I ordered a particularly cool cell phone case. I was excited for it to arrive. Finally, the box showed up.
On the outside of the box, they’d written, “Look out for a stow-away-asaurus.” Well, that was weird. I opened the box and found a little plastic T-Rex. The stow-away-asaurus.
It was a silly thing. But it really made the experience memorable. It cost them maybe 5 cents to make a memorable experience. They provided a little bit extra and made me smile.
I’ve started looking for ways to give a little extra in everything I do. As an artist, I’m creating experiences. And if I can make those experiences memorable, I’m creating great art.
Memorable experiences don’t always have to be big and flashy. They don’t require huge budgets and Michael Bay explosions. All it takes to make a memorable experience is to provide that little extra – a little unexpected something.
One thing I noticed working for a church is that we were horrible at giving a little extra. I’m not saying we didn’t do amazing things. But we always felt like we had to advertise if we were doing something special. We wanted to make sure everyone was there for the surprise so we would say, “Big surprises in store.”
As soon as you advertise the surprise, it’s no longer a surprise. But imagine if people just showed up one Sunday and something amazing happened. That would make a memorable moment. That would be a little bit extra.
So I encourage you. Look for ways to give a little bit extra. Don’t advertise it. Don’t skimp on the original project. Just go a little bit above and beyond. See what happens to the folks who encounter your creativity.
Love this thinking. Who doesn’t like to be surprised. (Well…except me because i like to know everything!)
I also don’t like question marks. 🙂
Love this thinking. Who doesn’t like to be surprised. (Well…except me because i like to know everything!)
I also don’t like question marks. 🙂
“As an artist, I’m creating experiences. And if I can make those experiences memorable, I’m creating great art.”
Exactly.
Good post and one we definitely need to heed as Christians. We should always be going above and beyond in what we do.
Great post!
“As an artist, I’m creating experiences. And if I can make those experiences memorable, I’m creating great art.”
Exactly.
Good post and one we definitely need to heed as Christians. We should always be going above and beyond in what we do.
Great post!
that’s awesome. i think the cajuns called that lagniappe … a little bit more.
i’ve ordered from the saurus people and remember being delighted.
that’s awesome. i think the cajuns called that lagniappe … a little bit more.
i’ve ordered from the saurus people and remember being delighted.