The Messy Writing Process

This simple doodle nails what every marketer forgets: creativity starts ugly. Our brains hate mess, but that chaos is where good ideas are born.

Marketing analysis

The image of a confused face perfectly visualizes that “idea soup” moment we all hit before clarity appears. It helps normalize the creative struggle, which builds trust with your audience. Showing your process can actually make your brand feel more human.

Why it works

• Reduces fear of imperfection (psychological safety builds creativity)
• Turns process into relatable storytelling
• Models that “done is better than perfect” mindset
• Encourages iteration, the key to strong copy and campaigns

Examples

• Nike campaigns go through dozens of rough storyboards before one tagline sticks.
• Apple’s “Think Different” started as a messy brainstorm with 100+ discarded lines.
• Seth Godin publishes daily — quantity sharpens clarity.
• BuzzFeed writers draft fast, edit later, producing viral gold.
• Pixar scripts often go through 10+ rewrites before going to screen.