Name: Cameron Livdahl
School: Montana State University
Year in School: Graduate Student
Describe your studio culture:
In order to have good work, you need to have a solid group of creative people around you. You need to be able to eat together and drink together, and laugh at each other, but you also need to recognize when things need to be done. Sometimes you have to sacrifice to achieve greatness.
Give one tip that has helped you succeed in studio:
Relinquish who you are now for who you will become.
What motivates you to work hard in studio:
I have no idols, but I respect dedication, rigor, and competence. I work hard because I want to be that.
What aspect of your studio experience do you think will help you get a job?
Being able to demonstrate software knowledge.
What can professors do to create a helpful and supportive studio culture?
Be helpful and supportive. Professors could come in after ‘normal’ studio hours and not just as a professor, but as someone who is actually willing to get to know you.
What should a high school student understand about studio at my university:
If you are not taking risks in your design projects, you are doing it wrong. If you are not taking risks in your design projects, you are wasting opportunities.
What can AIAS do to help improve your studio experience:
I would be interested in having AIAS assist me in selectively finding a firm that fits my personality and style. This would give me more of a direction. If I knew the direction I was headed, I could tailor my work in school to that direction.
What would be in your ideal studio care package:
A bag of M&M’s, a bag of pretzels and iced coffee. Just food.
I love studio because:
It’s where I live, so I have to love it. If you don’t love it, you won’t be here, then you won’t take design risks, and you’ll be missing opportunities. I love studio because it’s one big community.
