Make Design Fun Again: Practices that keep the ‘creative’ in creative services

In-House Strategies for Success: A 4-Part Panel Series for In-House Creative Teams

What does it really take to thrive as an in-house creative today? From building influence and managing internal clients to reigniting creativity and understanding where in-house design is headed, this four-part panel series brings together experienced in-house leaders for candid, practical conversations about the realities of working inside organizations.

Across four sessions throughout the year, you’ll hear honest perspectives, proven strategies, and real-world lessons from creatives who understand the unique challenges—and opportunities—of in-house work. Each panel dives into a different aspect of the in-house experience, offering actionable insights to help you strengthen relationships, advocate for your team, stay creatively energized, and navigate the evolving role of design within your organization.

Thursday, September 17 – Make Design Fun Again: Practices that keep the ‘creative’ in creative services
We can all get into a design rut from time to time. This panel discusses how in-house teams can avoid getting lost in the day-to-day work by putting some simple practices in place for sharing ideas and getting inspired.

Moderated by Kathleen Scott RGD, Design Principal and Brand Management Lead at Bruce Power

Presentations

Making Marketing Design Fun Again: Creativity in the SaaS Machine, presented by Bianca DiPietro RGD, Senior Manager, Marketing Design, at Jane App
Working in-house at a SaaS company means design can quickly become a high-volume production machine: campaigns, product launches, events, sales requests, social, web and everything in between. I’ll share how I’ve worked to keep creativity at the centre of a growing marketing design team, even when the pace is fast and the work is highly output-driven. I’ll talk about creating opportunities for experimentation and play, bringing designers into the strategy earlier, and building team rituals that make space for fresh ideas. Ultimately, it’s about finding ways to make the everyday work feel more creative, collaborative and human, without losing sight of the business goals.

Designing Rituals for a Creative Culture, presented by Jen Cook, Director, Communication Design, at hcma architecture + design
For an in-house team or solo designer, creating space for experimentation and creativity can feel like heavy lifting. How exactly can you find the time – and energy – to stay inspired in between deadlines? A creative culture can't be mandated – but you can design rituals to help it flourish. Learn practical strategies to build creative inspiration into a busy workweek, make the case for protecting that time, and perhaps even build a small, wild idea into something more impactful.

Less Admin, More Ideas: Designing a Team Where Creativity Can Happen, presented by Melissa Wagler RGD, Creative Manager at Home Hardware Stores Limited
Creative teams can’t stay creative when every minute is consumed by briefs, status updates, approvals, and production. This session explores how to automate and simplify the admin that drains creative energy, deliberately create space for play and experimentation, and build collaborative team practices that make creativity part of the workflow, not something squeezed in at the end.

Other sessions in the series

• Thursday, January 22 – Promoting your In-House Team: Demonstrating your value, getting the jobs you want and receiving the recognition you deserve
• Thursday, April 9 – In-House Clients: Setting boundaries, building good relationships and the art of pushing back
• Thursday, December 3 – Current State of In-House Design