Creativity in isolation thrives as Australian agency folk turn to clever side hustles

The outbreak of Covid-19 has shaken the world to its core, forcing the creative industries to pivot and adapt to new ways of working. But it’s true that creativity can thrive in the face of adversity and across the industry, agency folk are embracing and forging new side hustles.

From beautifully illustrated greeting cards to a fully animated computer game, creative teams from some of Australia’s best advertising agencies are putting their creativity to the test beyond client briefs.

From DDB Sydney, art director Elaine Li and copywriter Jared Wicker have created greeting cards to send friends during isolation. In recognition that people are feeling lonelier than ever before, the cards are designed to get people to connect in an old-fashioned way.

The cards are available via Esty with all the profits going to Foodbank Australia to help people in need. Check them out here.

Proving that creativity isn’t confined to the creative department, Lahna Wong, accounts payable officer at DDB Sydney, created illustrated badges to encourage social distancing also available via Esty here.

Independent agency Bear Meets Eagle on Fire, in partnership with T&DA and Rumble Studios, has created a retro-inspired arcade game to provide a fun distraction during quarantine. The highest score on the leader board will win a year supply of tater tots.

Siobhan Fitzgerald, formerly associate creative director at M&C Saatchi, was driven to her new venture after identifying a surge in porn consumption during Covid-19. Fitzgerald recently launched a publishing platform called The Good Bits, a platform that provides women with the sexiest parts of romance books from bestselling authors. Through The Good Bits, Fitzgerald aims to tell stories that are diverse, accessible, inclusive and body positive.