When I started researching this topic, I quickly landed on articles that explained why men fail at online dating. The correlation between some brands and how they behave in the marketplace was startling.
Searching for a Braingasm.
The odd thing about ideas, you will have noticed, is that when you see a good one you almost only have to hear the title and know. I often think about the pitch to movie execs that wouldn't have had to get too much further than 'It's called The 40 year old virgin' to know... Continue Reading →
Three things I’ve learned in advertising.
When I was starting out, my fledgling partner and I, a curly-haired chap by the name of Rob, were full of youthful gusto and a hefty helping of self confidence. (You know, two white guys). We worked many nights in my cold Shepherd's Bush flat trying to crack this concepting lark and as we improved... Continue Reading →
One hit wonders.
Because like a one hit wonder (when hits were a thing back in the seventies) a tune or a look or an idea can be thrilling and life affirming by a series of strange coincidences or aligning of the stars. A galactic anomaly that just needs to be admired and observed for its singular celestial beauty.
Why Pharma creativity adapted to the sea floor.
Hello dear reader, hope you're still enjoying this work from home lark? Me? well on one hand I have an office again, and the time to concentrate and get shit done. On the other I miss my work chums and that feeling of collective achievement and camaraderie. On the other other hand, I miss the... Continue Reading →
The Artificially Intelligent guide to the new Agency model.
Over the last few months we've heard a lot of exciting news about agencies and clients reinventing the 'advertising agency model'. Not the whole agency, obviously, just the interesting part with all the tattooed beardy men and purple haired women. Because you see, Creative departments simply weren't working before. What? you hadn't noticed? That's why... Continue Reading →
You take the high-brow I’ll take the low.
Before Easter I took a trip to the US and Canada to visit our agencies in my new capacity as Le Grand Fromage Creative de la CDM. My 'talk to the troops', or as our CEO Kyle Barich described it, my 'Stump' speech was a way of introducing myself to those who had no idea... Continue Reading →
Why you must learn to hate your own ideas.
Of course most people like their own ideas, sometimes none more so than creative people themselves. I'm sure the person who came up with the term ideation was delighted with it. But what a lot of people, and by that I mean the idea-toting non-creative wing of adland, may struggle with (only because it takes... Continue Reading →
Christmas comes to Pharmaland.
Think about it. They call it the greatest story ever told. Actually it's the greatest healthcare ad campaign that ever ran. It's text book marketing. Firstly, you have a blockbuster product that can solve all ills. Then you have 12 KOLs ready to advocate. You have a wonderfully written idetail, (previously in hard back.) You... Continue Reading →
Turning judgemental.
It's been an interesting year for judging awards shows, from my perspective. Two down, one to go. Last November I joined a small band of creatives and clients in judging the PM Society awards. As you may know, these awards guarantee a winner in all categories. Some people find that against the principle of an... Continue Reading →