7 CREATIVE TAKE-AWAYS FROM FORWARD FESTIVAL VIENNA
Forward Festival Vienna was a playground for ideas, and this year, it delivered a serious hit of inspiration. From the chaos of Google Creative Lab with Julia Hoffmann, to the bold work of Bráulio Amado, Kelly Anna, and Mah Ferraz, the stage was packed with minds that don’t just dream – they make things happen. Here are 8 creative lessons worth stealing from the Festival.
JUMP INTO THE UNKNOWN
Comfort zones are overrated. Julia Hoffmann, ECD of Google Creative Lab, reminded us that the magic happens when you take risks and embrace uncertainty. Whether it’s moving across countries, leading unfamiliar teams, or tackling untested ideas, growth only comes when you step outside the familiar. Julia shared how prototyping ideas before pitching them – making them feel real even if they’re not – helps get others on board fast. And sometimes, looking silly is the first step toward groundbreaking work. The lesson: start before you’re ready, iterate quickly, and let curiosity lead.
DESIGN WITH PEOPLE, NOT JUST PIXELS
Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about empathy. Kelly Anna demonstrated how deeply understanding your audience transforms an idea into something meaningful. By observing, listening, and truly connecting with the people you’re designing for, your work becomes more than visually appealing – it becomes an experience that resonates.
Comfort zones are overrated.
OWN YOUR WEIRD
Standing out isn’t optional – it’s a superpower. Bráulio Amado encouraged bending rules, breaking norms, and making work that surprises and sticks. Mah Ferraz emphasized cultivating your own style, even when it feels risky or unconventional. Both reminded us that the most memorable work comes from trusting your instincts and leaning into what makes you unique. Be bold, be strange, and don’t be afraid to leave an impression.
HAVE FUN OR GO HOME
Joy is contagious. Snask proved that humor, playfulness, and a little chaos can turn good ideas into unforgettable experiences. Work that makes people smile or laugh often sticks longer than something technically perfect but joyless. The learning: inject fun into your process and let creativity breathe—it makes your work irresistible.
SIMPLIFY THE COMPLEX
Aurélia de Azambuja from Base Design showed that design is at its best when it makes complexity understandable. By blending analog and digital methods, tackling socially meaningful projects, and breaking down intricate concepts into clear visuals, Base Design demonstrates that smart design can change perceptions and spark real impact. Aurélia reminded us that clarity and purpose beat decoration – always strive to make ideas simple and powerful.
TAKE VISUAL RISKS
Safe is forgettable; bold is memorable. Baugasm’s vibrant, audacious visuals remind us that daring design grabs attention, sparks conversation, and inspires action. It’s about pushing your aesthetics to the edge, experimenting with scale, color, and form, and trusting that curiosity will follow.
COLLABORATION IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON
Magic happens when perspectives collide. Stephanie Specht demonstrated that combining skills, backgrounds, and points of view generates ideas no single person could achieve alone. Collaboration is messy, challenging, and sometimes chaotic, but it also multiplies creative potential exponentially. Seek diverse voices, work together fearlessly, and let collective energy drive innovation.
