Hey there! If you’ve wandered back for our next chat, welcome back, and if you’re new, welcome aboard! Last time, we nudged the idea of trading in the tried and true title of ‘Meeting Planner’ for the more exhilarating label of ‘Experience Architect’ – which is really what you are. Today, we’re diving into the magic potion of it all: Creativity. Think of it as the secret sauce, the jazz hands, the sprinkle on top of our event donut.

I don’t know about you, but there’ve been times when my creative well felt more like a dried-up puddle. I mean, we’ve all had those moments, right? Waiting for a spark of inspiration can sometimes feel like waiting for rain in a drought. But here’s a not-so-secret secret: inspiration? It’s lurking everywhere, just around the corner, behind that book, or even in that cereal box you ignored this morning. You’ve just got to know where to look.

Imagine heading to an art exhibit. Now, don’t get all professional here. Ditch the planner’s cap for a moment. Attend not as the person who’s mentally ticking off a checklist, but as someone who’s just there to enjoy and absorb. The swirl of colors, the atmosphere, the emotion – it’s like a free ticket to the creative carnival. There might be an idea there, waiting to sneak up on you when you least expect it. The color patterns, the aura, the emotions, even the conversations around you can be a treasure trove. Heck, the way lighting casts shadows can give you a great idea for your next production.

But maybe modern art and abstracts sound like gibberish to you. That’s cool too! Ever been flipping through a magazine or scrolling online and gotten stuck on a particularly catchy ad? Those product marketing geniuses often think outside the box, and there’s no reason you can’t piggyback off their creativity. Maybe it’s the color scheme, the tagline, or just the vibe that can inspire an entire event theme.

Speaking of inspiration, remember those seemingly random events or workshops you attended? Maybe a pottery class, or that time you tried salsa dancing? (Trust me, no one’s judging the dance moves.) These seemingly ‘out-of-the-box’ experiences can get the wheels turning. Think about it: If a slab of clay can be transformed into a piece of art, then why can’t your upcoming event be transformed into a masterpiece?

Taking a step back, let’s be real. Part of being creative is also allowing ourselves the time and space to, well, create. Sometimes you just need to take a breather, give your brain a little wiggle room, and let the ideas flow. Whether it’s stepping out for a coffee, indulging in a mid-day dance break, or just daydreaming, those moments of pause are your brain’s way of recharging and recalibrating.

It doesn’t have to be about “seeking inspiration”, but about letting it come to you. Let’s face it, our brains aren’t vending machines where you push a button and out pops a creative idea. Sometimes they need a nudge, a walk, a daydreaming session, or even a wild karaoke night (yep, been there).

In wrapping up our little heart-to-heart, let’s remember one thing: Creativity isn’t a reservoir that runs out; it’s a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. So, whether it’s a grand opera performance or the back of a cereal box, let’s find those muses and keep the magic alive in every experience we craft.

Stay tuned and stay inspired! In our next chat, we’ll deep dive into another exciting facet of being an Experience Architect – “The Mastery of Technology”.

But until then, keep those ideas brewing and that spirit soaring!