Can good ideas be planned? We speak to DIA, Regular Practice, Margot Lévêque and more to find out

The Anatomy of Creativity is a partnership between The Brand Identity and Antalis Creative Power, in which over a series of three articles, we explore and discuss if there are specific components to creativity. What is a good idea? Is it problem solving, or is it an apparition? Is it spontaneous, or is it grafted? Does it come as a result of rigorous planning, or from one’s own intuition? We’ve spoken to a variety of distinguished voices that are pushing contemporary graphic design, asking what their chosen approaches to ideation are, the role of research towards this endeavour and, simply, what makes a good idea? The balance between work and life is always the topic of conversation anywhere designers are present. Arguably due to the more personal nature and individual involvement of creative practice, to say that of accountancy or data analysis, it is much harder to make that separation between what you do at work and what you do or think about afterwards. The distinction between self-care and work, as Mirella Arapian of Melbourne-based design studio Mek believes, is absolutely necessary for having good ideas – with a rigorous routine that includes “eight hours’ sleep, exercise, meditation, whole foods, and gratitude.” It is only after doing these daily activities that Arapian feels “happier, more energised, and knows I’m going to have a productive day.” This seems indicative of an almost organic and ethereal process to creative thinking, however, as Mitch Paone of NYC and Geneva-based design agency DIA explains, the creative process leading towards ideation is just as designed as the design itself. “Our studio’s creative process, project management, and atmosphere has been fine tuned to provide optimal working conditions, which we believe results in better work,” he recalls, expressing the importance to physical health too. “Eight hours of sleep, a consistent routine, mindfulness, healthy diet, not partying (too much) are all ways to prepare for the moment you have to ‘create,’” Paone tells us, conceding that it is a luxury but something that can really give one a head start.