How to Get in the “Creative Zone”

We all know the common phrase “You are what you eat”. It’s the idea that you are a direct result of the food you’re putting into your body… as in, eat enough doughnuts and you’ll start to look like one (at least around the middle). In a broader, less literal definition the phrase implies that you are influenced directly by the items with which you choose to surround yourself, whether we’re talking about food or your environment.

Since our big move to Arlington at the beginning of June, we’ve been thinking more about how a creative space affects the work that comes out of it, and possibly impacts the mindset of the people who work within it. Remember the movie Office Space. Do you think those office-workers were inspired by their beige walls, gray-ish carpet and cubicle maze? We think not.

In our industry the workplace is a place where creativity should be inspired, grow and give way to bigger, better ideas. A lot of creative agencies share our views on the importance of an inspiring space. For instance, Wexley School for Girls, a Seattle-based creative agency, boasts a full-size vintage Prowler trailer that serves as a conference room, a putt-putt green and a variety of other wacky design elements. TBWA\Chiat\Day built a bar out of surfboards and a gym featuring a skull and crossbones as the home-team mascot. That’s their attitude, their style and a reflection of the kind of work they want to put out.

But at the end of the day, an agency’s environment should reflect the spirit and culture of the people who work there. For us, the most important elements of our office are the ones that foster collaboration: an open studio with few walls and lots of common space for brainstorming or critiquing.  Oh, and lots and lots of windows to let in natural light. We’re bringing in the elements that mean the most to our philosophy and mission to build brands and the experiences around them. We don’t need a full-size taxidermied moose to get the creative juices flowing… as long as we have couches, snacks and a few buckets of whiteboard paint, we’re ready to rumble. It’s clear to us that while the walls of our agency both promote and express our creativity, it’s what inside them that counts.

So in the end, if you know us at all, you know that it just wouldn’t be Pappas Group without an impeccably sleek aesthetic… you’ll just have to come visit and see for yourself (but here’s a little sneak peek).  Cheers to a new space, a new perspective and, most importantly, new places to eat lunch!