We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toby Riley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toby below.
Toby, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
To keep my creativity buzzing, I make sure to dive headfirst into a smorgasbord of experiences. It’s not just about design; I believe in soaking up everything from trying out new cuisines to exploring different hobbies and tech gadgets. There’s something magical about the unknown that sparks my imagination.
Whenever I’m out there trying a new sport or savoring exotic dishes in far-off places, my brain goes into overdrive. I find myself dissecting every detail, trying to figure out what makes each experience so special. It’s like a mental workout that keeps my creative juices flowing.
But it’s not just about the adventures. I also draw inspiration from all sorts of places, whether it’s following quirky artists on Instagram or geeking out over the latest design tools. And let’s not forget the trusty journal and sticky notes—I’m always scribbling down ideas or storing them in my phone. You never know when lightning will strike, so it’s good to be prepared!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am currently the Creative Director at 2U, where we’re all about revolutionizing online education. Partnering with esteemed universities and industry leaders, we craft top-tier marketing campaigns for educational experiences that truly make a difference in people’s lives.
What gets me fired up every day is the chance to promote degrees and programs that have a real impact. Collaborating with prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, MIT, ASU, and more, I get to connect with a community of learners who are hungry to turn their dreams into reality.
But what really gets my creative juices flowing is working alongside my talented design teams in the US and Cape Town. We’re all about pushing boundaries and coming up with fresh ideas to showcase and market the power of online education. Whether we’re brainstorming virtually or testing out new concepts, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our campaigns making waves and bringing attention to accessible learning opportunities worldwide.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified three crucial elements that have shaped my path and could be invaluable for those embarking on their own creative journeys. Firstly, treating design as visual problem-solving has been pivotal. Just as an artist hones their craft through practice, continually refining skills and exploring new techniques is essential for early-career creatives. Design is art, but art with direct impact and purpose. It takes creative problem solving to develop creative solutions.
Secondly, my ability to grasp the bigger picture has been a game-changer. Taking a step back to strategize and align my team’s efforts has fostered creative cohesion. By approaching challenges with empathy and considering the broader context, I’ve been able to tackle problems holistically.
Embracing opportunities has been another key factor. Being open to challenges and saying ‘yes’ to new experiences has expanded my creative horizons and fueled exploration. Be a “YES man”.
Lastly, while a solid understanding of design principles has been foundational, it’s my leadership skills that have truly propelled me forward. True leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about nurturing and empowering your team. Acting as a bridge between my team and stakeholders, I prioritize their well-being to foster an environment where creativity flourishes.
For those starting out, I recommend studying industry leaders and emulating their paths to success. Setting clear goals and investing in personal growth, such as through leadership courses and mentorship, can accelerate professional development. While self-reflection can be challenging, it’s essential for identifying areas of improvement and laying the groundwork for future success.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
It’s incredibly hard pinpoint a single book that has provided the insighhts and tools necessary for my development… but if I had to choose…
Michael Johnson’s ‘Now Try Something Weirder’ and Todd Henry’s ‘Daily Creative’ are both gems brimming with creative inspiration and valuable insights. ‘Creative Direction’ by Jason Sperling proved instrumental in my transition from individual contributor to team leader. Similarly, ‘Extreme Ownership’ by Jocko Willink offers invaluable lessons for anyone in a leadership role.
What resonates most with me about these books is their practicality. They offer tangible ideas and strategies that I can readily discuss with my team or implement into our workflows. I gravitate towards literature that directly impacts my day-to-day, enhancing not just my own growth but also fostering a culture of continuous improvement among my fellow creatives.
Contact Info:
- Website: Currently under development
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobyriley11/
- Other: Dribbble: https://dribbble.com/Tobyriley
