70 creators. 3 stages. Unlimited inspiration. After a four-year hiatus, the 5th edition of Us by Night roared back into Antwerp, merging creativity and nightlife into one electrifying three-day experience. oona proudly partnered with the 'Coachella of creatives', driving the Us by Night PR strategy and engaging with the national publishing community. But what's a party without you? We've curated 10 steal-worthy insights – as Austin Kleon would say – centered around the Us by Night and oona core values: community, content, and creativity. Dive in, 'Steal like an artist', and make them your own!
INSIGHTS ABOUT COMMUNITY
#1 “Creativity breathes through community.”
The power of community was evident in every interaction. Creativity thrives in environments where energy and ideas can be freely exchanged, and artists inspire one another through shared experiences. Or to say it in the remarkable words of Rizon Parein: “Us by Night is where creativity breathes through community, and content becomes a shared heartbeat. It's a place where inspiration isn't just sparked—it ignites connections that shape the future of creative expression."
#2 "Try to find subcultural elements—go on the streets, don't read them on Wikipedia."
Photographer Mous Lamrabat and stylist Lisa Lapauw reinforced the importance of seeking inspiration from life itself. Whether it's walking through neighborhoods, talking to people, or absorbing the energy of subcultures firsthand. It's about connecting with the pulse of local communities and capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of life that can't be replicated through research alone. Creators who actively engage with these environments can channel that authenticity into their work, producing content that resonates on a deeper, more emotional level.
#3 "United by culture."
Us by Night was also a powerful reminder that the creative process is enriched when it draws from a multitude of voices. Whether it's blending traditional techniques with modern technology or merging personal experiences with global narratives, the richness of creativity lies in its diversity. When artists tap into this collective energy, their work transcends individual expression and becomes a conversation that resonates across cultural boundaries, creating something that is not only unique but universally compelling. Photographer Stig De Block captured this perfectly during his talk with three powerful words: “united by culture.
#4 "You can't keep taking; you have to give back."
Creativity isn't just about producing work for personal satisfaction or gain, it's about contributing to something larger. Creators have a responsibility to share their knowledge and insights, helping to uplift others within the creative community. This idea of reciprocity, where creativity fuels more creativity, ensures that the collective artistic ecosystem thrives. True success in creativity is about what you give, not just what you take.
INSIGHTS ABOUT CONTENT
#5 "There's always a story to tell."
Creativity is an ongoing journey. Each project is a chapter in a larger, evolving narrative, where content creation becomes an act of constant learning and experimentation. It's about staying flexible and open to where the process leads, allowing space for mistakes and discoveries. According to Marti Romances, creative director & co-founder of Territory Studio, the most compelling stories are those that evolve, shaped by curiosity and the willingness to adapt. Content becomes more than just output—it's a journey that reflects growth, transformation, and deeper exploration.
#6 "Content is not about showing off, it's about building something real."
Authenticity is the foundation of powerful content. True creative expression is about creating a genuine connection with the audience. This kind of content comes from a place of sincerity, where creators focus on meaningful storytelling and emotional depth rather than chasing trends or relying on gimmicks. It's in this authenticity that content transcends mere aesthetics and starts to resonate with people on a more personal, lasting level. The best work doesn't seek validation; it seeks to build something real and deeply felt.
#7 "The more digital our lives become, the more we crave the physical."
In an age dominated by screens and digital experiences, the desire for tangible, real-world engagement is stronger than ever. Whether through art installations, interactive experiences, or hands-on projects, creators are finding new ways to satisfy this craving for the tangible. While digital content is essential, the future of truly engaging content will lie in its ability to connect the digital with the physical, creating experiences that are both immersive and deeply personal.
INSIGHTS ABOUT CREATIVITY
#8 "Don’t work, play.”
Creativity is not a linear process or something that can be meticulously planned out. It's an act of discovery, constantly evolving. Us by Night echoed this sentiment, urging creators to embrace the unpredictable nature of their work. Designer, illustrator, and art director Leslie David, amongst others, showcased that by staying open to the unexpected and letting ideas flow naturally, creators can craft more authentic and impactful work.
#9 "Being a creative is still being a kid."
This quote by Louis Henry Mitchell - creative director of character design for Sesame Street - underlines that playfulness is the lifeblood of creative work. Creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to have fun, to experiment without fear of failure. Keeping the process light and enjoyable is crucial to breaking through creative blocks and tapping into new ideas. Us by Night highlighted how this sense of play doesn't just fuel individual projects but keeps the creative spirit alive long-term.
#10 "We fail a lot, but that's what trying is about—it's human."
Lastly, Us by Night also fostered a mindset where risks were encouraged and mistakes viewed as stepping stones to growth. Creativity is, by nature, an experimental process, and failure is simply part of the exploration. Embracing failure as part of the creative process humanizes the act of creation, making it less about perfection and more about persistence and evolution.
