Tips on Staying Creative
Creativity is one of the main qualities that is expected from communications professionals because brands are constantly looking for out-of-the-box thinking. Fostering a steady stream of creativity can be challenging, so how can PR pros stay sharp?
As somebody who lives in the intersection of the Gen-z and Millennial generations, it is not surprising that I spend a lot of time on social media. One night as I scrolled through my Twitter feed, I came across this tweet that inspired me to find ways to “feed” my creativity.
Think outside of your professional self.
As professionals, we are constantly exposing ourselves to new industry ideas and best practices. But, who are we outside of work, as individuals? Think about who you could have been in another life and develop a skill that this person would hone. Learning new skills devotes yourself to personal improvement and introduces you to a new style of work and thinking. There are numerous online platforms to take free, self-paced online university courses or certificates, and there are also opportunities to learn other artistic and creative skills.
Change up your routine.
After a long work week, it is always tempting to snuggle in bed and watch your favorite television shows— use this time to find some new favorites! Adventure out of your normal routine by trying a new restaurant or cooking a new recipe. If you work in the culinary space, this expanded knowledge can create a more dynamic approach to your to-do list; if not, you’ve just enjoyed a new meal!
As a commuter, I use public transportation to take me all over the city. When possible, I take a different route to see new buildings and murals. This not only keeps me alert, but also exposes me to new visuals and cultural markers. When travelling to new areas, look for fun things to do. Museums, parks and artistic performances are great ways to introduce yourself to new ideas while having fun with friends and family.
Explore different cultures.
Cultural exposure is another way to fully experience creativity. Immersing yourself in new lifestyles and customs can boost your creativity while also increasing your cultural awareness and sensitivity—both of which are important when communicating with diverse audiences. Plus, you don’t have to travel to still get culturally immersive experiences.
Books take you on journeys to new places through the eyes and experiences of the author. For example, I would like to one day travel to a few countries in Africa, but in the meantime, I have read books by African authors who offer an authentic perspective. Another way to expose yourself to new cultures without travelling is attending cultural events within your area. Make it a goal to attend different food festivals and performances to see highlights of a culture and interact with people who are from different places.
Creativity is extremely important in our field of work and is the key to fully enjoying life. At Three Box, we emphasize creativity by exploring opportunities to learn from people outside of our industry, hosting regular team brainstorms and facilitating collaborative discussions through our book club.
How do you feed your creativity? Let us know in the comments or Tweet us at @ThreeBoxInc!