Ep 36 - LIVE - How to be creative about next to nothing at all Artwork

The Firehouse Salon

The Firehouse Salon brings together diverse minds – makers, thinkers, creators – to explore how communication shapes our world. Inspired by Howard Gossage's maverick spirit, each conversation delves into the intersection of ideas, creativity, and effective change-making. More than just discussing advertising, we investigate how different perspectives and approaches can solve real problems and create meaningful impact. Originally inspired by our BBC Radio 4 documentary 'The Socrates of San Francisco'.

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The Firehouse Salon

Ep 36 - LIVE - How to be creative about next to nothing at all

June 19, 2025 • Tediophobes • Season 1 • Episode 36

In this episode of Firehouse Salon Live, we discussed creativity and the process behind it with our guests:

Filmmaker Philip Rachid - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philiprachid/

and Designer Dave Officer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-officer/

We talked about the balance between spontaneity and structured creativity, the role of AI in the creative process, and the importance of producing authentic human ideas (even with AI). We touched on the significance of cultural sensitivity in marketing and design, the challenges and joys of working with clients, and the necessity of pursuing personal creative projects to stay inspired.

01:19 Exploring the Creative Process
02:02 The Role of Spontaneity in Creativity
02:45 The Mystery and Charm of Creativity
06:28 AI and Creativity: A Double-Edged Sword
07:48 The Human Touch in Creative Work
10:16 Constraints and Creativity
18:51 Client Collaboration and Creative Freedom
32:59 Navigating Client Challenges and Design Thinking
34:28 Trust and Adaptability in Creative Projects
38:31 The Impact of Visual Identities and Branding
41:05 The Role of Storytelling in Design
42:48 Iterative Processes and Creative Freedom
49:59 Balancing Client Work and Personal Projects
56:09 Cultural Sensitivity and Global Collaboration

Links we discussed

Companies/Organisations

Hey Human - Neil Davidson's company - https://heyhuman.com/

Madar 39 - Culture innovation space in Abu Dhabi - https://www.m39.ae/

Story Things - Team mentioned for prototyping approach - https://storythings.com/

Pixar - Referenced for "Brain Trust" collaborative approach - https://www.pixar.com/

Creative Methodologies

Design Thinking - Double diamond methodology - https://www.thefountaininstitute.com/blog/what-is-the-double-diamond-design-process

Parkinson's Law - "Work expands to fill the time available for its completion" - https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-parkinsons-law-6674423

Brain Trust - Pixar concept - https://medium.com/great-business-stories/lessons-from-pixar-1-the-braintrust-e306843a5153

Films & Media

"28 Years Later" - Film shot entirely on iPhone - https://www.motionpictures.org/2025/06/how-28-years-later-dp-anthony-dod-mantle-turned-20-iphones-and-a-custom-rig-into-danny-boyles-epic-vision/

"Tangerine" - Film shot on iPhone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQj1Ie0ip38

"Andor" (Disney series) - Just fantastic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duN-KQgOjYs

Private Eye Magazine - Small ads with personality - https://www.eyeads.co.uk/

Quote

“The audience comes last. I believe that. I'm not making it for them. I'm making it for me. And it turns out that when you make something truly for yourself, you're doing the best thing you possibly can for the audience.” — Rick Rubin