‍Previously, Ross challenged Rose to create something inspired by her love of film…

No pressure…! I would like to make something animated using birds though so maybe that's the challenge accepted.

I am challenging myself to get back into my passion project

I love birds and I illustrate (abstract) birds in my spare time. I’ve had a bit of a hiatus, and I want to get back to regularly giving time to it. As well as a space for creative play and imagination, side projects are a mindful activity and a place for me to direct my busy, anxious head. I might set myself a goal based on time, creating something per week, for example, to help bring back some momentum (and steer away from overthinking!).

This, and I’ve set myself a reading goal for 12 books this year. You can find me on Goodreads here.

I am challenging my colleagues to do more random acts of kindness

Being kind to others is not only good for those individuals, it feels rewarding too. Acts of kindness can foster community, reduce stress and promote a culture of compassion. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation believes “kindness can have a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole”. One act is enough – you never know the ripple effect and impact from a single gesture – and anything more than that can only go further.

Frameworkers have kindness baked in (come say hi) so spreading this outwards can only be a good thing.

I am challenging my clients to trust their design agency

I’ll caveat this with complete understanding that clients need to find the right fit, that they may have had mixed experiences with different agencies and that they will want to feel involved in a project. But when you work with us, we truly stand in a client’s corner. We love to collaborate with you, but we also love to see our original intention for projects seen through to final rollout.

Work with agencies you trust so the process has the best of both – people who understand you, and who you understand will deliver with great intent.

I am challenging the industry to remember to step out of the design bubble

This won’t be true in every instance but I think the creative industry can be guilty of getting caught up in itself, in the art of design, what looks good and what’s trending. We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that we’re ultimately communicators. This isn’t to say art and beautiful things don’t communicate or aren't important, and there’s no denying that feeling when a project is visually and verbally perfect in the eyes of the designers and writers that made it. But the real magic is when it’s really doing its job too – when an end user feels the impact.

I am challenging you to appreciate the small things

Though this phrase is often thrown around, I mean it deeply. Find moments to remember what life is really about. Take a really deep breath out in a field or a park. Take a long walk. Listen to birds. Buy a treat. Tell someone you like what they’re wearing. Hold a door for someone. As with acts of kindness, I think the world is becoming very disconnected from some of these fundamental, small things. But maybe if we focus on the small things around us more we can find comfort in those.

I am challenging Charlotte to leave us with some words of wisdom as she heads off on maternity leave ♥