Sharing ideas and inspiration for designers and other creative folks to tackle creative struggles, think better, and do powerful work.
#37 Uncovering the Power of Multi-Disciplinary Thinking with an ex-Netflix Creativeπ₯
β Hey Right Brained Human ππΌ ! Welcome to another week of Being Right Brained β Inspiration and ideas for designers and creative folks to work, think, and feel better. (In case you missed my last newsletter, see the full archive of past editions here) |
πA small request: If this email landed in your "Promotions" tab, please take a moment to drag it to the "Primary" tab. This will ensure that it reaches you on time and doesn't disappear into the abyss of emails. β Apeksha: Mikhil, your varied roles as a Designer, Photographer, Creative Director, Producer, and Brand Strategist resonate with me. How have these role shifts influenced your emotions and self-perception?
Mikhil:
In the world of brand consulting and creative problem-solving, there is a deep emotional satisfaction in wearing multiple hats. β
Whether you're analyzing a company from the perspective of a brand strategist, facing marketing challenges as a creative director, implementing ideas like a producer, or evaluating the end result as an image designer, each role provides a unique understanding.
β Exploring these different areas gives you a comprehensive view of how these skills intertwine to ultimately solve the brand message problem. Starting with a bird's eye view and working down to the smallest details, each step is carefully crafted to ensure foolproof activities and a cohesive message. This multifaceted approach not only broadens understanding, but also underscores the power of a holistic strategy. The real joy is in the journey, from strategic thinking to the end result.
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Mikhil: The role of a creative director offers a broad and comprehensive remit that allows me to look at problems through multiple lenses. It serves as a creative hub where collaboration with various creatives takes place, providing valuable opportunities to learn and grow.
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One of the most gratifying aspects of working as a creative director is the chance to collaborate with many talented people who bring their own perspectives to the table.
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Working with different creatives on different projects provides invaluable insight into their approaches. Being curious by nature, this collaborative environment allows me to delve into their thought processes, gain a deeper understanding of their psyche, and expand my knowledge of their craft. Each interaction is an opportunity to expand my own creative repertoire.
β "Curiosity is my constant companion as I observe how experts in different fields approach and solve problems." Apeksha: Mikhil, what drives your motivation to continually explore new things? Mikhil:
1. Working with people from diverse backgrounds is both fascinating and enlightening.
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2. Curiosity is my constant companion as I observe how experts in different fields approach and solve problems. Whether I'm a fly on the wall or shadowing people, I find great value in learning from their unique perspectives.
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I've come to realize that true creativity lies in the art of curating rather than creating. To curate effectively, I immerse myself in different topics, exchange ideas with professionals in different fields, and gather insights to expand my own creative arsenal. Always seek out challenging assignments and surround yourself with interesting and inspiring things and people.
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Mikhil:
ββ β1. Practical before creative excellence βοΈ As creatives, we often feel pressured to find the most unique and innovative solutions. It's important to realize that clients aren't always looking for something completely new. What they really want is a great, practical idea that effectively communicates their brand and services to the people they want to reach.
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β2. Communication π¬β People often struggle with vague feedback like "it must be effective" or "it doesn't hit the mark." As designers, it's our job to interpret and apply feedback effectively to avoid friction. To do this, we need to solicit detailed, constructive input and encourage stakeholders to voice their concerns. β
Strong communication skills are critical to presenting ideas to clients and collaborating with colleagues, because creative thinking thrives on collaboration. Designers work closely with project managers, image designers, copywriters, clients, and others. Clear communication is therefore essential to ensure coordination and keep everyone informed.
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Effectively communicating your skills, addressing problems, confidently presenting solutions, explaining creative rationale, and offering valuable suggestions for improvement are all important aspects.
β β3. Over relying on software and apps: β
It's essential to strike a balance between technical expertise and creative ideation. But, creators sometimes rely a lot on technical knowledge like apps, tools, etc. which can limit you to an operational role, rather than being a strategic thinker. β
Clients value your ability to think critically and provide innovative solutions. Sometimes, the best ideas may require skills beyond your technical expertise, causing self-doubt as you might not pursue that idea. But, it's important to remember that you can seek assistance from other specialists to bring your vision to life. By focusing on what's best and right for the project, you can leverage the strengths of different technicians to formulate and execute your ideas successfully.
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Mikhil:β
β The key to creative thinking is the ability to ask questions β whether they're difficult, seemingly silly, or thought-provoking. The more we inquire and search for answers, the more we uncover the inner workings of things, leading to the discovery of new and innovative approaches. β
In order to foster creativity, you need to engage with the subject. No matter what the project, it's important to understand the business and its ecosystem before coming up with a creative solution. It's not just about the end result, it's about the journey and the path that leads to that result.
I donβt have specific rituals or to-doβs. But I start by creating a mood board with images and words that I think have something to do with the brand or industry.
β I cast my net wide and draw inspiration from the far corners of brands and industries, just to push the boundaries of my thinking. Next, I look at all the information from different angles and try to put it together in different ways to see how it fits together. At some point, when you least expect it, an idea pops up with a flash of inspiration./ β βThere is no right or wrong creativity ritual. The important thing is that you follow a pattern, which can be new every time. β Apeksha: Rapid Fire Time! Answer in one word What are you biased towards - Branding or Photographyβ What do you prefer - Dark mode or Light mode? Notes on paper/Notes on phoneβ Community / Professional Networkβ The best decision of your life? Your USP as a creative professional? β
Mikhil:β
β Keep immersing myself in the world of Psychology and Behavioral Science (podcasts like βNudgeβ, βHidden Brainβ, βYou are not so Smartβ & any published material by Rory Sutherland, Paul Arden, Malcolm Gladwell.)
I hope you enjoyed reading Mikhil's insights! π p.s. - I am curating a list to guide aspiring designers and other creatives toward their ideal workplace. Can you help me spotlight individual contributors, design studios, and creative agencies in India and beyond? Here's the link to the form, it will take less than 4 minutes to fill β‘οΈ In case you previously missed the 35 Creative Blocks Cheat Sheet, here you go! Stay creative, β βUnsubscribe | Update your profile | WeWork, Udyog Vihar, Gurugram, Delhi 122001 |
Being Right Brained
Sharing ideas and inspiration for designers and other creative folks to tackle creative struggles, think better, and do powerful work.
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Hey Right Brained Human ππΌ ! Welcome to another week of Being Right Brained β Inspiration and ideas for designers and creative folks to work, think, and feel better. (In case you missed my last newsletter, see the full archive of past editions here) πA small request: If this email landed in your "Promotions" tab, please take a moment to drag it to the "Primary" tab. This will ensure that it reaches you on time and doesn't disappear into the abyss of emails. Ansh Mehra Engineer, UX Designer,...