Last week, ThoughtForm spent the day with the Pittsburgh Technology Council at CREATE Festival.
CREATE was a mashup of connectivity, interactivity, and inspiration, showcasing the year’s most innovative work in the Creative Industries. In addition to presenting and exhibiting in the Innovation Salon, ThoughtForm was honored to be recognized for our work on clarity as a Top 10 Communications project.
The jam-packed day of speakers, exhibitions, and recognition was populated by innovators, entrepreneurs, and artists. We got to hug a robot, receive some public speaking coaching via virtual reality, and were interviewed by Community Elf, a content marketing firm. The event was attended by some of the best and brightest here in Pittsburgh, and we were so glad to meet so many of them.
It is impossible to leave such an event without a few observations. So, here are ours:
Creativity is hard to define. Perhaps, like a few other things, you know creativity when you see it. What is more creative, the talented artist who sketches and designs a new floor for a busy airport, or the project managers and contractors who plan how to install it without disrupting business? Beautiful craftsmanship is easy to appreciate, but there are pockets and instances of creativity and innovative thinking happening all around us.
Just start already. It’s become a common meme, but perhaps one we can’t hear too often. Your failures propel your successes and none of it can happen till you begin. So, no excuses and no fear.
The best ideas come from a place of empathy. If you think you are great at something and want everyone to know and be like you, you’ll most likely come off as arrogant or out-of-touch. But, if you recognize the struggles of others and offer some help, or even just some hope, you’ll have a rapt audience.
At the end of the day, its all about communication. No matter how you do it, innovation is fueled by communication. Communication is at the heart of who we are as human beings. Even the architectural bra communicates! That’s why our Clarity campaign is so important to us. And why the most successful artists, makers, and innovators are professionals at sharing their ideas.
If you missed us at CREATE this year and want to hear about Harnessing the Power of Clarity, watch for some upcoming speaking engagements and a webinar later this summer.