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Things You Didn't Know About Our Creative Associates

    

Studies show that investing in creativity at work isn't just important, it's imperative. It goes beyond work too, as 70% of respondents in a global "State of Create" study conducted by Adobe feel that being creative is valuable to society. Associates at Continental Office do a lot of creative things at the workplace, but we know there's a lot of creativity within our walls that has nothing to do with what we do at work. We recently interviewed three of our freakishly creative associates to find out more about their unique talents.

Missy
Account Manager
calligrapher

Missy hand letteringHow long have you been doing custom hand lettering for? As a child I had a calligraphy pen set, but my brush calligraphy style is more recent. I did some hand lettering for my wedding three years ago, and picked it back up about 6 months ago.
What does this entail? I've started doing cards, envelopes, wedding signs, and giving them as gifts to people. It's not a side business, just something fun for me to do.
What inspired you to pursue this particular talent? I've always liked to do artsy things, and Instagram helped me to see what others were doing. It's a good way to personalize an event or a gift, and give something that no one else has. My husband has also played a big role in encouraging me to pursue this talent.
A recent study by Adobe states that a business that invests in creativity is more likely to increase productivity and foster innovation. Do you feel that creativity helps you in your role? I think it does. My role requires me to pay close attention to layouts, formatting, and how information is presented.
Do you feel that creativity is an important skill to bring to the workplace? If so, why? Definitely, because it helps with fresh ideas. If you're a creative person you can manage things without a box, you can do things more efficiently, and you bring a different perspective.
Do you want to expand upon your talent in the future? If so, how? My dream is to have an Etsy shop on the side, but I have a lot to do before that!
What's another talent you'd like to pursue? I've always wished to be a graphic artist or web designer, but it wasn't as popular of an option when I went to school. I wish I knew Photoshop.

Ken
Service Technician
woodturner


Ken's pen shopHow long have you been running your "pens and more" business for? Officially, about one year, but I’ve been turning for two and a half years.
What does this business entail? I turn pens and other items on a wood lathe. I also build other wooden items such as boxes and I try to use reclaimed materials whenever possible.
What inspired you to pursue this particular talent? I moved to Columbus and needed a hobby. I saw someone making pens before and it grew from there. I’m also good at making pretty much anything I put my mind to.
Do you feel that creativity helps you in your role? Yes, being the wood repair guy I need to be able to mix colors and use different techniques to get the job done.
Do you feel that creativity is an important skill to bring to the workplace? If so, why? Yes, it helps you think outside of the box to complete your task if the “normal” way isn’t working.
Do you want to expand upon your talent in the future? If so, how? Yes. I’m currently working on some prototype wooden combs and wood/resin rings.
What's another talent you'd like to pursue? I would like to pursue resin painting.

Andy
Sales Executive
guitarist


Andy playing guitarHow long have you been playing guitar for? 38 years.
Do you write your own music? Yes, I typically write rock music. It starts with a riff and twists and turns from there until we have something listenable. I collaborate with a bass player and drummer that I’ve worked with for years. We're just getting started on a new project and we haven’t recorded in years, so we’re excited to get that going.
What inspired you to pursue this particular talent? Ace Frehley from Kiss. When I saw him live at 13, I knew I needed to figure out how to do that! Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads came along and inspired me to emulate their style as a teenager. Then came guys like Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Alex Lifeson, Neal Schon, Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai. They all inspired me to learn their styles. I can’t play like any of them, but I’ve been able to create my own style after many years of trying to emulate them. Learning and growing as a musician is a nonstop, enjoyable journey.
Do you feel that creativity helps you in your role? Yes, I believe it helps me to look at things from different angles and points of view. It helps me be a better team player since I’m used to working with other musicians with many personalities and different skill levels.
Do you feel that creativity is an important skill to bring to the workplace? If so, why? It’s very important. It allows you to open your mind to many possibilities.
Do you want to expand upon your musical talents? I want to continue to grow and be the best player I can be. And continue learning the craft of writing, recording, and playing.
What's another talent you'd like to pursue? Selling more carpet.

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