Connor Pratt
For every accountant crunching numbers, there is a digital marketer imagining the most elaborate online campaign possible. If you are that accountant, don’t fear, for a digital marketer is here! Today, we will be going over a short list of tips and tricks that will help guide your creative brainstorming process.
References
All of the greatest artists have their muse. Starting with a reference point for inspiration is a fantastic source of creative ideas, whether it be your favorite movie as a child, a song played over the radio, or a piece of art seen at a gallery references help snowball into new, exciting concepts. For example, at Content Cucumber, Casablanca served as the basis for a successful film noir-themed ad. Watching movie clips, studying cinematography, and paying close attention to the tone of the script helped spark the idea for that ad! So next time you watch a movie, make sure you have your notepad ready.
Riff
Much like an improv comedy club, coming up with ideas via stream of consciousness allows for a never-ending flow of concepts. The goal here is to find a partner(s) who you can bounce ideas off of, and then let the ideas fly. Don’t worry about the practicality or ridiculousness of the ideas. Let everything flow out. Once done, take your favorite ideas and mold them into a creative content concept. For example, our Halloween ad at Content Cucumber started on a riff of different funny scenarios related to horror films (like the elevator scene in The Shining having Cucumber water instead of blood).
Relax
This one is always a struggle of mine. One thing that is essential is to never force a concept or idea. Rather, if you are struggling to think of a unique ad campaign or develop creative content, relax. Go for a walk, take a tea break, or sleep on it. Find a way to reapproach the matter with a fresh perspective and you’ll be amazed at how effortless an idea pops out!
So repeat after me! Reference, Riff, Relax. Now go brainstorming with your team and dream up something big!
