Incorporating Play into the Creative Process
One of the best things you can do for your health is allowing yourself the freedom to play. According to Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown, M.D., not only does play physiologically send healthy endorphins into your bloodstream, but it also unlocks creativity and inventiveness. Somewhere along the path to adulthood, we’re conditioned to grow up and conform to a more serious demeanor. From one year to the next, we’re expected to let go of recess in our daily routine to allow for more structure. In some ways, we trade imagination for more concrete ways of thinking.
Do you ever find yourself in a creative rut? We've been there too. The National Institute for Play, founded by Dr. Brown, shows playful approaches to your work can lead to more creative outcomes, adaptable work flow and collaborative partnerships. No matter where you work or what you do, we believe you can find ways to allow for play. We’ve come up with some of our favorite ideas below.
What ways does Matchbox recommend to incorporate play during the creative process…?
Employ the "Yes, and..." philosophy from improv practice: when brainstorming together, no idea is too silly to explore. Invite any and all ideas to the table.
When it comes to brainstorming, leave expectations and other distractions at the door - this creates a blank canvas for any and all ideas.
Go for a walk: breathe in some fresh air, maybe even explore a new block near your office and let those natural endorphins unleash a positive and new way of thinking.
Head down a rabbit hole - think of one word that fits your campaign best and think of all past stories, creative projects and funny jokes that may coincide with that word.
Draw, write, list, doodle - step away from your computer. Create a space for standing, walking, dancing. You know, whatever makes you feel at home.
Laugh at yourself.
Be appreciative and create space for trust - this always allows for fun during the creative process.
And, there must always be coffee.
At Matchbox Marketing, we’re flipping the script - looking past the socialized condition and allowing ourselves to play during the creative process. We find play during the creative process leads to more authentic and developed work overall. When we shed professional expectations, a space is created not only for the company, but for two creative minds to create inventive projects.
And with that, we end with a joke. How many marketers does it take to change a light bulb? Um, it isn't too late to make this neon instead, is it?