In competitive running, athletes train for peak activity by alternating training between sprints and longer runs. The brief intense workouts prepare the body for the longest and most difficult races. The same training can help people be more creative. Alternating between longer projects and short creative sprints sharpens the skills of writers and graphic artists. Molly Adair, an illustrator and graphic designer for the startup standing-desk company, Focal Upright Furniture, will explain the creative sprint – how it works, why you should use it, and how to start creative exercises today.

1. A LOGO IN 30 MINUTES
or The Case for Creative Sprints
Molly Adair
Focal Upright & Venture for America

2. For competitive runners, quick
sprints are a vital part of training.
Alternating between quick, short
distances and long runs helps the
athlete to be at peak performance
at race time.

3. For competitive runners, quick
sprints are a vital part of training.
Alternating between quick, short
distances and long runs helps the
athlete to be at peak performance
at race time.
The same methodology
works for creatives.

4. Want to be better at what you do?
Try a creative sprint!

5. A creative sprint is a short project with
one goal and strict time constraints.

6. One goal:
Create a logo
For example:
I will create a logo in 30 minutes
Time Constraint:
30 minutes

7. Creative sprints do
not need to result in
perfect projects!
(In fact, they shouldn’t.)

8. They’re exercises, not competitions.
And like your treadmill workout that got cut short
because you were craving a burrito,
they shouldn’t be stressful.

9. So grab your workout
clothes* and try a creative
sprint for yourself!
*definitely not necessary