Creativity is not Solely Designing: What I Have Learned as a Bluestone Creative

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When the words “creative team” pops up in people’s minds, most might think that they just solely focus on making things look pretty and aesthetic. That mindset creates a box that traps creatives working in a firm. As I am in my second semester here at Bluestone, I can attest there is so much more than just design going on in creative.

Creativity with a Purpose

As you join Bluestone’s creative, you will see there is a lot of strategy that is involved before we even touch our designing softwares. We work hand-in-hand with the account team to research and strategize as it is used to fuel our purpose behind deliverables. There would be no point in creating a beautiful poster if it had no effectiveness. Research also assists in making sure you understand your client’s brand, and ensure what you create emulates your client’s identity. 

Feedback is not Negative

During my time here, feedback has been a recurring aspect of our process, whether that is giving or receiving it. Feedback tends to be what most creatives are very familiar with, yet most anxious at the same time. It is easy to get defensive when receiving critiques on your designs as they came from a part of you. Bluestone has helped me not view feedback as scary, but an opportunity for growth. Your team is not here to belittle you, but to make sure you are doing the best they know you can achieve. Being able to receive feedback well is an important skill to have in the professional world, and I am grateful for the practice at Bluestone. 

Collaboration and Confidence 

As mentioned briefly, the creative team works closely with the account team. Usually when it comes to brainstorming strategies, the account team may ask for our opinions for deliverables. It is important to voice your insight and ideas as it can lead to great outcomes, or inspire another great idea. I learned not to be shy and more confident as at the end of the day, the creative team is the bridge that links the strategy to the final visual for the client. 

Although creating graphics and other visuals are a main part of what we do, it is not the only thing. A lot goes into it, for example, planning and researching to ensure what we are making has a purpose and a successful outcome. There is also being able to take in feedback well, going back to the drawing board with designs, and being able to collaborate with the whole team. I believe working at Bluestone has greatly helped me with this and my confidence as a creative. What I have learned here will be carried with me as I enter the workforce postgrad.