At Raised Media, we're always looking for ways to up our game in video production and photography. That's why we've been devouring HBR's 10 Must Reads on Creativity (this is not a sponsorship) It's got us thinking about how we approach every project, from corporate videos to event coverage.
Here's what's got us fired up and how it applies to our world of visual storytelling:
Embrace Constraints
HBR says limitations can fuel creativity. We see this every day. Tight budget? Crazy deadline? These aren't roadblocks; they're invitations to innovate.
Tip for fellow creatives: Next time you're faced with a "impossible" project constraint, treat it like a creative prompt. Some of our best work at Raised Media came from working within tight parameters.
Cross-Pollinate Ideas
The book talks about combining ideas from different fields. In our world, this might mean bringing fashion photography techniques into corporate headshots, or documentary-style approaches to product videos.
Tip: Don't just look at other video producers or photographers for inspiration. Check out painters, architects, or even chefs. You'd be surprised where you can find fresh ideas for composition or storytelling.
Build a Creative Culture
HBR emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity at an organizational level. At Raised Media, this means encouraging wild ideas and creating space for experimentation.
Tip: Set aside time for creative play. We have "no-brief brainstorms" where we come up with concepts for imaginary clients. It keeps our creative muscles limber for when real projects come along.
Iterate, Don't Perfect
The book advocates for rapid prototyping over perfection. In our video production process, this translates to rough cuts and storyboards. We get client feedback early and often.
Tip: Don't wait until your edit is perfect to show your client. Early feedback can save you time and lead to better end results.
Reframe Problems
HBR discusses looking at problems from new angles. In our work, this might mean reconsidering the entire approach to a video project. Maybe that product launch doesn't need a traditional ad – perhaps it needs a series of mysterious teasers instead.
Tip: Before you start any project, take a step back and ask, "Is there a completely different way we could approach this?"
How This Shapes Our Work at Raised Media
These insights aren't just theory for us – they're shaping how we work every day. We're pushing boundaries in our corporate video productions, bringing fresh eyes to event photography, and finding new ways to tell brand stories through visuals.
For instance, we recently applied the "cross-pollination" idea to a corporate video project, bringing in elements of music video production. The result? A company culture video that felt more like a blockbuster trailer. The client was over the moon, and it's opened up new creative avenues for us.
Wrapping Up
Reading HBR's 10 Must Reads on Creativity isn't just making us better creatives – it's helping us deliver more value to our clients. We're approaching each project with fresh eyes and bigger ideas.
So, the next time you see a Raised Media production that makes you go "wow," you'll know there's some serious creative thinking behind it. And hey, if you're itching to see how our creatively charged brains can elevate your brand's visual content, give us a shout. Let's make something that'll turn heads and drop jaws.
What about you? Got any go-to resources for keeping your creative edge sharp? We're always up for adding to our reading list or swapping ideas with fellow visual storytellers.
Drop us a line – creativity loves company, after all.
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Raised Media Co. is a NYC-based commercial photography and video production agency specializing in experiential visual content. We help brands and personalities tell compelling stories through high-impact photos and videos.
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