CREATIVE SYSTEMS INDEX

This page serves as a reference index for the proprietary creative systems developed and used throughout this studio’s workflow. Each term listed below is uniquely defined and intentionally created to describe new methods of working at the intersection of design, technology, and creative strategy. They represent specific approaches, tools, and frameworks that guide the conceptual, visual, and strategic development of client projects, workshops, and content. The purpose of this index is to provide clear definitions, establish shared understanding, and document the methodology behind the studio’s creative process.

Definition of VibeComping:

VibeComping is the practice of rapidly generating conceptual designs using AI tools to capture the emotional essence or ‘vibe’ of an idea. It’s not about creating polished, production-ready assets but about exploring and communicating the mood, tone, and potential of a concept in its early stages.

Key Characteristics:

  • Emotion-Driven: Focuses on conveying feelings and atmospheres rather than detailed specifications.

  • Rapid Iteration: Emphasizes quick creation and exploration of ideas without the pressure of perfection.

  • AI Collaboration: Leverages AI tools as co-creators to expand creative possibilities.

  • Pre-Production Focus: Serves as a bridge between abstract ideas and concrete designs, aiding in the conceptual phase.

Usage Example:

“Before diving into the detailed design, I spent some time VibeComping to explore different moods and directions for the project.”

Definition of C.L.A.W. (The C.L.A.W. Law)

C.LA.W. is a creative decision making framework that challenges the traditional “Keep It Simple” mindset. Instead of minimizing complexity, CLAW invites creators to Complicate, Layer, Analyze, and Wow—pushing ideas beyond basic execution into memorable, multi-dimensional creative work. It is used as both a diagnostic tool and a creative standard to evaluate whether an idea or design is reaching its fullest potential.

Acronym Breakdown:

  • C – Complicate

    Adds nuance, storytelling, and specificity to ideas that may be overly simplified or generic. Complication is about richness, not confusion.

    “If it feels flat, complicate it until it starts a conversation.”

  • L – Layer

    Introduces depth through visual motifs, symbolic elements, or strategic context. Layering gives the work more life and more potential for reuse across platforms.

    “What’s the hidden story behind the image? What’s beneath the surface?”

  • A – Analyze

    Evaluates the emotional, functional, and strategic aspects of an idea, but only after the idea flood. Over-analysis at the start kills momentum; this step reconnects vision with intention.

    “Step back and ask: does this actually works and why?”

  • W – Wow

    Injects spectacle, intrigue, or bold differentiation. This is where you crank the volume and make something unforgettable. Often enhanced by AI-augmented iterations or wild-card concepts.

    “This is where we take risks and win attention.”

Definition of Brand Flash Kits:

Brand Flash Kits are curated collections of custom, illustrated brand elements designed to spark creative momentum, fuel content ideas, and visually amplify a brand’s personality across stickers, packaging, merch, and digital content.

They’re not full brand overhauls, they’re creative energy packs that help existing brands stay visually fresh, fun, and memorable.

Key Characteristics:

  • Illustrated Assets: Includes 5–10 unique, brand-inspired visuals (characters, icons, stickers, badges, or scenes).

  • Plug-and-Play: Ready to be dropped into social posts, packaging, merch, or marketing campaigns.

  • Creative Fuel: Made to unlock new content ideas, energize teams, or support launches with style.

  • Strategically Loose: Not meant to replace a logo or structured brand guide. These are expressive, emotional, and attention-grabbing extras.

  • AI-Augmented, Human-Finished: Often begins with AI ideation, then refined and personalized by hand to match the brand’s vibe.

Usage Example:

“The client already had a clean logo and some basic fonts, but their visual presence felt flat. I built a Brand Flash Kit with food illustrations, mascot sketches, and sticker-style icons to help them bring their Instagram and merch line to life. It gave them a whole new visual language to play with.”

Definition of Ghost Sketching:

Ghost Sketching is a co-creative process that blends AI-generated image prompts with human intuition and artistic direction to quickly visualize ideas before committing to full execution.

It’s not about polished output, it’s about summoning the ghost of an idea and giving it just enough form to evaluate, refine, or pivot creatively. Think of it as a sketch from another dimension, guiding your hand.

Key Characteristics:

  • Low Fidelity, High Concept: The sketches are intentionally rough or surreal to keep the focus on form, vibe, and possibility.

  • AI-Assisted: Leverages AI to spark visual starting points or “phantoms” of ideas, often with unexpected results that fuel new directions.

  • Creative Calibration: Helps you gauge whether an idea is worth pursuing before time or energy is fully invested.

  • Emotion + Intuition First: Prioritizes emotional resonance and conceptual intrigue over technical perfection.

  • Workflow Neutral: Works across industries and mediums, whether for branding, products, content, or storytelling.

    Use Case Example:

“Instead of staring at a blank page or wasting hours trying to get the ‘perfect’ layout, I ghost sketched a few concepts using prompt-driven AI. It helped me see the potential directions and choose the one that had the most emotional pull before ever opening Illustrator.”

Definition of Creative GPS:

Creative GPS is a strategic alignment tool disguised as a creative discovery session. It’s a structured-yet-intuitive system that helps individuals and brands map the emotional, visual, and mission-driven coordinates of their ideas. So they don’t get lost in the chaos of creativity.

It’s not just about getting from A to B, it’s about knowing why you’re going, what it should feel like, and how to bring others along for the ride.

Key Characteristics:

  • Clarity Over Chaos: Organizes scattered ideas into a clear, story-driven creative direction.

  • Values-Led: Starts with your core values and mission to align the vision with what actually matters.

  • Visual + Verbal: Translates vibes, moods, and feelings into usable aesthetic direction, words, and themes.

  • Custom Archetyping: Matches the concept to one of six core creative archetypes to guide execution.

  • System + Soul: Combines strategic structure with creative intuition ideal for solo creators, small teams, and bold brands.


    Use Case Example:

    “Before I dove into branding for their festival, we ran the Creative GPS session. It uncovered their deeper mission, defined the core vibe, and gave me a phrase, aesthetic, and value map to anchor every visual decision. It saved weeks of revisions and sparked ideas I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.”