Creativity can take many forms. It’s embedded in art; in poetry, music and paintings. It comes to people through nature, through love; even negativity can be the beginning of new ideas. At Purplemango, creativity certainly seems to be the eternal watchword. As an outsider joining the office for a short period of time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first person I met was Phoebe, a lovable labrador that spends her time lounging in the garden while the rest of the team slogs away in the ‘Batcave’; a fun welcome to a fun company. The office itself is a small but cosy little room, where everyone is busily typing or editing away on their laptops – creating logos, searching for pictures, coming up with slogans, and taking the odd Facebook break.
It’s a relaxed yet lively atmosphere inside. I’ve never worked in an office before, and I was concerned about the discipline and structured routine of being in one. At Purplemango, however, there’s a sense of absolute liberty. With only seven people inside the sunny workplace, it’s easy to have a discussion, or ask for someone’s opinion on your work. Plus, the design of the place is definitely a factor in sparking creativity. The little room is done up with splashes of vibrant colour and various things to make you smile. In the corner is, oddly enough, a toilet- where a permanent ‘thinker’ sits on it and ponders. It’s hard not to be inspired by his commitment to the creative process, and he’s helped by his environment – the painted tree that sprouts from the wall behind him, the flock of purple birds etched on the wall near the entrance. What better way to create the perfect atmosphere for creativity?
Although creativity can come to people in many different ways, it’s hard to maintain it. An idea can come and go in the blink of an eye. But when you’re at a place like Purplemango, ideas never go for too long. Creative blocks can happen, of course, but luckily Reuben, Reshma and the rest of the team are always there to help out. That’s the best thing about the place. Small firms have a lot of love and support to give, and it’s so much easier for a new member to settle in. In a place like this, creativity is just a natural component of the workplace. Whether the team is working away furiously to meet a deadline, or sitting around chatting, there’s always something going on here at Purplemango.