Photo Props:

We should never take our ideas for granted. Every idea comes with the responsibility to steward the process of bringing that idea to life. That responsibility is met with much resistance from all the forces intending to kill our creative muscle. Here’s a list of 19 things that can help keep us more effective as creative professionals.

There are more, but this is just a “list starter”:

• Trust the analytical teams and their systems – even when it hurts.
• Develop ideas in community, not on an island.
• Understand your ideas are not the only ideas that can work.
• Seek outside sources for creativity.
• Delegate early and often.
• Listen more than you talk.
• Never ignore your budget.
• Celebrate success, but also discuss and analyze failure.
• Understand quitting is sometimes a good option.
• Embrace stories and ignore gimmicks or fads.
• Never settle for status quo.
• Avoid the word “can’t”.
• Impart creativity to the next generation (reproduce yourself).
• Don’t be territorial.
• Lead based on creative wins, not insecurities.
• Fight a culture of negativity.
• Never allow excuses (budget, time, resources).
• Prioritize user experience.
• Don’t allow fear to control your decisions and creativity.

Based on your experiences, what would you add?