Apathy is the enemy of creativity. As the summer season kicks in it is all too easy to find ourselves on autopilot. Whether boiling our brains on the Northern Line, or navigating the mental gymnastics of summer childcare logistics, summer can be a difficult time to maintain momentum. For creativity and curiosity to thrive we need rest and inspiration. Be it recommending a book, a breathing method or developing a craft, this summer BITE is asking leaders to share how they are making the space to nurture their creativity and find their pace.

Rob Conibear, MD at Jung von Matt London, discusses drawing inspiration from people and connections to stay creative.

A disturbing number of years ago, I studied Anthropology at University. It wasn’t a very vocational decision. I was just drawn to studying people, their similarities and differences, organisational systems, patterns of behaviour, that kind of thing. When I started working in the advertising industry, people would joke about how far removed from my studies it was. I disagree. I got into this industry similarly because of my interest in people.

One of my favourite things about summer is people watching. I spend a lot more time outside, whether I am working from the office or home. I try to find comfortable spots to sit and watch others going about their day. Maybe a sandwich on one of the rare, sunny benches in Shoreditch (I’m not telling you where they are) where the tech start-up and construction communities converge. I often get off at London Bridge so I can take a longer walk over the river and up to Old Street, through the bustle of the city. If I am on the train, I break the golden rule of not looking at everyone. Usually helped by my baseball cap, that comes with me everywhere in summer, due to an ever-diminishing head of hair.

I carry a notebook with me and sometimes make notes or sketches based on something I noticed. Acts of affection between otherwise stern looking young men. Someone for whom luxury brands are obviously so important, sat beside someone for whom they so obviously aren’t. The incredible range of expressions people make while looking at their phones. The details make me feel empathetic.

A lot of teenagers are dressed like I did in the 90s. Often in the same brands. We used to buy Adidas Sambas and Shelltoes to skate in because they were so cheap. Now they’re retro cool at a price premium. 80s computer game and cartoon series merchandise crops up in sometimes unlikely brand collaborations. Something I have become more observant of since we expanded our team to include specific fandom expertise. I love seeing the revival of these brands from my childhood, even if it does remind me how old I am. Nostalgia is a beautiful feeling.

Taking a little time out to people-watch always brings me back to two observations. Firstly, I can learn more from observing how others do things. Secondly, I’m in a people industry. Groups of really smart and inventive people working together to make things that speak meaningfully to other people. Sometimes, the screens and the data get in the way of that rather than enhancing it.

Once in a while I take some time out to make a painting from one of those sketches I made. Again, usually of people. Here’s one to leave you with. As well as some wonderful characters dancing to street soca in Notting Hill recently.