Recently, while brainstorming ad concepts for a client in a conservative industry and I came up with an off-the-wall idea. Why not put ninjas in the ad? C’mon people, let’s step out! Since everything ‘has been done’ and we’re looking to make a big impact, why not do something completely crazy and generate attention for our client? After all, we’re looking to show customers that they can ‘cut through the product marketing BS’ and ‘slice their estimating time in half.’ What better way to illustrate that than branded ninjas with samurai swords and throwing stars?
Of course, my idea crashed and burned! However, in a creative environment, I think it always pays off to step out on the edge and throw out some highly unconventional ideas. Our design team leader, Ryan, always says that you have to get all the bad ideas out of the way before the good ideas come. Plus, you never know what an idea that’s way out there will spark. Perhaps it will lead to ‘the big idea.’
So, I felt pretty stupid about my ninja concept, but I still think it’s a good idea to throw out bad ideas. It stretches your creative muscles and, you never know, you may stumble on some good creative in the process.
Do you have an example of a crazy idea that you’ve presented in a brainstorming session? Are you a fan of ninjas? Do you believe in unrestrained creative expression?
