Our 5×5 is coming up on October 30, and it’s making us a little nostalgic. So, we reached out to our presenters from last year to see what they’re up to now and what advice they have for future 5×5 participants. (Submissions for 2014’s final 5×5 due September 30.)
First thing, what was your idea for last year’s 5×5?
My idea was Indy Full Circle, and with it I wanted to use the 5×5 grant to make a short documentary about Roger Gohl, the designer of the Indianapolis flag. Roger, who was just a freshman at Herron School of Art, won a city-wide contest to find a new flag in 1972, the one we still use today. The city only paid him $50 and has done a terrible job of recognizing his contribution to Indianapolis’ history.
My goal was to change all that and give Roger Gohl the credit he deserves. (More good stuff here.)
Even though your idea didn’t win the cash prize, how would you say you’ve benefited from your participation?
5×5 gave me an opportunity to recruit and collaborate with some really talented people through the process. Even though I didn’t get the grant that day, I walked away with an awesome, new team of collaborators (Rita Troyer, Cristina Vanko and John Sherman), whom I still work with today.
Photo credit: Rita Troyer
As a 5×5 veteran, what would you recommend to someone participating in a 5×5 challenge?
You have only five minutes and five slides to get something meaningful across, so make sure you present your idea that connects with your audience.
Nobody will remember your stats, budget or the words on your slides. But they will remember if you tell a great story.
It’s been about a year since our last 5×5, and we want to know what you’re working on now.
I’m currently finishing up a master’s in music and art technology from Purdue. It’s helped me blend my love for storytelling and music with technology and other nerdy stuff.
You can see some of that work here: http://cargocollective.
