Why We Need Creatives In Corporate Spaces

Why We Need Creatives In Corporate Spaces

Ever wonder why some companies just seem to have that special spark? It's because they've let creatives into their corporate world, and these imaginative folks bring a whole new vibe. Creativity isn't just about 'making things look pretty'; it's about solving problems, pivoting on a dime, and not being afraid to fail. Let me explain what I mean and show you why we absolutely need creatives in the corporate mix.


Constant Problem Solving: Creative Supercomputers

Creatives are like supercomputers when it comes to solving problems. We're always building, designing, redesigning, and going through a thousand iterations until we get it right. Whether we're doodling designs, crafting catchy slogans, or composing music, we're always on the hunt for new and exciting solutions. In a corporate setting, this means we're the go-to people for finding fresh ways to tackle challenges. Think about the classic meme of the graphic designer trying out a gazillion different font combos to nail the perfect design. That's the kind of relentless experimentation that drives innovation.

Incorporating creatives into corporate teams ensures that problem-solving is approached from various angles. Their ability to think outside the box can lead to breakthroughs that traditional, linear approaches might miss. A prime example is the "Dumb Ways to Die" campaign by McCann Melbourne for Metro Trains. The campaign used clever marketing and creative problem-solving and had a significant impact on public safety awareness.

Instead of using typical shocking and grim public safety announcements, "Dumb Ways to Die" stood out by making people laugh and share the content, increasing its reach and impact. McCann Melbourne expanded the campaign across multiple platforms, including a smartphone game. "Dumb Ways to Die" succeeded because it targeted a wide range of people using humour and creativity. Creatives are driving forces of innovation and can achieve amazing success stories by thinking outside the box and approaching problems differently.


Pivoting Like a Pro

Corporate life is a bit like a rollercoaster—fast, unpredictable, and sometimes a little scary. Companies need to be agile and ready to change direction at the drop of a hat. This is where creatives truly shine. We're used to scrapping ideas and starting over when things don't pan out. Picture a musician composing a song, only to realise it's not hitting right and starting again. That's the kind of flexibility that's gold in the business world.

Take Bo Burnham, for example. His frequent panic attacks had forced him to quit standup after his special "Make Happy" in 2016. When the pandemic hit, he used this time, alone and isolated, to tap into his musical talent and creativity to produce "Inside". His Netflix special has become one of the greatest comedy specials of this generation, with an almost perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Many artists, like Bo, were forced to pivot during the pandemic, finding innovative ways to continue thriving. This rapid adaptation is not just impressive; it's a testament to the resilience and creativity that we artists bring to the table. When traditional methods fall through, creatives are there to think on their feet, explore new avenues, and make things work. Just as Bo turned a challenging situation into a triumph, creatives in corporate spaces can transform setbacks into opportunities, ensuring companies stay ahead of the game and keep audiences engaged.


Embracing Failure: The Creative Mindset

Let's face it, failure isn't fun. But for creatives, it's just part of the journey. Artists, writers, and designers know that every flop is a stepping stone to success. We're pros at learning from our mistakes and bouncing back even better than before. This fearless approach to failure is a game-changer for corporate growth.

You might not know this, but back in 2009, Domino's Pizza faced a brutal reality: customers hated their pizza, describing the crust as "cardboard" and the sauce as "ketchup." Sales were plummeting, and something had to change.

Enter the creative minds at Crispin Porter + Bogusky. They tackled the problem head-on with clever marketing and problem-solving. Instead of hiding their flaws, they embraced radical honesty. Domino's launched a bold campaign that admitted their pizza needed improvement and asked for a second chance. Behind the scenes, their team worked tirelessly to revamp recipes and improve quality. The result? A miraculous turnaround that revitalised the brand and won back customers.

This kind of out-of-the-box thinking is what we creatives excel at. When an advertising campaign falls flat, creatives brainstorm innovative ideas that might just flip the script and turn things around. Our knack for looking at mistakes from every angle can lead to those lightbulb moments that traditional approaches might miss. Just like Domino's, with creatives on board, companies can quickly adapt, solve problems, and achieve success.


Creativity = Corporate Growth

So, why does all this matter for corporate growth? Because the problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience that creatives bring are exactly what companies need to thrive. These qualities drive innovation, keep things fresh, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Plus, we add a human touch to the corporate scene. Our flair for storytelling and connecting on an emotional level can transform customer engagement. A killer narrative or a stunning visual campaign can set a brand apart and make a lasting impact.

In a nutshell, having creatives in corporate spaces isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. Our unique blend of skills and mindset can help companies navigate the twists and turns of the modern market with confidence. So, let's welcome creatives with open arms and watch our corporate worlds light up!


References:

  1. Edwards, J. (n.d.). “Worst pizza ever”: Domino’s miracle turnaround. https://www.businessage.com/post/worst-pizza-ever-dominos-miracle-turnaround
  2. Louissteven. (2016, February 24). Dumb ways to die. Dumb Ways to Die. https://dumbwaystodiecasestudy.wordpress.com/
  3. Texas JSA Lonestar Editor. (2022, January 5). Bo Burnham’s pandemic masterpiece - The Lonestar - Medium. Medium. https://medium.com/the-lonestar/bo-burnhams-pandemic-masterpiece-bcad3b5cb331

Sophie Berner

Design, Learning & Implementation Lead

9 个月

Great examples about why creatives are a must-have, not a nice to have.

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