Doctor’s Notes III
Once you were mighty Thor when it came to creative lightning. Now you’re just a Meatwad that makes the money, see. Change is in the wind. Can you feel it? Can you smeeelll what the Doc is cooking? I’m not talking about Peter Capaldi, nor am I referring to the onset of fall. I’m talking about YOU! Read on! Let’s put your lacking creativity in the past with your “At Least He Didn’t Throw Up” little league trophy, and get some new kick-starters.
Watch Cartoons
Look, being a creative is awesome! It is imperative that we constantly subject ourselves to great art! Got Netflix? Use that as a tool to give yourself a celluloidic lobotomy for a few hours this Saturday morning. Cartoons are the moving expression of some really great artists. Call me looney, but I appreciate the typography on Wile E. Coyote’s “Help Me” signs. The various cartoon styles, time periods, and techniques will definitely drop a grand piano on your creative lull.
Meet Bart
I recently concluded my six month session being mentored by Bart Cleveland. Not only did it rip me out of my not-so-creative rut, but it also connected me with some really great people. Now, I’ve got an amazing partner to lean on professionally and some invaluable knowledge that I can use as Creative Director. This suggestion comes with a hell of an investment but the return is more than worth it. http://jobpropulsionlab.com/
Play with Fire
Seriously, we’re adults. We now have a much better perception of safety and self preservation than when we were kids. Why not put that to use by taking some lighter fluid, some matches, and a camera and make something awesome happen. Ex. Ignite two equally spaced lines of lighter fluid in a mall parking lot after hours. When the security arrives, blast some Huey Lewis and utter aloud, “Oh my god they found me! I don’t know how, but they found me!”. Fun-with-fire is worth the loss of some arm hair if it lights a flame under your creative ass.
Conferences
This is where you go to get your Heisenberg-quality, blue-sky inspiration. I recently got back from an AAF get together in Minneapolis, MN. I was surrounded by amazing people that worked in agencies all over the central United States. I was also able to hear inspiring presentations from the likes of Carla Vernon, R.T. Ryback, Michael Fanuele, Daiga Atvara and more. The Highlight was getting to listen and talk with Chuck Porter of Crispin Porter+Bogusky. Do you want a satisfying series finale to end your rut? Go to a big conference.
Everyone feels uninspired from time to time. It’s a completely normal part of growing up in this industry. Though, your voice cracking and awkwardness around the opposite sex is something completely different – there is no cure for that. But maybe come see Ilfusion about putting together an effective campaign than can bring about some inspiring change.
Tags: agency, creative director, creativity, doctor's orders, mentor, techniqueCategorized in: Articles, Doctor's Notes