In creativity, as everywhere else, there are taken-for-granted assumptions that prevail.
Whether you are an ad creative, a market researcher, a coach, an entrepreneur, or a full-on artist or writer whose lifeblood is brilliant ideas, you almost always come up with ideas using a certain procedure—a sequence of thoughts and actions governed by a certain logic—without knowing that this is only ONE things.
But there's another way.
This other way IS used by highly creative people and has been used throughout the history of ideas, but it is one that has not been well understood even among creativity experts.
This session introduces you to this other way. It will open your eyes to a world of meaning, emotion and authenticity that the standard approach neglects.
ChatGPT and Sora are only as good as the inputs they receive. It’s all about the creative concepts. Soon they will be produced by AI too, leaving the vast majority of creative professionals, even those eating at the top table, under threat of being replaced.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, was recently asked what will AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) will mean for something like consumer brand marketers trying to create ad campaigns He said:
“It will mean that 95% of what marketers use – agencies, strategists and creative professionals for today will easily, nearly instantly, and at almost no cost be handled by the AI. And the AI will likely be able to test the creative against real or synthetic customer focus groups for predicting results and optimising… all free, instant and nearly perfect – images, videos, campaign ideas, no problem.”
Pressed on when he thinks this form of AGI will be a reality, he replied: “Five years give or take, maybe slightly longer but no one knows exactly when or what it will mean for society.”
Jeez.
Well, what I think is that as a professional who values creativity, you need to up your game, and fast. This is not about perfecting your craft in terms of your technical competence and understanding of your (sub)field, but about doing something deeper: accessing more effectively and regularly the creative consciousness that is the wellspring of your creative brilliance.
But how on earth do you do that?
I’ve run Masterclasses in creativity for the Guardian newspaper and trained major companies like IBM and Deloitte along with award winning TV production companies like South Shore. I’ve coached successful filmmakers, musicians and artists.
What I’ve learned is that for most of these creative luminaries, the better they get at their creative craft and the more success they have, the more they want to do work that matters—that means something to themselves and the world. Deep down they want to make ideas and things that are more aligned with their values and more authentic to who they are and who they are becoming.
This workshop will show you how.
- Learn how to generate and develop your best ideas yet
Did you know there are eight distinct ways to create a new idea that could lead to a creative idea? These idea seeds (scientifically terms “createmes”) are each generated in different ways, and in the workshop you will practise using four of them.
- Learn about your Three Creative Modes
We all possess three distinct “selves” within us that are necessary to contribute to creative outcomes. These “modes” can be imagined as characters or archetypes, which you will learn about in the workshop and get pointers on how to channel. Eventually you can find out where you currently are by taking the Creative Modes Assessment, then learn ways to strengthen where necessary.
- Learn how to use your dreams
Dream work can be your secret weapon in generating exceptionally interesting and evocative ideas. Paul McCartney discovered the iconic Beatles song “Yesterday” in a dream and Dimitri Mendeleev hit upon the idea of the Periodic Table of Elements while dreaming. Here you’ll learn how to use your dreams as a fertile space through which to grow your creative concepts.
Those working in the “creative industries” like creative directors, advertising & marketing executives, creative writers, film directors, actors, designers (fashion, product, graphic), musicians, visual artists (painting, photography, sculpture), architects and more.
Those seeking to lead more creatively and to lead creatives more effectively; those wanting to develop and discover new products and services or ways of doing things that change the game, either as independent operators (entrepreneurs) or within organisations (intrapreneurs).
Some people defy classification yet are or seek to be highly creative. You’re welcome too.
"It was so energizing to be at an event and seeing the ideas and thinking of other highly creative people - in real time. Working in the corporate world this was eye opening and a WOW experience."
Workshop attendee
"Genuinely insightful. I have always considered myself highly creative, but providing structure to some of my seemingly disjointed creative activities was super helpful. Thank you."
—Sebastian, Digital Anthropologist
"Inspiring, insightful, limitless."
—Workshop attendee
"Even though it was a virtual workshop, you had us all engaged, and not just sitting there."
—Workshop attendee
"This workshop has given me knowledge, tools, and the opportunity to practice all in 1.5 hours."
—Gaby, CEO
“Michael has an infectious passion for creativity. His knowledge and understanding of idea formation, creative techniques and his hands-on advice made for a fun and inspiring session.”
Jonny Coller, Creative Director, South Shore TV
“A transformative class during which I inverted my approach to problem-solving and surprised myself.”
Guardian Masterclass attendee
“Michael’s Creative Contemplation method significantly helped my approach to screenplay and story development. Its daily 5-step exercise, rooted in the Daily Elements, unlocked new levels of creativity and discipline in my writing process. This method not only helped me overcome writer’s block but also inspired richer, more compelling narratives. It’s a game-changer for any creative professional seeking to elevate their storytelling skills."
Nicolai Schumann, writer/director of feature length film The Lonely Musketeer and author of The Hero Inside
“The mind sort of starts to click out into a different dimension.”
Rex Truter, creative producer at Video Cartel, Cape Town, SA
“Dr. Bloomfield was the pinnacle of PHD Media’s annual thought leadership tech event, BrainScape. His background in anthropological studies, infectious sense of humor and natural stage presence were the perfect formula to an enthralling narrative on the history and powerful application of creativity. Without a doubt, Dr. Bloomfield was one of the best speakers we’ve had in the last eight years, leaving a room of C-suite executives inspired and equipped to take his transformative insights into action.”
Raushanna Salhi, Marketing & New Business Manager, MENA, PHD/Omnicom
“I was I think quite surprised by how I felt… I really feel that my mind is more flexible.”
Judith Roberts, chemist
“Michael delivered a powerful talk on the value of meditation. The interactive session kept the audience engaged while being informative. The unique blend of meditation and creativity in a working environment left a memorable mark on the day and on the attendees.”
Josh Wild, Design & Marketing Manager, COEO