fast forward to 6 something in the morning, and most of us are still awake and hard at work. I don’t think I’ve ever consumed so much coffee in such a short time before. I’m not sure I could sleep now even if I wanted to! Sleep, however, is one of the last things on my mind at the moment because I’m so excited about all of the great stuff we’ve been making. Photos will be up soon!

Now, back to work on our final presentation and hopefully some sleep.

Over and out!