Yesterday some of the RT Creative team sat down to brainstorm the theme for #Echo13. We had two main concepts we were kicking around. There was a ton of great conversation around the first. We were getting excited and so much good stuff came from our brainstorming.
But the second was an idea I was championing. It was a high level concept incorporating mystery and intrigue. It was a huge concept that could really leave people wanting more and asking the right questions.
Unfortunately, I failed to land my idea. The idea was so conceptual and high level, I kept getting questions like, “So what’s the point of it?” “Where does that idea land…is there a big payoff from the mystery?” And unfortunately I couldn’t answer those questions as well as I would have liked.
So here I am, trying to put feet to my idea. And I’ve given myself a deadline of two days to make it happen. I’m convinced if I can’t get the whole team on board in two days, we probably shouldn’t approach the idea.
It doesn’t matter how good an idea or how amazing a concept is – if people can’t get on board with it and if the idea doesn’t land in people’s hearts and minds – it isn’t worth doing.
So I’m researching, brainstorming, asking for outside help…I really want to make this idea happen. And I know the team could pull it off amazingly.
But I don’t want to pursue it if it isn’t the best idea. If the idea can’t land somewhere, it shouldn’t take off in the first place. Otherwise it’s bound to crash and burn.
That’s what I’m learning this week, at least. You have to be willing to fight for your idea then let it go just as easily if it doesn’t work.
Bro, I have been in this exact place! It is especially difficult when there are different generations represented in the room (of which I am a fan). As a creative, the number one challenge is transforming what is something conceptual in your head into something that others can understand and embrace. I don’t always get this right, but, like you, I do love the challenge of attempting to do so. Thanks for the vulnerability.
Bro, I have been in this exact place! It is especially difficult when there are different generations represented in the room (of which I am a fan). As a creative, the number one challenge is transforming what is something conceptual in your head into something that others can understand and embrace. I don’t always get this right, but, like you, I do love the challenge of attempting to do so. Thanks for the vulnerability.
Great post about a daily battle as a creative Jonathan. Absolutely agree with your comment Aubrey!
Great post about a daily battle as a creative Jonathan. Absolutely agree with your comment Aubrey!
That has to be hard to let go of an idea just as easily as you brought it on. I don’t enjoy letting go of ideas especially when it seems so right and fitting and you have all the details thought out. I feel for you.
That has to be hard to let go of an idea just as easily as you brought it on. I don’t enjoy letting go of ideas especially when it seems so right and fitting and you have all the details thought out. I feel for you.