When we think about developing our careers, we often focus on boosting our creativity. Yet, in truth, that's only one half of the equation. Ultimately, there's little point in having a great idea if you can't actually put it into practice. And so beneath the surface of every successful project lies a crucial, sometimes overlooked, ingredient: the ability to collaborate effectively with technical experts. At the Royal College of Art (RCA), this dynamic is not just encouraged— for students, it's essential. Enter the RCA's Technical Services team—a diverse group of experts who transform vision into reality, guiding students through the technical and technological aspects of their programmes, from making to materialising. Whether you're experimenting with biomaterials, fabricating intricate metalwork, exploring analogue photography, or countless other tasks, these are the people who'll help you turn ambitious ideas into reality. But their role goes far beyond troubleshooting or maintaining equipment. They're also collaborators, mentors, and sometimes co-creators, shaping the creative process in profound ways. Collaborators and co-creators Take Maria Li, a technical instructor in Biomaterials. "At the RCA, I'm primed to foster innovation and support budding creatives in unleashing biomaterial wonders," she explains. "My days are spent keeping the Natural Matters Biolab running smoothly and helping students with anything from biofabrication to biological and biodesign experiments." It's a role that she's well suited for, as her background in biology and her work in citizen science have made her a passionate advocate for making technical knowledge accessible to all. Her advice to students is simple: "Don't be afraid to ask questions, and see technicians as partners in your creative journey," she emphasises. We're here to support your ideas, not limit them." Of course, that isn't always easy. Almost half the requests are so out there that she doesn't initially know how to make them happen, so Maria and the student have to research solutions together. For example, she recently helped an MA Architecture student grow mycelium tiles, guiding them through a process that was as much about creative exploration as it was about scientific rigour. Maria Li. Photo: Aisha Seriki, RCA Photography MA and Arts & Humanities MFA "My role can be so broad," she stresses. "One day, a student will come to me asking how to, say, grow algae to make cement. The next day, a student will want to use some food waste to make a stool, then another day, how to grow a mycelium sculpture. Or it could be everything on the same day!" Relationships and respect Dealing with technical experts, in other words, is about far more than asking for help. It's about building relationships based on mutual respect, clear communication and a willingness to learn. Certainly, don't just share your idea and expect the experts to do the work for you. It's more likely they'll teach you the skills to do it yourself: the proverbial "teach a man to fish". The best moments are when a student overcomes a technical hurdle and discovers something new about their own practice. This is an attitude you'll find whoever you speak to on the Technical Services team. Take darkroom specialist Melanie Issaka. As a former RCA Photography MA student, Melanie knows first-hand the challenges and rewards of technical collaboration. Her journey from graphic design to photography and technology has given her a deep appreciation for the unpredictable nature of creative work, which comes in very handy in her current role. "For me, no two days are the same," she observes. "One minute, I might be helping a student print on wood with liquid emulsion; the next, I'm troubleshooting cyanotype exposures outdoors. It's about meeting students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be." She describes her role as "part mentor, part technician, part advocate" and admits it's not always easy. "It's hard: you've got to be very patient," she reveals. "Students come in with all levels of experience, and sometimes they're nervous about asking for help. But that's what we're here for. The best moments are when a student overcomes a technical hurdle and discovers something new about their own practice." Making an early start So, if you're on the other side of that relationship, how do you get the best out of interacting with technical staff? For a start, Alexander Flood, a technical instructor in metal engineering and fabrication, encourages students to approach them early and often. "The sooner you involve us in your process, the more we can help you avoid pitfalls and push your ideas further," he explains. "Because it's not just about using the right tool—it's about understanding what's possible." It's an environment where I've been able to rediscover my creativity while helping others. Alexander, who works part-time at the RCA and is a freelance jeweller, has his work cut out because a number of students he sees have never done any metalwork before. "So the biggest challenge is working out how necessary it is for us to teach them specific technical skills, to get them to make the thing on their own," he explains. He stresses, though, that it's not just about giving instruction and the students passively listening; it's more of a two-way relationship. Here's what that might look like in practice. "Often they'll come in with a sketch, or maybe a picture of something on their phone, and they're like, 'Can I make this?' And I'm like, 'I don't know. What is this? How big is it? What is it made from?' So much of making is a dialogue with the process." Alexander adds that he can sometimes learn as much from these collaborations as the students. "The environment here is just so creative," he enthuses. "So it's an environment where I've been able to rediscover my creativity at the same time as helping others." Conclusion: A relationship you can't be without In a world where creative projects are increasingly complex and multidisciplinary, the ability to interact with technical specialists is not just a nice-to-have—it's a fundamental skill. At the Royal College of Art and beyond, those who master the art of creative-technical collaboration will find themselves better equipped to realise their visions, solve problems, and build lasting professional networks. Here are Maria, Melanie and Alexander's top tips for getting it right: Start early: Involve technical staff from the outset of your project. Be curious: Ask questions and seek advice—there's no such thing as a foolish question. Communicate clearly: Share your vision, but be open to suggestions and feedback. Respect expertise: Recognise the depth of knowledge technicians bring. Embrace collaboration: See technical specialists as creative partners, not just service providers. As Maria puts it: "We're here to help you unleash your creative potential. Don't be afraid to reach out—together, we can make extraordinary things happen." Further reading This is the second of two articles on the technical Service team at the Royal College of Art. Read article 1 here. The RCA Technical Services team are instrumental in the success of the RCA's Graduate Exhibition. This year's show, RCA2025, runs from 19 June-19 July. If you're interested in joining the Technical Services team, you can view vacancies or register for notifications on the RCA jobs website. If you're interested in developing your practice by collaborating with the Technical Services team as an RCA postgraduate student, applications for the September 2025 intake are open until 30 June.