From crafted scribble 2 silly drivel this domain serves as a place where I like to talk about inspiring thinkers & creative companies. Check out a post and share your thoughts.
Lets be honest we’ve heard the stories of killer talent and how they’re portrayed. Frustrated, temperamental, and priceless. Well maybe it’s not the talent that’s being difficult. Maybe it’s the foundation that provides support for said talent. It’s one of those reflective moments for managers all across the board. One of the main ingredients to a successful shop is acquiring + retaining the best talent. Ron Ashkenas from The Harvard Business Review wrote an informative piece on the challenge and process of leveraging your best talent. I suggest taking a peek. We all know there is a reason why some shops are have such low turnover rates. My guess is that is has a ton to do with the environment that they cultivate. Link below. Thx to @firstborn_nyc 4 the recon.
A few weeks ago I was asked to write five points for a Mashable article for junior creatives wanting to get into advertising. Some of my points made it into the article. Others didn’t. I’m not saying they should have, editorial policy and all that jazz, but just for the record this is what I would really say to young people wanting to get into advertising:
1. Don’t. Advertising is dead.
2. No seriously, the whole thing is fucked. Not even Alex Bogusky wants in anymore.
3. But if you are determined take at least a year out. Travel, live in an another country. Work somewhere other than an ad agency. There are a thousand kids like you who have done the ‘right’ thing; college, portfolio school, internship. If you want to stand out and want longevity you need to do the wrong thing.
4. Learn to create something from scratch, with your bare hands. The future is in branded product development which means having practical as well as theoretical skills. (And if it all goes to shit you can make good money making lifeboats and bunkers for rich people)
5. Read books, watch films, listen to music, read gossip columns, go to art galleries and music festivals. Interweaving brands into popular culture is key. (And if it all goes to shit you’ll have much better stories than everyone else)
Once a month the Skirball Center at NYU boils over w/ passion and energy via the NYC tech community. I have to say that it’s quite a treat to absorb the ideas and entrepreneurial spirt that has enveloped the city. If you haven’t been b4 I suggest you check it out.
Are you hiring the best talent that slides across your desk? Interesting article on how 2 evaluate and breakdown your hiring process so you can identify @ what point you may be losing out on the best talent. Good read 4 the recruiter crowd.
Impressive demo 4 @flipboard. New ipad app that serves as a magazine style aggregate 4 your social stream. Looks like an sick algorithm 2 digest & deliver your social network content in a refreshing interactive magazine style format. Exciting development in the user interface world.
If you’ve been asleep @ your keyboard for the past 6 months I may be able 2 forgive you 4 not knowing about the digital movement brewing in Dumbo. Regardless I encourage you take the first step towards enlightenment and check out @digitaldumbo’s event this month. Sounds like the dumbo crew could use some fresh talent, so polish up your portfolios + resumes & dive into @digitaldumbo. More info below.
Today’s thrilling soccer game between USA and Algeria got me thinking about soccer in this country. We all know that soccer doesn’t nearly garner the same attention as basketball, baseball, or football. A huge argument against the original football is that there isn’t enough scoring. Today’s game is a classic example of why the game is so beautiful. The final score was 1-0. But I’d rather watch an entire 91 minutes of back and forth thrilling gameplay, and erupt in elation after a game winning score in extra time. Soccer is more than stat sheets and quantity of scores. There’s a certain level of heightened anticipation that you don’t get in any other sport. I watched every second of today’s game hoping for that pinnacle goal. It’s that climactic moment that makes the game so wonderful, and you simply can’t appreciate what goes into putting a ball in the back of the net unless you’ve played the game. So to me, it’s just a matter of time before Americans learn more about what’s really behind the most popular sport in the world. Hopefully today’s game has inspired new kids to play. Today wasn’t just a pivotable moment in the American soccer history, it was a pivotable moment in American soccer’s future.
Hollar back Youngin…Bring that Branded Content right here! 2nite is the night for all young creatives to step up and accept your award. The Wrath of Cannes is looking for examples of killer content. So bring your work & prepare you anti-awards speech. Check out the details below. See you there.
http://www.wrathofcannes.com/
“You know the best way to get the public to respect your brand? Have a respectable brand. Offer a great, innovative product and make responsible, ethical business decisions. Lead the pack!” via Leroy Stick aka @bpglobalpr
http://bit.ly/dfs1k8 - more vital thoughts from Leroy Stick. Worth a read on so many levels.
While I would love 2 file this article under common sense I notice agencies that routinely miscalculate the value of creating & rewarding dynamic workplace culture. I can tell you firsthand that there are a few shops that are hard 2 recruit talent out of due 2 the unique value they provide their employees. We all deserve 2 smile when we talk about where we work.
This ad age article gives a few examples of how some shops & employees work together 2 provide a powerful place 2 hang your hat. Props 2 all the shops that take this wisdom 2 heart.
recon via @schatz ~> silky smooth new google chrome spot via @bbhnewyork. I love the in camera efx 2 showcase the functionality of the chrome browser. These ads are really in a class of their own. Props 2 @pellesjoenell + @callesjonell + @bbhnewyork on an idea well done.
What @WiedenKennedy has done w/ the Old Spice brand is fantastic. I love the voice & identity that they’ve carved out 4 the brand over the past year plus. Just one more example of how good work no matter what channel can create interest & awareness that elevate a brand. Props 2 the whole team that’s making this happen. Check out the videos below that fuel the old spice fire!
