One of the most effective ways to help those ideas grow is through creative roundtables and the feedback that comes from them. Here at Far From Square, we run monthly roundtables which offer a space where collaboration and open discussion are encouraged when sharing ideas and projects.
But what exactly is a creative roundtable?
Picture this: a group of people with their own creative outlook, each bringing their unique perspective, sitting- well… round a table! A professional show and tell, basically. No-one’s there to critique, but to collaborate. To offer insight. To ask questions in a supportive environment. It’s not about winning or individual success; it’s about building something bigger and better together. Without constant and progressive feedback, that sweet spot might not ever be discovered.
For some, feedback represents negativity, highlighting a lack of skill, ability, or imagination.
For myself, I see it as positive, an opportunity to learn, to experiment, support where it’s needed.
Without feedback, ideas would stay stuck in a vacuum, limited by one person’s perspective. What makes feedback so special is that it offers fresh eyes and new angles on a project. You might think you’ve nailed your project, but the input from someone else can reveal an aspect you hadn’t considered, or point out a detail that needs refining.
Of course, feedback can be hard to take, but there’s an art to both giving and receiving it. On the giving side, it’s important to be thoughtful and constructive. The aim should always be to help the person improve, not to point out flaws for the sake of it. Using phrases like “Have you thought about…?” or “I love this part, but maybe this could be even stronger if…” keeps the feedback productive and positive. I try to remind the team. Just because this one idea is not right, it doesn’t make it wrong.
At Far From Square, we all have a detailed and vast digital ideas board where the team add moodboards, work in progress, highlights, ideas, suggestions, in depth tangents, and everything in between. We fill it in for every stage of every project we work on. We also encourage people to show off personal projects too, as we dont stop being creative outside of the 9-5.
Our skills, experiences, and viewpoints always add to the final result as someone from a technical background might offer a solution to a logistical challenge, while a storyteller might add emotional depth to an otherwise flat concept.
This diversity of thought pushes ideas forward and opens up possibilities you might never have discovered on your own. It’s not just about one person’s creativity, but about the collective.
So, it’s time to alter the mentality of feedback. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Your project will only get better with it. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, a designer, or just someone with a creative itch, roundtables are a great way to bring more energy, insight, and fun into your process.
After all, creativity can live in one person’s mind, but it comes to life when shared with others.
