How to approach your application task

First thoughts

The application process was a lot of fun for me, because it gave me the chance to think in a new way and explore ideas that I otherwise wouldn’t have. I knew I wanted to come up with something that would make people laugh or have fun. My original idea was a statue of sorts which would include a puzzle element that could only be solved with another person. As an artist, I often tend to think in this kind of way.

I’m the type of person who doesn’t over-prepare or care about finding the perfect idea. So, when I set out to make my task, I didn’t even consider what Hyper wanted to see from me. I instead spent a week trying to pay attention to my surroundings and wait for a decent idea to come. When it came, it was rather silly, and I focused on telling the idea in an entertaining way more than making sure it was the best thing ever. Most of the time, I produce my best work when executing under time limits or with some form of arbitrary limitation, like only using one colour, or using the incorrect tool for a project.

Don’t overthink it

I tried to relax, go for walks, anything except sitting still at my desk, because a blank piece of paper is death for me. I was talking to a friend who mentioned that he hates sitting in traffic because of how much time is wasted. He described how angry he gets with all the other drivers, despite them being people that he might otherwise get along with in a different situation. 

My idea was born: Humanise traffic! Find a way to connect people stuck in traffic. I got to work and made my video in one afternoon. This is just my style, but I didn’t want to spend weeks on it, obsessing over every detail. I made sure my script was funny, told a story in a personal way, and then used as few things as possible to create the video. I used free online icons and animated them in a basic way, and then provided narration just by recording on my iPhone. Get in, make something personal, get out, don’t overthink, submit. Trust the process.

My biggest challenge was believing that the idea would come while I was waiting for it. 

You have to take care of it, nurture it, fill your mind with influences, and trust that something will bloom. But before the idea arrived, I had to manage my anxiety a bit.

You do you

My biggest recommendation for you is to not focus at all on what you think Hyper Island wants to see. Do something that is personal or based on something that happened to you. 

Of course, if you love doing those kinds of projects, do it, but only for yourself – not anyone else. By tapping into your own story during your creative process, your voice will resonate much louder. Don’t forget to prioritise your mental wellbeing, if it’s stressing you out, take a break. Creativity comes from play.

Let’s recap:

• Relax and don’t overthink your idea too much.
• Talk to others for inspiration.
• Be yourself and add a personal touch – show your passion.
• Prioritise your mental wellbeing.
• Take breaks. Creativity comes from play.

If you’re really struggling to come up with something, my suggestion is to think a little bit about your childhood. What excited you back then? What got your blood pumping? What got your eyes wide open? It’s those things that make you special. 

Want to follow Tomo’s journey? 

Follow @neontomo on Instagram

Connect on LinkedIn