by Miriam Hara | Apr 16, 2025 | Agency, Creative, Design
Constructive Criticism… ugh! That’s all I have to say. In the world of marketing creative the use of the term constructive criticism is as prevalent as the air we breathe! Whether designing a campaign, writing a headline, or capturing the perfect shot, everyone has a say on that creative component. It’s part of the creative process and it is integral in crafting and improving the creative asset. But let’s not sugarcoat it: feedback can sting.
Creativity is personal
Despite me telling my team that feedback, “Is not personal” , I do understand that, innately, it is. It’s difficult not for it to feel personal when you’ve taken the germ of an idea and spent hours perfecting it before you even present it. And then someone comes along, squints at your masterpiece, and says, “Hmm… it’s not quite there.”How can it not feel personal?
But when constructive criticism is given, that is the defining moment. Feedback isn’t just about hearing what needs to change, it’s about how you respond to it.
To my way of thinking, constructive criticism is the way any professional can up their game. Become really, really good at their profession. Seriously good!
Understanding the why behind the what.
Giving feedback is an art. It should, by it’s very nature, be directionally but not specific. Alas, too often that is what feedback looks like….Make this bigger. Change this colour. Tweak that headline.
Turning that feedback into being constructive you need to decode the feedback. It’s not about just doing what is requested, it’s about understanding why the change is being requested.
- Why did they ask for more space?
- What’s the real concern behind this change?
- What outcome are we trying to achieve here?
Start thinking this way, you will become a true professional, a collaborator.
Personal or not? Understanding the distinction.
Feedback isn’t a reflection of you. It’s a reflection of the work. And that distinction makes all the difference. When feedback is given, and the understanding of the feedback gets crystallized, the outcome is something everyone will get behind. Feedback isn’t an attack, it’s a way to make a creative stronger…better. If a creative concept or asset cannot handle the modifications, perhaps there’s a bigger issue about the creative.
Constructive Criticism: It’s a mindset.
Feedback is the thing that tells you where to focus, where to sharpen your edge, and where to let go of what isn’t working. If you are truly listening. It’s part of the process that continuously stokes the fire of passion… and refines natural.
Here are my key takeaways on turning feedback into an opportunity to grow and become better (yes, even after 40 years!)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Ask smart questions. “What’s not landing here?” or “What’s the bigger goal we’re aiming for?”
- Pause. Take a walk, sleep on it, let your thoughts settle.
- Look for patterns. If you’re hearing the same note over and over, it’s not a coincidence, it’s an indication that you’re not learning from the feedback… but just doing!
The true professional creatives are the ones who know how to use the feedback to make what they’ve initially created, even better.
Don’t just do.
At the end of the day, addressing feedback isn’t about getting the job out the door. It’s always an opportunity for growth. Evolving your craft, sharpening your skills, and building a resilience will serve you long after the project wraps up.
Consider that every critique is; a chance to become better. An opportunity to think deeper, create smarter, and deliver something that doesn’t just work, it wows.
How you handle feedback will determine your professional trajectory… and subsequently your professional opportunities. Contrary to the very iconic Nike slogan, Don’t just do it, learn from it!
by Miriam Hara | Dec 3, 2024 | Advertising, Business Success, Communications, Marketing
Are Greeting Cards the Next Dodo Bird?
In 2024…
…with our inboxes overflowing and social media delivering instant “Happy Holidays” posts, is this the year paper greeting cards join Tupperware and the dodo bird in history’s archive of nostalgia? Tupperware, once an icon of kitchen innovation, now on the brink of extinction. It’s a fate sealed for so many beloved traditions and items of yesteryear. And it raises the question: Are greeting cards next?
Every year…
…as the holiday season rolls around, I find myself wondering the same thing: Are Christmas and seasonal greeting cards becoming a thing of the past? For as long as I can remember, holiday greeting cards have been a cherished tradition in the creative, marketing, and advertising world. Every year, my creative team would push the envelope (pun intended) to show just how imaginative we could be.
I’d like to think…
…our clients, partners, and contacts looked forward to seeing what we’d dream up, year after year. Or is this wishful thinking? In the recent past, every year November rolled around, the 3H Team had a lively internal debate. Should we embrace digital greetings to showcase our tech-savvy side? Or stick with traditional cards, which feel more personal and tangible?
On one hand…
…digital communications reflect the fast-paced, connected world we live in. On the other, a beautifully crafted card; something you can hold, display, and enjoy, offers a level of warmth and thoughtfulness that pixels can’t replicate.
The annual debate…
…had been silenced….another COVID casualty. Cards couldn’t reach the intended person in a timely manner, so during COVID, why bother? E-cards were the only mode available for close to 2 years.
As the world turns…
…and seasons change, what was once off-trend, is now in. So what do you think? Paper or digital cards? We resolved the issue by doing both. After all, why does it have to be an either or? We do traditional cards for the seasons, and a digital new year’s card! The best of both worlds, and more importantly…. we connect with our clients and business partners twice!
Ultimately…
…the tools may evolve, but the principles of great marketing never change. It’s about connection, creativity, and making someone feel seen and valued. That’s why embracing relationship-driven approaches, never feels outdated. Actually, they are timeless.
My personal perspective…
…has always been that this time of year is the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the power of personal touches. In a world overwhelmed by emails and instant messages, the act of sending a card stands out. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that business is, and always will be, about people.
Of course if you’re living in Canada, this is a moot point….Canada Post Mail Service is on strike!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to one and all!
by Miriam Hara | Oct 22, 2024 | Advertising, Agency, Marketing
How do you know if you’re suffering from the Agency Blues?
If you’re a brand marketer you’ve lived it… you’ve loathed it.
The Agency Blues symptoms. Your heart is racing. You break out in a sweat (no, it’s not because you’re experiencing hot flashes). You toss and turn, unable to sleep or turn your mind off. Your anxiety is through the roof with “what if’s”. You’re second guessing everything. Concerned about it all, and can’t put your finger on it. You think you’re too judgmental or maybe you’re asking too much? Self doubt and disappointment set in. If you are in marketing or branding, you’ll recognize yourself among these descriptors. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to live with it.
Ideas Feeling a Little Flat?
You started working with your agency with big hopes, expecting creativity that would blow you away. But lately, the ideas coming through feel, well… flat. Not bad, just not the wow factor you expected. It happens. Even the best teams go through dry spells. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever.
Creativity ebbs and flows—it’s a natural part of the process—but if your campaigns are missing that extra flair, it might be time to have a conversation. Sometimes, all it takes is exploring a new perspective to shake things up. The Agency Blues don’t always mean a complete breakdown…. but sometimes it does. So don’t be afraid to look beyond your current situation—you deserve an agency that never runs out of steam.
Is Your Vision Getting Lost?
You’ve communicated your brand’s vision—multiple times. Yet somehow, what’s coming back to you feels… different. Not quite off the mark, but not quite on it either. This can be frustrating, for sure. It’s easy to fall into the Agency Blues when you feel like your vision isn’t translating. But it’s also a great opportunity to reassess and realign.
If you feel like your brand’s identity is getting lost in translation, it’s a sign that you might need an agency that really gets you. It’s entirely possible to find an agency that can see your vision as clearly as you do—and help you bring it to life in ways you never imagined.
When “Next Week” Feels Like a Lifetime
Deadlines are approaching, the pressure’s on, and yet… you’re still waiting. The Agency Blues might have you checking your inbox more often than you’d like, but delays happen. It’s worth taking a moment to reflect—are these one-offs, or is this becoming a pattern? Biting your nails as the clock ticks is stressful, no doubt, but you don’t have to keep operating like this.
There are agencies that understand how to manage time and resources efficiently, delivering not just on time, but with room to breathe. Whether it’s through better project management or clearer communication, it’s possible to work with teams that respect deadlines—and your sanity.
What’s the ROI? The Numbers Game
You’re investing time and resources into campaigns, so naturally, you want to see results. If you feel like you’re playing a guessing game with results, it’s not unusual. But there’s a better way. You should be able to see the numbers that matter and understand how each campaign is performing without feeling left in the dark.
The Agency Blues can sometimes make it feel like progress is slow, but it’s often just a matter of better reporting and communication. Some agencies prioritize transparency and data-driven insights. They’ll deliver creative work and the metrics to prove it’s working. You don’t have to wonder if your marketing is effective—there are agencies that make it crystal clear.
Can You Shake the Agency Blues?
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, don’t panic. At the end of the day, you’re not trapped. You don’t have to suffer through the Agency Blues. If you’ve been feeling let down by flat ideas, missed deadlines, or unclear results, it might be time to explore other options. Consider this your opportunity to find a partnership that aligns with your goals—without the headaches.
And if you’re looking for that perfect fit, there are agencies (perhaps one with a hint of purple!) ready to come to your rescue. Because the Agency Blues aren’t forever—there’s always a brighter, more creative partnership on the horizon.
by Miriam Hara | Aug 20, 2024 | Design
This may seem counterintuitive and, for those who read my posts, contradictory! I recently wrote an article about how “Good Enough” isn’t beneficial for marketing and branding. Now, I would like to talk about the Perfectionist Marketing Syndrome (PMS). It’s real and it’s costly.
Waiting for Perfection.
Waiting for everything to be perfect can cause marketers to miss significant opportunities to learn, reassess, and evolve their brands! In business, we’ve all heard about the 80/20 rule: 20% of our target audience make up 80% of a brand’s sales.
I prefer to think in terms of a 90%/10% ratio when it comes to creative presentations, especially where the deployment is for social media. If a creative communication piece is 90% on target in terms of the brand and it’s premise, it’s time for an evaluation. Do we go ahead or do we wait?
Are you risk adverse? Do you suffer from PMS (perfectionist marketing syndrome)?
I’ve seen program launches stalled because someone didn’t like a word or the shade of a colour. This obsession with perfection can be harmful. In the fast-paced world of social media and marketing, timing is everything. Waiting for perfection to close the gap of that 10% can mean missing a crucial moment to engage with your audience.
Don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying that if the creative tone or style, and presentation of your brand is not right, that marketers should press the “go” button. The fact is if the creative in any way is not aligned to the Brand, Brand Essence or Persona, then the creative wouldn’t be 90% there! So this is a moot point.
Let go of your PMS!
Embrace the 90%/10% rule. It’s time to liberate yourself from PMS (perfectionist marketing syndrome). Be bold and brave enough to launch and humble enough to learn. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being the Brand being present, responsive and yes…authentic! That’s where true creativity and connection lie.
Spend your time wisely… or wiser
Instead of trying to achieve perfection in creative colours or font usage, layout or if a headline is centred or flushed right, use the effort you would spend on earning the 10% for real-time feedback and adjustment. Launch your campaign! See how your audience reacts, and be ready to pivot and improve. This keeps the momentum going and allows for genuine engagement based on real user interaction rather than a theoretical ideal.
Remember your audience.
Think about it—when was the last time you deeply engaged with a perfect piece of content? Chances are, it was the authenticity and relatability that drew you in, not polished perfection. Your target doesn’t see your brand’s communication piece in the same way. Remember that. Instead, thrive on innovation and adaptability. It’s been my experience that some of the most impactful campaigns come from spontaneous, almost-there moments that resonate with the audience.
It’s time to say good-bye to PMS!
by Miriam Hara | Jul 30, 2024 | Advertising, Agency, Management
Nostalgia for the Mad Man Era
It’s hard not to be nostalgic about what was once the ‘life of a creative’ in a marketing agency. We were the epitome of cool. Dress-down Fridays? Every day was a casual masterpiece of quirky tees, ripped jeans, and comfy sneakers. Flexible hours meant strolling into the office with a coffee at 10 AM or working from the cozy confines of home whenever inspiration struck. (Never mind the 24 hours days working on pitches and presentation!). And yes, the corporate world envied us. Afterall… “Those creatives have it all!”, while secretly admitting that they didn’t understand the first thing about creative world (or brain) at all!
The COVID Shift
But then came the year of the great equalizer: COVID-19. Suddenly, the perks that set us creatives apart has become quite the norm. Remote work was no longer a privilege but a necessity/ Our once-coveted flexible hours were now standard practice across industries. And let’s not forget about the dress code.The corporate world swapped suits for sweats, and our secret society of the daily casual Fridays lost its exclusivity.
Remember Drafting Tables?
There once was a time, not too long ago, that concepts and designs that were developed by advertising agencies were not only revered. They were viewed as the work as work of arts. Corporate clients were in awe on how we, creatives could conjure up brand magic – with our pens, papers, markers, airbrushing and typesetting. The brand stories we weaved and visuals we conceived left clients in wonder-struck. Atlas, all things change. As the digital revolution marched on, computers and AI joined the fray, the coveted talent of creativity seemed accessible to anyone with a decent laptop and an internet connection. Gone was the drafting table…and with it the corporate awe of the creative mind.
A New Reality
So today in the ‘life of a creative’, at least a creative at 3H starts not with a leisurely coffee run, but with a Zoom call. If we’re home, I would like to say we’re often still in our pyjamas, but no… we definitely dress casual…as our clients do on the other side of the laptop. Much to my chagrin, our brainstorms during COVID, had become virtual – and although our whiteboards are digital. Post-COVID, we do brainstorm, occupying the same physical space! The banter of the office, the shared lament of tweaking a design to death and of course, the shared ah-ha moments—that still happens! (YES!)
The Creative Struggle
Amidst all of these changes and shifts, the core of what we, and the “life of a creative’ remains unchanged. We still chase the thrill of the perfect idea, the rush of a campaign coming together, the satisfaction of a client’s wonderment. Yes, we navigate the challenges of remote work, balancing our creative impulses with the ever-present hum of distractions. The digital revolution, to be honest, gave us creatives amazing tools offering design advantages that really are awesome! The perks may have become common, but the true nature of creativity—the spark that ignites great ideas, the passion that drives us to push boundaries—that remains uniquely ours.
We accept that we may no longer be the exclusive keepers of flexible hours and casual dress codes. However as creatives, we continue to thrive, finding the creative in each brand mandate… and truly loving the journey of finding that one creative nugget.
We’d love to do just that for your brand. Let’s chat to see how we can bring your vision and your brand to life.
Constructive Criticism… ugh! That’s all I have to say. In the world of marketing creative the use of the term constructive criticism is as prevalent as the air we breathe! Whether designing a campaign, writing a headline, or capturing the perfect shot, everyone has a say on that creative component. It’s part of the creative process and it is integral in crafting and improving the creative asset. But let’s not sugarcoat it: feedback can sting.