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Creative in association withGear Seven
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Mapping Creativity: The Benefits of an Off-Piste Perspective

14/02/2023
Advertising & Integrated Production
New York, USA
105
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In the first of this new LBB series, KUAMP's Antonio ‘Tronic’ McDonald reveals the revelatory effect fresh mountain air has on his psyche

Inspiration is not accessible via the click of a button, and constantly being “the ideas guy” can take it out of even the most creative person. Feeling pressured to consume every slice of culture that is dished up - engaging with social media, watching television, listening to the latest music, interacting with people in social settings, at work, on public transit -  is a daily impairment of modern life.

Absorbing every last morsel takes its toll on all of us, as the founder and director of New York-based production company, KUAMP, Antonio ‘Tronic’ McDonald knows all too well. Sometimes the best way to solve a debilitating case of creative stagnation is to change up your environment...

In order to achieve equilibrium by maximising cognitive capacity, Antonio makes a concerted effort to regularly immerse himself in nature, visiting the local mountains to shred the slopes and let off steam. This introspective time permits him the opportunity to reflect on and register information and inspiration retained in his day to day life. And the effect is transformative.

In the first instalment of the Mapping Creativity series, Antonio tells LBB why these moments in nature can result in the propagation of exciting new ideas and fresh energy. 



The place I feel most creative is…


I like to be immersed in the culture and surrounded by stimulating people and conversation, but the place I feel most creative is when I’m out in nature, especially up on the mountain – this is when I experience total clear-headedness. I live about an hour and a half from Hunter Mountain, in New York, and I love to ride the slopes there and in Vermont. When I’m up on the mountain, having removed the distractions of my everyday environment, I am able to get reacquainted with nature and this uninterrupted time helps me get clarity and make more sense of things. 


Does this place have a connection to nature? How would you describe it if so? 


It is directly connected to nature! Riding high, up in the trees, it can feel kind of spiritual. And if you're by yourself, you have the chance to really let go and reflect. I have found this place is the most effective environment for me when I need to get my thoughts together. Being surrounded by nature allows me to delve deeper into an idea and gain a new perspective. 


What can you do in this place which can’t be done anywhere else?


To me, it’s a safe haven amongst the clouds where I get out of my head in a way I can’t at ground level. It's not that I’ll come up with a brand new idea on the slopes, but sometimes I just need to work through an idea or a concept, figuring out how to connect the dots and finding the missing pieces. Being out on my snowboard helps me separate a lot of the noise so I’m able to get to the crux of the creative. 


Describe the perfect day in this place…


I like to head to the mountain, during the week, when my schedule permits. Weekdays are the off-peak time, which is when the mountain is a true gem. 


Have you known about the mountains for a long time? If so, how has it changed over time? 


Well I have been snowboarding since I was a teenager. My initial introduction to the sport came about when my mom moved us up to the suburbs. I played football in the fall, so I just saw snowboarding as a pastime, something to do in the winter.

Growing up it was solely a social activity to do with friends but now it's about letting off steam and enjoying nature. I didn't initially see it as an escape or way of getting out of my head like I do now – it was just a way of hanging out with friends. 

When I was younger I used to hear the phrase “stop and smell the roses” a lot. I didn’t understand it back then, but, since the pandemic, the meaning has really crystallised, and I have come to recognise the importance of taking time out to immerse yourself in your surroundings and truly getting to grips with how you fit into the ecosystem. 

Our world moves very fast, and taking time out to disconnect and reflect is very necessary – I am grateful to be able to have the mountains on my doorstep for when I’m seeking creative solace. 

Credits
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