In the dynamic and evolving world of the creative industry, where chaos and innovation exist side by side, my 15-year journey has been as much about embracing neurodiversity as it has been about learning how to survive in an unforgiving sector. In my current role as Design Lead at We Are Fred, I reflect on how ADHD has become a creative asset, where previously viewed as an obstacle to overcome. Leading the Norwich studio for We Are Fred presents its challenges, but having an ownership team that fosters a supportive and understanding environment - especially regarding mental disabilities - makes a significant difference. Now, it’s a tool that is feeding my creativity in an environment that celebrates unconventional thinking, different perspectives, and boundary-pushing ideas.

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Childhood Creativity & Chaos

As a kid, my energy and creative mindset often put me at odds with the structure of typical academic environments. Like many neurodivergent kids, I thrived in creative subjects like art, music, and sports, where spontaneity is celebrated. But in more structured environments like science and maths, my brain struggled to keep up with expectations. Creativity became my happy place, giving me the chance to excel in subjects that valued thinking outside the box. Without realising, these experiences prepared me for a future in the creative industry, where unconventional thinking and problem-solving are embraced.

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Early Career: A Rollercoaster of Ideas

After finishing my degree in Typographic Design at London College of Communication, I naively went headfirst into the creative industry. Typically working in corporate in-house design roles, onto exciting community space developments before finding myself in a bustling creative agency environment.

My brain was constantly buzzing around with new ideas, which thrived in fast-paced, creative environments but was useless with detail-oriented tasks. When I thought of a new idea, I produced work that was exciting. However, when distractions inevitably took over, deadlines became stressful, and important details were often overlooked.

It wasn’t until later that I recognised these challenges as symptoms of my undiagnosed ADHD. Neurodivergence is a powerful asset in the creative industry, as it challenges conventional ways of thinking and promotes unique perspectives. However, many of the attributes I thought of as negatives; impulsivity, hyper-focus, and constant idea generation, are exactly the traits that allowed me to innovate and push creative boundaries.

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A Turning Point: Diagnosis and Understanding

In 2023, after many years of navigating personal and professional challenges, I finally decided to go for a diagnosis. Discovering I had ADHD was transformative. It explained many of my lifelong struggles but also exposed my neurodivergent brain as a hub of creativity. What I once saw as distractions, or negative personality traits, were in fact characteristics that allowed me to take creative risks and generate a multitude of ideas. Understanding this about myself allowed a welcomed approach to both my career and personal life that was different.

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Thriving in a Creative Career

Embracing my neurodiversity has allowed me to thrive at We Are Fred, where creativity flourishes when diversity of thought and perspective is highly valued. The creative industry needs to actively establish environments that celebrate neurodiversity, and encourage inclusive strategies that unlock the full potential of neurodivergent creatives.

In my experience, harnessing neurodivergence in the creative world is all about finding strategies that highlight strengths while addressing challenges:

• Structured Creativity: Implementing frameworks that allow for free-flowing thinking while maintaining enough structure to guide ideas from inception to finished product.
• Collaboration Over Isolation: The creative process is very rarely taken alone. By working closely with colleagues across a typical creative team, individual blind spots can be avoided, and diverse approaches to problem-solving flourish.
• Compassionate Leadership: As leaders, understanding the importance of creating an environment of empathy, where team members, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical, feel backed and understood. By providing an inclusive culture, this unlocks the best ideas and creates work that speaks to diverse audiences.

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The Creative Industry’s Role in Embracing Neurodiversity

While the creative industry has made important steps in embracing diversity, there’s still a lot of work to be done in positively understanding and harnessing neurodiversity. The industry needs to change its focus from just accommodating neurodivergent minds to actively forming an environment where individuals can thrive. This means developing strategies that not only accommodate different working styles but actively leverage them for creative success.

Neurodivergence can be seen as an asset that can drive the creative process forward, if we truly understand how to embrace it. By creating inclusive and flexible work environments, alongside recognising the value that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table, we can inspire further innovation across the sector. This requires active listening, empathy, and a willingness to adapt. Whether it's adjusting work systems or introducing new tools to help neurodivergent individuals thrive.

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The Power of Neurodiversity in the Creative Industry

From my experiences through school into university, and now the working world, it’s clear that neurodiversity has been a positive factor contributing to the progression of my career. Neurodivergent creatives contribute bold ideas and fresh perspectives that are useful to creative success. The creative sector thrives on diversity, whether it's in the form of background, experience, or neurodiversity. We need all types of minds to push creative boundaries, challenge traditional thinking, and generate the exciting work that defines our industry.

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For those navigating similar challenges:

• Embrace Your Wiring: Your neurodivergent brain is wired to think differently, and this difference is your greatest asset in the creative world.
• Build Your Toolkit: Find the tools, routines, and systems that help you stay organised and focused. Technology can be amazing in managing the whirlwind of ideas and tasks.
• Seek Understanding: Understanding your neurodivergence, whether through self-reflection or diagnosis, is key to using your strengths in the workplace.

Fifteen years in, although it has come with its many challenges, I’m proud of my creative journey and the growth I’ve experienced professionally. Neurodiversity has shaped me into the designer and individual I am today. In a field that celebrates bold, innovative thinking, there’s more room than ever for creative minds of all types to thrive. The industry is changing, and neurodivergent individuals are an essential part of that transformation. By embracing neurodiversity, we not only enhance creativity but also create an environment where all perspectives can shine.