Each year, Josh, Greg and myself like to set a theme for the year. A focus that we feel is important for our team, our clients and in the industry. Last year was ‘Be Bold and Push Creative Limits’. I feel our team really lived this one out, pushing the creative seam from every angle of creativity and striving to be bold in a world that is trendy and passive. It was a huge year for Hey!
It was difficult to think what 2026’s theme might be (and of course we used some good ole’ fashion independent creative thinking… no chatgpt used for this theme) but alas! This year (drum roll please) our theme and focus is ‘Intentionally Creative’. Sounds nice, but what does it really mean? I’m so glad you asked…
Creativity with purpose.
Not creativity for decoration, trends, or noise, but creativity that is considered, strategic, and outcome-driven.
Intentional
- Every decision is made on purpose
- Grounded in strategy, insight, and clarity
- Aligned to a goal, not ego
- Measured, meaningful, and accountable
Creative
- Imagination, originality, and expression
- Problem-solving through ideas
- Emotional connection, storytelling, and design
- Seeing what others miss
Together: “Intentionally Creative”, it’s the ultimate intersection of head and heart for a creative.
Big ideas, backed by clear thinking. Beauty that works. Expression with direction.
What it communications about about our work:
We don’t create for attention — we create for impact.
We believe creativity is most powerful when it’s focused.
We respect both strategy and imagination.
What it communicates to our clients:
You’re not hiring “just creatives”
You’re hiring partners who think before they make
You’ll get work that looks good and performs
Creativity is used as a tool, not a gamble
I personally cannot wait to see how this theme challenges and pushes us as a team of creatives and what it unlocks for our clients. I mean this in the most exciting way, stay tuned to see this theme unfold in more ways than one.
About the Author of this blog:
Maddie Riehl
Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.
She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.
After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!
