Creative Problem Solving: Embracing the Process, Not Just the Solution

As a creative,  we’re no stranger to problem solving. Whether it’s convincing someone to buy into your idea, getting the right kind of attention for a project, or even rebranding to stay relevant, the act of solving a creative problem feels like a constantly shifting puzzle.

It’s not just about finding the answer—it’s about embracing the process.

And in this process, being open-minded and willing to learn from both your successes and your mistakes is key.

Take selling your idea, for example. How many times have you crafted the perfect pitch, only to have it fall flat? You might feel defeated, but the beauty is in the reflection—you get to go back and rework what went wrong. Was it your approach? The timing? Your audience? What worked last time might not work this time, and that’s okay.  Creativity isn’t linear; it's more like a winding road with plenty of unexpected turns. Sometimes, the most brilliant ideas come after you’ve gotten the dreadful "no."

Think about driving traffic to your website or social media channels. You can have the most incredible content, but if your audience isn’t engaging or discovering it, then it’s time to rethink your strategy. But don’t rush into a fast fix. Take a step back and listen—to your audience, to your data, and to your gut. Maybe it’s a content tweak, maybe it’s how you’re positioning yourself. Learning to experiment, while keeping an optimistic and realistic attitude, is half the battle. You can try something and fail. And that’s perfectly fine because failure is one of  the best teachers.

The same goes for rebranding—whether it’s your business, your product, or even yourself as a creative. Rebranding isn’t about slapping a new logo on something and calling it a day. It’s about understanding what worked, what didn’t, and where the current climate of your industry and audience is headed. Rebranding is not just a creative exercise; it’s a reflection of growth. It asks you to take the good, the bad, and the in-between, and translate it into something that resonates deeper with those you want to reach. It’s about staying true to yourself while adapting to meet the world’s evolving needs.

What’s key throughout this process is staying open-minded. The moment you shut yourself off from new ideas or stop listening to feedback, that’s when you get stuck. Stay curious. Ask questions, and really listen to the answers. I’ve found that the best solutions don’t always come from grand ah ha  moments; they often come from quiet observations, feedback from others, or just being in the right place at the right time.

 Creativity thrives in a space where we allow the world to influence us without losing ourselves in the process. And let’s not forget the most important part: learning from your past. Every idea you’ve pitched, every campaign you’ve launched, every challenge you’ve faced holds valuable lessons. Don’t just brush those experiences aside. Look back—what worked and why? What didn’t? And most importantly, how can you use what you’ve learned to push forward? It’s easy to focus on what didn’t succeed, but there's so much value in understanding why things didn’t go as planned. That’s the fuel that’ll drive your next step.

Creativity isn’t a switch you turn on—it’s something that develops and evolves as you do. Embrace the messiness of it all, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. After all, they’re just stepping stones to your next big breakthrough. 

Stay bold. Stay curious. Stay creative. The solutions will come, even when you least expect them.

N.Joans

Unveiling Inspiration: A Creative's Guide to The Unexpected

The world of inspiration isn't confined within the four walls of our homes or offices. As a Marketer and creative, finding that spark is often the key to unlocking unique and compelling designs. But where do we find it? Well, the truth is, inspiration hides in the most unexpected corners of our lives.

Let's talk about snapshots—those random moments that catch our eye, make us pause, and ignite a fire of creativity within us. I've found that taking pictures, jotting notes, or even curating boards on platforms like Pinterest can be my secret weapons to capture and organize these moments of inspiration.

You'd be amazed at what a stroll in the park can do for your creative mind. The combinations of colors in nature, the symmetry of a leaf, or the way sunlight filters through branches—these nuances hold incredible potential for design concepts. That's why my phone is stocked with pictures of everything from a dew-kissed morning to the vibrant chaos of a farmer's market.

But inspiration doesn't stop there. 

Have you ever been lost in a bustling crowd, and suddenly, a snippet of conversation catches your ear? Those phrases, the rhythm of speech, or even the emotions conveyed—these soundbites often find their way into my notebook. Words are powerful catalysts for design, and these snippets become the building blocks for compelling brand narratives.

Speaking of notebooks, I've got a stash of them. They're a canvas for scribbles, doodles, and mind maps. Sometimes, a seemingly unrelated sketch could evolve into a groundbreaking design element. It's the freedom of the blank page that encourages wild, untamed ideas to flourish.

Pinterest, where do I even begin? It's a treasure trove of curated inspiration. I've lost count of the number of boards I've created—each one a mood, a theme, a potential avenue for my next design venture. Whether it's typography trends, color palettes, or unconventional branding strategies, Pinterest is a bottomless pit of creative musings.

But here's the secret sauce—inspiration isn't limited by profession. It's in the melody of a song, the flavor of a dish, the architecture of a building, or the pages of a gripping novel. As a creative professional, I've learned that keeping an open mind and being receptive to the world around us can lead to groundbreaking ideas.

So, to my fellow designers, marketers, and creatives out there, remember this: inspiration is an adventurer, wandering through the landscapes of our lives. It's up to us to keep our eyes open, our cameras ready, our notebooks scribbling, and our Pinterest boards alive. Who knows, the next big breakthrough might just be hiding in the most unexpected of places.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep creating, and never stop seeking inspiration in the beautiful chaos of life!

N. Joans

The Woman Behind The Brand

I'm Natalie, your friendly neighborhood creative enthusiast, the creator and founder behind N.Joans Creative! Since I could scribble with a crayon, I've been on a vibrant journey of self-expression and creativity. From those early days of coloring on the underside of my families kitchen table to capturing the essence of moments through my lens, I've always found myself drawn to the art of storytelling.

Growing up near by the hustle and bustle of the windy city, I quickly realized the power of design and branding in shaping the world around us. It's like magic—being able to weave together colors, shapes, and words to create something that resonates deeply with people. Whether it's a sleek logo or an eye-catching campaign, there's something truly special about the way design can speak volumes without uttering a single word.

Through countless doodles and late-night brainstorming sessions, I've honed my skills as a graphic designer and brand marketer. But for me, it's not just about crafting pretty visuals; it's about sparking connections and emotions. It's about telling stories that leave a lasting impression, that make people stop and think, "Wow, I want to be a part of that!"

When I'm not busy bringing ideas to life, you can usually find me soaking up fresh air in the outdoors, enjoying live music or exploring the eclectic corners of my city in search of inspiration.

Join me on this wild ride through the world of freelance, creation, design, photography, and all things creative. Together, let's push boundaries, challenge conventions, and unleash our inner artists. Because for me, creativity isn't just a passion—it's a way of life. And I can't wait to share that journey with you.

N.Joans