My Creative Algorithm – How I Naturally Create
I didn’t sit down one day and decide, “This is going to be my creative process.” It kind of just… happened. Over time, through a mix of instinct, repetition, and reflection, I found a rhythm that works for me—a personal creative algorithm that I now follow (almost without thinking) every time I start a new project as an aspiring art director.
It’s not formal. It’s not polished. But it’s mine.
Orientation – Document the Experience
Before I even know what I’m going to create, I usually start by documenting my experience with a brand. I’ll write about it, take photos, and capture how it made me feel—first impressions, reactions, anything that stands out. I do this pretty naturally now. Almost every project I’ve done starts with an article or journal-style entry.
It doesn’t have to be writing—some people might shoot a B-roll video or record a voiceover. But for me, writing is how I understand what I really think. It becomes the foundation I build from later.
Ideation – The Casual Scroll
If that initial documentation sparks an idea for a project, I shift into idea-gathering mode. This usually looks like scrolling through my Instagram bookmarks or checking out creatives on Fiverr. I'm not searching for anything in particular—I’m just looking to get inspired, to feel a creative pull.
It’s kind of like collecting puzzle pieces before I even know what the picture is.
Illumination – That Late-Night Moment
After I’ve let everything sit for a few days, ideas start bouncing around in my head. I don’t force it. Most of the time, the “one” just hits me randomly—usually late at night, pacing around my room. It always comes when I’m not trying too hard. Suddenly the idea just clicks, and I know that’s the direction I want to take.
I’ve learned to trust those moments.
Synthesis – Making It Real
Once I’ve got the concept, I move into execution. This is where I start bringing in collaborators—usually through Fiverr. I love working with ambitious freelancers who are just as excited to create something cool as I am. I write out my vision clearly and share references, so we’re aligned creatively.
I’ve actually built some really solid working relationships this way. It’s not just transactional—it’s creative collaboration.
Distribution – Match the Platform
When the content is done, I think carefully about where it’s going. Not every project belongs everywhere. Something designed for Instagram might need a totally different format on Behance or my portfolio site. I try to make sure everything feels natural to the platform it lives on.
That’s it. That’s my personal creative algorithm—something I naturally developed over time just by doing the work, staying curious, and paying attention to what felt right.
I’m still growing, still refining, but this process has helped me create with more clarity, intention, and joy. If it helps you build your own rhythm, even better.