Make It Work, For You

February 4th, 2010

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I’m a big fan of Project Runway, the reality TV show where fashion designers create a new look and fashion piece every week with a limited amount of time and materials. I’m not a fashionista like the show’s host, Heidi Klum, but I do have ‘girly girl’ tendencies like an insane love for accessories and shoes. However, I’d like to think that my girlish ways aren’t the only things that contribute to my obsession with the show. I consider myself a fan because I enjoy watching the creative process each designer goes through. To witness the inspiration behind an idea and then watch it evolve and come to life is intriguing.

Perhaps this is why I enjoy working for a start-up. I’m no longer watching from behind a TV screen or hearing about it through some blog or a friend. I am here, watching the creative process emerge and seeing the end results of that creativity develop. Yet, the greatest perk of all is being able to contribute, not just as a fan, but an employee. And although I may not have extraordinary creative abilities like some of the designers on Project Runway, I try to soak up as much of the innovative vibes as possible. For me, the creative process has required some practice.

I’ve realized that I can’t just emerge myself in marketing blogs, articles and books and instantly become a creative genius. Of course, this process may work for some, but in the end I prefer the more unconventional and relaxed approach. I force myself to relax and have fun. I go shopping, watch the boyfriend play video games or just observe the truly creative geniuses here at work or on TV. Some good food is also thrown in the mix because all this builds up an appetite. Consequently, the good ol’ phrase ‘walk away from it’ really does work, especially when you incorporate your own interests. This process works for me because it clears my head; think of it as clearing the clutter from a messy email inbox. In the end I work better because I feel more organized so it’s easier to let new ideas flow in and out the brain, allowing me to pick and choose those that have potential and those that are just too boring or bland. It’s a very simple train of thought that’s taken me a while to accept and practice, but it works for me. And when all else fails I resort to going through random videos of Tim Gunn (Project Runway’s co-host). Laughter is always a good remedy too.

For the contestants on Project Runway, it’s a matter of do or die because each of them need to create an exceptional design and garment in order to avoid elimination. Most of us are not in this type of situation, yet the pressure of deadlines or creating the next big campaign can makes us feel overwhelmed. So what to do? In the words of Mr. Gunn, ‘make it work’ but better yet, make it work for you. Find what inspires you, what makes you relax and infuse the creativity you would apply to your projects to your daily life so you’re not just watching reality shows, but exploring and exposing yourself to new outlooks and ideas. However new or weird the activity may be, try it out and enjoy yourself. We’re not all designers or trend-setters but we are capable of creating our own art: representations of the things that make us passionate believers.

(photo source)

Tagged with: creativity, marketing

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