Bridging the Creativity Gap

Bridging the Creativity Gap

The time has come for a pep talk. This inspirational rant is intended to motivate anyone who has ever felt as though his or her work is insufficient or common. This is a reminder that everything you create can impact the world. This is the assurance that everyone goes through periods of dissatisfaction. The more you push the more you begin to make your ideal work.

The classic catchphrase “practice makes perfect” holds true in the creative realm. As a blossoming creative copywriter, I have faced several moments where I just feel inadequate. I look around and it seems as if everyone else is developing amazing portfolios in a seemingly effortless fashion. I wonder if I will ever live up, if my work will ever get noticed, and most importantly if the things I create will make a difference in the world. I often convince myself that I should just give up, but I quickly realize that would be taking the easy way out.

The fact of the matter is that I am not the only one who feels this way. Even This American Life host and producer Ira Glass admits having to overcome obstacles to achieve his ambitions.

Before I continue, I ask you to take this moment to enjoy a motivational interlude straight from Ira Glass himself.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ResTHKVxf4&w=560&h=315]

Just as Glass says, we must make more time to create. We need to make time to create in order to hone our skills as creators. Adobe tells us “Creativity defines a person and enables them to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others; creativity is something that they share.” But in a recent study, Adobe found only 25 percent of people believe they are living up to their creative potential. That’s a shame.

These statistics are particularly saddening because nearly two-thirds of the survey participants agreed creativity is valuable to society. The American respondents- more than any other society- recognized creativity’s importance. The problem is they didn’t feel as though they had time to create. Eighty percent of American respondents reported their workplace emphasized productivity rather than creativity.

Likewise, more than half of the respondents said they feel the current educational system is stifling creativity. Since neither work nor school are encouraging creativity, people feel as though they must create in their own free time. The problem is that people report feeling as though leisure time is rapidly diminishing.

These findings by Adobe point to a bleak future for creators unless we do something to change it. So, that’s exactly what we must do. We must change our attitudes and fight through creative barriers. We must push ourselves to produce as many things as we possibly can. Next time you face a creative slump remember Glass’ words, “The most important possible thing you can do is do a lot of work.” And keep going.

Ready to Discover a better Review Process?

Whether it’s in-person or virtual, Dawn will help your team uncover ways to make your team’s feedback process more efficient. 

Dawn is ready to speak at your next event!

An award-winning expert on nonprofit communications and creativity, Dawn is ready to speak at your next gathering. 

Kate Runy

CONTENT & MEDIA SPECIALIST

A passionate technical wizard, Kate thrives on managing online content, social media for communications, and development projects.  Kate is the workhorse of the team, pulling out amazing feats of content creation and management week in and week out. 

Prior to joining BC/DC Ideas, Kate coordinated website and social media content, communications, and advertising for Go Global NC and Alzheimer’s NC.

Things that make her happy: I love animals about as much as I love working for nonprofits.

Mishel Gomez Cespedes

CONTENT COORDINATOR

Mishel brings a passion for video storytelling and quippy social media content to the team.  At BC/DC Ideas, she is most likely editing video or scheduling the next moving social media post for our clients.

Her ear for storytelling is her greatest asset. Mishel has a unique ability to assemble content into a concise story that moves audiences to action.

A graduate of Wake Forest University she spent a semester in Spain and years serving her community through the campus organizations. Now, she is putting her passion for good to work.

Brian Crawford

creative director

Mix equal parts nerd and creativity and that’s Brian. A natural problem-solver, Brian’s ability to cut to the core of any problem helps guide our creative team to the correct solution without wasted time or money. It’s the core, this little nugget of truth, that helps our clients take the next step with their audiences.

Brian gets the greatest joy out of helping our clients realize and connect with their story. He is a true believer that everyone and every organization has a compelling story to tell, you just have to listen with an open heart.

Things that make him happy: Hanging out at the park with family, toddler-speak, hitting the focus pull, and good coffee.

Dawn Crawford

principal

The engine behind BC/DC Ideas, Dawn has dedicated her career to good. Dawn brings her considerable experience and expertise to helping elevate the nonprofit sector. Our team’s lead strategist, Dawn is often seen leading our IdeaStorms, penning communications plans, or checking in with clients.

Before launching BC/DC Ideas in 2010, she earned her chops in 10+ years of communications leadership roles for public health, healthcare and youth-focused nonprofits. Working for nonprofits is Dawn’s dream job, and she loves that her 40+ hours a week make the world a better place.

Things that make her happy: A glass of champagne to celebrate big wins, Basecamp, living in the South, seeing the world, and a well-formatted spreadsheet.