Most companies nowadays (big and small) have a creative department but don’t let them actually be creative, instead most creative professionals are being obligated to sit in cubicals all day long being told what to do, without an ounce of creative freedom. It’s become more of a process of documenting their actions and making sure they’re not wasting the “company’s time” rather than letting them flourish creatively and produce the results which they are actually there to do. It’s a shame that a lot of companies don’t understand the creative process and/or the need for creative professionals to recharge.

Creativity is a process, a long one at best, and it can drain you quite frequently. Artists must be in a consistently stimulating atmosphere which allows them to draw in the inspiration they need from their surroundings, which they then can apply to their work, boosting their overall productivity levels and making business owners that much happier. The atmosphere shouldn’t just be stimulating to the senses, but also allow them the freedom of expression they crave. A creative individual is always in motion when it comes to ideas, they’ll jump from one idea to the next and the best thing is to harvest and channel that creativity by providing them a way in which it can constantly flow into your business. Some work well under pressure but most need that extra time to really provide you with something worthwhile, and by just allowing them that extra leeway, you’ll more than likely be quite satisfied and impressed with the end results they provide.

On that note, artists aren’t the only ones that need a stimulating and an ever so pleasing environment, I believe everyone deserves to work in a place where their (and I know this may sound cheesy) “emotional and mental needs” are being met. Most work environments are stale, and inspire little or no inspiration whatsoever. Ultimately, it’s not just the business that suffers but the individuals that work there too, many going home frustrated, depressed, anxious, or just plain angry. By simply providing people with a fun and stimulating environment, I believe companies will start to see a significant change in the overall productivity of everyone working there. I know several great companies that actually put this into practice by catering and listening to their employees, and their businesses are flourishing, with great burst of ideas happening all the time. With just a little more attention, a bit more space, some creative freedom, and maybe some good old trust in your creative team, and you’ll definitely see the difference.

The reason why I’m writing this article is due to the overwhelming amount of emails that I have been receiving lately from creative professionals unsatisfied with their current jobs, upset at the companies’ lack of understanding and respect towards their needs as artists. It is truly unfortunate that Corporate America doesn’t REALLY understand the artistic plight, it would be a truly colorful, wonderful, eccentric and Extra Ordinary world if they did.