creativity « KJA Mind Finds

Posts Tagged ‘creativity’

Do you prepare?

April 19, 2011

“Chance favors the prepared mind.” ~ Louis Pasteur

Michelle Corley : KJA Designer & Thinker

I have a friend who’s a firefighter…a job whose very nature requires the ability to properly react to a crisis situation. My job hardly equals it in danger and intensity. Let’s face it, a client may completely shred the work I do – but nothing goes tragically haywire because of it. That said – for both jobs, preparation results in success or failure. I dare say the same holds true for your line of work.

As a fire fighter – training fills the time between calls. Think physical fitness, rescue techniques and a whole slew of things that remind me why I’ve only recently learned to use “fire” and “career” in the same sentence. They’re exposed to various scenarios and situations, tested in different ways to build intuitive reactions. Because of this preparation, they grow more certain of their skills, confident in their abilities and able to remain calm in chaos.

Can you think of a better way to use “down” time? What know-how could you be nurturing? Surely there’s a skill set that’s grown rusty or worse, lounges around untapped. Consider “down” time as an opportunity to build momentum. Plan your next step. Be better.

Yes, idle time is good – resting and recharging can’t be overrated. But in a few tics of the clock, idle can cool to complacent, and the tepid devil of complacency leads you easily to lazy. Once you’ve nestled into lazy – game over. Your sluggish, cob-webby reactions stand little chance in the heat of a crisis.

Tags:business, creativity, management
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Unnecessary or mandatory?

March 9, 2011

The ad agency is the in diabolic center of the “create-on-demand” universe.

Here’s a snapshot.

We have designers who’ve paid their dues (and tuition – from some fancy college).
We have clients who want a magical solution – RIGHT NOW – and they have a signed check.

What more could anyone want – right? And then an hour later – or tomorrow – or whenever, there’s another client with a different dilemma. And another signed check. And so it goes. Hour after hour. Day after day. Year after year – if you make it that far.

This shaky business model relies on the premise that the reservoirs “creative types” draw from time and again – perpetually replenish – automatically.

Ain’t so.

In fact, that whole mentality fuels the fast track to quick burn out, desperation and business implosion.

But there’s hope: creative reserves can be replenished.

One of our favorite podcasters, Todd Henry, of Accidental Creative, drills the concept of “Unnecessary Creative” into the heads of his listeners. The idea is quite simple, but absolutely mandatory for creative professionals who take their job performance and future seriously.

Here’s how it works…
For the “create-on-demand” professionals to continually perform at consistently high levels, we must choose to engage in creative endeavours OUTSIDE the 8–5 framework. This nourishes the creative soul and replenishes those continually tapped reserves. In other words, those “extra-curricular” activities creative professionals naturally gravitate toward, actually help us perform better when we’re “on the clock.”

And at a glance, those activities might appear completely unrelated to “day job” functions – but the exercise still works. From involvement in local theater, choir or dance, to master-gardening or furniture building, to welding, sewing or pottery and all points in between – the list is limited only by a person’s imagination. These endeavors allow us to flex and strengthen creative muscles that might get overlooked during the regular work day.

Todd’s title “Unnecessary Creative” refers to the stuff that falls outside official job descriptions and daily paycheck-earning requirements. The reality is, these activities significantly impact how we perform our “create-on-demand” jobs – day after day. Certainly, making time for unnecessary creative efforts requires commitment and concentrated effort. But our experience taught us there’s actually nothing unnecessary about it.

Tags:creativity, design, kja crew
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Change agents

February 13, 2011

For most people, ‘change’ is unsettling. An annoyance. Even scary. With the explosive growth in knowledge and advances in technology, change for most people is no longer an option. Even so, many feel threatened by it.

At KJA, we’ve always viewed ‘change’ differently than most. We believe ‘change’ creates new opportunities. Fresh starts. Better solutions. Opportunities to assess, regroup and do things better, smarter, more effectively.

In fact, for decades KJA has been viewed as a ‘change agent.’ Clients don’t come to us because they want things to continue on the same course, but rather because they realize a new one is needed – and we are the team to bring the desired change they’re after.

To us, change also connotes LIFE. And WELLNESS. And GROWTH. We simply embrace change and that outlook has, over time, become part of our identity (brand).

Looking back over the past 12-16 months reveals plenty of changes at KJA. One of the most exciting is a change in ownership. In early 2010, respected and seasoned marketing and strategy professional Bob Munson purchased KJA. With his contagious energy and varied skill set, Bob continues leading our team into multiple new ventures.

With Bob’s arrival came the need for changes to our office space. (Again, OPPORTUNITY!) So after some free-form creative exploration, we landed on a solution that accomplished the space objectives — but also ramped up the cool factor of the environment in which we live, breath and work. After a bit of patience (power tool noise, sawdust, paint fumes), we now enjoy the manifestation of… (you guessed it) more change.

One of the most recent and obvious changes to our space grabs your eye as you walk in the front door. Strategically situated front & center in our reception area rests an impressive work of art by local artist, Mark Rabalais. Mark’s expressive style, along with the scale of his work, fit perfectly with KJA’s unconventional organization. We believe his art perfectly mirrors the creative core of our team and our ‘all-out-commitment’ to excellence.

Change is the only constant. Without it – there’s no life, no movement, no progress. So take the next “change” opportunity, embrace it and look for the potential it holds… and don’t be surprised at the good fortune you discover.

Bob Munson, KJA Owner and CEO

New hallway wall decor

Bob's new office brick. Or is it?

New wall installation in Patty's office

New wall slats with roaming elephant

Mark Rabalais painting installed in KJA front lobby

Mark Rabalais painting

Tags:architecture, art, creativity, kja crew
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Quality of life essentials

April 14, 2010

The list of components which greatly impact our quality of life normally look something like this:

Social Connections (family & friends)
Health
Education
Attitude
Opportunities

.
But there’s another well documented – but often overlooked – aspect.

The Arts (participation in and involvement with).

Yeah, that’s right. The VISUAL and the PERFORMING arts..

Why is it important?

Research indicates that people who have a background in the arts experience life at a very different level than those who lack that exposure. Things like . . .

more developed habits of critical and creative thinking
more perseverance and dedication to a given task
better psychological and physical health
greater self-discipline, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills
better performance on standardized tests
more likely to remain in school
enhanced healing and recovery from hospitalization.

Not to mention that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 BILLION in economic activity every year. Double WOW!!!

So, the old excuse “that’s just really not my thing” needs to be re-evaluated. The arts impact every single individual with a broad range of benefits.

Yes, you too.

Perhaps the words of acclaimed New York City acting teacher, Stella Adler sum it up best . . .

Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one.

This principle applies to corporate officers as well as entry level employees. To both teachers and students. Doctors and patients. Architects and common laborers. None are exempt from the struggles of life. Likewise, the benefits of developing an understanding and appreciation of the arts are equally universal.

ARTWalk – Friday, April 16

Held in Alexandria’s downtown arts district (on the newly revitalized 3rd street corridor) – ARTWalk provides a fantastic introduction to the arts in Central Louisiana. It offers one of the best opportunities for area residents to sample a smorgasbord of creativity here in our own community.

In short, it’s about: painting, sculpting, drawing, crafting, designing, coloring, woodworking, jewelry-making, pottery making, knitting, sewing, decoupaging, getting your mosaic on, dancing, singing, drama, cooking, eating, drinking, shopping, friends, families, neighbors, and rediscovering our community by getting out of our houses TOGETHER at . . . ARTwalk!

To learn more about ARTWalk visit the Arts Council of Central Louisiana.

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Tags:creativity, fun stuff, the arts
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Only in Louisiana

February 15, 2010

David Crain, KJA Creative Director

We’ve all heard the expression “raining cats and dogs”.

But apparently there’s a little-known phenomenon in the deep south that can be summed up in only 2 words — “snowin’ gators!”

Oh sure, it’s quite rare – as is snow of any kind in Louisiana, but this photo is proof that the Cajun folk legend really is true.

For those who ventured out seeking a relief from cabin fever, they just might have caught a glimpse of this guy — right here in the heart of Central Louisiana (Alexandria). He was standing guard in front a house near the Hill Street and Chester Street intersection. The second photo shows his more traditional cousin just inches away.

Kudos to the ‘artist’ that made this happen. Simply amazing!
Probably yet another person who claims to “not have a shred of creativity in their bones.”

I’D BEG TO DIFFER!

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Tags:creativity, fun stuff
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The Spirit of Light

January 18, 2010

Sometimes you see stained glass and your eyes think “That’s pretty.” When your eyes land on Stephen Wilson’s stained glass, your pulled in – visually, emotionally and even spiritually. He transforms what is often mundane into visual meditations in light.

His commissioned architectural works reflect a specific purpose and message.

“When I design a window, I feel that I am touching two characteristics of God, of his very person—color and light. I want each window to be a jewel, a work of beauty through which God’s glory can shine.”

Wilson’s independently created panels, gemeaux (applied glass), and mosaic works convey his ongoing fascination with nature, color, local culture, found objects, poetry, and music.

Take a few moments to explore what this Baton Rouge-based artist refers to as “the Spirit of Light”.

www.stephenwilsonstainedglass.com

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Tags:creativity, our clients, the arts
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Be curious

January 7, 2010

Sometimes you read something and get blown away by the simplicity of it. Seth Godin knocked our socks off today with his short and to-the-point Why ask why? blog.

Why ask why?

The secret to creativity is curiosity.

We often forget to teach kids to be curious. A student who has no perceived math ability, or illegible handwriting or the inability to sit still for five minutes gets immediate and escalating attention. The student with no curiosity, on the other hand, is no problem at all. Lumps are easily managed.

Same thing is true for most of the people we hire. We’d like them to follow instructions, not ask questions, not question the status quo.

Yet, without “why?” there can be no, “here’s how to make it better.”

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Tags:creativity, management
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The Coffee Connection

November 17, 2009

Why is it that the best places tend to be hidden in some obscure corner of the universe? While the Coffee Connection isn’t exactly hidden, it can easily be missed by passers-by. For those of us who’ve discovered this little treasure, it’s become a regular detour from the routine of life, offering a lot more than just fancy coffee and tempting pastries.

With ornamental iron lamps and hanging baskets adorning the brick columned facade, it whispers of another time and another place – miles away from familiar Main Street, Pineville. But crossing the threshold, you step into a completely unexpected dimension, where the color pallet, distinctive finishes and hip furnishings define this über-cool, upscale-feeling, coffee bar. At this point, you hear your brain say “Wow!”

A vital component of this well put together space is the art tastefully exhibited throughout. And that’s where this interesting story takes an unusual, hard-left turn. The talented masters behind these killer paintings? Residents of Pinecrest Developmental Center. In fact, The Coffee Connection is a very admirable non-profit venture of Pinecrest.

Pinecrest Habilitation Director, Cynthia Brown explains that this venture provides Pinecrest residents with the invaluable experience of finding fulfillment through legitimate work, as well as interaction with mainstream society. Cynthia, along with Pinecrest Art Therapist, Melanie Downs, are the “space designers” who did a fantastic job transforming this formerly vanilla property into a rich Expresso expression worth savoring.

The Coffee Connection customer base greatly varies. “Some days,” Cynthia says, “we only serve a handful of our ‘regulars’. Other days, we can suddenly be filled to capacity. An LC psychology class frequently uses this alternative location for classes. Local clubs, such as the Central Louisiana Volkswagon Club, regularly hold monthly meetings here.”

And if the environment and art aren’t enough to make your mouth water, The Coffee Connection’s Wi-Fi and karaoke stage might sweeten the cup for you.

You owe it to yourself to seek out this community treasure. You’ll find The Coffee Connection across from the front entrance of Louisiana College on Military Highway/Main Street, around on the side of what was once the A&P grocery.
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On Wednesday, December 2nd, Pinecrest artists will be on location at The Coffee Connection selling greeting cards that are created from reproductions of their painting. The artists receive 100% of all sales.

Click here to check out more of Coffee Connection’s art and interiors.

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The Agonizing Box

November 10, 2009

On occasion, we find our efforts defined (and limited) by the proverbial box. Imposed by well meaning, paying clients.
It’s never a pretty picture.

At some point after the initial fits of rage and resistance, utter exhaustion sets in.

Then comes prayer – for strength. Endurance. Patience. The ability to overcome dire circumstances.
This step is crucial.

Finally REALIZATION… Whatever specific project has us momentarily jammed into a box will soon be replaced by others that require us to tap into deeper creative reserves.

Our role mandates beyond-the-box thinking and living.

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Wall of Random Kool

November 2, 2009

Come one! Come all! Check out the goods on the über kool wall!

Bob Pettus, KJA’s most tenured designer, makes the Kool space his own right now. Bob’s mix includes pencil drawings, t-shirt designs, cd packaging, photography, paper collage, jewelry and music. He’s also included a few family wares – which we love.

We hear your thinking: “What in the world is this wall all about?”

Well, it’s a powerful shot in the creative muscle the crew discovered at a design conference. When we returned, a perfectly painted stretch of sheetrock became a daily dose of inspiration. We used it internally for a while and decided “let’s share!” So the doors were thrown open and John Q Public was invited to come in and take a gander. Now you can see how the ‘other side’ works and thinks, what inspires us, tickles our noggins and helps us do what award-winning creatives do.

David Crain, KJA’s Creative Director, feels this opportunity works for both the public and the agency. “Certainly the Wall works as a creative boost for our team. But with this format – focused on the voice of a single designer – we also learn something new about one another. It’s an ideal way to grow as a team, and at the same time, give others a chance to get to know us better.”

So come get to know us. Drop by our offices and learn what boosts the creative systems of the KJA crew. No tickets, reservations or money needed (it’s free). You’ll officially find us here 8 to 5 weekdays.

Need directions? Map it here!
KJA Communications Group
4615 Parliament Drive, Suite 200
(For you locals, it’s the Noles-Frye building, off Jackson, 2nd floor)
Alexandria, LA
318/445-5966

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