I am sitting here trying to think up a name for a new product. It is funny that while I have performed this act a hundred times before --- never has an idea come while sitting down, looking at a blank page waiting for the name to just show up. I just isn’t going to happen like that!
That is why I ask, "What are your Catalysts for Creativity?" For me there is a formula. I love to gather information about the product/project I am working on. I mean as much information as possible. I become steeped in the research (company provided, internet, library) I then go back and bounce the idea off a trusted co-worker, friend, family member or at this point anyone who crosses my path. Watch out!
I then bounce away from the process all together. I rejoin life with ideas still wondering about. If time is available two or three days later I will go to my favorite little coffee house and begin writing to see what takes shape. And, it is usually there where I will witness the beginnings of an idea or concept taking form. Ideas and names appear, sometimes faster than I can write. I could spend days in this mode! That is if the lattes keep coming.
At this point it is just a matter of making sure I convey the vision in a format that others can quickly grasp. For me the input of others always makes the end product even better. It’s called collaboration darlin’ and nothing is sweeter…except maybe my coconut macaroons at midnight.
Please feel free to send any of your catalysts for creativity. We would love to share them on-line or we’ll stop by your on-line Creative Space to see what innovations you have.
Showing posts with label brainstorm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brainstorm. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Brainstorming Starter Tips
On Monday we talked about the origins of brainstorms or ideation sessions. Those energetic sessions that companies use to develop a new product, provide company direction and find creative solutions to an existing problem.
Having been part of many brainstorming sessions I have found that those that produce the desired results have one thing in common: COMPLETE INVOLVEMENT BY ATTENDEES!
How does one garner involvement by all attendees? I think the answer is creating an atomosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Those ideation sessions that create the most enthusiatic participation begin with Warm-up Exercises and Icebreakers.
I sat down with Eva Niewiadomski, Catalyst Ranch, Ranch Czarina and asked her to provide a few effective Warm-up Exercises and Icebreakers that she has used during her most fruitful innovation sessions. Following is an exercise Eva has used with much success. We will provide more as we meet in the months to come.
THE CARTOON CHARACTER
Assignment: Create a mask that shows how you would like to look if you were to become a cartoon character.
ALLOTTED TIME: 15 minutes
1. Provide a table with various supplies to build a mask, using a colored paper plate as the base. Supplies can include yarn, pipecleaners (have several varieties), plastic eyeballs, ribbons, fabric remnants, construction paper, colored index cards, wrapping paper, glue sticks, Elmer's glue, glitter paint tubes, scissors, cotton balls, colored string, candy, staplers, tape, plastic beads, paperclips (regular and colored)felt, pompoms.
2. Have them wrap the masks around the back of their chair using yarn for ties.
This will create a very positive environment and spirits should remain high with the cartoon masks displayed all day. Such a fun way to begin conversations!
Feel free to contact us if you have a specific need. We love to brainstorm ideation ideas. Whew! We are here to support your creative needs. If we don't have an answer -- we'll find someone who can help!
Having been part of many brainstorming sessions I have found that those that produce the desired results have one thing in common: COMPLETE INVOLVEMENT BY ATTENDEES!
How does one garner involvement by all attendees? I think the answer is creating an atomosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Those ideation sessions that create the most enthusiatic participation begin with Warm-up Exercises and Icebreakers.
I sat down with Eva Niewiadomski, Catalyst Ranch, Ranch Czarina and asked her to provide a few effective Warm-up Exercises and Icebreakers that she has used during her most fruitful innovation sessions. Following is an exercise Eva has used with much success. We will provide more as we meet in the months to come.
THE CARTOON CHARACTER
Assignment: Create a mask that shows how you would like to look if you were to become a cartoon character.
ALLOTTED TIME: 15 minutes
1. Provide a table with various supplies to build a mask, using a colored paper plate as the base. Supplies can include yarn, pipecleaners (have several varieties), plastic eyeballs, ribbons, fabric remnants, construction paper, colored index cards, wrapping paper, glue sticks, Elmer's glue, glitter paint tubes, scissors, cotton balls, colored string, candy, staplers, tape, plastic beads, paperclips (regular and colored)felt, pompoms.
2. Have them wrap the masks around the back of their chair using yarn for ties.
This will create a very positive environment and spirits should remain high with the cartoon masks displayed all day. Such a fun way to begin conversations!
Feel free to contact us if you have a specific need. We love to brainstorm ideation ideas. Whew! We are here to support your creative needs. If we don't have an answer -- we'll find someone who can help!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Brainstorms Spur Creativity!
The last time we met in the Creatives’ Space we mentioned brainstorm. Those fun, dynamic, energetic sessions that are used to produce a new product, provide a solution to a problem or create a new business venture. These sessions tend to have the best outcomes when individuals are gathered and given the opportunity to expand their thinking in a creative, fostering environment. Ideally, while chewing bubblegum, playing with a slinky and pounding a piece of silly putty.
As creatives we have all been involved in a few brainstorms. Just where did the term brainstorm originate? We sought immediate feedback at www.answers.com and here is what they wrote:
In the 1920s the term brainstorm was used as a way to describe a “sudden surge of ingenuity.” Around 1950, Alex Osborn of the noted advertising agency Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborn had a brainstorm of his own. He expanded the concept to create a monsoon of ideas when he began hosting brainstorming sessions. An article in Business Week, explains that it involved “free-wheeling sessions that encouraged ideas by prohibiting any evaluation or discussion until the session was over.” Osborn would absolutely explode if he could see the ideas that have evolved from his then revolutionary brainstorm group.
Recently brainstorming sessions have also been referred to as ideation sessions. Our creative space at Catalyst Ranch was even founded on the tenet that great ideas are inspired by groups of people in a creative, supportive environment. And, don’t forget to play baby, ideate, brainstorm. Just have fun with it!
We would love to hear your thoughts on great brainstorming ideas or even fun brainstorm sessions you have participated in.
As creatives we have all been involved in a few brainstorms. Just where did the term brainstorm originate? We sought immediate feedback at www.answers.com and here is what they wrote:
In the 1920s the term brainstorm was used as a way to describe a “sudden surge of ingenuity.” Around 1950, Alex Osborn of the noted advertising agency Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborn had a brainstorm of his own. He expanded the concept to create a monsoon of ideas when he began hosting brainstorming sessions. An article in Business Week, explains that it involved “free-wheeling sessions that encouraged ideas by prohibiting any evaluation or discussion until the session was over.” Osborn would absolutely explode if he could see the ideas that have evolved from his then revolutionary brainstorm group.
Recently brainstorming sessions have also been referred to as ideation sessions. Our creative space at Catalyst Ranch was even founded on the tenet that great ideas are inspired by groups of people in a creative, supportive environment. And, don’t forget to play baby, ideate, brainstorm. Just have fun with it!
We would love to hear your thoughts on great brainstorming ideas or even fun brainstorm sessions you have participated in.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Welcome to the Creatives' Space
Hi Ya’ll! Welcome to the one-and-only CREATIVES’ SPACE! That’s right a space dedicated to professionals like you! To enter you need the following: A desire to enhance creativity and the environment in which creativity is born.
We plan to dedicate this on-line space, as we do our Catalyst Ranch, Chicago location, to be used by creatives, or those creatively slumped right now. This is a colorful, comfortable, inspiring place where you can share ideas, ask questions, pick up information or just hang out with “CREATIVE” types. And, we at the ranch will help facilitate and foster creativity. Please un-fasten your seat belt and get ready to play!
So welcome, grab a seat and let your brain storm! And, don’t forget to invite all of your creative friends… spread the word let’s see how far we can spread creativity.
We plan to dedicate this on-line space, as we do our Catalyst Ranch, Chicago location, to be used by creatives, or those creatively slumped right now. This is a colorful, comfortable, inspiring place where you can share ideas, ask questions, pick up information or just hang out with “CREATIVE” types. And, we at the ranch will help facilitate and foster creativity. Please un-fasten your seat belt and get ready to play!
So welcome, grab a seat and let your brain storm! And, don’t forget to invite all of your creative friends… spread the word let’s see how far we can spread creativity.
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