Consumers are bombarded with messages; estimates say we’re exposed to 4,000 to 10,000 every day. That means creativity is vital if you want to stand out. It is the essential element, whether your brand is on a billboard, a video, or a post. There are tried and true formulas in science, and while there’s certainly science and math in marketing, it’s the clever, cute, memorable, funny, stunning, impactful, creative factor that makes the difference. There’s no formula for creativity and while consistently coming up with effective, compelling ideas is tough, there are things you can do to make the path to a positive promotion a bit smoother. And that starts with time.
1 | Time
Einstein showed us that time is relative, it depends on your frame of reference. When facing a creative deadline, time has a way of slipping away. It’s important to establish reasonable deadlines but while you’re deciding how much time is necessary for a project, don’t overlook the fact that too much time can also be a problem. The goldilocks (just right) deadline provides a comfortable cushion along with the motivation of a due date.
2 | Environment
Hemingway would sit in a café and write in bound journals. He also wrote standing up, with his typewriter on top of a dresser. It’s not necessarily where you go to be creative, it’s going somewhere else. Get out of the familiar surroundings and shake things up a little. If you normally create indoors, take your laptop to a park or restaurant patio. If you normally create in silence, try playing some music in the background.
3 | Inspiration
Every creative group looks at the competition and borrows ideas. Don’t copy verbatim; find a way to tweak existing concepts into your own version. We get in the habit of looking at creative for the same industry. Try looking at work done for brands in different industries. You might spot something you can adapt.
4 | Take a Break
There’s a good reason so many tech companies have ping pong tables and dart boards and basketball courts. Physical activity refreshes the mind. You can reboot your brain by listening to music, too. Coffee can help, or a snack.
5 | Collaborate
There’s an old saying, “A camel is a horse built by committee”. Sometimes there are too many cooks in the kitchen, but collaboration can also be productive. Toss around ideas with the other creatives in your department and try collaborating with coworkers outside your department. They can offer a different perspective, maybe a different way of thinking.
You can also collaborate with an agency, like us! We can bring additional experience, expertise, enthusiasm and creativity to the table. We’re ready when you are. Save us a seat.