While crafting an approach for my remixed essay assignment I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do, it was just a matter of how. Without even knowing the proper definition for it, I had settled on remixing a Beowulf essay into a “visual mode” (image-based format for the uninitiated). I tend to doodle in the margins of notebooks during long boring lectures, so presenting my arguments in a visual format would be all too easy to do. However, a spot of trouble lies in the fact that it isn’t all that simple. In fact, there are a ton of things to consider when trying to make a visual representation of anything; where should the font go, how big should the font be, how to frame the image, etc. Thus, an assignment that should be rather simple has quickly spiraled into my waking nightmare.
And, as I found the pointers provided in our readings helpful, I feel the need to share one of my own tips that I discovered while trying to frame my assignment in a way that feels satisfying. The first lesson is, don’t venture beyond your means: when given an assignment as creatively liberating as this, it is hard not to let your mind run adrift at the possibilities before you. But it’s ultimately best to keep things simple and avoid falling victim to your own lofty expectations; compromise is key, you don’t have to sacrifice your vision but shaving off some of its edges will save your sanity in the long run.
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