BIG IDEAS

Satoshi Tajiri created a world of monsters called Pokemon.

Charles Darwin found the “missing link” and discovered Evolution.

Issac Newton was hit on the head by an apple, and “light bulb” Gravity.

Albert Einstein looked to the stars and found the Theory of relativity.

Stanley Kubrick looked through a camera lens and found 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Michelangelo scaled Vatican City, painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Andy Warhol screen printed Monroe’s smile fifty times, giving rise to Pop Art.

Mozart composed over eight hundred works to soothe our ears, including Requiem.

Bill Gates brought the office to our computers with Microsoft.

While Steve Jobs brought leisure to our computers with Apple.

And right now, Elon Musk is trying to reach Mars with SpaceX.

What’s all these famous people have in common?

They’ve all made an impact with BIG IDEAS.

BIG IDEAS that have inspired millions.

But there’s something else they’ve all got in common.

Something you could argue is the ‘secret formula’ of these big ideas.

They’ve all shown symptoms or been diagnosed with autism.

And it’s not a marvellous coincidence.

University of East Anglia has explored the relationship between autism and ideas.

They’d gathered data from people across the spectrum, setting a creative challenge to come with as many alternative uses for a brick or paper clip.

(Which reminded me of the creative test issued by the famous Watford Ad Course)

And the resulting outcome was that people with higher traits of autism came up with more original and creative solutions.

So, what is considered a ‘disability’ is an ‘advantage’ in coming up with ideas.

We marvel at these geniuses, with the amazing thoughts that pop into their heads.

But autism has helped them conceive these wonderful ideas.

This is a strong indicator for creative agencies looking for BIG IDEA people.

BIG IDEAS that are original and creative.

BIG IDEAS that would shake the pillars of our industry.

It’s no secret where to look, you just have to reach out.

But also to remind those on the spectrum that you have the tools.

The tools to think BIG.

All you need is a pen and paper.

And see what comes out of your noggin.