What is The Collective, anyway?

I recently became a partner at a company we are calling The Collective. But what is a Collective?

I've been thinking about the topic and would like to briefly elaborate on what a collective means. Collections, Syndicates, Unions, Guilds, Fraternities, and Sororities have similar attributes and principles. However, they are inarguably not the same things.

A collective is not a new concept, although its application is unique. Collectives are groups of individuals gathered together, driven by a common cause or desired outcome. Most collectives are fine arts or design-focused, dedicated to the delivery of craft-based endeavors with purpose.

So, what is our definition of a Collective?

A Collection

We don't collect Designers like baseball cards, comic books, or NFTs (hey, remember those?). We are a team of talented individuals curated based on clients' business needs.

Not Not A Syndicate

A Syndicate can be defined as a group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest. Ok, but the association with that term, 'Syndicate,' is sometimes negative. Gangs, Mobs, Cartels, and, of course, the villains who actively plot against our hero, Ethan Hunt, in the Mission Impossible franchise.

Collective Bargaining?

We aren't a union. We do not have any official affiliation with a trade organization. However, we fully support them. Go team!

The Collective is a revolving cast of talent. Your needs are distinct, and the team that can provide you with the best outcome will be unique.

Guild

In the days of religious patronage, fine arts guilds were the best way to ensure that trade secrets were kept. One could achieve the Mastery of a craft by creating a Masterpiece. Let us tell you a secret: we don't keep secrets and aren't dogmatic.

Fraternity or Sorority

We can be social, but it's not our core function. There was a time and a place for that for some of us, and it was college. Thank you, please have another definition of The Collective.

Our 'ive'

We love language, as design is a form of visual communication. One way to define an 'ive' is as a Suffix. -ive. An adjective signifying relating or belonging to, of the nature of, tending to, or serving to. Our 'ive' is to provide the best experience. 

In Summary

The Collective is a team of intellectually curious individuals. Each Collective squad will operate differently, as no two business opportunities are alike. Let's talk about what you are looking to accomplish. 🤝