Madhavan Palanisamy delivered a thought-provoking talk on how photography allows him to interpret the strange beauty around us. He discussed how his lens reveals profound and playful elements beyond what the naked eye can see, and how it prompts deeper questions about identity, origins, and our connections to one another.
Afterwards, we invited our team to reflect on the session and share their most impactful takeaways:
"I loved how Maddy draws inspiration from his personal life and balances his passion for art with commercial projects. His life stories and tips were truly amazing."
"The Akira Kursowa quote "It is the power of memory that gives rise to the power of imagination" that he mentioned is something that really stuck to my mind.
It is something that we've been doing sub-consciously as designers or artists, and when he mentioned it I was able to connect the dots."
“His unique presentation combined scribble drawings and images with a narrative deeply rooted in his personal experiences. He shared how movies and novels shaped his creative thinking and influenced his poetic approach to photography. His story inspired me to rekindle my own passion for drawing and scribbling.”
“Being flexible. Not only sticking to one path and exploring more paths. Do not waste the present and being a creator with creating content consistently.”
For more of Madhavan Palanisamy's work, visit his website www.madhavanpalanisamy.com and follow him on Instagram www.instagram.com/madhavan.palanisamy
"If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." - Unknown
At Smudge Design, we know the high demands of creative work and the essential need for recharging. While our team works tirelessly to exceed client expectations, we also understand the importance of taking time to relax and reconnect. That's why our annual team retreat is a cornerstone of our culture.
This summer, we set aside our laptops and ventured to the hills for a three-day retreat. We foraged tea, shared meals, and enjoyed late-night record sessions. These moments of togetherness built the trust we need to elevate and encourage each other. The hills echoed with laughter, creativity, and camaraderie, making it a truly memorable experience.
Building a strong team is crucial. It enhances creativity, fosters connection, and improves communication. Unlocking creativity within the team is vital for innovation and retaining talent. Our retreats feature ideation sessions that consistently produce implementable ideas, keeping the creative spirit alive. It's amazing how a change of scenery and a relaxed environment can spark such brilliant ideas.
Connection is the heartbeat of any high-performing team. While we don't work remotely, the daily grind can sometimes make us feel disconnected. Our retreats provide a chance to foster deeper connections. Face-to-face interactions during these retreats improve communication and collaboration, making our everyday work environment more cohesive and effective.
Our annual retreats are more than just a getaway; they are essential for building a cohesive, creative, and motivated team. By investing in these moments, we ensure that our team is not only recharged but also more connected and ready to tackle new challenges together. These retreats remind us that while individual talent is important, our collective strength and creativity truly drive our success.