Creativity as an Addiction

…at first, I was compelled by the power of connecting a few words with some visuals to move somebody’s perception ... I was urged by that remarkable part of the brain called creativity, and I decided to nurture it in the field of advertising. As I grew in the profession and the profession grew more complex, I became more addicted. The more dots to connect, the more I nurtured the brain. The more I nurtured the brain, the faster I could connect the dots. The more connected the dots, the more powerful the skill became.

Can creativity be addictive??This question may seem paradoxical, given that creativity is often considered a virtue—something to be fostered and celebrated. However, like any intense pursuit or passion, it carries with it a certain compulsive quality that urges you to keep diving deeper. And what better way to feed this 'creative addiction' than through travel?

Travel: The Elixir for Creative Rejuvenation

For me, traveling is not just a break from routine or an opportunity for relaxation; it is the reset button for my brain. But unlike the typical image of lying on a sun-soaked beach with a book in hand, my version of relaxation involves a constant yearning to soak up new experiences. From culinary delights to intriguing art installations and unique cultural ceremonies, travel acts as a secret formula to reignite my creativity.

The Epiphany at Piccadilly Square

This summer, this addiction led me to London's iconic Piccadilly Square. The area was bustling as usual, but what caught my eye was not the crowd or the historical landmarks surrounding it; it was a colossal digital screen displaying breathtaking visuals. I was spellbound, a prisoner to the magnetic allure of the colors, shapes, and movements. My husband, sensing my hypnotic trance, tried multiple times to snap me out of it. He failed.

The experience didn't just end there. It followed me, a whispering ghost, urging me to discover its source. This led me to the?"Take Part"?website, and I found that this was more than a simple visual feast; it was a collaboration with Art of London and the National Portrait Gallery—a fusion that was both visually striking and spiritually uplifting.

TAKE A MOMENT: Where Art and Mental Well-being Coalesce

This campaign is a reminder that mental health struggles are part and parcel of the human experience—sometimes as trivial as a headache, other times a looming presence that haunts our daily existence. What makes this initiative stand out is its ability to link the grandeur of a renowned museum to the bustling heartbeat of a cosmopolitan city. It’s a campaign that offers more than aesthetics; it provides a sanctuary for the soul.

The campaign's impact lies in its accessibility; it takes high culture from the elitist confines of a museum and plants it squarely in the heart of the cosmopolitan city domain. It speaks directly to our innermost struggles, almost as if acknowledging that even in our most vulnerable moments, beauty can be a salve for the soul.

Creativity as a Never-ending Cycle

The 'Take a Moment' campaign is just one of many stops on this summer's journey that have nurtured my creative addiction, and it reminded me of Milton Glaser's?'In Search of the Miraculous or One Thing Leads to Another.'?This visual essay views the creative process as part of a never-ending cycle: fresh experiences spark new bouts of creativity, which then make you hungry for even more experiences. And sometimes, you get more than just a new point of view; you find answers, a little peace, and that all-important boost of purpose."

Is creativity an addiction??If by addiction we mean a relentless pursuit that consumes our thoughts, directs our actions, and fills us with an insatiable desire for more—then yes, perhaps it is. But unlike most addictions, this one feeds not just the mind but also the soul, continually urging us to transcend boundaries and reach for the extraordinary within the ordinary.

As for me, I will continue to travel, not just across geographic locations but also across the myriad landscapes of human experience, always in search of that next creative high. After all, in this perpetual cycle of inspiration and creation, who would want to be cured?

On-the-Topic Creative Pick

A Book:?Predictably Irrational?by?Dan Ariely

In 'Predictably Irrational,' Dan Ariely takes us on a compelling journey into the human psyche, shedding light on the mysterious inner workings that propel our decisions. Ariely's fascinating research delves into the deeper needs driving our choices—needs that often bypass logical reasoning in favor of emotional fulfillment.

This book is a masterful exploration of the subtle and sometimes surprising triggers behind our behavior, offering invaluable insights for anyone interested in the psychological underpinnings of successful initiatives, such as the 'Take a Moment' campaign. By understanding the irrational forces that influence us, we can craft messages that resonate deeply and encourage positive action.?Ariely’s work is not just a revelation; it's a manual for anyone looking to tap into the profound motives that govern our actions."

Brands in the News

About LIDL? TRADERS JOE? and X? This month Siegel+Gale released its?“World’s Simplest Brands”?report, which surveyed more than 15,000 respondents in nine countries on how brands made their lives simpler or more complex, with simpler being a positive trait. "Typically, what we’ve seen in simplest brands is that they promise a good experience and deliver on it,” The concept of 'experience' is indeed intangible and challenging to measure, which brings me to question?LIDL's top position on the list. Is it possible that consumers equate a brand's promise of value and savings so strongly with a positive experience that it overshadows the need for an identifiable 'brand experience'? This seems in stark contrast to the unique 'Trader Joe's experience,' which is readily apparent to shoppers. In the consumer's view, it appears that simplicity can sometimes be reduced to the clear-cut benefits of economy. On a different note, it's hardly surprising that X? (formerly known as Twitter) has been recognized as the most complex brand in the United States.